Book Review: Here for It: Or, How to Save Your Soul in America By: Nishanth Balaji

 

Book Review: Here for It: Or, How to Save Your Soul in America

By: Nishanth Balaji

R. Eric Thomas’s memoir, Here for It: Or, How to Save Your Soul in America, is a poignant, humorous, and deeply relatable exploration of identity, race, sexuality, and belonging. Through a series of personal essays, Thomas delves into the complexities of navigating life as a Black, queer man in America, blending wit, vulnerability, and insight to create a narrative that resonates with readers on multiple levels. In this review, I will explore the key themes of Here for It, discuss Thomas’s unique voice and storytelling style, and reflect on the book’s impact on contemporary readers.

Humor as a Coping Mechanism

One of the most distinctive aspects of Here for It is Thomas’s use of humor as both a storytelling device and a coping mechanism. His sharp wit and comedic timing transform even the most difficult experiences into moments of levity, making the book as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. Thomas’s humor is not only a way to engage the reader but also a reflection of how he navigates the challenges of his identity and experiences.

For example, in one essay, Thomas recounts his struggle with feeling out of place at a predominantly white school, turning what could have been a somber story into one filled with self-deprecating humor and keen observations. This balance between humor and vulnerability is what makes the book so compelling; Thomas invites readers to laugh with him while also acknowledging the pain and difficulty underlying many of his experiences.

The Search for Belonging

A central theme in Here for It is the search for belonging—a universal experience that Thomas makes deeply personal through his essays. He writes candidly about feeling like an outsider in various contexts, whether it’s his church, school, or the LGBTQ+ community. This exploration of belonging is not limited to race or sexuality; it extends to broader questions of finding one’s place in a world that often feels unwelcoming.

Thomas’s reflections on this theme are particularly impactful because they are honest and nuanced. He doesn’t offer easy answers or tidy resolutions; instead, he acknowledges the complexity of identity and the ongoing nature of the search for belonging. For readers who have ever felt out of place or struggled to reconcile different aspects of their identity, Thomas’s essays provide comfort and validation.

Intersectionality and Identity

One of the strengths of Here for It is Thomas’s ability to explore the intersectionality of race, sexuality, and religion. He navigates these aspects of his identity with a keen awareness of how they interact and sometimes conflict. His experiences as a Black, queer man raised in a religious environment add layers of complexity to his story, highlighting the challenges and contradictions that come with navigating multiple marginalized identities.

Thomas’s reflections on religion are particularly insightful. He writes about his relationship with faith and the tension between his religious upbringing and his identity as a queer man. This exploration is both tender and critical, acknowledging the pain that religious institutions can cause while also recognizing the comfort and community that faith can offer.

Personal Reflections

Reading Here for It was both an uplifting and reflective experience. Thomas’s essays made me laugh out loud while also prompting me to think more deeply about my own experiences with identity and belonging. His honesty about the challenges of navigating multiple identities was refreshing and relatable, and his use of humor as a means of coping was inspiring.

One of the most impactful aspects of the book for me was Thomas’s discussion of finding joy in unexpected places. He reminds readers that even in the face of adversity, there is space for laughter, connection, and hope. This message felt particularly resonant in today’s world, where many are grappling with questions of identity and belonging amid societal upheaval.

Conclusion

Here for It: Or, How to Save Your Soul in America by R. Eric Thomas is a must-read for anyone seeking a blend of humor, heart, and insightful reflections on identity and belonging. Thomas’s unique voice and storytelling style make the book an engaging and thought-provoking read, and his exploration of intersectionality and resilience will resonate with readers from all walks of life. Through his essays, Thomas invites us to find humor in our struggles, seek joy amid challenges, and embrace the complexity of our identities.

Works Cited

Thomas, R. Eric. Here for It: Or, How to Save Your Soul in America. Ballantine Books, 2020.