Redefining Realness:- Janet Mock

I just finished reading Janet Mock's first Book, "Redefining Realness".  I am little late getting to this in that it was first released in February 2014.  Her second book "Surpassing Certainty: What My Twenties Taught Me" was released last June so I felt the need to to get the background before reading the new book.  "Redefining Realness" is an amazing book.

Janet is one of us - Transgender.  On Janet's web site the book is described this way:

With unflinching honesty and moving prose, Janet Mock relays her experiences of growing up young, multiracial, poor, and trans in America, offering readers accessible language while imparting vital insight about the unique challenges and vulnerabilities of a marginalized and misunderstood population. Though undoubtedly an account of one woman’s quest for self at all costs, this New York Times bestseller is a powerful vision of possibility and self-realization, pushing us all toward greater acceptance of one another—and of ourselves—showing as never before how to be unapologetic and real.

Real is an understatement.  Nothing is sugar coated and Janet's intelligence, determination and ultimate success is described in her words that flow. Literally I could not put it down. Charles knew early on that he was different and wanted to be a girl. Janet rose above every disadvantage you can imagine. Both of her parents being drug addicted. She was shuttled from Hawaii to Texas back to Hawaii to only end up homelessness along with her siblings because of her uncaring mother. Janet rose above this; going to collage on scholarship,  graduating and ultimately paying for her GRS herself.  This part of the story is gritty and uncensored and told by someone that had great determination and ambition. To escape all that Janet endures is a miracle and I have nothing but respect, despite the journey.

Other that writing a best seller where is Janet today? She is TV host, and an advocate tackling stigma through storytelling. With a Master’s in journalism from New York University she produced HBO’s The Trans List, hosts the podcast "Never Before", and serves as a columnist for Allure. Called a “fearless new voice” and “trailblazing leader”.  Oprah Winfrey said she “changed my way of thinking”. Janet was a featured speaker at the historic Women’s March on Washington and has now written her second book.

Yes, one of us and I proudly applaud her escape, overcoming so much to define her own realness.  I highly recommend the book.