Endpapers is the story of a gender queer bookbinder living in NYC in 2003. Dana feels trapped in her job, her gender presentation, and her relationship. Add in a bad case of artist block, and she's in a rough spot. 

One day at work, Dana finds a pulp novel cover and a love letter- in German!- hidden in the binding of an old hardcover. The pulp cover shows a woman looking into a mirror and a man reflected back at her. Dana wonders if it was a book about trans identity? She feels immensely drawn to it and decides to find out what the love letter says. 

Launching into a mystery from the 1950s, Dana ends up discovering what will bring her more joy and contentment. This story evokes so much of the early aughts and of the 1950s, a truly dangerous time to be queer. The exploration by Kelly of what it means to have no clear answers about gender coming from within was so poignant and beautiful, even when Dana acted in unhealthy ways that were hard to stomach as a reader. 

There are some obvious comparisons to be made to Detransition, Baby. I liked that book but loved this one far more, so if you liked it then please give this one a read. Truly, I feel like this is a book not to be missed by fans of lit fic or queer literature.