65 pages • 2 hours read
Janet MockRedefining realness: My path to womanhood, identity, love, & so much more
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2014A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Redefining Realness by Janet Mock is a 2014 memoir chronicling Mock's journey from a misunderstood and unhappy child in a multicultural, economically disadvantaged family to a fiercely independent and self-motivated young adult navigating her identity as a trans woman. Growing up in the 1990s, Mock begins her transition during high school and later travels to Thailand for sex reassignment surgery at eighteen. After moving to New York, she finds academic and professional success but initially keeps her past a secret. The memoir explores Mock's internal and external struggles, including her family dynamics and societal challenges, ultimately highlighting her advocacy and personal growth. The book includes sensitive topics such as violence, sexual abuse, drug abuse, and suicide attempts.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Redefining Realness by Janet Mock is highly praised for its candid and powerful narrative, shedding light on the transgender experience. Mock's storytelling is both poignant and uplifting, though some critics argue it occasionally lacks broader intersectional perspectives. Overall, it's a compelling, essential read that fosters empathy and understanding.
Who Should Read Redefining Realness?
Readers who appreciate Redefining Realness by Janet Mock are individuals interested in transgender issues, race, and identity. Fans of Gender Outlaw by Kate Bornstein and Becoming by Michelle Obama will find this memoir insightful, as it combines personal narrative with social critique, similar to those works.