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Meet New Books

Books Like...

'What It Feels Like for a Girl' by Paris Lees is a memoir that delves into the author's experiences as a young trans woman growing up in Nottingham in the early 2000s. The book navigates through themes of identity, drug use, sexual exploitation, and the challenges faced by working-class trans individuals. Paris Lees' writing style is raw, honest, and immersive, making readers feel like they are experiencing her journey alongside her.

If you liked What It Feels Like for a Girl, here are the top 19 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 19 
  1. #1

    The Last Girl Scout by Natalie Ironside
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    'The Last Girl Scout' by Natalie Ironside is a post-apocalyptic novel that explores the ugliest parts of humanity while still offering a sense of hope for the future. Set in a dystopian world, the book follows a group of diverse and nuanced characters as they navigate through a rich and detailed world filled with excitement, queer representation, and complex relationships. Despite the dark themes and intense plot, the story maintains a hopeful undertone, showcasing perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

    The book delves into themes of trauma, redemption, and societal breakdown, all while featuring queer characters and offering a fresh perspective on the post-apocalyptic genre. With a mix of grit and joy, the novel blends powerful political messaging with beautifully written prose, creating a captivating and emotionally engaging narrative that explores the complexities of human nature and relationships.

    The storm had blown in off of the Atlantic on the day everything went wrong, and it had followed them every step of the way back to Freeside, howling wind and a sky black with thunderheads rolling out...

  2. #2

    Stay Gold by Tobly McSmith
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    Stay Gold by Tobly McSmith is a sensitive and unflinching tale of a transgender boy named Pony who starts at a new high school where no one knows he's transgender. Pony explores new friendships and develops a crush on cheerleader Georgia. The book delves into the challenges Pony faces as he navigates his trans identity and relationships, while also highlighting the pressures and struggles of high school life. The writing style is emotionally charged and explores trans issues with authenticity and depth, capturing the turmoil and growth of the characters.

    Fade in, exterior parking lot. The imaginary director calls action, and the scene opens on New Kid sitting alone in his car on the first day of school. He checks his hair in the rearview mirror. There...

  3. 'Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women, and the Rest of Us' by Kate Bornstein is an exploration of gender, challenging the traditional binary concept of male and female. The book delves into the idea of gender as a vibrant continuum rather than a strict binary, encouraging readers to question societal norms and stereotypes surrounding gender identity. Through a blend of biography, gender theory, and personal anecdotes, Bornstein presents a thought-provoking narrative that aims to dismantle traditional views on gender and sexuality.

    I see fashion as a proclamation or manifestation of identity—so as long as identities are important, fashion will continue to be important. The link between fashion and identity begins to get real int...

  4. #4

    A Safe Girl to Love by Casey Plett
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    A Safe Girl to Love by Casey Plett is a collection of short stories that delves into the lives of trans women, showcasing their everyday struggles and moments of resilience. The stories are emotionally impactful, offering a glimpse into the diverse experiences of trans individuals. The writing style is unique and immersive, drawing readers into the characters' lives and capturing both the beauty and challenges they face.

    The interconnected stories in A Safe Girl to Love provide a varied portrayal of trans women's lives, touching on themes of gender identity, relationships, and self-discovery. The book offers a poignant exploration of the mundane realities and profound emotions experienced by its characters, making it a relatable and engaging read for those looking to understand different facets of the trans experience.

    My mom picked me up fresh off the red-eye and we went for donuts. It was the day before Christmas Eve. I told her all the fun parts about living in Portland and she listened and hummed and marched her...

  5. #5

    Little Fish by Casey Plett
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    Little Fish by Casey Plett is a poignant and raw portrayal of a 30-year-old trans woman named Wendy, navigating life in Winnipeg after her transition. The book delves into Wendy's struggles with addiction, trauma, and relationships within the trans community, all set against the backdrop of a harsh prairie winter. Plett's writing style intricately weaves together Wendy's past and present, capturing the complexities of her life with a mix of compassion and stark realism.

    The novel provides a deep insight into the challenges faced by transgender individuals, highlighting the prejudices and abuse they encounter daily. Through Wendy's journey of self-discovery and relationships with friends and family, Plett explores themes of generational trauma, addiction, and the search for identity in a world that can be both cruel and compassionate.

    “Is there a point?” said Wendy. “Look, you know. He was probably a girl; it probably sucked. I’ll bet a million fuckin’ Mennonites were trans. They probably all killed themselves or they lived stoical...

  6. #6

    If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo
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    'If I Was Your Girl' by Meredith Russo follows the story of Amanda, a transgender girl who moves to a new town to start afresh. The plot revolves around Amanda's journey of self-discovery, navigating the challenges of being accepted by her peers while keeping her past a secret. The writing style of the book is described as emotional, impactful, and engaging, providing a thoughtful exploration of the power of secrets and the consequences of denying one's true self.

    The bus smelled of mildew, machine oil, and sweat. As the suburban Atlanta sprawl disappeared behind us, I tapped my foot on the floor and chewed a lock of my newly long hair. A nagging voice reminded...

  7. #7

    Nevada by Imogen Binnie
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    'Nevada' by Imogen Binnie follows the journey of Maria, a trans woman living in NYC, navigating a disintegrating lesbian relationship and struggling with her own identity. The novel delves into themes of gender, sexuality, and self-discovery, offering a raw and honest portrayal of Maria's inner struggles and external challenges. The writing style shifts between different voices, providing insights into the characters' thoughts and experiences, ultimately leading the reader on a journey of self-reflection and understanding.

    Trans women in real life are different from trans women on television. For one thing, when you take away the mystification, misconceptions and mystery, they’re at least as boring as everybody else. Oh...

  8. #8

    The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi
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    'The Death of Vivek Oji' by Akwaeke Emezi is a heartbreaking and powerful novel that explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the tragedy of being different in Nigerian society. The story revolves around the mysterious death of Vivek Oji, a young genderfluid individual, and is narrated from the perspectives of his friends, family, and Vivek himself. Through flashbacks and multiple viewpoints, the novel delves into Vivek's struggles with societal norms, family expectations, and the complexities of his relationships, ultimately leading to a tragic end that leaves a lasting impact on those who knew him.

    The narrative is beautifully written, with a blend of heart-wrenching storytelling and vivid character portrayals that unravel the layers of love, pain, and acceptance surrounding Vivek. Emezi's non-linear structure adds suspense to the plot, drawing readers into the emotional journey of Vivek's life and the aftermath of his death. The novel tackles important topics such as gender identity, cultural expectations, and the quest for self-discovery, creating a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.

    If this story was a stack of photographs—the old kind, rounded at the corners and kept in albums under the glass and lace doilies of center tables in parlors across the country—it would start with Viv...

  9. #9

    Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
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    Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters follows the intertwined relationships of three characters over the past eight years: Reese, a trans woman, Ames (formerly Amy) who detransitioned after their breakup, and Katrina, Ames' current girlfriend. The novel delves into themes of gender identity, family dynamics, and relationships, with a mix of humor, emotion, and commentary on life's complexities. The book is praised for its realistic portrayal of characters who are flawed, complex, and not meant to be ideal representatives of trans women.

    THE QUESTION, FOR Reese: Were married men just desperately attractive to her? Or was the pool of men who were available to her as a trans woman only those who had already locked down a cis wife and co...

  10. #10

    Peter Darling by Austin Chant
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    'Peter Darling' by Austin Chant is a retelling of Peter Pan where Peter and Hook, both fleeing from past traumas, find solace in Neverland. Peter, who is transgender and rejected by his family, and Hook, grieving his past, embark on a journey to seek something real amidst the whimsical distractions of Neverland. The book explores themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery, with a unique twist on the original Peter Pan story, making it a captivating read for those looking for a heartfelt and poignant tale with elements of romance and fantasy.

    "Of course," Peter said easily. He had swum through the ocean of stars, following Tink's directions to the second star on the right. They had burst out into a storm above the island and danced along t...

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