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Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite
Endorsed by one of the leading researchers on Disorders of Sex Development, Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite is a young adult novel, an authentic portrayal of the issues faced by an intersex teen.
Jamie was born with a testis, an ovary, and a pixie face. He can be a boy after minor surgery and a few years on testosterone. Well, that’s what his parents always say, but he sees an elfin princess in the mirror. To become the man his parents expect, Jamie must leave behind a little girl’s hopes and dreams.
At sixteen, the four-foot-eleven soprano leaves home school for a boys’ dorm at college. The elfin princess can live in the books Jameson reads and nobody has to find out he isn’t like other boys.
When a medical student tells Jamie that he should have been raised female, suppressed childhood memories stir. The elfin princess can thrive, but will she risk losing her family and her education for a boy who may desert her, or a toddler she may never be allowed to adopt?
Jamie was born with a testis, an ovary, and a pixie face. He can be a boy after minor surgery and a few years on testosterone. Well, that’s what his parents always say, but he sees an elfin princess in the mirror. To become the man his parents expect, Jamie must leave behind a little girl’s hopes and dreams.
At sixteen, the four-foot-eleven soprano leaves home school for a boys’ dorm at college. The elfin princess can live in the books Jameson reads and nobody has to find out he isn’t like other boys.
When a medical student tells Jamie that he should have been raised female, suppressed childhood memories stir. The elfin princess can thrive, but will she risk losing her family and her education for a boy who may desert her, or a toddler she may never be allowed to adopt?
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2012
6 people are currently reading
4248 people want to read
About the author
Lianne Simon
11 books171 followersLianne Simon’s father was a dairy farmer and an engineer, her mother a nurse. She grew up in a home filled with love and good books.
Tiny and frail, Lianne struggled physically, but excelled at her studies. In 1970, she was awarded a scholarship to the University of Miami, from which she graduated in 1973. Fond memories of her time there remain with her.
Some years later, after living in several states, and spending time abroad, Lianne settled in to the suburbs north of Atlanta, where she now lives with her husband and their cat.
While seeking answers to her own genetic anomalies, Lianne met a family whose daughter was born with one testis and one ovary. As a result of that encounter, she spent more than a decade answering inquiries on behalf of a support group for the parents of such children.
Lianne hopes that writing this book will, in some small way, contribute to the welfare of children born between the sexes.
Tiny and frail, Lianne struggled physically, but excelled at her studies. In 1970, she was awarded a scholarship to the University of Miami, from which she graduated in 1973. Fond memories of her time there remain with her.
Some years later, after living in several states, and spending time abroad, Lianne settled in to the suburbs north of Atlanta, where she now lives with her husband and their cat.
While seeking answers to her own genetic anomalies, Lianne met a family whose daughter was born with one testis and one ovary. As a result of that encounter, she spent more than a decade answering inquiries on behalf of a support group for the parents of such children.
Lianne hopes that writing this book will, in some small way, contribute to the welfare of children born between the sexes.
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June 27, 2018My review is finally up! The first and so far only #ownvoices intersex YA book does many things I haven't seen non-ownvoices books do, at all.
http://www.bogireadstheworld.com/ya-n...
Source of the book: Print review copy from the author
http://www.bogireadstheworld.com/ya-n...
Source of the book: Print review copy from the author
August 27, 2012
Wow. Okay, this book was wonderful. I remember in eigth grade health class learning about hermaphrodites and I distinctly remember the teacher telling us that many times the parents choose what gender they want to raise their child as. I remember thinking, "But what if they choose the wrong gender?" Well, this book basically answers that question.
The main character is Jamie, otherwise known as Jameson. Though his birth certificate says boy, Jamie acted like a girl until 9 years old when a doctor told his family that he should be raised male. Now 16, Jamie has perfected the art of playacting for his family so that they think he is happy as a boy. But when he looks in the mirror he sees himself as the elvin princess he used to pretend to be before the doctor interfered with his life.
Then Jamie meets and befriends a medical student who tells Jamie that the doctor had is all wrong, that he should be a girl. A whole world is opened up to Jamie, who is away at college and has the chance to live the life he has so longed for. But this book is set in the 1970's, when children respected their families, and Jamie is torn between being happy or making his family happy.
I was cheering for Jamie the whole book. So obviously female I wanted to reach through the pages and smack his parents for not accepting that fact. My heart ached as Jamie wrestled with his gender issues and tried so hard to please everyone while staying true to himself. I flew through this book, and there was never a dull moment, never a lull in the story. I was captivated the whole way through and the writing flowed effortlessly off the page. I saw Jamie in my mind and felt like I was his friend, rooting for him to discover his true potential.
Might I add, I have refered to Jamie as "him" throughout the review because the summary refers to him that way and I don't want to confuse anyone. It feels wrong though. Jamie is obviously a girl and I feel like I should say "her" instead of "him". I had to mention it, it felt wrong not to but I want to use the same gender reference as the book summary. In my mind though, Jamie is a female and therefore should be refered as her instead of him.
Read this book!! It's awesomely unique, you have never read anything like it before and it's just wonderful. I loved it.
The main character is Jamie, otherwise known as Jameson. Though his birth certificate says boy, Jamie acted like a girl until 9 years old when a doctor told his family that he should be raised male. Now 16, Jamie has perfected the art of playacting for his family so that they think he is happy as a boy. But when he looks in the mirror he sees himself as the elvin princess he used to pretend to be before the doctor interfered with his life.
Then Jamie meets and befriends a medical student who tells Jamie that the doctor had is all wrong, that he should be a girl. A whole world is opened up to Jamie, who is away at college and has the chance to live the life he has so longed for. But this book is set in the 1970's, when children respected their families, and Jamie is torn between being happy or making his family happy.
I was cheering for Jamie the whole book. So obviously female I wanted to reach through the pages and smack his parents for not accepting that fact. My heart ached as Jamie wrestled with his gender issues and tried so hard to please everyone while staying true to himself. I flew through this book, and there was never a dull moment, never a lull in the story. I was captivated the whole way through and the writing flowed effortlessly off the page. I saw Jamie in my mind and felt like I was his friend, rooting for him to discover his true potential.
Might I add, I have refered to Jamie as "him" throughout the review because the summary refers to him that way and I don't want to confuse anyone. It feels wrong though. Jamie is obviously a girl and I feel like I should say "her" instead of "him". I had to mention it, it felt wrong not to but I want to use the same gender reference as the book summary. In my mind though, Jamie is a female and therefore should be refered as her instead of him.
Read this book!! It's awesomely unique, you have never read anything like it before and it's just wonderful. I loved it.
January 23, 2015
Definition of Hermaphrodite as per Wikipedia:
A hermaphrodite is an organism that has reproductive organs normally associated with both male and female sexes.
Lianne Simon, an American author, left us entranced with her debut novel, Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite , that explores the journey of a teenager growing up in his niche while trying to figure out his both masculine and feminine sides of his demeanor as well as of his body.
Synopsis:
From the heart of an intersex teen, one who must ultimately choose male or female—family or true love—comes the story of a deeply emotional and perilous journey home. This is a young adult novel unlike any other—an authentic portrayal of the issues faced by a child growing up with a sexually ambiguous body.
Jameson can be like other boys after minor surgery and a few years on testosterone Well, at least that’s what his parents always say. But Jamie sees an elfin princess in the mirror, and male hormones would only ruin her pretty face. For him to become the man his parents expect, Jameson must leave behind the hopes and dreams of a little girl. But what is so wrong with Jamie’s dreams that they can’t be her life?
The book has two primary characters- Jamie and Jameson- though they are the same person. Jamie stayed there till 9years old, but when a doctor asks Jamie's parents to treat Jamie like a son, that was the day when a little bit of spark inside Jamie died. Till 16, Jameson tried to put on a good show in front of his parents but all the while he longed for Jamie to return back. But then he leaves for college, where he learns that it is up to him to decide which side to choose, not his parents, but back in those times, children rarely rebelled against their parents and with that Jamie's hope too died!
All the while, the author tried to portray Jamie as the poor and helpless character, unlike Jameson, who was the resultant of his imposing parents. Jamie is sweet, unlike Jameson who is brave yet weak inside his heart. Moreover, the author portrayed both Jamie and Jameson with compassion, love and sensitively, thus making us fall for both the characters equally. But I could not justify with the parents' character, and also with Jamie's peers.
The author's writing is absolutely brilliant and her exquisite prose and crisp prose keeps me glued to the heart of the story. The author has raised so many issues related to a Hermaphrodite back in an era when things other than normal were treated as a sin. Moreover, the challenging options and the choices that Jamie makes related to her identity are striking. Coming from a debut author, her story-telling is so flawless that it gripped me till the very end. This heart-touching and deeply moving tale will provoke your thoughts towards this issue back in the 70s and will enlighten you with the world of an Hermaphrodite.
Verdict: A great and intriguing tale that brilliantly shows the soul of an unique human being whose options are very limited as per his own wishes. A fight between two personality- man and woman!
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Lianne Simon, for providing me with this engaging book, in return for an honest review.
A hermaphrodite is an organism that has reproductive organs normally associated with both male and female sexes.
Lianne Simon, an American author, left us entranced with her debut novel, Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite , that explores the journey of a teenager growing up in his niche while trying to figure out his both masculine and feminine sides of his demeanor as well as of his body.
Synopsis:
From the heart of an intersex teen, one who must ultimately choose male or female—family or true love—comes the story of a deeply emotional and perilous journey home. This is a young adult novel unlike any other—an authentic portrayal of the issues faced by a child growing up with a sexually ambiguous body.
Jameson can be like other boys after minor surgery and a few years on testosterone Well, at least that’s what his parents always say. But Jamie sees an elfin princess in the mirror, and male hormones would only ruin her pretty face. For him to become the man his parents expect, Jameson must leave behind the hopes and dreams of a little girl. But what is so wrong with Jamie’s dreams that they can’t be her life?
The book has two primary characters- Jamie and Jameson- though they are the same person. Jamie stayed there till 9years old, but when a doctor asks Jamie's parents to treat Jamie like a son, that was the day when a little bit of spark inside Jamie died. Till 16, Jameson tried to put on a good show in front of his parents but all the while he longed for Jamie to return back. But then he leaves for college, where he learns that it is up to him to decide which side to choose, not his parents, but back in those times, children rarely rebelled against their parents and with that Jamie's hope too died!
All the while, the author tried to portray Jamie as the poor and helpless character, unlike Jameson, who was the resultant of his imposing parents. Jamie is sweet, unlike Jameson who is brave yet weak inside his heart. Moreover, the author portrayed both Jamie and Jameson with compassion, love and sensitively, thus making us fall for both the characters equally. But I could not justify with the parents' character, and also with Jamie's peers.
The author's writing is absolutely brilliant and her exquisite prose and crisp prose keeps me glued to the heart of the story. The author has raised so many issues related to a Hermaphrodite back in an era when things other than normal were treated as a sin. Moreover, the challenging options and the choices that Jamie makes related to her identity are striking. Coming from a debut author, her story-telling is so flawless that it gripped me till the very end. This heart-touching and deeply moving tale will provoke your thoughts towards this issue back in the 70s and will enlighten you with the world of an Hermaphrodite.
Verdict: A great and intriguing tale that brilliantly shows the soul of an unique human being whose options are very limited as per his own wishes. A fight between two personality- man and woman!
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Lianne Simon, for providing me with this engaging book, in return for an honest review.
November 30, 2012
Sensitivity, Angst, Acceptance
Lianne Simon is as much a poet as she is a prose author. This exceptionally sensitive book sings, and in making that choice in her writing Simon has created something far more than a study of gender conflict: she has created a hymn to all young teenagers who face some of the most impossibly difficult decisions and life choices imaginable.
The problem of intersex is far more prevalent than the public realizes. According to medical books a `true hermaphrodite' is defined as someone with both male gonadal tissue (testes) and female gonadal tissue (ovarian tissue). Now more frequently the term intersex is used. `Intersex, in humans and other animals, is the congenital presence of intermediate or atypical combinations of chromosomes, gonads, and/or genitals that usually distinguish female from male. This involves variations from typical XX-female or XY-male presentations, e.g., sex reversal (XY female, XX male), genital ambiguity, or sex developmental differences. An intersex individual may have biological characteristics of both the male and the female sexes. Intersexuality as a term was adopted by medicine during the 20th century, and applied to human beings whose biological sex cannot be classified as clearly male or female. Intersex was initially adopted by intersex activists who criticize traditional medical approaches to sex assignment and seek to be heard in the construction of new approaches.'
Jameson is a sixteen-year-old intersex person who was born with one testis and one ovary and with a more phenotype female appearance. She prefers to see herself as a 12-year-old girl and though her parents wish to raise her as a boy she must come to grips with the fact that she emotionally and psychologically is a girl. A medical student friend cares for her and shares that she should have been raised a girl she begins her dialogue with the external world as well as with her inner voice and perceptions and it is this journey toward living the life of a woman with the ability to adopt children as a mother that flows like a melody through these pages. The journey is complex and fraught with pain and disillusion but Jamie makes it in a way that will haunt any reader for the love that has been invested in traveling with Lianne Simon through her book. It is a stunning achievement.
Grady Harp
Lianne Simon is as much a poet as she is a prose author. This exceptionally sensitive book sings, and in making that choice in her writing Simon has created something far more than a study of gender conflict: she has created a hymn to all young teenagers who face some of the most impossibly difficult decisions and life choices imaginable.
The problem of intersex is far more prevalent than the public realizes. According to medical books a `true hermaphrodite' is defined as someone with both male gonadal tissue (testes) and female gonadal tissue (ovarian tissue). Now more frequently the term intersex is used. `Intersex, in humans and other animals, is the congenital presence of intermediate or atypical combinations of chromosomes, gonads, and/or genitals that usually distinguish female from male. This involves variations from typical XX-female or XY-male presentations, e.g., sex reversal (XY female, XX male), genital ambiguity, or sex developmental differences. An intersex individual may have biological characteristics of both the male and the female sexes. Intersexuality as a term was adopted by medicine during the 20th century, and applied to human beings whose biological sex cannot be classified as clearly male or female. Intersex was initially adopted by intersex activists who criticize traditional medical approaches to sex assignment and seek to be heard in the construction of new approaches.'
Jameson is a sixteen-year-old intersex person who was born with one testis and one ovary and with a more phenotype female appearance. She prefers to see herself as a 12-year-old girl and though her parents wish to raise her as a boy she must come to grips with the fact that she emotionally and psychologically is a girl. A medical student friend cares for her and shares that she should have been raised a girl she begins her dialogue with the external world as well as with her inner voice and perceptions and it is this journey toward living the life of a woman with the ability to adopt children as a mother that flows like a melody through these pages. The journey is complex and fraught with pain and disillusion but Jamie makes it in a way that will haunt any reader for the love that has been invested in traveling with Lianne Simon through her book. It is a stunning achievement.
Grady Harp
January 20, 2013
This review is part of the blog tour at http://heroineswithheart.com/
Lianne tells us the story of Jamie, a girl who has hermaphroditism and a mosaic form of Turner syndrome. Gender identity issues of monumental proportions - and mostly because of the way her family insists on treating her as a boy.
Sometimes I wanted to get inside the book and slap/punch a few characters in the face - mostly, Jamie's father, that I can only describe as a narrow-minded prejudiced sexist. Jamie's mother is more open-minded and accepting, and fortunately she finds ways in which she can help her daughter, regardless of what her husband says.
The things related to religion here will probably make perfect sense for a practicing Christian; I don't go to any church anymore because of countless reasons, and the things that bothered me here are probably the same ones that bother me in any other book with Christian characters, and the same ones I have a problem with in real life.
Jamie is simply just adorable!!! She is a good girl, wants to be happy, she wants to make everyone around her happy, she wants to do what her parents tell her to, she wants to obey the God she believes in, she wants her family and friends to accept her the way she is, but sometimes trying to be so "perfect" only makes her miserable. Reading about how she started fighting for her own happiness was amazing. Her relationship with her boyfriend/husband is really sweet; I loved to read about them too.
There were scenes when I just knew things wouldn't happen the way I wanted them to, but I could understand the choices the author made. I liked the writing style - how the author describes things, how the characters are built, and how she worked with Jamie's issues.
I'll finish this comment with a quote from a song from "Repo! The genetic opera" musical:
"How much of it's genetics? How much of it is fate? How much of it depends on the choices that we make?"
Lianne tells us the story of Jamie, a girl who has hermaphroditism and a mosaic form of Turner syndrome. Gender identity issues of monumental proportions - and mostly because of the way her family insists on treating her as a boy.
Sometimes I wanted to get inside the book and slap/punch a few characters in the face - mostly, Jamie's father, that I can only describe as a narrow-minded prejudiced sexist. Jamie's mother is more open-minded and accepting, and fortunately she finds ways in which she can help her daughter, regardless of what her husband says.
The things related to religion here will probably make perfect sense for a practicing Christian; I don't go to any church anymore because of countless reasons, and the things that bothered me here are probably the same ones that bother me in any other book with Christian characters, and the same ones I have a problem with in real life.
Jamie is simply just adorable!!! She is a good girl, wants to be happy, she wants to make everyone around her happy, she wants to do what her parents tell her to, she wants to obey the God she believes in, she wants her family and friends to accept her the way she is, but sometimes trying to be so "perfect" only makes her miserable. Reading about how she started fighting for her own happiness was amazing. Her relationship with her boyfriend/husband is really sweet; I loved to read about them too.
There were scenes when I just knew things wouldn't happen the way I wanted them to, but I could understand the choices the author made. I liked the writing style - how the author describes things, how the characters are built, and how she worked with Jamie's issues.
I'll finish this comment with a quote from a song from "Repo! The genetic opera" musical:
"How much of it's genetics? How much of it is fate? How much of it depends on the choices that we make?"
November 13, 2018
Este libro no fue lo que yo esperaba, es uno de los libros que más me ha decepcionado. Lo que me atrapó al principio fue, obviamente, el tema de la interxualidad. Entiendo que la autora es interxual y quería plasmar su propia experiencia en una novela, pero la protagonista, más que confundida por sus características físicas y sexuales, parecía una niñita de cinco años, inmadura y dependiente de todos hasta en lo más mínimo, se me hizo insoportable. No pude conectarme con ella ni con sus problemas ni por medio segundo. Además, ¿qué carajos fue ese instalove?... En serio, se conocieron y unas semanas después ya se estaban comprometiendo, ugh. Sí, el tipo de iba para la guerra pero precisamente, ¿¿por qué te vas a casar con un muchacho que apenas conoces y no tendrás oportunidad de conocer en los próximos años porque ni siquiera está en el país, cuando además aún no resuelves tus problemas de identidad de género?? Y algo más: el tema de abordar las creencias religiosas de la protagonista y los demás me molestó un poco, me pareció ridículo, como si fuera necesario que los personajes principales fueran todos cristianos o algo así. En más de una ocasión se preguntaban entre ellos si eran cristianos o si seguían los mandatos del Señor... Para mí, que no soy religiosa, fue algo incómodo de leer. En definitiva no fue el libro para mí. Espero poder encontrar una novela sobre la intersexualidad que no sea tan tonta como esta.
February 17, 2017
‘Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite’ is the story of Jamie, a Hermaphrodite. Though Jamie feels like a girl and thinks of herself as an Elfin Princess, her parents raise her as Jameson – a boy. Not wanting to hurt their feelings, Jamie creates a set of rules that gives life to Jameson and locks away the princess. But, when a medical student tells her that she should have been raised as a girl, the Elfin Princess wants to break free…
This turned out to be a really difficult book to read and review. It has managed to touch all the right nerves and makes me want to rant a lot. First let us cover the topic – this book is aimed at spreading the awareness about everything that has to do with hermaphrodites or intersex persons. Not everybody is aware of the facts concerning intersex people, myself included. While I had some general ideas and knowledge, I had absolutely no idea about the medical aspects and the treatment procedures. After reading this book and doing some side research, I can say that I am bit more aware.
Coming to the plotline, it is pretty simple as it revolves around Jamie’s life. Jamie had pretty much come to accept that she would be living her life as Jameson and that the little princess would have to be gone for good forever. But a person’s identity is what it is and it doesn’t simply change because of what people around want. So, when Sharon wants to be friends with her, the Elfin Princess within her sees a chance to breathe and takes it. The story then progresses on to Jamie discovering her true self and making some tough choices for herself. It wasn’t easy but she had friendship, love and help from different expected and unexpected corners to see her through. It was an emotional journey to take with Jamie. Seeing the clash between her own needs and her need to make her parents happy was tough.
This book also has some great characters. Kaylah deserves the first mention because she has the most tender heart and was the first person in Jamie’s life to accept her unconditionally. I absolutely loved her. Then there were Tyler and Sean who loved her too. Sharon and Lisa’s support were invaluable. But I guess Jamie’s mother deserves a special mention too. I could feel for her too as like Jamie she was caught between two ends too. On one hand she loved Jamie and wanted what’s right for her. On the other hand was her husband’s wishes and her religion. Even though I kept wishing that she would take a proper stand, I think it was kind of brave of her to manage to do whatever she could.
Another matter that has been covered in this book is that of religion. Jamie’s faith played a big role in how things turned out in the end. I have always believed that religion is a deeply personal matter – and if a person’s belief drove her to the right path, then that belief can never be wrong irrespective of what the world says. Jamie’s faith, with the help of the Gillespie’s, helped her through.
Overall, this book was an eye opener and I have learnt a lot from it. The struggle that Jamie had to go through, for no fault of her own, was heart wrenching. I wish that parents, and society in general, was more open minded and understand that God’s creation can never be wrong or defective and learn to accept people just the way they are. I just wish that the story had a bit more about Jamie’s interaction with her parents and classmates at college.
This turned out to be a really difficult book to read and review. It has managed to touch all the right nerves and makes me want to rant a lot. First let us cover the topic – this book is aimed at spreading the awareness about everything that has to do with hermaphrodites or intersex persons. Not everybody is aware of the facts concerning intersex people, myself included. While I had some general ideas and knowledge, I had absolutely no idea about the medical aspects and the treatment procedures. After reading this book and doing some side research, I can say that I am bit more aware.
Coming to the plotline, it is pretty simple as it revolves around Jamie’s life. Jamie had pretty much come to accept that she would be living her life as Jameson and that the little princess would have to be gone for good forever. But a person’s identity is what it is and it doesn’t simply change because of what people around want. So, when Sharon wants to be friends with her, the Elfin Princess within her sees a chance to breathe and takes it. The story then progresses on to Jamie discovering her true self and making some tough choices for herself. It wasn’t easy but she had friendship, love and help from different expected and unexpected corners to see her through. It was an emotional journey to take with Jamie. Seeing the clash between her own needs and her need to make her parents happy was tough.
This book also has some great characters. Kaylah deserves the first mention because she has the most tender heart and was the first person in Jamie’s life to accept her unconditionally. I absolutely loved her. Then there were Tyler and Sean who loved her too. Sharon and Lisa’s support were invaluable. But I guess Jamie’s mother deserves a special mention too. I could feel for her too as like Jamie she was caught between two ends too. On one hand she loved Jamie and wanted what’s right for her. On the other hand was her husband’s wishes and her religion. Even though I kept wishing that she would take a proper stand, I think it was kind of brave of her to manage to do whatever she could.
Another matter that has been covered in this book is that of religion. Jamie’s faith played a big role in how things turned out in the end. I have always believed that religion is a deeply personal matter – and if a person’s belief drove her to the right path, then that belief can never be wrong irrespective of what the world says. Jamie’s faith, with the help of the Gillespie’s, helped her through.
Overall, this book was an eye opener and I have learnt a lot from it. The struggle that Jamie had to go through, for no fault of her own, was heart wrenching. I wish that parents, and society in general, was more open minded and understand that God’s creation can never be wrong or defective and learn to accept people just the way they are. I just wish that the story had a bit more about Jamie’s interaction with her parents and classmates at college.
September 28, 2012
The main character, Jamie is an intersex (hermaphrodite) girl who has been forced by her parents to be a boy her whole life. She struggles with her feelings, God, her friends, and love interests in an attempt to determine the right course of action. She needs to take the hormones to induce a normal puberty, male or female, before it is too late. I will not describe the plot in too much detail because i don’t want to spoil it.
I was gripped by her dilemmas as she tries to please everyone around her and admired her courage as she becomes an adult. I certainly had tears in my eyes a few times. The book covered two year. And yet, there were no areas which I didn’t find gripping. The book was not longer than it should be. And I think that young-adult books should cover a greater time period than is often the case as this can be the most realistic way to tell the story.
The Christian element of the book was present and pushes the boundaries of Christian fiction, but I think stays true to them in the long term. I think it is important for other Christians to realise that God doesn’t make mistakes. I think the book would still appeal to non-Christians, because the message supersedes religion and is not the only focus of the book. It is just one part of Jamie’s journey.
The scientific information was accurate, and as far as I can determine, the experiences of a teenage hermaphrodite have been well portrayed. The voice and use of language are also realistic for a teenager. The style of writing was well done with vivid descriptions and beautiful imagery. The use of grammar and spelling were also successful. I feel the subject and use of language are all appealing to young adult readers, although adult readers like me can emphasize and learn about Jamie’s story.
The characters are all unique and well rounded, although there are a lot of them, but that didn’t bother me.
The only part of the book, which I found weird at first, was the character acting younger than her years and talking in the mirror to her younger female self. It took some getting used to, but eventually I realised that acting younger was Jamie’s way of coping, and at the end, she realised this herself. So I do believe it was an essential part of the plot, even if it was pushing boundaries in terms of literary style.
To conclude, I believe Lianne Simon achieved what is a brilliant gripping story, which educates others about the life of a teenage, intersex character. I applaud her for allowing the book to do that without sacrificing one for the other. I truly think she achieved her intensions and I hope the book educates others, gives those who are in Jamie’s situation a role model, and just provides a good story for those who desire it.
I was gripped by her dilemmas as she tries to please everyone around her and admired her courage as she becomes an adult. I certainly had tears in my eyes a few times. The book covered two year. And yet, there were no areas which I didn’t find gripping. The book was not longer than it should be. And I think that young-adult books should cover a greater time period than is often the case as this can be the most realistic way to tell the story.
The Christian element of the book was present and pushes the boundaries of Christian fiction, but I think stays true to them in the long term. I think it is important for other Christians to realise that God doesn’t make mistakes. I think the book would still appeal to non-Christians, because the message supersedes religion and is not the only focus of the book. It is just one part of Jamie’s journey.
The scientific information was accurate, and as far as I can determine, the experiences of a teenage hermaphrodite have been well portrayed. The voice and use of language are also realistic for a teenager. The style of writing was well done with vivid descriptions and beautiful imagery. The use of grammar and spelling were also successful. I feel the subject and use of language are all appealing to young adult readers, although adult readers like me can emphasize and learn about Jamie’s story.
The characters are all unique and well rounded, although there are a lot of them, but that didn’t bother me.
The only part of the book, which I found weird at first, was the character acting younger than her years and talking in the mirror to her younger female self. It took some getting used to, but eventually I realised that acting younger was Jamie’s way of coping, and at the end, she realised this herself. So I do believe it was an essential part of the plot, even if it was pushing boundaries in terms of literary style.
To conclude, I believe Lianne Simon achieved what is a brilliant gripping story, which educates others about the life of a teenage, intersex character. I applaud her for allowing the book to do that without sacrificing one for the other. I truly think she achieved her intensions and I hope the book educates others, gives those who are in Jamie’s situation a role model, and just provides a good story for those who desire it.
February 20, 2013
I received this book free from the author in a Read 4 Review in exchange for an honest review. This book peaked my interest from the very beginning. I am in the healthcare profession and honestly I have always been curious about conditions such as hermaphrodites. Then out jumped this book and I knew that I had to read it. This novel is a sweet coming of age story that really hit a nerve with me. I hated that Jamie's parents didn't accept her and wanted her to be something that she wasn't just to please them. I'm glad that there were people present in Jamie's life that cared enough to give her that support that she needed during this trying time. I found this book to be very well written and I liked how the author bounced around between Jamie's two personalities. This book was both sad and exciting to read. There were so many emotions expressed by each and every character.
I really loved reading about Jamie's story. It was such a emotional roller coaster for both Jaime and the reader. She is such a brave and strong character because of all of the ordeals she went through. Despite not having 100% support from her parents , Jaime still did what made her happy. I feel bad that Jamie's mother would not stick up for her even though she knew that Jaime should have been raised a girl, all because of her jerk husband.
Overall, this was a great read. Hopefully it gets more awareness out there for these types of conditions. I'm sure there are lots of people who have had to deal with similar issues. I would recommend this book to those readers who may be curious about gender issues and also to those looking for a great realistic read.
I really loved reading about Jamie's story. It was such a emotional roller coaster for both Jaime and the reader. She is such a brave and strong character because of all of the ordeals she went through. Despite not having 100% support from her parents , Jaime still did what made her happy. I feel bad that Jamie's mother would not stick up for her even though she knew that Jaime should have been raised a girl, all because of her jerk husband.
Overall, this was a great read. Hopefully it gets more awareness out there for these types of conditions. I'm sure there are lots of people who have had to deal with similar issues. I would recommend this book to those readers who may be curious about gender issues and also to those looking for a great realistic read.
July 26, 2015
For me within the first couple chapters I felt like there was more going on with Jamie than just the intersex part. The fact that she would talk to her reflection and speak of herself in the 3rd person when referring to the female Jamie or the male counterpart, Jameson. I felt like she had multiple personalities or something going on too.
Throughout the book there were times where I would have to keep reminding myself how old Jamie was. She was suppose to be a teenager, 16, yet acted a lot of the times as someone even younger. Again, I didn't really get that part.
When Jamie and her sister are talking when they're 7 and 4, it was unbelievable how much older they sounded given their young age.
All the different people got a little confusing and how they were related to each other or how Jamie knew them. First she meets Sharon and falls in love with her brother Tyler THEN she meets Lisa and falls in love her brother Sean. I don't buy that. She just happened to find 2 different guys, one after the other who had no problem with her supposedly being a boy? It's like out of all the young people she met/ran into there was just Jon (I think his name was) and Frank that had a problem with her sex. It was just a smidge unbelievable.
I have to say that I just loved the rules Jamie's father gave her 'to become a real boy.' (haha) That was such a joke. So smoking, drinking, riding motorcycles and/or a sports car, that will help you be a man? Really? Too corny.
A couple questions I had:
1. How old was Sharon suppose to be? Jameson was living in the dorm with her boyfriend Frank; yet Sharon acted a lot older. Aren't you usually living in the dorms for the freshman/sophomore? IDK, I never lived in a dorm so I have no clue. Either way, it seemed like all of Jamies/Jameson's friends were a lot older than her, based off the way they treated and spoke to him/her.
2. I usually don't read religious type books and this one was a prefect example of why I don't. Of course I have read them in the past with no real issues but this one seemed to overdo it. There was too much that seemed forced. The fact that Jamie had two separate people (Tyler then later on Kayla) ask her if 'her life glorified god' seemed strange.
Another example was when Jamie was with Rachel. At 2 years old Rachel is telling her mom to pray. To pray for the fact God saved her and Jamie? I don't think so. Even if you're raised religious, she's just 2!
Again I'm not religious whatsoever.....
3. Okay so Rachel ended up with the Gillespies at 10 months old, around. So how would she know who/what a 'daddy' was? I can get the 'mommy' part if prior to Rachel leaving her biological mother, her mother referred to herself as 'mommy'. Otherwise just like with 'daddy' how would Rachel know these words?
4. Usually in a book if a medical or uncommon word is used, the author will usually explain to the reader what the word means. Just like with the word, Cystourethrogram. When the doctor tells Jamie that she needs to come back for a cystourethrogram, her and Kayla have no issues, no questions, no nothing. They're just like 'sure, no problem.' I can't imagine either would even know what this word meant. I actually had to look it up.
5. With Sharon wanting to be a doctor, how is it that she seems to have so much free time? Beings able to spend all this time with Jamie, doing plays and whatnot. Aren't medical students usually always busy?
6. Why did Jamie go along with her parents all this time? I get they're her family and she cared about them but still. Even after she's had her vagina basically 'fixed' she's still willing to be a real boy. She has a vagina! Why not have her parents come with you to the doctors to have it confirmed? Yet she doesn't say anything to her father and he keeps telling her to "just practice!" Seriously? If a parent has a child like Jamie/Jameson and picks a sex for the child, later on finding out the child wants to be the opposite sex chosen for them....why would you just cause more issues for the child? I don't understand that. If you care about her child then listen to them. Yes, you made a mistake in your choosing, so instead of listening to your child you keep going against everything they want/need?
7. Lastly, along with the 'vagina opening' surgery, how was her regular doctor able to do it? I understand they had the reconstructive surgeon in the room but still.
In the end, this book was alright. I'm always interested in topics like this, intersex/hermaphodites, transexuals, ext, so I thought this would be a good read. Honestly, I found it to be kinda boring, lots of scenes that just seemed to drag on.
Throughout the book there were times where I would have to keep reminding myself how old Jamie was. She was suppose to be a teenager, 16, yet acted a lot of the times as someone even younger. Again, I didn't really get that part.
When Jamie and her sister are talking when they're 7 and 4, it was unbelievable how much older they sounded given their young age.
All the different people got a little confusing and how they were related to each other or how Jamie knew them. First she meets Sharon and falls in love with her brother Tyler THEN she meets Lisa and falls in love her brother Sean. I don't buy that. She just happened to find 2 different guys, one after the other who had no problem with her supposedly being a boy? It's like out of all the young people she met/ran into there was just Jon (I think his name was) and Frank that had a problem with her sex. It was just a smidge unbelievable.
I have to say that I just loved the rules Jamie's father gave her 'to become a real boy.' (haha) That was such a joke. So smoking, drinking, riding motorcycles and/or a sports car, that will help you be a man? Really? Too corny.
A couple questions I had:
1. How old was Sharon suppose to be? Jameson was living in the dorm with her boyfriend Frank; yet Sharon acted a lot older. Aren't you usually living in the dorms for the freshman/sophomore? IDK, I never lived in a dorm so I have no clue. Either way, it seemed like all of Jamies/Jameson's friends were a lot older than her, based off the way they treated and spoke to him/her.
2. I usually don't read religious type books and this one was a prefect example of why I don't. Of course I have read them in the past with no real issues but this one seemed to overdo it. There was too much that seemed forced. The fact that Jamie had two separate people (Tyler then later on Kayla) ask her if 'her life glorified god' seemed strange.
Another example was when Jamie was with Rachel. At 2 years old Rachel is telling her mom to pray. To pray for the fact God saved her and Jamie? I don't think so. Even if you're raised religious, she's just 2!
Again I'm not religious whatsoever.....
3. Okay so Rachel ended up with the Gillespies at 10 months old, around. So how would she know who/what a 'daddy' was? I can get the 'mommy' part if prior to Rachel leaving her biological mother, her mother referred to herself as 'mommy'. Otherwise just like with 'daddy' how would Rachel know these words?
4. Usually in a book if a medical or uncommon word is used, the author will usually explain to the reader what the word means. Just like with the word, Cystourethrogram. When the doctor tells Jamie that she needs to come back for a cystourethrogram, her and Kayla have no issues, no questions, no nothing. They're just like 'sure, no problem.' I can't imagine either would even know what this word meant. I actually had to look it up.
5. With Sharon wanting to be a doctor, how is it that she seems to have so much free time? Beings able to spend all this time with Jamie, doing plays and whatnot. Aren't medical students usually always busy?
6. Why did Jamie go along with her parents all this time? I get they're her family and she cared about them but still. Even after she's had her vagina basically 'fixed' she's still willing to be a real boy. She has a vagina! Why not have her parents come with you to the doctors to have it confirmed? Yet she doesn't say anything to her father and he keeps telling her to "just practice!" Seriously? If a parent has a child like Jamie/Jameson and picks a sex for the child, later on finding out the child wants to be the opposite sex chosen for them....why would you just cause more issues for the child? I don't understand that. If you care about her child then listen to them. Yes, you made a mistake in your choosing, so instead of listening to your child you keep going against everything they want/need?
7. Lastly, along with the 'vagina opening' surgery, how was her regular doctor able to do it? I understand they had the reconstructive surgeon in the room but still.
In the end, this book was alright. I'm always interested in topics like this, intersex/hermaphodites, transexuals, ext, so I thought this would be a good read. Honestly, I found it to be kinda boring, lots of scenes that just seemed to drag on.
September 11, 2016
Wow.
What a beautiful story about a beautiful person, who I will never forget.
(Although Jamie was raised through the teenage years as a boy, I cannot in good conscience refer to her as such, so in this review Jamie will be referred to as a female.)
This is the first book that has brought tears to my eyes in quite a while. The author successfully places you in Jamie's shoes. Jamie, a kind hearted, gentle, good kid, respectful and obedient to the parent's regardless of the added pain it brought to her.
This story brought out such a gamut of emotions in me while reading... Emotions ranging from compassion and empathy for Jamie, wanting to hug her and tell her how much I loved her, to such anger at her ignorant parents. I wanted to shake her mother, punch her father and scream "Will you get over yourselves, your selfishness and stop pushing her to be a boy? Take a good look at your child and see who she actually is!!!" UGH!!!
A hard topic to write about, yet Ms. Simon handles it masterfully. She knows of the subject matter she writes about.
Here's why:
"I’d prefer to say that I’m a Christian housewife and leave it at that. That I write about intersex in the hopes of raising awareness about such conditions, especially among Christians.
Life isn’t that simple, however. My Lord has called me to become more transparent. More vulnerable. And that means sharing my own history.
You see, like the main character in my young adult novel, Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite, I have a genetic condition that caused sexual ambiguity and, I was raised, for a time, as a boy.
XY-Turner Syndrome mosaicism resulted in my having a mix of testicular and ovarian tissue. Hermaphrodite is the old medical term for that. It’s not politically correct any longer, but it’s still accurate."
(Taken from author's website - http://www.liannesimon.com/).
Yes, the book has an underlying christian feel, but this is not your 'typical' religious or christian book. The christian message here in no way overshadows Jamie's tale, and is NOT the main focus of this book.
It is not preachy, and certainly not religious. The 'true christian' themes in this book are acceptance, tolerance and love of fellow man. The christianity in this book puts christians under the microscope to self reflect, and ask themselves are they treating those who are different like Jesus did, with acceptance, tolerance and love, which is much needed.
***So please, do not allow the christian theme to put you off or stop you from reading this important book. This is Jamie's story, not just "another of those christian books"***
I HIGHLY Recommend this book!!!
But I must warn you, you will never forget Jamie... or other children and families dealing with this condition. Which is a wonderful thing!
The author kindly provided a copy of the book for a fair and honest review.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
What a beautiful story about a beautiful person, who I will never forget.
(Although Jamie was raised through the teenage years as a boy, I cannot in good conscience refer to her as such, so in this review Jamie will be referred to as a female.)
This is the first book that has brought tears to my eyes in quite a while. The author successfully places you in Jamie's shoes. Jamie, a kind hearted, gentle, good kid, respectful and obedient to the parent's regardless of the added pain it brought to her.
This story brought out such a gamut of emotions in me while reading... Emotions ranging from compassion and empathy for Jamie, wanting to hug her and tell her how much I loved her, to such anger at her ignorant parents. I wanted to shake her mother, punch her father and scream "Will you get over yourselves, your selfishness and stop pushing her to be a boy? Take a good look at your child and see who she actually is!!!" UGH!!!
A hard topic to write about, yet Ms. Simon handles it masterfully. She knows of the subject matter she writes about.
Here's why:
"I’d prefer to say that I’m a Christian housewife and leave it at that. That I write about intersex in the hopes of raising awareness about such conditions, especially among Christians.
Life isn’t that simple, however. My Lord has called me to become more transparent. More vulnerable. And that means sharing my own history.
You see, like the main character in my young adult novel, Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite, I have a genetic condition that caused sexual ambiguity and, I was raised, for a time, as a boy.
XY-Turner Syndrome mosaicism resulted in my having a mix of testicular and ovarian tissue. Hermaphrodite is the old medical term for that. It’s not politically correct any longer, but it’s still accurate."
(Taken from author's website - http://www.liannesimon.com/).
Yes, the book has an underlying christian feel, but this is not your 'typical' religious or christian book. The christian message here in no way overshadows Jamie's tale, and is NOT the main focus of this book.
It is not preachy, and certainly not religious. The 'true christian' themes in this book are acceptance, tolerance and love of fellow man. The christianity in this book puts christians under the microscope to self reflect, and ask themselves are they treating those who are different like Jesus did, with acceptance, tolerance and love, which is much needed.
***So please, do not allow the christian theme to put you off or stop you from reading this important book. This is Jamie's story, not just "another of those christian books"***
I HIGHLY Recommend this book!!!
But I must warn you, you will never forget Jamie... or other children and families dealing with this condition. Which is a wonderful thing!
The author kindly provided a copy of the book for a fair and honest review.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
May 16, 2013
Jamie doesn’t fit in. He tries to be who his parents want him to be, but she sees a different path in her dreams, and either way, the Jamie who faces the world isn’t the one in the mirror’s reflection. The doctor says his patient “should have been raised female,” but “his mom and dad didn’t like that.” So now Jamieson goes to boarding school and looks for ways to put off those testosterone shots that feel so wrong.
First person writing gives a convincing personal touch to Lianne Simon’s Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite. Jamie feels as real as the photo on the cover of the book. His plight begins to seem less strange as the story progresses—just a genetic condition after all—not even the only genetic condition that results in sexual ambiguity—his/her problem is a real disease with a well-defined cause and name. But Jamie’s not a disease. Jamie’s a person with real hopes and dreams and ambitions, and real parents who, like most parents, do their best and convince themselves they know what’s best. At sixteen years old, Jamie’s a child who played with dolls and wants to both please his parents and grow up to be a woman.
Jamie’s pixie princess—her real self—has been silent and hidden away since age nine because she was labeled a boy at birth. She’s learning the secret codes that let her pretend to be a boy. She knows her body’s not quite female, but she hasn’t realized yet it’s not male enough either. She’s neither, and the Bible doesn’t tell her who neithers are meant to long for or to lie with. She goes to church, keeps the rules, listens to pastors, studies God’s word, and still doesn’t feel like the boy her father says she should be. And she falls in love.
The story’s beautifully told with low-key emotions, intriguing revelations, and genuine concern for honest faith, hope and love. In a world that wants to label us all and fit us into boxes, Jamie’s story defies branding until she accepts that name hermaphrodite—she is who she is; her body belongs to her and to God; and she can love and be loved just as surely as anyone else. There are no great Biblical revelations, no long and glorious prayers, no mystical healings and no wonderful gifts of self-help—just a genuine teenager facing a few more problems than most and finding a way through, a real person reminding us that nobody’s perfect but everyone’s worthwhile however their body’s put together.
I gained a lot of knowledge in passing as I read this book, but mostly I learned to relate to someone I’ll never meet, to see through a different pair of eyes, and, I hope, to understand. Lianne Simon has created a wonderfully readable and enjoyable story, enticingly insightful, challenging and rewarding, and surely essential reading for anyone who knows or might one day know an intersex adult or child.
Disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book and asked for my honest review. I can honestly say I loved it and couldn’t put it down.
First person writing gives a convincing personal touch to Lianne Simon’s Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite. Jamie feels as real as the photo on the cover of the book. His plight begins to seem less strange as the story progresses—just a genetic condition after all—not even the only genetic condition that results in sexual ambiguity—his/her problem is a real disease with a well-defined cause and name. But Jamie’s not a disease. Jamie’s a person with real hopes and dreams and ambitions, and real parents who, like most parents, do their best and convince themselves they know what’s best. At sixteen years old, Jamie’s a child who played with dolls and wants to both please his parents and grow up to be a woman.
Jamie’s pixie princess—her real self—has been silent and hidden away since age nine because she was labeled a boy at birth. She’s learning the secret codes that let her pretend to be a boy. She knows her body’s not quite female, but she hasn’t realized yet it’s not male enough either. She’s neither, and the Bible doesn’t tell her who neithers are meant to long for or to lie with. She goes to church, keeps the rules, listens to pastors, studies God’s word, and still doesn’t feel like the boy her father says she should be. And she falls in love.
The story’s beautifully told with low-key emotions, intriguing revelations, and genuine concern for honest faith, hope and love. In a world that wants to label us all and fit us into boxes, Jamie’s story defies branding until she accepts that name hermaphrodite—she is who she is; her body belongs to her and to God; and she can love and be loved just as surely as anyone else. There are no great Biblical revelations, no long and glorious prayers, no mystical healings and no wonderful gifts of self-help—just a genuine teenager facing a few more problems than most and finding a way through, a real person reminding us that nobody’s perfect but everyone’s worthwhile however their body’s put together.
I gained a lot of knowledge in passing as I read this book, but mostly I learned to relate to someone I’ll never meet, to see through a different pair of eyes, and, I hope, to understand. Lianne Simon has created a wonderfully readable and enjoyable story, enticingly insightful, challenging and rewarding, and surely essential reading for anyone who knows or might one day know an intersex adult or child.
Disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book and asked for my honest review. I can honestly say I loved it and couldn’t put it down.
January 5, 2014
From its deliberately provocative title, to its unusual narrative style, to its heavy layering of religious themes, to its reliance upon deception and coincidence, this was a book I was prepared not to like. The term hermaphrodite itself seemed like a slap in the face, especially since any hope of finding a mythological theme to serve as a justification for the term was erased the moment Jamie’s boyfriend invited her study the Bible with him.
The problem was, by that point I had already fallen in love with Jamie, and I wanted to see her safely through the story. I felt the need to protect her, to embrace her, and to support her through to the end. Sure, she’s a little too perfect, a little too innocent for a college student experiencing her first taste of freedom, but she absolutely compels the reader’s sympathy. And, as jarring as her narrative leaps between genders can be, they create a fairy-tale kind of magic that is undeniably attractive.
So, I persevered for Jamie’s sake, continuing to follow her on this difficult journey to womanhood. I can’t say that I ever became comfortable with the religious themes, but I did come to appreciate them in a way I had not expected. As we progress through the story, we learn that it’s the love of family that is holding Jamie back, and the love of the Church that empowers her to move forward. Without the spiritual acceptance of those around her, and her involvement with the Church orphanage, Jamie would likely never have found the courage to claim the gender that was rightfully hers all along.
What bothered me instead was how so many friends and family seemed to take it upon themselves to force their help upon Jamie, often in rather deceptive ways. It can be argued that the end justifies the means, but in a book that has such a spiritual core, those deceptions are even more pronounced. Jamie may not be manipulated in the way that we expect, or by whom we expect, but the manipulation is still there, and still makes your skin crawl when you really think about it.
On a positive note, the book does a fantastic job of detailing the variety of intersex conditions, the challenges they represent, and the different ways in which people come to deal with their situations. I was delighted by how much I learned from the story, enough that I was willing to forgive the idea that so many intersex individuals might so naturally converge on one small college town.
In the end, this is a rather nostalgic read, full of old-fashioned values and progressive ideals. The writing is strong, the characters are likeable, and you cannot escape becoming emotionally attached to Jamie. Despite the details that bothered me, I quite enjoyed the read, and was rather delighted by the way in which everything came together in the end.
Originally reviewed for Frock Magazine
The problem was, by that point I had already fallen in love with Jamie, and I wanted to see her safely through the story. I felt the need to protect her, to embrace her, and to support her through to the end. Sure, she’s a little too perfect, a little too innocent for a college student experiencing her first taste of freedom, but she absolutely compels the reader’s sympathy. And, as jarring as her narrative leaps between genders can be, they create a fairy-tale kind of magic that is undeniably attractive.
So, I persevered for Jamie’s sake, continuing to follow her on this difficult journey to womanhood. I can’t say that I ever became comfortable with the religious themes, but I did come to appreciate them in a way I had not expected. As we progress through the story, we learn that it’s the love of family that is holding Jamie back, and the love of the Church that empowers her to move forward. Without the spiritual acceptance of those around her, and her involvement with the Church orphanage, Jamie would likely never have found the courage to claim the gender that was rightfully hers all along.
What bothered me instead was how so many friends and family seemed to take it upon themselves to force their help upon Jamie, often in rather deceptive ways. It can be argued that the end justifies the means, but in a book that has such a spiritual core, those deceptions are even more pronounced. Jamie may not be manipulated in the way that we expect, or by whom we expect, but the manipulation is still there, and still makes your skin crawl when you really think about it.
On a positive note, the book does a fantastic job of detailing the variety of intersex conditions, the challenges they represent, and the different ways in which people come to deal with their situations. I was delighted by how much I learned from the story, enough that I was willing to forgive the idea that so many intersex individuals might so naturally converge on one small college town.
In the end, this is a rather nostalgic read, full of old-fashioned values and progressive ideals. The writing is strong, the characters are likeable, and you cannot escape becoming emotionally attached to Jamie. Despite the details that bothered me, I quite enjoyed the read, and was rather delighted by the way in which everything came together in the end.
Originally reviewed for Frock Magazine
March 4, 2013
This was a surprisingly lovely read.
First, let me say that while this is a Christian book, I didn't find it to be preachy (my main complaint with Christian books). It certainly was an important element in the main character's life, and played a big part in the outcome of the plot, but there didn't seem to be the undercurrent I find in some Christian books of telling everyone if they aren't as godly as the character they're going to hell. So don't let the fact that this is a novel with religious undertones scare you off if you're interested in it.
Jamie was born intersex in an era when it was typical for doctors and parents to "decide" on a gender for a child early on and raise them in that manner (rather than waiting for the child to tell them which gender - if any - they prefer). Jameson's parents decided he was a boy, despite how much he liked dressing up like a fairy princess, despite how much he liked playing with dolls rather than cars, and despite how many times he made it clear he thought he was a girl.
Living away from home in a freshman dorm at college for the fist time, Jameson falls ill and ends up hospitalized. A young medical student that he knows from school is in the room while he, unconscious, is used as a teaching case. The doctor explains that Jameson really should have been raised a girl, and this sparks a revolution.
With the help of his medical student friend, Jameson becomes Jamie, a pixie faced girl who fancies herself an elven princess and who begins to really live for the first time. When Jamie's parents find out, they hand her a list of "Ways to be a boy" which they want her to complete before they "allow" her to live as a girl.
You know, the parents did tick me off in this book, but overall it is very tenderly written and true to the era it is set in. Things were different forty years ago, and reading it made me very grateful that children like Jamie grow up in a different kind of world today.
This is a sweet book. If you have friends who are either transgendered or intersex, you may find this familiar in some ways. If you don't, you will likely find it enlightening as to some of the struggles people living between genders struggle with. It's a fairly quick read, relatively light, and definitely enjoyable. My heart ached for Jamie, and by the end of the book she felt like a dear friend.
*This book was received at no cost through the GoodReads First Reads program.
First, let me say that while this is a Christian book, I didn't find it to be preachy (my main complaint with Christian books). It certainly was an important element in the main character's life, and played a big part in the outcome of the plot, but there didn't seem to be the undercurrent I find in some Christian books of telling everyone if they aren't as godly as the character they're going to hell. So don't let the fact that this is a novel with religious undertones scare you off if you're interested in it.
Jamie was born intersex in an era when it was typical for doctors and parents to "decide" on a gender for a child early on and raise them in that manner (rather than waiting for the child to tell them which gender - if any - they prefer). Jameson's parents decided he was a boy, despite how much he liked dressing up like a fairy princess, despite how much he liked playing with dolls rather than cars, and despite how many times he made it clear he thought he was a girl.
Living away from home in a freshman dorm at college for the fist time, Jameson falls ill and ends up hospitalized. A young medical student that he knows from school is in the room while he, unconscious, is used as a teaching case. The doctor explains that Jameson really should have been raised a girl, and this sparks a revolution.
With the help of his medical student friend, Jameson becomes Jamie, a pixie faced girl who fancies herself an elven princess and who begins to really live for the first time. When Jamie's parents find out, they hand her a list of "Ways to be a boy" which they want her to complete before they "allow" her to live as a girl.
You know, the parents did tick me off in this book, but overall it is very tenderly written and true to the era it is set in. Things were different forty years ago, and reading it made me very grateful that children like Jamie grow up in a different kind of world today.
This is a sweet book. If you have friends who are either transgendered or intersex, you may find this familiar in some ways. If you don't, you will likely find it enlightening as to some of the struggles people living between genders struggle with. It's a fairly quick read, relatively light, and definitely enjoyable. My heart ached for Jamie, and by the end of the book she felt like a dear friend.
*This book was received at no cost through the GoodReads First Reads program.
February 8, 2013
I received this book from the author is exchange for an honest review in the “Read for Review” section
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...
This was a very difficult book to read – not because it was poorly written – just the opposite – but because it was writen so well that all the heartache that Jamie had lived through is brought to life so incredibly well by Ms. Simon Jamie is intersexed – she (that is how she identifies) has partial “equipment” for both sexes. I have met several transsexuals, and have listened to the heartache they have gone through, knowing they were born into the wrong body. But for Jamie, it is far worse, not only does she have some of both, but she is complete as neither. She feels female, but her parents want her to be a boy. And this has torn her apart for her entire life.
The guilt that Jamie felt for wanting to be someone her parents did not want her to be was palpable, the pain she had to live through as a very small boy/man and the bullying that came from that, the fear that anyone would see her body and regard her as a freak – Ms. Simon made this so very real. Did I hate her parents at times? Of course. But they are also dealing with something that is beyond their understanding. After being human, gender is probably the facet of our existence that is most basic to our lives. Not being allowed to live in the way one feels is correct must be agonizing – and the fact that most of this takes place in the sixties and early seventies, when attitudes were far less accepting than they are now (which aren’t all that accepting now), and medical science was limited in its ability to help an intersex person makes it all the more difficult to read about.
I have no idea what an intersex person goes through, and I never will, but thanks to Ms. Simon, I feel as if I have a clue now. A very well written book. Only two things I didn’t quite get, and they were quirks to the character or parts of the character’s life: (1) Jamie referring to herself in the third person frequently pulled me out of the story and (2) the specific Christian elements mentioned – I’m Jewish so I didn’t quite understand some of the things that were discussed. But that’s really not a problem, because the author is Christian and she’s bringing her faith into her writing, and frequently that is something one does not see in fiction.
It’s a definite recommendation for me.
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...
This was a very difficult book to read – not because it was poorly written – just the opposite – but because it was writen so well that all the heartache that Jamie had lived through is brought to life so incredibly well by Ms. Simon Jamie is intersexed – she (that is how she identifies) has partial “equipment” for both sexes. I have met several transsexuals, and have listened to the heartache they have gone through, knowing they were born into the wrong body. But for Jamie, it is far worse, not only does she have some of both, but she is complete as neither. She feels female, but her parents want her to be a boy. And this has torn her apart for her entire life.
The guilt that Jamie felt for wanting to be someone her parents did not want her to be was palpable, the pain she had to live through as a very small boy/man and the bullying that came from that, the fear that anyone would see her body and regard her as a freak – Ms. Simon made this so very real. Did I hate her parents at times? Of course. But they are also dealing with something that is beyond their understanding. After being human, gender is probably the facet of our existence that is most basic to our lives. Not being allowed to live in the way one feels is correct must be agonizing – and the fact that most of this takes place in the sixties and early seventies, when attitudes were far less accepting than they are now (which aren’t all that accepting now), and medical science was limited in its ability to help an intersex person makes it all the more difficult to read about.
I have no idea what an intersex person goes through, and I never will, but thanks to Ms. Simon, I feel as if I have a clue now. A very well written book. Only two things I didn’t quite get, and they were quirks to the character or parts of the character’s life: (1) Jamie referring to herself in the third person frequently pulled me out of the story and (2) the specific Christian elements mentioned – I’m Jewish so I didn’t quite understand some of the things that were discussed. But that’s really not a problem, because the author is Christian and she’s bringing her faith into her writing, and frequently that is something one does not see in fiction.
It’s a definite recommendation for me.
February 24, 2013
Like many readers, the subject matter of this book is interesting to me. I know very little about the medical conditions described in the book and I've been curious about how the condition affects people emotionally.
Overall I thought the book was good but there were odd jumps in time (lack of continuity) and occasionally new people were introduced into the story with no explanation of who they were until later in the story. The same happened with certain events, like discovering her new birth certificate--its existence was explained later in the book but at the time Jamie discovered it, it didn't make any sense in the story.
I wondered how realistic it was for Jamie's new friends/acquaintances to accept her so readily, particularly in the time the story was set (1970's). I also got frustrated with Jamie many times as she seemed to be coming to understand and accept herself...and then one word or look from her parents would send her off into self-denial and depression again.
In some ways Jamie seemed mature beyond her years and in other ways she seemed far younger than she was. She referred to herself as the elfin princess throughout the book and seemed to see herself living a fantasy life as if she was disconnected from reality. I can understand how someone in her situation would develop a fantasy life to counterbalance an unhappy reality but her fantasy didn't fit her age.
The author did a nice job of presenting the conflicting feelings Jamie experienced. She knew who she was and who she wanted to be but her parents (mostly her father) had very different ideas, which Jamie felt she had to adhere to. Her desire to honor her parents' wishes flew in the face of her being who she wanted to be and caused all kinds of difficulty for her, both physically and emotionally.
As a YA novel, the subject matter was handled openly but delicately. I would assert that it's not strictly a YA novel, as adults of any age could gain some insight from the book. My only wish is that some things were explained more thoroughly (the people, events, and places I mentioned earlier in this review), as the holes in the story detracted from the flow and therefore from my enjoyment of the story. It was a quick read, one that I would recommend to anyone who has gender issues or is curious about gender issues.
Overall I thought the book was good but there were odd jumps in time (lack of continuity) and occasionally new people were introduced into the story with no explanation of who they were until later in the story. The same happened with certain events, like discovering her new birth certificate--its existence was explained later in the book but at the time Jamie discovered it, it didn't make any sense in the story.
I wondered how realistic it was for Jamie's new friends/acquaintances to accept her so readily, particularly in the time the story was set (1970's). I also got frustrated with Jamie many times as she seemed to be coming to understand and accept herself...and then one word or look from her parents would send her off into self-denial and depression again.
In some ways Jamie seemed mature beyond her years and in other ways she seemed far younger than she was. She referred to herself as the elfin princess throughout the book and seemed to see herself living a fantasy life as if she was disconnected from reality. I can understand how someone in her situation would develop a fantasy life to counterbalance an unhappy reality but her fantasy didn't fit her age.
The author did a nice job of presenting the conflicting feelings Jamie experienced. She knew who she was and who she wanted to be but her parents (mostly her father) had very different ideas, which Jamie felt she had to adhere to. Her desire to honor her parents' wishes flew in the face of her being who she wanted to be and caused all kinds of difficulty for her, both physically and emotionally.
As a YA novel, the subject matter was handled openly but delicately. I would assert that it's not strictly a YA novel, as adults of any age could gain some insight from the book. My only wish is that some things were explained more thoroughly (the people, events, and places I mentioned earlier in this review), as the holes in the story detracted from the flow and therefore from my enjoyment of the story. It was a quick read, one that I would recommend to anyone who has gender issues or is curious about gender issues.
July 12, 2012
Lianne Simon’s Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite may not be a revolutionary book but with its effortless prose and authentic characters, it doesn’t have to be to hold a special place in our hearts. This book doesn’t alienate readers who don’t understand Jamie’s condition but instead sweeps us along as we rediscover our womanhood with Jamie making the air quite nostalgic. This is not a book that burdens us with Jamie’s problems but reassures us of her individuality. That is not to say it sugarcoats because it is as much informative as it is a wonderful exploration of a young girl exploring her gender.
Jamie was born with a condition that gave her both male and female parts. But she has always felt like a princess beautiful and gentle. When Sharon, a medical student, tells Jamie she should have been born a woman, Jamie spends the summer as a young girl and takes a peak at the life she could have if her parents were less insistent on her being a boy. Now, Jamie must choose whether her happiness would mean sacrificing her family for the life she has secretly dreamed of.
Jamie’s character is entirely sincere and patient with the world around her. Her faith in religion isn’t overbearing to the reader but often serves as the foundation of her strength. Her tolerance is not a sign of weakness but rather an implication of her clarity of mind. Her beliefs are an allusion to the family-oriented life during the 1970s time period. Jamie’s romantic relationships—the person she ends up with-- was swoon-worthy and had the innocence of young love. I love the boys in this book!
Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite was a refreshing read with memorable characters and beautiful relationships. The writing was easy to follow making it a light read regardless of the 236 pages. This was a great debut novel and perfect for summer. I have nothing critical to say about this book. Maybe it’s because I’m still fueling this review with the initial after-glow I have with the completion of this novel. Don't forget to enter the giveaway down below for a chance to win a singed copy of this book ending in about 2 weeks!
Rating: 4.5/5
check out more of my reviews @ www.abattalionofwords.blogspot.com
Jamie was born with a condition that gave her both male and female parts. But she has always felt like a princess beautiful and gentle. When Sharon, a medical student, tells Jamie she should have been born a woman, Jamie spends the summer as a young girl and takes a peak at the life she could have if her parents were less insistent on her being a boy. Now, Jamie must choose whether her happiness would mean sacrificing her family for the life she has secretly dreamed of.
Jamie’s character is entirely sincere and patient with the world around her. Her faith in religion isn’t overbearing to the reader but often serves as the foundation of her strength. Her tolerance is not a sign of weakness but rather an implication of her clarity of mind. Her beliefs are an allusion to the family-oriented life during the 1970s time period. Jamie’s romantic relationships—the person she ends up with-- was swoon-worthy and had the innocence of young love. I love the boys in this book!
Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite was a refreshing read with memorable characters and beautiful relationships. The writing was easy to follow making it a light read regardless of the 236 pages. This was a great debut novel and perfect for summer. I have nothing critical to say about this book. Maybe it’s because I’m still fueling this review with the initial after-glow I have with the completion of this novel. Don't forget to enter the giveaway down below for a chance to win a singed copy of this book ending in about 2 weeks!
Rating: 4.5/5
check out more of my reviews @ www.abattalionofwords.blogspot.com
February 12, 2013
This was a very good book that took some getting used to. Since it also had some minor issues that itched me (stuff anyone else will probably not even notice), I only gave it 4 stars. If I were more like other people, it would have been 5. (If you're interested in the irks, read the last paragraph of this review, but beware SPOILER ALERT). This book is NOT for young readers!
I got this book for free on a Read For review basis. I requested it, because the idea of being trapped in the wrong kind of boy, or in one that couldn't decide which gender is right, has always fascinated me.
The best thing first: the characters were absolutely lovable and realistic. It took some getting used to the fact that the main character (I narrator) sometimes referred to his two sides in third person, but since I experienced this myself in some situations I didn't mind one bit. I just thought I'd point it out because at first, it's unusual. Keep reading, her/his way to see the world is not only unusual but unique.
The obstacles Jamie/Jameson faces are unique to her/his condition too and made me see the world with new eyes. I understood most of her/his motivation very well and cheered them along as (s)he grew and developed. If you want to read something completely different, give this book a try.
Now for the things that irked me: --------- SPOILER ALERT ---------
In a subsentence, it's mentioned that Jamie has an IQ of 160+. I've got two family members with an IQ that high (and mine is way above 100 too) and none of us would have given up learning for anything. A mind like that NEEDS food. It wouldn't have hurt the story line if Jamie had acknowledged this. It might even have added to the conflict. Also, her obstinacy to not confront her father was a tad overdone. Most people I know who fear something pretend they're going to do it but never do. That would have worked better. And last, I would have liked the ending a lot better, if Jamie had reconciled her family. It took away from her newfound strength that she left it to her sister and cousin. The book would have been a lot stronger if she had (I'd have given it a 6 star review and wouldn't have mentioned the other two points)
I got this book for free on a Read For review basis. I requested it, because the idea of being trapped in the wrong kind of boy, or in one that couldn't decide which gender is right, has always fascinated me.
The best thing first: the characters were absolutely lovable and realistic. It took some getting used to the fact that the main character (I narrator) sometimes referred to his two sides in third person, but since I experienced this myself in some situations I didn't mind one bit. I just thought I'd point it out because at first, it's unusual. Keep reading, her/his way to see the world is not only unusual but unique.
The obstacles Jamie/Jameson faces are unique to her/his condition too and made me see the world with new eyes. I understood most of her/his motivation very well and cheered them along as (s)he grew and developed. If you want to read something completely different, give this book a try.
Now for the things that irked me: --------- SPOILER ALERT ---------
In a subsentence, it's mentioned that Jamie has an IQ of 160+. I've got two family members with an IQ that high (and mine is way above 100 too) and none of us would have given up learning for anything. A mind like that NEEDS food. It wouldn't have hurt the story line if Jamie had acknowledged this. It might even have added to the conflict. Also, her obstinacy to not confront her father was a tad overdone. Most people I know who fear something pretend they're going to do it but never do. That would have worked better. And last, I would have liked the ending a lot better, if Jamie had reconciled her family. It took away from her newfound strength that she left it to her sister and cousin. The book would have been a lot stronger if she had (I'd have given it a 6 star review and wouldn't have mentioned the other two points)
February 18, 2013
This book was gifted to me by the author Lianne Simon for an honest review.
When I read the discription for this book it was so far out my comfort zone, but as ive learned since joining this group - never judge a book by its cover.
As a mum to three boys and having a miscarriage inbetween my children you do worry about the what if's and things that can go wrong. I do remember asking myself at stupid o'clock in the morning while lying awake worrying what if my babys born with both sexes? my answer was i would still love the baby unconditionally, but how as a mother can you possibly pick what sex is going to be right for your child? Nowadays there tests that can possibly determine what the majority of the hormones are.
I really loved this book for lots of different reasons. This is a subject thats not talked about widely so it brings up the stigmas and bigoted opinions of people because they are ignorant and dont know anything about the condition. This made me question myself and ask myself do i treat anyone with any conditions i do not understand differently, the answer is no i would like to think i treat everyone at face value.
The emotions i had whilst reading this was....... god i wanted to scream at jamies/jamesons father and mother. I was heartbroken at the conflict jamie/jameson had to go through every day. The physiological damage this child must of gone through made me want to cry.
The first 2 chapters were hard going trying to understand Jamie/jameson talking about them selves in the third person or between the 2 personalities i was beginning to think this child had a split personality which i suppose in a way she did. I was so glad Jamie had a few good close friends that stuck by her no matter what, and that she fell in love. I am not going to give any spoilers about this book because i think it will take away from the story.
Lianne I loved everything about this book and want to say thank you for writing a truly inspirational book. I think everything about it was right i liked the ending that left you with a sense of sometimes things can be fixed overnight.
I would recommend this book to everyone.
When I read the discription for this book it was so far out my comfort zone, but as ive learned since joining this group - never judge a book by its cover.
As a mum to three boys and having a miscarriage inbetween my children you do worry about the what if's and things that can go wrong. I do remember asking myself at stupid o'clock in the morning while lying awake worrying what if my babys born with both sexes? my answer was i would still love the baby unconditionally, but how as a mother can you possibly pick what sex is going to be right for your child? Nowadays there tests that can possibly determine what the majority of the hormones are.
I really loved this book for lots of different reasons. This is a subject thats not talked about widely so it brings up the stigmas and bigoted opinions of people because they are ignorant and dont know anything about the condition. This made me question myself and ask myself do i treat anyone with any conditions i do not understand differently, the answer is no i would like to think i treat everyone at face value.
The emotions i had whilst reading this was....... god i wanted to scream at jamies/jamesons father and mother. I was heartbroken at the conflict jamie/jameson had to go through every day. The physiological damage this child must of gone through made me want to cry.
The first 2 chapters were hard going trying to understand Jamie/jameson talking about them selves in the third person or between the 2 personalities i was beginning to think this child had a split personality which i suppose in a way she did. I was so glad Jamie had a few good close friends that stuck by her no matter what, and that she fell in love. I am not going to give any spoilers about this book because i think it will take away from the story.
Lianne I loved everything about this book and want to say thank you for writing a truly inspirational book. I think everything about it was right i liked the ending that left you with a sense of sometimes things can be fixed overnight.
I would recommend this book to everyone.
July 10, 2016
Confessions chronicles two years in the life of Jamie, a teen born with Mixed Gonadal Dysgenesis. She has one testis and one ovary and could easily pass as either male or female. But which is she, really? She was raised as a boy, despite the fact that she would rather play dress-up than football. Now that her older brother, Scott, has been killed in Vietnam, Jamie’s parents—and her father, especially—need for her to be a boy. Convinced that her cross-dressing is a phase she’ll outgrow (a phase which has lasted sixteen years, mind you), her father feels that Jamie will come to her senses once she experiences the joys of being a man. He agrees to consider letting her live as a woman only if she completes a list of “Things Boys Do,” a series of tasks that ranges from getting her hair cut short, to hunting and killing an animal, to learning to drink and smoke. Fortunately, Jamie can do most of those things—how hard can it be to get your hair cut?—but can she do these things as a man?
I found Jamie to be a refreshing protagonist. Far from being a rebellious youth, she’s actually very respectful of her parents, even though she comes to realize that if she doesn’t embrace her true self, she’ll be torn apart by misery. I also appreciate the fact that even though we never really get to know Jamie’s parents beyond their roles as the story’s antagonists, they are never reduced to mere stereotypes. My only complaint is that the supporting cast is not more fully developed. But it is Jamie’s story, after all.
For readers born with conditions similar to Jamie’s, Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite will certainly be a welcome addition to this neglected area of young adult fiction. For those born without such difficulties, it’s still an enlightening, eye-opening experience. Recommended for Ages 16-Up.
I found Jamie to be a refreshing protagonist. Far from being a rebellious youth, she’s actually very respectful of her parents, even though she comes to realize that if she doesn’t embrace her true self, she’ll be torn apart by misery. I also appreciate the fact that even though we never really get to know Jamie’s parents beyond their roles as the story’s antagonists, they are never reduced to mere stereotypes. My only complaint is that the supporting cast is not more fully developed. But it is Jamie’s story, after all.
For readers born with conditions similar to Jamie’s, Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite will certainly be a welcome addition to this neglected area of young adult fiction. For those born without such difficulties, it’s still an enlightening, eye-opening experience. Recommended for Ages 16-Up.
June 23, 2013
Here is my review. A genuine review from a first-reads winner.
This was a great read for me. Full 5 stars!
I don't usually read Christian literature, and when I do there is usually something that disappoints me about the story. This one is obviously an exception.
I won't say too much for fear of spoilers, but here's how it goes. Jameson "Jamie" Kirkpatrick was born with Mixed Gonadal Dysgenesis (MGD), a Disorder of Sex Development (DSD). Basically she was genetically born between the genders.
While she was growing up she loved to play with dolls, play dress up, and tea party. Slight problem though, her parents and doctors wanted her to be a boy. After her ninth birthday her parents banned her from dresses and tried to get her on testosterones.
Now at the beginning of the book she is a early college student who just had an appendectomy. While she was recovering her mother asked a medical student to take her in for Christmas Break. During Christmas the student mtells her she should have been raised female. After that revelation Jamie finds people willing to except her for who, and what, she is.
The biggest challenge in the novel is how to get her parents approval. She loves her family, and vice versa, but her parents are very conservative (and I don't mean politicly) in how to treat her.
I won't say anymore cause I fear I may have spoiled some of the novel with what I have already said. But in a way you could say this is a young adult version of "The Adventure of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain. This novel deals with the point of view from the person with the disorder, something I think all of us (myself included) tend to forget when dealing with these issues.
This was a great read for me. Full 5 stars!
I don't usually read Christian literature, and when I do there is usually something that disappoints me about the story. This one is obviously an exception.
I won't say too much for fear of spoilers, but here's how it goes. Jameson "Jamie" Kirkpatrick was born with Mixed Gonadal Dysgenesis (MGD), a Disorder of Sex Development (DSD). Basically she was genetically born between the genders.
While she was growing up she loved to play with dolls, play dress up, and tea party. Slight problem though, her parents and doctors wanted her to be a boy. After her ninth birthday her parents banned her from dresses and tried to get her on testosterones.
Now at the beginning of the book she is a early college student who just had an appendectomy. While she was recovering her mother asked a medical student to take her in for Christmas Break. During Christmas the student mtells her she should have been raised female. After that revelation Jamie finds people willing to except her for who, and what, she is.
The biggest challenge in the novel is how to get her parents approval. She loves her family, and vice versa, but her parents are very conservative (and I don't mean politicly) in how to treat her.
I won't say anymore cause I fear I may have spoiled some of the novel with what I have already said. But in a way you could say this is a young adult version of "The Adventure of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain. This novel deals with the point of view from the person with the disorder, something I think all of us (myself included) tend to forget when dealing with these issues.
August 30, 2012
Other reviews like this at The Book Babe
Note: Due to copy an paste, formatting has been lost.
I found out while reading this book that I'm not as squeamish as I thought I was. Because when the author first contacted me about this book, I wondered if it would be a good idea for me to read it. I wondered if it would freak me out, or if I just wouldn't be able to handle the subject matter.
I was pleasantly surprised, because not only could I deal, I also quite enjoyed it. The subject matter was taboo, but it appealed to me as a reader. I needed to know what happened to Jamie, and I was actually quite happy with the results. This book is really ground-breaking, especially in the YA industry, and I'm proud to be a part of it's delivery. :)
Jamie was a very intriguing character, because honestly, we're dealing with an intersex girl that's been told, and forced to be, a boy her entire life. She never knew that she be either. She just thought that she had to be a boy, because that's what her family chose for her to be.
I found myself systematically loving Jamie's family, then being horrified by their actions. Jamie's mom was either supporting her, or telling her that she needed to change, and I just don't get that kind of behavior.
It's uncalled for, don't you think? Just because God made her an intersex doesn't mean that he hates her. All in all, I found this book to be a heart-breakingly good novel, written about intersex from a christian view, that was thoroughly thought-provoking.
*Book Provided by Author for review.
♠♠♠
Note: Due to copy an paste, formatting has been lost.
I found out while reading this book that I'm not as squeamish as I thought I was. Because when the author first contacted me about this book, I wondered if it would be a good idea for me to read it. I wondered if it would freak me out, or if I just wouldn't be able to handle the subject matter.
I was pleasantly surprised, because not only could I deal, I also quite enjoyed it. The subject matter was taboo, but it appealed to me as a reader. I needed to know what happened to Jamie, and I was actually quite happy with the results. This book is really ground-breaking, especially in the YA industry, and I'm proud to be a part of it's delivery. :)
Jamie was a very intriguing character, because honestly, we're dealing with an intersex girl that's been told, and forced to be, a boy her entire life. She never knew that she be either. She just thought that she had to be a boy, because that's what her family chose for her to be.
I found myself systematically loving Jamie's family, then being horrified by their actions. Jamie's mom was either supporting her, or telling her that she needed to change, and I just don't get that kind of behavior.
It's uncalled for, don't you think? Just because God made her an intersex doesn't mean that he hates her. All in all, I found this book to be a heart-breakingly good novel, written about intersex from a christian view, that was thoroughly thought-provoking.
*Book Provided by Author for review.
♠♠♠
June 27, 2015
This book didn't satisfy me at all. When I started reading it, I had high expectations of it because of its theme, which seemed to me quite interesting and contradictory.
But it wasn't exciting at all. Jamie's mind was a bit naive and childish, probably because her childhood was downright wrecked by the expectations and the misunderstanding of her parents. I don't know, but I couldn't connect to her at all. Additionally, the other characters seemed minor and boring to me, and the plot, whereas it held some surprises, it didn't capture my attention to the extent of not wanting to put the book down. Lianne Simon's writing was good but not something spectacular. It seemed to me that this book could be categorized to "Literature for Younger Teens" if not for the graphic descriptions of the reproductive organs, some of the surgical procedures and the tools that followed these procedures.
Overall, 2 out of 5 stars because for me it was a mediocre book, a bit forgettable. The basis of the whole story was unique and it can certainly make the problems the people who are born between the sexes more known to the wider audience of readers, but the story didn't unfold quite spectacularly. I don't want to create biased ideas to the people who are reading this review right now (yes, you!), so I recommend this book to anyone who's interested in YA literature based on a christian point of view (the touch of Christianity was obvious in almost every page of the book). It may change the way you look at fairy people, their world, their wars and their dreams.
But it wasn't exciting at all. Jamie's mind was a bit naive and childish, probably because her childhood was downright wrecked by the expectations and the misunderstanding of her parents. I don't know, but I couldn't connect to her at all. Additionally, the other characters seemed minor and boring to me, and the plot, whereas it held some surprises, it didn't capture my attention to the extent of not wanting to put the book down. Lianne Simon's writing was good but not something spectacular. It seemed to me that this book could be categorized to "Literature for Younger Teens" if not for the graphic descriptions of the reproductive organs, some of the surgical procedures and the tools that followed these procedures.
Overall, 2 out of 5 stars because for me it was a mediocre book, a bit forgettable. The basis of the whole story was unique and it can certainly make the problems the people who are born between the sexes more known to the wider audience of readers, but the story didn't unfold quite spectacularly. I don't want to create biased ideas to the people who are reading this review right now (yes, you!), so I recommend this book to anyone who's interested in YA literature based on a christian point of view (the touch of Christianity was obvious in almost every page of the book). It may change the way you look at fairy people, their world, their wars and their dreams.
January 30, 2013
Born with Mixed Gonadal Dysgenesis, a disorder of sexual development, Jameson identifies as a girl but has been raised as a boy. His parents attempt to instil in him gender norms and behaviour they believe to be appropriate to a boy and, following medical advice, put Jameson on a testosterone regime.
When Jameson goes to university, encouraged by friends, he changes his name to Jamie and tries to live as a girl. He learns more about his condition, attempts to navigate the often distressing and confusing life of a person born intersex, and falls in love.
The book is a refreshing take on the subject of those born between the sexes. It raises interesting questions about gender and what it means, both on an individual and social level. How much are we affected by our sex? Where do gender and sex correlate, if, indeed, they do? How far are we willing to go to become the gender we want to be?
I only have two criticisms of the book. The first is that it focuses almost entirely on Jamie's/Jameson's condition. Obviously, and with good reason, this condition is a tremendous part of Jamie's/Jameson's life, but I think Simon could have extended her depiction of Jamie's/Jameson's character to make it more rounded. The other criticism is that the "elfin princess" device is used too often to indicate the way in which Jamie perceives herself.
Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite works well both as a fine story and as an educational resource, revealing an individual's experience of being born intersex and of societal perceptions of it.
When Jameson goes to university, encouraged by friends, he changes his name to Jamie and tries to live as a girl. He learns more about his condition, attempts to navigate the often distressing and confusing life of a person born intersex, and falls in love.
The book is a refreshing take on the subject of those born between the sexes. It raises interesting questions about gender and what it means, both on an individual and social level. How much are we affected by our sex? Where do gender and sex correlate, if, indeed, they do? How far are we willing to go to become the gender we want to be?
I only have two criticisms of the book. The first is that it focuses almost entirely on Jamie's/Jameson's condition. Obviously, and with good reason, this condition is a tremendous part of Jamie's/Jameson's life, but I think Simon could have extended her depiction of Jamie's/Jameson's character to make it more rounded. The other criticism is that the "elfin princess" device is used too often to indicate the way in which Jamie perceives herself.
Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite works well both as a fine story and as an educational resource, revealing an individual's experience of being born intersex and of societal perceptions of it.
September 30, 2012
I received a copy of this book through goodreads' first reads program. It is also available as a free ebook. Honestly, I gave it two stars because it just wasn't as polished as a published book should be. The plot was confusing at times, as was the character development. The adamant Christianity felt unnatural and forced at times. I hate hate hate writing bad reviews...mostly because I know how important a book is to its author. I don't feel all ope is lost...it just really needs some more editing and polishing. There were elements that were unnecessary, and some of the characters weren't as strongly developed as they should have been...and the whole hermaphrodite sorority seemed unlikely and the scene felt forced. Lastly, it switched point of view sometimes mid sentence, and the whole concept of Jamie talking to her reflection made her seem like she suffered from a MPD.
February 20, 2013
The voice at the beginning of a 16 year old who was intelligent enough to begin college seemed too young (more like the 12 year old most people thought she was). I tried to remember that the setting was the 1970s and that youth were more innocent there, but it still seemed too young for me.
Getting past that, I did enjoy the story. It was educational and informative while being honest and naked with her emotion and experiences. It's sad that parents can be so blind to their children because of their own desires and needs.
I would have enjoyed more at the end. More dialogue between her and her family...maybe even an epilogue showing where Jamie's life is now.
I am grateful that the author was willing to share a story so filled with privacy and risks of acceptance. I would definitely recommend others read it.
Getting past that, I did enjoy the story. It was educational and informative while being honest and naked with her emotion and experiences. It's sad that parents can be so blind to their children because of their own desires and needs.
I would have enjoyed more at the end. More dialogue between her and her family...maybe even an epilogue showing where Jamie's life is now.
I am grateful that the author was willing to share a story so filled with privacy and risks of acceptance. I would definitely recommend others read it.
July 10, 2020
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
Loved it!
The reason I found this book appealing was the completely original storyline. It was unlike anything I've ever read before. Very eye-opening about being intersex. The characters had strong personalities and we're extremely easy to relate to even with my limited knowledge. The only thing that made this book just short of perfect was that it was slow at some parts of the book but overall, this is a really amazing book and makes for enjoyable reading.
Loved it!
The reason I found this book appealing was the completely original storyline. It was unlike anything I've ever read before. Very eye-opening about being intersex. The characters had strong personalities and we're extremely easy to relate to even with my limited knowledge. The only thing that made this book just short of perfect was that it was slow at some parts of the book but overall, this is a really amazing book and makes for enjoyable reading.
October 2, 2012
I was really happy when I won this book from a blog giveaway.
It was a gentle read, (meaning for the most part rated PG), but the emotions portrayed as Jameson the son struggles to become Jamie the daughter come across as very genuine.
Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite is a sweet story that offers some insight as to what it might feel like to struggle with gender issues.
It was a gentle read, (meaning for the most part rated PG), but the emotions portrayed as Jameson the son struggles to become Jamie the daughter come across as very genuine.
Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite is a sweet story that offers some insight as to what it might feel like to struggle with gender issues.
April 13, 2013
I found this book very helpful with providing medical information and even what it may feel like to grow up as a hermaphrodite. However, the plot was completely unbelievable and at times very annoying.
August 18, 2017
Check out my review here: http://thepaige-turner.blogspot.com/2...
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