The paper backpacker

An analysis of Lot by Bryan Washington
2 min read time

I will start by saying that I am not one for the glamorization of poverty or hardship. However, we have to take the silver linings we can sometimes. Especially, if you’re in it.

The struggle, as it’s so lovingly called, is very present in Bryan Washington’s book “Lot.” He shares what it truly means to be a Houstonian. He captures who the city is through the lens of queer characters and people of color. Diversity is the best thing about Houston. He captures it well.

His stories have varied perspectives but carry similar threads of intimacy and relationships. Either romantic or otherwise. All with the backdrop of strife.

There is no lack of love in his stories. It was refreshing to see ugly, imperfect, and realistic feelings between families, lovers, coworkers, and friends. But not just love exactly, there is a certain intimacy in the closeness that poverty can inspire.

Growing up, my sisters and I complained plenty about sharing clothes, food, beds, and otherwise. But there was also a closeness that is difficult to replicate now we have all grown. When you lack options in mobility, opportunity, and everything else, each other is all you have. Where else are you going to go? Who else are you going to see?

I find myself missing sharing shampoo and bedrooms—sharing tears, chips, laughter, and the same dollars. Now, we share the same history and long-past trauma. I miss my neighborhood friends, who were like second sisters to me. Coworkers who knew exactly what my reality was because they grew up the same way.

It’s something that “Lot” reminded me of. Sometimes being stuck in the city, job, situation, or family you hate, isn’t all bad.

Here are a few snippets that capture that feeling:

• “And from the viejas to the juniors to the Filipinos to the black folks, we danced, danced, danced …”
• “The place is all local, all browns and tans.”
• “We sat next to each other, just being brothers.”
• “She grew up loved. She never forgot that.”

#Houston #Texas