One never knows what will “come over the transom” at QueerGuru. Many of the books are evidently not of interest to our readers. At least that is the decision made by the staff. Occasionally, an unexpected gem will surface. Since Elizabeth McCracken offered praise for Lauren Hough’s book of essays, why not give it a read? Granted, blurbs are not particularly reliable but respected authors are hesitant to give one for a tepid work.
The essay “Cable Guy” first appeared online and garnered a bit of attention. It is humorous but tinged with a bit of scary that probably presents familiar experiences of any technician working inside strangers’ houses.
The collection is quite varied. Common threads appear in many that speak to the author’s rather remarkable history. Hough was raised in a religious sex cult. Let that sink in. The family moved all over the world, staying in outposts that sound like an international upbringing full of promise. In reality, quick exits from the cult compounds were necessary because the authorities became aware of the bizarre, illegal, immoral nature of the sect. What passes for education was just propaganda promoted by the bizarre ravings of the cult’s founder. Truly insane and a horrible environment for anyone, especially children. Child sex abuse was pervasive and continued into adulthood for the female members. Eventually, Hough’s family leaves the cult when she is a teenager. That is a relief but the reality is that the people, particularly children, have been badly damaged, deprived of education, and forced to navigate the rest of their lives with seemingly insurmountable limitations. Realizing she is a lesbian just complicates the already fraught future. Being a woman, lesbian, poor, uneducated, and damaged makes her path even harder. Throughout the essays, I kept wondering where she found such a distinct voice and talent as a writer. She certainly had plenty of personal history to make an interesting story but that seldom translates into an ability to put pen to paper and produce remarkable work. |
Her life and station only add to the obstacles many socioeconomically people must face. The jobs are always low-pay, menial, and populated by other on-the-margin individuals. Like many with few opportunities, joining the military offers a path to stability. Until it doesn’t. Club bouncer, bar work, call center drone, and (yes) cable technician. Those are the options.
The strongest theme throughout the work centers on these obstacles and the ever-present discrimination faced by women and LGBT folks with no economic leg up to make things a bit less horrible. Reading about the constant hurdles in every respect of someone’s life adds to Hough’s amazing journey.
The stories linger and show promise that is well-deserved.
LAUREN HOUGH was born in Germany and raised in seven countries and West Texas. She’s been an airman in the U.S. Air Force, a green-aproned barista, a bartender, a livery driver, and, for a time, a cable guy. Her work has appeared in Granta, The Wrath-Bearing Tree, The Guardian, and HuffPost. She lives in Austin.
Leaving Isn't the Hardest Thing ESSAYS by LAUREN HOUGH Published by Vintage Apr 13, 2021
Review by STEPHEN COY
Queerguru Contributor STEPHEN COY has been an avid reader all his (very long) life? and is finally putting his skills to good use. He lives in Provincetown full time with his husband Jim, having finally given up the bright lights of Boston and now haunts the streets mumbling to himself that no one reads anymore
Labels: 2021, Lauren Hughes, review, Stephen Coy
