I decided to examine one of the little pieces of life advice that Dorothy Allison gives through out her memoir. “Two or three things I know for sure, and one is that I would rather go naked than wear the coat the world has made for me,” (pg. 71).

Allison uses this quote to conclude the section where she shares that the story of the last time her stepfather beat her when she was sixteen with readers.  However, it is not just a story of how she stood up for herself the last time her stepfather beat her. She tells readers how she reclaimed herself and how she would not let this one aspect of her life define who she was and the woman that she wanted to be. “I took back my sex, my body. I claimed myself and remade my life. Only when I knew I belonged to myself completely did I become capable of giving myself to another, of finding joy in desire, pleasure in our love, power in this body no one else owns, (pg 70).

Out of all of the stories, phrases, and life advice in the book, I believe that these are the most powerful, and that everyone, man or woman, can use this type of advice and perspective to help them get through something, because of the truth it resonates. Everyone has some type of stereotype that follows them, some role that they are expected to fill or fall into. What most people do not realize is that is their option on whether or not they do. I believe that falling into a stereotype and filling the role you are expected is the easy path in life or the easy way out, because you are only doing what is expected.

I am like Allison. I believe in creating my own life and paving my own path, setting or raising the standard along the way. I could be the typical college student, but instead, I went above and beyond, creating opportunities for myself and others, and developing into a woman and person whose reflection I could be proud of. It was not easy and at time it was infuriating, but in the end, it was worth it.