Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story

This is an enchanting, humorous, good-natured, and utterly captivating coming of age story with delicious surprises at every turn. While it certainly expands the trans canon and is a good companion read to Laura Jane Grace's "Tranny...", the true message here is for every human being on earth to just BE -- and free themselves from the strict societal pressures to conform to gender norms. For some men, folding in a trace of femininity might mean nothing more than being able to show emotions without being called the P-word or some other weaponized word to denote femininity equals weakness. For others, they might enjoy exploring their feminine sides in public with a dash or makeup or a dollop of color. When I came out as gender non binary long before there was a term for it besides cross dresser, transsexual, or pervert, almost ALL of the married women I talked to (conservative and liberals) admitted to me their manly husbands experiment with lingerie in the bedroom and femme (mocking, because as Jacob says, its safer) Halloween costumes. When Jacob appeared on The Daily Show I was brought to happy tears in an instant. Finally a media figure who just IS happy in their own skin and not transitioning from one gender absolute to another. Their interview, and this book, really helped me find happiness exactly where I am right now -- living authentically without hormones or surgery. Our sexual orientations are different. Jacob digs guys. I dig girls. And still (because they are totally separate identity markers) we share so many milestones on our respective gender quests. Sissy is a life saving, life affirming, life changing, totally entertaining read. As for the prose itself, Jacob is a gifted writer -- humorous asides and sharp wit at every turn, each paragraph a fully realized work of art -- and yet the whole story stays on a fast track and never derails. Such a thrilling read -- happy tears indeed. "Whiny"? as one other reviewer so eloquently declared -- heck no. "Witty" for sure. Perhaps that other review was an auto correct error.

Wow-!!! this autobiography is the perfect primer on all gender spectrums- told in conversational prose (that had me laughing out loud at times). It also reveals amazing truths. Loved every word. Definitely adding this to my college level Queer Literature classes. It’s a great read! (And to Adella’s One star review who thought the book was “whiney”, clearly you have a lot to learn about privilege... reread pages 279-283.)

The author was whiney. I wanted to learn, not be complained to. Others in my book club felt the same.

This is a necessary read, but not one I enjoyed. I am a trans person, and I had trouble connecting with Jacob throughout the reading of this book. Their point of view felt both judgmental of others and incredibly privileged. I’m not trying to downplay their struggles, just to identify why I wasn’t able to connect with the story.I believe it is worth reading to examine the ways in which society polices gender, and what can happen to us when we don’t fit society’s expectations of performative gender roles.

I really want to give Jacob a big hug. All mothers of Gay and Trans children need to read this book. Although we will all be sad about the moments we may have failed our children, hopefully we will also remember the times that we were there for them.Thank you, Jacob, for this heart-felt and honest memoir. I look forward to your next memoir, where you can tell us how the world has changed, and is accepting. And, that you have found your true love. You deserve that, sweet one, and I pray that they are right around the corner!!

Jacob's book is an absolutely masterpiece, and I cannot recommend it enough. Their story is so moving and told in a way that is both touching and humorous. It's so easy to sit down and completely devour this in one sitting because it's such a well-written, heartfelt journey. Genderqueer and gender nonconforming stories don't seem to get much air in the literature world and to have their book reach so many people is vitally important. Absolutely everyone, regardless of sexuality or gender, will find something in this you can relate to. I would love to see this become required reading for high school students, not just to show life through a different lens but to teach acceptance and empathy.

Not usually a lover of memoirs, but thoroughly enjoyed this one. Very thought-provoking. Caused me to pause and question so many social constructs, including gender, in a way that other books about transgender haven't caused me to do before. Quick read. Funny.

Hearing Jacob's story was a sacred experience. The story telling is phenomenal and easy to empathize with. Jacob is amazing in all the ways a person can be.

Eye opening, educational and entertaining. I would recommended it to everyone!

So, so, so good!

Los pasajes de vida que comparte Jacob son escenciales para entender como la sociedad a construido el género, afectando la vida plenas de las personas que no se adhieren al binario. Y cómo estas construcciones de género, afectan a todas las personas en diferente medida.

Bello il prologo. Lettura interessante.

Super. Eye opener.