A Library Journal Best Book of 2016
If you look for yourself in the past and see nothing, how do you know who you are? How do you know that you’re supposed to be here?
When Wyatt brings an unidentified photograph to the local historical society, he hopes staff historian Grayson will tell him more about the people in the picture. The subjects in the mysterious photograph sit side by side, their hands close but not touching. One is dark, the other fair. Both wear men’s suits.
Were they friends? Lovers? Business partners? Curiosity drives Grayson and Wyatt to dig deep for information, and the more they learn, the more they begin to wonder — about the photograph, and about themselves.
Grayson has lost his way. He misses the family and friends who anchored him before his transition and the confidence that drove him as a high-achieving graduate student. Wyatt lives in a similar limbo, caring for an ill mother, worrying about money, unsure how and when he might be able to express his nonbinary gender publicly. The growing attraction between Wyatt and Grayson is terrifying — and incredibly exciting.
As Grayson and Wyatt discover the power of love to provide them with safety and comfort in the present, they find new ways to write the unwritten history of their own lives and the lives of people like them. With sympathy and cutting insight, Ottoman offers a tour de force exploration of contemporary trans identity.
“Well-crafted stories with transgender characters can be a bit scarce, but this one hits the mark.“ Library Journal
“I have not read a more human story … Find and read Documenting Light. You will see humanity. You will be uplifted.“ Dr. Rupert Nacoste, NC State Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity
“I loved this story, this romance, and the truth behind this novel. This author has my admiration and the book my highest recommendation.” All About Romance
“An important book … claiming new territory. Highly recommended.” Just Love Romance Reviews
“These are nuanced portrayals, not paint-by-numbers trans folks, so they come off so very real and fleshed-out and wonderful. . . . Definitely recommended for everyone, but especially historians.” Trans Book Reviews
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