“The Fixed Stars is a nuanced look into two subjects frequently depicted as binary: love and sexuality. Wizenberg writes of her journey into queerness with tenderness and curiosity, two essential qualities for any sort of entry into new lands. This book spoke directly to my heart. Read it.”
—Esmé Weijun Wang, author of The Collected Schizophrenias
2021 Stonewall Book Award — Israel Fishman Nonfiction Honor Book
2021 Washington State Book Award Finalist
The Fixed Stars was an Indie Next Pick!
“[B]eautifully written and unusually thoughtful.” — Curtis Sittenfeld, via The Millions
“Wizenberg writes with a remarkable openness about being true to herself and to others, and gives those looking to understand the complicated issue of sexuality a compassionate example of the many forms that love takes. This honest and moving memoir will enlighten and educate those seeking to understand their true selves.” — Publishers Weekly (starred)
“Drawing on the work of queer writers, including Alison Bechdel and Maggie Nelson, Wizenberg’s beautifully written memoir explores what it’s like to come out even while continuing to question one’s identity and sexual orientation. The book tackles these complicated themes and the meaning of family with compassion and tenderness.” — Library Journal (starred)
“A rigorous and passionate investigation into the real marrow of how we know ourselves and how we weather the changes—desire in identity, in companionship, our needs (small and expansive)—of our lives.” — The Observer, Best Books to Read in Spring 2020
“Wizenberg is an excellent writer; her meditations on what it means to know yourself—or think you know yourself—and how unpredictable and exciting life really is are a joy to read.” — Electric Literature, 14 Highly Anticipated LGBTQ+ Books Coming This Spring
“A spirited, terrifyingly courageous, and searingly honest memoir of discovering sexual identity and strength.” — Booklist
“A courageous and thought-provoking memoir.” — Kirkus Reviews
“The Fixed Stars, like its protagonist, is both brave and sexy, both heady and bodily, and I ripped through this memoir like it was the most erudite romance novel in the world. This is a truly compelling look at sexuality, marriage, and parenthood in this century.” — Emma Straub, author of All Adults Here and The Vacationers
“Yet another generation discovers the truth of Virgil’s ‘omnia vincit amor.’ Love conquers all.” — Rita Mae Brown, author of Rubyfruit Jungle
“The Fixed Stars is that rare thing, a groundbreaking, essential book about sexuality. Wizenberg’s incisive, generous laying-bare of her own experience will make many readers feel seen, understood, and not alone. This book is a triumph.” — Kate Christensen, author of Blue Plate Special and The Last Cruise
“The Fixed Stars had me from page one. It’s a wise, compelling, and compassionate book that investigates with an open, curious heart the slippery nature of the self. Molly Wizenberg writes in beautiful, crystalline prose about what it feels like to grapple with one’s desires, however unfamiliar and scary, and she does not look away.” — Edan Lepucki, author of California and Woman No. 17
“In The Fixed Stars, Molly Wizenberg tackles the ever-shifting issues of marriage, motherhood, and sexual orientation with the same compassion and unflinching honesty that have become the hallmarks of her writing. She makes the everyday extraordinary and brings depth and complexity to the bigger questions in life. A beautiful read.” — Erica Bauermeister, author of The Scent Keeper