Despite being really excited to read this book and read about an own voices trans experience I was very disappointed to find that I couldn't really connect to the story or to Alex's voice. Not for me but I'm sure it's vitally important to others out there!

Literally the poster boy for F2M transition, Alex Bertie is becoming an increasingly influential figure. This memoir is supportive and encouraging for anyone going through similar experiences although it glosses over some of the less pleasant aspects in order to maintain this positive message. There are nice touches, Alex is genuinely human so bolsters support for transgender issues simply by being his 3D self. His “coming out” letter is a good model, considerate and sensible. The book is quick, easy and entertaining to read as well.

Although I didn't previously know Alex's youtube work this book stands up well on its own. Alex gives an honest yet upbeat personal account of his own transition as well as covering a lot (and I mean a lot) of "Trans 101" type information, making this book perfect for young people thinking of they may identify as FTM as well as friends and family of FTM people or anyone interested in knowing more about transitioning. There's a whole range of medical, emotional and personal issues covered in a way that's really accessible. Alex's mum has written a chapter on parenting a trans child which adds to the usefulness of the book. I bet a lot of FTM young people will want to give their parents this book and it should be a great resource for young people, parents, medical professionals, schools and libraries.

Brutally honest - at times painfully introspective - Alex Bertie's Trans Mission should be on the shelves of every school and library in the country as it's a powerful tool for both informing and educating people on the journey through transitioning.
In his case, Female to Male, but many of the insights he offers up in this book apply equally to how anyone should approach conversations with an individual who is questioning either their gender or their sexualtity, or in many cases, both.
He is honest in describing the painful steps he's gone through,the struggles he's had to deal with and the questions he still asks himself on a regular basis. The book looks at whether there's a cause for gender identity confusion/questioning (answer: there isn't) and if upbringing plays a role.
His mum also talks frankly about the experience of being the parent of a transgender child and this is something which adds depth to the book.

Apparently Alex Bertie is some kind of YouTube celebrity - I'm fairly old, so this doesn't mean a great deal to me, and I hadn't watched any of his videos prior to reading the book. Although I hadn't heard of Alex before, the book - largely a personal account of his life so far - sounded intriguing and I was happy to be given the opportunity to read and review.

Alex is still a very young man - 22, I think - but he has no shortage of experience to write about, as Alex is transgender, having been designated female at birth.. The book recounts his journey through realising he was trans, coming out and undergoing hormone therapy and surgery as well as the effect on his relationships with family, friends and partners. (His Nan's reaction, in the form of a letter, is truly beautiful.) He also discusses some general issues about gender identity and issues for trans people, particularly those who are FTM (female to male).

Although there is much more awareness nowadays that some people are transgender, Alex's voice, as a transgender man, is one that is not that commonly heard.

Alex tells his story candidly and comes across as likeable and engaging. He acknowledges that his experiences are his own and not all transgender people will have the same experiences, but nevertheless I think many people (trans and otherwise) will relate to aspects of his story. The bullying he faced at school is heartbreaking to read.

I suspect trans issues are more high profile today than they have ever been and many people on all sides have some strong views. Alex is not afraid to engage with difficult and thorny issues and his opinions always come across as rational and considered. (He's often quite funny, as well.) It's clear that his high profile as a trans person, through his YouTube channel, is something of a mixed blessing as it makes it much harder for him to fly under the radar on occasions when he might want to do that.

The end section written by his Mum, Michelle, describing how things were from her perspective, is fascinating and invaluable, highlighting the mixed emotions of a parent faced with something few parents would expect.

Ultimately this is an interesting and enlightening read from a young man who seems intelligent, insightful and very resilient. I might even go and watch some of his YouTube videos...

Trans Mission is a lively memoir about being a young trans man that can be read by younger and older readers. Alex Bertie is a Youtuber who has made videos about LGBT+ topics as they affect him and others, and in this book he tells his own story of working out his identity and starting the transitioning process for him. He writes in a simple, engaging style that does not presume familiarity with the terminology he uses and that describes personal emotion in a realistic way to the extent he is clearly comfortable with. The book is aimed at wide audience, from older children and teenagers who may or may not be questioning their own gender identity to parents wanting to support a trans child or know more about the experience.

Most of the book is Alex’s personal story as told by him, though it also features a small section by his mum at the end, a glossary, and a list of resources. It isn’t the kind of memoir that requires familiarity with the author, though it is likely his YouTube fans will enjoy reading it. He talks about wanting to be informed about the topics he talks about in his videos whether they are personal or not, and it is clear that in Trans Mission he has worked hard to show the range of experiences that trans men can have, of which his story is only one version. This emphasis is important and makes the book one that can help readers see their similarities and differences and appreciate that this is okay.

Bertie’s book should be read and shared particularly by teenagers so that it can affirm the experiences of some individuals and help others to be supportive of friends and peers. Being written by a man in his twenties, it feels relevant and up to date, whilst also being a funny and emotional personal story that will hopefully appeal to a whole range of other people, both LGBT and not. By sharing the story of a young trans man and his recent experiences of being trans in the present day UK, the book will give hope to some and open the eyes of others, and it is important that LGBT+ experiences lived by a range of people get to be read and related to.

Firstly, I love YouTube and having never heard of Alex before receiving his book for review I am now a firm fan.

Now then, as someone who has a transgender friend who came out in high school as they began their transition at fifteen, I was really interested in hearing another account of going through it all too. Alex talks openly about his self hatred he sadly felt until he became a man but each step towards his goal helps him a little to get there accepting himself a little more as others begin to notice the changes too.

*There is a mention of self harm in the novel of which I advise you to approach the book with care if you are easily triggered*

He goes on to discuss his families reaction from those closest to him to peers at school who unfortunately bullied him but he did manage to get supportive teachers and counsellor to help the situation sort itself as best as they could do.

Overall this was a really open book and story of one man's journey to be their true happy self and Alex can now feel happy I hope in that his past has allowed others some guidance possibly through their own struggle with being trans as they pick up the book or just support for friends reading on behalf of their own transitioning friends.

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!