Once a Girl, Always a Boy

A Family Memoir of a Transgender Journey

By: Jo Ivester

Narrated by: Jo Ivester, Jon Ivester, Jeremy Ivester, Sammy Ivester, Jenn Ivester

Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's Summary

Jeremy Ivester is a transgender man. Thirty years ago, his parents welcomed him into the world as what they thought was their daughter. As a child, he preferred the toys and games our society views as masculine. He kept his hair short and wore boys’ clothing. They called him a tomboy. That’s what he called himself.

By high school, when he showed no interest in flirting, his parents thought he might be lesbian. At 20, he wondered if he was asexual. At 23, he surgically removed his breasts. A year later, he began taking the hormones that would lower his voice and give him a beard - and he announced his new name and pronouns.

Once a Girl, Always a Boy is Jeremy’s journey from childhood through coming out as transgender and eventually emerging as an advocate for the transgender community. This is not only Jeremy’s story, but also that of his family, told from multiple perspectives - those of the siblings who struggled to understand the brother they once saw as a sister, and of the parents who ultimately joined him in the battle against discrimination. This is a story of acceptance in a world not quite ready to accept.

It has received starred reviews from Kirkus Review and the Library Journal. It has been featured on reading lists in Ms. and Parade magazines. It was included in USA Today's list of the 10 best LGBTQ reads for Pride Month.

The audiobook was recorded by the author and her family.

©2020 Jo Ivester (P)2020 Jo Ivester

Very well written. Great for FTM parents.

Very helpful. Excellent arrangement and narration. Difficult to be witness to all the emotions and feelings that everyone was experiencing.

Nina to Greyson

This book was just what I needed.
I’ve felt very alone in my sons journey. He grew up a girly girl so the fact that he called me in the middle of the night to tell me he was a boy just about killed me. I cried for days. I had no one but my husband. We always thought our child was gay, not a boy. Since his transition he has fought many demons due to mental health issues. He still fights today. I still cry at the loss of my daughter. However we love our son no matter what. He is out child.
This book has brought so much comfort to me in ways only a mother of a transgender child could know. I will treasure this and I will share this book with family and friends.
Thank you all for sharing your story.
Joelle

the book is read by Jeremy & his family 👍🏽

It was great to hear each family member's perspective in their own words and voice

I needed this

This book was a perfect beginning to this journey I am on a proud but worried Mama of a transgender son. Thank you to the whole Ivester family. I have learned, grown and have even gained a bit of peace from listening to this book.

Once a Girl, Always a Boy

Great audio book in that the Ivester family narrates the book and their voices and narratives are outstanding. A must read for anyone who has a child, loved one, or acquaintance who is nonbinary or trans , as well anyone who wants to better understand what it means to be Trans.

Intimate, honest story generously shared by family

Riveting story-telling and compelling performance, especially mom's. Definitely recommend 12/10. The story of a strong, beautiful family supporting each other through one member's quest to really discover himself.