Nevada

Nevada left me conflicted for the sole reason that I wanted more! I understand that the way it ends is probably the only way it could have. It's wonderfully slice-of-life in the most trans, flail way possible. I always feel irked by fiction that refuses to acknowledge the basics of human life; needing to go to work every morning, having to take your meds on time, getting hungry and going out of the way to grab a bite, all the ways these simple things interfere with each other and create chaos when you dont got your shit figured out. Perfect depiction of the executive dysfunction coming from an inability to just deal straight with your feelings and act. Its a story thats sympathetic to trans experiences without harping on the same chords of self-loathing, paranoia, addiction. It also seamlessly deals intelligently with the topic of transmisogyny neither over-explaining nor dumbing down. I admit the first and second half feel disjointed, but also each reflect the inner-life of Maria and James respectively with a change in voice. I also think its funny how you kinda have to wonder how the stoey would've been different if she took her shot on time. I really liked this one and it makes me curious about Binnie's work in general.

I was put onto this by the Transfeminine Review, and goodness am I glad. Much of what it has to say about queer community and how it treats trans women is still relevant today, and there are times it felt like my life was put on the page- like someone had read my mind! Maria is a window into our community- its no wonder this was a breakout hit. She's not likeable, at times- just like me and the girls I know aren't. She's genuine and a better character for it, a reflection for the world to see, but more importantly for girls like us to see. It's not quite perfect- its a little overly self conscious and the writing can be emotionally disconnected- but at the same time that's very fitting for what Nevada is trying to be. Definitely recommend