You Will Laugh Out Loud

Here for It: Or, How to Save Your Soul in America
Written by R. Eric Thomas
Published February 18, 2020

Break the mould, be yourself.

In this hilarious collection of essays, author R. Eric Thomas talks about his experience being a Black, gay, and Christian man in America. Hailed by Lin-Manuel Miranda as one of his favorite writers and listed by NPR Books as one of its staff's favorite books of 2020, this one should be at the top of your "To Read" list.

This book made me laugh hard and think hard. Growing up and trying to figure out who he was and how he fit in, Thomas found that many parts of his identity often felt like they were in conflict with one another or that he didn’t quite fit the prescribed or preconceived mould. His essays are sharp and witty, telling a story about self discovery and self acceptance, as well as providing spot on critiques about society and culture.

“I also knew that the way forward wasn’t any less complicated, but no one ever promised me less complication. If anything, it’s always going to become more complicated. Better but more. Better and more.”

I loved that Thomas's stories were both deeply personal and often extremely relatable. During his teenage and young adult years, I recognized the humiliation and confusion that accompanies many moments that we endure as we "find ourselves." Whether it's thinking back on a hairstyle or outfit that you thought made you look cool but is now cringeworthy, to flashing back on failed relationships or faux pas, Thomas actually makes it enjoyable to relive. And he also makes you realize that in the end, you've come out on the other side, and for whatever is still to come, you are 100% "here for it."