Trans-Sister Radio : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: educating the heart
Review: This book on trans-sexuals, their loved ones and attackers is compelling. As the sister-in-law of a trans-sexual in the process of transition, I was helped by factual information on medical procedures and tasteful images of diverse ways of being sexual. The portrayal is clinical in its specificity and accuracy, while sensitive in its focus on values, feelings, and consequences. Questions I haven't known how to ask without perhaps offending were addressed. I would like to think that there is as much compassion out there for trans-sexuals, but Dana was probably luckier than most people whom many regard as "sexual deviants." The end is a little too "neat"-- almost comical; it may undermine the serious consideration the book deserves. (Was the author deliberately making a joke at the end to relieve the tension of our conflicts, sadness and grief?) I wish there was a less graphic version of the story for family members who are not quite ready to deal with reassignment surgery, but would benefit from this sympathetic portrayal of one of life's most difficult transitions.

Rating:
Summary: Enlightening
Review: When I heard about Bohjalian's new book, I had to read it right away. I found the subjeect matter rather fascinating. I've never known anyone with gender dysphoria, and I believe that Dana was the best introduction into that world that I could have received. I found myself hoping that Dana would be able to live the life she wanted- with Allison. And though I'd hoped that Allison would accept Dana's decision with no qualms, I understand that it must have been difficult for her to support Dana while trying to come to terms with her own sexuality. A very enlightening, enjoyable read.

Rating:
Summary: Pinch me I'm snoring.
Review: No, I don't have ADD and yes, I felt this novel moved at reptilian speed. And frankly, the prose isn't lyrical enough to warrant such a pace. Don't get me wrong, it's not clumsy. It's very clean. But it's certainly not a "beautifully written" novel. But it thinks it is. Furthermore, I couldn't really tell any difference between the narrators. He has the same voice as she and they have the same voice as her. You get the idea. I hate to say it, but I've read instructions on the backs of seed packets that had more passion. Now, with a topic like this, one would expect one's fingers to be glued to the page, turning and turning, madly. Sadly, this was not the case with Mink's fingers. Mink's fingers tapped. Though Mr. Bohjalian does get an extra star for trying. Even if he tried a little too hard.

Rating:
Summary: Am I the only one who finds this ending completely false?
Review: I mean really. First of all, the idea is very original, and I looked forward to reading the book. I was very disappointed. Dana was extremely selfish and I felt no sympathy. She/he was an empty shell - I really knew nothing about her, aside from her gender difficulties. The use of four different points of view was unique, but they were too similar. It would've been better to stick to one. And the ending! Don't even get me started. Not recommended.

Rating:
Summary: interesting; jarring
Review: I'm not quite sure how to react to this novel, although I liked it. Mr. Bohjalian has yet again written a daring and gripping novel about people who are at once easy to relate to and difficult to fathom. Some parts of the book were painful to read (the surgery section is not for the squeamish). However, Mr. Bohjalian brings great insight to the intersection of the personal and political, and writes about a usually forbidden topic with understanding and kindness. This is not a topic I would have been interested in if Mr. Bohjalian didn't write it, but since he was the author, I enjoyed it almost as much as "Midwives" and "The Law of Similars."

Rating:
Summary: Well rounded characters
Review: I thought this was a good read for many reasons: 1) I was reading a novel yet learning a lot about a subject area (trans-gender reassignment) that I didn't know a lot about; 2) the way that the author has chosen to write the novel enables him to tell a lengthy story, explain quite a bit about the subject and then deeply explore all the characters from where they are feeling or coming from. I especially liked this as often if the story is from only one point of view, the other characters aren't explored deeply from where they come from. I really admire the author for being able to delve into each character and explain this subject in a layperson's terms and still make it an entertaining read. If you like to be fascinated by unknown subjects, this is a good novel to pick up.

Rating:
Summary: Love the NPR tie in!
Review: As a long time listener to National Public Radio, I enjoyed the "real feel" this book gave in conveying the NPR news format. Interesting and off beat topic to boot.

Rating:
Summary: A daring, compassionate, funny, beautiful book
Review: Harmony is so proud to be Chris Bohjalian's publisher. He never ceases to delight, surprise and challenge us with his stunning prose, his uncanny insight into what it means to be human, and his eagerness to take on the most complex of characters and situations and make them real and right. I hope all his readers find this book to be as pleasurable and important as we do.

Rating:
Summary: A Generally True-Life Novel about Transition
Review: I enjoyed Mr. Bohjalian's book and his description of what a transsexual woman has to go through is generally accurate and well researched. As someone who is rather more immersed in this experience, I do have to say that the author has overemphasized the importance of SRS relative to all of the other transformations that a transsexual woman goes through. Often facial feminization surgury has a more profound effect on a trans woman's life than SRS. For some women, SRS is the only thing that really matters but for many of us it is more like the caboose at the end of a long train.

Rating:
Summary: Another triumph for Bohjalian
Review: It's seldom you encounter a storyteller of Chris Bohjalian's skill and sensitivity. He demonstrated his talents with Midwives and The Law of Similars, and now he's done it again. This is a risky novel that takes mainstream characters (and readers) to the outer limits of human emotional and sexual experience, and the author makes it all entirely believable. These are people in difficult straits who retain (or regain) their sense of humanity. The book is by turns surprising, heart-rending, outrageous, and triumphant, but always utterly engaging. As in all of Bohjalian's novels, his charaters are people you can really feel for... quirky and unique and unforgettable. Chris Bohjalian is at the top of his form. (The cover is terrific, too!) I'm already looking forward to his next novel.