Reading Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some Book
Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some
What They Said About This Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some Book (Reviews):
Elyse
Writes about Read Online Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some Book PDFWONDERFUL book!!!!!!It's impossible not to fall in love with Chris Edwards. This is one of the best and most inspiring memoirs about the entire process in changing your gender that I've ever read!!! It's an awesome story by an awesome guy!!!! Chris changed his gender from female to male. He grew up in Boston, graduated from Colgate University with degrees in psychology and sociology. He began his award-winning advertising career as a copywriter at Arnold Worldwide. "The key to understanding gender dysphoria is realizing that sexual orientation and gender identity are two different and completely separate things. One isn't dependent on the other. This is where most of the confusion happens-- for everybody". "Brian's gender identity was completely separate from his sexual orientation. Like me, his gender identity was male, but while I was "straight" ( attracted to women), he was "gay" (attracted to men). He still looked in the mirror and hated what he saw just like I did. The fact that he was attracted to men had nothing to do with that". "Bottom line is, your gender identity has no bearing on whether you are gay or straight. Think of it this way: Sexual orientation is who you go to bed 'with'; gender identity is who you go to bed as". The above distinction is what really made things "click" for Chris when he ( who had not yet transitioned), was struggling - with the support of therapy to understand the truth. He 'knew' he was a boy inside as young as 5 years old. But.... all this "UNDERSTANDING"....didn't make anything BETTER. He was still depressed - crippled - fearful of his future- with ongoing thoughts of suicide. When you read Chris's story - we begin to see the magnitude of how being born in the wrong body - has got to be one of the hardest - most painful - frightening- lonely - experiences for any human being. Chris was blessed with a supportive family. It still wasn't a piece of cake coming out to his family -- and his parents accepting all the surgeries-- and fears etc. but his family would stand behind him. He comes from a large Armenian family.... great parents -- two supportive sisters - lots of aunts and cousins -- which is critical to a successful transition. Unfortunately many trans kids don't have the support which is why more than 50% of them attempt suicide before their twentieth birthday. When MY friend Steven transitioned - to DEBBIE .... SHE lost most of her friends. The marriage ended - Their child was kept in secret for years - Debbie moved - changed jobs - (from lawyer to nurse)-- Paul and I have been friends with Debbie for at least 25 years. It took about 10 years of watching Steven complete her transition to Debbie. We are the only friends left from 'before' transition. What is so inspiring about Chris, is he is opening up new doors of possibilities. His book "BALLS", is a positive SUCCESSFUL TRANS STORY. Chris had great support from his therapist -sisters - father - mother - special aunt - doctors - close friends -- he WAS able to transition in 'front' of everyone ---rather than leave town. One of the most important guiding principles Chris got before and after his transition was: "I had the ability to control the way people responded to me--that the way I acted could actually shape the way others reacted. If I came off ashamed or secretive, people would gossip and rumors would spread. But if I handled myself openly with dignity and grace, people would treat me kind". Chris is a gem. He 'is' kind.... lovable, approachable, people feel comfortable being around him. People adore Chris- When it came time for Chris to tell people the truth about himself to friends outside his immediate family- he had 87 names -( he has a lot of friends). If he took each one of these people to dinner to break the news - it would also break his bank account! -- but he was good at strategizing.... and figured things out. This is not only an important book for the transgender community---but for the rest of us who 'were' born in our correct gender body. Chris covers the details thoroughly. When the Doc asked Chris if he wanted hairy balls --- his mom jumped right in ... "no, you definitely don't want hairy balls". Chris tells all ..... About.....removing hair -flying out to Palo Alto to meet a doctor-- flying to Nashville to meet another doctor -the procedures --( 22 surgeries in 5 years) --other family illness - mom making homemade paklava for the 'Doc' - hospital stays-- hospital bills--pain -nausea-scars - leaking boo-boo's - other set backs--and the BIG SURGERY ...building a penis -'wow' ( gives me a whole new kind of respect for modern medicine), --plus dating, desires, disappointments, joys, telling the truth, turning 40, sex, and love.I wanted to stand up and cheer for Chris when I was done reading this story! I love this guy and his cool sisters and parents - family and close friends!!! Chris has created something very special by writing this book.It's exceptional & transformational. Great laughs to boot! ......As his friend Marilyn told Chris before he transition ... "If you're gonna get a penis, make it a big one". Thank You Greenleaf Book Press, Netgalley, and *Chris Edwards*!!!!
Heather K (dentist in my spare time)
Writes about Reading Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some Book*3.5 stars* I've read a number of fiction and non-fiction books about transgendered people, and I'm always interested in more. I'm finally at a place where I can say that I understand a lot about trans people, including how gender is separate from sexuality, how people who are trans are ALWAYS the gender that they feel inside, even if their bodies don't reflect that truth at first, and a fair amount about the effects of hormones and surgery and how personal the choice is to undergo top/bottom surgery or other plastic surgery. I'm very grateful that we live in a time where there are public trans figures (Caitlin Jenner and Jazz, to name a couple), and people are more and more educated on what it means to be transgender. grew up before ALL of that. Immediately upon starting this book, I Chris Edwards. He is funny, charming, affable, and knows how to write. I've read a few amateur-author books, and Chris seemed like a seasoned pro. It made this book easy reading, which I enjoyed. However, I always like reading about someone finally seeing someone in the mirror that they recognize after growing up in the wrong body for so long. I wholeheartedly cheered Chris on, and I enjoyed reading about his likeable friends, sweet, supportive family, and his relatable dating trials and tribulations. In truth, I liked a lot about this story. Now, take *easy* with a HUGE grain of salt. Chris was depressed and suicidal for a number of years before coming out as trans, and I don't think for a second that Chris had an effortless time of it. However, if a trans-journey can be called "ideal," then Chris's was ideal. Chris led a very privileged life in a very liberal part of America. He worked for his father, who owned a large ad agency in Boston, and never had any doubts about job security with coming out. In fact, every single person in the company seemed to embrace him with open arms, even joking and assisting him during all of his surgeries. No one even had issues when he used the men's room while still sporting long hair, pre-testosterone. In addition, every member of Chris's family supported him 100%, even his grandma and extended family. Literally no one had issues with his transition. To top it off, Chris was completely supported financially by his family. Sure, Chris worked hard, but every surgery, including months of laser hair-removal, liposuction, top surgery, and the staggering $100,000+ phalloplasty surgery, was paid for by his parents. He was shuttled back and forth from fancy hotel suite to fancy hotel suite in a limo, each time accompanied by a member of his family. He flew at the drop of the hat all around the country to have consultation after consultation with plastic surgeons and specialists. There is no doubt that Chris had it relatively easy. Look, I also don't begrudge Chris for having a great family and having money. That is AWESOME for him, honestly. Many trans men would probably love a "deluxe model" phalloplasty with a penis that is both large, realistic, and functional and be able to point to one in a lineup of penises and say "that one," but most trans men won't be able to have that experience, which Chris said made him finally feel whole. I think that this is a good story that will offer a different point of view on the trans journey than what is already out there, and I had a great time reading it. I applaud Chris for sharing his story with us, and for showing readers a lighter, more uplifting type of memoir. *Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
CrabbyPatty
Writes about Reading Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some BookGrowing up, Kris she was a boy ... until at age 6 she saw a friend peeing over a rail and realized she was missing some essential equipment. Still Kris believed that penis would eventually grow in ... until the day she hit puberty and realized that she was trapped in her female body. Kris changed from a laid-back kid to a depressed angry youth who eventually planned to go to college ... and party a lot ... and kill herself after graduation.Kris finally shared her feelings with her family and they were 100% behind her decision to get gender reassignment surgery - a long process starting in 1992 with therapy, getting the diagnosis of gender dysphoria, coming out to family, friends and coworkers, changing her name to Chris Edwards, beginning testosterone injections, getting a mastectomy and hysterectomy, and finally the "bottom surgery" which took 28 surgeries to get everything fully functional.Edwards does a wonderful job of telling his story with grace and humor. His therapist helped him realize "I had the ability to control the way people responded to me - that the way I acted could actually shape the way others reacted." Chris was open and genuine and encouraged questions from those around him every step of the way. I like how Chris explains it all: is a an amazing book, beautifully told with a great narrative flow. I highly recommend it!
SenoraG
Writes about Reading Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some BookI have a crush on Chris Edwards! With a title like this, how could I possibly have passed on reading this. No way. I was not sure if I would like it but I am open minded and curious so I started reading. I LOVED THIS BOOK! Chris Edwards is an excellent story teller. Reading this memoir is like sitting on a comfy sofa with a drink and a snack talking to him. He does not hold back nor does he spin things to show how easy everything went. I really liked how numerous times he admitted that he was lucky to come from well off parents who were willing to help pay for all of his surgeries. He says he is a lucky one who was able to go for the deluxe model that most people can’t afford. There was no arrogance involved with these statements. In fact, I found Mr. Edwards to be very humble. I can not begin to imagine what it feels like to be in the wrong body. After finishing Balls I am proud to say that I understand a lot more than I did going in. I love this quote: “The fact is gender identity is not defined by what’s inside your pants; it’s defined by what’s inside your brain.” I laughed out loud in so many places and I will admit to cringing while reading about how a new penis is built. Transgender people are brave souls to be sure. I loved how Mr. Edwards faced everything with humility, grace and most importantly humor. I have to say a big thank you to Chris Edwards for writing this book, bringing these issues out into the open where conversations can be started. Thank you for the laughs, the cringes and the education that I received from reading this book! Netgalley provided me a free galley of this book.
Lena♥Ribka
Writes about Download Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some PDFIt is for sure an interesting insight into a very private life of a transgender person, and I chosen this book not just out of idle curiosity, but because I wanted to learn more about transgender people. I started this memoir with a lot of enthusiasm, especially after reading books by . Renee James is an author of that I fell in love with. They are fictional books with a great transgender character, though knowing some facts from the author's life, one can admit, that in these books she spoke from her soul. Chris Edwards wrote an autobiographical book and shared his real life experiences with his readers. AND I wanted a REAL STORY. I really enjoyed the beginning, but somewhere, along the way, I lost my interest. The story started to remind me more and more of a catalogue with organizational problems: Who has to be said first, how to explain it at work, what steps are the most important to discuss with the therapist, how to change a pass and a driving license. I know that all these things are very important and for sure very helpful, if you want to go through transition, or if you know someone who went/goes/plans to go through transition. Or if you know Chris Edwards personally.I have to add also, Chris Edwards has the best family, one could imagine in such situation - wealthy and extremely supportive, he has the best friends, who accepted and understood his decision straightaway. Not that I wish more drama, but...the book lacks something essential, I can't even explain. It just left me indifferent, and it is very pity.I didn't want to DNF it, I feel bad to do it, but at some point it lost its uniqueness and became just a boring narrative.Chris Edwards has all my respect for his honesty and openness, but I had to give up.
Amanda Jane
Writes about Read Online Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some Book PDFReview to come
Susan Walker
Writes about Reading Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some BookThe Author take us through the story of his changing from female to male. This is an honest and open telling of a difficult journey.
Bárbara
Writes about Reading Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some Book*ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*A witty, hopeful and optimistic view on the struggle of a man to be who he was always meant to be. An important story with an important message that should be widely spread.
Andrea Cooper
Writes about Read Online Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some Book PDFI received a copy of this book through the Goodreads giveaways, began reading, and couldn't put this book down. I was incredibly moved by everything that Chris went through, most of all his incredibly bravery and sense of humor (I laughed non stop) in light of incredible odds. His bravery in writing this memoir is not lost on me either. The transgender community is underrepresented in the media - though thankfully this is beginning to change - and this was honestly the first time I have heard the story of someone who has undergone a FTM transition. I learned so much and can empathize so much better with Chris's situation having read his story. This book is not only appropriate for young men and women who are going through a similar process and facing similar stigma as Chris, but also for anyone who hopes to understand the unique challenges that the transgender community face.
Tex Reader
Writes about Reading Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some BookIn his epilogue, Chris Edwards expressed a hope that his story would "continue the conversation" and that by "hearing more success stories" like his it would give a "more complete picture of the transgender population." While this was not representative of most trans experiences, it still reflected some of the trauma, emotions and struggles that come with that life in a informative and witty way.Chris Edwards is a gifted storyteller, chronologically relating a series of scenarios that flowed smoothly from one to the next, teasing me at the end of one leading into the next. It had a nice, funny start, talking about getting used to his "new equipment," and continued to make me smile by humorously revealing "guy things" that I hadn't thought much about in the ways a transman needs to learn (how to shake hands, use the urinal, date, talk and kid each other). While there was not much new here for me, Edwards extended that education in explaining how hormones can result in not just physical but emotional differences between guys and gals (directness, aggressiveness, sensitivity and being emotional). In the process, he shed light on the fears and emotions he had growing up and coming to terms with his gender identify and in his journey of transitioning. I liked his perspective when he came out to others (because it applies to any big change, personal or organizational), "[My family, and later, friends] were hearing it for the first time….It was unfair of me to expect them to be okay with everything right out of the gate. I'd been living with my gender issue my whole life….I needed to be patient. They had a lot of catching up to do." Yes, as many of us do, Chris, and you've helped with that.Yet there were several ways I wish Edwards had gone further. As an small example, he explained that because they were the terms used at the time, he talked about "gender reassignment" surgery, but also said that "sex reassignment" surgery is more common now, and even that "gender affirmation" or "confirmation" surgery are the more politically sensitive. I wished he had used the latter so that I could get used to hearing and saying that myself.He also portrayed himself positively, skipping over what may have put him in a bad light He was an ad man, after all, so he knew how to sell the story, even when being slightly self-deprecating, drawing sympathy. And he skipped quickly through jr., hi school and college - ones most formative years - maybe because he wanted to keep things more positive, or he didn't want to revisit those painful times he didn't consider "a success"? I was even surprised that someone who majored in psychology didn't think about getting therapy sooner, a mystery partly because we don't know much of those pre-graduate years. Knowing more of those years could have been telling psychologically, as well as helpful to others. Instead, the story mainly focused on his coming out and transition. Of most import was that I felt even this gave a slanted view to people who are not familiar with transgender issues. In the epilogue, Edwards finally acknowledged that he was "one of the luck ones," whereas for a "majority of the trans population, the picture isn't quite so rosy." I would drop the words "quite so;" it actually goes beyond that. His was in fact in a white, privileged, protected environment - not at all representative of 99% of transgenders (very similar to Caitlyn Jenner). Just to illustrate the difference: he had as much money as needed to get all the affirmation surgery he wanted (over 20 operations to get the "deluxe model," running easily into the 6 figures); a very supportive family and group of friends (no one really rejected him or gave him grief); older and college educated; able to find work and advance at his Dad's ad firm; one of the most liberal work, urban Massachusetts and upper-crust communities - such that he rarely encountered the prejudiced treatment to the level most everyone else gets. It's poorer, younger and minority transgenders who are in the most dire straits. They are not in the socio-economic status that is more accommodating than the one that leads the majority of transgender people to be bullied, attacked, murdered, and attempt and commit suicide.At the same time, as Edwards said, it is also good for transgender people to hear stories with happy endings, to show that it is possible. And for those who haven't read much about transgender issues, this was informative and told in an engaging way. I'm glad I read this; it made me smile with its humor and gave insight and renewed appreciation for a group of people who have been misunderstood and maltreated for far too long.
Karen
Writes about Read Online Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some Book PDF4.5 really real stars rounded up to 5 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and this is real guys!!! Non-fiction! I don't read non-fiction, so what does that tell you?I've totally moved outside of the box on this...it's not even fiction. That's right this one is a memoir and I have to say I'm pretty damned nervous doing a review of someone's life or rather the telling of a part of that person's life, especially when that person is sharing some incredibly personal details. I'm not even sure where to begin on this one so if this turns out to be one big ramble...please accept my apologies in advance.Ok first thing I want to say is this guy's got cojones...big ones! because he is entrusting everyone who reads this book with some incredibly personal and intimate information about himself (I'm not saying it's a big secret...because well, hello! book?) still these are very personal details about a very personal part of this person's life. Things that he doesn't need to share but he is and he's doing it not for himself but because there's a very real, very vulnerable section of our society out there who hopefully will benefit from one man's courage to speak out, to tell a story that yes might make some people a little uncomfortable....hell they may even squirm a little, but it might also make some people say 'Wow! If he can do it, I can. I'm not alone, I'm not a freak or the only person who has ever felt like this."'Balls...It takes some to get some' is the story of one person's journey to have their body become who their mind knew they were meant to be. Starting life as the man he knew he was suppose to be was not gods (or nature's, whichever works for you) plan for Chris Edwards, but it was the hand that got dealt to him and Chris knew this was the change that had to happen in order for him to be happy and be who he felt he was suppose to be.I probably looked at this book on Net Galley a half a dozen times before I finally decided I needed to read this. There were a number of reasons why I did and didn't want to read it but ultimately it was just plain old curiosity that won out. I had questions things I wondered about, wanted to know and in the end I realized this was probably going to be my best chance to find out. I know they say curiosity killed the cat but in this case it led the cat (that would be me) to an incredibly well told and socially relevant story as well as appeasing my curiosity and giving me what I hope is a more informed insight to part of our society that struggles more than anyone should ever have to. Told from the author's personal experiences the reader is taken on a journey that in spite of having the benefit of a strong support system and access to quality medical care is neither easy nor painless. For me the most heartbreaking part of this story is the fact that there are so many others who struggle with this journey and lack not just the finances but the support of friends and/or family. As well as telling his story Chris Edwards educates and it was this education that brought tears to my eyes because knowing something in the vague abstract isn't the same as being given the facts of what you know and then having personal details added to highlight those facts. Things like more than 50% of trans kids will attempt suicide before their 20th birthday, sorry if that doesn't make you at least fight back some tears and anger at the unfairness that this is a fact than I guess you're a much tougher person than I am when it comes to kids because I can't even begin to pretend that this fact alone isn't deeply disturbing for me. Ok, sorry I got a little derailed there back to the book.There are honestly so many awesome things I could say about this book but I have to admit because of the subject matter I also know I would take off on more than one rant and my review could possibly end up being as long or longer than the book. So I'm going to wrap it up with just a couple more thoughts the first one being 'BALLS it takes some to get some' is a well written and insightful memoir told with wit, humor, intelligence and dignity and with a strength of character that not all possess but maybe if more of the world did it would be a much better place for those who need it to be and lastly, thank you Chris Edwards for writing a story about a sadly maligned and poorly understood segment of our society that shows it to the rest of the world in a more positive and informed light.I'm pretty sure this ones going on my top 10 list for 2016. Definitely recommended.********************A copy of "BALLS, it takes some to get some" was graciously provided via Net Galley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
PattyMacDotComma
Writes about Download Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some PDF5★ for a brave memoirWhat’s not to love about a book that explains warts (and hairs) and all how a guy changed his life in ways and for reasons most of us never think about? You need to read this.Imagine, if you will, waking up one morning, going into the bathroom to shave, and a lady is looking at you from the mirror. Or imagine going to the mirror to put on your lippy and mascara, but staring back at you is a hairy bloke.My dad, who developed dementia, said he was glad he wasn’t as bad as some guy he read about who woke up, looked in the mirror one morning and said, Of course, this isn’t Chris Edwards’ experience, but equally shattering was the shock of realising at puberty that he was really STUCK in the wrong body, new boobs, periods and all. Even as a tot, he had said he wasn’t (one of three sisters) because he was a boy. But it wasn’t until years later, after postponing his planned suicide many times over the course of his school career, that he discovered, to his enormous relief, that he had a recognised medical condition: . What’s more: Chris tells his story with lots of funny anecdotes, plenty of good gossipy sorts of references to the ad-world that he works in, and a lot of good-natured self-deprecation about how intensely self-absorbed he became during his transition. Credit where credit is due, too, especially to his parents who forked out a LOT of money to pay for the surgeries (and therapy!) to help him through it.I thoroughly enjoyed this informative peek – no this privileged PERV – under the sheets, to see what he went through. It’s also very entertaining. Early in the piece, the head of broadcast of the ad agency (his dad is the CEO) decided to inform her team what Chris was going through and that everyone was supporting him and they’d better watch their own backs if they didn’t! Chris felt decidedly lucky. He frequently quotes statistics (and gives references).He noticed a lot of changes in his temperament as the hormone (testosterone) treatment kicked in. He realised guys really do feel more aggressive and probably are less likely to burst into tears. So don’t pick on a guy because he’s not reacting as you think he should. And if you meet someone who is transgender, don’t ask about surgery.Thanks for writing this book, Chris, for giving answers to the questions we didn’t even know we wanted to ask! And thanks to NetGalley for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted. Apologies if the quotes have changed since, but I’m sure the sentiment hasn’t.
Nancy
Writes about Read Online Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some Book PDFFascinating book. I'm so glad that Chris Edwards wrote this. I found it interesting that as I was reading I always felt like it was written by a man. It was, of course, but I was sometimes startled to read his reaction to his female body because I was hearing a man speaking. A courageous book. An eyeopener for those of us lucky enough to be born into the right bodies. Hopefully an inspiration to those not so fortunate. I'm glad that Chris was very clear that he was exceptionally lucky to have the funds and the support to get all the surgery he needed. I do wish that there were photos. Mr Edwards explained why he had included no before pictures, but I would have liked them anyway. I did have to look online to find current pictures of him. He is a very attractive man. I wish him well. I'm grateful to have received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Lauren Bruck
Writes about Download Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some PDFMultileveled and hilarious!Alternating between poignant and hysterical - not a typical volley of emotions! - BALLS successfully accomplishes a mighty task: it makes gender transition relatable to all of us, especially those of us for whom it is an unknown. Chris opens his history and his heart to readers in order to address our curiosity and misconceptions, and especially to create greater understanding and support for transgender children and teens, who tragically face a suicide-attempt rate of over 50%. This is an important book that should be read widely - but very few "important" books are this irreverently funny! I laughed out loud repeatedly, and by the end of the book, the stories of his family and his love for them were so heartfelt that I wanted to be adopted by them. Like others who posted, I read this in two sittings because I could not put it down. And I have thought about it a great deal since. But BALLS transcends being a book only about gender: it is also a road map for understanding others generally and getting others to understand us - whether we appear different, feel different, or want some sort of change that we struggle to communicate. BALLS is a great read; a book of love and truth, humor and understanding.
Maggie Burgess
Writes about Download Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some PDFEver read a memoir and know that you just HAVE to meet this person? Or at least wish you could? Because this is one of those.I learned a lot. I grew a lot. I felt his pain, and I felt his joy.Read this one!
Darcy Lewis
Writes about Read Online Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some Book PDFI won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and enjoyed it immensely. A quick, engrossing read that answers questions a general reader is likely to have about what it's like to be transgender. Recommended.
Bryony Nelson
Writes about Reading Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some BookThis was absolutely fantastic. I have never felt so freaking proud of a stranger. I'm in awe
Jen
Writes about Download Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some PDFIncredibly amazing book. You can read my full review of it here:
Wendy Swanson
Writes about Reading Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some BookGreat book about a person going from female to male at a time when not much was said or known about the transition process. Very informative, interesting and funny. The author is also very handsome!
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