The Black Flamingo, By Dean Atta
A movement has swept the nation, fueled by outrageous and disgusting acts of brutality by those sworn to protect the people. Amidst this Black Lives Matter movement and at the tail end of Pride Month, I chose a book by a black, queer author centered around a black, queer protagonist.
I know that at least in my experience, with reading having been a huge part of my upbringing, books nurture empathy and are a vital aid in understanding.
When you read a story, especially one from the first-person perspective such as this one, you put yourself inside the characters and see (even if only in a very small way) through someone else’s eyes. Sometimes reading can be an escape to a magical world, but sometimes it can help you to understand the thoughts and feelings of a community and a people that is not your own.
We must LISTEN and we must read.
Recipes:
Synopsis
(via Kirkus Reviews)
Courage and fierceness abound in this lyrical coming-of-age story about a young boy finding his way.
In his latest work, Atta flawlessly captures the pain, rage, and resilience of a boy growing to manhood while feeling like an outsider in his own life. Michael, a British boy of Greek Cypriot and Jamaican descent, feels caught between worlds: black and white, masculine and feminine, straight and gay. His story, told in verse form, allows readers to watch him grow and to experience each of the triumphs and tragedies that help him define himself on his own terms.
Every moment, from asking for a Barbie for his birthday and receiving Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to legally discarding the surname of the father who walked out on him, brings Michael vibrantly to life on the page, giving readers a protagonist to cry with and cheer for. Featuring a diverse cast of supporting characters, from Daisy, Michael’s mixed-race (black/white) best friend, to the red-haired drama kid whom he shyly asks out, the author uses Michael’s first-person narration as a mirror to reflect the world and its brightness, humor, and horrors.
Central to the narrative is Michael’s loving yet complicated relationship with his hardworking single mother, who sees his talent, values his spirit, and sacrifices for him. Michael’s journey of self-discovery demonstrates the importance of not allowing labels to define you.
Gripping, unflinching, and unforgettable.
