medium-paced

I was on the fence between a three and a four so this review is more of a 3+, 4-. This is a story about coming out as transgender, a love story, a loss story and a political procedural. I thought Sarah’s story was heartfelt and eye opening. I can’t wait to see what she does next (McBride 2020??!!).
Even though I highly recommend this book I should say that what kept it from being a straight 5 for me was some of the writing, specifically I thought some parts dragged. This is also colored by listening to the audio. McBride read her own story but as she’s not a performer I found some of the performance clunky (especially the dialogue).

Wonderful and wonderfully moving. Learned so much and built even more empathy for trans folks.
challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced
challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

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emotional informative reflective fast-paced

This was the first book I’ve read depicting the life of a trans individual and I’m glad I read it. I think it gave a good introduction to some of the unique issues Sarah faced as well as made clear that some issues, like the loss of a loved one, are universal. Wonderful read.

Sarah McBride is inspiring. How exhausting it must be to be fighting for trans equality while also recognizing your own personal coming out journey was one of privilege. This memoir covers her story of identity, falling in love with a trans man only to have him die days after their wedding, her never ending activism and politics. Everyone just wants to be seen and accepted.
emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

Private user's review against another edition

4.0

This book covers the life of a trans-gender woman, her obstacles and wins throughout life- personally and in politics. The book stretched my perspective and brought me to tears a few times from dealing with grief.

Having recently gone through loss, I felt an emotional connection to her stories on loss and grief. It is part biography, part letter to others who relate to her experiences, and part letter to allies.