Nevada

What a ride! Literally, as riding a bike through New York features prominently in the first part while the second part features a road trip. I found the beginning a bit too edgy for my taste but was quickly drawn in by the stream-of-consciousness like narration of Maria. It's like a really cool blog (which Maria also has). She has a lot of interesting but also amusing things to say. I also realy liked the interaction between her and James in the second part. The book is set in a nice time bubble when people had live journals and blogs and trans persons weren't yet public enemy No. 1 (however, the book makes it very clear that there's no reason to romanticise that era). It's a deep and compelling dive into trans experiences. Recommended!

I was put onto this by the Transfeminine Review, and goodness am I glad. Much of what it has to say about queer community and how it treats trans women is still relevant today, and there are times it felt like my life was put on the page- like someone had read my mind! Maria is a window into our community- its no wonder this was a breakout hit. She's not likeable, at times- just like me and the girls I know aren't. She's genuine and a better character for it, a reflection for the world to see, but more importantly for girls like us to see. It's not quite perfect- its a little overly self conscious and the writing can be emotionally disconnected- but at the same time that's very fitting for what Nevada is trying to be. Definitely recommend