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Trans-Sister Radio
Four people in a small Vermont village are about to have their lives inexorably intertwined by the uncertainties of love . . . and the apparent absolutes of gender.
Schoolteacher Allison Banks, the long-divorced mother of a teenager on the cusp of college, has at last fallen in love. The object of her desire? Dana Stevens, a professor at the nearby university and her instructor for a summer film and literature course. Her daughter, Carly, watches with pleasure her mother's newfound happiness, but her ex-husband, Will, the president of Vermont Public Radio, is jealous. Still secretly in love with his ex-wife, he finds himself increasingly unsettled by the prospect of Allison's attachment to another man.
Yet Dana is unlike anyone Allison has ever been attentive, gentle, kind -- and an exceptionally ardent lover. Moreover, it's clear that Dana cares just as deeply for Allison. The only stumbling block? Dana has known always that in actuality he is a woman -- genitalia, plumbing, and perceptions be damned -- and he will soon be having a sex change operation.
At first Allison runs, but overwhelmed by the depth of her passions, she returns. But can the pair's love transcend both the biologic imperatives that are their bodies, as well as their ingrained notions of sexual preference? Moreover, can their love survive the outrage of the small community in which they live?
All four characters -- Allison, Dana, Carly, and Will -- narrate this compelling story, spinning a tale that will keep you turning the pages with the eagerness we usually reserve for thrillers, while nodding in wonder at such a deeply moving and profoundly honest portrayal of longing, love, and desire.
Schoolteacher Allison Banks, the long-divorced mother of a teenager on the cusp of college, has at last fallen in love. The object of her desire? Dana Stevens, a professor at the nearby university and her instructor for a summer film and literature course. Her daughter, Carly, watches with pleasure her mother's newfound happiness, but her ex-husband, Will, the president of Vermont Public Radio, is jealous. Still secretly in love with his ex-wife, he finds himself increasingly unsettled by the prospect of Allison's attachment to another man.
Yet Dana is unlike anyone Allison has ever been attentive, gentle, kind -- and an exceptionally ardent lover. Moreover, it's clear that Dana cares just as deeply for Allison. The only stumbling block? Dana has known always that in actuality he is a woman -- genitalia, plumbing, and perceptions be damned -- and he will soon be having a sex change operation.
At first Allison runs, but overwhelmed by the depth of her passions, she returns. But can the pair's love transcend both the biologic imperatives that are their bodies, as well as their ingrained notions of sexual preference? Moreover, can their love survive the outrage of the small community in which they live?
All four characters -- Allison, Dana, Carly, and Will -- narrate this compelling story, spinning a tale that will keep you turning the pages with the eagerness we usually reserve for thrillers, while nodding in wonder at such a deeply moving and profoundly honest portrayal of longing, love, and desire.
344 pages, Hardcover
First published May 3, 2000
236 people are currently reading
6173 people want to read
About the author
Chris Bohjalian
46 books13k followersChris Bohjalian is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 25 books. His 25th book, THE JACKAL’S MISTRESS, is now on sale. He writes literary fiction, historical fiction, thrillers, and (on occasion) ghost stories. His goal is never to write the same book twice. He has published somewhere in the neighborhood of 3.5 million words.
His work has been translated into 35 languages and become three movies (MIDWIVES, SECRETS OF EDEN, and PAST THE BLEACHERS) and an Emmy-winning TV series (THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT). He has two other novels in development for TV series as well.
He is also a playwright, including THE CLUB in 2024; MIDWIVES in 2020; and GROUNDED (now WINGSPAN) in 2018.
His books have been chosen as Best Books of the Year by the Washington Post, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Hartford Courant, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Bookpage, and Salon.
His awards include the Walter Cerf Medal for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts; the Sarah Josefa Hale Award; the ANCA Freedom Award for his work educating Americans about the Armenian Genocide; the ANCA Arts and Letters Award for THE SANDCASTLE GIRLS, as well as the Saint Mesrob Mashdots Medal; the New England Society Book Award for THE NIGHT STRANGERS; the New England Book Award; Russia’s Soglasie (Concord) Award for THE SANDCASTLE GIRLS; a Boston Public Library Literary Light; a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for TRANS-SISTER RADIO; a Best Lifestyle Column for “Idyll Banter” from the Vermont Press Association; and the Anahid Literary Award. His short story, SLOT MACHINE FEVER DREAMS was a finalist for Best Short Story from the International Thriller Writers Association and the audio production was an Audie Finalist. His novel, MIDWVES was a selection of Oprah’s Book Club, and his novel, HOUR OF THE WITCH, was a Barnes & Noble Book Club pick. He is a Fellow of the Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences.
He has written for a wide variety of magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Reader’s Digest, and The Boston Globe Sunday Magazine. He was a weekly columnist in Vermont for The Burlington Free Press from 1992 through 2015.
Chris graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from Amherst College. He has been awarded Honorary Degrees as well from Amherst, Champlain College, and Castleton University.
He lives in Vermont with his wife, the photographer Victoria Blewer.
His work has been translated into 35 languages and become three movies (MIDWIVES, SECRETS OF EDEN, and PAST THE BLEACHERS) and an Emmy-winning TV series (THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT). He has two other novels in development for TV series as well.
He is also a playwright, including THE CLUB in 2024; MIDWIVES in 2020; and GROUNDED (now WINGSPAN) in 2018.
His books have been chosen as Best Books of the Year by the Washington Post, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Hartford Courant, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Bookpage, and Salon.
His awards include the Walter Cerf Medal for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts; the Sarah Josefa Hale Award; the ANCA Freedom Award for his work educating Americans about the Armenian Genocide; the ANCA Arts and Letters Award for THE SANDCASTLE GIRLS, as well as the Saint Mesrob Mashdots Medal; the New England Society Book Award for THE NIGHT STRANGERS; the New England Book Award; Russia’s Soglasie (Concord) Award for THE SANDCASTLE GIRLS; a Boston Public Library Literary Light; a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for TRANS-SISTER RADIO; a Best Lifestyle Column for “Idyll Banter” from the Vermont Press Association; and the Anahid Literary Award. His short story, SLOT MACHINE FEVER DREAMS was a finalist for Best Short Story from the International Thriller Writers Association and the audio production was an Audie Finalist. His novel, MIDWVES was a selection of Oprah’s Book Club, and his novel, HOUR OF THE WITCH, was a Barnes & Noble Book Club pick. He is a Fellow of the Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences.
He has written for a wide variety of magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Reader’s Digest, and The Boston Globe Sunday Magazine. He was a weekly columnist in Vermont for The Burlington Free Press from 1992 through 2015.
Chris graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from Amherst College. He has been awarded Honorary Degrees as well from Amherst, Champlain College, and Castleton University.
He lives in Vermont with his wife, the photographer Victoria Blewer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,020 reviews
September 17, 2008
If you're looking for an introduction to transgender issues, this may be a great book for you. I wasn't.
It seems apparent to me that the author thought the idea of a trans character was so intriguing that he would research the phenomenon and write a convincing book about the world of the transitioning MTF. I guess this is what authors do, and I can't fault his research -- as far as I know nothing he said in the book was inaccurate.
It was, however, bland, predictable, and ultimately implausible.
My biggest problem was with the obsessive way in which this transition was the only issue in any of the characters' lives. The story is told from four points of view, that of the MTF, her girlfriend, her girlfriend's ex-husband, and her girlfriend's daughter. The play on words in the title is grating, as the father, and ultimately the daughter, too, are involved in public radio.
Whenever Bohjalian ventures away from the transition (which I feel as if I should capitalize or italicize to highlight its importance as it is emphasized in the book), which is rare, the story sags and becomes paper thin. We see the ex-husband go through a divorce that barely concerns him. We hear about the daughter's love affairs as if they're handshakes in a parking lot. It's apparent that Bohjalian wanted to talk about one thing, and one thing only: the transition.
Maybe I'm jaded, being a part of the queer community, and having a number of friends who have transitioned. Maybe I've read too many coming out stories, and I'm bored with the focus on one event in a person's life taking over everything. Queers have other interests than their genetalia, I swear. Even people whose genetalia is not aligned with their gender.
Finally, the ending was predictable and convenient, and though it was satisfying to have a happy ending for a couple of characters in the story, I also felt disappointed, and disbelieving. Do we really need to return to the comfort of heterosexuality to find happiness? Should we read that into the ending?
Perhaps that is Bohjalian's answer, but it sure isn't mine.
It seems apparent to me that the author thought the idea of a trans character was so intriguing that he would research the phenomenon and write a convincing book about the world of the transitioning MTF. I guess this is what authors do, and I can't fault his research -- as far as I know nothing he said in the book was inaccurate.
It was, however, bland, predictable, and ultimately implausible.
My biggest problem was with the obsessive way in which this transition was the only issue in any of the characters' lives. The story is told from four points of view, that of the MTF, her girlfriend, her girlfriend's ex-husband, and her girlfriend's daughter. The play on words in the title is grating, as the father, and ultimately the daughter, too, are involved in public radio.
Whenever Bohjalian ventures away from the transition (which I feel as if I should capitalize or italicize to highlight its importance as it is emphasized in the book), which is rare, the story sags and becomes paper thin. We see the ex-husband go through a divorce that barely concerns him. We hear about the daughter's love affairs as if they're handshakes in a parking lot. It's apparent that Bohjalian wanted to talk about one thing, and one thing only: the transition.
Maybe I'm jaded, being a part of the queer community, and having a number of friends who have transitioned. Maybe I've read too many coming out stories, and I'm bored with the focus on one event in a person's life taking over everything. Queers have other interests than their genetalia, I swear. Even people whose genetalia is not aligned with their gender.
Finally, the ending was predictable and convenient, and though it was satisfying to have a happy ending for a couple of characters in the story, I also felt disappointed, and disbelieving. Do we really need to return to the comfort of heterosexuality to find happiness? Should we read that into the ending?
Perhaps that is Bohjalian's answer, but it sure isn't mine.
December 6, 2015
Correction...'Thanks, *Iris*.... lol, ...
The Guest Room", by Chris Bohjalian - will be released early Jan. 2016.
I've already heard wonderful early 'buzz-greatness' from other early readers.
I'm waiting for my pre-ordered copy to arrive early Jan.
In the meantime, I just finished "Trans-Sister Radio", which was first published in 2001
I 'love' the title and it's a gorgeous book cover. The story is intimate
realistic, and beautifully written.
The topic is 'transsexuality'. The novel shows how people on the outside see the
situation - and how it affects them.
When I was a student a Cal, Berkeley, my friend Steven was in Law School at Bolt.
He did become a lawyer, got married, had a son.
When his son was 9years old..Steven started to 'come out'. He always felt like a female.
Just before Steven's 50th birthday..he had the complete transgender surgery.
Paul and I have remain friends with Steven - now Debbie every step of the way. We were actively supportive during all the different stages.
The struggles Steven faced in the beginning years with his wife - and later son- ( the range of emotions for all), have a beautiful ending today. ( the relationships are working- respectful - with loving accepting blessings). Debbie went back to school-
change professions. She is a nurse today.
Debbie says "I waited longer than I wished - but I feel me now". She is happy. No longer the a tall thin, competitive swimmer's body....Debbie, is 'loves' her female curves. She is beautiful.
Chris Bohjalian did an outstanding job with a sensitive topic - very well researched-
A family-community story...from the many different feelings and thoughts from the cast of characters to the graphic details of the surgery itself.
I wondered if this book would feel dated to me when I first began my journey with it on my old kindle during my quiet times in my sauna box. My answer is NO.
I see many transgenders in the Bay Area...but it's still a very personal sensitive subject affecting many people. This book gets in right - through storytelling & research!
Entertaining - informative- and was handle with grace by a skillful author!
The Guest Room", by Chris Bohjalian - will be released early Jan. 2016.
I've already heard wonderful early 'buzz-greatness' from other early readers.
I'm waiting for my pre-ordered copy to arrive early Jan.
In the meantime, I just finished "Trans-Sister Radio", which was first published in 2001
I 'love' the title and it's a gorgeous book cover. The story is intimate
realistic, and beautifully written.
The topic is 'transsexuality'. The novel shows how people on the outside see the
situation - and how it affects them.
When I was a student a Cal, Berkeley, my friend Steven was in Law School at Bolt.
He did become a lawyer, got married, had a son.
When his son was 9years old..Steven started to 'come out'. He always felt like a female.
Just before Steven's 50th birthday..he had the complete transgender surgery.
Paul and I have remain friends with Steven - now Debbie every step of the way. We were actively supportive during all the different stages.
The struggles Steven faced in the beginning years with his wife - and later son- ( the range of emotions for all), have a beautiful ending today. ( the relationships are working- respectful - with loving accepting blessings). Debbie went back to school-
change professions. She is a nurse today.
Debbie says "I waited longer than I wished - but I feel me now". She is happy. No longer the a tall thin, competitive swimmer's body....Debbie, is 'loves' her female curves. She is beautiful.
Chris Bohjalian did an outstanding job with a sensitive topic - very well researched-
A family-community story...from the many different feelings and thoughts from the cast of characters to the graphic details of the surgery itself.
I wondered if this book would feel dated to me when I first began my journey with it on my old kindle during my quiet times in my sauna box. My answer is NO.
I see many transgenders in the Bay Area...but it's still a very personal sensitive subject affecting many people. This book gets in right - through storytelling & research!
Entertaining - informative- and was handle with grace by a skillful author!
October 20, 2012
I think what a lot of people forget is that when this book came out only sleazy talk show hosts we're talking about transgender and even then, it was only for shock factor. I found it refreshing to hear about the process happens and I have met the author and spoke at length about this extensive research to prepare. If you are active in the GLBT community, you might feel like you have heard this before, but not back in 2001 when it was published you didn't--a lot of acceptance has been acheived in those 10 yrs, but don't fool yourselves there is a good portion of this country where gender reassignment is still a very big deal and people in those areas might not be as familiar with the challenges because they lack personal exposure to it.
For the record I am a plus sized gal, always have been, I've always struggled with my weight, but I've always loved being a female and my body (although not every inch of myself at every single moment), but i cannot think of anything more torturous than thinking you we're somehow born in the wrong packaging (which is how I have always envisioned transgender people must feel/felt before they to through reassignment).
I think any time a person can read a book like this and see a glimpse into what someone very different from themselves might be feeling/experiencing, the world becomes a better, hopefully more tolerant, place and I thank the author for personally doing that for me with this book.
For the record I am a plus sized gal, always have been, I've always struggled with my weight, but I've always loved being a female and my body (although not every inch of myself at every single moment), but i cannot think of anything more torturous than thinking you we're somehow born in the wrong packaging (which is how I have always envisioned transgender people must feel/felt before they to through reassignment).
I think any time a person can read a book like this and see a glimpse into what someone very different from themselves might be feeling/experiencing, the world becomes a better, hopefully more tolerant, place and I thank the author for personally doing that for me with this book.
September 10, 2015
Read this long ago but saw it on Bookbub today so decided to add it. It is one of my all-time favs and definitely my favorite of Chris Bohjalian's books.
June 23, 2011
Bohjalian tried, he really really did. Over all, this was a decent book. For anyone seeking a better, safe understanding of gender and concerns of transgender individuals with a fairly interesting story line and likeable characters, it is a good choice. However, for those with an understanding of what trans* individuals face, it has several points of annoyance and often reeks of textbook cloaked in fiction.
A couple of examples that made me twitch any time I read their print:
1. the word "transgendered". It is "transgender". Transgendered is erroneous. It is not a fleeting state.
2. The word "trannie". That word is rarely used in a non derogatory fashion. I won't say never but it is not a frequently used term, as the book may lead one to believe.
I believe the author came into this book with an open mind, and I think he left with one as well, but due to the fact that one of the lead characters simply could not extricate gender from orientation, and very little attention was given when one of the other leads WAS able to do just that, I think that Bohjalian still has a way to go in realizing that gender is not binary.
A couple of examples that made me twitch any time I read their print:
1. the word "transgendered". It is "transgender". Transgendered is erroneous. It is not a fleeting state.
2. The word "trannie". That word is rarely used in a non derogatory fashion. I won't say never but it is not a frequently used term, as the book may lead one to believe.
I believe the author came into this book with an open mind, and I think he left with one as well, but due to the fact that one of the lead characters simply could not extricate gender from orientation, and very little attention was given when one of the other leads WAS able to do just that, I think that Bohjalian still has a way to go in realizing that gender is not binary.
August 17, 2008
From my "position paper" on the book for class:
Throughout Trans-sister Radio, representation is a key issue: community members refuse to let Dana represent herself and refuse to acknowledge her identity as a woman; Allison is denied the opportunity to represent herself to parents (instead, the principal does the work of representing Allison in rather negative ways); the radio becomes a way for Dana and Allison to represent themselves; the four major characters are able to represent themselves to the reader through their first-person chapters; and, ultimately, we have a story about a transwoman written and represented by a cisgendered heterosexual man. The questions of who gets to represent themselves and how, and who gets to represent those who are denied the ability to represent themselves, are central to this book (and I am sure, this course).
As I started reading, I found the whole premise of Bohjalian writing and selling this book problematic. I'm not coming out as universally against dominant culture folks writing about and representing subaltern positions. But it appears here that we have a sentimental story written for a liberal audience whose primary goals, I feel, are to learn more about the Other through voyeurism and to feel good about their own liberal tolerance. They seem to be mirrored most by the central narrator of the story, Carly, who as a young liberal believes that Dana is weird but tolerates her. Dana's story is sensational and must be shared, not only for the readers of Bohjalian's book, but also for the listeners of NPR in the book. In the course of writing a book for liberal sensibilities, Bohjalian has domesticated trans issues as much possible: it is a private issue, and conservatives are wrong to make it public (no one in this book questions how romance, privacy, and heterosexuality are publicly mediated). Dana is portrayed as normatively and domestically as possible for a transwoman; in fact, she writes that she is “domestic as a balloon shade or a perennial garden. And just as harmless” (page unsure). Of course, a good story that means to portray trans as somewhat normative wouldn't be complete without a reinforcement of heterosexuality: now that Dana is a woman and on hormones, she begins to feel attracted to Will and they begin to date and might move together to New Mexico. In the end of the book, the most heterosexual get the last word: After Allison's last chapter, Carly gets a chapter, then Dana, then Will, and finally closing with Carly. Carly is confident that her mom will find someone some day, but Allison is unable to speak for herself at this point, and her potential future is portrayed by her young, budding heterosexual daughter who has forgotten all about questioning her own gender and sexuality. Despite a few moments where biology and romance are queered, ultimately, this is another story about heterosexual love.
Throughout Trans-sister Radio, representation is a key issue: community members refuse to let Dana represent herself and refuse to acknowledge her identity as a woman; Allison is denied the opportunity to represent herself to parents (instead, the principal does the work of representing Allison in rather negative ways); the radio becomes a way for Dana and Allison to represent themselves; the four major characters are able to represent themselves to the reader through their first-person chapters; and, ultimately, we have a story about a transwoman written and represented by a cisgendered heterosexual man. The questions of who gets to represent themselves and how, and who gets to represent those who are denied the ability to represent themselves, are central to this book (and I am sure, this course).
As I started reading, I found the whole premise of Bohjalian writing and selling this book problematic. I'm not coming out as universally against dominant culture folks writing about and representing subaltern positions. But it appears here that we have a sentimental story written for a liberal audience whose primary goals, I feel, are to learn more about the Other through voyeurism and to feel good about their own liberal tolerance. They seem to be mirrored most by the central narrator of the story, Carly, who as a young liberal believes that Dana is weird but tolerates her. Dana's story is sensational and must be shared, not only for the readers of Bohjalian's book, but also for the listeners of NPR in the book. In the course of writing a book for liberal sensibilities, Bohjalian has domesticated trans issues as much possible: it is a private issue, and conservatives are wrong to make it public (no one in this book questions how romance, privacy, and heterosexuality are publicly mediated). Dana is portrayed as normatively and domestically as possible for a transwoman; in fact, she writes that she is “domestic as a balloon shade or a perennial garden. And just as harmless” (page unsure). Of course, a good story that means to portray trans as somewhat normative wouldn't be complete without a reinforcement of heterosexuality: now that Dana is a woman and on hormones, she begins to feel attracted to Will and they begin to date and might move together to New Mexico. In the end of the book, the most heterosexual get the last word: After Allison's last chapter, Carly gets a chapter, then Dana, then Will, and finally closing with Carly. Carly is confident that her mom will find someone some day, but Allison is unable to speak for herself at this point, and her potential future is portrayed by her young, budding heterosexual daughter who has forgotten all about questioning her own gender and sexuality. Despite a few moments where biology and romance are queered, ultimately, this is another story about heterosexual love.
June 17, 2024
This difficult, sensitive topic was handled skillfully by this author. The main character, Dana had always felt that his gender assignment was in error. At the age of 35, he has set out to have this corrected. During the process of attempting to treat this, but prior to genital transformation, he meets Allison and they fall in love. All of the dilemmas that they and family members encounter are the result of their relationship and decisions they have made. I will not introduce spoilers here, but attempt to give you the flavor of the tone of this book.
Bohjalian has taken the situation of transsexuality and humanized it. He clearly has studied the issues involved and the treatment. The content is obviously not for everybody, but for those who have the desire for more knowledge of this topic, he has satisfied this goal. He has carefully explored society's attitudes toward such individuals. He also has managed to successfully interject an interesting plot line and elements of tension. The conclusion of this narrative had elements of surprise.
My question following my reading of this novel is whether Bohjalian was able to sway the negative attitudes of some. It also rouses challenges for the reader, such as, whether you would accept a transgender individual into your family without hesitation??
Bohjalian has taken the situation of transsexuality and humanized it. He clearly has studied the issues involved and the treatment. The content is obviously not for everybody, but for those who have the desire for more knowledge of this topic, he has satisfied this goal. He has carefully explored society's attitudes toward such individuals. He also has managed to successfully interject an interesting plot line and elements of tension. The conclusion of this narrative had elements of surprise.
My question following my reading of this novel is whether Bohjalian was able to sway the negative attitudes of some. It also rouses challenges for the reader, such as, whether you would accept a transgender individual into your family without hesitation??
July 5, 2020
4 Stars for Trans-Sister Radio (ebook) by Chris Bohjalian. I didn’t realize that this book was 18 years old till I was about done with it. It must have been ground breaking back in 2002. I think it was an interesting approach to tell the story from so many perspectives. That really highlighted how everyone was affected.
July 25, 2011
This is our current selection for book club and I just finished it over the weekend. I very much enjoyed reading it as it was a quick and easy read about a subject that up until now, I had never thought of. I knew it existed and that eventually in my life I would run into someone who is a transsexual, but truthfully, I had never given their struggle or their relationships a thought. I found the characters interesting and I came to care for them. The explanation of the surgery and recovery was thorough but not too graphic. The only issue I had is with how well the daughter took all the the changes that were going on in her family. I don't know too many 18 year olds who would just accept it all as gracefully as Carly did. Also, once Dana started dating Will, there was nothing that said how Allie felt about it. That I would have liked. Overall, I enjoyed the read and it was one of the few books that we have chosen for my book club that I have sailed right through.
July 12, 2015
I get the feeling that Bohjalian had the title in mind before writing this book. It's so perfect! A smooth read and a really interesting take on the meaning of gender in our modern world. Another great book on transexuals is The Danish Girl by the great David Ebershoff, which was published the same year as Trans-Sister Radio and is being made into a movie.
February 25, 2009
An account of a transsexual who has his/her gender reassigned, and the effect this has on her relationships and the community in which she lives. I suppose Bohjalian really believed he was doing a service to transsexuals by writing a sympathetic account of their experience, and maybe he would have been if it had been a better book. In fact, it's both plodding and prurient -- an amazing achievement! It's about genitals, not about the people who have, or change, those genitals. Bohjalian doesn't bother to give the characters credible personalities, and they all sound alike. Each chapter is told by one of the four principal characters in turn, but that soon becomes monotonous and gimmicky since none of them has a voice sufficiently distinctive to make us give a care about what he or she thinks. Compare this book to, say, Jeffrey Eugenides' Middlesex, and it's obvious what a trashy potboiler it is.
October 8, 2017
Chris Bohjalian is one of my favorite authors. His books are smart and interesting and I have attended several author events with him. He is generous with his readers and has called into my book club twice to discuss his work. This book was on my TBR pile for a long while and I picked it up for Banned Books week. This is such an interesting story of Dana Stevens who believes he was born in the wrong body and is well on the way to transitioning to a woman. He becomes involved with Allison Banks and they fall deeply, passionately in love before Dana tells her of his plans to completely transition to a woman. The book is set in liberal Vermont, but as Allison is a sixth grade teacher, some parents and administrators alike cannot deal with Allison and Dana living together after Dana's surgery. Allison's ex-husband and her daughter also become part of Dana's life as well and the story alternates through the four main characters' points of view. Chris Bohjalian writes about the issues and controversies in a thoughtful, detailed manner with respect for his characters. This book was published in 2000 and while I think attitudes are much more open to the LGBQT community, this book did not feel dated and seems relevant today.
July 2, 2007
I loved this book. Not only did it handle transgender and transexual issues well, it was a captivating story filled with emotion and
Alison Banks, a grade-school teacher in a Vermont town, meets and falls in love with a charming and amazing man, Dana. A few months into their romance Dana confesses to Alison that she actually identifies as (gay) female, has begun hormones, will soon be dressing and living as a woman, and will be having sexual reassignment surgery several months later, that January.
This is extremely difficult for Alison, not because she is transphobic or homophobic, but because she feels she is straight yet deeply loves Dana. The book also deals with the issues their romance brings up in the town and with some of the parents of the children in Alison's class, who are outraged and disgusted at her living with and loving a "pervert."
Mix into that the points of view of Alison's ex-husband Will and their daughter Carly, and it gives the story a sort of completeness. It is written in alternating chapters between the four central characters of the novel (alison, dana, will, and carly), presenting their different points of view on the events. It's a very open and honest book that I hope will open its readers (the ones who aren't very aware on transgender issues) eyes to a world they haven't thought much about.
I think it is interesting that others who have reviewed this on goodreads say they found the story a bit unbelievable. I never once thought that while reading the book.
Alison Banks, a grade-school teacher in a Vermont town, meets and falls in love with a charming and amazing man, Dana. A few months into their romance Dana confesses to Alison that she actually identifies as (gay) female, has begun hormones, will soon be dressing and living as a woman, and will be having sexual reassignment surgery several months later, that January.
This is extremely difficult for Alison, not because she is transphobic or homophobic, but because she feels she is straight yet deeply loves Dana. The book also deals with the issues their romance brings up in the town and with some of the parents of the children in Alison's class, who are outraged and disgusted at her living with and loving a "pervert."
Mix into that the points of view of Alison's ex-husband Will and their daughter Carly, and it gives the story a sort of completeness. It is written in alternating chapters between the four central characters of the novel (alison, dana, will, and carly), presenting their different points of view on the events. It's a very open and honest book that I hope will open its readers (the ones who aren't very aware on transgender issues) eyes to a world they haven't thought much about.
I think it is interesting that others who have reviewed this on goodreads say they found the story a bit unbelievable. I never once thought that while reading the book.
August 12, 2017
I loved this book. At least I liked it a lot. I might be slightly biased, however, because a very close friend of mine revealed to me a few years ago that she was beginning her transition process. Although still a great read now, this novel would have been extremely beneficial in the first few months as I stood by her side, trying to learn everything I could about her decision.
I did, however, take issue with a few key points. All in all, still a great read today for someone to really explore the humanistic side of the transition process for a transgender woman (male to female). Notably, this was more significant when it was published, transsexuality being far less accepted than it is now.
The Good:
* Great character study, many facts and different aspects of the transition process are explored. Very relatable, answering inquiries readers likely had on a controversial and often difficult topic that they were not inclined to ask.
* Four different perspectives was the right choice. Dana Stevens, a transgender woman; her lover through the transition process, Allison Banks; Allison's ex husband and Dana's lover shortly after the transition, Will Banks; the Banks' daughter, Carly Banks.
The Bad:
* It was a little inaccurate with the transexual terminology, usage, etcetera (i.e. transgendered connotes a flexible state). Maybe because it is nearly two decades dated now?
* It was unrealistically focused on the transition, as if nothing else ever happened in the characters' lives.
The Ugly:
* The ending. Really? Dana, who has her male to female transition, has had Allison by her side the entire time. (The fact that Dana did not tell Allison she was getting a sex change operation until days before, until they had already fallen in love; and that Allison then essentially became a lesbian for Dana seemed like a rare event but still believable to my romantic notions.) After Dana's transition; after Allison is aggressively challenged at work; sent an offensive expletive and graphic slipped between her students' papers; had students in her sixth grade classroom change to another teacher; they are both frowned and looked down upon almost everywhere in the little town they live in; their place is vandalized with offensive graffiti; their story is featured on Vermont Public Radio (Allison's ex husband Will is a lifelong employee there); then popular enough to be featured on National Public Radio with Allison & Will's daughter Carly as host- that is when the community finally steps back in their discrimination, and, without what she sees as a necessary stance to defend, Allison ends the relationship. This would have been a good time to end our story. Unfortunately, it seems the author felt the need to resort to a less controversial ending. Not only does he diminish the weight of a great LGBT character study by having Dana become heterosexual, he makes it quite inconceivable by having her fall in love with none other than Allison's ex husband Will, someone who had so far been considerably critical of her. Of course, he falls in love with her as well, and we have a nice, safe ending. What is our author trying to say? That, after all is said and done, heterosexuality saves the day?
I did, however, take issue with a few key points. All in all, still a great read today for someone to really explore the humanistic side of the transition process for a transgender woman (male to female). Notably, this was more significant when it was published, transsexuality being far less accepted than it is now.
The Good:
* Great character study, many facts and different aspects of the transition process are explored. Very relatable, answering inquiries readers likely had on a controversial and often difficult topic that they were not inclined to ask.
* Four different perspectives was the right choice. Dana Stevens, a transgender woman; her lover through the transition process, Allison Banks; Allison's ex husband and Dana's lover shortly after the transition, Will Banks; the Banks' daughter, Carly Banks.
The Bad:
* It was a little inaccurate with the transexual terminology, usage, etcetera (i.e. transgendered connotes a flexible state). Maybe because it is nearly two decades dated now?
* It was unrealistically focused on the transition, as if nothing else ever happened in the characters' lives.
The Ugly:
* The ending. Really? Dana, who has her male to female transition, has had Allison by her side the entire time. (The fact that Dana did not tell Allison she was getting a sex change operation until days before, until they had already fallen in love; and that Allison then essentially became a lesbian for Dana seemed like a rare event but still believable to my romantic notions.) After Dana's transition; after Allison is aggressively challenged at work; sent an offensive expletive and graphic slipped between her students' papers; had students in her sixth grade classroom change to another teacher; they are both frowned and looked down upon almost everywhere in the little town they live in; their place is vandalized with offensive graffiti; their story is featured on Vermont Public Radio (Allison's ex husband Will is a lifelong employee there); then popular enough to be featured on National Public Radio with Allison & Will's daughter Carly as host- that is when the community finally steps back in their discrimination, and, without what she sees as a necessary stance to defend, Allison ends the relationship. This would have been a good time to end our story. Unfortunately, it seems the author felt the need to resort to a less controversial ending. Not only does he diminish the weight of a great LGBT character study by having Dana become heterosexual, he makes it quite inconceivable by having her fall in love with none other than Allison's ex husband Will, someone who had so far been considerably critical of her. Of course, he falls in love with her as well, and we have a nice, safe ending. What is our author trying to say? That, after all is said and done, heterosexuality saves the day?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2013
From my blog
If you want debate, choose this for your book club. I thought this was a fascinating, thought provoking but at times uncomfortable book to read. And to know this is reality for some makes it a wow moment, I feel a little shell shocked but I also feel more educated.
One of the debates is when should personal life be a factor for professional life. Allison has fell in love with a transsexual while she is a school teacher. Chris B was fantastic in the genuine characterization he used in the book for all involved. The ex husband Will, daughter Carly, principle, parents, students and of course the couple themselves Dana and Allison. Some of the advocates at school were out of order and made me realize a great reputation will not always win over decisions that truly should only be yours.
I enjoyed the style of the book, they used the transcript of radio clips and then we heard from different characters in the book in relation to how they were affected or their role in the process. We get some details about the surgery, it can be uncomfortable to read, squeamish at times.
I loved how they alternated between calling Dana he or she, this proves as great debate also. An interesting thought was if Dana had got in an accident and was castrated by mistake, many would be supportive but to choose castration, how could he. Very complex thoughts. Allison has always been straight, now that her partner is no longer a man, is she gay, hmmm.
Every thought that you have while reading this, the author will touch on, amazing really. I live in a small community and if this happened, I can see many reacting the same, news and radio for sure. Unfortunately some of the judgments too.
My only issue was the ending and I think it just made me uncomfortable in so many ways which also makes me feel guilty. It ended a little to quickly and neatly but then I think do I really want to know.
I highly recommend this one just for the heart wrenching, emotional but thought provoking adventure it take you on.
If you want debate, choose this for your book club. I thought this was a fascinating, thought provoking but at times uncomfortable book to read. And to know this is reality for some makes it a wow moment, I feel a little shell shocked but I also feel more educated.
One of the debates is when should personal life be a factor for professional life. Allison has fell in love with a transsexual while she is a school teacher. Chris B was fantastic in the genuine characterization he used in the book for all involved. The ex husband Will, daughter Carly, principle, parents, students and of course the couple themselves Dana and Allison. Some of the advocates at school were out of order and made me realize a great reputation will not always win over decisions that truly should only be yours.
I enjoyed the style of the book, they used the transcript of radio clips and then we heard from different characters in the book in relation to how they were affected or their role in the process. We get some details about the surgery, it can be uncomfortable to read, squeamish at times.
I loved how they alternated between calling Dana he or she, this proves as great debate also. An interesting thought was if Dana had got in an accident and was castrated by mistake, many would be supportive but to choose castration, how could he. Very complex thoughts. Allison has always been straight, now that her partner is no longer a man, is she gay, hmmm.
Every thought that you have while reading this, the author will touch on, amazing really. I live in a small community and if this happened, I can see many reacting the same, news and radio for sure. Unfortunately some of the judgments too.
My only issue was the ending and I think it just made me uncomfortable in so many ways which also makes me feel guilty. It ended a little to quickly and neatly but then I think do I really want to know.
I highly recommend this one just for the heart wrenching, emotional but thought provoking adventure it take you on.
March 7, 2009
I enjoyed that each character (Allison, Dana, Carly & Will) each had chapters to tell the story from their eyes & heart & soul!
This goes to show how some people can be so predjudce just becuase you are a Transexual, Gay or Bi-Sexual. Thinking that you can catch it or teach it. God Forbid they just accept it as normal, for that person and let it be each indiviuals personal choice!
Chris Bohjalian you touched my heart & soul when you wrote:
"Or walk with me a few generations into the future. You're a short man. You're barely 5 feet. And you are sick to death of being treated as...small. Especially since you are so big inside. So tall. You know it. You sense it. You feel it."
Chris, my Husband is 4'4" a Dwarf/Little Person. Yes, he is sick to death of being treated as different, a freak...not Normal! What the hell is normal?!! We have learned to live with the stares & the snickers & the outright rudeness.
I'm hear to say that the size of a man does not make the man. He is the most loving, adoring, sensitive, gentle, yet strong man, I have ever known and thank god I could see past his size to his heart & soul!! Maybe being different made him the awesome man he is...maybe it did not!
I'm 5'9", so yes we do tend to stop traffic...but it is our life and we are living it to the fullest! After 13 years together, thank god the internet chatrooms were around in 1995 when... of all the chatrooms... in all the world, we both ended up in a chatroom called 40-Friends(us both being 40 at the time) & FATE stepped in and for 6 months we talked online & the phone before SteffieStar flew from Ketchikan, Alaska to Santa Monica, California on Feburary 14, 1996 to meet in person the man she fell in love with and who had fallen in love with her...Fairly Tales Do Come True!!
Friends in Reading! Stephanie (SteffieStar)
This goes to show how some people can be so predjudce just becuase you are a Transexual, Gay or Bi-Sexual. Thinking that you can catch it or teach it. God Forbid they just accept it as normal, for that person and let it be each indiviuals personal choice!
Chris Bohjalian you touched my heart & soul when you wrote:
"Or walk with me a few generations into the future. You're a short man. You're barely 5 feet. And you are sick to death of being treated as...small. Especially since you are so big inside. So tall. You know it. You sense it. You feel it."
Chris, my Husband is 4'4" a Dwarf/Little Person. Yes, he is sick to death of being treated as different, a freak...not Normal! What the hell is normal?!! We have learned to live with the stares & the snickers & the outright rudeness.
I'm hear to say that the size of a man does not make the man. He is the most loving, adoring, sensitive, gentle, yet strong man, I have ever known and thank god I could see past his size to his heart & soul!! Maybe being different made him the awesome man he is...maybe it did not!
I'm 5'9", so yes we do tend to stop traffic...but it is our life and we are living it to the fullest! After 13 years together, thank god the internet chatrooms were around in 1995 when... of all the chatrooms... in all the world, we both ended up in a chatroom called 40-Friends(us both being 40 at the time) & FATE stepped in and for 6 months we talked online & the phone before SteffieStar flew from Ketchikan, Alaska to Santa Monica, California on Feburary 14, 1996 to meet in person the man she fell in love with and who had fallen in love with her...Fairly Tales Do Come True!!
Friends in Reading! Stephanie (SteffieStar)
July 2, 2013
3.5 stars, but I'm going to round up because Bohjalian really got me thinking with this book, which I listened to on audio.
The story centers around Dana, a transsexual trapped in a man's body before undergoing gender reassignment surgery. Dana falls in love with Allison before the surgery. Allison, a Vermont school teacher, stands by Dana despite the fallout. Told in radio-transcript format, we also hear from the perspective of Allison's daughter Carli and her ex-husband Will.
While it took me a while to get used to the format and I don't think this is Bohjalian's strongest writing, the story is quite compelling. He gets to the root of gender, sexuality, attraction and love. He doesn't shy away from coarse descriptions or vivid details, which was sometimes uncomfortable, especially on audio, but I think that was the point.
Creative and thought-provoking.
The story centers around Dana, a transsexual trapped in a man's body before undergoing gender reassignment surgery. Dana falls in love with Allison before the surgery. Allison, a Vermont school teacher, stands by Dana despite the fallout. Told in radio-transcript format, we also hear from the perspective of Allison's daughter Carli and her ex-husband Will.
While it took me a while to get used to the format and I don't think this is Bohjalian's strongest writing, the story is quite compelling. He gets to the root of gender, sexuality, attraction and love. He doesn't shy away from coarse descriptions or vivid details, which was sometimes uncomfortable, especially on audio, but I think that was the point.
Creative and thought-provoking.
September 10, 2018
This book started out so beautifully, I thought I would love it. Unfortunately, that's not the case, but I think those not in the LGBQT community will like it more. It is probably a great introduction to trans-gender people for those who might not know anyone who is. I like that it is non-judgmental and strives to explain what it's like for people who are (which is why I gave it 2 stars instead of 1). The book is written from the point of view of 4 characters, one of whom is Dana, a trans-gender woman. It is about her transitioning and how it affects the lives of the woman she is dating, her 19 year old daughter, and her ex-husband who live in a small, rural town in Vermont where the people are mostly not open and accepting.
However......
However......
February 26, 2022
Horribly outdated and offensive but it got me in the very end. I have a deep fascination with how some of the more progressive work of the past becomes more highly scrutinized, and this fits the bill. Maybe it's because it's heartwarming to come across a well-intentioned semi-failed but also semi-successful attempt at covering a marginalized community by someone outside it and then seeing in the acknowledgements that they did do some seemingly good homework.
Now don't get me wrong. Expect stereotypes. Racism. Misogyny. Definitely not a single mention of non-binary or detransitioning, no intersectionality to speak of (pretty sure everyone is white spare maybe a token mention), and plenty of questioning if the eponymous MTF transitioning university professor about to be covered on All Things Considered is a transvestite, crossdresser, molester, and, the cringiest to read, "real woman" (instances of all four narrators, including Dana, the conveniently unisexually deadname-proof trans woman, pondering on this).
But a semi-predictable plot twist, the kind where you're like yeah you better do that you weird-ass Madison lil free library find, helped salvage me one-starring it (honestly my foreshadowing it was the only thing that prevented a DNF). I would not race to read this, but if you come across it and can stomach some old offensive rhetoric (I don't think we can write "gone native" so casually anymore!) and are curious about a ca. late 90s Vermont straight white traditional family man's fictional account of a curious situation of a single mom's relationship with a transgender college professor, give it a whirl!
Now don't get me wrong. Expect stereotypes. Racism. Misogyny. Definitely not a single mention of non-binary or detransitioning, no intersectionality to speak of (pretty sure everyone is white spare maybe a token mention), and plenty of questioning if the eponymous MTF transitioning university professor about to be covered on All Things Considered is a transvestite, crossdresser, molester, and, the cringiest to read, "real woman" (instances of all four narrators, including Dana, the conveniently unisexually deadname-proof trans woman, pondering on this).
But a semi-predictable plot twist, the kind where you're like yeah you better do that you weird-ass Madison lil free library find, helped salvage me one-starring it (honestly my foreshadowing it was the only thing that prevented a DNF). I would not race to read this, but if you come across it and can stomach some old offensive rhetoric (I don't think we can write "gone native" so casually anymore!) and are curious about a ca. late 90s Vermont straight white traditional family man's fictional account of a curious situation of a single mom's relationship with a transgender college professor, give it a whirl!
May 9, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. It is authentic, deep and complicated. The latter is appropriate because the central character is male to female transsexual. Many are uncomfortable with the idea of transsexuals and see it as a choice made by the individual - a choice that is misguided and wrong; a choice that is even offensive. In this book Mr Bohjalian attacks the subject with no identifiable prejudice. He allows the character to stand for herself. He allows her to explain for herself. It is rich and hued. Dana is smart, open and fascinating.
This was my first read of a Bohjalian novel, so I don't know whether the following is normal for him, but I found the way this book was written to be interesting. The story unfolds in the third person, told by multiple characters. It gives the story depth and allows the reader to know Dana better. It gives the story legitimacy.
My guess is that if you buy this book you already have an open mind about the LGBTQ community. And, if you don't but you take a risk, that you may find yourself reconsidering your opinion. I highly recommend that you read it.
This was my first read of a Bohjalian novel, so I don't know whether the following is normal for him, but I found the way this book was written to be interesting. The story unfolds in the third person, told by multiple characters. It gives the story depth and allows the reader to know Dana better. It gives the story legitimacy.
My guess is that if you buy this book you already have an open mind about the LGBTQ community. And, if you don't but you take a risk, that you may find yourself reconsidering your opinion. I highly recommend that you read it.
April 29, 2013
Well, this is one of those terrible and yet for me compulsively readable novels. How do normal people see/deal with gender variance? And by normal people I mean to include aspiring normal people. I always want to know, so I read their (incredibly popular, published by mainstream presses, gigantic advance bearing, totally exploitative) books.
Obviously heavily researched, and written by an obviously gender-conforming, heterosexual, Extremely Liberal dude. Not quite as offensive to my sensibilities as Middlesex (the gold standard), but gross and recuperating of the gender binary, heteronormativity, and liberalism. Yuck yuck yuck! I think I need a bath.
Obviously heavily researched, and written by an obviously gender-conforming, heterosexual, Extremely Liberal dude. Not quite as offensive to my sensibilities as Middlesex (the gold standard), but gross and recuperating of the gender binary, heteronormativity, and liberalism. Yuck yuck yuck! I think I need a bath.
December 21, 2015
I'd give this book a 3.75 because a bit of it was tedious. I love this author. When I started this novel and was about halfway through I thought it was the least favorite of Bohjalian's books that I read. Thinking about that, the first and last third of the novel was better than the middle. What I loved about it is that he took an unusual topic (like Jodi Picoult does but this is not a comparison) and really made it his own. Some people will not like the descriptive language though I believe it was a necessity and for me, really helped me understand the transsexual being. So, on the whole another fine read.
September 20, 2010
Astonishingly beautiful.
In brief, Allison falls in love with Dana the man. Dana reveals what he has known since childhood - She is a woman in a man's body. And she will soon undergo surgery to correct nature's mistake.
This book could have been a hot mess. Instead, the author tells a compassionate and tender story that asks some important questions about identity. What defines us? Does the soul have gender? What is gender?
An honest book you will interact with on many levels.
Highly recommend.
In brief, Allison falls in love with Dana the man. Dana reveals what he has known since childhood - She is a woman in a man's body. And she will soon undergo surgery to correct nature's mistake.
This book could have been a hot mess. Instead, the author tells a compassionate and tender story that asks some important questions about identity. What defines us? Does the soul have gender? What is gender?
An honest book you will interact with on many levels.
Highly recommend.
April 29, 2008
I like Bohjalian's writing. This one is set in Vermont, with a side trip to Trinidad, CO. The subject matter is a male to female gender change and a family that is affected by it. I learned more than I wanted to know about the operation but it is interesting and I have more empathy for people who make that decision. Chris came to our book group and talked about his research for the book, which added new insights.
March 3, 2018
loved this book. could not put it down. I am quickly becoming a big fan of his works!
April 7, 2013
I’ve found so much to discuss from this book and so let me start with a general review so that I can make the remainder a huge spoiler alert....
This is the third Chris Bohjalian Book I’ve read and while I’ve enjoyed the other two, this one is my favourite. He’s taken a subject that is sensitive and controversial and wrote with frankness, plenty of well thought out perspective from many angles, and brought it to life for a reader (most likely thousands of readers) that has not known a single transsexual. He educates in his writing without making it obvious. He writes with as much curiosity as the reader reads. I don’t think there’s a better way to say it than to say that I appreciated this book. The points below contain spoilers including direct quotes from the book that I enjoyed or found intriguing....
This is the third book I’ve read by Chris Bohjalian – and while I love his writing, I sometimes get a sense of ADHD – like he (or perhaps his characters) can’t stay on one topic or in a continuous time line for more than a few paragraphs. In the book Midwives, while I ended up loving the book a great deal, this jumping around in the beginning was almost the death of the book for me, yet it was such a fabulous story with really great characters and perspective. For some reason, I felt the jumping around seemed to work with Trans-sister Radio....and perhaps that the jumping around only appeared that way on a timeline, yet was rather quite well organized by topic....it was as if the topics or perspectives were introduced, explained or discussed exactly when the reader needed to hear them, as opposed to staying on a strict timeline....at least until it was necessary to follow a chronological sequence as it did at slightly more than the half-way point of the book.
Just as a sidenote, sometimes I pictured Dana as a taller David Spade and sometimes as a long-haired Jim Parsons.
December 14, 2024
Beautifully written. The third book I’ve read by Bohjalian and I’ve truly enjoyed each one.
March 17, 2016
I really had high hopes for this book, even though the title is a tortured pun. Unfortunately, I feel underwhelmed.
The story is told from four different view points; that of Dana who ends up in a relationship with Allison right before going through gender reassignment surgery. Allison, who is a divorced grade school teacher and the mother of teen aged Carly. Carly who dealing with her mother's lover as she leaves for college, and lastly Will, Carly's father and Allison's ex-husband.
Let's begin with what I liked. My favorite thing about this book was the internal struggle that Allison goes through. Her male lover transitions into her female lover and she really struggles with that as she is not a lesbian. She never sees Dana as something other than what she is - a woman after the surgery and Allison deeply mourns that. I often feel that in relationships where one partner transitions, there is huge pressure for the remaining partner to stay in the relationship even if that's not the right thing for them. I felt that this part of the story was realistic and sensitively written.
Trans-phobia is also a huge issue in this story. It's set in a small town and the townspeople are not happy that a deviant, a man in a dress is parading around their town and making a mockery of them. Allison feels immense pressure to leave her job and is even asked to move out of the center of town so no one has to see her and Dana together. The towns people are brutal and friends quickly become enemies. It's scary how quickly that shifted in the book, and eye opening.
I didn't like a couple of things. One glaring thing is the use of the words "tranny" and "trannies". Those words are typically used as derogatory terms. I understand the need to take back certain words, especially in the LQBTQIA+ community, but this was not an appropriate forum.
Also, back to the titles radio reference. Both Will and Carly work with NPR broadcasting and use Dana's story as Carly's big break. Dana actually had very little to say during the broadcasting, but everyone else offered their opinion. It was a little jarring how her story was used with very little thought to Dana herself.
And, finally, that odd happy ending. That ending made this book the complete opposite of a book about transgender issues and relationships. Just weird and a little too neatly tied up in a bow.
Not a great book, but not the worst.
The cover is surprisingly lovely.
https://readingfemme.wordpress.com/20...
The story is told from four different view points; that of Dana who ends up in a relationship with Allison right before going through gender reassignment surgery. Allison, who is a divorced grade school teacher and the mother of teen aged Carly. Carly who dealing with her mother's lover as she leaves for college, and lastly Will, Carly's father and Allison's ex-husband.
Let's begin with what I liked. My favorite thing about this book was the internal struggle that Allison goes through. Her male lover transitions into her female lover and she really struggles with that as she is not a lesbian. She never sees Dana as something other than what she is - a woman after the surgery and Allison deeply mourns that. I often feel that in relationships where one partner transitions, there is huge pressure for the remaining partner to stay in the relationship even if that's not the right thing for them. I felt that this part of the story was realistic and sensitively written.
Trans-phobia is also a huge issue in this story. It's set in a small town and the townspeople are not happy that a deviant, a man in a dress is parading around their town and making a mockery of them. Allison feels immense pressure to leave her job and is even asked to move out of the center of town so no one has to see her and Dana together. The towns people are brutal and friends quickly become enemies. It's scary how quickly that shifted in the book, and eye opening.
I didn't like a couple of things. One glaring thing is the use of the words "tranny" and "trannies". Those words are typically used as derogatory terms. I understand the need to take back certain words, especially in the LQBTQIA+ community, but this was not an appropriate forum.
Also, back to the titles radio reference. Both Will and Carly work with NPR broadcasting and use Dana's story as Carly's big break. Dana actually had very little to say during the broadcasting, but everyone else offered their opinion. It was a little jarring how her story was used with very little thought to Dana herself.
And, finally, that odd happy ending. That ending made this book the complete opposite of a book about transgender issues and relationships. Just weird and a little too neatly tied up in a bow.
Not a great book, but not the worst.
The cover is surprisingly lovely.
https://readingfemme.wordpress.com/20...
July 30, 2012
Chris Bohjalian never ceases to amaze me. As I think Book Club Heather pointed out at a meeting when we were discussing the (horribly dumb) The Night Strangers, his books are all so different. In a way, I want some consistency with my authors; I want to know that for the most part, I can expect what I am going to get. But in another way, I like that I am surprised each time I read one of his books.
This book had a fairly deep subject matter, but I appreciated that it was actually the lightest book of the 3 I've read. It somehow managed to discuss this topic of transgendered relationships in a way that was quick and easy to read, but didn't (at least I think) downplay the seriousness of the topic matter or make it a joke. I read this book in just about 24 hours and really enjoyed where the author took me with the story.
I didn't mind his multiple narrator method, but I didn't think it was done as well as it could have been. I would have liked to have seen more of a change from voice to voice. Certainly not the worst though either -- that pleasure will always belong to Ms. Picoult.
My one beef was, of course, with the ending. In a way, I found it to be an interesting plot development and I understand where Bohjalian was trying to go and what he wanted to portray, but in another way, it felt altogether far too convenient for my taste. I am just doomed to never be satisfied with endings.
Still, I really enjoyed this one and I am glad to see this author redeemed after The Night Strangers, and I look forward to reading more of his books.
This book had a fairly deep subject matter, but I appreciated that it was actually the lightest book of the 3 I've read. It somehow managed to discuss this topic of transgendered relationships in a way that was quick and easy to read, but didn't (at least I think) downplay the seriousness of the topic matter or make it a joke. I read this book in just about 24 hours and really enjoyed where the author took me with the story.
I didn't mind his multiple narrator method, but I didn't think it was done as well as it could have been. I would have liked to have seen more of a change from voice to voice. Certainly not the worst though either -- that pleasure will always belong to Ms. Picoult.
My one beef was, of course, with the ending. In a way, I found it to be an interesting plot development and I understand where Bohjalian was trying to go and what he wanted to portray, but in another way, it felt altogether far too convenient for my taste. I am just doomed to never be satisfied with endings.
Still, I really enjoyed this one and I am glad to see this author redeemed after The Night Strangers, and I look forward to reading more of his books.
March 22, 2016
Trans-Sister Radio was my favorite book I've read in a long time. It's beautifully written and the story is eye-opening, emotional, upsetting, and happy all at once. I really loved the plot, even though I called the ending about 100 pages before it occurred. Trans-Sister Radio is written in two formats: some chapters are written as transcripts of a radio show and are used to introduce the prose chapters told by multiple characters. The general story is this: a 40-something schoolteacher divorcee with a daughter about to go to college takes a film class at a local college and becomes involved with her male professor. They start dating and quickly fall in love, only for the professor to tell the teacher he is planning on getting a sex-reassignment surgery, as he has experienced gender dysphoria his whole life. The book follows the teacher, professor, teacher's daughter, and teacher's ex-husband through the process of the professor's transition. It's a really wonderful book and it grabs ahold of you and shows you life in a way you've probably never experienced because each of the characters goes through a physical or emotional transition that's different from the others. Would recommend this book to anyone.
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