Transition

The Story of How I Became a Man

By: Chaz Bono

Narrated by: Chaz Bono

Chaz Bono's groundbreaking and candid account of a forty-year struggle to match his gender identity with his physical body and his transformation from female to maleAt 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 eighteen 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 twenties, 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.

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

Learned a lot!

I have a better understanding of the trans community and some of the heartache that trans people go through. Chaz takes you step by step as it happened to her, both mentally and physically. I will say that her voice is very monotone and needed some variation in her speech to convey emotions. But don’t let that stop you from listening to her story.

Enlightening, heartbreaking, well written.

I didn't have any preconceived notions about this book and found it to be informative, emotional and eye opening. I liked this not so much about that Chaz is the product of famous parents, but more importantly because of the open honest insight he provides the reader/listener of the confusion and struggles he endured whilst trying to figure out and understand 'who the hell am I'?

Perfect! Thank you, Chaz

I am a mother of a FTM child, I was delighted to hear your story.
Very hamsome, stylish and beautifully designed in the inside. I will say Dorian looks exactly like you.
This is just what I needed and I will give my auditable to Dorian.

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.

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.