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This review originally appeared on the book review blog: Just One More Pa(i)ge.
I’ve never been particularly into politics – it just does not interest me. I mean don’t get me wrong, I have my opinions and morals and I vote according to them (and to that point – I vote consistently and informedly), but I have never been overly into the processes of bills becoming laws, campaigning, lobbying, etc. (And yes, I absolutely recognize my privilege in being able to say/live that.) But after the years I spent studying public health, I really made a connection I never had previously, about the pivotal role those processes take in increasing the health outcomes of and person or community in our country. And though it didn’t cause a full 180*, I became more invested than I had before, followed things more closely, spoke out more with friends/colleagues/acquaintances. And, currently being from NC (and, really, the US), I have had ample reason to need to speak up about some of the atrocious leaders/representatives we’ve had lately/currently. So when I saw this book offered for review on First to Read, saw that it addressed a massively underserved and marginalized population (a major focus of my public health training), would address and personalize a polarizing topic (particularly in my state) AND knowing that my favorite local bookstore (Flyleaf) would be hosting the author herself at the end of the month, I knew I had to request it. And having received my copy, which I finished reading just this morning, I cannot wait to see Sarah speak and recommend this book to everyone.
Sarah McBride was born and raised in Delaware, where she was passionate about and involved in politics from a very early age. She went to American University in DC for college, where she served as student body president for a year and was her home when she came out as transgender. She’d known she was woman since she was a child, but she was unsure about and afraid of acknowledging and sharing that part of her. It took her until she was a senior in college to feel comfortable coming out, living her entire life up to that point as someone other than who she really felt she was. Which is honestly just…impossible to even comprehend and heartbreaking to think about. Though she tells this story herself, and much better, the long and short of it is that, after coming out she finds a way (with much support from family and friends) to continue pursuing the dreams she had thought would be snuffed out by her admission. One of those goals was to have a career in politics, which she is achieving with flying colors it seems. And the other, to love and be loved for who she is (both in general and by a special someone) also, at least for the most part, was/is being fulfilled. But in a twist that seems almost unreal, her partner and eventually husband, a transgender man named Andy, was diagnosed with and succumbed to cancer. I mean, for someone only in their late 20s, she has lived more life, been through more, than most people who have lived to the full US average of 80 years old. It’s phenomenally inspiring.
This book starts with Sarah’s coming out note, with some flashbacks to her time growing up, and follows her life through the present day. In that way, it is definitively an autobiography or memoir type book. But it is also so much more than that. Sarah is able to provide a voice for a group of people that, for pretty much always, have been voiceless. And even worse than that, actively discriminated against and silenced. She’s able to voice for a community that until recently very limited people even knew about, since they spent their whole lives hiding/lying for their own safety. And before moving on, it’s important to just note how categorically heartbreaking that is. This book is not only a beautiful story about one person’s life, struggle for acceptance (personal and otherwise), and the highs and lows of both finding love and the grief in losing it. No, it is all that and more: a spectacular primer on the beauty of the transgender community, what it means to be transgender (and the associated vocabulary and concepts), and a short primer on the history/current events for transgender people in the United States. This is both an educational piece and a personal testament, providing the reader general background information while simultaneously putting a humanizing face on it. It’s something that absolutely everyone should read…and if not this book exactly, something like it from another representative of the community.
Some things that I loved were Sarah’s ability to both tell her story in a straightforward way that made it absolutely impossible to avoid/deny the unbelievable challenges faced by herself during her time before coming out, the stress of actually coming out, and the post-transition experiences. While she is honest and quick to point out all the support and positivity she had in her life, she also does not hold back in sharing the fear and discrimination as well. In addition, I greatly appreciated the way she worked hard to make sure the reader knows that her own experience, for all its overwhelming difficulty, is still nothing in comparison to what many face. She did have support of family and friends, she had a stable financial situation and access to many opportunities and resources that many people do not have. In fact, her ability to be a voice for the transgender community is, in fact, born from the privileges she has from where she grew up and the people she was able to meet along the way. Her descriptions of what often happens to transgender people across the country without the same support resources, or to certain groups just because of who they are specifically (for example, how much worse things are for the black transgender community) are eye-opening and very significant. Throughout everything she faces, even through the health crises and death of her husband, she never once forgets to say how much worse things could be. A line beautifully walked and admirable to the highest degree.
The one complaint I have is directly related to the writing itself. It was a bit juvenile, with basic and jumpy writing and transitions. There was nothing grammatically wrong, necessarily, it just seemed less polished than it could have been. And though the story and information are absolutely strong enough to overcome this weakness (in fact, for the last quarter-ish of the book, I found myself pretty constantly teary-eyed, from emotions both super uplifting and horribly heartbreaking), I feel like perhaps it could be even more striking if the writing was a bit smoother or the language a little more emotional in its own right… Regardless, as I mentioned, the emotion of the story itself broke through anyways, which, more than anything else I’ve said, truly speaks to its power.
Sarah McBride is an example of the perfect person in the right place at the right time to make a dramatic difference in our world. She had the exact combination of support, career interests, privilege, experiences and passions that could do great things. And all the credit to her for everything she’s been able to accomplish with what she’s been given. It’s not just anyone that could have taken those pieces and made them into what she has - her effort, heart, and pure bravery did that. And her positivity and continued hope for the future of our country, and what our upcoming generations and new leaders will be able to do (may I add, including herself), is encouraging. I truly recommend this book; pretty much everyone should read it (especially our nation’s, and state’s, leaders) – it’s compelling, motivational, informative and will absolutely want to make you do something. It’s a moving testament to the power of people, of individuality, of pride in who you are, and of what we can make happen if we only felt safe and accepted enough to try. Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your story.
I’ve never been particularly into politics – it just does not interest me. I mean don’t get me wrong, I have my opinions and morals and I vote according to them (and to that point – I vote consistently and informedly), but I have never been overly into the processes of bills becoming laws, campaigning, lobbying, etc. (And yes, I absolutely recognize my privilege in being able to say/live that.) But after the years I spent studying public health, I really made a connection I never had previously, about the pivotal role those processes take in increasing the health outcomes of and person or community in our country. And though it didn’t cause a full 180*, I became more invested than I had before, followed things more closely, spoke out more with friends/colleagues/acquaintances. And, currently being from NC (and, really, the US), I have had ample reason to need to speak up about some of the atrocious leaders/representatives we’ve had lately/currently. So when I saw this book offered for review on First to Read, saw that it addressed a massively underserved and marginalized population (a major focus of my public health training), would address and personalize a polarizing topic (particularly in my state) AND knowing that my favorite local bookstore (Flyleaf) would be hosting the author herself at the end of the month, I knew I had to request it. And having received my copy, which I finished reading just this morning, I cannot wait to see Sarah speak and recommend this book to everyone.
Sarah McBride was born and raised in Delaware, where she was passionate about and involved in politics from a very early age. She went to American University in DC for college, where she served as student body president for a year and was her home when she came out as transgender. She’d known she was woman since she was a child, but she was unsure about and afraid of acknowledging and sharing that part of her. It took her until she was a senior in college to feel comfortable coming out, living her entire life up to that point as someone other than who she really felt she was. Which is honestly just…impossible to even comprehend and heartbreaking to think about. Though she tells this story herself, and much better, the long and short of it is that, after coming out she finds a way (with much support from family and friends) to continue pursuing the dreams she had thought would be snuffed out by her admission. One of those goals was to have a career in politics, which she is achieving with flying colors it seems. And the other, to love and be loved for who she is (both in general and by a special someone) also, at least for the most part, was/is being fulfilled. But in a twist that seems almost unreal, her partner and eventually husband, a transgender man named Andy, was diagnosed with and succumbed to cancer. I mean, for someone only in their late 20s, she has lived more life, been through more, than most people who have lived to the full US average of 80 years old. It’s phenomenally inspiring.
This book starts with Sarah’s coming out note, with some flashbacks to her time growing up, and follows her life through the present day. In that way, it is definitively an autobiography or memoir type book. But it is also so much more than that. Sarah is able to provide a voice for a group of people that, for pretty much always, have been voiceless. And even worse than that, actively discriminated against and silenced. She’s able to voice for a community that until recently very limited people even knew about, since they spent their whole lives hiding/lying for their own safety. And before moving on, it’s important to just note how categorically heartbreaking that is. This book is not only a beautiful story about one person’s life, struggle for acceptance (personal and otherwise), and the highs and lows of both finding love and the grief in losing it. No, it is all that and more: a spectacular primer on the beauty of the transgender community, what it means to be transgender (and the associated vocabulary and concepts), and a short primer on the history/current events for transgender people in the United States. This is both an educational piece and a personal testament, providing the reader general background information while simultaneously putting a humanizing face on it. It’s something that absolutely everyone should read…and if not this book exactly, something like it from another representative of the community.
Some things that I loved were Sarah’s ability to both tell her story in a straightforward way that made it absolutely impossible to avoid/deny the unbelievable challenges faced by herself during her time before coming out, the stress of actually coming out, and the post-transition experiences. While she is honest and quick to point out all the support and positivity she had in her life, she also does not hold back in sharing the fear and discrimination as well. In addition, I greatly appreciated the way she worked hard to make sure the reader knows that her own experience, for all its overwhelming difficulty, is still nothing in comparison to what many face. She did have support of family and friends, she had a stable financial situation and access to many opportunities and resources that many people do not have. In fact, her ability to be a voice for the transgender community is, in fact, born from the privileges she has from where she grew up and the people she was able to meet along the way. Her descriptions of what often happens to transgender people across the country without the same support resources, or to certain groups just because of who they are specifically (for example, how much worse things are for the black transgender community) are eye-opening and very significant. Throughout everything she faces, even through the health crises and death of her husband, she never once forgets to say how much worse things could be. A line beautifully walked and admirable to the highest degree.
The one complaint I have is directly related to the writing itself. It was a bit juvenile, with basic and jumpy writing and transitions. There was nothing grammatically wrong, necessarily, it just seemed less polished than it could have been. And though the story and information are absolutely strong enough to overcome this weakness (in fact, for the last quarter-ish of the book, I found myself pretty constantly teary-eyed, from emotions both super uplifting and horribly heartbreaking), I feel like perhaps it could be even more striking if the writing was a bit smoother or the language a little more emotional in its own right… Regardless, as I mentioned, the emotion of the story itself broke through anyways, which, more than anything else I’ve said, truly speaks to its power.
Sarah McBride is an example of the perfect person in the right place at the right time to make a dramatic difference in our world. She had the exact combination of support, career interests, privilege, experiences and passions that could do great things. And all the credit to her for everything she’s been able to accomplish with what she’s been given. It’s not just anyone that could have taken those pieces and made them into what she has - her effort, heart, and pure bravery did that. And her positivity and continued hope for the future of our country, and what our upcoming generations and new leaders will be able to do (may I add, including herself), is encouraging. I truly recommend this book; pretty much everyone should read it (especially our nation’s, and state’s, leaders) – it’s compelling, motivational, informative and will absolutely want to make you do something. It’s a moving testament to the power of people, of individuality, of pride in who you are, and of what we can make happen if we only felt safe and accepted enough to try. Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your story.
In this incredibly moving memoir, Sarah brings us through her life, her transition, and her work in trans equality. If what you want to hear is all the sordid details about Sarah's past when she wasn't living her true life, then move on because that's not what this book is about. Tomorrow will be Different is about Sarah's journey into the field of politics and finding her voice to speak up for the injustices set against the trans community.
I absolutely loved seeing how Sarah's political career started even before she went to college. Seeing someone so young have such passion for politics was incredibly inspiring. After reading this, I feel so invigorated to go and start a political movement or at least lend my support where it's needed. The title of this story really exemplified the hopeful tone of this book. Even though Sarah does discuss some events of and after the 2018 election, there is always a hopeful undertone. I still can believe that tomorrow will be different even if today isn't what I hoped for.
Another thing I loved was how much Sarah pointed out her privilege. While this is her story, she is very aware of the fact that many other trans men and women have a tougher journey than she did, before transitioning and after. I loved that she never marginalized anyone else's journey for the sake of her own throughout her narrative.
Sarah's relationship with her late husband Andy played a big role in her career and political aspirations. I loved seeing how they inspired each other and how deeply they loved one another. They dealt with extremely tough circumstances for people so young (Trigger Warning: Cancer, Cancer Treatment). I loved seeing the impact of the laws that both Andy and Sarah pushed in their respective fields. These two really made a difference in the fight for trans equality. There's always room for progress and I'm so glad these two were able to accomplish what they did.
I absolutely loved seeing how Sarah's political career started even before she went to college. Seeing someone so young have such passion for politics was incredibly inspiring. After reading this, I feel so invigorated to go and start a political movement or at least lend my support where it's needed. The title of this story really exemplified the hopeful tone of this book. Even though Sarah does discuss some events of and after the 2018 election, there is always a hopeful undertone. I still can believe that tomorrow will be different even if today isn't what I hoped for.
Another thing I loved was how much Sarah pointed out her privilege. While this is her story, she is very aware of the fact that many other trans men and women have a tougher journey than she did, before transitioning and after. I loved that she never marginalized anyone else's journey for the sake of her own throughout her narrative.
Sarah's relationship with her late husband Andy played a big role in her career and political aspirations. I loved seeing how they inspired each other and how deeply they loved one another. They dealt with extremely tough circumstances for people so young (Trigger Warning: Cancer, Cancer Treatment). I loved seeing the impact of the laws that both Andy and Sarah pushed in their respective fields. These two really made a difference in the fight for trans equality. There's always room for progress and I'm so glad these two were able to accomplish what they did.
Along with many others, I first heard Sarah McBride speak at the Democratic National Convention in 2016. She was the first trans person to speak at a national political convention.
This book covers 5 years of her life as she comes out as trans to her parents, friends, and as an American University senior, transitions, serves as a White House intern, falls in love and marries her husband, watches her husband die from cancer, and works at the Center for American Progress and the Human Rights Campaign.
She's had an incredible life so far and is such an amazing spokesperson for trans rights. Not many people can say that they are 24, trans, and a widow. This book is valuable in highlighting the need for trans-inclusive healthcare, humanizing trans people, and supporting trans people during their transition. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for more information about trans people and how to love and support their journey.
This book covers 5 years of her life as she comes out as trans to her parents, friends, and as an American University senior, transitions, serves as a White House intern, falls in love and marries her husband, watches her husband die from cancer, and works at the Center for American Progress and the Human Rights Campaign.
She's had an incredible life so far and is such an amazing spokesperson for trans rights. Not many people can say that they are 24, trans, and a widow. This book is valuable in highlighting the need for trans-inclusive healthcare, humanizing trans people, and supporting trans people during their transition. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for more information about trans people and how to love and support their journey.
I am so glad I read this book. The author, Sarah McBride, is a transgender woman who is an activist for her community. She tells her story with three intertwining stories, political activism, a coming out memoir and a grief memoir. She begins with her early childhood and her vigorous desire to be politically active. She was raised in the comfortable suburbs of Delaware and her parents aware of her strong interests made opportunities available to her to pursue her dreams. After serving as class president at American University, she made the difficult decision to come out as transgender. Her family was lovingly supportive and ultimately worked alongside her in fighting for trans rights. The rest of the book takes a deep dive into the two years following her college graduation where she was a political activist first in Delaware and then in Washington DC to help pass legislation creating equal rights in all areas for transgender persons. During this time she met and fell in love with a transgender man. Their time together was intense as he was an attorney activist in the movement and she was now working for the same organization. Sadly he was diagnosed with cancer and at the tender age of 24 Sarah became a widow. Her agony over her loss was palpable on the page and hard to read. That same ability to share such an intimate suffering also gave her the words to share her passion and her enthusiasm for her cause. I would highly recommend this book.
This book was beautifully written, and although I've known about Sarah McBride for many years now, and heard about her story with Andy, reading it was heartwrenching. This book is an important read.
challenging
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced