Taylor Brorby

if you've never read a LGTBQ+ memoir this one is as good as any to start with. It covers the typical trials and tribulations of growing up gay in small town, rural America: being bullied in school, fear of being discovered, repeated attempts to conform, rejection by family, moving away to find acceptance, coming to terms with being gay and all that that means.

Taylor Brorby comes into his own as he becomes an environmental activist in the midst of the North Dakota oil boom. His love of and show more descriptions of the prairie landscape are not just beautiful but enlightening. The growth and survival of the prairie is an effective metaphor for coming of age on the great plains. The violent destruction of the prairie by strip mining and fracking plays well against the threat of physical violence and the need to conform to heteronormative stereotypes. Brorby has to stay low and hidden to avoid the violence that surrounds him. show less

I read Boys and Oil on recommendation by a local South Carolina author, George Singleton. He warned there would be fly fishing referenced in the book, in case that would put someone off, but he truly thought this book was worthwhile. After reading, I agree.
There was fly fishing, as well as descriptive text about North Dakota, but that did not put me off at all because it was well written. There was more about the life of the author, Taylor Brorby,. From his realization that he was gay and show more the fear of being "found out" prior to his coming out was revealing and, at times, heartbreaking, as was the lack of acceptance by his parents.
Boys and Oil enlightened me in so many ways. I thank Taylor Brorby for being so open in sharing his life with the world. show less

Even though this contained more nature and sports refereences than I was interested in, Brorby also presented his life experiences and pain very well. I was so sorry to read of his parents' and others' reactions to him, and wish the world looked more hopeful and understanding at this time. Brorby was brave to share this much of himself.

Boys and Oil: Growing Up Gay in a Fractured Land by Taylor Brorby is a glorious memoir with jaw dropping poetic language. Taylor’s unique take on the mid-west gives a rich texture to this monumental work