Finally read the entire thing, or more accurately, listened to them tell it on audiobook. (I needed to stay in bed for a day.) Thankfully, having seen Nanette I was braced for the most traumatic stuff they talks about, however they downplay a lot of it because they are not really interested in spending any more time talking about it. There's a lot about the forces that shaped them, especially their family, and I really loved being taken through their artistic process. A really winner. ( )

When Robin Williams died everyone spoke about how it was such a travesty that someone so funny could die, that no one knew there was a such a dark history weighing him down…. So when Hannah talks of her personal and dark history…. We of course tell her she’s not funny and shouldnt discuss such things so openly….

Look it’s dark and it’s fucked up…. But Hannah tells it from a healthier point of view. She’s has processed a lot and really the historical references are a neat way to pin into you how things came about. Why they came about. It hurts… but so did her life. I can’t take it upon myself to not appreciate what the story took to bring to life ( )

This book came recommended and I picked it up without looking into the story at all. I haven't seen Nanette yet, nor did I know who Hannah Gadsby was, but I found the book captivating nonetheless. Hannah discusses growing up in anti-LGBT Tasmania, coming out and her late in life ADHD and autism diagnosis. ( )

Who is Hannah Gadsby? I found myself asking this very question when #goodreads recommended this book to me. After a quick google search, I quickly learned that Hannah is an Australian comedian, writer, and actor who is well known for their recent Netflix special, “Ten Steps to Nanette”, and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

In Hannah’s memoir you learn about their journey through life navigating a world that was not accepting of the LGBTQIA+ community or accommodating to an individual with Autism. This memoir intertwines personal anecdotes, social commentary, and powerful storytelling to delve deep into their life experiences, addressing topics such as identity, sexuality, trauma.

Ten Steps to Nanette is an unflinchingly honest and introspective account of Gadsby's life, presented in a style that is both poignant and humorous. Through their distinctive voice, Gadsby invites readers into their world, where they share struggles and triumphs with vulnerability and courage as they navigate life trying to figure out who they are and what mark they want to leave on the world.

Two of the biggest themes are identity and self-discovery both of which were conveyed in a manner that is very relatable to a wide range of readers. Gadsby talks about her struggle to identify as lesbian, gender expression, and self-identification/navigation of being Autistic. I found the exploration of gender and sexuality, as well as the personal firsthand account of living and navigating Autism, thought-provoking. Gadsby’s words should ring out and encourage readers to question and challenge their own preconceived notions.
My only minor criticism of the book is that at times, the narrative felt a little disjointed, with certain chapters lacking a clear connection to the overarching story. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall impact of the memoir.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting some firsthand insight to learn more about living with Autism, because as Hannah mentions in the book, most of what we know is written by doctors or people that lead neurotypical lives. Reading and hearing Hannah’s struggles may open your eyes to the struggles that truly exist and help us as a community grow with empathy and patience for ASD individuals. ( )

This book is life-changing. ( )