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melimarottoli 's review for:
She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders
by Jennifer Finney Boylan
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
This was my first take at trying to read more queer books this year. And what a choice.
I had a bit of trouble with the narration at the beginning. There were scenes that didn't quite make sense to me (Nora, Gammie and her "friend", for example). But I found my way and I enjoyed it so much.
I loved the exploration of gender that Jenny did, and her honesty when dealing with it. I found her journey inspiring and, I am going to say it, lucky. She was always surrounded by people that loved her, people that stuck around, people that got over their own prejudices and just loved her. She also had the support of her family (only her mother at that point, but still) and her work environment. And ultimately, she had the funds to support her transition seamlessly and with no major bumps in the road. And I wish that were the case for all transgender people everywhere. I loved reading about this particular experience, but I know this doesn't represent the experience of all transgender people, every person is different and has a unique journey. This book only made me want to read more and more queer accounts of gender, family, transitions, and existing in the world.
I will say something about the afterword, because the edition I read was an anniversary one, with an afterword by Russo, Jenny's best friend. And I couldn't have cared less about a privileged white man's perspective on a transgender woman's journey. I ended up skipping it. I did appreciate Grace's account.
I had a bit of trouble with the narration at the beginning. There were scenes that didn't quite make sense to me (Nora, Gammie and her "friend", for example). But I found my way and I enjoyed it so much.
I loved the exploration of gender that Jenny did, and her honesty when dealing with it. I found her journey inspiring and, I am going to say it, lucky. She was always surrounded by people that loved her, people that stuck around, people that got over their own prejudices and just loved her. She also had the support of her family (only her mother at that point, but still) and her work environment. And ultimately, she had the funds to support her transition seamlessly and with no major bumps in the road. And I wish that were the case for all transgender people everywhere. I loved reading about this particular experience, but I know this doesn't represent the experience of all transgender people, every person is different and has a unique journey. This book only made me want to read more and more queer accounts of gender, family, transitions, and existing in the world.
I will say something about the afterword, because the edition I read was an anniversary one, with an afterword by Russo, Jenny's best friend. And I couldn't have cared less about a privileged white man's perspective on a transgender woman's journey. I ended up skipping it. I did appreciate Grace's account.