b'A GOOD READA GOOD READBooks with queer content are coming out fast and furious these days, providing lots of reading options to avid bibliophiles as well as casual readers.Moving forward, each issue of QBiz will highlight new books coming out by LGBTQ+ authors, or books that touch on an LGBTQ+ theme. We start with the two hot new releases from HarperCollins below.REBELLOVE THAT STORY My Escape from Saudi Arabia to Freedom Observations from a Gorgeously Queer LifeBy Rahaf Mohammed By Jonathan Van NessYou may remember the story of Rahaf MohammeditLove That Story is the second book from Jonathan Van made the news in early 2019. After three years of carefulNess, an American hairdresser, podcast host, actor, TV planning, she had finally begun her escape from herpersonality (he was a grooming expert on the Queer Eye) abusive family in Saudi Arabia. But she made it only asand, more recently, author. His first book, the New York far as Bangkok before being stripped of her passport. AsTimes best-selling memoir Over the Top, showed readers men pounded at the door of her barricaded hotel room,how the incredibly difficult moments from his lifeMohammed quickly created a Twitter account and reachedsurviving sexual abuse and addiction, being diagnosed out to the world for help. The world responded. She gainedwith HIVexisted alongside great joy and positivity. 45,000 followers in one day and the help she needed inThe positives being landing a breakout role on Netflixs seeking asylum in the West. Eventually she arrived inQueer Eye, becoming an amateur figure skater and Canada where then-Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystiaprofessional standup comedian, and doting on his cats. Freeland greeted her at the airport.Now, in a new candid and curious essay collection In Rebel, Mohammed, who is bisexual, tells hertitled Love That Story, Van Ness takes a thoughtful, remarkable story in her own words, revealing untoldin-depth look at timely topics through the lens of his truths about life in Saudi Arabia, where young womenown personal experience, from a poignant reflection on are brought up in a repressive system that puts themgrief and embracing body neutrality to an examination under the legal control of a male guardian. Raised by aof the HIV safety net and white privilege. He outlines wealthy family in a posh neighbourhood, Mohammed washow these issues have helped him learn, grow and come always under the oppressive control of her male relatives,to a better understanding of the world around him. The including her high-profile politician father. Hers was anstories speak to doing the work needed to challenge abusive childhood in which oppression and deceit were internalized beliefs, finding compassion and confidence, the norm. and learning more about what makes us all so messyMoving from Mohammeds early days on theand gorgeous.underground online network of Saudi runaways, whoWith his typic signature humour, Van Ness use coded entries to learn how to flee the brutalities ofencourages readers to examine their individual their homeland, to her solo escape to Canada, Rebel isassumptions and expand their horizons. Ultimately, he a breathtaking and life-affirming memoir about herwrites, its about giving ourselves the permission to be tenaciousand successfulpursuit of freedom. the flawed and fabulous humans we are.Issue 1 2022 | QBiz CANADA |31'