About the Book
Do you know your roots? DNA results and a search for his birth family take author Jesse Scott on a wild and rocky pursuit of his past as he uncovers the truth one piece at a time, a journey that redefines his identity and reshapes his understanding of what family truly means.
Jesse and his biological brother Lee were adopted as children and led challenging lives-from a stint in a mental institution to sex work and addiction. After 50 years of looking for his birth parents, the technology of DNA and social media, plus a hearty tenacity, help solve the mystery of his birth, while creating new questions.
A story of survival told with humor, courage, and unsparing honesty. Reminiscent of Chris Rush's The Light Years, Scott's memoir is a triumph of the human spirit, offering hope to anyone who's ever had to fight to be themselves.
Memoir LGBTQ Ancestry
This impressive first book effortlessly dances across time, beginning with the opening scene of Scott hunched over the computer, studying Ancestry.com. Despite growing up in a strict home while wrestling with his own queer identity and braving time in a mental hospital, sex work, and addiction, Scott never wavers. His courage to continue his quest for belonging is the beam of inspiration that makes this memoir intimate, comforting, and thought-provoking.
- Abby McCabe, Booklist
About the Author :
Jesse Scott is former case manager for people living with HIV, former caregiver, and is currently living out his retirement in the deserts of the west coast. He continues to surprise people who have known him for years, for still being alive and kicking. Keri Ault is a social worker living in Portland, Oregon. Her writing has appeared in the Meadowlark Reader, You Might Need to Hear This, Cirque, and Proof That I Exist. When she is not writing or working, she is trying to spend as much time outside as possible, even when it's raining.
Review :
Jesse Scott's debut memoir, You Can't Get Rid of Me, is Augusten Burroughs' Running with Scissors, with a touch of Scotty Bowers' Full Service. Scott's story of growing up a gay boy in the 1960s and 1970s, adopted by evangelical parents who committed him to an adult psychiatric institution, is both harrowing and triumphant. From surviving a pedophile foster dad, to becoming a gay escort in Hollywood, to eventually finding his birth family and Native American roots, Scott's memoir is an inspiration to every queer kid forced to pretend to be someone else to survive. You'll be cheering for Jesse by the end.
-Amber Fraley, author of Kansas GenExistential
The feeling of being accepted is truly explored in this book. Jesse Scott's use of imagery and raw honesty elevates the narrative, stirring up powerful emotions ranging from anger and fear to a longing for hope and closure. You Can't Get Rid of Me is a beautiful story with lifelong lessons on family, love, and acceptance.
-Adanna Ora, Readers' Favorite
Throughout the memoir, Jesse balances past traumas with moments of hope, leaning into relationships, caregiving, and his ongoing quest for family. His DNA results spark a new discovery, but questions remain unanswered. In You Can't Get Rid of Me, Jesse Scott gives us an intelligent, raw memoir that is shared stoically, but still with remarkable vulnerability. I liked the transitions between lighthearted nostalgia-such as family vacations and the curious case of a boyfriend who was something of a unicorn as a gay male Republican (yes, really)-and the darker, more painful recollections of rejection, addiction, and trauma. Nowadays, the use of ancestral DNA services is so widespread that I know of very few people who have not used one, and Scott shows us first-hand what benefits they can provide, but also the things they can dredge up. I did not expect the outcome, but it is fitting given that nothing in Scott's life is ordinary. He is the living embodiment of finding solace in small victories, and he lets us into his life with a mix of humor, heartbreak, and hope in a deeply human portrait that lingers long after turning the final page. Recommended.
-Asher Syed, Readers' Favorite
...A captivating memoir that captures the essence of resilience, identity, and the pursuit of acceptance. This vivid narrative takes readers through the tumultuous journey of growing up LGBTQ in the 1970s-a time when not conforming to societal norms presented significant challenges. The inclusion of historical context enriches the narrative, giving readers insight into the era and the social dynamics that shaped Jesse's life. This memoir reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ community, making it a relevant read even today.
Jesse Scott and Keri Ault brilliantly capture Jesse's experiences, balancing humorous anecdotes with deeply poignant moments that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt marginalized. A significant moment occurs when Jesse and Lee wear their mother's diamond earrings at her funeral, symbolizing their ongoing connection and shared grief. Each wearing one earring illustrates a mutual support system, sharing the weight of their loss equally and reinforcing their bond as they navigate the mourning process. The choice of diamond earrings symbolizes the lasting and unbreakable nature of their love and memory of their mother. Diamonds, known for their toughness and endurance, represent the strength of the family ties and the lasting impact of their mother's life, which sums up the book concisely. Scott and Ault have created a memoir that celebrates the courage it takes to live authentically, making You Can't Get Rid of Me an inspiring read.
-Carol Thompson, Readers' Favorite
