Title: Boy Wander: A Coming of Age Memoir
Author: Jobert Abueva
Publisher: Rattling Good Yarns Press, LLC
ISBN: 978-1955826273
Pages: 216
Genre: Asian & Asian American Biographies / LGBTQ+ Biographies / Memoirs
Reviewed by: Jack Chambers
Pacific Book Review
One of the hardest things a person can do is be themselves. Whether it is family, a person’s culture, faith, or the hardships which society forces upon people, coming to terms with who a person is and what they feel inside, whether it be related to their sexuality or gender identity, is a lifelong battle to accept – not only for the person, but for those around them. Only by telling their stories can others find acceptance and hope in those dire times.
In author Jobert Abueva’s Boy Wander: A Coming of Age Memoir, the author relates the story of his dual life during his youth, showcasing the perfect student as a master academic, and his life during the nights when he would earn extra money selling himself to foreign travelers at a prominent hotel. From heartbreaking experiences as a child that shaped his rocky journey through sexuality, to coming to terms with his identity, and finally heading to America, this author’s memoir helps those struggling with the family values and expectations they grew up with and the identity they know to be their true selves.
The author does such an incredible job of capturing the heartache and emotional turmoil which comes with being closeted. The confusion, the desperation, and the need to be seen while actively forced to hide yourself were all felt throughout this book. The balance the author found in these introspective, thoughtful moments of inner dialogue with the more classic elements of memories and experiences which make up a memoir really elevated the author’s story tenfold. The tragic circumstances of what the author endured as a young boy as others took advantage of his confusion and exploration of his sexuality will certainly break the readers’ hearts, and yet provides an all too relatable and important message of understanding so many people are looking for – even to this day.
This is the perfect read for those who enjoy non-fiction books, especially those that focus on memoirs and biographies, the exploration of Asian cultures, and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. The way the author was able to tie into the LGBTQ+ coming of age storytelling format the hardships, pride, and yet confusing moments of family drama and cultural acceptance was truly captivating, as homophobia and the fear of being outed not only is a global issue, but has a different meaning to so many people depending on where they are from, and what their culture dictates. The sociological aspect of the narrative really took hold, and this blend of themes allowed for a deeper and more emotional connection between the reader and the author.
Shocking, impactful, and engaging, author Jobert Abueva’s Boy Wander: A Coming of Age Memoir is a must-read non-fiction book on Asian Culture meeting LGBTQ+ coming of age discoveries that so many people are forced to struggle through. The reality which the author presents for so many, that the understanding of one’s identity and the discovery of what it means to be who they are, is often a lonely and terrifying journey, and yet through his inspiring story the author presents a glimmer of hope for those who still struggle with this inner journey, believing one day breaking through and finding the will to be who they are meant to be.
