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Beautiful Monster: A Becoming
A breathtaking, exquisitely crafted memoir about a trans person’s singular journey through breaching the boundaries of gender—across generations, cultures and borders—to become his truest, most authentic self.
Nearing the age of forty, with an entire life already lived as a woman—half in Colombia, half in the US—Miles Borrero comes face to face with his father’s impending death. Suddenly realizing that he has been stalling his transition for fear of losing his family’s love, this moment catalyzes Miles’s determination to be fully known as his father’s son before it is too late.
In Beautiful Monster, Miles chronicles his unusual childhood, by turns riveting and hilarious, in ’80s and ’90s Colombia during the Pablo Escobar years, as well as his move to Salt Lake City to pursue acting and the winding trajectory that eventually lands him in the New York City yoga scene. Within these very different cultures, the realities of being queer and trans echo poignantly through the triumphs, heartbreaks, family dynamics, spiritual pursuits, and relationships that propel Miles along his path.
Sublimely nuanced and written in ravishing prose that is as unique and irresistible as its subject, Beautiful Monster is one person’s story of navigating the pressures to perform femininity while becoming a gender outlaw. Brimming with wonder, humor, and mythos, entertaining and enlightening in equal measure, this book offers a compelling case for embracing one’s true nature.
Nearing the age of forty, with an entire life already lived as a woman—half in Colombia, half in the US—Miles Borrero comes face to face with his father’s impending death. Suddenly realizing that he has been stalling his transition for fear of losing his family’s love, this moment catalyzes Miles’s determination to be fully known as his father’s son before it is too late.
In Beautiful Monster, Miles chronicles his unusual childhood, by turns riveting and hilarious, in ’80s and ’90s Colombia during the Pablo Escobar years, as well as his move to Salt Lake City to pursue acting and the winding trajectory that eventually lands him in the New York City yoga scene. Within these very different cultures, the realities of being queer and trans echo poignantly through the triumphs, heartbreaks, family dynamics, spiritual pursuits, and relationships that propel Miles along his path.
Sublimely nuanced and written in ravishing prose that is as unique and irresistible as its subject, Beautiful Monster is one person’s story of navigating the pressures to perform femininity while becoming a gender outlaw. Brimming with wonder, humor, and mythos, entertaining and enlightening in equal measure, this book offers a compelling case for embracing one’s true nature.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2023
20 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 27, 2023
Midway through his memoir Beautiful Monster, Miles Borrero makes a pledge while floating in the dazzling blue waters of Santorini, Greece. “Here, I give myself over to the majesty of my own mythology and re-member, reconstruct, piece back together my own divinity.” It is a bold, audacious devotion - an invocation of self. Borrero’s memoir - or Becoming – is a sublime realization of this pledge.
Borrero’s story is a singular journey, chronicling a trans person’s 40-year journey of self-discovery and authenticity. However, the beautifully-crafted storytelling holds universal resonance. The tone is beautifully fluid, unafraid to jump from playfulness to heartbreak and back again. The prose is direct yet romantic. The structure is particularly effective, with each chapter organized around a person, persona, or entity that provide breadcrumbs of insight along the way. The rich array of characters is treated with humor and honesty, yet with a touching and consistent empathy. It is an assured, and at times astonishing, debut.
Borrero’s story is a singular journey, chronicling a trans person’s 40-year journey of self-discovery and authenticity. However, the beautifully-crafted storytelling holds universal resonance. The tone is beautifully fluid, unafraid to jump from playfulness to heartbreak and back again. The prose is direct yet romantic. The structure is particularly effective, with each chapter organized around a person, persona, or entity that provide breadcrumbs of insight along the way. The rich array of characters is treated with humor and honesty, yet with a touching and consistent empathy. It is an assured, and at times astonishing, debut.
September 18, 2025
Equal parts memoir and poetry.
December 19, 2025
Raw, honest, and surprisingly tender, this one feels like watching someone put themselves back together in real time. It does not shy away from mess or vulnerability, and that openness is what makes it so powerful and memorable.
March 3, 2024
(I was provided a NetGalley ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
It was a very touching read that is an honest and true introspection into a queer artist's mind as he goes through life. Borrero expresses the struggles and many internal dilemmas we trans people have with a contemporary yet poetic tongue that brings out all the emotion within the queer experience.
So, in terms of a review, I'd more like to talk about my experiences with the book.
As a queer trans man, reading through his words that were so similar to what I've been thinking and feeling through felt assuring. Sometimes, it feels like nothing will turn out to be great cause I wasn't born in a country that isn't welcoming for people like me at all, but seeing Borrero's adventure through life sparked a bit of hope in me that good things can happen. Reading about various queer experiences as a queer person is always enlightening, but reading about a trans man who isn't a textbook example like me is a whole other world because of this very reason.
Reading this inspired me to write and do stuff, which was unexpected. Usually, reading memoirs just makes me research more about the person or what they talk about, but this time, I wanted to pursue my creative side more. As I have read through Borrero's poetic prose about the joys and griefs of his life, his words encouraged me to get back to expressing myself in my queer glory. Because oftentimes, our queerness seems to be filtered by the people around us to fit a mould that was set to be us. And despite knowing this for the last few years, reading his experiences on breaking his shell and becoming himself made me rethink the ways I was living.
Other than my sentimental input about the book, I really liked the person based chapter structure. The centre is set from the chapter title, and then you form around it the more you read. This format mixed in with his writing, it creates a true vision into the queer creative's mind. Occasional perspective changes and poetry added in between made this "vision" a lot better, I think. Cause it's the memoir of a creative, and so his mind should be represented by the formatting and writing. It was beautiful in that way.
It has been a very good read. It's one of the best memoirs I've read where I found myself marking pages cause the quotes would surely stick with me.
It was a very touching read that is an honest and true introspection into a queer artist's mind as he goes through life. Borrero expresses the struggles and many internal dilemmas we trans people have with a contemporary yet poetic tongue that brings out all the emotion within the queer experience.
So, in terms of a review, I'd more like to talk about my experiences with the book.
As a queer trans man, reading through his words that were so similar to what I've been thinking and feeling through felt assuring. Sometimes, it feels like nothing will turn out to be great cause I wasn't born in a country that isn't welcoming for people like me at all, but seeing Borrero's adventure through life sparked a bit of hope in me that good things can happen. Reading about various queer experiences as a queer person is always enlightening, but reading about a trans man who isn't a textbook example like me is a whole other world because of this very reason.
Reading this inspired me to write and do stuff, which was unexpected. Usually, reading memoirs just makes me research more about the person or what they talk about, but this time, I wanted to pursue my creative side more. As I have read through Borrero's poetic prose about the joys and griefs of his life, his words encouraged me to get back to expressing myself in my queer glory. Because oftentimes, our queerness seems to be filtered by the people around us to fit a mould that was set to be us. And despite knowing this for the last few years, reading his experiences on breaking his shell and becoming himself made me rethink the ways I was living.
Other than my sentimental input about the book, I really liked the person based chapter structure. The centre is set from the chapter title, and then you form around it the more you read. This format mixed in with his writing, it creates a true vision into the queer creative's mind. Occasional perspective changes and poetry added in between made this "vision" a lot better, I think. Cause it's the memoir of a creative, and so his mind should be represented by the formatting and writing. It was beautiful in that way.
It has been a very good read. It's one of the best memoirs I've read where I found myself marking pages cause the quotes would surely stick with me.
April 24, 2025
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August 24, 2025
Helps me understand what becomes of the long grueling process of transformation.
August 18, 2023
Beautiful Monster by Miles Borrero is a peek into the author’s experience of coming fully into his identity. It is at turns fanciful despite the gravely serious nature of self exploration and navigating a world that finds comfort in fitting people into tidy boxes that they don’t always fit into.
Borrero invites readers into his childhood growing up female and queer in Columbia. He details his move to the United States and his path to finding meaningful work, human connections, and a deep understanding of who he is at his core as this ultimately relates to his transition. He demonstrates true vulnerability as he shares the intimate details of his gender expedition and the trajectory of his queer identity through snapshots from his life and people who shaped him.
Family is at the core of this memoir and the instances of real tension that arise as a result of internal conflict and external expectations is often palpable. The themes of family, loss, and rising to become stronger make this a rich and emotionally heavy read. I value the author’s willingness to share his experience in a very raw way, but I found it difficult at times to connect parts of the story as they were disrupted by snippets of mythology that did not seem to add value to the memoir. I also felt that the writing felt a little stream of consciousness and chaotic at times. There were a few things things like the repetition of “So Hum” throughout the book that I did not understand and that were not explained or resolved.
Overall I give Beautiful Monster by Miles Borrero three out of five stars. I believe that his story is an important one and that his openness to putting it out for the world to see is commendable. I really wanted to love this book, but I ended up simply liking it due to the choppiness created by the writing style and mythology chapters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Post Hill Press for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review.
Borrero invites readers into his childhood growing up female and queer in Columbia. He details his move to the United States and his path to finding meaningful work, human connections, and a deep understanding of who he is at his core as this ultimately relates to his transition. He demonstrates true vulnerability as he shares the intimate details of his gender expedition and the trajectory of his queer identity through snapshots from his life and people who shaped him.
Family is at the core of this memoir and the instances of real tension that arise as a result of internal conflict and external expectations is often palpable. The themes of family, loss, and rising to become stronger make this a rich and emotionally heavy read. I value the author’s willingness to share his experience in a very raw way, but I found it difficult at times to connect parts of the story as they were disrupted by snippets of mythology that did not seem to add value to the memoir. I also felt that the writing felt a little stream of consciousness and chaotic at times. There were a few things things like the repetition of “So Hum” throughout the book that I did not understand and that were not explained or resolved.
Overall I give Beautiful Monster by Miles Borrero three out of five stars. I believe that his story is an important one and that his openness to putting it out for the world to see is commendable. I really wanted to love this book, but I ended up simply liking it due to the choppiness created by the writing style and mythology chapters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Post Hill Press for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 7, 2025
[3.5 stars rounded down]
"It's something. To see yourself for the first time as such a sublime creature meeting such a violent end."
I was expecting this memoir to change my life and have found myself caught at a crossroad between relief and disappointment that it did not. Much of Borrero's life mirrors my own, and magical realism is my favorite style of writing. This should have been a complete slam-dunk for me. Unfortunately, it simply wasn't.
I think in a lot of ways this book is for cis people. The way it addresses queerness works well, but is in many ways surface level. It is the type of book I would have recommended to my parents when I was a teenager. There are parts of it that are great, of course, as well as some really solid lines. But there wasn't much in it that I would consider to be revolutionary. Perhaps that is the bias of my own personal experience.
I think part of what put me off so much was the inclusion of what to me read as a very orientalist view of India and Hinduism. It is not inherently appropriation or co-optive to become a yoga instructor or to learn about the stories, gods, and mythos that come from cultural India. But the way in which it was handled here, with that specific pantheon speaking to and through Borerro was extremley off putting. Especially when there ARE stories of transgenderism and gender queerness in Hindu mythos that simply weren't used. Not to mention how the only fully described scenes Borerro included of being in India were traumatic ones, or ones that perpetuated negative schemas (such as in Delhi) as opposed to the several additional times he went-- all of which were glossed over. I suppose all of it just left a sour taste in my mouth.
There's a lot to like in this piece. It is accessible and has an interesting form. It was recommended to me by a professor. But I just wasn't wowed like I was hoping to be.
"It's something. To see yourself for the first time as such a sublime creature meeting such a violent end."
I was expecting this memoir to change my life and have found myself caught at a crossroad between relief and disappointment that it did not. Much of Borrero's life mirrors my own, and magical realism is my favorite style of writing. This should have been a complete slam-dunk for me. Unfortunately, it simply wasn't.
I think in a lot of ways this book is for cis people. The way it addresses queerness works well, but is in many ways surface level. It is the type of book I would have recommended to my parents when I was a teenager. There are parts of it that are great, of course, as well as some really solid lines. But there wasn't much in it that I would consider to be revolutionary. Perhaps that is the bias of my own personal experience.
I think part of what put me off so much was the inclusion of what to me read as a very orientalist view of India and Hinduism. It is not inherently appropriation or co-optive to become a yoga instructor or to learn about the stories, gods, and mythos that come from cultural India. But the way in which it was handled here, with that specific pantheon speaking to and through Borerro was extremley off putting. Especially when there ARE stories of transgenderism and gender queerness in Hindu mythos that simply weren't used. Not to mention how the only fully described scenes Borerro included of being in India were traumatic ones, or ones that perpetuated negative schemas (such as in Delhi) as opposed to the several additional times he went-- all of which were glossed over. I suppose all of it just left a sour taste in my mouth.
There's a lot to like in this piece. It is accessible and has an interesting form. It was recommended to me by a professor. But I just wasn't wowed like I was hoping to be.
November 24, 2023
Rhapsodically beautiful, funny, heart-wrenching, inspiring ~ I thoroughly enjoyed this wild and wonderful river ride with Miles down the rapids of his mythical adventure, a true hero's journey. There is challenge and discovery, joy and overwhelm, heartbreak and courage, death and rebirth. I danced, I sang, I soared on Miles' mystical wings. I smiled and laughed. I wept with Miles over lost loves ~ the death of his beloved father, the long-awaited acceptance of his Catholic mother, the sense of being a misfit that so many of us know, for so many reasons, but complicated with being an in-between. I learned things I never knew from a transperson's worldview, despite my having an out and happily married gay brother. I am grateful for Miles' rich and authentic sharing of his truth, for the deeper compassion and understanding it offers all of us, especially present and future trans siblings of ours in this world .... I am also eternally grateful for the yoga and harmonium lessons, Miles AND Mila. Thank you sister/brother in music, myth, and magic. Thank you, Saraswati, Kali, Queen Draupadi! Thank you, Hanuman! You leapt it. You birthed it. You built it ~ your book bridge ~ for your soul, and others' souls. Y'alls ~ whether yogis or searchers or just human souls who are readers ~ don't miss this inspiring and moving hero's journey!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2023
This book is so well written. It took me on the writers honest journey of their life throughout, with all the range of human emotions. From the moment of the ride on the horse when a child to the family moments and letters at the end of the book (those moments were true tear jerkers for me) the book also has humor (which I loved) sprinkled throughout in the description of moments (like the last audition and the cab driver..was drawn in by ALOT of the stories within the story that kept it going) of Miles' life and the characters that carved his choices. This is a deep and brave story told in words that are inviting to read (well sculpted) providing profound insights learned and shared. I cannot recommend this book enough. I breezed through it because the writing kept me engrossed from start to finish- well crafted, touching, vulnerable and inspiring. Thank you for
writing this book, definitely a 5 star!
writing this book, definitely a 5 star!
November 19, 2023
I was so pumped to support Miles as one of my yoga teachers that I have deep respect for. However, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect as far as relating with "Beautiful Monster" as a straight, cis female.
What I found reading his book was SO many relatable experiences that we all have as human beings: love, heartbreak, friendship, death, travel, finding ourselves, and letting outdated versions of ourselves go.... spreading our wings, experiencing triumph, feeling something larger than ourselves guiding us....
To go through all of this while simultaneously grappling with the gender given at birth has to magnify these experiences and emotions tenfold, to a degree I know nothing about.
This book feels like equal parts a work of art, and a shoulder to lean on... a hand to hold ... a light to guide the way... for all of us
What I found reading his book was SO many relatable experiences that we all have as human beings: love, heartbreak, friendship, death, travel, finding ourselves, and letting outdated versions of ourselves go.... spreading our wings, experiencing triumph, feeling something larger than ourselves guiding us....
To go through all of this while simultaneously grappling with the gender given at birth has to magnify these experiences and emotions tenfold, to a degree I know nothing about.
This book feels like equal parts a work of art, and a shoulder to lean on... a hand to hold ... a light to guide the way... for all of us
October 30, 2023
What a poignant, funny, honest, and universal book this is. He reminds us of our shared humanity and no matter how you identify, this book will resonate. All of us can relate to hiding an aspect of our truth and Miles reminds us (and acts like a beacon of light!) that living the truth will indeed set us free. It might be awkward, tender, and non-linear but it is worth it. His writing is easy to read and layered with a depth of knowledge and useful self-reflection. I finished it inspired personally and professionally.
October 24, 2023
Beautiful Monster by Miles Borrero is a peek into the author's experience of coming into his own identity. It is an affirming read that reads so personally and joyfully. It is an emotionally intense story that I believe is an important one to be share; the author invites us into his childhood growing up female and queer in Columbia. I am thankful to Netgalley and the publisher Regalo Press for the ARC.
December 17, 2025
I listened to this as an audiobook on Hoopla, narrated by the author. I've followed Borrero's yoga teaching for years and am very glad he shared his story. I'm still very impressed by his ability to just start a career teaching yoga in New York. I know he would disagree but I feel he made it look easy. I could relate to a lot of the yoga stuff. And of course, he's a queer theatre kid so, he can be a bit dramatic (complimentary).
October 26, 2023
A beautifully written memoir that uses powerful language and magic realism to bring readers along on Miles’ incredible journey. Miles eloquently captures his own unique experience transitioning, along with how his many interests, endeavors, and adventures shaped who he has ultimately become. A heartwarming autobiography with depth and promise, this book is a captivating and emotional read.
November 10, 2023
I had the good fortune of hearing Miles read an excerpt of his book at a live event before it was released. It was a gorgeous, heartbreaking, inspiring and deeply moving experience. Miles is an incredible storyteller and teacher. He weaves together authentic experience, learned wisdom, and a healthy dash of humor. Highly recommended
March 13, 2024
The words Miles chooses to describe life, death, and everything in between are so poignant. His story is so specific, unique, and interesting, but within the story are themes that everyone experiences at the core of our being. If you love art that gives commentary on the human condition, please read this book and thank me later 🙂
November 6, 2023
The greatest storyteller and biggest heart, Miles lets us into his life with such bravery and vulnerability through this memoir. His wit and comedic timing is just the cherry on top. Such an enthralling yet comforting read. Highly recommend!!!
May 27, 2024
I listened to this on Audio. The story being told in this book is a thought provoking life story of the trials and tribulations of a trans person. I almost DNFed this because of the way it was narrated but I am glad I didn't as the story gave me insight into how the Trans community have been treated over time.
July 6, 2024
Absolutely captivating story! Miles' family and friends come to life on the page, but he flies right off of it. I loved the use of magical realism throughout and the moments of realizing himself really stuck with me.
I'm thrilled to have a signed copy of this because I'll definitely treasure it.
I'm thrilled to have a signed copy of this because I'll definitely treasure it.
August 10, 2024
I’m so glad that I got to read this intriguing book of a courageous life-altering journey. The author’s honesty and sincerity gently and steadily guides us through his ‘becoming’ as he follows his heart to his truth. This book has the potential to help many people in many ways! Thank you, Miles Borrero
October 26, 2023
THIS BOOK IS AWESOME. The writing and the evolution of Miles Borrero's journey from Colombia to the US is inspiring for ANYONE who wants to find inspiration for making one's dream come true.
November 21, 2023
Beautifully written, cleverly crafted, I laughed, I cried. Bravo.
November 25, 2023
Miles is an incredible writer. Their story is one worth reading. I couldn’t put it down!!
August 3, 2024
Raw and honest prose. Not to be cliche but I laughed, I cried … you get the gist. Thank you Miles for being so vulnerable with your story.
December 15, 2023
I loved this. The mix of Colombian/South American history and experiences blended seamlessly into this personal story. I also enjoyed the mythology elements woven throughout the book that helped frame individual experiences in the context of broader ones from around the world. Miles’s journey is absolutely worth reading about, and the author’s narration of the audio version is excellent. I highly recommend this trans memoir that is focused on love and self-compassion. It’s a gorgeous book and I’ll be rooting for all the best things for the author’s future.
November 2, 2023
Full of sweetness and humor, Beautiful Monster is an inspiring guide for anyone seeking wholeness. Miles shows us how to evolve with self-compassion and curiosity. This is just the book I needed to read. Highly recommend this very special and moving memoir.
January 31, 2024
I had finished this a while ago and I thought I had already given feedback on it.
Beautiful Monster by Miles Borrero gives us all a personal insight into the author's experience of becoming who they were meant to be.
The writing is honest and beautiful, it has been written from such a deep emotional position that it is hard to put down.
Beautiful Monster by Miles Borrero gives us all a personal insight into the author's experience of becoming who they were meant to be.
The writing is honest and beautiful, it has been written from such a deep emotional position that it is hard to put down.
April 5, 2024
I loved this book!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews