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A review by me_alley
Woodworking by Emily St. James
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
LitFic Trans-affirming story of a small town, sharing experience, strength, friendship and hope of trans women of different generations and journeys. Not all trans people "pass" as cisgender, although many do. It is such a small percentage of the population and yet so demonized. So many have a very difficult life but it doesn't have to be that way.
This book is respectful, and doesn't shy away from the nightmarish situations that happen to the community. But it also celebrates trans joy and that people are individuals with different experiences. It is SO funny, so cleverly written, SUCH a good plot. Abigail's voice is so real, so cynical, so angry for good reason. Erica is a strength in her life, the fact that these women are still walking around Montana is a testament to their grit and determination.
Abigail is 17, a student and the one that the whole town seems to be against.... or at least afraid of. She is self-assured and insecure all at the same time. She is learning how to trust people and how to keep herself safe. She has escaped her abusive family and looking for found family.
Erika is a middle aged teacher, and has just realized she is trans, or at least she is just able to admit it to herself. She helps Abigail in trying to grow up with little trauma, and Abigail helps Erika by being an ear on what it is like emotionally.
There are so many ridiculous side characters like me in the book-- cis, straight, well-meaning allies who are trying way to hard and getting it wrong half the time. They are very annoying to Abigail and so, so funny.
I am so grateful that it has the perfect title. I absolutely loved it, it is sure to be remembered as one of the "great complicated trans stories."
This book is respectful, and doesn't shy away from the nightmarish situations that happen to the community. But it also celebrates trans joy and that people are individuals with different experiences. It is SO funny, so cleverly written, SUCH a good plot. Abigail's voice is so real, so cynical, so angry for good reason. Erica is a strength in her life, the fact that these women are still walking around Montana is a testament to their grit and determination.
Abigail is 17, a student and the one that the whole town seems to be against.... or at least afraid of. She is self-assured and insecure all at the same time. She is learning how to trust people and how to keep herself safe. She has escaped her abusive family and looking for found family.
Erika is a middle aged teacher, and has just realized she is trans, or at least she is just able to admit it to herself. She helps Abigail in trying to grow up with little trauma, and Abigail helps Erika by being an ear on what it is like emotionally.
There are so many ridiculous side characters like me in the book-- cis, straight, well-meaning allies who are trying way to hard and getting it wrong half the time. They are very annoying to Abigail and so, so funny.
I am so grateful that it has the perfect title. I absolutely loved it, it is sure to be remembered as one of the "great complicated trans stories."