RaveThe Southern Review of BooksHays appeals not only to the readers’ morals, but also uses scientific data, religious practices, and historical facts to educate the reader on what it means to be transgender ... This memoir is Hays’ opportunity to tell her daughter – and everyone else in the transgender community – that they aren’t less than, but whole and wonderful and capable, and they should continue to live their lives full of love and hope, versus the fear and shame many out there try to wield ... a brilliant compilation of science, history, gender equality, community, culture, religion, politics, the patriarchy, and unconditional love, weaved into a narrative that is vital to our culture. The story is nothing new. It is a story as old as time, but only now is it being given the awareness it deserves. It’s about people being treated fairly and accepted for who they are, not who society wants them to be. It is about intolerance and fear and support and empathy, but most of all, it’s a story of love and joy.
Elizabeth McCracken
PositiveSouthern Review of BooksMeandering ... At a sleek 177 pages, McCracken breaks open the stereotypical definition of what is considered fiction or memoir. She muddles and layers times and events ... While the story itself is slow to start and other moments throughout seem too mundane to find interesting, McCracken — similar to the works of Anne Patchett or Elizabeth Strout — is able to find tidbits in the mundane and make them relevant, witty, and relatable ... The clean, brisk language, stunning sentences that tie up the chapters, and overall thoughtfulness in terms of life and acceptance make it well worth the read.
Cara Blue Adams
RaveSouthern Review... an elegantly mastered and precise collection of linked stories ... On top of the beautifully woven narrative, Adams uses her abilities as a writer to uniquely shape the book as a whole. Place is as much of a character as Kate or her mother or Esme ... Adams also successfully switches points of view, oscillating between first, second, and third person and back again, all while keeping the cadence intact and the larger story of the collection on track. Within these twelve vivid stories, the scope of Kate’s journey is broadened by characters like her mom and sister, a few friends, and her romantic interests ... Every sentence in every story is nuanced and complete, creating layers of meaning in which loneliness and longing are palpable, woven into each word ... a masterfully curated collection containing what feels like the scope of a novel in a minute package.
