To Be a Trans Man by Ezra Woodger Book Review

Welcome to my review of To Be a Trans Man by Ezra Woodger. I always like to add in some LGBT reads and am interested in the plight of people who are different to myself so this was a great choice for me and was very informative too. 

Click me to go to my Review

Synopsis

In this illuminating and radically honest book, Ezra Woodger interviews trans men and transmasculine people to interrogate what masculinity is and what it means to be a man. Covering a wide range of topics, from dealing with judgement and expectations – both external and internal – to the experience of gender euphoria, finding a community and the growth and openness that trans-inclusive spaces can provide, the stories in this book highlight the power of being true to who you are.

With contributions from trans men from across the UK and US, including Fox Fisher, Ezra Michel and many more, their words offer comfort, guidance and an important reminder of the joy and strength of existing as a trans man, regardless of how you look.

About The Author

Ezra Woodger is a trans man and one of the winners of the inaugural JKP Writing Prize. To Be a Trans Man is his first book.

My Review

This was a great and informative book discussing what it means to be a man and how trans men fit into this. The book is presented as a series of interviews and made for very interesting reading, particularly for this going through this experience or for those wanting to be a better ally to the trans community.

The very beginning starts with a list of suggested readings which I am unsure if I like. I do like when this is included at the end of a book so you can find out more but it felt odd to have it at the front, though this is perhaps not your usual read so maybe that’s why. It’s a good start anyway and shows the research that has gone into this immediately changing it from a memoir-style book to someone researched and different. 

I enjoyed that Ezra puts himself out in the world and discussed issues that are usually private and sensitive and he isn’t afraid to stand proud. It has opened my eyes to some of the struggles that I was unaware of and probably wouldn’t usually consider. 

I enjoyed this eye-opening read, it shows how easy it is to be offensive even when you intend to be the complete opposite, though maybe this is a lesson for us all to be more sensitive and learn more about others to try to be better people. 

Rated