FORTY YEARS to LIFE
by Brenda Bradford Ward
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Pub Date Feb 28 2024 | Archive Date Jun 24 2024
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Description
Discover the captivating journey of self-discovery and resilience in "FORTY YEARS to LIFE" by Brenda Bradford Ward. In this compelling narrative, Ward paints a vivid picture of a life lived in secrecy, offering readers a rare glimpse into the struggles faced by individuals navigating gender identity conflicts.
Society's response to such conflicts often swings between permissiveness and suppression, yet true understanding remains elusive. Ward skillfully delves into this complex issue, shedding light on the challenges faced by those grappling with their true identity amidst societal pressures.
With meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, "FORTY YEARS to LIFE" invites readers to confront the age-old questions surrounding gender identity. As Ward explores the history and intricacies of this deeply personal journey, she prompts us to reflect on how best to support and empower individuals facing similar challenges.
Engaging, thought-provoking, and deeply compassionate, "FORTY YEARS to LIFE" is a must-read for anyone seeking insight into the human experience and the quest for authenticity.
Join Brenda Bradford Ward on a transformative odyssey toward understanding, acceptance, and ultimately, liberation.
Advance Praise
"There is nothing so perplexing to a transgendered person as the failure of others to understand that gender identity is a fundamental part of each person’s essential identity..."
This title explores the life of people who experience a gender identity opposite to the sexual organs they are born with. As a male-to-female (MtF) transgender person who transitioned late in life, Ward is deeply familiar with gender identity. This volume discusses her poignant personal memories and serves simultaneously as a memoir, a well-cited academic discourse, and a Christian spiritual journey that will inspire and enlighten those who misunderstand the nature of this condition. In her introduction, Ward cautions that “lengthy secret lives are an unfortunate and dreadfully common part of the existence of each suppressing transgendered person” and that she “[guards] her conflicting gender identity out of confusion, fear, shame, and concern for people about whom she cares.” Ultimately, this book is a clarion call to deepen the universal understanding of gender identity and to dispel the confusion surrounding the issue.
Written with elegance, insight, and compassion, the text covers virtually every aspect of the subject. Ward examines her personal struggles alongside historical and religious viewpoints, as well as medical, legal, and spiritual considerations of gender identity and the role that modern societies play in exacerbating the conflicts that people experience. The text closes with an articulate and detailed program that the author feels would effectively address most aspects of the issue, hoping that universal early intervention in the least traumatic way feasible will bring relief to the greatest number of gender-conflicted people possible. The biological process of gender identity is still not fully understood scientifically, and mass education about the subject is desperately needed to clarify that transgender people do not deserve scorn, fear, or prejudice. The author’s book could prove to be an important step in addressing this issue.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
https://www.theusreview.com/reviews-1/Forty-Years-to-Life-by-Brenda-Bradford-Ward.html
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9798883079589 |
| PRICE | $0.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 759 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1394760
Bradford Ward’s memoir is a touching and genuine exploration of being a trans woman/person - transness.
If a memoir is too self-indulgent, I do not enjoy my read as much as the author does. Fortunately, the author does an excellent job here.
This marks the first time (from what I remember) I read such a memoir that strikes a balance between informativeness and personal history of the writer.
It shows on every page that the writer did extensive research (a PhD, woohoo) and contemplated the topics covered. This was informative and engaging. I found the Law and the Church chapter very important. Some chapters flow better than others.
I would have liked to read more details about some of these topics, but this is more of a wish and hope for the future as the scope of the book would not have been enough to cover everything. I am looking forward to reading this author’s other work.
