A Poignant Memoir
Punch Me Up to the Gods is a poignant memoir about Broome's experience growing up black in a world where systemic racism is prevalent. The book begins with a story about his father refusing to recognize him as a man because he is not "tough" enough. This mindset spills over to his friendships where a boy at school thinks he's not a man because he acts like a girl and has never had sex. He is 10 years old. He's a young child and already being harassed for "acting white." At one point he writes that a black boy's childhood is brief. This is clear throughout the book that he is forced to mature quickly because if he doesn't, he won't survive. As a gay black man, his life only becomes more difficult.
Hard to read at times, but extremely eye opening. I am honored to have read the story of a man who is so resilient and brave.
This would have been 5 stars if it was one continuous narrative. I did not care for the chopped up "short story" style and wished it flowed more together. Broome has a powerful writing style that captured my attention early on.
Hard to read at times, but extremely eye opening. I am honored to have read the story of a man who is so resilient and brave.
This would have been 5 stars if it was one continuous narrative. I did not care for the chopped up "short story" style and wished it flowed more together. Broome has a powerful writing style that captured my attention early on.