Never a Girl, Always a Boy

This book is a mandatory read for every human, doesn’t matter if you are somewhere on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, an ally or not. This book is about a trans person, yes, but it also about finding one’s true self and identity, while struggling with expectations and assumptions. It’s what we a go through at some point in our lives, but for trans people it is even worse, they struggle with who they, how they feel, what others might think and are up against extremely discriminating legislation. How can you become your true self and stay happy, with a support system like Jeremy’s. He is extremely lucky and his parents and siblings have shown to be true advocates and are more supportive and understanding than anyone can ask for.

Penned by his mother this book tells Jeremy’s story from several viewpoints. His mother, Jo, interview/ had storytelling time with all his siblings and his father. As well as asking herself tough questions and be brutally honest in answering them. Jo captures a story of struggle, coming of age and love. They all have questions and doubts at some point, but don’t we all about everything? It feels like the memoir is written with extreme care, taking time to show true emotions, true feelings and letting no one feel bad about it. I think jo has been especially considerate when it comes to all the trans parts with Jeremy. The openging chapter actually already reveals that much.not everyone’s story is the same, but everyone can be inspired by this one. Also I find it disturbing to read about the different legislation in each state, the US can be a real messed up place... you can be a person and accepted (on paper) in one state, but in the next you can’t be who you are. I am glad to live in a country where this isn’t happening.

Make this heartfelt memoir a mandatory read in schools and I think the world might just become a little better, at least I hope so. Thanks for writing this inspiring book!

5* The best, most sincere and heartfelt, least 'aggressive activist' (in a respectful way) book that I've read about a trans person.

I've read several books on what it's like to be trans, and they've varied greatly. Some have come across as if the authors have an agenda rooted in a form of aggressive activism and perhaps (justified/justifiable) personal pain, and others have had more of a 'I *am* going to educate you, person' attitude. This had none of the former, and was simply a tale of a very ordinary family in some ways, that is very extraordinary in others.

I think the main reason that I enjoyed this is that there was no sensationalism, no epiphanies, nothing to prove (from any of the Iversons) and that the parents loved all their kids, without any strings and without any pressures. I think the loving familial relationships here helped Emily become Jeremy and finally be happy in being his true self. From him, I sensed nothing but a young man finding his path, not on any time frame, not on any kind of agenda, not with anything to prove to himself or to others, but merely learning about himself and then wanting to physically portray that true self. Tbh, for most of the tale, I wondered when I'd feel that the latter part of the title would fit, which I mean respectfully. I did not sense that Jeremy had strong feelings about being a guy, and honestly, at the end, I still felt the same. Yes, I believe that he felt a sense of being non-binary, of being different, that he had a form of low-key body dysphoria, but he did not hate his female body, did not hate the world, did not feel inadequate and simply took time to consider everything and to come to terms with what he wanted and needed. At the end of the book, part of me still thinks he transitioned to be able to change his physical appearance more to something that he felt happier with and more comfortable with, but I am not sure that I saw/read/felt that mental pull that seemingly trans people have that tells them they're in the wrong bodies. Is Jeremy a trans man to be lumped in with those that form part of the LGBTQ spectrum? I'm not sure. He's certainly the most non-trope'y, most genuine, most 'doesn't fit the mould' guy I've read about, and I did not feel any kind of strong mental attachment from him to being trans. I know I'm likely not expressing this well, but I think he's the most unique trans man I've read about.

I admire his parents for their commitment to helping trans people and in trying to educate people and push for rights and support. Jeremy is lucky to have them, and I think that he's a young man who could help bring about more positive change in the country that is the US in 2020, which seems to be taking so many backward steps.

I feel warmer and richer for reading this book, which is almost the opposite of how I've felt after reading several books written by trans authors, where their aggression/activism has actually had the opposite effect on me.

ARC courtesy of She Writes Press and NetGalley, for my reading pleasure.

A very touching and interesting read. I loved that we got to see, not only the point of view of Jeremy as we follow his story, but also to see how the family members were on their path of understanding and acceptance of Jeremy as a he.
I'd say this could become a valuable book in the queer community

An emotional insight to the life of a transgender person but what makes it even more special is the perspective along with his family. In a world that is supposedly acceptable to many things many people still struggle to gain acceptance to be who they want to be.

An excellent read for anyone, not just people who are undertaking the journey.

I like memoirs and being LGBTQ+ I was looking forward to readin this.

The story was beautifully written. Jeremy was born a girl and this book covers every struggle that he encountered on his journey from Emily to Jeremy. This book was incredibly touching and well written, I adored the family photos.

Thank you for allowing me to read this.

Once a Girl, Always a Boy is a family memoir of a trans man written by his mom. The memoir consists of small, digestible chunks of narration by Jeremy (whose story the book is based on), his mom, his dad, and his other family members. The narrations are like diary entries. The timeline of the memoir is from Jeremy's birth to the year 2019 when he as well as his parents are active advocates of the transgender community, engaged in creating equal opportunity for trans people and raising their voice against transphobic laws.

As mentioned in the preface, Jeremy is referred by his birth name in the memoir up to the point when he comes out and asks everyone to call him by his new name and pronouns. I personally don't like this approach where a trans person is referred to by their dead name even when talking about their past but as long as the person concerned is fine with it, then it's all cool. And in this case, I think in a way it is helpful for people who are not much aware of trans people to understand the experiences of a trans person and not just blatantly disregard trans stories. However, readers need to keep in mind that not all trans stories are alike. Trans people can figure out their gender identity and choose to come out at any age. Some are clear about it from childhood, while some others figure it out much later in life. Experiences differ. The transition process differs. Even feelings of dysphoria might differ from one person to another. 

The smooth chronological flow of the story makes it a must-read for everyone especially parents and family members of trans kids. It's comforting to see a family talking about their journey of acceptance. The stories of acceptance are always so warm. Here we even get to see the parents' perspectives and emotions shift as they slowly try to understand and accept their transgender son.

Once a Girl, Always a Boy was enjoyable and uplifting. It was well-written and accessible. Even if you aren't transgender and don't have anyone in your life that is, this book is incredibly relevant and relatable. This book isn't just about one man's journey, it's about the whole family. Nothing is sugar-coated. Their journey was at times painful and hard, but so, so worth it. Grab the tissues because you'll definitely need them... in the best way!

wow, how do I put my thoughts together on this BEAUTIFUL story. I laughed, I cried, I smiled, I think I even cheered at one point. Jeremy is so brave for putting his story out there for the world to read. I especially love how this memoir involved the whole family and it made me so happy to see that they even though they were unsure at times, they were supportive and loving. I also loved that there was photographs included, and as a reader I was able to see how Jeremy trainsitiones over the years.

This book deserves every one of the 5-stars I have given it. Once a Girl, Always a Boy is a well-written, enlightening, open and honest family memoir that helps readers understand gender identity and the issues surrounding it.

I applaud and admire Jeremy for being willing to share his entire story with us (complete with pictures!), beginning in young childhood through and beyond his transition. The reader is able to hear his voice at each stage of his journey and that is so brave and so engaging! To be privy to his thoughts as he questions and struggles with his identity and deals with the huge impacts, repercussions and changes is nothing short of a true gift. I love that the reader hears from each family member as well.

This book is filled with so many emotions and the author (Jeremy's mother) is skilled at taking the reader through all of them. This book will go a long way in helping people truly relate to and understand the LGBT (I know there are more initials but don't want to get them wrong!) community. Inspiring and heart-warming, a call to action, there is just so much about this book to admire and love!

My thanks to NetGalley and She Writes Books for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

A warm moving touching story of a little girl who knew she was really a boy and transgendered fromEmily to Jeremy.Jeremys family share their memories of this decision of their involvement.I really wonderful involving read.Highly recommend #betgalley#shewritespress,I

My Rating: 5 Stars

WOW! I'm so happy I was given an advanced copy of this book. The Journey of Jeremy Ivester told not from his own perspective but also from his mum Jo (who is the main writer of this books) with also, a few entries from his dad Jon.

Once a Girl, Always a Boy gives us a small glimpse inside the journey of a transgender man from his early childhood as Emily, through difficult adolescence years full of doubts and insecurities about who he was, all the way to his late twenties when he is finally comfortable in his own skin and happy of being Jeremy Ivester.

I'm not a mum (yet), but every parent out there should read this memoir as anyone could be born with a genetic mix that does not necessarily match to what that person identifies himself/herself/themself with (I know, I know.. it's a bit hard with all the pronouns, but we just have to get used to it)

There is still a lot to be done in our society to make it an inclusive environment for everyone within the LGTBQI+ spectrum and raising awareness for this book could be one little act towards that perfect world.

Thanks to She Writes Press and Netgalley for the advanced copy.

This book provides a look at the effects of the transition from both the individual and family perspective. As a mother who supports her transgender son 100%, I found it imperative that this story be told of the family. Unfortunately and most sadly, the story of this family is one of the minority because many transgender individuals too often find themselves ousted from the family when they most need loving support.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book to read and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

** will add links when it goes live **

Once a Girl, Always a Boy is a marvelous family memoir of a transgender journey, written by Jo Ivester.

This story is an important one. Honest and heart-felt, this look back at Jeremy's journey, told by many standpoints, is wonderfully done. The reader follows Jeremy from his childhood to his 20's.

Jeremy was a tomboy for sure, but it was always more than that. Personally, I love the way his mother related to Jeremy's young years. Of course, this understanding leads to confusion later as Jeremy struggles to understand and explain his true feelings. And, damn, learning more about the journey of Jo herself, is amazing.

The author includes an informative look into the emotions, as well as work and legal struggles involved with changing one's gender legally. It's enlightening, not only for the way Jeremy's plights are explored, but also for the way his parents and siblings each explain their feelings.

I love, love, love this book and hope everyone has a chance to read it. And yes, tears were shed.

Once a Girl, Always a Boy is a book everyone should read. Too many people struggle with understanding why people transition, and this memoir will definitely help people to gain a better understanding. And of course, understanding leads to changing attitudes. I am a firm believer that stories have the power to create change, and this is one such story.

CW: sexual assault

This is an important book, perhaps even a must-read, for queer folks and allies alike. It is a vulnerable look at the transition journey that Jeremy goes through, starting from when he was quite young to present day. I was very intrigued by the "family memoir" aspect as I have not encountered anything like this before. His parents' reactions to the different stages of his transition were raw and honest, though not always positive. My favorite chapters were from Jeremy's younger brother Sammy's perspective. The book does use Jeremy's dead name and former pronouns up to the point of his transition. His mom does acknowledge this in the beginning of the book, stating that she had wrestled with what to do, but ultimately decided to go this route for clarity's sake.

I have to say that I felt like transgender memoirs were beginning to echo what seemed such similar stories. Most were written from the first-person POV. Recently however, one, Love Lives Here, looked into the perspective of the family of a transgender child with a transgender parent. It was written by the cisgender spouse. That book moved me. This book, written by a mother of a transgender son, was as different and a valuable POV as the aforementioned Love Lives Here. I'm a transgender woman from a generation that denied my existence and outlawed my existence. I lost everything when I finally came out; love, home, security, savings and employment. My life was scarred by epithets from loved ones and silence when support was needed. My story isn't unique, certainly not for my generation. Now, we hear primarily from a mother who went through the emergence of her son as he struggled to come to grips with his gender identity and then move cautiously through transition as a young adult. Her son’s voice is evident throughout as he moves from a young school-age girl to an early adult man. I know how difficult that transition is firsthand. Here, we get a view of how parenting eases the child through what is a life or death struggle with their identity. Recent politics further endanger the lives of trans folks and we also get insight into how hate has moved into our government again. This was a good read, a necessary read no matter where you sit in terms of gender, faith, or role.

This book is incredibly important and poignant. I appreciated the different perspectives from each family member, and it was carefully and heartwarmingly crafted. There is something so genuinely special in reading about the love Jo and her family have for Jeremy, and their unwavering support throughout his transition.

Just. Wow. This book is so well written. I loved that only was it a memoir of the individual that went through the journey so that you could experience the thoughts and feelings - but was also a memoir of the parents, as they watched their child grow up, to when their child was an adult. Still wanting to protect, and foster their growth and development. I would highly recommend this to anyone at all. Captivating, could not put this down! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

As someone who's also trans, I related to so much of this memoir and the personal journey of identity that Jo goes on. Would recommend to fellow trans readers as well as those who want to understand more about gender identity.

"Something is different. I don’t want to hide anymore, even though I’m scared to say even to myself that I’m trans. I’m frozen, unable to make a decision. The thought of change is terrifying. Can I do it? Will I disappoint everyone if I do? Oh, God."

Biographies (memoirs) are one of favorite kinds of books to read but I don’t read many. It’s hard to put a rating and a review on someone else’s life. They’ve experienced these things and we’re just reading what’s on the paper. I haven’t read many books about the LGBTQIAP+ community but It’s time that I do, educate myself more, and this is where we should all start.

This book takes us through the journey of not only Jeremy but of his closest family members as he discovers who he is. It’s told through many POV’s but it’s mostly of his Mom listening to her son, educating herself, and being an advocate for the transgender community. Not everyone’s family is supportive and willing to educate themselves. I’m glad that Jeremy had a great support system, not only at home with family but with friends as he transitioned into being his true self.

Once a girl, Always a Boy is a heartfelt and important memoir. It’s an eye-opening memoir that should be read by everyone. Jeremy is brave for telling his story because not all of it was positive and it’s hard to find the right words in letting others know what you’re thinking/feeling. There is a lot of hate in this world and it needs to end. We should be supportive of one another. If you need to talk to someone, I’ve posted the phone number below.

Trans Lifeline: (Information shared from their website)
A 24/7 hotline available in the U.S. and Canada staffed by transgender people for transgender people. Trans Lifeline is primarily for transgender people in a crisis, from struggling with gender identity to thoughts of self-harm. The number is: 1-877-565-8860