Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen by Jazz Jennings
Review by Lauren
source: copy from BEA: all opinions are my own
Review: Jazz Jennings from the TLC show I Am Jazz is releasing her memoir today. It’s a great look at her life so far – she’s only 15 at the moment- and how she always knew she was a girl in a boy’s body. I loved hearing stories from her childhood. I’m sure it was tough for her parents to deal with this news, but they seem like great people who only want the best for their children. They allowed Jazz to dress as a girl at home for awhile, and eventually in public. They were constantly learning and advocating for trans rights.
Being Jazz is an easy book to read; it’s almost like Jazz is speaking to a friend. It’s great how open and honest she is about a lot of different aspects in her life. I have an advanced copy that I was given to read/review, so the photos throughout are all in black and white. Each chapter starts with a new photo, which I loved. I believe the finished version will include some in color, but I can’t 100% say for sure. Overall, I highly recommend this one! It’s a great way to get an insider’s look at what it means to be transgender.
Glad this was such a great read for you and I love that it had photos!
Interesting, and good review.
Parents like hers are rare, but oh so necessary. I think I'll read this one with my kid. Thank you, Lauren!
Such a hot topic at the moment. Having watched several documentaries on the subject lately (one featuring a child as young as six) I have to say I'm on the lookout for a good book on the subject (and this sounds like it could well fit the bill) as I found these programmes a bit, well, sensationalist in the way they were presented.
It sounds nice but I confess that I don't know about her
I'm sure supportive parents make all the difference.
Karen @For What It's Worth
I know a little of her story but this sounds like a great read. Wonderful review!!
I've never heard of her but it's awesome that her parents are so supportive.
That's neat that there are pictures in the book as well and how every chapter starts with one. It does sound like she has an unique perspective with her knowing she was trans from a young age already. And that must've been great that her parents were so supportive.
I like easy reads. I find that with them I've truly connected with the main character.
Oh, I heard about Jazz but didn't know that she had a book. It would be so interesting to read it!
-Leta | The Nerdy Me
I do like books where you feel like you are having a chat with a friend – great review!
I think it's fantastic that Jazz comes from a family that is so supporting of her decision and lifestyle. 🙂
xx
I got this at BEA too Lauren and I am delighted to hear it was an easy read. I like that it is seems as if she is talking to a friend.
I have never read a transgender novel before and it'd be amazing to read the story of a transgender teen! 🙂
Haniya
booknauthors.blogspot.com
Wow… this sounds like a real eye opener! I hope some of the pics are in colour too! Fab review!
I'm also so impressed with people who have a strong sense of identity from a young age (I was, and still remain to some degree, very contrary). There are so many people who can benefit from this book- from kids who are going through similar situations to people who can learn to be more open minded and empathetic to struggles outside their own experience. I think I'm going to get the audiobook!
Oh, wow. She looks amazing. It can't be easy with these kids, but I'm glad we've come a long away to help them. Hopefully, she doesn't live in Georgia or Texas or North Carolina. :/
I'm so happy there is a book about this! I love Jazz, I took a Gender and Communication class where we watched her show I am Jazz and it was eye opening.
I haven't heard of Jazz before but I love how supportive her parents seem to be. Sounds like an interesting and enlightening read.
I'm always unsure going into a memoir by a teen, as I worry if they have enough life under their belt to write. I'm glad to hear that this was an engaging read, as it is one I'm interested in. Great review!