Epic study of the lives of trans men. Devor interviewed 45 FTM people about their lives, and divides her findings into chapters such as “school”, “family”, “sex” etc. Devor quotes a lot of the men in their own words, allowing you to read a lot of other experiences.

(New editions of this book give the author's name as Aaron Devor)

Librarian's Review:

This book is very big and has some theoretical sections, which are harder to read. However, if you skip to the interviews, most of the quotes are easy to read. This book is pretty amazing, especially for people who want to “compare” their experiences with others, or learn more about the diversity of our community. Page 600 is particularly fun: she has made a table showing the steps trans men go through to arrive at their identity; working out what stage on the chart you are is irresistable. ( )

This is an older book, from the 1980's, but I enjoy reading other guys' personal stories so it was interesting from that standpoint. I wish someone would do a thorough study of FtMs like this again. I think it would be absolutely fascinating and makes me wish I was a social scientist so I could do it! It is a long and occasionally dry read, but I thought it was worth it in the end. ( )

Purchased new in Dallas, TX.