Review by Lastg -- My Ladybird Story by Magus Tor

Lastg · Post by **Lastg** » 25 Sep 2017, 04:07

[Following is a volunteer review of "My Ladybird Story" by Magus Tor.]

3 out of 4 stars

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There are many things in this life that don't make sense and there are many things we cannot control. However, we always have the power to choose for ourselves. This endearing story took us on a journey through tough choices, love, confusion, unexplainable depression, and ultimate joy. My Ladybird Story opened my eyes to a subject that I knew very little about, and for that reason it made a lasting impression. I'm still thinking of the characters John, Joyce and Aureus, days after I finished the book.

The novel is broken up into parts based on where John is with his views on himself. Initially, in high school, John feels like a “freak” and keeps to himself to avoid being bullied, until Aureus befriends him. John and Aureus go to college together, and a random Halloween changes Johns life forever. By dressing in women's clothing to go to a party, John becomes more comfortable with himself than he has ever felt before. He secretly continues to wear women's clothing throughout college, feeling more secure as a woman. John is able to put a name to his condition and seeks treatment to change his gender. John changes his name and gender and goes by Joyce after deciding to fully transition to a female.

I will say that although the book started out with very nice editing, as it went on I saw more and more typos and grammatical errors. There were also a few sentences with words missing or extra words added in, problems that could be solved with another vigorous round of proofreading. Also, towards the second half of the book after John has gotten help in starting his transformation, he becomes overwhelming positive about the entire process.

Although there are a few moments of worry, he is always quickly reassured by Aureus or another character. I would have liked to see a little more drama from complete strangers, because part of transitioning is showing yourself to the outside world and having to deal with other people’s reactions.

I rate My Ladybird Story 3 out of 4 stars. I would recommend it to a person who feels passionately about people discovering who they are, and learning how to fit into the body where they feel they belong.

I am glad I gave this book a chance, for I now understand much better the pain and the hardship that a person can feel when they feel stuck inside a home where they don't belong.

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My Ladybird Story
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