Hijab Butch Blues: A Memoir

Hijab Butch Blues is a queer teenager growing up in a Muslim household, who reads a passage about Maryam and questions her identity. She travels to the US, comes out, and navigates the immigration system, weaving stories from the Quran with her own experiences. The book asks powerful questions about gender, sexuality, relationships, identity, and faith.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Icon Books

A masterful and essential contribution to the ongoing discussions on power, justice, healing, and devotion, this remarkable book has earned the trust and admiration of readers worldwide. Authored by GLENNON DOYLE, the author of the acclaimed novel "Untamed," Roxane Gay's Book Club March 2023 Pick is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of a singular voice to resonate deeply with readers.

When Lamya is just fourteen years old, she makes a decision that will forever shape her path. She decides to disappear, finding it easier to escape the challenges of fitting into a world that doesn't embrace her identity. She is a queer teenager growing up in a Muslim household, a South Asian in a Middle Eastern country. However, during her Quran class, a passage about Maryam ignites a spark of curiosity within her. Could Maryam, who was never touched by any man, be like Lamya?

Written with profound intelligence and a wicked sense of humor, Hijab Butch Blues follows Lamya on her journey to the United States, as she comes out to her family and friends, and as she navigates the complexities of the immigration system. At every step, she turns to her faith to make sense of her life, weaving stories from the Quran alongside her own experiences. From Musa leading his people to freedom to Allah, who is neither male nor female, to Nuh, who built an ark, Lamya finds solace and inspiration in these ancient tales.

Hijab Butch Blues is a raw and unflinching exploration of gender and sexuality, relationships, identity, and faith. It heralds the arrival of a truly original voice, one that asks powerful questions about the nature of gender and its intersections with sexuality, the complexities of relationships, the search for self-identity, and the role of faith in shaping one's life.

This book is a testament to the resilience and strength of individuals who defy societal expectations and carve their own paths. It encourages readers to embrace their uniqueness and to live authentically, regardless of the obstacles they may face. Roxane Gay's Book Club selection is a must-read for anyone who seeks to expand their horizons, challenge their beliefs, and explore the depths of the human experience.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 222 x 144 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785788499