January 23, 2020 |
BOOK REVIEW | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | 33
ISSUE 308 | Qsaltlake.com
the bookworm sez REVIEW BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER
How We Fight for Our Lives: A Memoir BY SAEED JONES, C. 2019, SIMON & SCHUSTER, $26, 193 PAGES
You can’t pretend forever. Eventually, the ruse gets tired, holding up pretenses becomes a burden, and keeping the game going is harder than telling the truth. You eventually have to break it down and let people know what you’re about. But as in the new book How We Fight for Our Lives by Saeed Jones, take care before telling everybody. Saeed Jones was just twelve years old when his mother first uttered the word “gay,” though
q scopes FEBRUARY BY SAM KELLEY-MILLS
ARIES March 20–April 19
Love appears in the form of passion and good spirits. It’s amazing how good someone makes you feel when things get a little tough. Don’t grow dependent on others for happiness, but if an opportunity for it exists, take advantage of it. Strength spawns from coziness, especially in matters of the heart. Let yourself enjoy!
TAURUS Apr 20–May 20
If there was ever a time to figure things out, this is it. Career woes should be handled swiftly and relationship and family matters demand a direct approach. Patience is good, but don’t delay. Draining the pressures of life will provide immediate relief. Don’t be scared to have some alone time and learn to love yourself first.
GEMINI May 21–June 20
A sense of adventure is notably missing, but do not fret. Life continues moving forward and will zeal with come back into you. Now is not a good time to gamble, so some caution would be wise. With everything that
he never thought it would be anything she’d ever say. Afterward, the word was “vibrating in the air between us” but there’d be no conversation. Jones knew even then that the word described him. Fascinated by men, he spent hours clipping pictures of male models from his mother’s fashion magazines, and he furtively read everything about gay men and AIDS that he could find at his local Texas library. The library was also where he had his first sexual encounter with a stranger, at age 16. That, too, was something he’d never tell his mother but he sensed she knew his truth: some days, he’d find his clippings in shreds, in a plastic bag on the kitchen counter, and he’d just start another collection. There was no discussion then, either. By the time he graduated from high school, Jones knew that his life was not “twenty
minutes north of Dallas” anymore. He envisioned himself walking around Manhattan, exploring the city, and he aimed for college there but it wasn’t financially possible. Instead, he went to Bowling Green, Ky., and thrived. On his own for the first time ever, Jones realized he could be any Saeed Jones he wanted to be, but ultimately, he was freest being his gay self. Away from home, he made friends, joined college groups, drank too much, slept with men he barely knew, and he learned that “the words ‘gay’ and ‘alone’ weren’t synonyms for each other.” And then one night, he went home with the wrong man… On so many levels, How We Fight For Our Lives is a heartbreaking and beautiful book. The most unforgettable parts lie where Jones writes about more than just himself and his own observations;
has happened, it’s understandable to feel weary of taking action. But after a small break, you’ll be back!
make a surprise appearance. However, be aware of some romantic intentions.
CANCER June 21–July 22
You’ve had a secret crush for a while. It’s possible everyone already knows! Don’t fear and follow your heart. It will make the world much easier to deal with. Being out of your comfort zone could take time to adjust to, but being exposed can be very liberating. Freedom is a gift to your self, among other things.
LEO July 23–August 22
A helping hand comes from a family member. A humble nature will emerge as a result, and a new perspective will shape your outlook. Spend time with those close to you, and don’t let a moment of anger overcome your sensibilities. Staying calm when things heat up is encouraged. The last thing needed right now is deep regret.
VIRGO August 23–Sep. 22
A big change is coming, so be prepared. Nothing is more frustrating than feeling like everyone is too busy. But it’s a good time for reflection and personal expression. Splurge a little, but don’t venture too far from the familiar. A neat friend will
LIBRA Sept 23–October 22
A friend or family member is having a harder time than they let on. Give them a boost by showing how much you care. Whether it be a small gift or providing compliments, it can make a difference. Compassion comes effortless to you, though sometimes the call to action isn’t heard clearly. Perk up, pay attention.
SCORPIO Oct. 23–Nov. 21
A period of intense emotional strain will lead to an increase of desires. Give in to temptation with a sense of modesty, and satisfaction will be more abundant. An increase in finances will come available. Save for something you really want while being aware of hard times ahead. In the end, it has to hurt in order to heal.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22–December 20.
Buried emotions will rise to the surface. Evaluate your feelings carefully. The past is has a way of clouding your judgment but can also provide a good frame of reference. Don’t mistake passion for love. Misunderstandings could be the result. Instead, remember that communication
a good portion of his tale is his mother’s. She recognized her son’s life but she obviously struggled with knowing-not-knowing and there’s a sharp pain in that, pain that leaps from the pages. The bulk of this story — the part that seizes readers by the shirtfront — is spent watching Jones come to terms as he comes of age. Seeing him grow from self-absorbed young man into self-confident adult is satisfying, albeit cringe-worthy, because you come to understand what beats him back as well as what makes his spirit soar. Knowing all that happens between the two is what’ll keep you turning pages. Be aware that this memoir can be raw, in both language and meaning, and there are graphic bits inside. Still, the power you’ll see in How We Fight for Our Lives will make you want to tell everybody. Q is key unless you can read minds.
CAPRICORN Dec 21–Jan 19
Nothing in life is perfect, but perfect love is very possible. Great moments will occur during this time with a relationship or good friend. An intriguing opportunity will present itself. Be cautious with individuals who seem too willing to give, especially right away. Open arms could be a trap. Set restrictions and stand firm.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20–Feb. 18
Running away feels good from time to time. This will ring true during this time, Aquarius. Personal entanglements are bound to get sticky, but a little distance will help in overcoming the mess. Eliminate one problem at a time, and free time will flow your way. Relax with a clear head. A good cry could also be cleansing.
PISCES Feb 19–Mar 19
Deciding that you love someone is only part of the process. Embrace both reason and instinct when finalizing a crucial decision. Financial development will cause both delight and frustration when too many options become available. Do what feels right to your head and heart. Balance the way you deal with people. Q
