badger5815's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.25
kaloughl's review against another edition
5.0
I read Janet Mock's first memoire Redefining Realness almost exactly a year ago so it was due time I picked up her second which dives into her 20s, her first marriage, and her beginning years in New York. I was not disappointed at all. I think Mock's second memoir is just as good, if not better, than her first because it continues the story of this impressive woman and also covers different sides of her - her incredible work ethic and rise within the magazine world, her own interaction with intersectionalism, and her own insecurities within her marriage.
I love Mock's writing style. She is open and raw but also weaves a good narrative that leaves you wanting more. This was elevated by her audiobook edition that she narrates herself (her voice is mesmerizing!). I found myself relating a lot to Mock's roommate troubles (especially having just gotten out of my own toxic roommate situation) and vivid descriptions of her work place and friendships. I liked how she was open about her job progression and her regret for not negotiating her offers. When she got her first full time job offer and was so giddy she immediately accepted because the offer was higher than she had imagined, I related A LOT. And then when she got her first promotion, the same thing happened! I appreciated her candor at her own mistakes and also openly talking about her salary.
Such a good read and even though this book is all Mock, she somehow uplifts and empowers you while reading as well.
I love Mock's writing style. She is open and raw but also weaves a good narrative that leaves you wanting more. This was elevated by her audiobook edition that she narrates herself (her voice is mesmerizing!). I found myself relating a lot to Mock's roommate troubles (especially having just gotten out of my own toxic roommate situation) and vivid descriptions of her work place and friendships. I liked how she was open about her job progression and her regret for not negotiating her offers. When she got her first full time job offer and was so giddy she immediately accepted because the offer was higher than she had imagined, I related A LOT. And then when she got her first promotion, the same thing happened! I appreciated her candor at her own mistakes and also openly talking about her salary.
Such a good read and even though this book is all Mock, she somehow uplifts and empowers you while reading as well.
angelreadsthings's review against another edition
4.0
[Note: I received a free copy of this as part of a giveaway by Janet Mock's team.] This memoir was not completely what I expected after reading Redefining Realness but I still enjoyed it. Mock's writing was just as crisp as in her first memoir and her portrayal of the rapid changes and maturation that occur during one's twenties felt accurate to me as someone half way through her twenties. Whereas her previous memoir could be considered "Trans 101" in some ways, I felt like this memoir offered a more advanced understanding of what it can mean to be a trans woman of color in this world. This allowed Mock to share more of who she is today than she shared in Redefining Realness, which I appreciated.
I would recommend this book to young women of color trying to find their direction in life and to cisgender people who want to better understand how and why trans women decide to disclose or not disclose their trans identities in certain settings.
I would recommend this book to young women of color trying to find their direction in life and to cisgender people who want to better understand how and why trans women decide to disclose or not disclose their trans identities in certain settings.
danicapage's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: This is the second book I've read by Janet Mock. They are both wonderful in different ways. The first explores her journey in discovering and embracing her trans identity and also the steps she took to feel complete and whole. My one complaint with the first memoir was that I felt the book ended just as an important and interesting part of her journey was beginning.
Well, this second book picks up there. As the title suggests, this book explores her 20s and focuses on themes like "who deserves to hear my story?", "when should I disclose I'm trans?", "should I disclose I'm trans?", and more broadly the coming of age that people experience in their 20s.
This book isn't repetitive of the first, and I'm glad I read them both. I'd start with her other memoir and then move into this one. I hope Janet Mock continues to write more.
Love,
Danica Page
You can read more of my reviews at http://danicapagewrites.com or by connecting with me on Instagram @danicapage.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: This is the second book I've read by Janet Mock. They are both wonderful in different ways. The first explores her journey in discovering and embracing her trans identity and also the steps she took to feel complete and whole. My one complaint with the first memoir was that I felt the book ended just as an important and interesting part of her journey was beginning.
Well, this second book picks up there. As the title suggests, this book explores her 20s and focuses on themes like "who deserves to hear my story?", "when should I disclose I'm trans?", "should I disclose I'm trans?", and more broadly the coming of age that people experience in their 20s.
This book isn't repetitive of the first, and I'm glad I read them both. I'd start with her other memoir and then move into this one. I hope Janet Mock continues to write more.
Love,
Danica Page
You can read more of my reviews at http://danicapagewrites.com or by connecting with me on Instagram @danicapage.
bonhomiebooks's review against another edition
3.0
Each journey of a 20something always feels like looking into the fishbowl as the listener/reader. This one was as new as it was relatable for me too.
ari76's review against another edition
3.0
This was a 2.5 read that I rounded up because it was easy to read and there were parts (especially the last few pages) where Mock's reflections resonated with me. I really appreciated her take on the impact of one's first experience of being loved and accepted by a romantic partner. Overall though, this book was missing something for me. Mock shared her journey well but I found myself searching for more depth that I'm hoping to find when I read Redefining Realness.
mxinky's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. I am glad it was written. IMO there aren't enough autobiographies written by trans people, and the ones that do exist are about trans-ness, when clearly there is also so much more to each trans person's story. This book is about Janet and her first marriage, and her first job in the publishing industry, and her brushes with racism in publishing.
I hope readers of her first book also pick this book up.
I hope readers of her first book also pick this book up.