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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
A thoughtful exploration of trans masculinity, gendered violence, intimacy. I wish he'd also included discussions with non-cis men, and that lack felt disappointing. Still, a very good read.
Finished this in two days, probably about 5 hours of total reading. It was an interesting dive into masculinity, though probably more revelatory to cisgender readers. It struck an engaging balance between McBee's personal story and interviews, statistics, and theories about manhood. As a memoir, it reads more as a part 2 than a whole story, but I can't be totally sure about this since I have not read McBee's first book. I would definitely recommend it to people curious about ideas of masculinity and the experiences of suddenly inhabiting a new place in society. It feels like the book should come with a "You construct intricate rituals..." poster. I wouldn't recommend it if you're seeking out stories getting more into the nitty gritty of transition, or of the harder history of masculinity. I'm probably going to donate my copy to the GSA.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
2024 updated—I listened to this audiobook narrated by the author, and it remains one of my favorite books. It is such an essential look at masculinity, and it still hits me so hard. The first time I read this, I'd just started HRT, and now, a year in, the message still resonates, even though I have some different experiences than McBee. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in gender or masculinity or anyone who wants to be my friend.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
tense
fast-paced
I read this for the first time for a college class, and again a couple years after. I love the story, and it’s full of real, raw emotion and feeling about trans identity.
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
I loved this book. Thomas uses his personal experiences of preparing for his participation in a charity boxing match to work through his journey dissecting toxic masculinity, patriarchy, and what it means to be a man. I appreciate that he refrains from making generalized or vilified conversation, empathizing with the men around him while also taking care to check his harmful behaviours for the people around him and try better. I don't id as a trans man in a binary sense, but in my own transition these same questions have weighed heavy on my mind and this book feels like a balm for my overwhelm.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Violence, Death of parent
Moderate: Child abuse, Misogyny, Sexism
Minor: Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia
reflective
fast-paced
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced