se_wigget's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

This beautifully written memoir is brave and eye-opening.

I'd like certain influential transphobes--such as J. K. Voldemort, Elon Musk, and certain UK prime ministers, to be strapped in chairs with gags over their mouths in a room with the audio version of this book playing loudly enough that it would be impossible for them to ignore it. Maybe then they'd finally see trans people as human.

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livlamentloathe's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced

4.0

I cannot say I “enjoyed” this read given the struggles Janet faced throughout her life, but I appreciated her honesty and sincerity. I’m glad to have learned from her story. I think this memoir stands on its own, and I recommend it to anyone who doesn’t know much about trans folks. Especially trans women of color. I wish there was more empathy and compassion in the world for kids growing up and experiencing dysphoria. I wish there were more systems in place to give a soft landing to those who felt desperate or alone or anxious.
The scene when Janet put money on the table for her mom was especially fraught for me. That feeling of wanting your parents to care more for you and to notice you struggling is familiar, probably to more than a handful of us. It’s hard to feel both supported and let down by your family.
I am glad Janet was able to grow from her childhood/past. And that she was able to achieve her goals safely considering the danger she was often in. And I think it was pivotal of her to repeat statistics and affirmations that no surgery will make you a “real” girl. You are real. A poignant story with a lot to learn from.

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madeleinebay's review against another edition

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4.25


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littlecozyreaderr's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.0


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robinks's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

I didn’t know much about Mock’s story before listening to this audiobook, and it was incredibly moving to hear it in her own voice. While she did an incredible job tying in statistics and the larger context of her life, she also took great care to emphasize that this is her story, which is just one of many lived by marginalized folks of intersecting identities.

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bluenicorn's review against another edition

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challenging hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.0


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chaoticnostalgia's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.5


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vokolek's review against another edition

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fast-paced

4.25


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erinhjackson's review against another edition

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challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0


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meganelise's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.75

I absolutely loved this book, Mock’s writing is approachable and easy to read, though the content does get very heavy at times. The only thing I wanted that wasn’t there was more about her time in New York. But maybe she’ll write another book about that someday!

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