Book reading “Without Shame” by Connelly Akstens
Connelly Akstens will be reading an excerpt from her book, followed by a question and answer period with the audience. Connelly lived in Johnsburg for several decades and looks forward to sharing her journey with a hometown audience.
Connelly will be introduced by Betsy Folwell, long-time editor of Adirondack Life.
All of the proceeds from book sales at this event go to UNICEF for relief of Ukrainian children.
Reviews…
“An extraordinary journey. Fascinating. Touching. Funny. Don’t miss this. This is a sharp, beautifully-written book about the happy-sad-frightening-lucky-unlucky discoveries we make about ourselves as we grow up… Akstens offers stunning insight into the transgender experience, and also gives us the humor and emotion of all aspects of a life well lived.” —Richard DiLallo, co-author of the #1 NYT bestseller Alex Cross’s Trail.
“Ribald, funny and learned… A fresh and bracingly honest tale that goes down as easily as a cold beer on a hot day.” —Peter Kaminsky, author of American Waters and How to Dress an Egg.
“Intimate, bold, relevant to our time and funny as hell.” — Players.
“What makes this particular stew work is the sheer quality of Akstens’ writing, which flows naturally, never overexerting itself or overstaying its welcome. Younger people today may find it easier to shift gears; to explore the fluid avenues between gender, byways that, in the past, we didn’t even know existed. Authors—pioneers—like Akstens help lead the way. They throw the ball of lightning in the air, and in that eerie, primordial glow, we can glimpse the road ahead.” —The Albany Times Union.
“I loved this warm-hearted, moving, episodic memoir of a rich and varied life. It’s erudite. Funny, beautifully-written and filled with arcane knowledge about history, sailing, fly fishing, folk music, philosophy, basketball and where to find the best meals on the many roads Connelly has travelled, from Cape Cod to Paris. Most of all, Without Shame is a journey of self-discovery and honest coming to terms with the previously hidden parts of the person Connelly has always been. It’s a brave and highly-readable account of one person’s struggles and eventual self-affirmation. Highly recommended.” —Happy Traum.
“What we want in a memoir is all here: self-awareness, wisdom, wit and lessons learned—and a catfish swimming in the bathtub. Without shame is entertaining, insightful and always approachable. Highly recommended.” —Elizabeth Folwell, former editor of Adirondack Life and author of Short Carries.
