Transition

The Story of How I Became a Man

By: Chaz Bono

Narrated by: Chaz Bono

Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's Summary

Chaz Bono's groundbreaking and candid account of a 40-year struggle to match his gender identity with his physical body and his transformation from female to male.

At first, America knew the only child of Sonny and Cher as Chastity, the cherubic little girl who appeared on her parents' TV show. In later years, she became famous for coming out on a national stage, working with two major organizations toward LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) rights and publishing two books. And just within the past 18 months, Chaz Bono has entered the public consciousness as the most high-profile transgender person ever.

All through the hoopla surrounding his change, Chaz has insisted on maintaining his privacy. Now, in Transition, Chaz finally tells his story. Part One traces his decision to transition, beginning in his childhood - when he played on the boys' teams and wore boys' clothing whenever possible - and going through his painful, but ultimately joyful, coming out in his 20s, up to 2008, when, after the death of his father, drug addiction, and five years of sobriety, Chaz was finally ready to begin the process of changing his gender.

In Part Two, he offers an unprecedented record in words and photographs of the actual transition, a real-time diary as he navigates uncharted waters. These chapters capture the day-to-day momentum of his life as his body changes.

Throughout the book, Chaz touches on themes of identity, gender, and sexuality; parents and children; and how harboring secrets shatters the soul. It is an amazing contribution to our understanding of a much-misunderstood community.

©2011 Chaz Bono (P)2011 Penguin

Critic Reviews

"A universal story, one to which all readers can relate: the individual’s search for self.” (New York Journal of Books)

“Transition is not only about the journey from female to male; more importantly, it’s about the journey from fear to courage. Chaz Bono is my new hero.” (Jennifer Finney Boylan, author of She’s Not There)

Great book

I have basically followed Chaz all of his life. I hate that he waited so long to transition. This book tells about his heart aches and his transition. Very well told. I love that he narrated his own book. This is a good "read".

A great learning experience

I recently had a close friend transition. In order to understand his struggles and the process more easily, I sought out a book to help me. This book went above and beyond. Chaz is a great man to open up his story for the world. I can only imagine what an impact this will make on the transgender community. Very well-written and kept my attention the entire time. Thank you so much Chaz. It was an honor listening to your book.

Great heart felt story honest raw journey to self

I was aware of Chaz`s transition prior to reading his book. This book is honest, raw, and describes his journey through childhood to transistion. As I listened to the book and heard his voice as he described some really hard
times in his life my heart really went out to him. I am so happy for Chaz that he is the man he always wanted to be.

Chaz' honesty is beautiful.

I am surprised by Chaz' open and honest telling of his story. I imagine that coming out is the hardest thing that most people will ever do in their lives. Doing so with so much public scrutiny must be even more difficult. Chaz lays himself bare sharing his story with frankness and strength. He allows the reader to come into his life and become his friend. I am very happy to have read his book and believe that I learned more about a family member I love who recently came out. I thank Chaz for that.

I loved this book

I loved this book. It was so much richer than I expected and was very thought provoking.

I am impressed with Chaz Bono. He's not afraid of honesty or hard work. So many lessons to take away from this listen.

Just Write

I was pleasantly surprised! I usually think it's a mistake for authors to read their own material, but Chas does a nearly perfect job. I thought that after two previous books, the material would be stale; but no! He offers a fresh perspective. What I found very satisfying is that, just as he describes his newly found comfort and ease in living, his writing is evidence of it. The fresh freedom comes leaping off the pages. Energy and confidence!
The book is not overlong, and it only just slightly barely almost but not quite drags, in just a few tense places. Just when I thought, "Oh no, Chas! You've said just enough, don't say anymore", he pauses, and doesn't say anymore.
I saw his parents in concert, when Chastity was about three, and she wandered out on stage in red cowboy pants, a fringed shirt, white boots and a white cowboy hat. Although I don't follow vocalists or actors or celebrities generally, Chas has been a curiosity for me. From time to time I would see a picture or read a blurb with unusual interest. I find myself feeling happy for him, because when I see him now, he seems more present, more confident, just more sure of himself. Just more himself, and that's a good thing! I'm also happy that he appreciates his good fortune in being able to pursue what he intuited was necessary for his happiness here on earth. I think he will use his happiness and generally peaceful demeanor to help others. But Chas, don't forget to take care of yourself!