I Hate This About Me is a modern-day book of affirmations interwoven with personal narratives and reflections of filmmaker Aitch Alberto’s grappling with the toxic masculinity innately embedded in the Latinx community. As Alberto states in the book, “this book is a manifestation of something or someone” he wishes he had growing up. In simple and understated passages the book speaks directly and specifically to boys, though each sentence could apply to any and all gender identities. The use of the word boys is intended to remind us of the often-impossible emotional and behavioral demands we place upon boys and men alike. I Hate This About Me softens those expectations encouraging and affirming what’s often perceived as weakness or undesirable should be embraced and normalized. It raises the question of what does it really mean to be a man.

Author: Aitch Alberto
Year: 2020
Pages: 104
Dimensions: 18 x 12.5 cm 
Cover: Softcover
Language: English