Schuyler Bailar

I kind of hate the title, but the book is great. See other reviews for trigger warnings -- there are a lot of hard and hateful things that happen to Obie in this book. I personally think that's part of the book's strengths -- because Obie does have a solid support system as well as attackers, and it's important to see those refutations in print. Also this stuff happens every day -- and part of the point of this book is to let kids see their own experiences. I hope this book makes a difference in kids' lives and helps them to survive and thrive. I also loved the Korean representation, the beautiful family dynamics, and Obie's own strength of character that leads him through.… (more)

About the author, quoting from the book's dust jacket, "Schuyler Bailar (He/Him) is an educator, author, and advocate. He is also the first transgender athlete to compete in any sport on a NCAA Division 1 men's team.. Schuyler's exemplary work has earned him numerous honors including NYC Pride Grand Marshall. . .About the book, quoting from a Kirkus, starred review, "In this remarkable book, Bailar. . .reflects on his experiences as a trans man and explains how we might best comprehend and discuss gender identity. . ."… (more)

Although the message is uplifting and positive, this is a thinly veiled autobiography of the transgender swimmer turned motivational speaker Skylar Bailar. I learned a few things from this fictionalized story about the mixed race Bailar, whose mother is Korean--I learned how kimchi is made, for one.

The problem for me is in the dialog, which does in no way sound the way thirteen year olds talk. It's all written in adult-speak, which makes it kind of unbelievably sappy, like a Hallmark drama. The parents and the teacher are so perfect as to be unbelievable. Honestly, it reminds me of Wonder, another book I couldn't take seriously.

Had Skylar written a memoir, I think it would have been more effective, at least for adults. Maybe this works for tweens, and will help someone who is coming to terms with their sexuality.… (more)

Obie Is Man Enough introduces us to Obadiah "Obie", a seventh grader and a competitive swimmer, he has a supportive family that loves him no matter what; That's a good thing, because Obie happens to be Transgendered, a topic that isn't always easily talked about, or readily accepted but his family has been wonderful since he told them and so has some of the faculty at his middle school. The only problem; The students and his e swim coach are anything but supportive.

We follow Obie as he tries to survive school, swim practice/meets, and being a pre-teen who happens to be a bit different than his classmates. Obie Is Man Enough is a wonderful story of strength, courage, survival and love, while also being informative to everyone by showing what life is like for many and also educating Cis gendered people. There's a great balance between positive and negative and Schuyler Bailar writes with clarity and conviction.

This book does have a warning at the beginning but it is important to highlight it now as well there IS a trigger warning on this story. Please make sure you are safe and in a solid mental place with people to reach out to in case the story hits home a little too closely. This is a book that I highly recommend to everyone, but please take care of yourself and your health while reading.

Thank you to netgalley, Schuyler Bailar and publisher for providing an advance e-copy to me in exchange for my honest review. I loved this story and am grateful that these books exist for the first time in history, its about time! Schuyler Bailar makes a wonderful must read contribution to the community.… (more)