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Affirming Imogene

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How far would you go to protect the person you love most?

Stacy Barnett has always done whatever it takes to protect her shy, stargazing transgender daughter, Imogene. But when protecting Imogene means breaking the law, Stacy finds herself making an unthinkable run or risk losing her daughter forever.

On the road, they find safety with a vibrant community of drag queens. As Stacy struggles to find a path forward, Imogene finds her place in the world. But they can’t run forever, and their past is catching up quickly.
With heart, humor, and a touch of glitter, Affirming Imogene is an unforgettable family drama about sacrifice, self-acceptance, and the messy, beautiful ways love propels us toward courage, even when it defies reason.

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2025

7 people are currently reading
182 people want to read

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Desiree Moore

2 books74 followers

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for J.L. Hyde.
Author 11 books1,351 followers
March 27, 2025
This was a really special book for a lot of reasons. I am primarily a mystery/thriller reader, but accepted this ARC because I've followed Desiree online for a while and really grew fond of her personality, specifically her tenacity. I went into this book blind and I'm glad I did.

I consider myself an ally, but this book showed me I still have a lot to learn when it comes to really understanding what a young trans person goes through while just trying to live a normal life. Several scenes brought tears to my eyes in the best way possible. This story shows there's nothing quite like a mother's love. I was so touched. There were also several heartwarming scenes that had me smiling throughout.

I read it in two settings and couldn't even tell you how many pages it is because I never once felt the need to look and see how much I had left. I'll be thinking about this book for a while!
Profile Image for Amy Dalton.
136 reviews
March 23, 2025
Just finished this as an early reader. It is the first book I’ve read that deals with transgender. I didn’t even know hormone blockers were a thing. I loved the drag queen family integration into the story. This book definitely addresses a complicated issue for families of teenage transgenders. I read Desiree’s other book Untitled For Now and I adore her writing style. It’s fast paced and great dialogue. You feel you are emerged in the story.
Profile Image for Trudy Spangler.
334 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2025
I received this book as an ARC.
This book made me feel all the feels. As a mom wanting to protect my kids, as a wife who has become disconnected from her spouse and as an employee that needed to speak up for myself at work. Add on to that that I live in Florida and don’t agree with some of the laws that have recently been pasted in the state.
Affirming Imogene is the story of Imogene a transgender teen girl and her parents Stacy and Garret. The story has the POV of all three. Imogene is struggling with loosing her best friend after coming out as transgender and being bullied at school. While also trying to understand herself and the body dysmorphia she has. Stacy is a labor and delivery nurse she doesn’t always agree with the hospital policies on the care of her patients. As a result she doesn’t always get along with her supervisor. Garret has become complacent and unhappy. Feeling like everything he does for his family is wrong.
Imogene asked her mom about hormone blockers as she isn’t ready to go through the body changes that come with a male body when she identifies as a female. Only problem is the state of Florida had recently made it illegal for minors to receive gender affirming care. Stacey uses her medical access to obtain the medicine that Imogene needs, but she eventually gets caught. Facing child abuse charges and prescription fraud charges, as well as the bullying that Imogene facing some tough decisions need to be made. Meanwhile Garret is faced with the face that though he said he supports Imogene he truly hasn’t engaged with what all that means. He also really hasn’t been to present in his marriage.
The feelings that this book made me feel are so hard to describe. As a mom I have always wanted to protect my child and to keep them safe while supporting them in their hopes and dreams. It’s a tight rope to walk between being to much of a helicopter parent and not being enough of a parent for them. I also don’t think that people truly understand all that gender affirming care entails. But most importantly I don’t think that the government should have any say in a child’s medical care. That decision should be between the child, the parents and the doctor.
With all that being said there are not a lot of books out there that deal with this subject. This book needs to be read by everyone so that maybe it can help some understand even just a little bit of how dangerous some of these hateful laws are.
95 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2025
I hate to admit that I was definitely in a reading slump while taking on this book. The beginning was not my favorite and for a while, I absolutely hated Stacy and the way she handles everything. My favorite part were definitely the Drag Queens! And the character development for everyone?! Very impressive, and it definitely solidified the 5 star rating for me.
Profile Image for Courtney.
194 reviews19 followers
May 10, 2025
This is such an IMPORTANT and amazing read. It follows a family (mom, dad, trans daughter) and some of their time dealing with reprocussions of something the mother did. Not only does this highlight what life can be like for a trans person, but it also highlights the lengths mothers will go to for their children. There is also mention of drag queens and kings and how it is for everyone because it is an art that has no rules. I would highly recommend this read.
Profile Image for Sammi.
222 reviews11 followers
April 9, 2025
I absolutely enjoyed this book! I love to go into books as blindly as possible. I knew that the main character makes some bad decisions for their child. What I didn’t realize is what a ride I would be on. We do get a few POV’s which I’m glad we get.

If you are on her email list you get the bonus epilogue and oh my goodness!! Even if you don’t go search it out the book ends on such a high note. I hope that every character gets a little novella or something.

Arc read💜
Profile Image for Amy Cobb.
393 reviews35 followers
April 25, 2025
This was SO good! I treasured watching Stacy’s journey as a mom and nurse while she tried to keep Imogene safe, keep her marriage afloat, and care for her ailing father. This book balances humanity, fun, growth, danger/action, ignorance/ fear, friendships, and love so well. It read like a movie, and I can’t wait to see where this book takes this author!

I received a gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Amanda Lynn.
10 reviews
March 30, 2025
So few books have made me feel the emotions of every character, often causing conflicting emotions within myself about the characters. Affirming Imogene is one of those books! This book has excellent character building, when I finished I found myself missing each of them and their stories. The story will pull at your heart in ways you don’t expect, and may just change the way you look at the world. Despite our differences, all humans want the same things - this book does a great job at conveying this message!
Profile Image for Kelli Steele.
9 reviews
April 17, 2025
I read this in less than 3 days. It’s a heartfelt story of the lengths a mother will go to, to protect her transgender teenager. Filled with love, laughter, a little chaos, and a lot of glitter, I was not able to put it down. Desiree is an incredible writer and this book is definitely a game changer. It opened my eyes and helped me to understand a lot of things that I didn’t before.
Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Carmen M.
617 reviews10 followers
May 25, 2025
Thank you so much to Desiree Moore, the author for the opportunity to read her book in exchange for an honest review.


This book is so good and heartfelt! Affirming Imogene is an exploration of love, identity, and the lengths we’ll go to protect our families.

Desiree Moore gives us an emotional, vibrant road-trip drama centered on Stacy Barnett, a mother fiercely devoted to her transgender daughter, Imogene. When protecting Imogene puts them at odds with the law, Stacy is faced with an impossible choice and what follows is a gripping, heartfelt journey across both literal and emotional landscapes.

What really stood out to me was the warmth and authenticity in the bond between mother and daughter. Imogene’s search for belonging and Stacy’s struggle to support her in a world that isn’t always kind made for an intimate and at times painful story, but one filled with moments of joy, glitter, and unexpected community. The drag queen found family subplot was a highlight—colorful, affirming, and full of life.

There were a couple of moments where the pacing dragged slightly, but overall, the emotional payoff was worth it. Moore balances humor and heartbreak beautifully, and the themes of self-acceptance, sacrifice, and the unshakable pull of love hit hard.

If you enjoy character-driven stories with heart, a bit of sparkle, and timely social themes, Affirming Imogene is absolutely worth the read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25!

#AffirmingImogene, #DesireeMooreBooks
Profile Image for Sandra.
102 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2025


Here is a short summary of Affirming Imogene:

Stacy Burnett is the mother of a wonderful , smart, shy, quiet transgender teenager named Imogene. Stacy is a nurse and bends the rules in order to help her daughter with her smooth transition. When Stacy’s choice is discovered she is forced with a decision stay home,once she looses her job and wait for the “ Other shoe to drop” or take her child and flee. She needs time to think, she could end up in prison for her choices. Along the way, Stacy and her daughter meet drag queens and Imogene is able to become comfortable in her skin and make some lifelong friends on this journey. This will keep you reading and teach you a few things about the length a parent is willing to go to make sure her child has the best life they can.

AFFIRMING IMOGENE is available April 17th in bookstores, Amazon, ereader and you can also preorder from Desiree’s website too. Her first book is available too in all the formats it’s called Untitled for Now, it’s about growing up in poverty, hard family life, teen pregnancy, love and loss. I highly recommend both. Any questions feel free to ask me or message Desiree Moore I tagged her in the comments.
1 review
April 3, 2025
Affirming Imogene is one of those rare books that grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go. Stacy’s journey—messy, painful, and full of grit—feels so achingly real, especially for anyone who’s ever gone to the ends of the earth to protect someone they love. Her transgender daughter, Imogene, is not just a character—you feel her longing, her struggle, her strength. And the bond between them? It’s what love should look like.

The book is packed with heart, hope, and humor, but it doesn’t shy away from the hard parts: the injustice, the fear, the choices no parent should ever have to make. And just when you think you can’t breathe from the tension, it wraps you in the unexpected warmth of chosen family—in this case, a fabulous, life-giving community of drag queens that adds depth, sparkle, and soul to the narrative.

This is a story about belonging, sacrifice, and the quiet power of affirming someone exactly as they are. If you believe love is worth fighting for—even when the world says otherwise—then this book will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

Highly recommend for fans of emotionally rich, socially important, and beautifully told family dramas.
Profile Image for Sandy Reads.
719 reviews3 followers
April 16, 2025
Wow. This story is everything — raw, emotional, powerful, and full of heart. Affirming Imogene is a story about love, identity, found family, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child.

Stacy, a labor and delivery nurse, is falling apart — her marriage is crumbling, her job is on the line, and her finances are in shambles. But nothing compares to the fear of losing her transgender daughter, Imogene. When Imogene comes out, Stacy doesn’t get it right immediately, but she knows she has to show up — and she does, fiercely.

What truly made this story unforgettable for me was the character development, especially from Garrett, Stacy’s husband. His struggle to accept Imogene felt real — painful, uncomfortable, but ultimately human. I didn’t always agree with his delivery, and yes, I wanted to shake him sometimes, but his journey felt authentic and added so much emotional depth to the story.

Stacy may come across as a helicopter mom at times, but I never faulted her for it. She was navigating impossible choices in a world that wasn’t safe for her child, and her fierce protectiveness was rooted in pure, unconditional love. The tension between protecting Imogene and giving her room to grow was beautifully written.

And then there’s Imogene herself — a shy, stargazing teen just trying to belong. Her journey was heartbreaking and hopeful, and I ached for her in the moments of bullying, isolation, and loss. But watching her grow, especially when they find refuge in a community of drag queens, was everything. That sense of found family, of safety and celebration — it just lit up the page.

I honestly need this to be a movie. I felt every moment of this journey, from the heartbreak to the healing. It’s a messy, beautiful, glitter-dusted story of courage, acceptance, and fierce, imperfect love. I hope this book reaches the people who need it most.

Highly, highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ary.reads.
149 reviews8 followers
April 21, 2025
Thank you so much, Desiree, for the ARC & for sharing this beautiful story with all of us.

5 Stars – A Raw, Radiant Story of Love, Identity, Acceptance and Unshakeable Bonds.

Affirming Imogene by Desiree Moore is an emotional, soul-stirring journey that explores the fierce love between a mother and her daughter—no matter the cost. Stacy’s world is falling apart, yet her fiercest fight is to protect her transgender daughter, Imogene, a quiet teen who just wants to feel safe and seen.

What begins as a desperate act of love turns into a beautiful road trip of self-discovery, found family, and healing. The vibrant drag queen community they find along the way brings light, humor, and glitter to a story filled with both grit and grace.

Desiree Moore writes with compassion and bravery, capturing the messy, complicated, beautiful ways love pushes us to be better, braver, and bolder. This book had me crying, cheering, and reflecting—it’s the kind of story that lingers long after the final page.

Highly recommend for anyone who loves emotional family dramas, coming-of-age stories, or tales where love truly conquers all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Erin.
261 reviews39 followers
April 25, 2025
Having read Untitled For Now last year and being absolutely destroyed, I was very excited to hear Moore was coming out with a new book. Then I read what the book was about and immediately pre-ordered it. As a mom to transgender children, I have to say the author nailed it. The anxiety, the questioning, the bullying, the relief when you see your child become who they were meant to be. Nailed. I loved the drag culture involvement as well.
The only reason it didn't get a full 5 stars was because it didn't feel quite as emotional as I had expected after reading Moore's debut novel and knowing the plethora of emotions raising a trans teen has.
It was a wonderful book and I will recommend to so many people!
Profile Image for BookstagramSam.
629 reviews12 followers
May 29, 2025
Wow. This book was beautiful, impactful and eye opening.

I found Desiree on social media and immediately fell in love with her personality. When she offered to send me her book, I happily accepted.

Within the first two chapters i messaged her because my heart just ached for Imogene.

Though I probably cried a majority of this book, a lot were happy tears.

As a mother, how far would you go to protect your child. To ensure their safety and well being was 100% taken care of.

The queens were everything in this book and loved the support and impact they had on this beautiful family.

Desiree did a beautiful job with this story.
Profile Image for Linzy Taylor.
2 reviews5 followers
April 18, 2025
I was one of the first to receive an ARC copy of this magnificent story. Desire has an innate way of connecting her readers to her stories. She makes you feel as if you are the main character experiencing what’s happening. Her books read like movies, and this one is very special. This is the story of a mother who will do anything to protect her transgender daughter, even when that means breaking the law. This book does not take away from trans voices, instead it adds to the conversation about how we can all learn how to become better allies. Plus we love drag queens and glitter!!
4 reviews
August 27, 2025
This book was sent to me as part of a PR package. The story is just as beautiful as the cover. Under her need for control, Stacy is the mom that every member of the LGBT community deserves. She accepts Imogene for who she is and goes to great lengths to ensure her identity is being affirmed.
The dynamic between the drag queens had me laughing only to cry over how much they helped Imogene come out of her shell. They showed up for Stacy in her time of need, which made me laugh and cry even harder.
2 reviews
April 17, 2025
This book is a must-read! Affirming Imogene will truly pull at your heartstrings. It beautifully captures the boundless lengths someone will go to for the person they love. There is no line Stacy wouldn’t cross for Imogene. ( Her transgender daughter) Desiree does an incredible job immersing you in the characters’ experiences—you can feel the panic, the heartbreak, and the desperation as Stacy faces an impossible choice: flee or risk losing her daughter forever. Absolutely love this book!
Profile Image for Victoria.
249 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2025
Desiree Moore has such a great way of telling emotional stories. I knew this would be a five star read for me within the first few pages. I read her debut novel last year and was so excited when she offered me to be an ARC reader for this novel. If you’re up for an emotional yet inspirational story about a mother’s love for her child, you need to read this!! Also, the cover is absolutely gorgeous.
Profile Image for Jamie Wright.
6 reviews
April 17, 2025
Desiree has a way to captivate her readers!

One of the best books I have read in 2025 ! The UPS and downs the highs and lows it will have you crying, laughing and all the feels in-between!

I couldn't put it down and was so sad when I turned the last page it left me wanting more !!

I highly recommend this book!!
Profile Image for José Orlando.
145 reviews66 followers
May 3, 2025
“Affirming Imogene” by Desiree Moore is one of those books that will stick with me for a long time. It tells the story of Stacy, a mother who will do anything to protect her transgender daughter, Imogene. When keeping Imogene safe means breaking the law, Stacy takes a huge risk and runs with her. Along the way, they find help and comfort in a surprising place, a loving and fierce drag community. The story is told from the points of view of Stacy, Imogene, and Stacy’s husband, which made it easy to understand each of their struggles. They all make mistakes, they all grow, and they all feel very real. The book is messy, and that’s exactly what makes it feel honest and important.

This was not an easy book to read, but not because of the writing. The writing is beautiful. It was hard because so much of it reflects what is happening in real life, especially in the United States where trans people are being targeted by cruel laws. I felt angry, sad, and frustrated while reading, but also full of hope. These characters could be real people, and their pain and love felt so true. I was rooting for them every step of the way. “Affirming Imogene” is a powerful story about love, identity, and the fight to protect those we care about. It is a heartfelt letter to the LGBTQIA+ community, and it reminded me just how important it is to tell these stories.
Profile Image for Sophie_reads.
6 reviews
April 25, 2025
I received this ARC from the author first I like to thank her for giving me this opportunity. This book was so good I really like the story line and I felt so bad for Stacy that she had to sacrifices herself for her daughter Imogene. Overall I learned a lot about trans gender and how it feels like to have your own child to be trans how the parent try to understand their child feelings and be supportive in this case Stacy did beyond and above her powers to help her daughter even know she knows what she did was completely unacceptable but she did what she thinks is the best to protect her daughter I love that for her. Finally I love everything thing about it thanks again for giving me this opportunity 🙏
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tiffany Rosser .
20 reviews
June 27, 2025
It took me awhile to get through the book because life got in the way. I wanted to get it a 3.5 only because I feel like the ending was rushed. I would have liked to see what came next. Maybe a year later update or something. Overall it was a great story and hit home.
Profile Image for Shellie Wilbur.
2 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2025
Such an amazing book! I loved all the characters and it was such an amazing story and the mothers fight for her child ❤️
Profile Image for Heather Trice.
64 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2025
Desiree Moore hits it out of the park again. This was worth the read.
Profile Image for Amanda Hayes.
3 reviews
April 17, 2025
Affirming Imogene was such a fun ride. The drag queens were such a fun touch to the story of Imogene and her family. Reading this really helped me work through some things with my own transgender child and I related on a deep level to the mother for many reasons. I found myself loving her and hating her throughout the book. I enjoyed every page of this book and can’t recommend it enough!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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