"Surpassing Certainty" by Janet Mock
- Christina Vortia, MSLIS
- Mar 31, 2018
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 30, 2020
TITLE: Surpassing Certainty
AUTHOR: Janet Mock
PUBLISHER: Atria Books
PUBLISHED DATE: June 13, 2017
ISBN: 978-1501145797
PAGES: 256
I read Redefining Realness a few years ago for a book club, and I was deeply moved by Mock's incredible story.
Good, bad, or indifferent - Mock writes with an authenticity and bravery that few can match. This memoir picks up where her last one left off, and we find Janet already fully transitioned into womanhood, but grappling with the complexities of her insecurity and sexual empowerment. Through every instance of Mock's life, she gives us deep insight into the racial and gendered politics of her New England college, East Coast metropolis, and corporate career. If you've already read Redefining Realness, Mock's astute examination of what it means to be a transgender woman of color who has lived stealth as well as very publicly open, dazzles. I read this book for a second time for Hype Lit Book Club, and we had a very hearty discussion from everything to Mock's popular culture references to sexual assault.
This is a very meaty memoir with a lot of readers to sink their teeth into, and will leave readers with a lot to think about long after they've read the book.
Recommendation: READ IT!
Audience: This book is not marketed to teens, but I could see that a lot of teens would love this book. Everyone who came to the meeting said they were surprised at how much they loved the book. They hadn't read the first book, but said they definitely needed to read the first book, and I'd highly recommend reading the Redefining Realness before reading Surpassing Certainty.
Book Club Meeting Location: Hamburger Mary's
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