I was already somewhat familiar with Juliet Jacques' writing and I expected something fairly cerebral from her memoir. I found this a wonderful blend of culture, politics, personal history and trans theory. I couldn't connect to everything but I enjoyed how she conveyed her interest in films and music that I've never heard of (and I've since checked out one of the bands mentioned and will explore more in due course).

I'm also trying to learn more about trans experiences and I loved the nuance here, both showing how Jacques' relationship with her gender evolved and developed, and the challenges of sharing that experience and navigating medical support in the face of a strong prevailing narrative of what dysphoria looks like and how transition works.

It was an interesting read. She writes well when it comes to things like music and literature, although some things come off as rather smug.

When it comes to gender theory and politics, she does not seem to be very interested in theorising, which is fine enough, but was still disappointing. Especially since she's not giving actual arguments for her opinions.

This is an interesting look at her life so far, but not so much about gender or a memoir per se. (Also I got to be honest : I don't think I like her, some parts were rather tone deaf and other times she just came across as such a hipster pseudo intellectual).

I guess I'd have preferred reading a novelisation of her teenage years (as the alienation, the football, the music obsession etc was described really well) or a good non fiction book. Something more solid.

This is a fantastic book and really insightful. I really enjoyed reading about Juliet's transition and her love of films, literature and art. I have definitely found some films and books to read from this memoir.

Trans: A Memoir is a persuasive and appealing exploration of the transgender experience. Jacques examines the plight of the transgendered person, particularly the ways in which "passing" as a member of the opposite gender is too often met with ridicule, scorn, and threats of violence.

The book's strengths are its final two to three chapters. In these chapters, Jacques moves forward with sexual reassignment surgery while exploring the daunting responsibility of being a fledgling transgender voice in a predominantly heteronormative culture. She does not shunt aside her gender reassignment surgery in these chapters. Instead, Jacques beautifully contextualizes them by articulating the challenges of attempting to establish a writing career while being transgendered. That is to say, she confronts the unfair expectations placed upon the transgendered writer; the notion that she is only suited to critique trans-centric issues.

I cannot recommend this memoir enough. In addition to the reassignment narrative, Jacques peppers critical theory throughout the book which helps to establish a critical and theoretical foundation for her thoughts and analysis.