Fiercely told, this is a powerful coming-of-age story told in verse, from one of the UK’s leading poets, Dean Atta. Perfect for fans of Sarah Crossan and Poet X. A boy comes to terms with his identity as a mixed-race gay teen – then at university he finds his wings as a drag artist, The Black Flamingo. A bold story about the power of embracing your uniqueness. Sometimes, we need to take charge, … to take charge, to stand up wearing pink feathers – to show ourselves to the world in bold colour.
‘I masquerade in makeup and feathers and I am applauded.’
“A bold and joyous hymn to self-discovery and acceptance” The Bookseller
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This was a quick, easy read! I really enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend this book. It was interesting to see how he lived his life.
This was a quick easy read. I enjoyed the poems through out the book. Michael was a go getter and seemed to know what he wanted and just did it. It almost seems too easy though, there didn’t seem to be as much struggling changing to that world. But it was a nice read and was glad that Michael could do what he wanted and that he had a great support group to help him along. I would have loved to have seen his show!
This book is very special for anyone. It doesn’t matter what or who you are. If you are gay, straight, black, white, Filipino, purple, transgender, cis, in a relationship, not in a relationship, a drag queen or king, 60 or 13 because the truth is that this book has something for everyone.
The main message in this book is for you to just be you. Whatever that may mean and no matter who won’t get it or will get it.
I’m not going to pretend that I fully understand the drag community because the truth is, I probably won’t ever fully understand, but I do understand what it means to want to be a part of something much bigger than you.
This book is told through verse. It follows a black, Greek Cypriot, gay male who doesn’t know yet quite who he is and then, in college, he finds a drag community and suddenly he seems to finally fit in somewhere.
This book is truly beautiful and I devoured it in two sittings! Enthralling and special! Anyone who is human and ever felt that they couldn’t fit in should read this! You won’t regret it! I swear!!
The Black Flamingo is an essential addition to the canon of queer coming-of-age stories. Dean Atta has gifted us with words that are lyrical, hilarious and intimate. I’m obsessed with this book and you will be too.
Wow.
I had heard amazing things about Dean Atta and The Black Flamingo and it was everything I could have asked for.
It is, without doubt, one of the Must Read books of 2020, and boy what a roller coaster of emotion you will go on as you read. I for one couldn’t put it down, three hours spent reading the tale of a boy growing into a man and truly learning about himself in so many aspects, not just his sexuality. I could re-read this so many times and find something new to draw a sigh, a smile or quiet chuckle.
I would love to have a follow up of The Black Flamingo owning the stage, and if his long-standing crush can become more.
Thank you, Dean Atta, for a book that is truly incredible.
TW: Homophobia, Lesbophobia (internalized), Racism, Physical abuse, Toxic masculinity, Bullying.
“Remember, you have the right to be proud; remember, you have the right to be you.”
“Be a bit gay, be very gay. Be the glitter that shows up in unexpected places.”
“always thought education and money was going to earn me respect, but a successful black man is a threat.”
A queer coming-of-age verse novel about Michael, a half-Greek Cyprian half-Jamaican gay boy who lives in London. Throughout the book, we see Michael navigate his culture identity as well as emerging his sexuality.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read. I loved Michael’s journey discovering himself and his identity but I wanted more of Michael and his mother’s relationship, more of why his biological dad ignores him and more of his re-established “friendship/relationship” with Kieran. But overall, it was good and I highly recommend.
I heard great things about this book and it truly delivers. It is lyrical and beautifully written. The poetry put in throughout was perfection. The lessons in it are for everyone and I definitely recommend it. It’s a quick read and the audiobook is narrated by the author making it even better. Highly recommend for anyone.