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teaandlibri's review against another edition
2.0
Really terrible memoir. The opening chapter is what hooked me (which can be found in various places). The author describes waking up from her SRS (sex reassignment surgery) and we are then transported back in time as the author describes her journey to how we got the introduction. It sounded very fascinating: I recently read Janet Mock's book and while these were *very* different experiences I thought it might be good to compare and contrast them.
Honestly, this memoir was a terrible read. It seems to be geared much more to people who are from the United Kingdom and are *much* more familiar with the music, movies, media, etc. she writes about. While it was interesting to see how these forms of media were important to her (it also emphasized to me why diverse representation of different backgrounds, genders, etc. need to be seen media) it was quite tedious. Without that familiarity I just didn't understand a lot of the references.
The narrative as a whole was also quite disjointed. She talks about how she feels about music, movies, public figures, etc. She talks about her education and search for a job and "fitting in" (both regarding her gender identity and in general). She talks a bit here and there about theory, history and the background although it's not a 101 textbook-like resource (which is fine, but again this just seemed really confusing overall).
It wasn't something that clicked with me but it might with other people. It was one of those hyped books that really drew me when I heard about it but I certainly wouldn't rush to read it. I bought this as a bargain but would really recommend you borrow it from the library unless you are a big fan of the author.
Honestly, this memoir was a terrible read. It seems to be geared much more to people who are from the United Kingdom and are *much* more familiar with the music, movies, media, etc. she writes about. While it was interesting to see how these forms of media were important to her (it also emphasized to me why diverse representation of different backgrounds, genders, etc. need to be seen media) it was quite tedious. Without that familiarity I just didn't understand a lot of the references.
The narrative as a whole was also quite disjointed. She talks about how she feels about music, movies, public figures, etc. She talks about her education and search for a job and "fitting in" (both regarding her gender identity and in general). She talks a bit here and there about theory, history and the background although it's not a 101 textbook-like resource (which is fine, but again this just seemed really confusing overall).
It wasn't something that clicked with me but it might with other people. It was one of those hyped books that really drew me when I heard about it but I certainly wouldn't rush to read it. I bought this as a bargain but would really recommend you borrow it from the library unless you are a big fan of the author.
calinbudau's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
5.0
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.
lgs25's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5