Essentially this book is what it says on the tin (and after being so thoroughly catfished by She Wants It, I can appreciate that). A lot of us know what we are going to get when we pick up a transgender biography and this fulfills that expectation very well. In fact if you have no idea what I'm talking about, or have a friend who has never read a trans biography, this is a great one to start with.

Every part of it is thoroughly well done, and easy to connect to.
It also felt very rooted in queer history which I predictably appreciated immensely. For anyone interested in transgender perspectives, queer history, queer politics, or even American politics, this book will serve you well.

On the grief front, what was written was well done, if not particularly groundbreaking. Which is a great way to sum up this book in general, well done but not groundbreaking. It's great for what it is and doesn't try to be anything more, which I appreciate.

Such a powerful and poignant memoir.

Sarah McBride is a pillar of strength and her resilience in the face of adversity is inspiring. She doesn't dress up her writing in fancy prose or adjectives because her life experiences speak for themselves.

In 2016, Sarah was the first openly transgender woman to speak at a major national political convention but she had been an activist powerhouse for so many years. As a teenager she worked with Illinois state governor Jack Markell and Beau Biden on both of their campaigns for election. She interned at The White House and lobbied for the rights of transgender people in her home state of Delaware.

The emotional center of the book revolves around Sarah's love story with Andy, her boyfriend and later husband. Andy develops cancer and I felt myself holding my arms to my chest as I read their struggle through their pages. It's harrowing and raw and just utterly heartbreaking.

The foreword is written by Joe Biden, but I recommend reading it again once you have finished because the words make even more of an emotional impact.

Excellent book about the fight for trans equality, especially in the state of Delaware. Sarah McBride does a great job of explaining what it is like to come out as a trans woman; both to give hope and representation to other trans people, but also to those of us who are CIS and need guidance and understanding. She also acknowledges her privileges and notes that her story is not every trans story, and wants to ensure that everyone has their equal place at the table.

I was going to wait to write up a review until I had processed things more and was a little more coherent, but I don't think I will ever be less emotional about it so here I go! As a Delawarean transgender man, this book is Everything to me. Before coming out as trans, I was out as bisexual and remember following all of the national and in-state LGBT politics voraciously. I'm not much of a politician personally, but I remember just how much of an effect Delaware passing marriage equality had on me, on the way that I viewed myself, on the way that I felt like my state supported who I was at the time and who I would eventually become.

I think a lot of people from other states will think this book is "too Delaware". They won't care about the politician name drops (except, perhaps, Joe Biden) or the minutiae of Delaware specific LGBT politics. They'll be detached and think, "that's nice, but who cares?" I care. I know it's hard to imagine, but not everything happens in NYC, LA, or Washington D.C. Trans people don't just live in major hub cities, we live everywhere, including little states like Delaware where we can have a voice and make a huge change and be a part of history. Maybe that's not exciting for you, but to a 23 year old trans man in Delaware? I was ecstatic. And I have a feeling that maybe other trans people in smaller areas, even if not specifically Delaware, may be feeling similarly as well.

I could not thank Sarah McBride enough for her candid and moving memoir. I cried reading this so many times, for so many different emotions. The work that she has done so far and will do in the future is so important to the trans community across the nation. I....love this book so much and don't even know what more I can say except please, if you only read one book this year, make it this one.

McBride writes in a very accessible way, which is perfect for anyone new to understanding transgender issues and how American politics impacts the lives of transgender people today. She takes the time to define words, explain misconceptions, and detail the nuances of hot-button political issues (like the never-ending bathroom debates in various states). Gosh, I fell in love with her story and I couldn't quit turning the pages. She's done it all, and I have a feeling she's going to be a woman to watch in the politics over the next few decades!! Read this book and then donate to the Human Rights Campaign immediately after!

I have no words for this book. I am speechless.

So beautiful and so hopeful (at least until we reached T****p in the last chapter...).

But also, I am 100% so appreciative that McBride continuously references her privilege (relative wealth, accepting family, white race...) and that her experiences are not universal. And she didn't just say it once but over and over. That is true power.

A memoir I wish everyone would read. I personally got so much out of this book. It made me cry 3 times by the time I got to page 46. (Dear Uncle Joe, you totally made me cry. Also looking at you Pres. Obama.) And I cried several more times before it ended. I had heard Sarah speak on NPR and so I knew that she would marry Andy and that she would lose him.. I was completely prepared for that. But it still made me cry again. This documents some amazing trans history and anyone who is or thinks they are an ally should read it.