Voices Carry

Voices Carry

A Story of Teaching, Transitions, & Truths


Rules of Teaching:

1. Clone thyself
2. Learn teleportation. The sooner the better.
3. Trust no one.

These are the rules I learned as a middle school teacher, though it was the last one that drove me from the classroom forever. Like many educators, I couldn’t survive the politics. After thirteen years, I bailed. How did I, an abuse-surviving queer, end up teaching in the middle of the Bible Belt? Better yet, how did I survive?

New Rule of Life: Neither my silence nor my identity is for sale at any price.

My former vice principal said it best (though I wasn’t supposed to see that email) when he asked, “Why does she always have to write a damn novel?”

So here I am. Writing a damn novel. As to the why…because I believe in changing the world, one word at a time.

Navigating discrimination, whether it’s from employers, medical professionals, colleagues, or family, is often fraught with uncertainty. Join Raven Oak on their journey of transition and self-discovery in a world built on silence.

RELEASE DATE:  AUGUST 6, 2023

Book Release Party details below. 


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Hardback available at:



Praise

…a powerful exploration of resilience and self-acceptance. Her story is not just about her struggles but also about the universal quest for self-identity and voice. I highly recommend Voices Carry to anyone dealing with chronic pain, mental health struggles, or anyone who feels their dreams have been deferred. Raven’s story offers solace and inspiration.
-- Sarah Hill
wondermajica
Oak is articulate and pulls no punches in this memoir.
-- Barbara Lloyd McMichael
Our Coast Weekend
Voices Carry is a love letter to the Queer educators fighting to keep classrooms safe.
-- Lindsey Anderson
Seattle Gay News
It's captivating...the entire book is raw and honest.
-- Tabatha Shipley
All the Right Reads
With a combination of vulnerability, forcefulness, and wit, Oak covers their complicated childhood, their career as a public school teacher in Texas, their ongoing battle with layered medical issues, and their journey of self-discovery as a person and a writer...Voices Carry is a brave and engaging read.
-- Maia Chance
Author of The Body Next Door
Raven's memoir is all about finding their voice and using it for the greater good.
-- Stephanie Hildreth
100 Pages a Day
A moving, and sometimes shocking look at the authors experiences with teaching...Great read, and one that all parents should have a copy of, no matter their orientation!
-- Steph Carlson
ARC Reader
Raven Oak is a superhero...This is such a brutally authentic memoir.
-- Donna Reed
ARC Reader

Click to Read an Excerpt


Voices Carry Book Trailer


Voices Carry Book Release Event Tuesday 8/6 at 6 PM PDT Details at https://bit.ly/voicescarryparty The Voices Carry Book Release Party ONLINE!

Tuesday, August 6th at 6 PM PDT (9 PM EDT).
Event will include:

  • a short reading from the book
  • Q&A with Raven
  • 4 Self-Care Prize Bundles

Join the event on YouTube at https://bit.ly/voicescarryparty


Also, Raven is having a Zoom Book Party ONLINE!

Friday, August 9th at 6 PM PDT (9 PM EDT).

The event is limited in number so RSVP is required. Event will include:

  • Video chatting with Raven about Voices Carry, teaching, queerness, writing, and whatever else comes up
  • Lots of chocolate as the event is BYO-Chocolate
  • Games
  • 1 Self-Care Prize Bundle

RSVP now at: https://bit.ly/VCzoomchoc