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The Sisterhood #1
The Sisterhood
Five transwomen; five lives; five sets of problems! New girl Sarah arrives in The Sisterhood Club just as the lives of those she meets are about to fall apart. Jo is faced with devastating loss and unending pressure at work; Phoebe is about to become homeless; Cathy is staring the end of her marriage in the face. Naomi, the Mother Hen of the group, while appearing to keep it all together, is facing mounting problems of her own... and Sarah is left wondering what on earth she is walking into!
Can the common bonds of their burgeoning sisterhood see them through the ever-growing pressure, or will the world around them finally destroy it all?
Roz White is a well-known author of transgender fiction; in this, her first full novel, her explorations of this unique condition go deeper and more complete than ever before.
Can the common bonds of their burgeoning sisterhood see them through the ever-growing pressure, or will the world around them finally destroy it all?
Roz White is a well-known author of transgender fiction; in this, her first full novel, her explorations of this unique condition go deeper and more complete than ever before.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2015
3 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 30, 2016
What a fabulous informative read - I'd previously just accepted everyone on face value without really thinking about or appreciating the journey they may have had to make to become themselves. Roz gives us a glimpse into this difficult journey from the perspectives of a number of well written and extremely interesting characters. The hurdles and barriers they face and the outright prejudice is wonderfully balanced by small acts of kindness and recognition and the fabulous supportive friendship of The Sisterhood - it's uplifting, heartbreaking and totally engrossing!
I'm suited to see there is a sequel to this - Endings and Beginnings which I am just about to add to my TBR list.
I'm suited to see there is a sequel to this - Endings and Beginnings which I am just about to add to my TBR list.
September 30, 2017
This is one of the most heart breaking, inspirational and absolutely engrossing reads of this year. Roz White captured my heart with every one of these women’s personal journey’s.
Welcome to The Sisterhood where you can learn about the best place to buy clothes, how to apply make-up and actually be yourself, the real you. Meet Sarah the new girl to the group, Jo, Cathy, Phoebe and Naomi, these lovely ladies are transwomen, all at different stages of acknowledging their inner true feelings of who they are.
Now all these ladies are having a rough time one way or another and the only thing you can do when that happens is of course shop, so a day out is arranged to hit the stores in a big way. I was quite giddy myself to tag along, nervous yes, but the excitement when they all meet up was electric. Eat your heart out Charlie’s Angels, The Sisterhood have arrived! This was quite a learning curve in so many ways. Talk about highs and lows as I was giddy as the girls and absolutely so proud of how they reacted to other situations.
Life problems though never do just disappear and the constant battles of acceptance not just by strangers but by family and even the authorities must be a constant drain on emotions and finances. Not to mention the girls trying to keep their secret lives totally secret because of family and work.
This is an amazing story told by a women that is on this journey herself, Roz White. I really feel humble that I have been invited into this world in this very small way. I am of course just going to buy the second book as a little catching up to do, book 5 is due out soon.
Welcome to The Sisterhood where you can learn about the best place to buy clothes, how to apply make-up and actually be yourself, the real you. Meet Sarah the new girl to the group, Jo, Cathy, Phoebe and Naomi, these lovely ladies are transwomen, all at different stages of acknowledging their inner true feelings of who they are.
Now all these ladies are having a rough time one way or another and the only thing you can do when that happens is of course shop, so a day out is arranged to hit the stores in a big way. I was quite giddy myself to tag along, nervous yes, but the excitement when they all meet up was electric. Eat your heart out Charlie’s Angels, The Sisterhood have arrived! This was quite a learning curve in so many ways. Talk about highs and lows as I was giddy as the girls and absolutely so proud of how they reacted to other situations.
Life problems though never do just disappear and the constant battles of acceptance not just by strangers but by family and even the authorities must be a constant drain on emotions and finances. Not to mention the girls trying to keep their secret lives totally secret because of family and work.
This is an amazing story told by a women that is on this journey herself, Roz White. I really feel humble that I have been invited into this world in this very small way. I am of course just going to buy the second book as a little catching up to do, book 5 is due out soon.
February 15, 2021
Well, I have to say, i wasn't entirely sure what to expect when i first picked up this novel. And it was Fab! A really well written book giving an insight into the lives of Naomi, Jo, Phoebe, Cathy and Sarah. A group of friends from the Sisterhood who are all at different stages in their lives, but are all currently suffering in their own way. Trying to get through day to day life as best as they can, on their own, before realising that actually, they ARE friends and can help each other and draw strength from each other as they are all about to take the next big step in their journey. I was sorry when it ended as i wanted to know what happened next? How were their lives going to change?.... First thing i did was check for a sequel and much to my relief and excitement, there is one! Can't wait to start on Endings and Beginnings....
*****SIDE NOTE: I have since read “Endings and Beginnings” as well as all the others in the series and can highly recommend them all. Definitely worth a read! ❤️*****
*****SIDE NOTE: I have since read “Endings and Beginnings” as well as all the others in the series and can highly recommend them all. Definitely worth a read! ❤️*****
June 21, 2015
The Sisterhood is a delightful book packed with lots of unexpected surprises! There are several interesting characters with very intricate lives that must be addressed. It's an easy, enjoyable read and the author's authentic voice creates vivid scenes that literally jump off the page. I enjoyed getting to know the main characters and became invested in each of their lives and idiosyncrasies that go along with maintaining their lifestyle. The Sisterhood gently opened me up to a new understanding of a world that I could only guess at and the author's dynamic voice rang true with each character. Which of the girls was my fave? Sarah and Cathy, of course! I also loved Naomi; a good spirit that helps out when needed. This book is definitely a must read for your kindle TBR list...
September 29, 2016
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
I actually give it 4:5 mainly due to it was sometimes difficult to who was "talking" when starting a chapter, however the chapter's were not fully about one character.
The characters were interesting, diverse, and I really felt for their dilemma's. There was great conversations between the girls.
It took me a few days to read this book, as life was interrupting. However that was a bonus, as I found myself thinking about the girls, and this book will stay with me for a long while.
I hope to read more by this author, a sequel or short story of the girls would work well.
Surprisingly Brilliant.
I actually give it 4:5 mainly due to it was sometimes difficult to who was "talking" when starting a chapter, however the chapter's were not fully about one character.
The characters were interesting, diverse, and I really felt for their dilemma's. There was great conversations between the girls.
It took me a few days to read this book, as life was interrupting. However that was a bonus, as I found myself thinking about the girls, and this book will stay with me for a long while.
I hope to read more by this author, a sequel or short story of the girls would work well.
Surprisingly Brilliant.
May 23, 2016
I loved this book! A well written and interesting insight into the world of transgender women. All the characters are at different stages in their transitions, and each was likeable, vulnerable and real.
It was only on completing this book that I realised Roz White is herself a transgender woman. She has clearly put a lot of her personal experiences into this book which accounts for the realism and warmth with which she created the 5 women. Highly recommended and looking forward to reading the sequel.
I received an ARC from the author and THE Book Club for an honest review.
It was only on completing this book that I realised Roz White is herself a transgender woman. She has clearly put a lot of her personal experiences into this book which accounts for the realism and warmth with which she created the 5 women. Highly recommended and looking forward to reading the sequel.
I received an ARC from the author and THE Book Club for an honest review.
May 29, 2016
With thanks to TBC for an opportunity to review this. I started reading it later than planned, I was (like a few others) confused by all the names and trying to work out who they were attached to, what they did, what their issues were and how committed they were to the Sisterhood. Once I'd cracked that I couldn't put it down. I had never considered just what a difficult choice these folk make, and the fact that the difficult things don't end post Op. The Book was endearing, charming, enlightening, harrowing and well worth a read
May 18, 2016
I loved this book. It was so refreshing to read something that I would otherwise never try! I received a copy from TBC in exchange for an honest review.
The topic is very current with what is going on in the world right now and it was kind of nice in a way to see that transwomen go through the same struggles as someone born a woman.
It took me a little while to settle into the book, once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The topic is very current with what is going on in the world right now and it was kind of nice in a way to see that transwomen go through the same struggles as someone born a woman.
It took me a little while to settle into the book, once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
May 9, 2020
The Sisterhood is the first novel in a series and the first transgender book that I have ever read. I am so glad that I did and urge others to read this warm, engaging, and informative story. It is the story of five transgendered women, Naomi, Jo, Phoebe, Cathy, and Sarah. By the time I finished the book, I really cared about each of them and wanted them to find happiness and fulfillment.
Each of the women has a different experience of being transgender, emphasizing the point that every person is unique and there are not a set of criteria or rules that can be applied to all. Naomi describes herself as a bit of a mother hen. She set up the Sisterhood, a supportive group of transgendered women who initially meet once a month in a safe place where they can be themselves without judgment and have fun. However, as each of the women faces problems in their life, they meet more frequently and the friendship and trust between them becomes stronger.
The story reminded me a little of a Cathy Kelly novel in the way that the lives of five very different women come together around a supportive older woman who exudes wisdom and kindness. Naomi, a solicitor, is married to Margaret. They have a good marriage that accommodates Naomi's 'other life' through an agreement that is intended to manage any 'untoward impact' her interests may have on Margaret and their life together. This arrangement has worked for them for several years but as the story gains momentum we can feel Naomi's frustration that she cannot openly support and care for her transgender sisters.
Jo has had sex reassignment surgery, as has Phoebe. Jo, a housing benefits officer experiences prejudice in the workplace as well as in her personal life. The way that she is treated by a work colleague and a stepdaughter when her wife is dying, is so hurtful it made me angry and sad. I wanted to hug her. Sadly, I suspect that this reflects the experience of many transgender people.
Cathy has an agreement with her wife, Andrea, that she will only be herself once a month for the girls' night out. However, unlike Naomi's arrangement with Margaret, Andrea is not happy with this concession and makes Cathy's life a misery, turning their children against her.
In the opening chapters, Sarah joins the Sisterhood's girls' night out for the first time. She is trying hard to resist the temptation to be Sarah as she is terrified of losing her wife and job. Sarah's struggle to conform and deny an important part of who she is has been written with such compassion and authenticity, it hurts.
Five different women with very different life experiences and challenges. But they all face the prejudices experienced by transgender people. However, they are resilient, and together they are strong. Despite the very real and moving accounts of these women's lives, this is not a depressing read at all. There were laugh out loud moments and a lot of warmth, love, and optimism. It has enlightened me and helped me to empathize more with transgender women. I don't want to leave them and hope that I can walk with them some more in the books that follow this one.
Each of the women has a different experience of being transgender, emphasizing the point that every person is unique and there are not a set of criteria or rules that can be applied to all. Naomi describes herself as a bit of a mother hen. She set up the Sisterhood, a supportive group of transgendered women who initially meet once a month in a safe place where they can be themselves without judgment and have fun. However, as each of the women faces problems in their life, they meet more frequently and the friendship and trust between them becomes stronger.
The story reminded me a little of a Cathy Kelly novel in the way that the lives of five very different women come together around a supportive older woman who exudes wisdom and kindness. Naomi, a solicitor, is married to Margaret. They have a good marriage that accommodates Naomi's 'other life' through an agreement that is intended to manage any 'untoward impact' her interests may have on Margaret and their life together. This arrangement has worked for them for several years but as the story gains momentum we can feel Naomi's frustration that she cannot openly support and care for her transgender sisters.
Jo has had sex reassignment surgery, as has Phoebe. Jo, a housing benefits officer experiences prejudice in the workplace as well as in her personal life. The way that she is treated by a work colleague and a stepdaughter when her wife is dying, is so hurtful it made me angry and sad. I wanted to hug her. Sadly, I suspect that this reflects the experience of many transgender people.
Cathy has an agreement with her wife, Andrea, that she will only be herself once a month for the girls' night out. However, unlike Naomi's arrangement with Margaret, Andrea is not happy with this concession and makes Cathy's life a misery, turning their children against her.
In the opening chapters, Sarah joins the Sisterhood's girls' night out for the first time. She is trying hard to resist the temptation to be Sarah as she is terrified of losing her wife and job. Sarah's struggle to conform and deny an important part of who she is has been written with such compassion and authenticity, it hurts.
Five different women with very different life experiences and challenges. But they all face the prejudices experienced by transgender people. However, they are resilient, and together they are strong. Despite the very real and moving accounts of these women's lives, this is not a depressing read at all. There were laugh out loud moments and a lot of warmth, love, and optimism. It has enlightened me and helped me to empathize more with transgender women. I don't want to leave them and hope that I can walk with them some more in the books that follow this one.
August 15, 2022
When Sarah arrives at The Sisterhood Club one evening, she has no idea what to expect or where her life is taking her.
Jo, Phoebe, Naomi and Cathy are trans women and each have their own problems in their lives. Does Sarah really want to join the club and become Sarah full time or bury her head in the sand and carry on living as Stuart?
I have to start off by saying what a book! I found it to be quite emotional and these ladies tugged at my heartstrings for different reasons. I felt privileged to read their journey and loved the camaraderie between them.
The author brings a great deal of knowledge and understanding to each character and I found each one found their way into my heart. Wonderful writing and excellent character building. I cannot wait to read the next in this series.
Jo, Phoebe, Naomi and Cathy are trans women and each have their own problems in their lives. Does Sarah really want to join the club and become Sarah full time or bury her head in the sand and carry on living as Stuart?
I have to start off by saying what a book! I found it to be quite emotional and these ladies tugged at my heartstrings for different reasons. I felt privileged to read their journey and loved the camaraderie between them.
The author brings a great deal of knowledge and understanding to each character and I found each one found their way into my heart. Wonderful writing and excellent character building. I cannot wait to read the next in this series.
October 23, 2017
Insightful look at the lives of the sisterhood. The book has been excellent at helping you to appreciate the hardships and emotional aspect of life. I have found this book an awakening.
May 17, 2016
This is the first time I have read a book about a trans person and I found it very interesting indeed. It was written from the points of view of 5 trans women, all of whom were in different stages of transitioning and who had a variety of backgrounds.
At first, I found it hard to remember which lady belonged to which job/homelife/situation and I almost got out a pen and paper to write them down so I would get them straight in my head, but I soon got caught up with the unique bond that these women shared and I found myself hoping that everything was going to work out for all of them. I love the idea of a Sisterhood, of these ladies coming together and giving each other the support and love that they were not always getting at home or in their workplaces.
As a straight woman, I have to admit that I have always taken my place in the world for granted - there were so many things that these women go through that are difficult and sometimes quite embarrassing...... e.g. if you want a pair of shoes that are stylish AND fit, then its not so easy if your feet are large and wide to boot! And that was just the least of it. I cant even imagine how hard it must be to be a certain gender but feel like you are another gender on the inside, and my heart broke more than once at the things these ladies had to endure.
Nevertheless, I think it was a positive book about a subject that most straight people don't have a clue about and Roz did a great job of giving us a little bit of insight into the world of the transgender woman.
Recommended read from me :)
With much thanks to the author and THE Book Club for letting me read a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
At first, I found it hard to remember which lady belonged to which job/homelife/situation and I almost got out a pen and paper to write them down so I would get them straight in my head, but I soon got caught up with the unique bond that these women shared and I found myself hoping that everything was going to work out for all of them. I love the idea of a Sisterhood, of these ladies coming together and giving each other the support and love that they were not always getting at home or in their workplaces.
As a straight woman, I have to admit that I have always taken my place in the world for granted - there were so many things that these women go through that are difficult and sometimes quite embarrassing...... e.g. if you want a pair of shoes that are stylish AND fit, then its not so easy if your feet are large and wide to boot! And that was just the least of it. I cant even imagine how hard it must be to be a certain gender but feel like you are another gender on the inside, and my heart broke more than once at the things these ladies had to endure.
Nevertheless, I think it was a positive book about a subject that most straight people don't have a clue about and Roz did a great job of giving us a little bit of insight into the world of the transgender woman.
Recommended read from me :)
With much thanks to the author and THE Book Club for letting me read a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 27, 2016
I went into this book with no preconceptions at all. I have had no experience, other than the occasional mention in books or on television, of the subject matter.
I honestly wasn't prepared for the fact that so many of the secondary characters throughout had what I would call old fashioned views on things. I wanted to reach into the pages on more than one occasion and slap a few of them. I know the book is fiction, but I suspect some is based on fact, and for people to hold such beliefs in this day and age is something which made me more than a little angry. The author has done a great job at showing how hard it must be for a lot of people struggling with their gender identity.
The main characters are so well written and the story flowed extremely well. In particular I loved the relationship between Naomi and Margaret. They have reached a stage in their relationship which works for them, and I wanted to give Margaret a huge hug for the understanding and compassion she showed most of the time. There were still moments where she faltered slightly, but for the most part it worked so well for them. All of the characters are endearing in their own ways, and there is not only a lot of hilarity throughout but a lot of very hard decisions to be made.
The main thing which shone out for me was the friendship these women share. Finding a friend who will be there no matter what is difficult, so finding a group of friends is like gold dust.
I instantly downloaded book two on finishing this one and look forward to reading the continuing story of characters I have fallen in love with.
I honestly wasn't prepared for the fact that so many of the secondary characters throughout had what I would call old fashioned views on things. I wanted to reach into the pages on more than one occasion and slap a few of them. I know the book is fiction, but I suspect some is based on fact, and for people to hold such beliefs in this day and age is something which made me more than a little angry. The author has done a great job at showing how hard it must be for a lot of people struggling with their gender identity.
The main characters are so well written and the story flowed extremely well. In particular I loved the relationship between Naomi and Margaret. They have reached a stage in their relationship which works for them, and I wanted to give Margaret a huge hug for the understanding and compassion she showed most of the time. There were still moments where she faltered slightly, but for the most part it worked so well for them. All of the characters are endearing in their own ways, and there is not only a lot of hilarity throughout but a lot of very hard decisions to be made.
The main thing which shone out for me was the friendship these women share. Finding a friend who will be there no matter what is difficult, so finding a group of friends is like gold dust.
I instantly downloaded book two on finishing this one and look forward to reading the continuing story of characters I have fallen in love with.
August 25, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is an engrossing book and not one that I could read fast, the detail and and depth of this book forced me to take it at a slower pace and savor the story. Roz White does an excellent job of developing and balancing her characters- not an easy thing to do when you have five heroines to juggle. But she gives us five brilliantly rounded out individuals each with their own unique voice and tale to tell. Their emotions, struggles and triumphs are all so real I found myself cheering along at times as well as crying along. This really is a book to get lost in. The story does an amazing job of focussing on the developing relationships and dynamics between the characters. There is something satisfying about seeing each of these individuals grow. By the end I really felt like I knew these characters personally and loved everyone. Seeing them all pulling together gives this book a great feel good factor. This was an easy five star for me.
This is an engrossing book and not one that I could read fast, the detail and and depth of this book forced me to take it at a slower pace and savor the story. Roz White does an excellent job of developing and balancing her characters- not an easy thing to do when you have five heroines to juggle. But she gives us five brilliantly rounded out individuals each with their own unique voice and tale to tell. Their emotions, struggles and triumphs are all so real I found myself cheering along at times as well as crying along. This really is a book to get lost in. The story does an amazing job of focussing on the developing relationships and dynamics between the characters. There is something satisfying about seeing each of these individuals grow. By the end I really felt like I knew these characters personally and loved everyone. Seeing them all pulling together gives this book a great feel good factor. This was an easy five star for me.
May 21, 2016
I received this as an arc from the book club ( tbc ) on fb in exchange for an honest review.
Five tramswomen, five lives, five sets of problems! New girl Sarah arrives in the sisterhood club just as the lives of those she meets are about to fall apart.
Wow. OMG. Wow.
Absolutely fantastic read.
CNPID.
I loved the story and the characters.
I loved all five girls.
Sarah, Naomi, Jo, Phoebe and Cathy.
They each had their own personality.
They looked out for each other.
This was a refreshing read for me.
Such a moving story too.
Absolutely loved it.
Had me gripped from start to finish.
I loved the ending too.
Can't wait for book 2.
This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book.
Definitely worth more than 5 *.
Five tramswomen, five lives, five sets of problems! New girl Sarah arrives in the sisterhood club just as the lives of those she meets are about to fall apart.
Wow. OMG. Wow.
Absolutely fantastic read.
CNPID.
I loved the story and the characters.
I loved all five girls.
Sarah, Naomi, Jo, Phoebe and Cathy.
They each had their own personality.
They looked out for each other.
This was a refreshing read for me.
Such a moving story too.
Absolutely loved it.
Had me gripped from start to finish.
I loved the ending too.
Can't wait for book 2.
This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book.
Definitely worth more than 5 *.
April 28, 2016
Cor blimey, this book is brilliant! Welcome to The Sisterhood Club, and lives of Sarah, Jo, Cathy, Phoebe and Naomi. If like me you're not trans, I can guarantee that this book will take you as close as you can get by making you see the world through the eyes of these fabulous characters. I thoroughly enjoyed a roller coaster ride of emotions, from anger to joy, and found myself really rooting for these girls and their right to live their lives as their true selves. I loved it, and when the end came, I wanted more. Can't wait to read Volume 2: Endings and Beginnings.
January 8, 2017
I loved this book from the beginning. I consider myself fairly knowledgeable and aware of all walks of life but this was a real insight into the lives of trans women. What does shine through is the support each of them gives each other and just how much support they need and also what a difficult journey it is for these women. Roz White writes in such a charming way and throughout the obvious sadness and sensitivity of the subject there is a very raw humour! I will definitely be reading the second book
October 20, 2016
I really wasn't sure what to expect with this book. Needless to say I enjoyed it
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews