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Tall Annie: A Life in Two Genders
As a young man, Anne Graham became a Vietnam Veteran while serving in the U. S. Navy on a nuclear submarine. She opens with an incredible true story of her submarine’s rescue of a downed aircrew in the middle of a typhoon.
This is a story of how a transgender person came to be that way, and how they dealt with it while remaining a very productive and accepted member of society. Anne lays out her life from her formative years, through her time as a loving father and husband, and finally to the person she is now, a devoted and loving wife.
She deals with the formation of her sex and gender identities including no holds barred details of her transition from life as a man to life as a woman. Her story is that of a wrenching mid-life realization that forced her to deal with lifelong issues. Her insights into understanding her gender are gripping, embarrassing, humorous, and are fascinating reading.
This is a story of how a transgender person came to be that way, and how they dealt with it while remaining a very productive and accepted member of society. Anne lays out her life from her formative years, through her time as a loving father and husband, and finally to the person she is now, a devoted and loving wife.
She deals with the formation of her sex and gender identities including no holds barred details of her transition from life as a man to life as a woman. Her story is that of a wrenching mid-life realization that forced her to deal with lifelong issues. Her insights into understanding her gender are gripping, embarrassing, humorous, and are fascinating reading.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2022
40 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 27 reviews
April 27, 2023
I really liked this memoir from a local author. It’s a chronological retelling of the author’s journey from growing up as a male while longing to be a female, and finally, in mid-career transitioning. I was reminded of an earlier book, which I also enjoyed: Crossing: A Memoir by Deirdre McCloskey (1999). Thank goodness there are people who support and accept those who are compelled by biology toward a different life.
Today’s rejection of those termed “trans…” is a travesty that will soon haunt U.S. society as racism also haunts us. Wider reading of Ms Graham’s book and other books like it are needed.
Today’s rejection of those termed “trans…” is a travesty that will soon haunt U.S. society as racism also haunts us. Wider reading of Ms Graham’s book and other books like it are needed.
June 3, 2022
Amazing story
Once I started to read this book, I couldn't put it down. The story of a woman trying to live her true life while facing so many obstacles, internally and externally, is a lesson in humility, persistence, and love. Not only does the author take you along on her life's journey, she shares details of the physical and psychological challenges during her transitioning. It took a lot of courage to write this book and I'm sure it will give hope to individuals who are navigating the same set of circumstances. Who knows, it may even accelerate positive societal changes in the way we accept, embrace, and celebrate everyone's lives.
Once I started to read this book, I couldn't put it down. The story of a woman trying to live her true life while facing so many obstacles, internally and externally, is a lesson in humility, persistence, and love. Not only does the author take you along on her life's journey, she shares details of the physical and psychological challenges during her transitioning. It took a lot of courage to write this book and I'm sure it will give hope to individuals who are navigating the same set of circumstances. Who knows, it may even accelerate positive societal changes in the way we accept, embrace, and celebrate everyone's lives.
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June 1, 2022Kindle Unlimited for those who wish to add this to their Pride reading lists
November 27, 2025
This was a warm, fascinating, and honest book. My primary reason for reading this book is because I follow the author on Instagram … and I’ve become so very fond of her and her husband, Frank. I wanted to know more about Annie’s life and how she found the happiness that defines her life today.
What impressed me most about Annie’s story is how incredibly accomplished she is. Her resume and skill set are amazing, and I have the utmost respect and deep appreciation for her (and Frank’s) sacrifice and service in our military. I was also very touched by the love Annie and Frank have for their family … both their biological and adopted children.
I truly wish more people would get to know transgender people … to understand that they’re just people … and there is nothing freakish or weird about feeling that one was born and being raised as the wrong gender. Human beings are born with all kinds of things that they correct through their lives. This is no different. In this book, you’ll learn Annie’s story, which is only one in millions. We are all unique human beings.
This book is about an incredibly loving, strong, wise, and special human being … and that is first and foremost. It was what I take with me from reading Tall Annie.
I loved that the author included so many photos. They really helped to bring the story alive. Five stars for a special book.
What impressed me most about Annie’s story is how incredibly accomplished she is. Her resume and skill set are amazing, and I have the utmost respect and deep appreciation for her (and Frank’s) sacrifice and service in our military. I was also very touched by the love Annie and Frank have for their family … both their biological and adopted children.
I truly wish more people would get to know transgender people … to understand that they’re just people … and there is nothing freakish or weird about feeling that one was born and being raised as the wrong gender. Human beings are born with all kinds of things that they correct through their lives. This is no different. In this book, you’ll learn Annie’s story, which is only one in millions. We are all unique human beings.
This book is about an incredibly loving, strong, wise, and special human being … and that is first and foremost. It was what I take with me from reading Tall Annie.
I loved that the author included so many photos. They really helped to bring the story alive. Five stars for a special book.
January 18, 2025
What a *ride* this book takes you on! Anne Graham opens with a jaw-dropping story of her submarine’s rescue mission during a typhoon in Vietnam. But that’s just the beginning—this memoir dives deep into her journey of self-discovery, navigating her gender identity, and living authentically as a transgender woman. It’s raw, heartfelt, and absolutely gripping from start to finish.
Anne doesn’t hold back—she takes us through her life as a husband, father, and Navy veteran, all the way to becoming the woman she was always meant to be. Her honesty about the emotional struggles, the awkward (and sometimes funny) moments of transitioning, and her ultimate triumph is both inspiring and eye-opening.
What I loved most is how she balances vulnerability with humor. One moment, you’re tearing up at her challenges, and the next, you’re laughing along with her candid observations. Anne’s resilience and determination to stay true to herself make this more than a memoir—it’s a *celebration* of courage, family, and love.
If you love stories about breaking barriers, finding yourself, and living boldly, this one’s for you. Anne’s life is proof that being true to who you are is the ultimate act of bravery.
Anne doesn’t hold back—she takes us through her life as a husband, father, and Navy veteran, all the way to becoming the woman she was always meant to be. Her honesty about the emotional struggles, the awkward (and sometimes funny) moments of transitioning, and her ultimate triumph is both inspiring and eye-opening.
What I loved most is how she balances vulnerability with humor. One moment, you’re tearing up at her challenges, and the next, you’re laughing along with her candid observations. Anne’s resilience and determination to stay true to herself make this more than a memoir—it’s a *celebration* of courage, family, and love.
If you love stories about breaking barriers, finding yourself, and living boldly, this one’s for you. Anne’s life is proof that being true to who you are is the ultimate act of bravery.
August 7, 2022
Gender is an interesting word
I'd like Anne to be my new be best friend. She is giving the reader a look into life as both a physical male and the woman that she is. We follow her from service in the Navy, everything in between, and to the wonderful, happy life she now lives. I smiled through most of the book and cried at a little. The honesty to the people she works with and for is refreshing.
If you have questions about the process of gender reassignment, both physically and mentally, then this is the book for you.
I'd like Anne to be my new be best friend. She is giving the reader a look into life as both a physical male and the woman that she is. We follow her from service in the Navy, everything in between, and to the wonderful, happy life she now lives. I smiled through most of the book and cried at a little. The honesty to the people she works with and for is refreshing.
If you have questions about the process of gender reassignment, both physically and mentally, then this is the book for you.
October 29, 2025
An important read
This book may not be a literary masterpiece, but it is an important book to read. Knowledge is power, and I will admit that it has changed me for the better. I have always been a live and let live person and feel LGBTQ folks should have the same rights as everyone else. I have never considered homosexuality or gender dysmorphia a choice. I believe that who we are sexually is as much a part of our DNA as our eye color or which hand is dominant. In her book, Annie beautifully paints a picture of what it is like to walk in her shoes. She shares the pain and life experience that went into reaching her decision to transition, as well as the joy she feels now living as her true self. I have had transexual colleagues and I will be honest and say that I always felt awkward around them. After reading this book, I feel that in the future, I will be more compassionate and accepting. Regardless of what a DNA test might say, Annie is a very wise and compassionate woman and her decision to share her store is powerful and brave, and I thank her for it.
This book may not be a literary masterpiece, but it is an important book to read. Knowledge is power, and I will admit that it has changed me for the better. I have always been a live and let live person and feel LGBTQ folks should have the same rights as everyone else. I have never considered homosexuality or gender dysmorphia a choice. I believe that who we are sexually is as much a part of our DNA as our eye color or which hand is dominant. In her book, Annie beautifully paints a picture of what it is like to walk in her shoes. She shares the pain and life experience that went into reaching her decision to transition, as well as the joy she feels now living as her true self. I have had transexual colleagues and I will be honest and say that I always felt awkward around them. After reading this book, I feel that in the future, I will be more compassionate and accepting. Regardless of what a DNA test might say, Annie is a very wise and compassionate woman and her decision to share her store is powerful and brave, and I thank her for it.
December 18, 2025
Ann Graham is a 74 year old transgender/transsexual woman. She has become a spokesperson for transgender rights especially attempting to dissolve some of the hated and disinformation about transgender and transsexual individuals. She has been happily married to a former Lt Colonel in the Army for almost 25 years.
This book is well written and reads easily.
I found her reasons for why she thinks she/he had feelings of always wanting to be a girl very interesting. She did not transition until she was 45 years old after having two failed marriages and two sons. There was a lot of heartache. Through all this she was a Navy Petty Officer on submarines and later an engineer for many large corporations. She was always a competent,intelligent and hard working Engineer. This is why she wrote her story. She wanted to share transgender and transsexual people are not freaks They are highly contributing members of society.
This book is well written and reads easily.
I found her reasons for why she thinks she/he had feelings of always wanting to be a girl very interesting. She did not transition until she was 45 years old after having two failed marriages and two sons. There was a lot of heartache. Through all this she was a Navy Petty Officer on submarines and later an engineer for many large corporations. She was always a competent,intelligent and hard working Engineer. This is why she wrote her story. She wanted to share transgender and transsexual people are not freaks They are highly contributing members of society.
November 14, 2025
This book gave me more insight into the challenge of being our own self. I continue to adhere to the same psychological thought "do not judge until you have walked in their shoes". We should treat each person as we would like to be treated. I think that Anne Graham has created a happier person by becoming herself. Of course, she had many experiences, choices, and heartache to make her path. Myself, being a female heterosexual in my late 70s I commend Anne's path in her life. The entire story of her life history was very revealing and interesting to me. It highlights the obstacles in her path and how she navigated them. She was always a productive person within her careers (both military and corporate) and, also, her community service. Thank you, Anne, for sharing your life story.
June 5, 2022
This book gives the reader an intensely personal look into a lifetime of experiences. If you, the reader has ever wondered how an individual could walk through their life feeling somehow that their birth gender wasn’t the one they were meant to be…Anne Graham has bravely, with humor and candor taken you through that journey. If we are willing to acknowledge that we all want the same things from this life: to be accepted for who we truly are, love yourself, be loved and to be an asset to wherever you call home, you will rejoice with this incredible ride. Tall Annie is exactly where she is meant to be !!
September 2, 2025
I’m a bit biased since this book was written by an acquaintance of my mom’s from the local Red Cross, but this book was wonderful! It’s filled with well picked pictures from throughout the writer’s life and has plenty of interesting anecdotes of her experiences from before and after transitioning. The book has a generally fun and informal tone, which kept it engaging throughout.
In a sea of memoirs that are heavy and depressing, it was refreshing to read something that leaned more towards the positive.
In a sea of memoirs that are heavy and depressing, it was refreshing to read something that leaned more towards the positive.
November 5, 2025
An honest and captivating life story
I was totally drawn in to Annie's story. It is an honest and open account of her life. I am the same age as Annie and although I grew up in the UK not the USA, I can understand the attitudes and constraints of that era. I am so full of admiration for the strength she has shown in overcoming the many challenges and setbacks she has been faced with for so many years.,and I am so happy that she and Frank have such a wonderful and contented life together. I thoroughly recommend this book.
I was totally drawn in to Annie's story. It is an honest and open account of her life. I am the same age as Annie and although I grew up in the UK not the USA, I can understand the attitudes and constraints of that era. I am so full of admiration for the strength she has shown in overcoming the many challenges and setbacks she has been faced with for so many years.,and I am so happy that she and Frank have such a wonderful and contented life together. I thoroughly recommend this book.
December 4, 2025
Tall Annie is a fantastic overhead view of this subject!!
I really enjoyed this book and felt that it was very well written very very clear. I haven’t read a lot of books on this subject, but Annie‘s book really made it make sense in a way that it never has before. I don’t struggle with these issues and being a curious person I was very curious and I think Annie did a fabulous job of explaining it And she made me believe that it is truly a core issue for individual people. God bless you, Annie thank you.
I really enjoyed this book and felt that it was very well written very very clear. I haven’t read a lot of books on this subject, but Annie‘s book really made it make sense in a way that it never has before. I don’t struggle with these issues and being a curious person I was very curious and I think Annie did a fabulous job of explaining it And she made me believe that it is truly a core issue for individual people. God bless you, Annie thank you.
February 28, 2024
Deeply personal and honest memoir.
From her formative years to her time in the Navy and her impressive career, Anne shares her journey of becoming the person she was meant to be. Writing one's life story takes courage, and I applaud Anne for sharing hers with us. The book is accompanied by photographs that add to the reading experience. I particularly enjoyed the chapters where she met Frank and the photographs from their wedding day. I'm glad Anne found her happiness.
From her formative years to her time in the Navy and her impressive career, Anne shares her journey of becoming the person she was meant to be. Writing one's life story takes courage, and I applaud Anne for sharing hers with us. The book is accompanied by photographs that add to the reading experience. I particularly enjoyed the chapters where she met Frank and the photographs from their wedding day. I'm glad Anne found her happiness.
November 4, 2025
Blessed to read your story.
As a mother to gay children who have always supported transgender people … I did not. Your story and your tremendous talent for writing with humor, honesty and great detail have softened my opinion. You are a strong, lovely woman, wife and mother who has survived living in a man’s world facing so much in so any ways. I’m so proud to have read this book and learn about your life. Happy for you and Frank.
As a mother to gay children who have always supported transgender people … I did not. Your story and your tremendous talent for writing with humor, honesty and great detail have softened my opinion. You are a strong, lovely woman, wife and mother who has survived living in a man’s world facing so much in so any ways. I’m so proud to have read this book and learn about your life. Happy for you and Frank.
June 3, 2023
Thank you Anne for letting us into your life. Your two lives are amazingly meaningful and beautiful. I’m glad you found your happy place with your wonderful family and friends. Also thank you for explaining and being transparent about changing your gender. Even though you went though a lot to get there, you never gave up. Your tenacity is admirable and show that you are a very strong person.
October 11, 2025
insightful view of gender dysphobia
The book is done in a tasteful and non “push it in your face” approach to explaining this topic. I had little exposure and awareness before reading this and I found it fascinating to read and understand.
The book is done in a tasteful and non “push it in your face” approach to explaining this topic. I had little exposure and awareness before reading this and I found it fascinating to read and understand.
August 1, 2022
Deeply personal
Tall Annie is incredibly honest and personal. I feel like I know Annie and I admire her immensely. Highly recommend!
Tall Annie is incredibly honest and personal. I feel like I know Annie and I admire her immensely. Highly recommend!
November 8, 2022
Thank you Annie!! What a powerful book and an inspiration for life.
October 7, 2025
Such an interesting story! Well written Annie!
November 27, 2025
Good for Anne for telling her story - may many people read it and learn!
July 8, 2023
Incredibly enlightening.
I always thought I was an open person, but I have never quite understood Caitlyn Jenners (sorry to use such a cliche example) transition. It makes so much sense now. Sooo much makes sense now.
I always thought I was an open person, but I have never quite understood Caitlyn Jenners (sorry to use such a cliche example) transition. It makes so much sense now. Sooo much makes sense now.
October 30, 2025
I’ve got to say that this was one of the most well written books. Nothing was held back. She told it like it was. A little heavy on submarines and semiconductors, etc., business aspects but overall, most interesting.
June 21, 2022
Tall Annie
A remarkable story of a true life (adventure)! Strength and resilience personified! A view of life lived in a much different way but valuable none the less!
A remarkable story of a true life (adventure)! Strength and resilience personified! A view of life lived in a much different way but valuable none the less!
February 25, 2025
I've read a number of books and stories that describe the paths taken by ex-Navy nuke submariners, a group that includes me. Annie Graham's path was, and is, quite different than most. Possibly unique, I don't know. It's a story well worth reading. Kudos to a Brother --> Sister of the 'Phin.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 27 reviews