I’m a Christian homeschooling mom. I was already skeptical of the morals being taught in most public schools, including the way that “lgbt” issues are handled. This book shocked even me, and I think that most secular people would be horrified about what is really going on with our kids, especially with teenage girls. This book is secular, and I had some disagreements with the author on that basis. I don’t think she realizes that the science that she believes around the issue of homosexuality is just as politicized and activism-driven, for example. That said, maybe some curious non-religious folks will be more open to hearing this info from someone who generally supports the LGBT movement. Very much enjoyed. Very much convicted me in our decision to homeschool. ( )

Once you go beyond the false pearl clutching and cancel culture hysterics this book actually has a lot to offer. Shrier isn't an expert on psychology nor pretends to be, but allows those who shared their stories to be heard. This work was far less a look at transgender culture and dysphoria itself and focuses on those that instead manipulate both, turning them in to a social subculture with harsh and rigid stereotypical ideals. "Transtrenders" as I've heard people call it. The argument being made is simply: Because you, as a female, don't fit in to prescribed gender roles or what people perceive as feminine it just means you're you. You don't have to rush out to give yourself a title and subculture just because you prefer sports over tea parties and dolls. Be yourself. Shrier also gives space to pointing out the pressure to conform and how cancel culture plays such a deep role in pushing this boxed in sex role stereotype at growing girls and young women trying to navigate the world. How it often tries to negate both lesbians and a more natural emotional/mental progression of identity and maturity through false psychology and peer pressure. There's also the broaching of the problem with girls and women's spaces and outlets being taken away more and more often by overreaching identity politics and the need for safe spaces that aren't subject to pop culture whim.

Overall it wasn't a deep investigation of transperson issues but an honest look at things in a twisting of trans identity issues, largely from those whom have gone through it themselves, family members dealing with the phenomena, the bullying and cancel culture mindset that goes on inside, the ostracizing done on those who don't conform and even those persons ostracizing their own friends and family for not conforming. There is a lot of flap over this one by cancel culture fainting couch pseudo intellectuals but at the end of the day these are issues that need talking about and censorship doesn't accomplish anything versus people willing to speak up. ( )

An absolute must read if you have a daughter. I feel every adult should read this.

This balanced, compassionate, and fair book will help crystallize your thinking. ( )

Excellent writer helping make the subject accessible. The book helps you to understand what is going on amongst teen girls and transgender issues. ( )

An excellent and necessary study into the social contagion into which so many young girls are getting caught up. The author treats the subject fairly, noting that she supports many adults who identify as trans and interviews some for this book. The evidence she presents cannot be denied, however, showing that many young girls *are* feeling pressured to give up their identity as girls. There are many reasons: girls coming from middle-class white families looking for an identity as a minority in a society that places high value on such identity; girls raised in progressive households looking to push whatever boundaries they can find in acts of rebellion; the way we've raised kids today to believe that happiness must be a constant state of mind and, when uncomfortable in one's body (as so many teens are!), one *must* be in the wrong body, etc. Particularly valuable are chapters 7-10. Whether one agrees or not with the ultimate point of the book, this is a valuable addition to the conversation about trans identities in children and teens. ( )