this is my name

by alpha kartsaki

What‘s in a name? What happens when we consciously choose a different name? How do names influence our identity? this is my name is a collection of intimate stories about the personal journey of people who have consciously decided to change their amongst others a non-binary teenager from Germany, a journalist from Turkey persecuted for his political beliefs, a Hungarian performance artist who works with trauma through rituals, and a trans-woman asylum seeker from Mexico. Through interviews and testimonials, the stories open a discussion about racial prejudice, mental health issues, neurodiversity, transphobia, xenophobia, resistance towards anything non-normative, freedom of choice and authenticity. Whether you have changed your own name or are thinking about it, this book is a companion for all people who undergo transformations, an empowering tool for self-identification and an ode to diversity of any kind. It also aspires to create a much-needed community for those who have the courage to change. What‘s in a name? What happens when we consciously choose a different name? How do names influence our identity? this is my name is a collection of intimate stories about the personal journey of people who have consciously decided to change their amongst others a non-binary teenager from Germany, a journalist from Turkey persecuted for his political beliefs, a Hungarian performance artist who works with trauma through rituals, and a trans-woman asylum seeker from Mexico. Through interviews and testimonials, the stories open a discussion about racial prejudice, mental health issues, neurodiversity, transphobia, xenophobia, resistance towards anything non-normative, freedom of choice and authenticity. Whether you have changed your own name or are thinking about it, this book is a companion for all people who undergo transformations, an empowering tool for self-identification and an ode to diversity of any kind. It also aspires to create a much-needed community for those who have the courage to change.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2022

Reviews

[becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 stars

[Ollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book that I got as a birthday gift. It's really amazing and so inspiring, I loved it! I loved the deep meanings and choices and thoughts behind all of this, the journeys, the intentions of changing your name, the messy process, the (lack of) rituals or the governmental processes that come with name change, as well as the difficulties and social impacts, or how family and friends can respond to the change... It's beautiful to read every individual their sharings, and the author, who is also the interviewer in most cases, spprozches it with openness and empathy. It's a very broad diversity of people with different ages and backgrounds. Also the vulnerability of the author about their own journey and how things have changed even throughout the writing of the book. Again: highly recommended!

[EIRINI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kartsaki's book thinks carefully and consistently about difference and the brave decision to reveal who we truly are in this somewhat cruel world. The author has invited a range of contributors to offer their unique account of changing their name. Kartsaki, who has also changed their name, offers an honest and personal perspective of what it means to be an authentic self in a society that tirelessly tries to limit our freedoms.

This is a book everyone you love should read. It is not only about changing one's name, but about the courage it takes to loudly and unapologetically be who we really are.

[nano · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I changed my name over a year ago. I am still me, just with a different name. This new name makes more sense to me at this particular moment, to the person I have become. This new name would probably have made no sense two or three years ago. And it might not make sense in ten years from now."

[Ronaeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful empowering storys. Because we can choose and we are not alone.