11 Comments
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Kimberly Condon Grier's avatar

Made me squirm and remember

and want to forget. Well done!

Caroline Smrstik's avatar

Well done, Elizabeth! You bring back all the miserable and mysterious memories of boys learning to be men.

Patty C.'s avatar

Best candid description of “development” as a series of penis adventures and the looks of boys to men …all wrapped up in your inimitable voice.

I woke up super early and cked my email, saw your name and dove in for a morning word romp. Girl friend, you nailed this one good. ❤️‍🔥

Rebecca Weller's avatar

Thinking abt Chris Abani’s discussion of the recurring object that everything rubs up against (maybe he didn’t say rub?). Adore your voice, Elizabeth, and capture of time, George Winston, OPEC…

Dorian Burden's avatar

Wow. Brought me right back to the high school school cafeteria, sitting on the lap of the guy who taught me about ear nibbling but with whom I'd never exchange phone numbers. If this is any indication of what your memoir will be like, I'm here for it.

Bree Luck's avatar

I started reading this when I only had time for a short essay; had to come back for the rest. Soooooo worth it & excited for future installments.

Sarah Harris's avatar

Exquisite.

Jennifer Cloer's avatar

Your voice is so strong here. I know I always say that about your work, but it’s deepening and feels more authentically you than ever. Brava!

Jennifer Hurst's avatar

That is some literate candor. Well said and humiliatingly true. Thanks.

Melissa Kuipers's avatar

This was so good, and devastating. I loved this sentence: His mouth at my clavicle is a promise that his crude comment seals, and I file it away like an IOU.

Ren Cedar Fuller's avatar

So real, Elizabeth! Brought back a lot of memories :)