I did not know what to expect when I picked up this book. I hoped for something thoughtful and self-aware, something becoming of an MD. Fortunately, Hassouri did not disappoint. She shows an incredible, heartfelt openness that transcends her education and professional training.
In many ways, this memoir can be used as an exemplar of supportive parenting. Likewise, it can be used as a guide of how to be rigorously honest in one’s writing. She does not sugarcoat her initial mistakes, nor does she shy away from expressing how painful the process of transitioning was. She does not hide behind religiosity or vain sentiment, but embraces the journey of her daughter in expressing who she feels that she really is.
I have never had a close relationship with a transgender person, but I find myself more eager to listen to their stories after this book. Hassouri can guide us not only as parents but also developmentally by virtue of her medical education. Her book is a good first stab at how we as a society can deal with these issues in a healthy manner. It also provides a good look at the hardships transgender people go through just to express themselves freely. By expressing her transition from closed-minded to open-minded, Hassouri elicits our empathy to all sides affected.
This book has obvious application to those close to the transgender community. Further, all parents can learn something from Hassouri’s tale – how to support their children to develop their own vision for their own lives. It also has reach to those – like teachers, social workers, counselors, and clergy – who are responsible for raising up the next generation. Many people, like myself, don’t have solid answers (yet) for how to deal with this community in a healthy manner. This book fosters discussion about how we develop positive policies. I know I, for one, am grateful for Hassouri’s honest storytelling.
Found in Transition: A Mother’s Evolution During Her Child’s Gender Change
By Paria Hassouri
Copyright (c) 2020
New World Library
ISBN13 9781608687084
Page Count: 215
Genre: Memoir
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