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.