Matt McAvoy Book Review

An important and extremely useful guide, I feel – if, of course, much more to some readers than others. 

Jeannie Gainsburg herself doesn’t feel the need to provide any specific reason for her own choice to become an LGBTQ+ ally, though you can tell it has since become a much more important part of her life than simple vocation.  You don’t need to have the same passion as Jeannie, for the cause of identity-equity, to find this book useful and informative; “The Savvy Ally” might be of particular interest to those who have LGBTQ+ friends, work colleagues or family members, or perhaps employers, teachers, public service workers or even just the growing number of people who resolve to be more woke and inclusive.  Likewise, it is also not a book which needs to be read by anyone – it is clear that Jeannie’s “live and let live” view of life applies just as much to her potential readers and potential detractors; I’m sure she has no expectations whatsoever that anybody must read her book.  It is a truly warm and pleasing sentiment from an author who clearly simply cares about her fellow man (or woman, or non-binary), and the book is not one which can be readily criticized in any way.  Jeannie is a very good writer, and undoubtedly an equally talented course facilitator, on the subject of being an ally.  “The Savvy Ally” is well-written and presented in an articulate and engaging way; she has a genuine knack for clarifying and presenting what is a very complex subject.  The notes, and particularly her extremely useful glossary, are of real benefit to even the most culturally unaware reader. 

Unusually for me, I won’t recommend this book – not because it isn’t worthy (it most certainly is), but rather because whether you choose to read it or not has to be a personal choice.  Its enlightening content will be of greater benefit to some than others, and there will be plenty of people who simply aren’t interested, perhaps out of lethargy or general apathy, and I think it is important that these people are respected.  As for my own personal view of the book, I don’t particularly have an opinion on the subject, and I worry a little that its matter is so changeable as to necessitate continual updating of the book, much like the DSM.  I do, however, really like Jeannie as an author, and I believe she has created a superb reference guide, which will likely only invoke strong negative feelings in those people who would generally rather lean away from acknowledgement of the gender-equity topic.  I believe the LGBTQ+ community should and will be very happy to have such an eloquent, professional and passionate ally – if you wish to be one, too, I don’t believe you will find a better book on the subject.  Congratulations and gratitude to her.