Being

by Zach Ellis

Zach Ellis’s debut, Being, is a remarkable, lyrical memoir that works to put into words what it is to be transgender. It’s a book about relationships, about growing up, about the body and mind, about desire, about parenting, about how we adjust to huge changes, and about whom we know ourselves to be. It’s a funny book, an honest book, and a book that cuts deep into you.

“There is a place you go as a reader in this book, and that place is the body, and I’m in love with the rediscovery. This book will break your heart, make you bust a gut laughing, seduce you into leaving your self a little, and bring you back to being, differently. Beautifully.” —Lidia Yuknavitch, author of The Chronology of Water and A Headcase.

Genres: Transgender, LGBT, Queer, Nonfiction, Memoir, Book Club

36 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2014

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really proud to publish this ebook memoir-essay by Portland writer Zach Ellis. Being is about Zach's life transition from female to male and the pain, joy, and sometimes humorous realizations that major change entails. It's also a story about healing, love, and fatherhood. For anyone who want to know more about what it feels like to reclaim your life and identity, this is an approachable, beautiful, and sometimes devastating reading experience. I hope to read more from this fearless writer for years to come.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply moving, provocative, beautifully written, and, at times, humorous memoir about being a trans man.

[Debbie Ethell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zach Ellis's book BEING is quite simply too short. His writing is not only haunting but mesmerizing. Once I started it I just could NOT put it down. It evokes all the emotions from sad to funny to downright hilarious but more than anything it is an epic display of courage. I am always drawn to stories where people display the bits the rest of us hide from the world but Zach LAYS IT ALL OUT. And by doing so I'm sure he has inspired others to do the same. This is a compelling read and one that I highly recommend to anyone who needs to remember exactly who it is they are.

[Katie Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poetic, beautiful, powerful, a slim book worth reading and rereading of one trans man’s experiences. He touches on transitioning, parenthood, family, and sexual violence all in one coherent narrative.

[Cliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Amazing story. Can't wait to read more from him.

[Pam Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Short and enlightening read. I had read a blurb by the author in Lydia Yuknavitch’s book, The Misfit’s Manifesto, and loved his writing style. So I picked up this book and was touched by his deeply personal and honest transgender story.

[Sara Habein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe more of a 4.5, but hell, let's round up. This is a great mini-memoir.