Sissy
A Coming-of-Gender Story
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4.3 • 55 Ratings
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
THE NATIONAL BESTSELLER
"Transformative ... If Tobia aspires to the ranks of comic memoirists like David Sedaris and Mindy Kaling, Sissy succeeds." --The New York Times Book Review
A heart-wrenching, eye-opening, and giggle-inducing memoir about what it's like to grow up not sure if you're (a) a boy, (b) a girl, (c) something in between, or (d) all of the above.
"A beautiful book . . . honest and funny."--Trevor Noah, The Daily Show
"Sensational."--Tyler Oakley
"Jacob Tobia is a force." --Good Morning America
"A trans Nora Ephron . . . both honest and didactic." --OUT Magazine
"A rallying cry for anyone who's ever felt like they don't belong." --Woman's Day
As a young child in North Carolina, Jacob Tobia wasn't the wrong gender, they just had too much of the stuff. Barbies? Yes. Playing with bugs? Absolutely. Getting muddy? Please. Princess dresses? You betcha. Jacob wanted it all, but because they were "a boy," they were told they could only have the masculine half. Acting feminine labelled them "a sissy" and brought social isolation.
It took Jacob years to discover that being "a sissy" isn't something to be ashamed of. It's a source of pride. Following Jacob through bullying and beauty contests, from Duke University to the United Nations to the podiums of the Methodist church--not to mention the parlors of the White House--this unforgettable memoir contains multitudes. A deeply personal story of trauma and healing, a powerful reflection on gender and self-acceptance, and a hilarious guidebook for wearing tacky clip-on earrings in today's world, Sissy guarantees you'll never think about gender--both other people's and your own--the same way again.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Jacob Tobia isn’t here for your gender binary, and Sissy isn’t like any trans coming-out story you’ve heard before. For one thing, there’s no linear progression from one gender to another. (Like many of us, Tobia’s life hasn’t followed a smooth, predictable path.) Also, the book is seriously funny—because Tobia is funny—in addition to being poignant. The actor, producer, writer, and activist chronicles their meandering journey to genderqueer self-love with joy and deeply irreverent humor. It’s an inspiring and satisfying must-read, especially for anyone who literally can’t with checking a box for “male” or “female.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
TV producer and performer Tobia, who uses the pronouns "they/them," recounts their journey from shy, closeted gender-nonconforming kid to out-and-proud young genderqueer LGBTQ activist in this hilarious and candid memoir. Tobia thoughtfully and accessibly captures the anguish of being placed inside boxes that don't fit how "gender hurts us all" by creating prisons of identity, with both kids and adults policing and bullying those who fail to conform. Tobia was raised Methodist and writes perceptively on the evolution of their relationship with the church, from feeling "unequivocally and unconditionally loved" as a child (a story about coming out to a youth pastor is particularly touching) to finding it less than inclusive as a teen. Their identity was evolving during that time, too; Tobia humorously recalls the inner turmoil and sheer joy of acquiring their first pair of high heels and "strutting around in a McDonald's parking lot." In college, Tobia glimpsed gender freedom on a camping trip, in queer groups, and among friends, while facing down a rigidly binary, stereotype-driven gender culture on campus. While older readers may feel the book includes too much of the minutiae of college life, Tobia's outspoken refusal to be bound by social constrictions is admirable, and their funny, sometimes raunchy voice is a charming bonus.
Customer Reviews
Everyone should read this book
Love it!
Just Incredible
As a Gender Nonbinary Pullo Muslim person, I cannot begin to express how much of an effect this book has had on my life. Jacob being so authentic in their truth and being so open to sharing their light really has transformed my life for the better. I felt so acknowledged, loved, and respected in every single one of these pages. This is a must-read. 🤎