Description
This ebook tells the raw and honest story of growing up in New York City. Specifically, it follows iO Tillett Wright during the wild 1980s and 1990s.
Life in the Lower East Side
The author grew up in a neighborhood filled with artists, punks, and rebels. Consequently, the setting feels like a main character in the story. The streets were often dangerous and dirty. However, they also offered a sense of total freedom. Thus, I learned to be streetwise at a very young age.
A Complex Family Bond
The memoir focuses heavily on iiO’s relationship with a mother named Rhonna. Primarily, Rhonna was a beautiful showgirl who struggled with drug addiction. She loved her child fiercely but often failed to provide safety. In addition, the home life was usually chaotic and unpredictable. Therefore, the bond between them was both loving and very painful.
The Search for Identity
The book explores how iO navigated gender from the start. Specifically, the author chose to live as a boy named Ricky for many years. Notable themes in this journey include:
Gender Fluidity: The freedom to exist without standard labels.
Self-Invention: How iO created a unique persona to fit in.
Support: The way iO’s parents accepted this choice early on.
Resilience: Learning to stand up to anyone who judged the change.
Finding a Path Forward
As a teenager, iO traveled to Europe to find a more stable life. Indeed, moving to Germany and England provided new views on the world. Moreover, these experiences helped the author grow into a talented artist and activist. Finally, the story shows how one person can survive a tough start. It is a powerful look at finding your true self.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.