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How Can We Be Wrong?: A bio-fictional LGBTQIA+ memoir
Max is a gay nurse. This gut-wrenching story describes his experiences of being prescribed an almost lethal mixture of bullying, bigotry and rejection from the very nursing community he represents today. Sadly, being a nurse does not come with an invisible shield. This story is a personal account of the good, the bad, and the dam right ugly of NHS staff. There is truthfulness, humour, and lessons for us all. And yet the underbelly of stigma is not watered down; it is there without sentimentality.
This story parallels the social, political, and personal impact of ‘coming out’ within the early 1990s. It describes Max’s experiences of working within the health service following the aftermath of Section 28 and the HIV/Aids era. The story shows that everyone in their way can overcome the badness that life throws at them. Where there is adversity, there can be hope. Where there is desperation, there can be strength. Where there is pain, there can be healing.
Max’s thirty-year story hopes to give a voice to the silenced. In his mission to ‘walk the walk’ of inclusion, he offers a taste of his husband and his experiences of adopting two children.
This story parallels the social, political, and personal impact of ‘coming out’ within the early 1990s. It describes Max’s experiences of working within the health service following the aftermath of Section 28 and the HIV/Aids era. The story shows that everyone in their way can overcome the badness that life throws at them. Where there is adversity, there can be hope. Where there is desperation, there can be strength. Where there is pain, there can be healing.
Max’s thirty-year story hopes to give a voice to the silenced. In his mission to ‘walk the walk’ of inclusion, he offers a taste of his husband and his experiences of adopting two children.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2024
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March 1, 2024How Can We Be Wrong is a bio-fictional memoir. Max, who is a nurse, show us both the good sided and the bad sides of working at NHS.
While the main message of this book is hope, the story inside is full of pain.
I like how Max narrates the story, even though some parts couldn’t be easy to write.
One thing I didn’t quite enjoy about the writing is that sometimes within a chapter, there was a POV change from first person to third person. It’s understandable, because Max wasn’t present when those events occurred, but it always took me out of the story. However, that’s only my personal problem.
I like to read memoirs from time to time, because it’s amazing to hear powerful stories from people with different experiences, which I definitely got here.
Trigger warnings: mention of SA, death, homophobia
Disclaimer: I received a free arc in exchange for my honest review.
While the main message of this book is hope, the story inside is full of pain.
I like how Max narrates the story, even though some parts couldn’t be easy to write.
One thing I didn’t quite enjoy about the writing is that sometimes within a chapter, there was a POV change from first person to third person. It’s understandable, because Max wasn’t present when those events occurred, but it always took me out of the story. However, that’s only my personal problem.
I like to read memoirs from time to time, because it’s amazing to hear powerful stories from people with different experiences, which I definitely got here.
Trigger warnings: mention of SA, death, homophobia
Disclaimer: I received a free arc in exchange for my honest review.
March 7, 2024
I hadn’t heard of a “bio-fictional memoir” before picking up this book. I don’t often read memoirs or books that are based on a true story, even though most of them are excellent. The problem for me is that most of what’s in them is true, and if it’s sad, it breaks my heart. I can stay emotional for weeks after reading a sad fiction story, so you can imagine what I’m like when it’s non-fiction.
With all of that said, I am still glad I picked this up. Several parts were certainly painful to read, but the overall message of this book, I think, was hope, and that 100% made it worth it. And let me be clear about this: it’s definitely not a bad thing when a story is emotional. Any book that makes me feel (deeply) is worth reading, even if the feelings aren’t good ones. I’ve just learned to be mindful of the emotional toll they can take.
Lastly, I want to praise the writing style. It’s beautiful, and each sentence/paragraph gave me everything I needed to picture what was going on, without telling me too much.
Many thanks to the author for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
With all of that said, I am still glad I picked this up. Several parts were certainly painful to read, but the overall message of this book, I think, was hope, and that 100% made it worth it. And let me be clear about this: it’s definitely not a bad thing when a story is emotional. Any book that makes me feel (deeply) is worth reading, even if the feelings aren’t good ones. I’ve just learned to be mindful of the emotional toll they can take.
Lastly, I want to praise the writing style. It’s beautiful, and each sentence/paragraph gave me everything I needed to picture what was going on, without telling me too much.
Many thanks to the author for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2024
Five stars are not enough to convey my love for “How Can We Be Wrong?” Max Austin takes us on a beautifully written journey of hope and resilience that will stay with me forever. Through his accurately crafted descriptions, I was instantly immersed into his world. He has the innate ability to make his reader to almost smell, hear, touch and see the story unfolding. His deeply personal story explores life and career as a gay nurse spanning thirty years in all of its rawness. We learn that all that glitters certainly isn’t gold behind the scenes of his career in the NHS. This gritty LBGTQIA biofictional memoir is supported by a cast of characters that are totally believable; their stories are interwoven by a common connection to be the best version of themselves. I have never read anything like this before; Max Austin’s voice is unique and inspiring as his story itself. Some times I laughed at his sharp wit, sometimes I cried in disbelief and anger but always he left me wanting more. I can’t wait to see what this author brings us next! I’d highly recommend anyone to order this book. You won’t be disappointed!
February 13, 2024
5⭐️ Review: How Can We Be Wrong? by Max Austin.
“A nurse’s “never-give-up” account of working for the NHS.”
Max Austin’s bio-fictional debut, How Can We Be Wrong? is a journey through the highs and lows of nursing in the NHS over the last thirty years.
With a motley crew of supporting characters, all brought to life with their own rich backstories, Max navigates through love and heartache against the backdrop of a difficult and sometimes homophobic NHS.
The book culminates with such a beautifully touching last chapter which proves that through dedication and determination, anything is possible.
“A nurse’s “never-give-up” account of working for the NHS.”
Max Austin’s bio-fictional debut, How Can We Be Wrong? is a journey through the highs and lows of nursing in the NHS over the last thirty years.
With a motley crew of supporting characters, all brought to life with their own rich backstories, Max navigates through love and heartache against the backdrop of a difficult and sometimes homophobic NHS.
The book culminates with such a beautifully touching last chapter which proves that through dedication and determination, anything is possible.
February 20, 2024
When I saw the designated genre for How Can We Be Wrong?, bio-fictional memoir, I had the feeling I was in for something new. I had no idea. Not only was this a new genre for me, but the book was also written in a style unlike anything I’ve read before. Max Austin’s voice is wonderfully unique, at times astounding the reader with vivid character and scene descriptions, and at others, punching us in the gut with pain of life. But through it all, there is a story of survival and hope. Mixed in with the pathos, and equally poignant, is a biting sense of humor (or humour as they say across the pond).
Max, a nurse at an NHS hospital in England, takes us by the hand, and at times at break-neck speed, leads us on an emotional romp through the halls and inner workings of the healthcare system, not to mention the deepest thoughts and feelings of the people who work there. The caste of flawed but deeply human characters rivals a Dostoevsky novel. As a gay healthcare worker, and later a nurse and administrator, Max and his peers encounter strong prejudice against the LGBTQ community at a time when panic about AIDS was rampant. Even the concept of a man working as a nurse was suspect. In addition to these challenges, he suffers terrible loss and trauma. Despite the odds, he survives and is influential in turning things around so that diversity in the healthcare system is celebrated. Here is a quote that sums up both Max’s journey and his biting wit. “A million memories flooded my mind as I slowly sauntered through the revolving doors of her grand Victorian entrance. She was still as beautiful as the day that I had first clapped my eyes on her. But now I knew her well. She was capable of delivering both great kindness and great cruelty within the blink of her powdered eye.”
I highly recommend this book. At times, it is not an easy read due the emotional content, the descriptions of pain and suffering, and a style that jumps around in time, place, and point of view. But the reward for the reader is well worth the effort.
Max, a nurse at an NHS hospital in England, takes us by the hand, and at times at break-neck speed, leads us on an emotional romp through the halls and inner workings of the healthcare system, not to mention the deepest thoughts and feelings of the people who work there. The caste of flawed but deeply human characters rivals a Dostoevsky novel. As a gay healthcare worker, and later a nurse and administrator, Max and his peers encounter strong prejudice against the LGBTQ community at a time when panic about AIDS was rampant. Even the concept of a man working as a nurse was suspect. In addition to these challenges, he suffers terrible loss and trauma. Despite the odds, he survives and is influential in turning things around so that diversity in the healthcare system is celebrated. Here is a quote that sums up both Max’s journey and his biting wit. “A million memories flooded my mind as I slowly sauntered through the revolving doors of her grand Victorian entrance. She was still as beautiful as the day that I had first clapped my eyes on her. But now I knew her well. She was capable of delivering both great kindness and great cruelty within the blink of her powdered eye.”
I highly recommend this book. At times, it is not an easy read due the emotional content, the descriptions of pain and suffering, and a style that jumps around in time, place, and point of view. But the reward for the reader is well worth the effort.
March 6, 2024
HCWBW is a bio-fictional, LGBTQ+ memoir. It follows the career of nurse, Max, from first training to ward manager. As you’d expect, it’s quite a journey!
At the risk of making the author feel old, this rather felt like a ‘period’ book. The nineties were only thirty years ago, but it shows how much has changed for the queer community in that time. The celebration of community, along with challenges such as discrimination and the AIDS pandemic, all hit hard while reading. For every up there was a heart-breaking moment that hit to the reality of queer life. Some of these moments come down so suddenly (as reality does) I had to put the book down for a minute to wrap my head around it. (I’ve also never read a more accurate depiction of moving to London!)
The book has a lot of characters and while it was sometimes hard to keep up, it does reflect frantic life in a hospital. So many zanie, bright and, sometimes, despicable people come and go, which make the story feel authentic. One thing I loved was the bawdy, old-style humour. While I normally cringe at these jokes, they are so often paired with a moment of total awkwardness with at least one of the characters, so that (personal) cringe just brought me more into the moment. It’s also an important reminder that this is how the world saw the queer community at this time. Any gay character on TV or in movies at the time always played the clown!
A criticism I will give is that the perspective sometimes swaps away from Max to another character, without prior warning. While I appreciate getting different sides to certain storylines, this did make these sections a little hard to follow as there was no lead in.
This book shows the struggles of the NHS, the queer community and the importance of strong friendships. Three things we need now more than ever before! Thank you for sharing your story ❤️
At the risk of making the author feel old, this rather felt like a ‘period’ book. The nineties were only thirty years ago, but it shows how much has changed for the queer community in that time. The celebration of community, along with challenges such as discrimination and the AIDS pandemic, all hit hard while reading. For every up there was a heart-breaking moment that hit to the reality of queer life. Some of these moments come down so suddenly (as reality does) I had to put the book down for a minute to wrap my head around it. (I’ve also never read a more accurate depiction of moving to London!)
The book has a lot of characters and while it was sometimes hard to keep up, it does reflect frantic life in a hospital. So many zanie, bright and, sometimes, despicable people come and go, which make the story feel authentic. One thing I loved was the bawdy, old-style humour. While I normally cringe at these jokes, they are so often paired with a moment of total awkwardness with at least one of the characters, so that (personal) cringe just brought me more into the moment. It’s also an important reminder that this is how the world saw the queer community at this time. Any gay character on TV or in movies at the time always played the clown!
A criticism I will give is that the perspective sometimes swaps away from Max to another character, without prior warning. While I appreciate getting different sides to certain storylines, this did make these sections a little hard to follow as there was no lead in.
This book shows the struggles of the NHS, the queer community and the importance of strong friendships. Three things we need now more than ever before! Thank you for sharing your story ❤️
April 11, 2024
Beginning in 1987, when he was employed as a Domestic Assistant in Britain’s National Health Service, Max Austin recounts his complicated climb to becoming a registered nurse, a position he’s held for over thirty years. As he navigates through various health care jobs, Max also navigates his life as a gay man, thus dealing with twin issues: being a male nurse and gay. The merger of the two is particularly difficult as AIDS erupts, and Max must handle an HIV-positive lover and the nursing staff’s fears of being contaminated by Max, even if he is negative.
Much of the book takes place during the Thatcher period when prejudice against the LGTBQ+ community is running rampant. Even so, Max finds incredible support with family, friends, and colleagues, with wonderful characters interspersed throughout, such as his Aunt Bren who “jangled her orchestra of costume jewellry.” The author writes character descriptions with unerring crispness: “She had the grace and poise of a rhinoceros in heat.” Or: “A stainless steel fob watch hung on my breast pocket like the Tin Man’s heart.”
“My story is all about connection and people,” Max Austin writes, but it’s also about treating others with kindness, dignity, and compassion—qualities the author has in abundance. In addition, he is a loving husband to Wayne and their adopted children, as well as a dedicated caregiver to countless patients. So, while this memoir is one of hard times, trauma, and pain, it is an inspiring testament to fortitude and forging a belief in one’s self-worth.
Much of the book takes place during the Thatcher period when prejudice against the LGTBQ+ community is running rampant. Even so, Max finds incredible support with family, friends, and colleagues, with wonderful characters interspersed throughout, such as his Aunt Bren who “jangled her orchestra of costume jewellry.” The author writes character descriptions with unerring crispness: “She had the grace and poise of a rhinoceros in heat.” Or: “A stainless steel fob watch hung on my breast pocket like the Tin Man’s heart.”
“My story is all about connection and people,” Max Austin writes, but it’s also about treating others with kindness, dignity, and compassion—qualities the author has in abundance. In addition, he is a loving husband to Wayne and their adopted children, as well as a dedicated caregiver to countless patients. So, while this memoir is one of hard times, trauma, and pain, it is an inspiring testament to fortitude and forging a belief in one’s self-worth.
April 10, 2024
Max Austin’s debut is a bold LGBTQIA+ inclusive novel that smacks with the reality of gay life in the 80s in the UK and the AIDS crisis, and its effect on those living and working in hospitals, while at the same time lifting the communities up and making them ring true. With immediacy this bio-fictional memoir pulls the reader in for a closer look, and the power of the emotion behind the writing is spectacular.
I went on a wild ride with Max in a compelling exploration of a life worth celebrating. Max’s true to life memoir kept me engaged and at home as he navigated the world before my eyes. Often riddling over pages where Max pours his heart out, I shed some tears of sadness, but not as many as those that came for the strength of found family. The nursing community that gave Max a home is everything to him, and he translates for the reader the sense of urgency, stress, and bustle behind hospital doors, just as much as a sense of companionship, love, and community.
Thank you, Max, for teaching and showing the way.
I went on a wild ride with Max in a compelling exploration of a life worth celebrating. Max’s true to life memoir kept me engaged and at home as he navigated the world before my eyes. Often riddling over pages where Max pours his heart out, I shed some tears of sadness, but not as many as those that came for the strength of found family. The nursing community that gave Max a home is everything to him, and he translates for the reader the sense of urgency, stress, and bustle behind hospital doors, just as much as a sense of companionship, love, and community.
Thank you, Max, for teaching and showing the way.
March 23, 2024
Max Austin in HOW CAN WE BE WRONG? takes the reader with him on his real-life journey from little in life up into love and professional success. It's a bumpy ride, far from always onward and upward. He is born into a gritty working class existence in England, comes out as a Gay man and faces the backlash and terror Gay men experienced during the heights of the AIDS epidemic, progresses step by step from hospital room cleaner to supervising nurse, finds love and loses it and finds it again. We aren't spared any details, nor should we be. This is a life lived and often the life for most of us, minus often the success and too often the love. It's amazing at the book's end to realize where Max is today with career, husband, children, dogs, and a happy home, given the low point at which he began and the trials he's endured and we've felt with him. I'm amazingly happy for him. For fans of SHUGGIE BAIN. Naturalism with a happy ending.
May 16, 2024
"How Can We Be Wrong?" is a beautiful memoir about coming out as a queer person within the nursing community. It is a raw, poignant portrayal of not just the struggles we face when we come out of the closet, but of the resilience of our community despite the hardships we've faced over the decades.
What struck me most about this story is its riveting cast - people from all walks of life, who are all part of a much bigger story. There are parts that made me laugh at the dry, layered sense of wit - and there were parts that made my heart physically ache as they told of the horror and terror of being forcibly outed, being diagnosed with HIV, and having your whole life turned upside down - but most of all, this story filled me with hope for our future.
What struck me most about this story is its riveting cast - people from all walks of life, who are all part of a much bigger story. There are parts that made me laugh at the dry, layered sense of wit - and there were parts that made my heart physically ache as they told of the horror and terror of being forcibly outed, being diagnosed with HIV, and having your whole life turned upside down - but most of all, this story filled me with hope for our future.
March 30, 2024
Max has managed to wrap up so many aspects of life in the 80s in the UK in this memoir. His descriptive anthropomorphism of buildings is delicious and his characterisation of the people met, in passing or in depth, paints a detailed and deep description of them. The visceral bigotry of the time in relation to HIV/AIDS and section 28 is also recounted in detail that leaves the reader emotional. A fascinating read!
March 31, 2024
Wow what an incredible read. I couldn't put this book down. This book took me on an amazing journey of emotion from laughing out loud to tears running down my face. A beautifully written book with characters described so well I can see them as clear as day. Can't wait to read more from Max Austin I need my friends back!
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