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Lou Who?
Lou Who? is the honest and raw journey of a young woman battling to rediscover and redefine herself in a world that often makes us feel as if life ought to be a certain way. For centuries, Western women have strived towards certain traditional milestones--like pursuing marriage instead of seeking themselves out with honesty and love, neglecting their opportunities for growth in turn.
When Lou’s life in her native homeland of Scotland ends in divorce, her heart carries her across the Atlantic Ocean to Canada, with every artery of her being pulsing to recreate herself somewhere else. Vancouver, Canada becomes her new home, following a friend’s recommendation and some intensive Google Street Viewing, like an intuition asserting itself as the real deal.
What Lou expected to simply amount to moving on from her divorce, while making friends and settling into a new environment--where she becomes a stranger even to herself--evolves into facing demons from her childhood, battling physical and mental health issues, understanding her historical relationship to Vancouver, learning to see herself through new perspectives, and beginning her journey back into the dating scene.
This self-reflective memoir is about more than her experience in a new country: it details her discovery of selfhood, her personal health, her sexuality, her love for and growing connection to Mother Nature, her evolving perspectives on race and diversity, and ultimately her gratitude for this land she now calls home, which has returned her to the essence of herself.
When Lou’s life in her native homeland of Scotland ends in divorce, her heart carries her across the Atlantic Ocean to Canada, with every artery of her being pulsing to recreate herself somewhere else. Vancouver, Canada becomes her new home, following a friend’s recommendation and some intensive Google Street Viewing, like an intuition asserting itself as the real deal.
What Lou expected to simply amount to moving on from her divorce, while making friends and settling into a new environment--where she becomes a stranger even to herself--evolves into facing demons from her childhood, battling physical and mental health issues, understanding her historical relationship to Vancouver, learning to see herself through new perspectives, and beginning her journey back into the dating scene.
This self-reflective memoir is about more than her experience in a new country: it details her discovery of selfhood, her personal health, her sexuality, her love for and growing connection to Mother Nature, her evolving perspectives on race and diversity, and ultimately her gratitude for this land she now calls home, which has returned her to the essence of herself.
294 pages, Paperback
Published August 21, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 21, 2020
Unlike other memoirs, this book reads like a fictional tale, the unbelievable story keeps you turning the page to see where life will take Louise next. Lou Who? captures readers by giving a play by play as Louise navigates her divorce, getting back into dating and tackling stigmas, mental and physical health, and more along the way. A great book club read because there’s so much you want to talk to your friends about!
April 11, 2022
I learnt Elton John can never have enough flowers.
How did the book make me feel/think?
There is a 50/50 chance those in the dating pool are dancing with a damaged product of divorce. It’s likely more like 57.4/42.6.
Most of us are broken and dragging with us a crushing amount of lifetime baggage. Life is so bleeping fast now.
Swipe right. Judge. Swipe left. Ewe. Judge. Judge. Judge. It’s a battlefield.
I hop into a time machine, transporting me back to a locker room. The alpha commands the stage. We listen in awe. Misogyny rules. His conquests are all perfect physical specimens; each is given a pet name. He is the best lover in the world. We listen in awe.
Flash forward. Regardless of gender, → it becomes increasingly acceptable (and the right thing) for women to own their sexuality. The labels attached to being sexually active are becoming gender non-specific. Not quickly enough?
Back in the locker room, the one commanding the stage loses interest because ‘perfect physicality’ and ‘great in bed’ are → the top of the mountain. Down is the only option afterward.
When did dating become so much work? When did the aftermath of ‘perfect’ and ‘great’ become: Let’s map out the rest of our lives together? Can any potential relationship survive the weight of being in your twenties, and the person who is supposed to bring comfort → adds nothing but pressure?
How can someone claim not to be confident and continually say everyone they meet is perfect, and the sex is → when they are the common denominator?
Lou Who? Reads like a locker room chat with a friend where misogyny isn’t being shunned, but it is embraced, only with the shoe on the other foot.
Lou Who? Reads like a projection of will without understanding the pinnacle—once reached, it’s easier to run downhill instead of trying to align values, hopes, and dreams. For example, 57.4% of marriages end in divorce → if the burden to be is too significant (in one’s twenties); there is only one way for that number to go.
And why, when claiming cultural awareness, would a line about eyebrows, “at least not a straight guy,” be in the book? A cheap laugh? A sweeping generalization?
WRITTEN: 12 April 2022
How did the book make me feel/think?
There is a 50/50 chance those in the dating pool are dancing with a damaged product of divorce. It’s likely more like 57.4/42.6.
Most of us are broken and dragging with us a crushing amount of lifetime baggage. Life is so bleeping fast now.
Swipe right. Judge. Swipe left. Ewe. Judge. Judge. Judge. It’s a battlefield.
I hop into a time machine, transporting me back to a locker room. The alpha commands the stage. We listen in awe. Misogyny rules. His conquests are all perfect physical specimens; each is given a pet name. He is the best lover in the world. We listen in awe.
Flash forward. Regardless of gender, → it becomes increasingly acceptable (and the right thing) for women to own their sexuality. The labels attached to being sexually active are becoming gender non-specific. Not quickly enough?
Back in the locker room, the one commanding the stage loses interest because ‘perfect physicality’ and ‘great in bed’ are → the top of the mountain. Down is the only option afterward.
When did dating become so much work? When did the aftermath of ‘perfect’ and ‘great’ become: Let’s map out the rest of our lives together? Can any potential relationship survive the weight of being in your twenties, and the person who is supposed to bring comfort → adds nothing but pressure?
How can someone claim not to be confident and continually say everyone they meet is perfect, and the sex is → when they are the common denominator?
Lou Who? Reads like a locker room chat with a friend where misogyny isn’t being shunned, but it is embraced, only with the shoe on the other foot.
Lou Who? Reads like a projection of will without understanding the pinnacle—once reached, it’s easier to run downhill instead of trying to align values, hopes, and dreams. For example, 57.4% of marriages end in divorce → if the burden to be is too significant (in one’s twenties); there is only one way for that number to go.
And why, when claiming cultural awareness, would a line about eyebrows, “at least not a straight guy,” be in the book? A cheap laugh? A sweeping generalization?
WRITTEN: 12 April 2022
August 31, 2020
This is a story of resilience and a reminder that no matter what happens to us, we still get to choose how to respond, and if we give ourselves permission to look inwards, we might be able to learn something in the process. With her fluid narration, Lou makes us feel like we're hanging out at brunch, enjoying steamy tinder stories and navigating the not so kind aftermath. Her transformative years in Vancouver invites readers to be vulnerable with themselves and explore our own growth. Don't let the logline fool you, this is a devourable read, with a lot of emotional intelligence packed into each page!
August 21, 2020
Lou has a way with words. Her story is relatable; searching for love in a concrete jungle while balancing family, friends, life, work and a myriad of other responsibilities – something that many of us are also experiencing. What I appreciate the most is how Lou talks openly about her mental health and shines a light on a once taboo topic. She’s able to share a story that’s incredibly personal with the right amount of comedy.
It’s bold and unapologetic. It’s why I love it.
It’s bold and unapologetic. It’s why I love it.
September 12, 2020
At some points, you can’t believe this book is a memoir because some of the stories are so outrageous, raw, and hilarious! This book is an absolute page-turner - you can’t help but fall in love with the main character for being so vulnerable and honest. A refreshing perspective on mental health and societal stigmas. Would highly recommend this book to anyone and for any book club! A phenomenal debut!
November 23, 2020
When I started reading Lou Who? I couldn’t put it down. Her memoir talks about her move to Vancouver from Scotland and navigating the dating scene while dealing with her own mental health struggles. It made me really miss Vancouver and I really appreciated the honesty with which she writes about her experiences and reflects on her actions. Her dating stories and the story of her divorce are all also really interesting and book-worthy. The way she writes is very unpretentious and the book was also really funny. I would be lying if I didn’t say I felt inspired to write myself.
September 29, 2020
This memoir made me laugh just as much as it made me cry. We all find ourselves making decisions in love and dating that we can't explain which makes the author's emotional journey all the more relatable. It serves a great reminder that we need to look within to find true love and happiness. Lou Who? is honest, passionate, and highly addictive!
September 9, 2020
A real and honest story about ones self worth and self growth
A raw book on self discovery after being divorced at a young age. An Honest account about dating, relationships and self growth. It’s inspiring how the author growth is relatable.
A raw book on self discovery after being divorced at a young age. An Honest account about dating, relationships and self growth. It’s inspiring how the author growth is relatable.
October 9, 2020
A riveting read that draws you right in with its incredibly candid description of a surprise divorce and move. Would highly recommend for anyone interested in learning about the dating world of modern day Vancouver and the challenges that come with it.
September 17, 2020
Beautifully written memoir. The author is vulnerable, true and honest and there are so many relatable experiences. This is a must read for everyone!!!
January 18, 2021
This was a thought-provoking book about Lou's amazing journey from Edinburgh to Vancouver and starting a new life.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews