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Girl Shock! I dressed as a girl for Halloween but then she took over my life!
Self-discovery. Sexuality. Trans. LGBTQ. Gender Fluidity. Drag. Kinky Sex. Love. Lust. Entertainment. Rock & Roll. Even Comics. This book has it all, and it is all true. Girl Shock! I Dressed As A Girl For Halloween But Then She Took Over My Life It was all supposed to be for a costume. Maria Konner takes you on her journey from living a frustrated and bored straight-dude life in the 'burbs to becoming a fabulous trans entertainer in San Francisco. She also begins to discover herself sexually after a Halloween costume feels better than she ever imagined. What starts as a lark, quickly becomes a lifestyle. Told in a frank and entertaining manner, Maria details her experiences at Diva's, the legendary trans bar located two blocks from her new apartment. There, she enters into a world of alternative lifestyles, sexual experimentation, crossdressing, and hardcore kink as she tests the boundaries of her sexuality. At the same time, she examines the changing concept of femininity within herself and launches her online video series Under the Golden Gate as a performer, host, and producer. Girl Shock also takes you inside the underground of San Francisco for a true insider's look at art, music, performance, and humanity. It is full of pictures and links to her favorite videos from the Under the Golden Gate library. Join Maria Konner on this raunchy, wild ride to self-discovery and get Girl Shocked!
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Published May 10, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 6, 2021
As I've said before, this is my year of memoirs. In Girl Shock, Maria Konnor shares her intimate, and sometimes graphic, experience of her exploration of her sexuality and gender identity.
This book is full of photos as well as links to videos and I loved all of the mediums used to tell the story, even a little bit of a graphic novel thrown in. More than anything, I appreciated her candor. As a cis woman, I have felt confused by the trans world. Maria gives an intimate, honest look into her life, her feelings, her thoughts which helped shed light on what has been confusing to me.
Maria also was transparent in pointing out that this is HER journey, and just like with anything, no two people follow the same path and feel or experience the same things.
For those of us (🙋🏼♀️) who may not be familiar with all the vocabulary, she adds footnotes to explain pretty much everything. I found that to be so helpful!
Lastly, there are some very graphic sections. She calls them "sordid details" and they are clearly sectioned off for you to easily skip. But, I'm nosey and that stuff is spicy 🔥. All the peppers on the spice-o-meter
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book is full of photos as well as links to videos and I loved all of the mediums used to tell the story, even a little bit of a graphic novel thrown in. More than anything, I appreciated her candor. As a cis woman, I have felt confused by the trans world. Maria gives an intimate, honest look into her life, her feelings, her thoughts which helped shed light on what has been confusing to me.
Maria also was transparent in pointing out that this is HER journey, and just like with anything, no two people follow the same path and feel or experience the same things.
For those of us (🙋🏼♀️) who may not be familiar with all the vocabulary, she adds footnotes to explain pretty much everything. I found that to be so helpful!
Lastly, there are some very graphic sections. She calls them "sordid details" and they are clearly sectioned off for you to easily skip. But, I'm nosey and that stuff is spicy 🔥. All the peppers on the spice-o-meter
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 2, 2021
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“Girl Shock” is a unique memoir and unlike anything you would have read in your life, and it was fascinating.
One of the main reasons I love reading diverse books is to learn something new and be inspired. The memoir is a beautiful tale about a man who doesn’t know where he fits into the LGBTQ spectrum when he decides to dress as a girl for Halloween and realizes he enjoys it a lot. The author also opened my eyes to the differences between drag queens and trans people. I felt like I was right next to the author as she started exploring her new side as Maria. One of the best moments in the story is actually in the second half when she battles with herself and wonders if she continues as Maria or goes back to being “the Dude.”
There are also some interesting side characters like Sebastian and Diane, who added nicely to the storylines. For some reason, I also found Professor Danarama hilarious. Moreover, I love how the author executed the book. There are many pictures, comic strips, video conversations, and so much more. The author adds multiple formats of storytelling which made the story friendly and so entertaining to read.
However, I was irked by some of the graphic content. While I admire the author being honest about her life and the various challenges, as the author herself mentions, there are a lot of sordid scenes. Some of them were too graphic for my taste and tainted my perception, but just a tad. However, I admire the author for categorizing this nicely to avoid it and move on with the story.
Overall, “Girl Shock” is a fascinating story that people should read to understand their lives and struggles.
October 19, 2021
This is a memoir where Maria takes us on the 14 year journey of her life after a house in the burbs and a husband-wife relationship doesn’t work out.
Maria moves to San Francisco and shares about her experiences and thoughts as she embraces her life as a t(transgender)-girl.
This is a great multimedia book because you get QR codes throughout the read that has video interviews, music and more. There are really wonderful drawings, Maria’s early life history presented in comic book style, and my personal favorite part of any memoir, photos.
This book is heavy on sexuality, so the extra spicy parts are in sections labeled “Sordid Details” which I very much appreciate because I feel like the author is being respectful of the reader who may not want to know every intimate bit of a stranger’s business.
I especially enjoyed when Maria shares her experiences as she is researching and deciding if she should totally transition away from being The Dude (her name for her male self).
A fascinating read from a person who loves San Francisco and the community where she can feel herself.
Maria moves to San Francisco and shares about her experiences and thoughts as she embraces her life as a t(transgender)-girl.
This is a great multimedia book because you get QR codes throughout the read that has video interviews, music and more. There are really wonderful drawings, Maria’s early life history presented in comic book style, and my personal favorite part of any memoir, photos.
This book is heavy on sexuality, so the extra spicy parts are in sections labeled “Sordid Details” which I very much appreciate because I feel like the author is being respectful of the reader who may not want to know every intimate bit of a stranger’s business.
I especially enjoyed when Maria shares her experiences as she is researching and deciding if she should totally transition away from being The Dude (her name for her male self).
A fascinating read from a person who loves San Francisco and the community where she can feel herself.
October 31, 2021
This is a memoir Maria wrote about her transition from “The Dude” (as she referred to him) to the Maria she was meant to be. As someone who is not very familiar with the transgender community, but who firmly believes everyone should be who they are meant to be, I loved how candid Maria is in her book. She did not hold back any details, even has some pictures and cartoons. Throughout the book, she even adds footnotes to ensure the reader gets familiar with terms they may not know. I very highly recommend this book.
September 27, 2021
Girl Shock! I dressed as a girl for Halloween but then she took over my life!
Author, Maria Konner
Publisher, Under the Golden Gate Media
Pub date: May 1, 2021
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours, Maria Konner, and Under the Golden Gate Media for my #gifted copy and the opportunity to participate in this tour!
This is just one of the many reasons that I love to read! It's an endless opportunity to learn about other people, their experiences, and the opportunity to expand our understanding and empathy as readers.
Girl Shock is a memoir written by Maria Konner, formerly known as The Dude, and her journey from a bored suburban married man to becoming a fabulous transgender entertainer. It is a "shockingly" raw, intimate, and hilarious account of her transformation and experiences that were told with an unbelievable amount of candor and bravery.
~ "Self- discovery. Sexuality. Trans. LGBTQ. Gender Identity. Drag. Kinky sex. Love. Lust. Entertainment. Rock & Roll. Even comes. This book has it all and it's all true." ~
What was unique about this memoir wasn't just the content, it was the way in which Maria chose to share her journey- through stories and experiences, yes- but also through comics, pictures, definitions, footnotes, QR codes, and "sordid details" sections that were graphic content warnings. What was also particularly admirable about Maria's writing was her transparency. She began by explaining to the reader that this journey is her journey and hers alone- her experiences, her feelings, her transformation, her identity- never to be compared or placed in someone else's assumed and checked off box.
Maria also guides her readers into underground San Francisco for an exclusive peek into art and music as she launches her online video series Under the Golden Gate as a performer, host, and producer. I watched several of her videos and she is quite talented!
A wild ride for anyone interesting in learning more about Maria's transformation and of this fabulous community of individuals!
Author, Maria Konner
Publisher, Under the Golden Gate Media
Pub date: May 1, 2021
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours, Maria Konner, and Under the Golden Gate Media for my #gifted copy and the opportunity to participate in this tour!
This is just one of the many reasons that I love to read! It's an endless opportunity to learn about other people, their experiences, and the opportunity to expand our understanding and empathy as readers.
Girl Shock is a memoir written by Maria Konner, formerly known as The Dude, and her journey from a bored suburban married man to becoming a fabulous transgender entertainer. It is a "shockingly" raw, intimate, and hilarious account of her transformation and experiences that were told with an unbelievable amount of candor and bravery.
~ "Self- discovery. Sexuality. Trans. LGBTQ. Gender Identity. Drag. Kinky sex. Love. Lust. Entertainment. Rock & Roll. Even comes. This book has it all and it's all true." ~
What was unique about this memoir wasn't just the content, it was the way in which Maria chose to share her journey- through stories and experiences, yes- but also through comics, pictures, definitions, footnotes, QR codes, and "sordid details" sections that were graphic content warnings. What was also particularly admirable about Maria's writing was her transparency. She began by explaining to the reader that this journey is her journey and hers alone- her experiences, her feelings, her transformation, her identity- never to be compared or placed in someone else's assumed and checked off box.
Maria also guides her readers into underground San Francisco for an exclusive peek into art and music as she launches her online video series Under the Golden Gate as a performer, host, and producer. I watched several of her videos and she is quite talented!
A wild ride for anyone interesting in learning more about Maria's transformation and of this fabulous community of individuals!
August 14, 2021
Self-discovery. Sexuality. Trans. LGBTQ. Gender Fluidity. Drag. Kinky Sex. Love. Lust. Entertainment. Rock & Roll. Even Comics.
This book has it all, and it is all true.
Mini
I am not a big memoir reader because I read to escape reality not to learn about how harsh the world can be. Maria Konner's life story stands apart from any memoir I have ever read in a good way. A man goes from being bored in life and his marriage to being trans and part of LGBTQ. We as readers get to follow along with all of the changes Maria makes in her life from dressing up to sexual experimenting.
This book is not for the faint of heart, and Maria has kindly labeled sections in the chapters Sordid Details. So you know when you see the gray boxes that's your sign to skip ahead if you don't want to know. Let me tell you these parts are VERY detailed, but that's what makes the book so fascinating. She is finding out what works for her and what doesn't in her new life.
I like that the story is full of pictures of not only Maria, but the people she met and the friends she made along the way. The comics at the beginning of the book was also a nice touch!
This one is available now!
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and Author Maria Konner for my copy!
Book Rating: 4/5
Wine Pairing: St Supéry Sauvignon Blanc
This book has it all, and it is all true.
Mini
I am not a big memoir reader because I read to escape reality not to learn about how harsh the world can be. Maria Konner's life story stands apart from any memoir I have ever read in a good way. A man goes from being bored in life and his marriage to being trans and part of LGBTQ. We as readers get to follow along with all of the changes Maria makes in her life from dressing up to sexual experimenting.
This book is not for the faint of heart, and Maria has kindly labeled sections in the chapters Sordid Details. So you know when you see the gray boxes that's your sign to skip ahead if you don't want to know. Let me tell you these parts are VERY detailed, but that's what makes the book so fascinating. She is finding out what works for her and what doesn't in her new life.
I like that the story is full of pictures of not only Maria, but the people she met and the friends she made along the way. The comics at the beginning of the book was also a nice touch!
This one is available now!
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and Author Maria Konner for my copy!
Book Rating: 4/5
Wine Pairing: St Supéry Sauvignon Blanc
August 6, 2021
This memoir is amazing! Maria Konner has provided the reader with such a genuine view of her life, and it’s an amazing journey. I’m so appreciative I had the chance to read this!
“We all create a huge impact that we can’t measure. Of course, when you’re changing your sex and entertaining folks, your presence tends to hit a little harder!” - Girl Shock! by Maria Konner
There were so many wonderful comments from Maria throughout the book. I really loved this one above. She’s talking about how a trans person impacted her as a child, and how in turn she may be impacting others. I loved that whole section.
Maria’s memoir takes the reader into the lifestyle that Maria held. We get introduced to different LGBTQ persons throughout the story, and Maria is so kind to add footnotes to ensure that there is no confusion between the different people she is talking about. I really found this helpful, as there were a lot of terms that I didn’t realize the true meaning of.
She also provides some amazing photos throughout the book that just made this feel like I was sitting with her on a couch have a conversation with her and a photo album.
I would recommend this book to any reader interested in learning more about the LGBTQ community and one amazing person’s transformation.
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
“We all create a huge impact that we can’t measure. Of course, when you’re changing your sex and entertaining folks, your presence tends to hit a little harder!” - Girl Shock! by Maria Konner
There were so many wonderful comments from Maria throughout the book. I really loved this one above. She’s talking about how a trans person impacted her as a child, and how in turn she may be impacting others. I loved that whole section.
Maria’s memoir takes the reader into the lifestyle that Maria held. We get introduced to different LGBTQ persons throughout the story, and Maria is so kind to add footnotes to ensure that there is no confusion between the different people she is talking about. I really found this helpful, as there were a lot of terms that I didn’t realize the true meaning of.
She also provides some amazing photos throughout the book that just made this feel like I was sitting with her on a couch have a conversation with her and a photo album.
I would recommend this book to any reader interested in learning more about the LGBTQ community and one amazing person’s transformation.
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
November 20, 2021
Maria Konner packs everything into her memoir. There are cartoons, photos, illustrations, and of course her story.
Is her story unique? No, but how she presents it makes it stand out. She talks about all of her firsts as a girl and sometimes in great detail. (wink) Konner is also funny. She was open to new experiences and life around her and luckily for us she is pretty self-aware.
I feel like I can go to San Francisco and walk her footsteps, but definitely not in heels. Girl Shock is a love affair with the city and with the rainbow community.
Girl Shock reads like you are sitting at the bar listening to someone who hasn’t been back in awhile reminiscing about people and places. Konner is a definite name dropper. “Do you remember so and so...they used to hang outside Divas smoking cigars? Well I gotta story for you….” You listen because it's entertaining and maybe they will mention a place, person, or experience you are familiar with.
Konner takes us on her journey of self-awareness. It’s funny, cringing, and best of all entertaining. Girl Shock isn’t a shocker, but it is definitely worth a read.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
Is her story unique? No, but how she presents it makes it stand out. She talks about all of her firsts as a girl and sometimes in great detail. (wink) Konner is also funny. She was open to new experiences and life around her and luckily for us she is pretty self-aware.
I feel like I can go to San Francisco and walk her footsteps, but definitely not in heels. Girl Shock is a love affair with the city and with the rainbow community.
Girl Shock reads like you are sitting at the bar listening to someone who hasn’t been back in awhile reminiscing about people and places. Konner is a definite name dropper. “Do you remember so and so...they used to hang outside Divas smoking cigars? Well I gotta story for you….” You listen because it's entertaining and maybe they will mention a place, person, or experience you are familiar with.
Konner takes us on her journey of self-awareness. It’s funny, cringing, and best of all entertaining. Girl Shock isn’t a shocker, but it is definitely worth a read.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
September 6, 2021
This book is all about some serious self discovery. It's fascinating and raw and at times, hilarious. I love the pictures and cartoons throughout the book. They just add that little bit of oomph to paint a complete picture.
I will say that this book is not for everyone. It's a very in depth, in your face look at the San Francisco rainbow community. It's brutally honest and very descriptive. Love. Lust. Kinky sex. Sordid details sections with ALL the dirty deets.
Such a wild ride!
I will say that this book is not for everyone. It's a very in depth, in your face look at the San Francisco rainbow community. It's brutally honest and very descriptive. Love. Lust. Kinky sex. Sordid details sections with ALL the dirty deets.
Such a wild ride!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews