Perhaps the closest comparison of this book is Mildred Brown's True Selves, long a favourite in transsexual circles. But this book is distinctive, as noted in the use of "lighthearted" in the title. It is not a comedic look at the transsexual world, but a very well written, entertaining and informative look at all the steps along the way in transition. If I were to select a book to give to a family member of a transsexual person, "True Selves" would win; for a person trying to figure out to do or not to do, Lannie's book is far preferable.

"Lighthearted" is the key. There is no demand, just a cheery guide to starting out and where all this can head. A "no pressure" book to read, enjoy, and perhaps follow written by "one of us" and not a clinician or therapist. No pretence, no degree of relevance. Just a friend telling you the steps involved.

We have needed such a book for a long time. There are candid discussion of the practical aspects-telling friends and family, dating, and even, sex! What I enjoyed so much about this book was that it was more like the conversations I enjoy with my trans women friends when nobody else is listening. Not that it gets deep into any subject, but enough is there to start your mind thinking.

Now, no book by a trans person is going to please all other transpeople. There is always something for critics to seize upon and differ from. So? This book contains statements that I do not agree with, but those are matters of deep transsexual theory and their inclusion and viewpoint is a matter of opinion. I might have preferred some mention of diverse opinions, but given the broad statement the writer makes at the outset, that is really not necessary. Any reader will find out how diverse we are rather quickly if they have access to the Internet (and this book is intertwined with the Internet to some degree for full benefit, including reference to the major Internet sites).

Perhaps what this book does better than many is to point out that "you are not alone", that feeling that seems to plague so many of us starting off. Nor are we freaks by being different. The breezy and chatty style of the writer flows over some rough rocks, pointing them out to those that follow, but not scaring them off in so doing. In general, the advice is go as far as you are comfortable and go further only if that makes you more comfortable, coupled with a soft encouragement to go a little further than you might at times. A person reading this book who is contemplating any form of transgender living will find support, encouragement, and good company without academic or clinical colouring.

I think this book would be especially good for a younger person starting transition. Not to limit the age group of readers, this is most certainly a book I would refer to a late teen or twenties type for a start. A primer if you will. Up here in the frozen North, some "newbies" are 500 miles into the bush and this book (also available as an e-book) is strongly recommended for them. For older groups this book represents a good start perhaps supplemented by a recommendation to other books that would go further into concepts and theories selected on a personal basis. With that in mind, the bibliography is very limited. We transsexuals excel at the autobiography, and a carefully chosen one can greatly assist a person starting out. Reference to a few more would add to the value of this book for those reading it far from support groups and kindred spirits.

Lannie sets, and maintains, a very good balance between wants and reality. One example, on the results of S.R.S. she clearly points out that "some can, some can't" as to the big "O" and that theme is consistent through other parts of transition, not "selling" all the good without mentioning the bad. Discussing the things that can happen to a married transsexual woman, she points out to be sure of what is wanted at the end, a very wise caution.

All in all, this is a delightful quick read for anyone starting off, a way of getting your bearings in a new and strange world. Not aimed at those who have already done the deed, it is a book to keep on the shelf in case anyone asks "Do you think I am ??". Let them read Lannie and come back! Many of their questions will already be pleasantly answered.

Is this a good book? Yes indeed, for the target market perhaps the best one out there. Consider this book as a very effective alternative to True Selves. For a support group, almost a necessity.

Through the Jungle

A Traveler's Guide

by Samantha W. Adams
Published by iUniverse Inc., Lincoln, Nebraska U.S.A., 2004
I.S.B.N.0595662374

Let's pretend you are staying with a friend. Your friend is out, no doubt to pick up something nice for supper - and you notice your friend's diary sitting on the coffee table. Now you really want to read it - but you don't!!

Samantha Adams lets you ramble freely through her diary of transition. In doing so with candor and honesty, she opens up transition through her eyes to the world. Unflinching, the diary is straightforward and gives freely of her experiences along the way to her new life. This will speak directly to those contemplating transition, perhaps as a caution, and for those of us through the "jungle" it will bring back memories, good and bad, of the path taken.

Others have used the diary format, but few with as much emotional success. The writing style may leave something to be desired, its principle merit is found in the open disclosure of the emotional changes and upheavals we all experience with H.R.T. and all of our changes. Samantha adds the later reflections in sequence, and ties all together with an allegorical story which gives unity to the whole, the "jungle". Nice too is that Samantha is "just plain folks". Unlike April Ashley, Nancy Hunt, Kate Bornstein, Deidre McCloskey, or Jenny Boylan, she is not an entertainer, a performer or public figure. Perhaps had she not written this book she would remain unknown even in the transsexual community. As it is, she has done her community considerable good by so capturing the spirit and angst of transition.

Most clear are the various stage of personal growth that we all experience, the "plateaus" of transition with emotional responses, friendships, and self- discovery. In a short space of time, as Samantha sets out so convincingly, we go through "puberty" once again, but at an age where each new plateau can be seen, felt and remembered. The joys of some, the tears of others, all here and presented in a manner that tell you of your friend's life through her own eyes.

There is perhaps no better way than to let herself Samantha speak, to give you the flavour of this unique book.

"February 17th, 2001 I am sorry for what I am about to do. I can't go on living this life of lies and deceit any longer, for if I do I will not have a personal future. So, if I must find myself, let this journey leave me no regrets, a better sense of who I truly am, and where I come from. Today I begin my greatest adventure, one I was destined to make on the day I was born. "Starting off, we wonder, we doubt, we realize this is something we have to do.

"July 18th, 2001 I am the butt of many jokes now, and thanks to my so-called friends, no one seems to care how bad I am being torn apart.

I am tired of being disappointed by those I once trusted. Maybe I am doing something they disapprove of, but do they have to make me feel so bad about making this choice? I am tired of talking to everyone about my feelings. I just wish everyone had been up front with me instead of stringing me along."

Or a few days later:

"A few of my friends, who once saw me as a buddy, have now begun treating me like a woman. I at first enjoyed this new treatment and welcomed it a lot, but I am becoming aware that a few of these friends now seem me as an object. That startles me, as I have never been treated like this before, and never thought about it much. I mean they talk to my chest instead of me!

"August 7th, 2001. I have seen a lot of problems today. The biggest one is that the transgender community, as a whole, has so much in-fighting going on that it can never agree on anything."

"August 28th, 2001 I am finding out that I have been stereotyping females. My oldest niece pointed this out to me today. I have claimed I do not wish to be categorized and lumped into a group, yet I am doing that very thing to women. The truth is, I have become aware that a true woman grows up with many different things happening to her, she lives different lives and has many different experiences. I once believed a girl grew up with all kinds of things happening to her, like dances and parties and make-up, but the truth is, a lot of girls never do any of that stuff - some actually shun it and hate it."

Growth is a constant pattern, as is self-doubt.

"November 10th, 2001 Today has been very, very bad. I've spiraled deeper into my feelings, and I am becoming aware that maybe I need help. Maybe the hormones are getting to me; maybe I feel the weight of my life collapsing down around me. Perhaps I am making a mistake and I don't want to admit it. I go to work and fear losing my new job. I see my few remaining friends and fear losing them, and then I have to face my family and realize that at a blink they may leave me too. I have to keep all this fear inside".

This is truly a homespun book, one that fits well with the Ohio background of the writer. Like a sweater knit from homespun yarn, this fits well around transsexual shoulders, giving the comfortable fit that comes of knowing that someone has worn it and travelled our path before. Not someone famous or known, just one of us, confronting those issues as we did, with fear, apprehension and some confusion and what I call courage. A book with few pretensions and complete honesty; one that so well mirrors most of our gains and losses through the time of transition. A quiet book, one that does not "create waves" but from its very format enables all to see and feel.

I intend to give a copy of this book to those starting out in transition; those that have not started off but who are thinking about doing so. It is not a lecture, but a truthful account of the many ups and downs, that transition holds for all.

Polare is published in Australia by The Gender Centre Inc. which is funded by the Department of Community Services under the S.A.A.P. Program and supported by the N.S.W. Health Department through the AIDS and Infectious Diseases Branch. Polare provides a forum for discussion and debate on gender issues. Advertisers are advised that all advertising is their responsibility under the Trade Practices Act. Unsolicited contributions are welcome, though no guarantee is made by the Editor that they will be published, nor any discussion entered into. The editor reserves the right to edit such contributions without notification. Any submission which appears in Polare may be published on our internet site. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, The Gender Centre Inc.I, the Department of Community Services or the N.S.W. Department of Health.