By Kate Bornstein
This 20th anniversary edition of transsexual trailblazer Kate Bornstein’s unconventional guide to staying alive for teens, freaks and gender outlaws features 20 NEW Alternatives, a new foreword by the author, and a new afterword by Paul Preciado.
"A don't-hurt guide for anyone who's been tempted to give in to despair."—Time Out New York
"You'll want to keep extra copies of this one on the shelf to give away to friends in need." —Bitch magazine
Now updated and with new material Hello, Cruel World features a catalog of 121 alternatives to suicide that range from the playful (moisturize!), to the irreverent (shatter some family values), to the controversial, fun, challenging and easy. Encouraging readers to unleash their hearts' harmless desires, the book has only one directive: "Don't be mean." It is this guiding principle that brings the reader on a self-validating journey and toward a resounding decision to embrace life.
Using graphics and checklists, and with great humor and gutsiness, Kate Bornstein dares readers to re-envision the gender system as we know it. She offers stories and insights that are tenderly intimate and unapologetically edgy. Hello, Cruel World also includes:
- an Introduction by Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara
- The Hello Cruel Scale of Feelings
- an Index of Alternatives with safety and effectiveness scales
Suicide rates among LGBTQ+ teens are much higher than for their cis peers; with love and humor and confession and insight, Bornstein hopes to keep every freak out there alive. She is a radical role model, an affectionate best friend, and a guiding mentor all in one. This one-of-a-kind guide to staying alive is a much-needed, sometimes unorthodox approach to life for those who want to stay on the edge, and alive.
Finalist, LGBT Nonfiction Lambda Literary Award, 2009 Honor Book, Stonewall Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award, 2009
Paperback, 288 pages
Published by Triangle Square (Apr 2025)
ISBN-13: 9781644214435
Dimensions: 12.7 x 1.52 x 17.78 cm
Returns & Exchanges
Items are final sale unless defective.
We do not accept returns or exchanges on adult products or intimate wear for hygiene reasons.
If your item arrives damaged or stops working within 30 days, contact us to arrange a replacement. Select products may also be covered by extended manufacturer warranties.
For full return details or help, visit our
Returns & Exchanges Policy.
Shipping
Little Sister’s offers discreet shipping across Canada, with free shipping on orders over $150 or a $25 flat fee. All packages are sent in plain, unmarked boxes for privacy.
Orders are typically processed quickly, but delivery times vary depending on your location. You will be provided with tracking information once the item is ready to ship.
U.S. shipping is currently suspended, but Pickup for U.S. visitors is still available; simply change your address to our store address when checking out.
Within the Lower Mainland, same-day delivery is possible for orders made before 12:00PM, through Trexity. All other orders will typically arrive through Canada Post within 1 to 7 days.
