Skip to product information
1 of 1

Hello, Cruel World: 101+ Alternatives to Suicide for Teens, Freaks, and Other Outlaws

Hello, Cruel World: 101+ Alternatives to Suicide for Teens, Freaks, and Other Outlaws

Review Quotes: "How lucky we are to have such a clear and intelligent writer who has had profoundly personal experiences with different identities, the subject of this first-rate book." --Kurt...

Regular price $18.95
Sale price $18.95 Regular price
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Type

Print Books

Binding

Spiral Binding

People are viewing this right now

View full details

Review Quotes:
"How lucky we are to have such a clear and intelligent writer who has had profoundly personal experiences with different identities, the subject of this first-rate book." --Kurt Vonnegut

"I realize Kate Bornstein is trying to save teenagers--the beautiful weirdos on whom the fate of our future rests--but if her book gets into the wrong hands, she might inadvertently save a whole lot of adults too." --San Francisco Chronicle

"Writer-activist-professional outcast Kate Bornstein takes an empathetic approach." --Carol Queen, co-editor of PoMoSexuals

Table of Contents:
CONTENTS:

Foreword by Sara Quinn
Introduction

PART 1
Hello, Cruel Me
Hello, Cruel Bullies
Hello, Cruel Desire
Hello, Cruel Gender

PART 2
Hello, Cruel Quick-Start Guide
121 Alternatives to Suicide for Teens, Freaks, and Other Outlaws

About the Author

Biographical Note:
A celebrated pioneer and advocate for the LGBTQ community, Kate Bornstein is the author o f My Gender Workbook: How to Become a Real Man, a Real Woman, the Real You, or Something Else Entirely; Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women and The Rest of Us; and A Queer and Pleasant Danger: A Memoir. Her plays and performance pieces include Hidden: A Gender, The Opposite Sex Is Neither, and Too Tall Blondes In Love. Bornstein lives in New York City with her partner, Barbara Carrellas.

Brief Description:
"Celebrated transsexual trailblazer Kate Bornstein bravely and wittily shares personal and unorthodox methods of survival in an often cruel world in this much-needed unconventional approach to teenage suicide prevention for marginalised youth who want to stay on the edge, but alive. Features 101 alternatives to suicide that range from the playful (moisturise), to the irreverent (disbelieve the binary), to the highly controversial (get laid, please). Bornstein fervently encourages readers to give themselves permission to unleash their hearts' desires"--

Publisher Marketing:
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

Review Citations:

  • Kirkus Reviews 05/15/2025 (EAN 9781644214435, Paperback)


Author: Bornstein, Kate
Publisher: Triangle Square
Binding: Paperback
Pub Date: 2025-04-29
BISAC: Young Adult Nonfiction / LGBTQ+ / General|Young Adult Nonfiction / Social Topics / Suicide
Subjects: Teenagers|Suicidal behavior|Prevention|Adolescent psychology|Sexual minorities|Minority teenagers|Self-help techniques|Self-help publications|Self-help techniques for teenagers|Psychology
Weight: 0.5 lbs
ISBN: 9781644214435
ASIN: -
SKU: SP-9781644214435

Shipping Information: Free delivery on all orders over $45, arrives within 3–5 days, you can also choose expedited shipping

Returns Information: 30-day return policy begins once the item ships, we cover the round-trip shipping costs for returns caused by quality issues (Return Address: 8039 S 192nd ST, STE 120, Kent, WA, 98032)

Exchanges Information: The new order will be processed once the old order is in transit back to the warehouse. Customers will only be charged for the old order if it has not been returned to the warehouse within 14 days

After-Sales Service: Simply email your requirements to support@westbindery.com, and we will process them as soon as possible upon receipt

Customer Service: Online 24/7, we recommend contacting us via email as a first choice, though you can also chat with us online

Value-added service: If you are giving the books as a gift, we also offer gift-wrapping services

Warranty Service: At West Bindery, we are committed to providing you with nothing but the best. We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. That's why all West Bindery books come standard Within 30 days warranty

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)

Q: How do I track my order?

A: Order Tracking InformationOnce your order has been placed and processed, you will receive a confirmation email containing your order details. This email will include:

  • A tracking number
  • A link to our tracking page

How to Track Your OrderClick on the tracking number link in your confirmation email.
Important Notes: Tracking information may not be immediately available after you place your order. It can take up to 36 hours for the tracking number to activate in our system. If no updates are visible right away, please check back later.


Q: What if my package gets lost or arrives damaged?

A: Lost packages: At West Bindery, we strive to ensure every order reaches you in perfect condition. In the event that your order is lost during transit, please reach out to our customer support team here with your order number and any relevant details.
Damaged packages: Please report to our customer support team here within 24 hours of receiving the order and include photos of the damaged items or package. We will review the provided documentation and, if necessary, arrange for a replacement or issue a refund.


Q: Can I change my shipping address after my order is submitted?

A: Unfortunately, we’re unable to change the shipping address once your order has been submitted. If you’ve entered the wrong address, please contact us at support@westbindery.com as soon as possible—we’ll do our best to help before your order ships.


Q: What happens if I accidentally ordered multiple copies of the same book?

A: If you have accidentally ordered multiple copies of the same book, you can return the excess copies by following our return process. Please ensure the items are in their original condition and returned within the 90-day window from the shipping date. Upon receipt and inspection of the items, if the refund is approved, it will be processed on your original payment method. Visit our return center and follow the provided instructions to ensure a smooth and timely return.

Q: I received an incomplete order, what should I do?

A: How to Report an Incomplete Order: To help us address your concern, please follow these steps:

  1. Email our support team at support@westbindery.com with:Your order numberThe email address associated with your order
  2. Let us know which item(s) is/are missing from your order.

What Happens Next: Our team will verify your order and investigate the issue. We will contact you within 1 business day with an update or resolution, including sending the missing item(s) or other suitable options.

Recently Viewed