This was my first book by Eugenides, and I wasn't sure what to expect really. I expected a coming-of-age story, yes, but not like this.

This book has a little bit of everything. Part memoir, part family tree, part medical case study, part sexuality enlightenment, part love story, part cultural history and identity revolution... Eugenides could have called his book "Baklava" and been perfectly accurate. There are many layers to this story, each one adding their own little bit of deliciousness to the whole. :)

This story was really touching in a "This is my life & I'm just telling my story" kind of way. I didn't feel like Eugenides was trying to plunge his hand into my chest to tug at my heart-strings, but they were tugged nonetheless. At times, especially towards the end of the book, I was literally on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen. When Callie looks herself up in the dictionary, I couldn't help but be heartbroken for her.

I remember being a 14 year old girl and going through adolescence and puberty. It was hard enough without the added anxiety and strain of not knowing who you are. Calliope is one of the best characters I've read in a long time. Even through her fears and uncertainties about herself, she remains true to the essence of who she is underneath and refuses to let others decide her fate for her.

One of my favorite things about this story was the narrative. Eugenides prepares us for this with his first paragraph, stating that Calliope was born twice: once as a baby girl, and then again as a teenage boy. Cal's narrative shifts between first person narrative (when he speaks of himself as male) and third person (when he speaks of Callie as female, and when relating details about the family, their history, etc). I really felt that there was a defining line between Callie and Cal, and that while they ultimately are the same person, they were also two unique people living a single life at different stages.

Cal's omniscient recounting of events was sometimes funny, sometimes sad, always honest and brave. At least it felt that way to me. I really felt for Cal and wanted him to not only be accepted but to be truly loved. He is definitely a character worthy of love in my opinion.

This was a great story. There are some slow moments, but even during these, Eugenides writing carries the story. I would definitely recommend this book. Thank you for recommending this one, Jon!