Reviews

Horse Barbie by Geena Rocero

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tmdreads's review against another edition

4.75

Geena’s memoir takes us from her childhood in the Philippines, winning Trans pageants as a teenager to her immigrating the USA and becoming a model and advocate. Her journey of self-discovery and decolonization is raw and moving.

megkoz's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

One of the more entertaining and down to earth trans memoirs I’ve read, and one of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to.

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mollief's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

Solid memoir. Didn’t love Geena’s voice (personal thing - don’t hold that against the book!), though I appreciated doing the audio for the Tagalog pronunciation.

squidreads12's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

3.0

I learned a lot from this book, about the trans scene in the Philippines, about the modeling world, and all the other many facets of Rocero’s life.
Rocero’s joyful voice was so fun to listen to, but sometimes I could not take homegirl seriously when she literally neighed, exemplifying her “horse Barbie” persona.
Sometimes the writing style just didn’t gel with me, and some points I got bored of the minute details of modeling, but overall a fascinating and inspiring read.

kitchenbeat10's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

This was such an informative and interesting read. The perspective of a transwoman who succeeded as a model and understanding the struggles she went through was enlightening. What interested me the most was her process of decolonising her mindset from what she grew up hearing and absorbing. It's something I relate to. I didn't like the writing at times, but I still appreciated the audiobook being delivered by the author herself.

littleredmacks's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

This book was raw and vulnerable and so worth it.

parenthesis_enjoyer's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

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friendofhayley's review against another edition

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challenging reflective medium-paced

4.5

Really liked this memoir. Inspiring!

bisexualbookshelf's review

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emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

"Horse Barbie" is a profoundly impactful memoir by Geena Rocero, a trans Filipina pageant star, offering a poignant exploration of femininity, identity, and resilience in the face of oppression. Rocero's narrative is a powerful testament to the challenges and triumphs of navigating the intersections of gender, race, and colonial history.

Throughout the memoir, Rocero fearlessly delves into the complexities of feminization, shedding light on the relentless pressure to conform to narrow standards of beauty and gender expression. Her candid reflections on the fear of being "clocked" are extremely poignant, offering insight into the lived experiences of trans individuals, particularly transfemmes, in society.

Against the backdrop of the American modeling industry, Rocero unveils the insidious forces of white supremacy, beauty standards, colorism, and transphobia, illuminating the systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities. Her unwavering commitment to anticolonial and decolonial themes underscores the importance of reclaiming and celebrating trans Filipina heritage.

Central to Rocero's narrative is the theme of chosen family and solidarity within the trans community, highlighting the transformative power of support and collective action. Her portrayal of trans joy and resilience amidst adversity serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for readers grappling with their own identities and struggles.

Rocero's voice is both intimate and inviting, infused with moments of humor and levity that balance the weight of the narrative. Her journey as an immigrant navigating the complexities of identity and assimilation in America offers a nuanced perspective on the intersectionality of gender and migration.

"Horse Barbie" is not merely a memoir; it is a manifesto of trans empowerment and liberation, challenging societal norms and reclaiming agency over one's identity. Rocero's unwavering commitment to self-love and acceptance serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and beauty inherent in trans existence.

As Rocero eloquently states, "trans joy can never be fully extinguished," and "Horse Barbie" is a testament to the enduring spirit of resilience and determination within the trans community. Through her courageous storytelling, Rocero invites readers to reimagine their own histories and embrace their authentic selves with pride and confidence. "Horse Barbie" is a transformative and essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of gender, identity, and the power of self-affirmation. Geena Rocero's memoir is a triumph of trans resilience and joy, and I hope you’ll pick up a copy today.

📖 Recommended For: Advocates of Trans Liberation, Critics of Gender Norms & Roles, Supporters of Intersectional Feminism, Advocates of Decolonialism.

🔑 Key Themes: Trans Empowerment, Decolonization of Beauty Standards, Chosen Family and Community Support, Immigrant Experience and Identity, Resilience and Self-Love, Intersectionality and Solidarity, Reclaiming Trans Joy and Agency.

Content Warnings

kalilah's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

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