September 4, 2018

I Can't Date Jesus


"As previously acknowledged, he must accept Beyoncé as his lord and gyrator. I do not believe in Beytheism. No, no, no." ~ pg. 133

Do you see this title? Read the subtitle too. Go ahead. I'll wait.

Now do you understand why I had to read this new release? It perfectly fits the outspoken person known as Michael Arceneaux. I have followed him on Twitter for quite a while. He is entertaining, funny and a no apologies stan. In this collection of bold essays, released earlier this summer, Michael Arceneaux shares his life experience as a creative gay black man in America. It is far from easy.

"Early self-awareness is a blessing only if who you are comes with a support system and an education." ~ pg. 26

I Can't Date Jesus is written with such candor that it felt like I was just reading a long email from a friend. He writes about growing up in Houston, embracing intimacy and coming into his own identity when the world tells him to do the opposite. As an adult, it is hard to unlearn all the damaging things we were taught as impressionable children. Though he addresses heavy topics like religion, sexual preference and faith, his light humor makes it an easy read. I just wish he wrote more about his writing career and the importance of relocating to fulfill dreams. Fingers crossed that will be the focus of a follow-up book.

"How I wanted to write books and be on television and offer a perspective I felt was missing: working class, southern, Black, gay, country, twerk-friendly, and so forth." ~ pg. 187

This may be Michael Arceneaux's first published book but he is no stranger to writing about social issues. I would recommend I Can't Date Jesus: Love, Sex, Family, Race, and Other Reasons I've Put My Faith in Beyoncé for the title alone but the words inside are even better.

It is only right that today I review a book with this title. Happy Born Day, Bey! 🐝

Title: I Can't Date Jesus: Love, Sex, Family, Race, and Other Reasons I've Put My Faith in Beyoncé
Author: Michael Arceneaux
Published: July 2018
Pages: 197
Edition: eBook
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤

  

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