bronzeageholly's review against another edition

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challenging informative reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

 A stark and striking look at the facts and figures regarding the moral panic around trans people (mostly focusing on the UK, but with brief look at the USA). 
 
Shon Faye writes incredibly well, succinct and clear, with inarguable analysis and case for improving the lives of trans people. I would advise reading this book as a whole to understand the links between each social issue thoroughly. Yet, I would also suggest picking up the specific chapters that you may feel you lack a full awareness of (e.g., homelessness or incarceration or domestic violence). Each picks apart and expertly counters misinformation and shares the reality of living as a trans person in the UK. 
 
While I whole-heartedly recommend this book, it is also very very hard-hitting. It took me a long time to read due to needing to take a lot of breaks. Please be aware of any trigger warnings when you pick up this book. 

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tangleroot_eli's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced
 This isn’t a happy book. Seven chapters detailing the ways trans folks in the UK are hard done by the government, the medical establishment, the media, and the feminist movement make hard reading for those of us who stand, and/or love those who stand, under the trans umbrella. Nor did I find it the straightforward, super-obvious roadmap to trans liberation that many of the blurb-writers claimed it to be. Still, Faye’s bold voice and unflinching critiques of both the forces that try to crush trans folks and the tactics that (mostly white, middle class, cishet) moderate liberals think will save us make this book a balm for what ails us. (Spoiler alert: it’s capitalism. Capitalism is what ails us.) 

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tuesday_evening's review

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0


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nialiversuch's review

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0


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catherinedsharp's review

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challenging emotional informative medium-paced

4.25

This text was incredibly informative! Despite it being dense in writing, I devoured it and found that I jelled well with the writing style.

Despite being an emotionally difficult book to read, I found it very important to educate myself with it and Shin Faye discusses being transgender within a variety of contexts. 

I would highly recommend, especially to those who would like to learn more about the issues of transgender people. The style is relatively accessible to all and Shon Faye writes in a way that educates whilst also being engaging.

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balfies's review

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challenging informative inspiring medium-paced

4.5

Absolute must read. One of the best books of the year. 

Trans journalist and advocate Shon Faye cuts deeply into the issues facing the trans community - this is not an argument for recognition or acceptance, but a demand for justice, and a scathing critique of the aggressive and dangerous anti-trans politics within the UK. 

The chapter on class struggle was particularly astute. This is a vital piece of writing which verbalised and crystallised so many complex ideas into essential, clear gems.

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