This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
I grew up in a mediocre town and lived a mediocre life, longing for a life less...mediocre. I found it with my gay friends and immersed myself into 1980s gay subculture in London. The author pic is of me aged 17 during my "fag hag" years.
After settling down to a career in the not-for-profit sector, getting married and having two sons, I retired to the south coast of England where I now write about LGBT+ culture and history, mental health, and the art of writing.
I live with my husband, our big cool cat and our anxious little dog.
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Bent Is Not Broken, penned by author MJ Buckman, is a work of non-fiction in the LGBTQ+, social issues, and slice-of-life subgenres. It is best suited to adult readers owing to its topical discussion of abuse, suicide, and suicide attempts. The work is a heartfelt exploration of the LGBTQ+ experience, offering solace and understanding to those who have ever felt alienated, fragile, or out of place. Through a mix of memoirs, interviews, and research, Buckman delves into the challenges and triumphs of LGBTQ+ life, highlighting the importance of tolerance, inclusivity, and self-acceptance. From her own experiences thriving in London's gay subculture to reflections on turning sixty and finding belonging, Buckman's narrative is both uplifting and impassioned. By blending personal stories with a deep examination of societal representation, Buckman unveils the resilience of the human spirit and the power of acceptance, reminding readers that despite adversity, we can remain true to ourselves.
Author MJ Buckman has crafted a deeply moving work with a candid exploration of her own journey and the broader LGBTQ+ experience through the ages is both poignant and empowering. As she reflects on her time in London's gay subculture in the 1980s and her search for identity amidst societal pressures, I found myself drawn into her world with a mixture of empathy and admiration. The narrative style is concise and confident, but also teeming with warmth and the tone of a wise friend recounting valuable life lessons to us all. The interviews with LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages add richness and a more well-rounded viewpoint, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of finding one's place in a world that often marginalizes differences. Most important of all, Buckman's message of self-acceptance and resilience shines through every page, offering a beacon of hope for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or excluded. Overall, Bent Is Not Broken celebrates the strength and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, and I would highly recommend it to fans of heartfelt memoirs and activist writing everywhere.
