Ich weiß ehrlich gesagt nicht, wie ich dieses Buch bewerten soll, da ich es aufgrund relativ kurzer Ausleihdauer (ohne Verlängerung) nicht lesen konnte.

Thank you netgalley for an advanced ARC of this book

This is a non fictional book based around the life of someone who is trans and their journey, in this there is some deep moments and it gave me a look though the eyes of someone who has always not felt complete in themselves till they found themselves.

So I wasn't expecting this to be a quick read or rather, I got so hooked with the the story that I forgot I wa actually reading it. I like Susannah's way of storytelling because you could get really immersed to it. This is actually my first time reading a transitioning story so it really opened me more to what people who transitions go through. It was not a straight upward projection to freedom or happiness but rather a rollercoaster with ups and downs since there are a lot that could affect a person's emotions and decisions (be it family, friends or even self). This book is truly amazing.

Not sure if this is just an ARC issue, but there is an outline/dimensions around the edges of the pages that look like they should not be shown in the actual version.

I’ve followed a few transition stories, but what makes Susannah’s unique is her age and familial status; a middle aged woman in her fifties with kids. Sure, Caitlyn Jenner exists and she is incredible for bringing that to a public platform, but Susannah didn’t have that. She’s telling this story for every other “normal” middle aged person who wants to live their true life.

I also really love Susannah’s strong connection to God, something that I’ve seen in a couple of other queer people but not too often. While not religious myself, it’s still very heartwarming to know that these people aren’t being cut down by the bullies who claim that “God doesn’t love you because you’re queer”.

The strong connections shown between Susannah, her wife, her daughters and the shop assistants at Sephora - particularly Joy and Catherine, are incredible and the way that Susannah writes them makes you feel like you’re one of the girls just hanging out, and it was truly devastating when Joy no longer appeared in Susannah’s trips to Sephora. I hope they do meet again one day. God will do that, I’m sure :)

Another thing that is extremely important about this story is that Susannah never mentions her deadname, not even when it doesn’t suit the narrative. There are varying degrees on which a trans person decides to disclose what their deadname or not, and it is almost a sense of pride that Susannah keeps it to herself, not feeling the need to share. She is Susannah, nobody else but.

This is a story that is not without its trials and tribulations, but is ultimately one of pure queer joy. No pun intended! :’)