Bite Your Friends

This memoir explores the intersections of gender, sexuality, and the human body, using personal and historical narratives to challenge societal norms. Bite Your Friends invites reflection on authenticity.

In Bite Your Friends, the author presents a subversive memoir that delves into the intersections of gender, sexuality, and the human body as a means of resisting power dynamics. Through a captivating narrative, the book draws on the example of Diogenes, the Greek philosopher known for his radical lifestyle, to explore the motivations behind individuals who risk bodily harm in pursuit of freedom. This exploration prompts readers to reflect on their own lives and consider how they might cultivate bravery and authenticity in their personal journeys.

The memoir spans a wide range of historical contexts, from the brutal spectacles of the Roman amphitheatre in the 4th century to the vibrant S&M culture of 1970s New York. It also highlights the defiance of contemporary groups like Pussy Riot, showcasing the lives of remarkable individuals—saints, philosophers, and artists—who have embraced their wounded or marginalized bodies as tools of resistance against societal norms. The narrative intertwines these historical figures with the author's own experiences, particularly her relationship with her mother, a prominent New York writer and socialite whose struggles with illness profoundly influenced the author's understanding of beauty and belief.

Ultimately, Bite Your Friends is not just a personal memoir; it is a poignant examination of how the body can serve as a site of rebellion and resilience. Through vivid storytelling, the author invites readers to consider the complexities of identity and the power of vulnerability in challenging oppressive structures.