Thursday, March 20, 2014

The Special One...The Last One...

After all the drama that happened, nothing has changed and it was almost time for Sabine to go back to California. She strongly suggested that Kitty or her boys could visit and stay as long as they want. I also agree for her to go with Sabine, which made me realize maybe there is more between the two of them. As Kitty continues to make up her mind throughout Bertie's wedding, they all agree that Kitty is going and that's a final answer, according to Dot. Dot also stated to concentrate on Bertie's special day and have her get ready.

The book continue to talk about the wedding and how Parsifal should be here. The wedding seemed so simple, elegant, and beautiful. The party was great and everyone was enjoying themselves. The night keeps getting better as Sabine too performed a trick and had a little girl volunteer. It was such a great feeling to that you know everyone around you is happy. :) As Sabine sits after her performance, Bertie brings over the nice cake to Sabine and talk about Parsifal. How it possibly be that Guy have met Bertie when she was younger. There it was the last sentence of the book that stated their last conversation and I was sad.:(

Ann Patchet is a great writer and I love everything about this story. I love her writing and thought it was very powerful or should I say magical. I really believed that something influenced her writing and I want to go behind this book. I would love to know more about the author. As I flipped through the last pages, there was a picture of Ann Patchet and a tiny bio of her. I saw that she's from Los Angeles and wondered if this was her, because she is very beautiful and looked heavenly. I give her five stars and a standing ovation. The best book ever.

The Special One...Part Ten...

This part of the book focuses on Kitty and Sabine and as I mentioned on my previous post, this will be interesting between the two relationship, but it feels like it is taking forever to find my personal answers. Both, Kitty and Sabine mention that they somehow relate to Parsifal or Guy, which is somehow awkward, but makes sense as to why they both feel that way towards each other. Some reasons are that Sabine shares the most time with Parsifal and Kitty's appearance who resembles Guy. They both lost a connection with a love one and share the qualities of a great person. I know that sometime soon they'll eventually have something special.

Moving on, the girls all decide to watch the film from the Johnny Carson show which also resembled a girls slumber party. Dot, Kitty, then Sabine sat on the couch and were steady as they watch. Dot tears first, triggers Sabine, and passes it on to Kitty. It almost made me tear too and made me feel like someone was missing in my life, like a lost relative, even though I can't put my finger on it.

Later as the night ends, Sabine was ready for bed and Kitty decides to say good night then kisses her. The kiss wasn't on the cheek or the forehead, it was on the lips! Oh my god! how the book put its sentences together....It was amazingly put well together, most especially when it made me feel as if I was the one in that awkward moment. The kiss turned out to be two kisses and they just immediately looked at each other as if it wasn't uncomfortable or eccentric.

On the next day, Kitty rushed out of the home but still kisses Sabine on the forehead as she begins her regular day and she never thought of anything else, but moved on as if nothing happens. My oh my! How it gave me a backflash! It was like the time I had with my ex that wasn't suppose to happen. My memories are taking me back to where it all began. What a book that trigger such awful and ridiculous memory. I am constantly smiling with a chuckle.

Jumping to the night, Kitty just ends up on sitting on the end of Sabine's bed and they began to talk. The book really defined the confusion of what they wanted to say, but clearly understood what has happened and what was going on. Without anything happening they still end a comforting night for the two of them and wait for the next day. When they spend more and more time together, it was becoming very difficult for someone to accept and that was Kitty's husband.

Later that day, Howard visits Sabine, but stands across the road and speaks loudly to Sabine. He treathened her to leave his wife and kids alone, even though nothing was mentioned. I was beginning to see that probably Sabine and Kitty won't get any further than a kiss. Regardless, something will happen towards Sabine.

As I read further, I was right, drama happened at home. Howard was fighting with Kitty and by the time Sabine checks up on the situation, there was a small cut on her cheek with little blood. Then, Howard stabbed the table with a knife in front of Kitty and Sabine, eventually the two boys wakes up and goes into the kitchen. Sabine wasn't afraid and did face Howard. She was slammed down to the ground and was yelled at. I really thought that this is embarrassing for him to do this, but damn his gut feeling was somehow right about Sabine and Kitty. Later, the drama ended quickly and the night ended peacefully. I am so thankful because I was beginning to think that someone else was going to be rushed to the hospital.

On the other hand, I am saddened as the book gets closer to the last page, but I do love this book so much.



The Special One...Part Nine...

As I began where I left off, I noticed some words were in French and surprisingly, I knew how to pronounce some of the words. I love the differences of their cultures and how different cities reunite long lost loved ones. Furthermore, Sabine teaches a trick to Howard or Lo and I thought she would never try to do magic again. It was such a great moment that she was playing with kids and without notice, she was being a great aunt. Soon, Bertie got through an accident at home and was rushed to the same hospital where Kitty shared great and awful memories. As they were in the hospital drama occurs between the family and it defintely surprises Sabine. She never knew that there was so much drama in such a little town compared to LA. I totally agree, because the drama is BIGGER when the community is SMALLER.

For example, Tinian, an island where I also am from is populated of about 5,000 people or a little more. This area covers drama from the littlest kid to the oldest person in the village and everyone would be aware of what was going on in seconds. Thankfully, I also grew up in the capital, Saipan. The island is populated about 40,000 people, if I am not mistaken and this is where drama doesn't happen often, so it does make sense to what I stated earlier.

Back to the book, the drama soon ended and everyone parted ways. The result led to Kitty and Howard splitting for some time because he was getting too out of hand. Dot (Parsifal's mom) mentions to Sabine, how she wants Kitty and Howard to divorce and Haas and Bertie to get married, but it seems that it is going the way she wanted to. Thank god this is not happening to my family. Later, Sabine reads a book called "The return of the Native", which the title sounds so interesting enough to make you want to read. As a result, I searched the book and found it! It was first published in 1878 and written by Thomas Hardy. I love how this book states realistic evidence and motivates me throughout the story. In the end, I hope that it turns out to something special.


The Special One...Part Eight...

When I returned reading on the section I left off, I've discovered the famous store, Wal-Mart. This is an amazing store filled with almost everything you need, although some of the stores have the worst customer service ever. They don't even have telephone etiquette and personality. On the other hand, it just brings you back in to shop and find the things you need at a reasonable price. Anyway, Wal-mart is where Parsifal's family would go to for almost anything, most especially Kitty. Kitty would bring her mom to talk to her personally; would bring Bertie just to see people; bring her family when the weather is ridiculous or when they're bored; And now, She brings Sabine shopping for her project on the invitations, but also buys men's blue denim jeans. I hope she doesn't try to  look like Guy.

Another significant building is the hospital, Box Butte Hospital. This is the hospital where the cops brought Mr. Fetters after he died; When Howard Sr was in an accident; and where Kitty got married. This also seems like the only hospital in the city too. I think the name is absurd and odd for a hospital. Alliance feels like a place for deep and closed minded people, the kind that everyone knows your business. Everyone had the same fashion and it completely makes sense. It seems like the Alliance is pretty small and separated from the other cities. Maybe I should look it up and learn about the city.

Sabine questions how long they're married? and Kitty responds "I am 44 years old, so 24". This conversation ignited my curiousity between the two of them as if they end up as lovers or something that will bring them closer than ever, but I maybe wrong. Eventually, they both share memories about Guy and he definitely sounds like a great kid that anyone could have. They shared the egg trick story of how Parisfal tried so hard to accomplish when he was young and how he mastered it and toy it with Phan constantly that brought so much laughter and joy. It really is pleasing and enjoying to hear the two different stories that share one thing in common.

Speaking of Phan, Sabine continues to have another dream from time to time, but this time Parsifal is there. These type of dream in my culture means that our beloved ones who passed are visiting you and a sign of guidance. I have never had this experience but knew so many who did. Furthermore, her dream became the memories she experience in the past and she remembers how Phan was so great in sewing. It sounded as if Phan could so sew anything and turn into something so beautiful that meant perfection. It was really amazing to read about how he also is the stylist for Sabine and Parsifal. In addition, I plan to take a sewing class to learn how to become a stylist and thanked the book for also contributing my interest. Love it!!

The Special One...Part Seven...

As Sabine grew comfort from Parsifal's family, it seemed as if she was the person that should've been there since day one. Soon, Sabine finally meets Kitty's family, most especially the boys, one of them was named after Guy(Parsifal) and the other Howard after her husband. In addition, Howard introduces himself as 'Lo to Sabine. I was so surprised and shocked. OMG!! My name is there too! I'm smiling with joy! Although I was wondering how come the name was spelled 'Lo, because in my language it is spelled Lo'. Either way I am still flattered and excited! So Lo and Guy greatly resembled their uncle and Sabine was dazing off and seemed so lost with their looks. Later, the girls conversated about kids with Sabine and she mentioned that Phan and Parsifal have talked about kids, but they didn't mention it after Phan had a blood test, which must be a depressing moment at that time.

As the conversation continue, they talk about everyone in the family, mostly that relates to Parsifal. The interesting part is that Dot mentioned to Sabine that Kitty's husband, Howard doesn't know that Parsifal is gay and should be left alone. The reason was because his son is named after his uncle who killed his grandfather and what more if he was gay. I was really a bit annoyed of how they kept this as a secret but still Sabine ignore the situation as if it wasn't worth to talk about.

After the conversation ended, they've decided to watch the Johnny Carson show that was recorded on a VHS Cassette tape, where Sabine and Parsifal performed before. They tell Sabine that they watch the first five minutes from time to time and the full show on special holidays such as Christmas. This made me feel so sad because I could imagine my family just watching the only memory they have of me. This really makes me miss my family so much. Back to the show, they began to compliment Sabine of how beautiful she was, most especially with her dress, which I think was very nice of them to share. The show began and the magic was based on gravity where Sabine would lie down and float in the air with two chairs along her side. I could imagine the trick and thought it was extremely awesome. Now I am moved to watch a show or watch a movie on magic.

When they finished, they striked up a new conversation and told Sabine that she was very alike to Guy. Dot mentioned that Guy told her that he did the right thing when he killed his father. I am surprised and wouldn't know anyone who would say something like that, but I completely understand the situation even though I didn't agree to it. I've wondered if Mr. Fetters was abused growing up or was there something wrong? Moments later, Sabine tries to imagine what was Guy's life like as a child and tried to do the things he enjoyed doing as a child. This made me realize that she really do miss Guy or Parsifal so much.

I feel like the connection they've had is really special and the relationship they had was entirely unique and rare. I somehow understand the connection which I am completely amazed and trying to thing if I ever had experience to something like this.




Tuesday, March 11, 2014

The Special One...Part Six...

After Sabine's break down, they went home to relax and she immediately recovered. A new conversation sparked up between the three of them. Sabine was curious about Parsifal's father and so she asked without hesitation. Mrs. Fetters responded that his father had an accidental death when she was pregnant with Bertie. I was thinking that it was probably a car accident. Mrs. Fetters began to question Sabine by asking her when did she first meet Parsifal and I knew how they met, but it wasn't elaborated. I was so excited to hear this part because I am a very detailed person. Sabine and Parsifal met when she worked as a waitress at the Magician's Hat while Parsifal was performing. She was stunned by his gorgeous face in that tuxedo and stared at him heavenly, eventually he picked on her to be his volunteer and from there it all began.

Sabine noticed everything about Parsifal which I thought was absurdly amazing. Sabine even mentioned that Parsifal had great taste in men and the relationship between he and Phan was true love. For homosexuals, love is really rare and it is kind of sad to see that the community is known for it's promiscuous actions. That is one part I really hate about the community and it is really annoying. I wish that people would just realize that there are more to life than hooking up for a one night stand and that they should be aware of their feelings.

Moving on, the conversation led to the wedding day of Sabine and Parsifal. This special day was very simple, beautiful, and very classy. It was held at their beautiful home by the pool and almost everyone attended including architects, antique people, and all the magicians. By the end of the night, Parsifal said to Sabine "My wife, My beautiful wife" as they dance and then kisses her, they both laugh before parting ways to end the night. At that moment, it really threw me off and made me realize this is one beautiful and rare relationship they share. In addition, their wedding song was "Girl from Ipanema" and ofcourse I looked for it. OMG!! It popped up on youtube and the song is real!

Although the song was really light and comforting, but the lyrics really symbolizes the relationship between Sabine and Parsifal. It was something different to me and hopefully I have the right artist to the song, because there was so many. Later, they found a picture of Kitty in Parsifal's photo box collection. Mrs Fetters was very excited about it and knew that he would have at least a picture of his sister. He was very close to Kitty as I am to my sister and was awesome.

As the conversation ended they eventually need to head to the airport for Mrs. Fetters and Birdie to head home and as they were about to say farewell to each other, Mrs. Fetters asks Sabine to come with. It was definitely a surprise and Sabine couldn't as she needed to take care things at home. A few days later she recieved a letter from Mrs. Fetters and it came with photographs they took together, in addition, a similar photo to Kitty's picture that they've found was also attached to the picture. Sabine was so surprised how Guy or Parsifal looked exactly like his sister. It was so odd but good.

I question this story more and more as if Ann Pachet, the author, was writing about someone she knew or someone in any relation to her. I am amazed and cant wait to see what happens next.

The Special One...Part Five...

Continuing from the conversation they're having. Mrs. Fetters was born in Alliance and did not leave her hometown and when raising her kids, she knew that Guy was gay since he was three or four, which I am not surprised. She stated that there was a little trouble when he was 14, that is messing around with friends, playing games that she knew weren't games. This reminds me of some of the people who shared stories that weren't aware of their sexuality and felt as if they're okay to make any moves among their friends. In her own response she sent him to Bible Camp and then to the Nebraska Boys Reformatory Facility in Lowell to get cured. I am disappointed how she took this action to the extreme and never mentioned any conversations with Guy, it was really making me feel that she wasn't supportive with him.

She also mentioned that when he returned home at the age of 18, he packed up his stuff and left. So, my previous blog was a guess with Sabine.Time goes by and she still blamed him, but she realize that it was herself to blame. I mean who would want to be sent off to that kind of facility where trouble kids go to as well as other disturbed children. Maybe that's the entire reason why Guy left but I have a feeling that there are more reasons for him not to return. The conversation soon ends and that Mrs. Fetters asked for a favor from Sabine. She asked if she could stay one more day and to visit places where Guy spend his time and what he liked. I really think that was beautiful and very human for Sabine to do for Mrs. Fetters and Bertie.

The following day, Sabine first brought them over to Parsifal's Rug Store because she mentioned to Mrs Fetters that Parsifal didn't make a living off of magic, it was a terrible life. One of the Rug stores was well taken care of by Salvio, a Nepalese guy who worked for Parsifal for the longest time. He was very kind and respectful type of guy which was great. Another special thing about the store is that this is where Parsifal and Phan first met and I thought that it was really cute. Next, she brought them to the Magician's Club where all the magicians perform and compete. As they all sit and talk, one magician at a time began to share memories of Parsifal, it turned out to be an amazing moment, because how they respected Mrs. Fetters and Bertie by kissing their hands. This demonstrated how they all absolutely love him and it was heart warming.

As they spend most of their time one magician called upon Sabine to assist him, she knew the trick, but it brought back memories of her and Parsifal, which led her to break down. I knew that kind of pain and it really squeeze my heart to see her in pain. Thankfully, Mrs Fetters and Bertie were there to save her and comfort her. I feel like the Fetters are really good people and deserve a second chance from Parsifal. The book is really entertaining and my emotions continue to change as I read through.

Monday, March 10, 2014

The Special One...Part Four...

Coninuing the amazing book. As I mentioned on my previous blog, Parsifal shared a secret that he had a crush on Johnny Carson, which was funny because his mom did like him too, in a different way of course. It made Sabine think that she may not seem to be a bad mother after all. After they get through the day, Sabine is alone again and it worries me if she'll be okay and get through another night, but it turned out painfully as she cut herself on her palm as she dazed off while doing some sort of art. She was completely lost and it was painful as I imagined.

During the accident, her phone rings and it was from Parsifal's mother calling her to the bar to conversate over drinks, and thankfully it snapped her out of it. I actually think that having conversations over drinks is somehow helpful, especially when things are going to expose. Then, Sabine arrives and they began exchanging answers they seek for. One particular question was why did Parsifal say his family are dead? I waited patiently and finally got to this point. When Sabine told his mother what Parsifal said, Mrs. Fetters was completely hysterical and replied "What kind of mother do to make her son say that she's dead, the whole family dead?". I continue to wonder what happen and still I did not find any answers, but I am sure it'll be found anytime soon.

During their conversation, Mrs. Fetters stated that Guy (Parsifal) was homosexual and it did not surprise me at all. I mean every mother knows their child more than anything in the world.  And as they continue to throw questions back and fourth about almost anything, the answers were coming out interesting and pleasing. The two are building a some sort of connection that was nice, although they had to cut it short as Mrs. Fetters notices the cut on Sabine's palm, which also reminded her of Parsifal or Guy's accident as a child. They rushed to the hospital together and have it all taken care of, thanks to Mrs. Fetters.

Regardless of the situation they continue to talk and I thought it was funny, most especially when they talk about love for Parsifal or Guy, which Mrs. Fetters stated "Everyone was in love with that boy", as Sabine becomes embarrassed. He must have been drop dead gorgeous and I try to imagine his face in my mind. It turns out to be difficult to picture him. On the other hand, Sabine expresses her memories with Parsifal to his mother about how they somehow broke up even though they're not together, but yet she thought she was patient to wait for him :(. More and more of mixed feelings build up as they conversate and I can't wait to get more answers. It is entirely amazing so far.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

The Special One...Part Three..

Guy Fetters aka Parsifal had a mother and 2 sisters, one had children. I've recently found out that he left at the age of 14. My oh my that is so young and I wouldn't know how could he survived it. It didn't state whether he ran away or just respectfully walk away. The only evidence was a postcard from his mother that sounded so warming and that was greatly missed. I question what was Parsifal's reason to leave his family at a young age and how did he survive to support himself. It would be painful to find out if it was all negative. In addition, I cannot imagine what would it feel like if a mother does not keep in touch with her children at least. My mother and I need to speak to each other at least every other day. Just even thinking about her makes me miss my family terribly.

Furthermore, Sabine arranged on meeting Parsifal's mother and sister. If they could see his grave at least and say their good-byes. I don't think I've met someone that has done something like this, but I've known some people who didn't even say their good-byes. For instance, my uncle Tom, who is my dad's brother that I've only met through the phone and that was so many years ago. I have no knowledge of who he is and just know a minimal amount of information such as where he lived and a pic or two of how he looked like. I am pretty sure that my uncle never really had the chance to say good-bye to my uncle Oscar who passed three years ago. My dads family doesn't keep in touch because of their selfishness and ignorance. I really don't like them, but it is sad that I'm still meeting some of them.

Anyway,  I found great information that Phan is part Vietnamese and French. A unique combo of ethnicity, it must be really different culturally. I've wondered if he was born in the United States. Moving on, Parsifal's family finally flew over to visit and as soon as they landed, they went straight to the grave after visiting Sabine's new home. Parsifal's mother questions about the pictures of Phan around the house and the marriage of Sabine. During the visit of the grave, Parsifal's mother questions about Phan's grave and said without hesitation that his son was so generous to give a plot to Phan and Sabine instantly replied that it was Phan who gave the the plot. This is where I believe the puzzles began to piece together and I feel that the mystery will soon be exposed.

The Special One...Part Two...

The relationship between Parsifal and Sabine is beautiful and vey passionate. They shared more secrets when they were married, most especially when Parsifal shared his secret crush growing up and that was Johnny Carson. I, on the other hand, do not know who is Johnny Carson and my curiousity led me to find out if he was just a character in the book or does he live in our world? I began my search instantly.

As a result, Johnny Carson is absolutely 100% real. The funny thing is that when I did my first search on my phone the results turned out to be shockingly ridiculous. The headline of the result was under news titled "Johnny Carson Sex Tape Hits the Market" from TMZ just exactly 10 minutes ago. I was so shocked to see that this was the outcome of the search, although I definitely scanned through his official page. It turned out that Johnny Carson was an interesting man. A handsome fellow with a great personality and I believed that was the reason why Parsifal had a huge crush on him.

Moving on, Sabine had inherited everything from Parsifal and it was weird how she would spend time in Phan and Parsifal's master bedroom and lie depressingly thinking of their memories. It must have been super hard for her and reading through was actually making my eyes a bit watery. As I held back my eyes, I thought to myself how this woman is truly incredible even when she spilled Parsifal's ashes by Phan's grave. I wouldn't be able to handle this situation and it seemed like it is becoming too overwhelming.

Afterwards, a lady gives a Sabine a ring and asking if she was Mrs. Fetters and I knew it was referring to her, but somehow got me slightly confused. Because I didn't know what was Parsifal's full name or real name by birth. When Parsifal mentioned that no family was alive, but a sister named Helen, it made me think that it was Helen calling. Surprisingly, it wasn't Helen, it was Parsifal's mother and she told Sabine that his name is Guy Fetters. It was odd and made me wonder why would he change his name and hide his family or say they didn't exist.

Secrets after secrets were exposing itself as time goes by. Speaking of secrets, Sabine found some of Parsifal's personal belongings, letters from Phan and different men. Oh my gosh! this is really sad to find. Sabine is totally in pain and I just don't know what to tell her or how to comfort her if I was there. I mean loving someone deeply and extremely is equally painful and distasteful. I could see that there was more pain on Sabine. I feel so sorry for her as if she was someone I knew who had a broken down into pieces. I don't like to see people in pain. I just hate it!

I know later everything will be resolved but for now this excruciating pain will be long gone as I read through. I just can't wait to see the happy part of Sabine. She really deserves a lot and should be enormously rewarded anytime soon.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

The Special One...Part One...

This book is definitely going to be a joy ride. When I first picked up the book at the PCC Library, I knew that this book is something different, something unique and special. The book cover too was pretty and the image was kind of interesting, it was like something that you could daze off and imagine nothing. As I flipped the page, I realize that there was a short summary that was attached to the book cover and I completely ignored it. The reason was for me to be surprised and not having any idea about the story. 

I flipped again and there was the magnificent title "The Magician's Assistant". The next page had the same title but came with a name just a few inches below it, Ann Patchett and made me wonder where is this author originally from? or what is her ethnic background? I ignored my questions and continue to flip the next few pages. One of the pages was a dedication to two women and the other was stated "At the intersection of George Burns and Gracie Allen". My curiousity continue to grow, but still I ignored it and couldn't wait to read it.

The first page of the story started with "PARSIFAL IS DEAD. That is the end of the story." I was like Dang, that was really intense and shocking to me. It was very new to me, most especially that the author just started her writing differently. I was super impressed and slightly confused. I said to myself "Oh My God!" like twice. Anyway, I read through and everyone seemed to be dead already except Sabine. It started with how she was by Parsifal side as he waits for his time to come though seemed like it was at any second. Phan died also just 14 months ago and it must have been really difficult for Sabine.

Sabine is really something and I am saddened for the situation she is in. On the other hand, when they mentioned how they met, it was very sweet and heart warming. She was 19 and Parsifal was 24. Parsifal was doing a show and she was a volunteer. Sabine was instantly in love with Parsifal and she definitely caught his attention to be a part of his life. I love that she took the glass of water from him which made a huge impact even though she was done volunteering for him. Later, she instantly became the assistant. I saw the love was different among the two and it was somehow satisfying.

Sabine was in love with him and was content with the situation she was in. Sabine began to dream of what she remembers of Parsifal and Phan, which made me realize that was probably part of grieving. As I read along, there was a part the caught my attention when Sabine spoke to her parents and it really made an impact on myself, it was when she told her parents "You don't always get what you want!". Never in my life has someone ever told me those painful honest words and wouldn't want to hear it. It really made me see that sometimes in life people should be content with what they have as I am too. For instance, I wanted my dream car, a Scion TC, even though it was affordable, I still couldn't get it, but I bought a Ford Escape, an SUV that I am very much content with. 

Another touching moment was when Parsifal told Sabine that he wanted her to be his widow and deserve to be married. I honestly think it was beautiful, but I strongly feel that people would oppose of this and don't clearly understand what was meant. I am understanding every word and knew what she was talking about. I felt the author's writing and could truly understand what was going on. So many things to say and I am enjoying every single page. An unforgettable story.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

A Memorable and Beautiful History Chapter Five...

The final chapter of the book :(. This section is called the "Current Waves". I've wondered if this will provide the most recent information since it was published in 2009. This was five years ago and felt like it was last year. Anyways, it started with a positive information about accepting transgender into law meaning that transgendered people are allowed to change their identity.

Furthermore, this chapter covered some interviews done with Susan Stryker. It was nice to see what she is doing and I admire her work so much that I am falling in love with it. She also wrote about Aids and the "New Transgender" and it made me felt agitated because of how people thought Aids was only caused by homosexuals. She also mentioned other activists and organization who fought for equality which was heart warming to me.

On one of the articles she posted, it stated " Remembering Our Dead". I was so sad  to see this part of the book and it's hard to imagine what has happened. As I read the article, Teena Brandon, respectfully Brandon, had a great impact all over the United States with her tragic death. Her story soon turned into a movie called "Boys don't Cry", this movie took me forever to find, most especially the price they had on to watch on comcast. Another movie called "A Girl like Me" was also a cover story of Gwen Araujo death. I remember watching this when it first aired on Lifetime television. These are horrible and depressing stories and I wouldn't want anyone to go through this.

Moreover, the section covered more Transgender Rights and projects created to share awareness on hatecrime and also listed shows and events that highlighted the Transgender community. I really love this book and wish there are more information. After reading the book I went further to the end, reading every word in the book. In the end, there was Readers Guide, Further Reading and Resources, Sources of the book, Index, About the Author, and Credits.

It was a diamond! I would purchase this book and use it in the future for my studies. A humble gratitude for those who continue to fight for equality who are truly respected. A great honor for Susan Stryker. :)