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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Thomas begins recreational boxing shortly after his transition, which launches him into an examination of what masculinity means for society as a whole and what it means for him, personally, now that other perceive him as male.
This brief memoir is concerned with the idea of passing, not just physically, but behaviorally/morally, etc. Thomas reflects on ways in which he adopts the toxic characteristics attributes to masculinity: he tallies each time he speaks over a female colleague, how many times he takes a male colleague more seriously. Is it possible to be a man outside of the sexist and often violent societal expectation?
Within the aggressive atmosphere of a boxing ring is a tender study of male friendship and surprising bonds that form when men are liberated from bravado and machismo.
This brief memoir is concerned with the idea of passing, not just physically, but behaviorally/morally, etc. Thomas reflects on ways in which he adopts the toxic characteristics attributes to masculinity: he tallies each time he speaks over a female colleague, how many times he takes a male colleague more seriously. Is it possible to be a man outside of the sexist and often violent societal expectation?
Within the aggressive atmosphere of a boxing ring is a tender study of male friendship and surprising bonds that form when men are liberated from bravado and machismo.
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
Excellent trans-masculine autobiography for the LGBTQ+ community and CIS-gendered people alike to better understand the complexity of the gender experience.
4.5 rounded up to 5
I really enjoyed this book. I think one of the main quotes that was carried through the story was from tommy‘s partner Jess, “maybe instead of looking for the men you want to be you need to face your own worst fears about who you are.” I really enjoyed the topics pulled through this book including: shame, passing, reflection, growing.
I think in a post-roe world, men and toxic masculinity are a really scary concept so the perspective of a trans man seeking to understand masculinity and searching for a new approach to masculinity feels really important. In the epilogue, Tommy mentions knowing “we need a future that we can’t yet imagine” and it’s really interesting to think about that through a gender perspective.
I thought the analysis of Mike Tyson was interesting and I appreciated the way McBee told his story to have the reader hold a compassionate view towards this person but I wish that his story had more nuance. I think this is one example of many throughout the book where there were racial undertones and acknowledgments but it wasn’t a fully flushed out idea.
I really enjoyed this book. I think one of the main quotes that was carried through the story was from tommy‘s partner Jess, “maybe instead of looking for the men you want to be you need to face your own worst fears about who you are.” I really enjoyed the topics pulled through this book including: shame, passing, reflection, growing.
I think in a post-roe world, men and toxic masculinity are a really scary concept so the perspective of a trans man seeking to understand masculinity and searching for a new approach to masculinity feels really important. In the epilogue, Tommy mentions knowing “we need a future that we can’t yet imagine” and it’s really interesting to think about that through a gender perspective.
I thought the analysis of Mike Tyson was interesting and I appreciated the way McBee told his story to have the reader hold a compassionate view towards this person but I wish that his story had more nuance. I think this is one example of many throughout the book where there were racial undertones and acknowledgments but it wasn’t a fully flushed out idea.
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Misogyny, Sexism
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
I felt like this book touched on some great points, but it seemed like the author just kind of let them float by rather than engaging with them. I don't know that I got a lot out of it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Violence
An astonishing, enthralling read on many levels. This is both a thoughtful, sensible exploration of masculinity and also an intriguing, engaging piece of sports journalism.