Synopses & Reviews
Seventeen-year-old Arin Andrews shares all the hilarious, painful, and poignant details of undergoing gender reassignment as a high school student in this winning memoir.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;Weand#8217;ve all felt uncomfortable in our own skin at some point, and weand#8217;ve all been told that and#8220;itand#8217;s just a part of growing up.and#8221; But for Arin Andrews, it wasnand#8217;t a phase that would pass. He had been born in the body of a girl and there seemed to be no relief in sightand#8230;andlt;BRandgt; andlt;BRandgt;In this revolutionary memoir, Arin details the journey that led him to make the life-transforming decision to undergo gender reassignment as a high school junior. In his captivatingly witty, honest voice, Arin reveals the challenges he faced as a girl, the humiliation and anger he felt after getting kicked out of his private school, and all the changesand#8212;both mental and physicaland#8212;he experienced once his transition began. Arin also writes about the thrill of meeting and dating a young transgender woman named Katie Hilland#8230;and the heartache that followed after they broke up.andlt;BRandgt; andlt;BRandgt;andlt;Iandgt;Some Assembly Requiredandlt;/Iandgt; is a true coming-of-age story about knocking down obstacles and embracing family, friendship, and first love. But more than that, it is a reminder that self-acceptance does not come ready-made with a manual and spare parts. Rather, some assembly is always required.
Review
and#8220;This is a brave book that handles complicated and sensitive topics honestly and, at times, with humor.and#8221;
Review
and#8220;[A] plainspoken and sometimes humorous memoirand#8230;background information about societal gender expectations and physical transition processes fit in easily among typical teenage concerns like love, heartbreak and prom. Friendly and informative.and#8221;
Review
and#8220;How do you begin to understand who you are when you donand#8217;t even know the word for it, and no one else in your community does either? Arin Andrews has found the words now, and theyand#8217;re poignant and startling.and#8221;
Review
and#8220;Arinand#8217;s gutsy and important coming-of-age memoir is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt alone, marginalized, or and#8216;other.and#8217; Sad, funny, and completely real.and#8221;
Review
"[Arin Andrews] writes frankly and bravely about his transition and romantic relationships. This nonfiction account...is enlightening."
Review
"Teens will feel for [Arin], root for him, and learn a lot about the costs and complexities of gender transition."
About the Author
Arin Andrews graduated from high school in 2014. He enjoys hiking, camping, and motocross. andlt;iandgt;Some Assembly Requiredandlt;/iandgt; is his first book. Arin lives in Oklahoma. Visit him on YouTube (RockClimber712), Instagram (@ArinAndrews), Facebook (Facebook.com/ArinAndrews), and Twitter (@Arin_Andrews).