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Boy
Inspired by a true story, Anna Ziegler’s BOY explores the tricky terrain of finding love amidst the confusion of sexual identity, and the inextricable bond between a doctor and patient. In the 1960s, a well-intentioned doctor convinces the parents of a male infant to raise their son as a girl after a terrible accident. Two decades later, the repercussions of that choice continue to unfold.
55 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 16, 2018
Zeigler seems to excel in creating plays based on real events (i.e., Photograph 51), and this one is not only exceptionally sad, but also based on an incredible true story, about a boy who has an unfortunate circumcision accident, and whose doctor convinces his parents that the best course of action is to raise him as a girl. The psychological damage that ensues is traced with both compassion and dramatic acuity.
June 14, 2017
This was a short and heartbreaking play that I listened to on audio. It is based on a true story which makes it all the sadder. It is about a baby boy who suffers a terrible accident and a doctor who convinces the boy’s parents to raise him as a girl. It is the doctor’s theory that we are all blank slates when we are born and our upbringing is what reinforces our sexual identity. I felt so bad for the boy and the parents and even a tiny bit for the misguided doctor.
July 2, 2017
The main character in this story was born a boy but had an accident as a baby and was left without a penis. The doctor tells the parents to raise him as a girl. He has therapy, and is made to do all "girl" things, as in dresses, girl toys, etc. He has interest in boy things and is persuaded away from them. He feels like a boy and is attracted to girls. Trying to do this doesn't stick. He reverts to be recognized as male. This is very short so it doesn't get into everything, but you do witness some of his efforts at relationships with a girl and his parents.
May 31, 2017
Another "terrible people behave badly" (and in some cases, incomprehensibly so) book, done as a theatrical production for extra cringe factor. This is based on the true story of a boy whose penis was badly damaged in an accident as a baby; his parents were advised by a prominent gender identity psychologist to surgically finish the job, so to speak, and raise him as a girl. (This sounds horrific now; I'd like to think it sounded almost as bad then, in 1967, but admittedly less was known about gender identity then.) Spoiler alert: it didn't work, and he returned to a male identity as a teen, undergoing the necessary surgeries to do so.
This could have been a sensitive and affecting story. Instead it is an uncomfortable and unpleasant one. And I suppose one could argue that theater should be uncomfortable and unpleasant, forcing us to confront our preconceptions, but mostly what this play forced me to confront was my disbelief that actual people would behave in the ways they do here. Adam - the young man raised as Samantha - is rude, doesn't respect boundaries, and is weirdly interested in his girlfriend's son. (I mean, it's not unsurprising that he would be interested, but his behavior would set off alarm bells in any mother.) Jenny is as dumb as a box of rocks and Adam's attraction to her is inexplicable. Adam's parents are as dumb as TWO boxes of rocks, and the doctor seems almost a parody. I don't know, maybe these are accurate portrayals of the characters as they actually were, but they do not make me care about these people or what happens with them, which is a shame.
This could have been a sensitive and affecting story. Instead it is an uncomfortable and unpleasant one. And I suppose one could argue that theater should be uncomfortable and unpleasant, forcing us to confront our preconceptions, but mostly what this play forced me to confront was my disbelief that actual people would behave in the ways they do here. Adam - the young man raised as Samantha - is rude, doesn't respect boundaries, and is weirdly interested in his girlfriend's son. (I mean, it's not unsurprising that he would be interested, but his behavior would set off alarm bells in any mother.) Jenny is as dumb as a box of rocks and Adam's attraction to her is inexplicable. Adam's parents are as dumb as TWO boxes of rocks, and the doctor seems almost a parody. I don't know, maybe these are accurate portrayals of the characters as they actually were, but they do not make me care about these people or what happens with them, which is a shame.
July 23, 2017
There's a line at the very beginning of this play where Adam implies that Jenny is wearing too skimpy an outfit. It put me off a bit - I didn't have a lot of drive to get back to listening to it and I felt a bit of negativity, because for all that I found the topic interesting, I needed it to make up for or explain that line.
And it didn't. Adam is super creepy. Jenny's really dumb. The doctor seemed like quite a jerk.
I really didn't like that Adam's creepy behaviour with Jenny, and perhaps his over interest in her son, wasn't better handled. Having issues yourself doesn't make it okay to be creepy to woman. And I hate that Jenny is portrayed as too dim to bring up and be concerned with his creepy behaviour.
And it didn't. Adam is super creepy. Jenny's really dumb. The doctor seemed like quite a jerk.
I really didn't like that Adam's creepy behaviour with Jenny, and perhaps his over interest in her son, wasn't better handled. Having issues yourself doesn't make it okay to be creepy to woman. And I hate that Jenny is portrayed as too dim to bring up and be concerned with his creepy behaviour.
May 25, 2017
I absolutely hated every last character in this book and could not get behind the things they did. Desperately uncomfortable and infuriating.
Two stars because it's based on something that actually happened and I suppose I can't blame the playwright for my hatred. And also because the acting was well done and very natural and I can't blame the actors for my hate either.
Two stars because it's based on something that actually happened and I suppose I can't blame the playwright for my hatred. And also because the acting was well done and very natural and I can't blame the actors for my hate either.
July 19, 2017
First Lines:
What Dazzled: I listened to the LA Theater Works production of this play and the actors did an amazing job! It’s a little weird knowing that I’m listening to a recorded play. More than anything I wish I could have seen the performance.
What Fizzled: I think it’s difficult to judge this play since I didn’t see it performed. So the only thing I can say that fizzled was listening to the play instead of experiencing it the way the author intended.
Jots and Thoughts: This was paired with Freakling by Lana Krumwiede for audiobooksync 2017. The theme is “When Others Define You”. This play is one that brings up difficult questions. Baby Sam had no ability to say what he wanted. His parents made a decision that they believed was in the best interest of their baby. I do not presume this was an easy decision to make, but why didn’t they choose to be honest from the beginning about what happened? Yes, it would have been difficult to explain to Sam, to family members, and other adults who would be in their child’s life and yes, Sam would have a difficult time in society. This story is heartbreaking. Boy is based on true events which you can read more about here.
1989~It’s the 1960s and Sam’s parents are devastated. They took their twin baby boys back to the hospital to have them circumcised when the machine malfunctions and destroys baby Sam’s penis. What can they do? How do they help their baby? They meet a doctor, who’s field of study is gender identity, who claims society not nature determines gender. He suggests raising Sam as Samantha and never telling him what happened at the hospital. Told through two narratives one in 1989 following Adam and the other set in the 1970s we follow Sam / Samantha navigate childhood and adolescence. Based on true events.
"Oh my lord!"
"I know!"
"I’m so sorry. Cindy... usually she’s got better music. I mean usually it’s not so loud."
"Hey do you recognize me?"
"What?"
"I know you. Do you know me?" p.1
What Dazzled: I listened to the LA Theater Works production of this play and the actors did an amazing job! It’s a little weird knowing that I’m listening to a recorded play. More than anything I wish I could have seen the performance.
What Fizzled: I think it’s difficult to judge this play since I didn’t see it performed. So the only thing I can say that fizzled was listening to the play instead of experiencing it the way the author intended.
Jots and Thoughts: This was paired with Freakling by Lana Krumwiede for audiobooksync 2017. The theme is “When Others Define You”. This play is one that brings up difficult questions. Baby Sam had no ability to say what he wanted. His parents made a decision that they believed was in the best interest of their baby. I do not presume this was an easy decision to make, but why didn’t they choose to be honest from the beginning about what happened? Yes, it would have been difficult to explain to Sam, to family members, and other adults who would be in their child’s life and yes, Sam would have a difficult time in society. This story is heartbreaking. Boy is based on true events which you can read more about here.
June 15, 2017
I did not know anything about this play until I started listening to it as performed by the L.A. Theatre Works. Within the first minute, however, I realized I've actually knew the true story this play is based on because I read a non-fiction book on this case earlier this year. Rather strange coincidence as the audio performance was one I got for free with no connection to the book I read a few months ago.
The audio performance was very well-done. I think hearing it rather than reading it made it better. Plays are meant to be seen, after all. However, this story is so complicated and I do not feel the hour and a half length of this play really did it justice. I did not find the character of Samantha/Adam nearly as sympathetic as when I'd read the book. The emotions were too condensed and happened too rapid fire with no real transitions. There was rarely a moment someone wasn't overly emotional. The relationship between Jenny and Adam seemed too quick and unbelievable. There was no moment where I could figure out why Jenny would be interested in him. He was fairly awful. And while it is understandable that someone who'd been through his trauma would have good reason to be awful. It's hard to find a reason for Jenny to love him.
The characters didn't seem like they got a chance to develop. A part of my thinks that had I not read "As Nature Made Him," that I would not be as harsh on this play. However, if I had not read the book, I can't help but wonder if I would have liked the play at all since the characters and situations seemed so over the top and stilted.
The audio performance was very well-done. I think hearing it rather than reading it made it better. Plays are meant to be seen, after all. However, this story is so complicated and I do not feel the hour and a half length of this play really did it justice. I did not find the character of Samantha/Adam nearly as sympathetic as when I'd read the book. The emotions were too condensed and happened too rapid fire with no real transitions. There was rarely a moment someone wasn't overly emotional. The relationship between Jenny and Adam seemed too quick and unbelievable. There was no moment where I could figure out why Jenny would be interested in him. He was fairly awful. And while it is understandable that someone who'd been through his trauma would have good reason to be awful. It's hard to find a reason for Jenny to love him.
The characters didn't seem like they got a chance to develop. A part of my thinks that had I not read "As Nature Made Him," that I would not be as harsh on this play. However, if I had not read the book, I can't help but wonder if I would have liked the play at all since the characters and situations seemed so over the top and stilted.
August 11, 2017
I obtained this book from the AudioSync summer books and with those I'm never sure what I'll get. I liked this one. Since it was a play, it converted to an audiobook really well. The actors and actresses did a great job because I found myself feeling sad for "Samantha" and the parents. There are many reviews with people being furious for the parent's choice. Personally, I didn't agree with it, but had to remember the story took place in the 60's where gender issues were a much more taboo issue then than they are now. The parents felt at the time they were making the right choice for their child. Were they wrong? Obviously, but in the listening of the story I didn't get the impression they were BAD people; just confused, naive, and scared. Now the doctor on the other hand, well, I liked him less.
Since this book is based on a true story, it made the story that much more meaningful. In today's times with such arguments regarding "Nature vs. Nurture" it was intriguing to see how one young man's life played out. Being born as a boy, but through therapy trying to transition into a girl. To me, this is the same as when people feel behavioral therapy will "cure" homosexuality. Gender identify is a hot topic and one that continues to be explored. I was pleased with the ending of the story and happy that Adam was in the body of a boy, where he felt he belonged. It also made me happy to see Jenny's acceptance.
Since this book is based on a true story, it made the story that much more meaningful. In today's times with such arguments regarding "Nature vs. Nurture" it was intriguing to see how one young man's life played out. Being born as a boy, but through therapy trying to transition into a girl. To me, this is the same as when people feel behavioral therapy will "cure" homosexuality. Gender identify is a hot topic and one that continues to be explored. I was pleased with the ending of the story and happy that Adam was in the body of a boy, where he felt he belonged. It also made me happy to see Jenny's acceptance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2024
On one level, this play can be read as a (heartbreaking) commentary or review of the ways our understanding of gender and identity have grown over the last 40 years. On another level, it can be read as part of the ongoing human conversation on the relationship between subjectivity and truth.
Just because an author bases their work on real events doesn’t mean that their sole purpose is to present those events with historical accuracy. Especially when the form of the written work is a play, and not a history. The form of the work here should guide us a bit: this isn’t about replicating a piece of history on the stage. Rather, it’s a usage of a specific history’s narrative in order to approach themes and subjects that otherwise tend to remain un-mined, out of sight and inaccessible. Their presentation on the stage invites uncertainty, room for error and improvisation, the basic need for cast and crew working together—all things that apply to our contemporary, ongoing discussions surrounding gender and identity in public discourse.
By making Boy a play rather than a novella, we’re give a work whose form and functional representation allow for this macro commentary to remain in place, maintaining the play’s cultural relevance on the topic, even as society continues to shift and evolve away from its now seemingly distant historical point of origin.
Just because an author bases their work on real events doesn’t mean that their sole purpose is to present those events with historical accuracy. Especially when the form of the written work is a play, and not a history. The form of the work here should guide us a bit: this isn’t about replicating a piece of history on the stage. Rather, it’s a usage of a specific history’s narrative in order to approach themes and subjects that otherwise tend to remain un-mined, out of sight and inaccessible. Their presentation on the stage invites uncertainty, room for error and improvisation, the basic need for cast and crew working together—all things that apply to our contemporary, ongoing discussions surrounding gender and identity in public discourse.
By making Boy a play rather than a novella, we’re give a work whose form and functional representation allow for this macro commentary to remain in place, maintaining the play’s cultural relevance on the topic, even as society continues to shift and evolve away from its now seemingly distant historical point of origin.
May 27, 2017
Ms. Zieglerʻs "Boy" is a very sensitive, powerful, challenging, potentially disturbing piece. It is the kind of work that should leave audience members thinking long after they close the cover or exit the theatre. Each character is complex, with both strength and fragility. The process of reveals builds throughout the entire play, with the reader/audience at times wondering along with the characters, and at other times, gut-twisted with knowledge that the characters donʻt have.
It is a story that can hold a mirror to the reader/audience to examine their assumptions about about the nature of gender, family, medicine/science, parenting, hope, reconciliation, and love.
The story is based on a real personʻs life; it would be an error, however, to read this as an interpretation of and/or commentary on that personʻs life. If anything, it is a call to us to consider what kinds of tragedies can befall a person, and how we respond. Ms. Ziegler has, in my opinion, written a story that places the burden of recognizing those choices and how we deal with them in our hands.
Disclaimer: i am AD/SM for a community theatre production of "Boy" in October 2017; we requested rights to produce this play because we believe so strongly in this story.
It is a story that can hold a mirror to the reader/audience to examine their assumptions about about the nature of gender, family, medicine/science, parenting, hope, reconciliation, and love.
The story is based on a real personʻs life; it would be an error, however, to read this as an interpretation of and/or commentary on that personʻs life. If anything, it is a call to us to consider what kinds of tragedies can befall a person, and how we respond. Ms. Ziegler has, in my opinion, written a story that places the burden of recognizing those choices and how we deal with them in our hands.
Disclaimer: i am AD/SM for a community theatre production of "Boy" in October 2017; we requested rights to produce this play because we believe so strongly in this story.
May 31, 2017
I received this free from SYNC, and since it's a play, it transitions well to audiobook. It's dramatic and heart wrenching.
This takes place in the 1960s-1980s and is based on a true story. Back in the 60s, a well-meaning (but rather misguided) doctor convinces 2 parents to raise their infant son as a girl, after a tragic accident. They don't tell the child that he was born a boy, like his twin brother, and instead, they try to shape him into girl using sterotypical "girl talk" and "Girl activities" to try to cultivate "female" interests.
This play explores gender identity, and the understandings of gender, from past perspectives, which were less than accurate. It's a short, painful read with touches of humor and hope.
Pages: 55
This takes place in the 1960s-1980s and is based on a true story. Back in the 60s, a well-meaning (but rather misguided) doctor convinces 2 parents to raise their infant son as a girl, after a tragic accident. They don't tell the child that he was born a boy, like his twin brother, and instead, they try to shape him into girl using sterotypical "girl talk" and "Girl activities" to try to cultivate "female" interests.
This play explores gender identity, and the understandings of gender, from past perspectives, which were less than accurate. It's a short, painful read with touches of humor and hope.
Pages: 55
September 23, 2017
I'm not sure if it was the production I listened to, but Boy didn't quite meet the (admittedly high) expectations I had for it. The premise of this play is fantastic, but it doesn't deliver all the way.
The flashback structure mostly works well. I'm fine with the main plot being romantic, although it felt like a bit of an "easy way out" for the subject matter. But Adam was creepy. I don't see any way around it! And the final scene? It seemed more about another character's change/actualization than Adam's, in a really unsatisfying way.
I'd be interested to see this staged properly. But the interest is still mostly based in the "topic" because, somewhat shockingly, the characters didn't grip me.
The flashback structure mostly works well. I'm fine with the main plot being romantic, although it felt like a bit of an "easy way out" for the subject matter. But Adam was creepy. I don't see any way around it! And the final scene? It seemed more about another character's change/actualization than Adam's, in a really unsatisfying way.
I'd be interested to see this staged properly. But the interest is still mostly based in the "topic" because, somewhat shockingly, the characters didn't grip me.
November 9, 2018
I should have pulled over and given myself a safe space to cry because WAHHHHH!!!
This play is based on a true story, that I really want to find. I hope that Adam had/has a happy life after claiming his true identity. What a horrible tragedy to befall him and his family. You know his parents were trying their best but it was a horrible mistake that could have been avoided. It was the 1960s/1970s so maybe they were doing the best they could?
The dramatization focuses on Adam’s journey. Not sure how true it is and I hope it isn’t (the manipulation by the doctor that is). But it ends on the best note possible.
If you are interested in reading this, I recommend the LA Theatre Works production that I listened to. It was fantastic!!
This play is based on a true story, that I really want to find. I hope that Adam had/has a happy life after claiming his true identity. What a horrible tragedy to befall him and his family. You know his parents were trying their best but it was a horrible mistake that could have been avoided. It was the 1960s/1970s so maybe they were doing the best they could?
The dramatization focuses on Adam’s journey. Not sure how true it is and I hope it isn’t (the manipulation by the doctor that is). But it ends on the best note possible.
If you are interested in reading this, I recommend the LA Theatre Works production that I listened to. It was fantastic!!
April 9, 2020
I have to read this play twice for class. Listed below are the two reviews:
Read #1: This play was really sweet. The narrative of going between all this different time periods was done beautifully, with good pacing. Despite all the changes in Adam's name and sexuality, the writing was expertly done that the audience was never confused. A lot of trans and other LGBTQ+ stories end sad, so I'm happy this play ended on a positive note. A beautiful love story. It also was about more than just simply Adam and his sexuality and identity. The story with the Mom, Father, and the Doctor, along with the girlfriend was just beautiful. I can't believe this was based on a true story.
Read #2: I caught some interesting new moments in this new reason, that really captured my attention. I cannot believe I missed them. The writing was better than I thought, with different moments calling to each other and repeating what each of the other moments meant. The chocolate at the beginning, the mustache, the "relevant passages". The transitions and the writing were better than I thought. After reading some dramaturgy, the play was definitely a different read. I was rooting for different people than I was the first time, in terms of supporting the parents and villainizing the doctor.
Read #1: This play was really sweet. The narrative of going between all this different time periods was done beautifully, with good pacing. Despite all the changes in Adam's name and sexuality, the writing was expertly done that the audience was never confused. A lot of trans and other LGBTQ+ stories end sad, so I'm happy this play ended on a positive note. A beautiful love story. It also was about more than just simply Adam and his sexuality and identity. The story with the Mom, Father, and the Doctor, along with the girlfriend was just beautiful. I can't believe this was based on a true story.
Read #2: I caught some interesting new moments in this new reason, that really captured my attention. I cannot believe I missed them. The writing was better than I thought, with different moments calling to each other and repeating what each of the other moments meant. The chocolate at the beginning, the mustache, the "relevant passages". The transitions and the writing were better than I thought. After reading some dramaturgy, the play was definitely a different read. I was rooting for different people than I was the first time, in terms of supporting the parents and villainizing the doctor.
June 1, 2017
Wow! A multicast audio production based on a true story, that is both horrifying and fascinating. The pain and confusion of Adam came across loud and clear. I was so angry at the doctor who took this family's tragedy and used it as a horrible experiment. I was also angry at the parents, but they put their trust in the wrong person and blindly followed the advice of an "expert". It took WAY too long for them to do the right thing.
June 25, 2017
Thank you to AudioBookSync.com for giving this play out during their summer reading program.
I really enjoyed listening to this recording. It has extremely well produced and well read. The story was heart wrenching and really addressed a lot of gender identity issues as well as the impact on all of the members of the family.
I really recommend this play to everyone as it really allows people to see multiple view points.
Happy Reading!
I really enjoyed listening to this recording. It has extremely well produced and well read. The story was heart wrenching and really addressed a lot of gender identity issues as well as the impact on all of the members of the family.
I really recommend this play to everyone as it really allows people to see multiple view points.
Happy Reading!
November 28, 2018
I enjoyed this short audio version of a play. It felt like a very quick read (listen) but a lot of questions were packed into that short time and things that really make you think about gender especially in children. It really shows the importance of how no matter what you may think you can't force a gender on someone. I like the different perspectives you get and one you might be rooting for may not be the best in the end. Recommended.
June 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this. It was an audiobook performed by the LA Theatre Troupe and it was very well-acted. The MCs journey was realistic and painful (and I think they said it was based on a true story, which is even more tragic). Adam is born a male but, after an unfortunate accident, is castrated and is forced to live as a girl, Samantha. Adam begins to feel like he isn't in the right body and his story progresses from there. While I wouldn't necessarily consider it an LGBT book, it is definitely an interesting exploration of gender and identity. I would highly recommend the audio version as this is a play and is meant to be heard, not read.
August 26, 2017
Very good look at sexual identity. In this case it is not about a gay person hiding or a transgender person wanting to transition. It is about a straight boy who feels like a boy, even though all the world tells him otherwise. I think that it really gets across the point that nobody should tell you what your sexual identity should be. Very recommended.
March 15, 2018
So timely and tough. Twin baby boys visit the doctor for a procedure and one of the boys is involved in a tragic accident that changes his life and that of his family forever. How much does nature v nurture affect a person?
May 28, 2017
Disturbing.
May 31, 2017
A very short play about intersex and what happens when science and nature don't agree.
June 5, 2017
I listened to the audiobook and it would have been better if it were in chronological order.
June 12, 2017
Sad. Disturbing thought-provoking.
June 22, 2017
Sad, sad, sad! Parents not using good judgement and ruining child's life.
July 14, 2017
This is one of those books that I think everyone needs to read. It tells a true heartbreaking story of a boy who was born a girl, but had an accident at birth. Must read!
July 26, 2017
So Good.
August 26, 2017
Short but moving. Very emotional and not always in a good way. A lot of cringeworthy moments but I think that was the point.
September 12, 2017
Wish it had taken more time to develop the characters. Interesting premise though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews