
Beautiful Monster
A Becoming
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Narrated by:
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Miles Borrero
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By:
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Miles Borrero
About this listen
A breathtaking, exquisitely crafted memoir about a trans person’s singular journey through breaching the boundaries of gender—across generations, cultures and borders—to become his truest, most authentic self.
Nearing the age of forty, with an entire life already lived as a woman—half in Colombia, half in the US—Miles Borrero comes face to face with his father’s impending death. Suddenly realizing that he has been stalling his transition for fear of losing his family’s love, this moment catalyzes Miles’s determination to be fully known as his father’s son before it is too late.
In Beautiful Monster, Miles chronicles his unusual childhood, by turns riveting and hilarious, in ’80s and ’90s Colombia during the Pablo Escobar years, as well as his move to Salt Lake City to pursue acting and the winding trajectory that eventually lands him in the New York City yoga scene.
Within these very different cultures, the realities of being queer and trans echo poignantly through the triumphs, heartbreaks, family dynamics, spiritual pursuits, and relationships that propel Miles along his path.
Sublimely nuanced and written in ravishing prose that is as unique and irresistible as its subject, Beautiful Monster is one person’s story of navigating the pressures to perform femininity while becoming a gender outlaw. Brimming with wonder, humor, and mythos, entertaining and enlightening
in equal measure, this book offers a compelling case for embracing one’s true nature.
©2023 Miles Borrero (P)2023 Recorded BooksListeners also enjoyed...
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Truth, vulnerability and love
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Honest and tender
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How transitioning is so important to becoming.
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If you are yourself, or even if you know any folks wrangling with a transition in their identity, I strongly recommend this read. It's one of the most honest reckonings of the harrowing path to self love and wholeness that I can imagine. Grade A human-ing!
Listen to Miles and *listen* to Miles
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Truth
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Beautiful, heartfelt, honest and healing.
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A book about embracing who you are.
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So when a good friend started posting about a panel discussion featuring author Miles Borrero talking about his new memoir, I put in on my calendar and got myself over the event. It was great to meet Miles in person and learn more about the journey of writing this book. I hadn't read the book at that time, but still enjoyed the discussion...it was a nice 'preview' of what to expect in the book. One of the key takeaways form the panel presentation was that while Miles is a transgender man, this memoir was more than just a book about being transgender. Another takeaway was the discussion about the writing style. I was not aware of 'magical realism' as a writing style, but apparently it's fairly common and should be familiar to folks better read than me.
And speaking of magical realism as a writing style...this was such an easy read. I tend to read more Sci-Fi and Fantasy type stuff... give me time travel, or dragons, or the occasional murder/mystery thriller, and I will enter into the 'world' of the book and enjoy my time there! Miles is a fantastic story teller. I quickly felt 'at home' in the world of Beautiful Monster...easily crafting the visual settings and background in my mind as the story progressed. This is a credit to how well written this book is (as opposed to any particular creativity on my part).
One of the funniest scenes from the book: Young Miles and his First Communion. The juxtaposition of a young mind (2nd grade age) recognizing that the white frilly dress is not for them and the rationalization of how to get out of wearing one leading to the declaration of a major change of religion at the family dinner table made me laugh out loud. Adding in the dynamics of religious norms heavily influenced by culture makes this even funnier from my standpoint. I could emphasize with almost everyone in that conversation (and the resolution) on some level.
Other themes/moments that stood out for me: chosen family; saying goodbye to a dying parent; dealing with societal expectations on gender norms.
I don't really know how to express this, so forgive me if I don't do well here: WE CAN DO BETTER. I don't care where you stand on LGBTQ issues, you need to read this book. If this book does not touch your heart then I hope you find the courage to figure out why.
There is so much good in this book. I can't recommend it enough. Thank you Miles for sharing your story with us.
Everyone should read (or listen) to this book!
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As the parent of a young trans person in the early stages of his journey, this book will help me to better understand how I can meet my son where he is now.
It's an excellent book for anyone interested in learning more about the trans experience, being an ally, or just the opportunity to explore one of the many interesting paths a life can take.
The authenticity and voracity with which the author narrated his story, made it hard not to listen all in one sitting.
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So beautifully written
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