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A review by frog_punk
The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson
Did not finish book. Stopped at 85%.
DNF. This book was important to me as a teenager but now some 10+ years on I agree with the reviews that this very much read as a cis person writing it. I didn't like the way Kate's identity was used by the narrative and the fact that the characters were both outed really sat wrong with me. I also hated the way Leo came out to Kate - nobody who wears a binder would willingly come out by undressing to the point of showing it.
It's disappointing because there was some really good stuff in there. Williams's experiences working with trans children shine through here and there and read as very genuine. Leo never having "a moment" and just being a boy from the start, and Kate feeling left out and othered because she couldn't share the excitment/bond Livvy and their mum had over Livvy hitting developmental milestones - that is gold and a realistic experience. But the key points of the book are just so mismanaged.
It's disappointing because there was some really good stuff in there. Williams's experiences working with trans children shine through here and there and read as very genuine. Leo never having "a moment" and just being a boy from the start, and Kate feeling left out and othered because she couldn't share the excitment/bond Livvy and their mum had over Livvy hitting developmental milestones - that is gold and a realistic experience. But the key points of the book are just so mismanaged.