A Funny but heart-breaking memoir about growing up gay in Pakistan, trying to find your place in the world while trying to find love for and acceptance of yourself. This is such a great book, part social history, part self-help this is Komail Aijazuddin's life story so far and its hilarious, sad and shocking all at once.

*eARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

this book was an absolutely fabulous memoir with an irreverent, hilarious, and highly compelling narrative voice. the author really succeeded in drawing us into his world, and every new location felt vivid regardless of how much i knew about the place already. komail aijazuddin's storytelling was excellent, taking us through the highs and lows of his life and effectively walking the line between humour, self-reflection, and seriousness when needed. i learned so much about what it's like to be a queer fat Muslim who grew up in Pakistan and lives in post-9/11 America, which helped me reflect on how my queer experience has been so different, and finished the book inspired to keep searching for and being myself.

"Manboobs" by Komail Aijazuddin is an incredibly engaging and thought-provoking read that mixes sharp wit with deep emotional depth. Aijazuddin's writing really shines, blending moments of dark humor with a storyline that hits close to home.

The novel dives into themes like identity, body image, and societal pressures with a refreshing honesty that’s hard to find. The protagonist's journey feels raw and relatable, offering a genuine look at the struggles of self-acceptance in a sometimes harsh world. Aijazuddin handles these heavy topics with impressive nuance and care.

What really makes "Manboobs" special is its perfect mix of humor and heart. The dialogue is on point, the characters are well-developed, and the story just flows, making it tough to put down. Aijazuddin's unique voice is both powerful and easy to connect with, leaving a lasting impression long after you finish reading.

All in all, "Manboobs" is a brilliantly written novel that’s both entertaining and impactful. If you're looking for a book that's insightful and engaging, this one is a definite five-star read.

Aijazuddin's story of growing up gay in Pakistan, moving to a post 9/11 America and finding his way as an artist is told with such a precise wit and relatable humour that from the first few pages onwards I found Manboobs impossible to put down. As it becomes increasingly difficult to find acceptance in Lahore where he grows up, effeminate and with the titular manboobs as a result of fluctuating weight struggles, we follow Komail as he seeks to carve out a place for himself in the world.

I adored this book. Aijazuddin's humour and honesty both shine through in his writing and there is a really interesting look at the complex topics of self-acceptance, internalised phobias and cultural barriers particularly surrounding sexuality. I found the book to be incredibly insightful, with the author describing his experiences of the opression of gay men in Pakistan as well as the increase of anti-Muslim hate in America post 2001, leading him to feel isolated in both of the places that he calls home.

All of this, as moving as it is to read, is also filled with such a sense of hope. Throughout the book I was rooting for Komail as he moved forwards in his journey to self acceptance, as well as breaking down his internalised beliefs that parts of himself - be it his nationality, race, sexuality, weight - meant that he was less worthy of love. The author's wit and sense of humour keep Manboobs a positive read even throughout the more difficult struggles that Komail has faced, and the friendly, personable writing makes this book feel almost like a conversation with a friend.

As a lover of queer memoirs I will no doubt be recommending Manboobs to everyone. This book has everything, equal parts moving and hilarous stories, musical references and a fully fledged boob dream sequence. What else can a person need?

Manboobs

Manboobs, a fantastic, debut memoir by Komail Aijazuddin, is his story of growing up muslim and gay in Pakistan. This book explores, through warmth, honesty and also humour, Komail's struggles with society's expectations not only from his sexuality but also his religion and his family, and the people around him.

From a young boy who plays with dolls, and sings along to musicals, to realising at school that being yourself is not allowed. He has to hide his sexuality in a country where being gay is not allowed, and where life centres around religion. Not only does he face bullying, early sexual encounters with a boy who wants to hide Komail away, but also struggles with his body image. But one thing shines through, his love of art, and finding a group of friends where he can be himself. Komail dreams of moving to the US where he can be open about this sexuality, but when reality happens and he moves to the US, after 9/11, for college, people are suspicious of his reasons for being in the country, and struggles for people at art college to appreciate and under his art, and religion.

This is a book about knowing your identity and not changing it to fit society's expectations, and most importantly, about having hope.

Manboobs is a brilliant memoir, and I learnt lots of reading this book. I am looking forward to Komail's next book!

I have read many queer memoirs but I have never read a memoir of a gay man before. This book deeply touched me. The author has described his childhood and how he has grown up. He has shared about his family and how he was always seeking love and acceptance. So many myths surrounded him but as he was growing, everything was becoming clear for him. There were obstacles in his path but he always loved himself. From Pakistan to America, Author’s odyssey wasn’t easy, he has been through a lot but he never lost hope and kept believing in himself. This is such an inspiring memoir. I wasn’t sure when I picked it up. Though the title intrigued me and the book didn’t disappoint me. If you are someone who is deeply touched by peoples life, then read it. It’s so insightful, touching and full of hope.

Thanks to the Author and Publisher

Komail Aijazuddin's "Manboobs" is his new memoir which tells readers about his life as a gay Pakistani who must reconcile his life in Lahore, Pakistan with his love of art and musicals in New York City. Aijazuddin does not villainise Pakistan, but he shows how gay men have to create a shadow self in order to survive. He rightly points out that there are many places in the United States where the laws and attitudes are just as repressive. He also connects this repression with the rise of anti-Muslim hate after 9/11--something the U.S. and now the U.K. (with the August 2024 racist attacks going on) never want to admit.

In America, he's treated dismissively as his art school classmates do not treat his work with respect, and he does not receive the same job opportunities because he's from Pakistan. When he goes back to Lahore, he's also treated as an outsider because he does not fit into the ideal version of manhood. Aijazuddin also contends with a body that he dislikes; he has manboobs he can't reduce no matter how much he exercises or diets. At all fronts, Aijazuddin internalises the notion that he is not worthy of love and happiness.

That might make it sound like "Manboobs" is a depressing experience, but it's not. Aijazuddin has a light and witty tone, and he never gets too maudlin or whiny. Instead, the humour allows Aijazuddin to make his situation even more heartbreaking. As readers, we feel for him every step of the way. We want him to find happiness and success at the end of the memoir.

"Manboobs" does flag a small bit towards the end with a fantasy sequence that goes on a bit too long. Other than that small quibble, this is an exciting debut memoir, and I can't wait to read more from Aijazuddin.

Komail Aijazuddin's memoir tracks his life from being an effeminate young boy tricking his cousins into 'making' him play with dolls, to his struggles with body image, feeling accepted for his sexuality and finding a place he could be all the versions of himself at once.

This is wittily written, I really enjoyed the musical references peppered throughout and the way that Aijazuddin is able to talk about some really harrowing moments or tough political times with such a hope. I read this with the aim of expanding my own horizons, understanding life in another place or how it feels to be part of a community that can be so marginalised. It's educational, shocking -not his actions, but those of the world around him, and I find it hard to rate....how do you rate another person's life?!

This is a great read; it's not preachy, never dull and I think there's a lot to be learned from Komail and his route to bring entirely himself.