Amateur

A True Story About What Makes a Man

By: Thomas Page McBee

Narrated by: Thomas Page McBee

*Shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction
*Shortlisted for the Lambda Literary Award
*Shortlisted for the Wellcome Book Prize

One of The Times UK’s Best Memoirs of 2018, BuzzFeed’s Best Nonfiction of 2018, Autostraddle’s Best LGBT Books of 2018, and 52 Insight’s Favorite Nonfiction Books of 2018

A “no-holds-barred examination of masculinity” (BuzzFeed) and violence from award-winning author Thomas Page McBee.

In this “refreshing and radical” (The Guardian) narrative, Thomas McBee, a trans man, sets out to uncover what makes a man—and what being a “good” man even means—through his experience training for and fighting in a charity boxing match at Madison Square Garden. A self-described “amateur” at masculinity, McBee embarks on a wide-ranging exploration of gender in society, examining sexism, toxic masculinity, and privilege. As he questions the limitations of gender roles and the roots of masculine aggression, he finds intimacy, hope, and even love in the experience of boxing and in his role as a man in the world. Despite personal history and cultural expectations, “Amateur is a reminder that the individual can still come forward and fight” (The A.V. Club).

“Sharp and precise, open and honest,” (Women’s Review of Books), McBee’s writing asks questions “relevant to all people, trans or not” (New York Newsday). Through interviews with experts in neuroscience, sociology, and critical race theory, he constructs a deft and thoughtful examination of the role of men in contemporary society. Amateur is a graceful and uncompromising look at gender by a fearless, fiercely honest writer.

A true reckoning!

Thank You Thomas Page McBee for spilling your truth, your life, and your own personal transition!
Such a writer! Your willingness to delve into yourself and the way you used your words of telling, moved me to tears more than once.
This book is a must read for all who search for a better understanding of gender and transitions.
I thank you again.

Memoir meets sociology- a great read!

If you like memoirs that follow a specific plot point and you like sociology or gender studies, you’ll like this book. I loved it. There are considerably more books out there about transfems (which are important and great reads too), but as a transmasc person, I really appreciated finding this book about the transmasculine experience. Will definitely be checking out more of this guy’s work. The only reason I gave the performance a 4/5 is because at times, it sounded like he would get closer and then further away from the mic. It was distracting and kept making me think I had a timer on to fade it out. Otherwise a great performance.

Wow. Stick to your ribs story telling.

This book struck me deeply. I’m shaken. The writing is excellent as well. I’m so grateful he made himself vulnerable by sharing his story and his creativity.

Beautiful

I spent the last hour of the book fighting back tears. So beautiful, such a way with words. I wrote down quotes to refer back to. Brilliant. Changed my take on boxing and toxic masculinity. I see things differently now. Such a wonderful and thought provoking read

Best nonfiction book I have read in over a year!

I finished this in under a day, pausing only to get some sleep. The story is interesting, but the deep introspection that does not shy away from vulnerability is what makes it stand out. it's full of heart, with winks of humor and lots of soul wrenching thoughts about masculinity.

Excellent. Nuanced. Real.

I listened to this whole thing in one weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it! A real pleasure and eternally relevant perspective.

Not as cohesive as I would have liked

Not as cohesive as I would have liked but touching nonetheless. Would recommend for anyone interested in boxing or trans masculine experience.

Captivating and thought provoking

An honest and rich look at masculinity and embodiment. I couldn’t put it down and I can’t stop talking about it.

Loved it

I didn’t want it to end. Thank you for writing this ! Such a great listen

A coming of age story

Beautifully written and haunting. Any man thinking about what kind of man or father he wants to be and what kinds he does not should give it a listen.