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Jack
Union, Georgia. 1971. Born in the wrong body Jack finds himself lost and trapped in a town where he feels out of place. Acceptance – or even tolerance – doesn’t exist in Union, or within his family. When Jack attempts suicide following his mother’s death, Jack’s sister Emma has him committed to Meadow Field Psychiatric Hospital, where they continue to try and change him, convince him that how he feels and who he is, is wrong.
But in this most unlikely place, among the most unlikely friends and unspeakable fear, Jack learns that all acts have consequences, some things cannot be changed, and love isn’t defined by the body it comes in.
*This book contains strong language, violence, disturbing acts, and mild sexual content. Not intended for readers under 17.
But in this most unlikely place, among the most unlikely friends and unspeakable fear, Jack learns that all acts have consequences, some things cannot be changed, and love isn’t defined by the body it comes in.
*This book contains strong language, violence, disturbing acts, and mild sexual content. Not intended for readers under 17.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2012
6 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Adrienne Wilder
50 books1,794 followersGeorgia born and bred, I am an artist, a writer, and a general pain in the ass.
I spend most of my days working on my next book or bettering my art.
Writing is my identity and I love every minute of it. It's work, lots of work (sometimes I work 12+ hours a day and I never get a vacation) but I don't regret doing it.
I currently share my house with a myriad of dogs, a few cats, a saltwater aquarium filled with coral and fish, as well as my partner who's great at giving hugs when the day's been rough.
And of course, my editor and PA, who helps me keep life reasonably organized. At least so I won't walk out the door without wearing pants.
I spend most of my days working on my next book or bettering my art.
Writing is my identity and I love every minute of it. It's work, lots of work (sometimes I work 12+ hours a day and I never get a vacation) but I don't regret doing it.
I currently share my house with a myriad of dogs, a few cats, a saltwater aquarium filled with coral and fish, as well as my partner who's great at giving hugs when the day's been rough.
And of course, my editor and PA, who helps me keep life reasonably organized. At least so I won't walk out the door without wearing pants.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 23, 2014
“They made me wear a dress.”
And so begins the tale of Jack, a young man born into the wrong body who must battle the intolerance of a small southern town, the disgust of his own sister (who already abandoned the family once), and the cold, callous mistreatment of a psychiatric hospital in the 1970s. Already feeling an outcast, denied the acceptance of nearly everyone around him, it’s the death of his mother than triggers his final descent. Aside from his mother his best friend Elliot, nobody accepts his decision express the masculinity inside, and even the two of them don’t fully accept him as a ‘real’ boy.
Ultimately, however, it’s the treachery and cruelty of his sister that drive him to suicide, an act of desperation that she twists to justify her decision to have him committed, allowing her to wash her hands of the responsibility. As you might expect, it’s a dark tale, full of emotional sorrow and horrifying physical pain, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
For those who are accustomed to Wilder’s more light-hearted gay male romances, this tale of transgender identity may come as something of a surprise, but it clearly comes from the heart . . . and from an author who proudly and openly identifies as male.
Life in Meadow Field Psychiatric Hospital is just about as rough and frightening as you might expect. It’s a place that has no interest in treating people like Jack or in helping them to cope. Instead, secure in their narrow-minded biases, the doctors and nurses are interested only in curing Jack of his ‘delusions’. Jack’s therapy sessions with Dr. Chance are interesting, however, particularly in the ways that he tries to force Chance to see that there’s more to gender than genitalia.
Even with friends like Noah (who has anger issues) and Grom (who thinks he’s a wizard), Jack’s stay is a difficult one, plagued by dangerous patients on top of the professionals.
"Why do they want to change me?”
“Maybe they just don’t love you enough.”
Of course, it’s the relationship between Jack and Noah that centres the novel. It’s Noah’s pain that provides Jack with the opportunity to play the gallant young knight, and Jack’s pain that brings Noah out of his shell to become close to another human being again. Their love is an awkward one, especially as their respective secrets are brought to the surface, but tender and true. It’s challenged and tested throughout their stay, but never wavers. While their escape from the hospital is a bit too convenient, it’s hard to deny them the benefit of fate’s guiding hand in the skies. Both boys are guilty of acts of violence, but all in the name of self-protection and their escape is a necessary part of their healing process. In terms of the climax, it’s less of a spoiler and more of a reassurance to promise that there is a happily ever after, but some reader may need that glimmer of light to continue reading.
Originally reviewed for Frock Magazine
And so begins the tale of Jack, a young man born into the wrong body who must battle the intolerance of a small southern town, the disgust of his own sister (who already abandoned the family once), and the cold, callous mistreatment of a psychiatric hospital in the 1970s. Already feeling an outcast, denied the acceptance of nearly everyone around him, it’s the death of his mother than triggers his final descent. Aside from his mother his best friend Elliot, nobody accepts his decision express the masculinity inside, and even the two of them don’t fully accept him as a ‘real’ boy.
Ultimately, however, it’s the treachery and cruelty of his sister that drive him to suicide, an act of desperation that she twists to justify her decision to have him committed, allowing her to wash her hands of the responsibility. As you might expect, it’s a dark tale, full of emotional sorrow and horrifying physical pain, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
For those who are accustomed to Wilder’s more light-hearted gay male romances, this tale of transgender identity may come as something of a surprise, but it clearly comes from the heart . . . and from an author who proudly and openly identifies as male.
Life in Meadow Field Psychiatric Hospital is just about as rough and frightening as you might expect. It’s a place that has no interest in treating people like Jack or in helping them to cope. Instead, secure in their narrow-minded biases, the doctors and nurses are interested only in curing Jack of his ‘delusions’. Jack’s therapy sessions with Dr. Chance are interesting, however, particularly in the ways that he tries to force Chance to see that there’s more to gender than genitalia.
Even with friends like Noah (who has anger issues) and Grom (who thinks he’s a wizard), Jack’s stay is a difficult one, plagued by dangerous patients on top of the professionals.
"Why do they want to change me?”
“Maybe they just don’t love you enough.”
Of course, it’s the relationship between Jack and Noah that centres the novel. It’s Noah’s pain that provides Jack with the opportunity to play the gallant young knight, and Jack’s pain that brings Noah out of his shell to become close to another human being again. Their love is an awkward one, especially as their respective secrets are brought to the surface, but tender and true. It’s challenged and tested throughout their stay, but never wavers. While their escape from the hospital is a bit too convenient, it’s hard to deny them the benefit of fate’s guiding hand in the skies. Both boys are guilty of acts of violence, but all in the name of self-protection and their escape is a necessary part of their healing process. In terms of the climax, it’s less of a spoiler and more of a reassurance to promise that there is a happily ever after, but some reader may need that glimmer of light to continue reading.
Originally reviewed for Frock Magazine
June 12, 2017
10/10
"So despite the five stars, I wouldn’t actually recommend this for trans folks. But for cis people? Read this book. If you are cis, and you make any claim to being a trans ally, read it." - Matt
"I can’t speak on how this book would impact trans readers. I wouldn’t know and I wouldn’t rec this without putting up all the warning signs. But for cis readers? Yes. YES. It’s brutal, it’s full of potentially triggering content and reading it hurts. So go read and get hurt and learn from it." - Maria
Find our full reviews here.
"So despite the five stars, I wouldn’t actually recommend this for trans folks. But for cis people? Read this book. If you are cis, and you make any claim to being a trans ally, read it." - Matt
"I can’t speak on how this book would impact trans readers. I wouldn’t know and I wouldn’t rec this without putting up all the warning signs. But for cis readers? Yes. YES. It’s brutal, it’s full of potentially triggering content and reading it hurts. So go read and get hurt and learn from it." - Maria
Find our full reviews here.
try-again-later
October 28, 2012I tried and read 32% of the file and... it was too much
did I hate it? nope, it was just too much for me, that's why it's in my "try again later" shelf. My problem was the
I will try it again... when I will be brave enough
did I hate it? nope, it was just too much for me, that's why it's in my "try again later" shelf. My problem was the
I will try it again... when I will be brave enough
October 23, 2012
I read this book in a single sitting, literally could not stop, it is touching and heart-wrenching in a way not many authors can accomplish, and tells a story about gender identity and acceptance that we haven't seen yet, and that needs to be told. I highly recommend this book, especially to those with trans people in their lives but everyone can take something very important from this book.
November 4, 2024
I had a hard time getting attached to the character. Another reason for the low rating is because I expected the book to focus more on Jack and his struggle with being seen as a man. And then the course of the book itself was somewhat off-putting. More than half the book was about Noah and Grom and the days spent with them in the Psychiatric ward. And then the last few pages everything was turned to 11
And for another thing. I didn't understand Jack's meek acceptance of everything his sister said or did. There was not even the slightest attempt at fighting back as if it was taken for granted that whatever his sister said or did would be word of law with everyone else.
I couldn't click with Jack so I'm only giving this 2 stars.
And for another thing. I didn't understand Jack's meek acceptance of everything his sister said or did. There was not even the slightest attempt at fighting back as if it was taken for granted that whatever his sister said or did would be word of law with everyone else.
I couldn't click with Jack so I'm only giving this 2 stars.
February 7, 2018
As far as the trans representation in this book, it’s an excellent read. It highlights the struggles an individual goes through in a poignant way.
My biggest issue with the book is simply the quality of the writing. I had a hard time getting into the beginning of the book because it felt rushed writing wise. As more characters were introduced (Dr. Chance/ Noah/ Grom), the writing picked up, and it felt more developed. I had a hard time with the voice of Jack simply because the voice felt older than the MC’s intended age.
Overall, it was a good read, but I think that more time should have been spent developing the writing of a book on such an important topic. I’d recommend reading it because it does a great job showcasing the struggles of a trans individual.
My biggest issue with the book is simply the quality of the writing. I had a hard time getting into the beginning of the book because it felt rushed writing wise. As more characters were introduced (Dr. Chance/ Noah/ Grom), the writing picked up, and it felt more developed. I had a hard time with the voice of Jack simply because the voice felt older than the MC’s intended age.
Overall, it was a good read, but I think that more time should have been spent developing the writing of a book on such an important topic. I’d recommend reading it because it does a great job showcasing the struggles of a trans individual.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2017
Perfect.
April 11, 2018
It seems a little unfinished. I'd like to know more about Jack's life after hospital
January 11, 2018
A fantastic read. I highly recommend for anyone who is an ally of the trans community. Or for anyone who wants to have a clearer understanding of what life is like for a transgender individual.
November 11, 2012
Jack is sixteen and crap keeps rolling into his life. Many teens will say that, however, Jack's mother has just died and that leaves traitorous older sister Emma in charge. Because aside from
The author states the book began as YA and then she changed the classification; I think it is still YA. It reminded me of Never Promised You a Rose Garden and one other book I read in high school about two brothers in Forest Hills where one becomes involved in drugs (I can't remember the title and that's really bugging me now). The things that Jack does to protect Noah and himself, what they endure are horrific, but I don't know the rules for YA, that's a genre I haven't read in 30+ years. Still, I enjoyed it and would love a sequel.
The author states the book began as YA and then she changed the classification; I think it is still YA. It reminded me of Never Promised You a Rose Garden and one other book I read in high school about two brothers in Forest Hills where one becomes involved in drugs (I can't remember the title and that's really bugging me now). The things that Jack does to protect Noah and himself, what they endure are horrific, but I don't know the rules for YA, that's a genre I haven't read in 30+ years. Still, I enjoyed it and would love a sequel.
November 10, 2014
Great reading
Interesting topic, it raises a lot of questions. Character developing is great, you care a lot about what is happening to all people. It's sad at times, funny, infuriating, tragically, and the main character is full of bravery and innocence, you really root for him. Ending is a little on the "they lived happily ever after" side for my taste, but it's still ok. It also makes u think about what makes a boy a boy, and what makes a girl to be a girl. Very recommended.
Interesting topic, it raises a lot of questions. Character developing is great, you care a lot about what is happening to all people. It's sad at times, funny, infuriating, tragically, and the main character is full of bravery and innocence, you really root for him. Ending is a little on the "they lived happily ever after" side for my taste, but it's still ok. It also makes u think about what makes a boy a boy, and what makes a girl to be a girl. Very recommended.
January 16, 2016
I Know it was 1971...
but I still cried and railed against the system!
I wanted to toss Emma in a cell and throw away the key. Dr. Chance could be in the one next to her, for what he did to Noah.
Too close to 'One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest' for comfort!
Beautifully written with wonderful main characters.
but I still cried and railed against the system!
I wanted to toss Emma in a cell and throw away the key. Dr. Chance could be in the one next to her, for what he did to Noah.
Too close to 'One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest' for comfort!
Beautifully written with wonderful main characters.
March 29, 2016
One of the books I will never be able to forget.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews