I Am J By: Cris Beam

I Am J By: Cris Beam

This book was a great read and has a great theme. The book is about a boy born into a girl's body. The story goes into the life and hardships of being transgender and what it's like to experience hate and confusion in yourself in a society who doesn't really understand it. Also the book goes into not just self discovery and acceptance but relationships as well. The main character J, in the book is having a difficult time and feeling as if his body did not do what it was supposed to when he was born and he ends up wrapping his breast and dressing as much like a "boy" as possible but going through acceptance of others and learning more about what testosterone could do to help him is also just past of what he goes through. I myself have a friend who has actually read this book and she is trans. I was blessed enough to be friends with her through the transition and although she is transitioned she mentioned that she learns so much everyday now but is just so much happier as her outside finally reflects her inside and she actually loved the book as well!
Pros: Can open up strands minds, can be relatable and help those transitioning and those who know them.
Cons: The characters can get confusing at times and there is a lot of dialogue that takes up a lot of the book and it seems as if it goes over a few weeks versus months.

Links:

http://www.librarything.com/work/9923971/reviews/64512751

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b99i1QypP-g