Warrior Princess

Beck, K., Speckhard, A., & Shepherd, W. (2013). Warrior princess: a U.S. Navy Seal’s journey to coming out transgender.  McLean VA: Advances Press.

Hardback | $24.99 USD | ISBN-13: 978-1935866435 | 254 pages | Adult Non-Fiction 

What is gender? Is it only the physical parts that we are born with?  If our gender changes will society accept these changes readily? Can gender be constructed inside your mind or heart or brain?  Many in our society have their own opinion on this and these opinions differ so widely. Kristen Beck will share her opinion and life story as she transitioned from a man to a woman in her co-authored memoir Warrior Princess.  

Kristen Beck was once called another name: Chris Beck.  Chris was a high school football player, drove a motorcycle and became a U.S. Navy SEAL. He was in the military for over twenty years. He earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star (“Barnes and Noble,” n.d.). He was a man physically, but, he knew at a young age that he was meant to be a woman.  His family was religiously conservative so he didn’t say anything – he had no one to share this with. He withdrew and lived with these feelings internally for a long time. Then, he retired from the military and went through the stages to change his gender completely.  Chris became Kristen and this is her story.

Of course, it was not an easy journey for Kristen – she had to deal with her family’s rejection, failed relationships, and PTSD from serving on thirteen deployments, including seven combat deployments. But, she wanted to share it. Kristen’s story will help all of us to see that it is more important to be who you are and express that freely than hide your true identity.  Her story may help us all to empathize with others experiencing the gender identity issues that our culture judges so intently and so viciously.  Perhaps more coming out stories like this one will combat our society’s strict rules and perceptions of what gender can be in our society.

Beck worked with Anne Speckhard, Ph.D., an Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical School to write this memoir.  Dr. Speckhard has been working in the field of PTSD since the 1980s (“Anne Speckhard”, n.d.).  Though the book may have needed one more team member to provide more concise editing, this book is recommended for young adult readers (ages 18+) who may be struggling with coming out as a transgender. Also recommended for other readers who want to understand the journey and very difficult path for those among us who struggle with gender identity, perhaps in our own families. U.S. Navy SEALS are the manliest of men – they are warriors. Only men are permitted to be U.S. Navy SEALS. Perhaps this story will show you that it is not the gender of the person that determines who they are, but their actions and service.  Beck worked diligently and served our country well during his tenure in the Navy.  Maybe because Beck was so tough and trained to be strong, she was able to share her story and her struggle.  If she can do this, than anyone can. 

Eminent Outlaws

Bram, C. (2012). Eminent outlaws: The gay writers who changed America. New York: Twelve.

Hardcover | $27.99 USD | ISBN-13:  978-0446563130 | 372 pages | Adult Non-Fiction

Eminent Outlaws is a history lesson on the gay literary authors who wrote in the time period of the 50s through the 90s and after.  While reading Bram’s historical narrative, you can understand the major writers who approached gay literature differently but collectively were able to impact writing and works that were published in general in America and beyond.

Bram explains the different cultural and historical events and their relationship and impact on attitudes and ideas shared by the gay writers of this time. There is a lot of variation in how the writers approached their literary works and it was definitely impacted by the time period in which the authors wrote and lived. Some wrote about openly gay characters and lived an openly gay lifestyle while others wrote plays that only hinted or mentioned the idea of homosexuality and lived their lives behind closed doors.

The way in which homosexuality was explored in literature was impacted by how the gay movement itself developed.  In the 50s “homosexuality was not completely forbidden, but it was in a tight spot” (Bram, 2012, p. 20). Still, it seems that didn’t change because fifty years later, admirers downplay the “Gayness” of poetry and the author Ginsberg (p. 37). Bram shares that during the 50s, many writers were silent on homosexuality, but it was so “despised in some circles” it was seen as a threat (p. 69).  Although this changed in the 60s when readers wanted to see relationships for what they really were (p. 79) and when viewers wanted to watch gay figures shine on late night talk shows (p. 89).  Riots in the late 60s caused a few problems, but this raised publicity of the movement when gay bars were regularly raided and gays were arrested (p. 134-135). Many were not sure which direction to go to best fight for gay rights – this led to many arguments and schisms for how to move forward (p. 136).  Gay liberation would follow in the 70s; but it wasn’t unordinary for gay literature to be published after the authors died to protect their reputations (p. 151). The biggest shift came in the 70s when gays in larger numbers finally gave themselves a name and they told their families about their preferences too (p. 194).

Christopher Bram combines all of the authors from this time period in one book for any readers who are interested in the development of gay authors and its impact on America’s 20^th century.  The book itself is laid out in a readable format and the chronological procession makes it easy to follow along with the development of the time. I would recommend this book for adult readers, gay or straight, and public libraries with diverse populations.  This book would fit well in a library’s collection on social history and gay literature. Any readers who can appreciate a cultural history book interwoven with personal stories about the author’s lives will appreciate this novel. 

Donovan's Big Day

Newman, Leslea. (2011). Donovan’s Big Day. Berkeley: Tricycle Press.  

Hardcover | $15.99 | ISBN-13: 978-1-58246-332-2.  | 32 pages. | Age 4-7 yrs.

This picture book intended for young readers, ages 4-7 years, goes through Donovan’s entire day and all the important things he must do on his parent’s wedding day.  Donovan begins by waking up in the morning and he gets out of bed before being yelled at because he realizes he must be well behaved and must be helpful too. He has to feed the dog and clean up after himself after breakfast. He has to wash up and also get dressed up in some fancy clothes.  These are all usual tasks and he has no problems doing them.  He has to keep special care of a small satin box on the inside of his jacket pocket. He has to behave in his Uncle’s car and sit between his cousins without causing any problems. He is very excited once he arrives at the ceremony and runs inside to see everyone.  He knows he must talk to all the grown ups and greet all the guests.  Finally, he walks down the aisle and quietly listens to the ceremony. He is the ring bearer at the wedding of his two moms.

Newman’s picture book treats this big wedding day like it was any other wedding day. While reading and going over the activities of Donovan’s Big Day, you do not get the feeling that it is any different to have two brides who are getting married. All the activities of the day are exactly the same. There is still a lot for Donovan to do and he knows how important his job is. The book teaches a young boy how to be a ring bearer. It is important for a kid at this young age to not feel different or judged. At this young age, kids do not need a book about how it is okay to have two moms that get married or how it is okay to have two dads in love. They need a book just like the rest of the kids – a book that simply tells a story while showing a family’s love. It was cute that it was Donovan’s job to “kiss the brides” at the end of the story. Donovan had a big role to play and he does exactly what he has to do. It didn’t matter who was getting married – it was only important that Donovan was there and that he has two parents who love him.

This juvenile picture book would be useful in any library or community with a lot of same-sex marriages or unions. This way the children in these families would be able to see how their families are the same as the other families. Ultimately, this book is about family and the love within. Donovan’s Big Day was nominated for the 2012 Rainbow Book List and that list can be accessed here: http://glbtrt.ala.org/rainbowbooks/archives/953.

Leslea Newman is the award-winning author for Mommy, Mama and Me and Heather has Two Mommies according to the front cover of Donovan’s Big Day. Newman has been earning awards for her writing for quite a long time.  She has won awards for her picture books, novels, as well as for several poems that she has published.  For more info about her publications & awards, please visit http://www.lesleakids.com/publications.html. For more information about Leslea Newman, please visit her official website at http://www.lesleakids.com/aboutleslea.html. 

Pink

Wilkinson, Lili. (2009). Pink. New York: HarperCollins Publisher.

Paperback | $16.99 USD | ISBN-13: 978-0061926549 | 320 pages | YA Fiction

Where does Ava fit in? Ava is brilliant, but doesn’t feel challenged at her school. The boys are immature and are constantly cursing at each other. She wears all black clothing every day and has dyed her hair black. Her girlfriend, Chloe, has perfect skin, always has a floppy paper book in her hand (or a cigarette,) and thinks school is a complete waste of time. Ava is the brightest in the class without even trying, but she wants a change. She is happy with Chloe as her girlfriend, though she is surprised Chloe picked her.  Ava really just wants to branch out on her own. She doesn’t want to feel like a nerd just for turning in her homework. She applies to Billy Hughes School for Academic Excellence and gets a full scholarship. Everyone seems perfect there. Chloe is not happy she left her. Things are about to change.

Ava’s parents are professors at the local uni and are glad that their daughter is not “normal.” They encourage her to be progressive and don’t mind that she is a lesbian. But they start to worry when Ava begins to change while attending Billy Hughes.  First, Ava dyed her hair back to its normal color and she started to wear “pink.” She believes her new school is the perfect place to “change” and try out more than a new wardrobe.  She wants to try out a new personality and maybe even a new sexual preference. She always thought she wanted a boyfriend.  Her new friends (nicknamed the Pastels) want her to try out for the school musical. She fails miserably but because they want to set her up with Ethan (a handsome lacrosse player who is in the play) she joins the Crew. Crew turns out to be full of freaks and her new friends worry that she is in this group. Ava tries to balance the demands of her new friends, while surviving in the Crew.  All this time, she still has a secret girlfriend in her old life back home. After a lot of time and effort, Ava becomes a contributing member of Crew to the musical. She even kisses Ethan at one of the Cast parties. She is confused about her own desires, and she begins to think she is smearing the lines of trust and betrayal with her new friends at her new school.  Then Chloe shows up at the school musical.

Ava is a teenager, so figuring out her wardrobe, her academics, her future plans and her sexuality is all part of the territory, but things really get complicated once all of these worlds collide. What will she decide? Will she come out? Will she hide behind her new appearance? What will her new friends or the Crew think of her being a lesbian? More importantly, will Ava learn to be comfortable with who she is? Ava’s story in Pink allows for teens to stand in her shoes and anyone reading the book can see that trying to figure out the answers to these questions that teens ask themselves is no easy task. This book would be useful for all school and public libraries looking to provide a diverse array of materials for young readers. Many teens struggle with the same thoughts that Ava does. We learn through her story that Ava had to experience life to really figure things out on her own.

Lili Wilkinson won several awards for Pink, including the Highly Commended Barbara Jefferis Award, Stonewall Award Honor Book, Amelia Bloomer Listee and Rainbow Room Listee. (http://liliwilkinson.com.au/books) An interesting fact about Australian author Lili Wilkinson is that her mother is Australian author Carole Wilkinson, best known for her work on The Dragon Keeper.

Bait by Alex Sanchez

Sanchez, A. Bait. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2009.  ISBN# 978-146937722. 239 pgs. $16.99. (from amazon.com) 

Imagine being BAIT.  Imagine being chased by a shark every night in your dreams.

BAIT is the story of Diego MacMann, a troubled teen.  He is so troubled that Diego dreams a shark is attacking him almost every night.  Diego didn’t know his real father, his grandmother died when he was five and his mother remarried when Diego was 5 years old.  Diego’s step-dad, named MacMann, committed suicide in the garage a few years back.  Clearly, Diego has had his share of difficulties.  And what is even more saddening is that Diego blames himself for them.  He even inflicts pain on himself to forget the pain he’s been through, but the high is only temporary.  The scars are not - he has scars on his arms and chest from cutting himself with a shark tooth that his stepdad gave him on a fishing trip and he hides them.  But, why did MacMann commit suicide?  Was it Diego’s fault?  His mother now has to work two jobs to support Diego and his little brother Eddie.  Diego has quite a temper and lashes out at anyone who calls him gay.  He has two assault charges for it.  Diego winds up on probation and spends some time in juvie.  Most times, the offender is guilty of attacking another person, but sometimes, the offender is BAIT.  Through much disclosure of his past to his probation officer we learn about Diego’s difficulties.  The story is not all about tragedy though– but it was all part of Diego figuring out who he is – and who is in control – before he becomes the BAIT.

I would recommend this book for high school teenagers and for anyone who wants to learn not just to tolerate differences in others but to accept and value differences in others.  This book would allow for self-reflection.  You cannot read this book without feeling sadness for Diego's experiences, but also without feeling compassion for those who have similar past.  One thing I always say: "Never let your past dictate your future."  If you need help, get the help you need and always love and accept yourself for who you are.   

Check out the author Alex Sanchez's webpage.  

Read an excerpt of Bait.

Other Information: Alex Sanchez writes about issues that real teens face everyday.  Maybe you might be in a position where you might need some resources for something you are going through.  Check out some of Sanchez's resources on his website.    

Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block

Block, F. Weetzie Bat. New York: HarperCollins, 1989. ISBN 0064408183. 113 pp. $4.81 (from amazon.com) 

A Review from Publishers Weekly~

An offbeat heroine shares a Hollywood cottage with three equally quirky companions; in PW 's words, "Block's first book is related in a breezy, knowing voice; her strange and sparkling tribute to growing up in L.A. is a rare treat for those sophisticated enough to appreciate it." Ages 12-up. (Read other editorials on amazon.com) 

My Review: 
The author introduces two characters named Weetzie and Dirk.  Both are unique and while they have different interests, including love interests, you can tell instantly they are inseparable and best friends.  They go out with each other all the time and have a good time.  If one gets in trouble, the other one is there for them. Weetzie’s had her share of troubles throughout the story.  Her dad and mom split up.  It was hard on her – especially because her dad completely left the state and moved to the East Coast.  Weetzie stayed in California with her mom and her dad would come to visit and vice versa – she would go to New York and visit him, but it was still hard.  Weetzie and Dirk often went to visit Dirk’s grandma - Grandma Fifi.  She had a beautiful little cottage.  But Grandma Fifi was getting old.  One day she gave Weetzie a little gold lamp and Weetzie took it home and polished it up.  Out came a genie!  Weetzie had three wishes: she wished to find true love and also so that Dirk could find true love and also a place to live for Dirk and Weetzie.  Without saying much more, I will say that Weetzie’s three wishes came true, but in a very unique way.   

The book has a little love triangle of sorts in it – or you might even call it a love octagon!  Haha.  Weetzie goes on to have a baby by the name of Cherokee.  But that won’t be the only baby of the story!  As I mentioned, Weetzie deals with some heartache throughout the story.  She always has people beside her to support her.  As Dirk says, “Love is a dangerous angel.”  Be sure to check out this book to read all about Weetzie and her love story and “Happily ever after” might not go according to plan, but Weetzie and company learn to be happy, which is what counts!  I would recommend this book for older teens, grades 11 or 12.  Excellent book for class discussion around GLBTQ issues and acceptance of alternative lifestyles.  

If you liked this book, you might want to check out these other books by Francesca Lia Block:

• Goat Girls (buy/review on Amazon)
• Beautiful Boys (buy/review on Amazon)
• Girl Goddess #9: Nine Stories (buy/review on Amazon)
• The Hanged Man (buy/review on Amazon)
• Dangerous Angels:The Weetzie Bat Books (buy/review on Amazon)
• I was a Teenage Fairy (buy/review on Amazon)
• Violet & Claire (buy/review on Amazon)
• The Rose and The Beast (buy/review on Amazon)
• Echo (book review on Google Site)
• Guarding the Moon: A Mother’s First Year (book review on Google Site)
• Wasteland (click here for the full book on Google) 

About the Author: (from the book cover) 

Francesca Lia Block is the acclaimed author of the Los Angeles Times best sellers Guarding the Moon: A Mother’s First Year, The Rose and The Beast, Violet and Claire, and Dangerous Angels: the Weetzie Bat Books, as wella s Beautiful Boys, Goat Girls, Wasteland, Echo, I was a Teenage Fairy, Girl Goddess #9: Nine Stories, and the Hanged Man.  Her work is published around the world. 

Here is a link to Francesca's Website: 
http://www.francescaliablock.com/index

Also, if you are interested you might want to watch a youtube video of the reading of this book (in three parts).  I have linked Part 1 for you below.

Reviews (from the back cover of Weetzie Bat): 

“Transcendent.” – The New York Times Book Review

“Shimmering.” – The New York Post

“Magnificent.” – The Village Voice

“Sparkling.” – Publishers Weekly

“One of the most original books of the last ten years.” – The Los Angeles Times Book Review

Questions to reflect on at a book club:

• How did Dirk and Weetzie stick together throughout the story?
• Why did My Secret Agent Lover Man leave for a short time period?
• Why did Duck leave for a short time period?
• What brought them all back together each time one of them experienced grief or difficult or had a hard time?
• How was “happily ever after” different than what one might expect?

Are you interested in reviewing the book? Please write a review!!!!

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