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belwood303's review
2.0
It took me awhile to write this review after finishing it in part because it felt like having an argument with a good friend over some thing you are both passionate about. I understand the issues this young man had to face but reading his descriptions of woman... well he sounds like one more chauvinistic asshole. He is young so hopefully he grows out of it...
marcymurli's review
4.0
There seems to be a dearth of well-written memoirs by people who are FTM. This one is a terrific option for people who want to understand what it's like for a teenager who grows up transgender. It's moving and engrossing, and it's also quite candid for people - parents and transgender people alike -who want to know what the experience is like to transform from female to male. I also found the story of a family's acceptance quite compelling. It's a wonderful read.
aediger2's review
3.0
I think this is a decent book for someone who is unfamiliar with what it means to be transgender and is looking for a place to start learning. And I can imagine this story could be helpful for other trans kids who have had similar experiences to not feel alone. It’s a quick read and I by no means regret reading it.
At one point Arun acknowledges that he holds a lot of privilege coming from a family that supported him through the transition as well as being white. I appreciate the acknowledgement of the privilege. This book does not dive into the complexities of intersectionality. While it touches on some of the darker emotions and suicidal ideation that can come from feeling unwelcome in your own body, the book seems to focus more on the pain of heartbreak and reads like a teen relationship drama.
At one point Arun acknowledges that he holds a lot of privilege coming from a family that supported him through the transition as well as being white. I appreciate the acknowledgement of the privilege. This book does not dive into the complexities of intersectionality. While it touches on some of the darker emotions and suicidal ideation that can come from feeling unwelcome in your own body, the book seems to focus more on the pain of heartbreak and reads like a teen relationship drama.
chase0w0's review
1.0
weirdly voyueristic account of an asshole-ish teen boy who happens to be trans - and i hated all the ppl in this so that doesn't help
inkstndfngrs's review
4.0
So, I liked this book. It was a genuine look at the route of one man's journey to becoming who he really is. That said...there were certain aspects that that kind struck another chord with me. First of all: Katie is a bitch. I don't know Katie, and I'm sure she's actually a very nice girl, but I don't think Arin, at the time of writing this, has completely forgiven her for what she's put him through and it comes through. The beginning of the book builds up that he was so excited to finally be meeting someone whose story had helped him finally open up to his mother about him being trans, and then to have that crash and burn without really letting us know that...you're OK. I mean, yes the book ends with Arin receiving an award for his community involvement...but that doesn't mean anything.
I guess what really gets me at all of this is that: the book was written too soon. "Apparently" this couple has had media coverage (...Seriously, Inside Edition? I wanted to close the book when the words appeared but I was obviously already almost done by that point) and maybe that forced out this book deal. And I don't doubt that some teenage trans* individual is going to find this book to world-opening and is going to have the same revelations that Arin had when watching those YouTube videos, but...the story isn't complete. Nothing is over, and I'm only being given half.
Do I think this was worth my time, all of that side: Yes. I liked it a lot. I'm one of those weirdos that has a strange fascination with the trans* community and have struggled with my own gender and sexuality since I realized that was something one could be struggling with. There is always a sense of relief, or maybe even satisfaction, in knowing that there are others who have the same issues, even when the are much younger than you. And it's reassuring to know that "the times, they are a changin'" in the sense that this would have been a very different story when I was in high school. In fact: this probably wouldn't even BE a story.
So, thank you, Arin, for being brave enough to release your story out into the world, for being a voice, for being an advocate, and for not being afraid of being you.
I guess what really gets me at all of this is that: the book was written too soon. "Apparently" this couple has had media coverage (...Seriously, Inside Edition? I wanted to close the book when the words appeared but I was obviously already almost done by that point) and maybe that forced out this book deal. And I don't doubt that some teenage trans* individual is going to find this book to world-opening and is going to have the same revelations that Arin had when watching those YouTube videos, but...the story isn't complete. Nothing is over, and I'm only being given half.
Do I think this was worth my time, all of that side: Yes. I liked it a lot. I'm one of those weirdos that has a strange fascination with the trans* community and have struggled with my own gender and sexuality since I realized that was something one could be struggling with. There is always a sense of relief, or maybe even satisfaction, in knowing that there are others who have the same issues, even when the are much younger than you. And it's reassuring to know that "the times, they are a changin'" in the sense that this would have been a very different story when I was in high school. In fact: this probably wouldn't even BE a story.
So, thank you, Arin, for being brave enough to release your story out into the world, for being a voice, for being an advocate, and for not being afraid of being you.
msmelinda's review
3.0
Arin is an interesting person with a story to tell, not a professional writer. I'm glad I read their story.
mckinlay's review
2.0
another book i don't feel right rating. the writing isn't great, but i enjoyed reading his story.
bexrecca's review
3.0
Honestly, this was just ok. It was a lot of this happened then this happened and a lot of glossing over of deeper feelings and introspection. I am happy Andrews ended up with a lot of support and because of that, this could be a useful memoir for trans teens. Perhaps when Andrews is older there will be a new memoir of where life has taken him since his teens.
adamrbrooks's review
3.0
Arin seems like an intelligent, interesting guy who bravely handled a tough journey. That's impressive.
The book, however, read a bit flat. "My mom REALLY just wanted me to be a girl, and that was sad... and then she got over it pretty quickly."
"I had a girlfriend, and we were happy, and then it sucked, and now it's better."
I guess I'm glad I read about someone going through an unusual struggle in my state, but I wouldn't say anyone should feel compelled to read this book, though it could aid in understanding for anyone who knows (or could know) a trans person.
The book, however, read a bit flat. "My mom REALLY just wanted me to be a girl, and that was sad... and then she got over it pretty quickly."
"I had a girlfriend, and we were happy, and then it sucked, and now it's better."
I guess I'm glad I read about someone going through an unusual struggle in my state, but I wouldn't say anyone should feel compelled to read this book, though it could aid in understanding for anyone who knows (or could know) a trans person.
eemilx's review
3.0
3.5⭐️
es war an sich ein schönes memoir aber ich hab halt gemerkt dass ich fiktionale bücher lieber mag als so wahre geschichten.
war trotzdem schön über Arin‘s leben zu lesen, auch wenn ich es jetzt nicht so bewegend fand wie das letzte memoir was ich gelesen habe. das andere war mit sehr viel mehr emotion geschrieben, das hat diesem hier einfach gefehlt.
trotzdem nh solides buch und ich hoffe Arin gehts gut
es war an sich ein schönes memoir aber ich hab halt gemerkt dass ich fiktionale bücher lieber mag als so wahre geschichten.
war trotzdem schön über Arin‘s leben zu lesen, auch wenn ich es jetzt nicht so bewegend fand wie das letzte memoir was ich gelesen habe. das andere war mit sehr viel mehr emotion geschrieben, das hat diesem hier einfach gefehlt.
trotzdem nh solides buch und ich hoffe Arin gehts gut