18 Comments
User's avatar
Mama Ain't Playin''s avatar

I have to offer another endorsement for Marchiano’s Motherhood book. This is such a smart, funny, & touching read, even—or especially—for those of us with teens or adult children. I’ve never been a big fan of books about motherhood, but this one is such a smart, Jungian take on what motherhood does to & for women. HIGHLY RECOMMEND, & also please note that Lisa will be participating in the next Gender: a Wider Lens retreat this fall with Sasha Ayad & Stella O’Malley.

Expand full comment
Gala Mother's avatar

Interesting list... thanks for the recommendations. Am wondering why you didn't include Abigail Shrier's book - "Irreversible Damage". Seems like it is a must-read for any parent grappling with these issues.

Expand full comment
A.'s avatar

I think it's because this article is about media and books that *aren't* about trans topics. I'm sure it would have been included on a list specific to the topic as it's basically required reading in this camp.

Expand full comment
KP's avatar

I would be so bold as to add ‘Love and Responsibility’ to that list. It’s a phenomenological study of the human experience of love, sex and relationships. It was written in the 1950s and can be quite dense as it’s an academic work but has a lot of very relevant insights today and cuts to the heart of the cynicism of today about sex and love.

Expand full comment
Lesbian Mom's avatar

Thanks for taking the time to put this together. I am going to check some of these books out.

Expand full comment
Kathy's avatar

I loved Lessons in Chemistry. It was a great beach read.

Expand full comment
Sarah with an H's avatar

Regarding referring to Chase Strangio with “he/him” pronouns.

She is a woman.

Using incorrect pronouns for people validates and normalizes trans ideology.

We, as gender critical people need to hold the line that sex is real and immutable and that we will not comply with tra ideology.

Expand full comment
NotBuyingIt's avatar

yes! I have started to explain to people that I use Standard English pronouns, which refer to sex, not gender. Teens especially are astounded by this explanation…since they have been conditioned to think that misgendering someone is akin to a hate crime

Expand full comment
NotBuyingIt's avatar

otherwise, an excellent list and I can’t wait to read some of these. Historical context is especially appreciated!

Expand full comment
Gala Mother's avatar

YES ! Agreed... drop the pronouns and use only reality. SHE. Strangio is an adult human female who identifies as a male. She can call herself any name she chooses... but female she remains. I don't do pronouns that aren't based on biological reality. We ALL need to adopt that strategy... truth.

Expand full comment
LovingMother's avatar

I agree. That was my only issue with this otherwise great zippy article full of good ideas. Chase is a woman (a terrible terrible woman). But, maybe the author didn't know that.

Expand full comment
Sarah with an H's avatar

‘Maybe the author didn’t know that’

I hadn’t thought of that.

Expand full comment
LovingMother's avatar

It would be a good thing for the author to edit...

Expand full comment
Gala Mother's avatar

absolutely. Edit please.

Expand full comment
Tim Gregory's avatar

Add The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman tracing the cultural origins of the ideas underpinning trans ideology to their European roots 200 years ago.

Expand full comment
Wendy Day's avatar

I also recommend The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F$ck. It’s fantastic for parents too. It really helped me through all of this.

Expand full comment
PDF's avatar

Thank you! I loved the dry comic/ cynical tone. Perfectly captures the ‘you couldn’t make this stuff up’ ludicrousness of it all!

Expand full comment
Claire Landon's avatar

This couldn't be more timely. Marcus Aurelius is in fact on my new reading list!

Expand full comment