Body, Remember

Body, Remember is a memoir by Kenny Fries that chronicles his experiences as a gay Jewish man born with congenital disabilities. The narrative follows his journey of self-discovery across multiple continents and relationships. Through a series of interconnected essays, Fries examines his relationship with his body, his sexuality, and his heritage. The text moves between past and present as he navigates medical procedures, romantic encounters, and cultural expectations. Fries documents his travels to Germany and Japan, where he researches disability history and connects with other members of the disabled community. His observations span both personal interactions and broader societal attitudes toward disability. The memoir explores themes of identity, belonging, and the intersection of multiple minority experiences. Its structure mirrors the fragmented nature of memory while building a cohesive narrative about embodiment and self-acceptance.

Readers connect with the raw honesty and vulnerability in Fries' memoir about disability, sexuality, and identity. Many note the author's skill in weaving together memories from different time periods to create emotional resonance. Readers appreciated: - Clear, poetic writing style - Exploration of intersectionality - Detailed sensory descriptions - Complex family dynamics - Candid discussion of relationships Common criticisms: - Nonlinear timeline can be confusing - Some sections feel disconnected - Desire for more depth in certain storylines Review Stats: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (103 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) Notable reader comments: "The way he describes physical sensation and memory is remarkable" - Goodreads reviewer "Sometimes choppy transitions between past and present" - Amazon review "Powerful examination of how our bodies shape our experiences" - Lambda Literary Review reader comment

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🔹 Kenny Fries was born with congenital disabilities affecting his legs and feet, and this memoir explores his journey of self-discovery as a gay, disabled man in a society that often renders disability invisible. 🔹 The book's title comes from a poem by C.P. Cavafy, which serves as both inspiration and metaphor for the physical and emotional memories carried by the body. 🔹 Through his narrative, Fries challenges conventional disability narratives by interweaving his experiences in the gay community of 1980s San Francisco with his childhood memories of numerous surgeries and hospital stays. 🔹 The author has gone on to become a prominent voice in disability literature, teaching at Goddard College and receiving numerous awards, including a Fulbright Scholar grant to Japan. 🔹 Body, Remember was one of the first memoirs to explicitly explore the intersection of disability and sexuality, paving the way for future writers in this genre.