CW: Transphobia, Fertility, Medical Procedures (Mild)

Olivetti’s book was a difficult read, made all the more painful by the fact that the transphobia and anti-trans rhetoric and attacks continue now more than ever. However, it is also an important book. It records not only her preserved memories as a mother and advocate for her son, but also the insight of appropriate, trans authorities – again, including her son. I will say that as a CIS, aro-ace with PCOS, the discussions of fertility and infertility were triggering for me – but I realized that it was because it was an inverse mirror of my own experiences. I have always wanted nothing more than to be sterilized and infertile, which was denied to me the same way preserving fertility can be, however unintentionally, be denied to trans or other non-binary people who seek the gender-affirming care they need. Reproductive rights should go both ways.

Give trans and gender-nonconforming youth and their families the support they need. This book is a welcome resource and the letter format provides an accessible and easy-to-read memoir that is vital, especially given today's political tensions. A brave book from a brave author, not to mention an incredibly brave child. Very grateful this is coming out this summer and HIGHLY recommend.

I was really disappointed in the writing style. It just dragged on and on and often, it felt as though the author went off on tangents that were not adding any details or quality to subject.