obscuredbyclouds's review against another edition
3.0
It was an interesting read. She writes well when it comes to things like music and literature, although some things come off as rather smug.
When it comes to gender theory and politics, she does not seem to be very interested in theorising, which is fine enough, but was still disappointing. Especially since she's not giving actual arguments for her opinions.
This is an interesting look at her life so far, but not so much about gender or a memoir per se. (Also I got to be honest : I don't think I like her, some parts were rather tone deaf and other times she just came across as such a hipster pseudo intellectual).
I guess I'd have preferred reading a novelisation of her teenage years (as the alienation, the football, the music obsession etc was described really well) or a good non fiction book. Something more solid.
When it comes to gender theory and politics, she does not seem to be very interested in theorising, which is fine enough, but was still disappointing. Especially since she's not giving actual arguments for her opinions.
This is an interesting look at her life so far, but not so much about gender or a memoir per se. (Also I got to be honest : I don't think I like her, some parts were rather tone deaf and other times she just came across as such a hipster pseudo intellectual).
I guess I'd have preferred reading a novelisation of her teenage years (as the alienation, the football, the music obsession etc was described really well) or a good non fiction book. Something more solid.
emoryalexander's review against another edition
5.0
This is a fantastic book and really insightful. I really enjoyed reading about Juliet's transition and her love of films, literature and art. I have definitely found some films and books to read from this memoir.
colin_cox's review against another edition
5.0
Trans: A Memoir is a persuasive and appealing exploration of the transgender experience. Jacques examines the plight of the transgendered person, particularly the ways in which "passing" as a member of the opposite gender is too often met with ridicule, scorn, and threats of violence.
The book's strengths are its final two to three chapters. In these chapters, Jacques moves forward with sexual reassignment surgery while exploring the daunting responsibility of being a fledgling transgender voice in a predominantly heteronormative culture. She does not shunt aside her gender reassignment surgery in these chapters. Instead, Jacques beautifully contextualizes them by articulating the challenges of attempting to establish a writing career while being transgendered. That is to say, she confronts the unfair expectations placed upon the transgendered writer; the notion that she is only suited to critique trans-centric issues.
I cannot recommend this memoir enough. In addition to the reassignment narrative, Jacques peppers critical theory throughout the book which helps to establish a critical and theoretical foundation for her thoughts and analysis.
The book's strengths are its final two to three chapters. In these chapters, Jacques moves forward with sexual reassignment surgery while exploring the daunting responsibility of being a fledgling transgender voice in a predominantly heteronormative culture. She does not shunt aside her gender reassignment surgery in these chapters. Instead, Jacques beautifully contextualizes them by articulating the challenges of attempting to establish a writing career while being transgendered. That is to say, she confronts the unfair expectations placed upon the transgendered writer; the notion that she is only suited to critique trans-centric issues.
I cannot recommend this memoir enough. In addition to the reassignment narrative, Jacques peppers critical theory throughout the book which helps to establish a critical and theoretical foundation for her thoughts and analysis.
notlikethebeer's review against another edition
4.0
This was truly fantastic. A well-crafted memoir that acts as both a telling of Juliet's own story, but also an insight into trans lives, journeys and issues more generally. I would maybe say that at times it is somewhat academic, and at other times quite referential- I found some parts hard to follow, and consider myself to have a fairly good knowledge of trans-related topics in general. That might just be a reflection of my concentration levels at the moment though! Overall, would absolutely recommend, and it's given me another new reading list (and listening list) to work through as well.
theuntrainedlibrarian's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
misfitangel's review against another edition
5.0
This was fabulous! It was, in pretty much every way, not what I was expecting. I love it for that. The narration, was very introspective, when I imagined it would be roar and passionate, because that's how I would've written a memoir, but that says more about me and my hot mess of a mind LOL. Apart from being a story of Jacques's personal journey in transitioning, there is a lot here on transgender portrayals in the media, the fascinating history of how trans people were recognised, and in particular the arguments of radical feminists against trans people. It was brilliant to learn about. Being twenty, I missed the times where even the liberal press were hostile towards transgender individuals, being either unborn, or too young to pick up on the issues. It gave me a greater appreciation for the time that I live in now, as though we have many problems, trans people are adequately respected and given a voice, contrary to as recent as ten years ago. The ending? That was a surprise too, though I'll leave that to be discovered. Let's just say, it doesn't follow the formula of most trans stories you will read. In fact, the whole book intentionally defies it, which I can find an appreciation for. There is always room for knew explorations of well-known topics. So, overall, as a trans person myself, I appreciate this book. I don't give 5 star ratings lightly, but I feel like this one is warranted. In my humble and barely regarded opinion, I think this is required reading for any trans person, or for anyone who wants to better understand the trans community, in any country. Thank you Juliet Jacques, for writing this book.