brookesbookstagram's review
4.0
TW: trauma, gender dysphoria, transphobia.
I don't think I can eloquently describe the feelings I felt whilst experiencing Yves life. I am always eternally grateful for #ownvoices stories and memoirs, and for the opportunity for me to learn and grow as a human by being welcomed to share and read their lives.
Yves has this beautiful ability to connect, their writing is so captivating, and hearing their story, I could feel every moment of pain and misery. I revelled in the wins that Yves had along the way by navigating their trans identity, the losses that come along that, and the comfort in knowing who they are, unapologetically.
I genuinely felt so comforted by so many moments in this book, finding clothes that feel more affirming, being able to meet other trans and non binary folk and explore safely, including choosing their name and having an inclusive network. I am so grateful to be able to have the opportunity to read such a book and be a better human.
I don't think I can eloquently describe the feelings I felt whilst experiencing Yves life. I am always eternally grateful for #ownvoices stories and memoirs, and for the opportunity for me to learn and grow as a human by being welcomed to share and read their lives.
Yves has this beautiful ability to connect, their writing is so captivating, and hearing their story, I could feel every moment of pain and misery. I revelled in the wins that Yves had along the way by navigating their trans identity, the losses that come along that, and the comfort in knowing who they are, unapologetically.
I genuinely felt so comforted by so many moments in this book, finding clothes that feel more affirming, being able to meet other trans and non binary folk and explore safely, including choosing their name and having an inclusive network. I am so grateful to be able to have the opportunity to read such a book and be a better human.
bonz's review
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dysphoria, Mental illness, Homophobia, and Transphobia
whatcourtneyreads's review against another edition
4.0
At 30 years old, Yves Rees was an accomplished historian, having completed their PhD, and recently started working as a Research Fellow at La Trobe University. They had also been hit with the life-changing realisation that they are transgender.
All About Yves is an incredibly open, honest and vulnerable account of Rees’ journey through transition and self-discovery, including the challenges of having to re-learn their identity and who they were at the age of 30. They take us with them as they discover the perfect wardrobe lies in the Kmart boys department, as they try to pick a new name, and navigate the process of accessing gender-affirming medical care.
This book also highlights Rees’ strength and passion as a historian, discussing the history of transgender experiences, including representation in media and gendered-language. They are careful to acknowledge the work and advocacy of their predecessors, as well as their particular privilege as a white, educated, middle-class person, and the barriers faced by trans people without these privileges.
As this book is only a very recent release, there were chapters towards the end about the impact of the pandemic on Rees and trans people generally, such as lack of access to gender-affirming surgeries during lockdowns and restrictions. Even being unable to go to a hairdresser for a haircut, which for a lot of people was annoying at worst, triggered gender dysphoria for Rees (and I’m sure for many other trans people).
All About Yves is such an important memoir, which highlights not only gender dysphoria, but also trans and queer joy and euphoria which has only recently started being reflected in literature. Thank you to Yves Rees for sharing their story so generously.
All About Yves is an incredibly open, honest and vulnerable account of Rees’ journey through transition and self-discovery, including the challenges of having to re-learn their identity and who they were at the age of 30. They take us with them as they discover the perfect wardrobe lies in the Kmart boys department, as they try to pick a new name, and navigate the process of accessing gender-affirming medical care.
This book also highlights Rees’ strength and passion as a historian, discussing the history of transgender experiences, including representation in media and gendered-language. They are careful to acknowledge the work and advocacy of their predecessors, as well as their particular privilege as a white, educated, middle-class person, and the barriers faced by trans people without these privileges.
As this book is only a very recent release, there were chapters towards the end about the impact of the pandemic on Rees and trans people generally, such as lack of access to gender-affirming surgeries during lockdowns and restrictions. Even being unable to go to a hairdresser for a haircut, which for a lot of people was annoying at worst, triggered gender dysphoria for Rees (and I’m sure for many other trans people).
All About Yves is such an important memoir, which highlights not only gender dysphoria, but also trans and queer joy and euphoria which has only recently started being reflected in literature. Thank you to Yves Rees for sharing their story so generously.