Official Review: My Ladybird Story by Magus Tor

sherif olabode · Post by **sherif olabode** » 10 Jan 2018, 09:30

My Ladybird Story by Magus Tor is the story of John, who always knew he was different, but could not put his finger on what it was that made him different for a long time. During his time at school, he was always the one who got bullied and pushed around, until a transfer student with the name of Aureus (a girl) arrived and became his best friend. She also knew he was different, but decided to stick to his side. After years, John realizes what his problem is and why he hates his body so much, and why he enjoyed touching girls' clothing: he realized he was a girl trapped in a man's body. But how will he deal with it? Will Aureus still be his best friend after the fact is revealed to her in a rather traumatic way? And what will John's family say?

My Ladybird Story by Magus Tor was a fascinating read for me. While I cannot speak from experience, the story of how John slowly makes the transition from hating his body, to understanding the source of the hate, and then moving towards the solution (i.e. the transformation into a woman) was very realistic and very emotional, too. The writing was well done, and you could not help but feel for John. His fears and emotions were very well described, and I liked that the reactions of the people around him also seemed to be very realistic, i.e. not just "Oh yeah, it's all fine." I enjoyed reading this book very much. It had a nice flow, and shows that you don't need action and violence to make a story stand out.

ReyvrexQuestor Reyes · Post by **ReyvrexQuestor Reyes** » 10 Jan 2018, 09:32

I gather that this book is about a transgender, i.e., his journey towards acquiring that new identity divergent from the one he was born with. A cross-dresser may be an applicable term to him. He is already of a feminine bod and it seems only logical that he proceeded to acquire the suited raiment. And all these he did through his own volition. I could recall from Mythology that even men --or gods-- of more brusque manly endowments resorted to cross-dressing, albeit, being just compelled to do so. There is Achilles whom his mother dressed in girlish fashion to dissuade him from becoming a warrior, or Hercules being garbed in a princess' haute couture as punishment after killing his wife. But Hercules here did not desire a ladybird transformation, it was more due to insanity, as the account puts it. Thanks for this interesting review, I almost got carried away.

Booklover1606 · Post by **Booklover1606** » 10 Jan 2018, 09:44

Sounds like a wonderful story of self-discovery. Well done on an excellent review.

IsabelMay · Post by **IsabelMay** » 10 Jan 2018, 09:52

I like that the author chose a theme a lot of people discuss nowadays, but I'm not sure if I like how she shaped the story. A lot of events seem unoriginal and far-fetched. Just like I feared (and the review confirmed my suspicions), there's a point where the character leaves everything behind and is suddenly completely carefree. We all know that doesn't happen in real life, not so fast, so it's always a bit weird to find such elements in a book. The concept is great, but, based on the review and the sample on Amazon, the characters lack development.

Luna_natti · Post by **Luna_natti** » 10 Jan 2018, 10:13

My Ladybird Story by Magus Tor

An interesting book to read. This is a great book for Teens/YA and older who wish to know more about discovering sexual identity.This is the first book I have read on the subject of being transgender. I found the book to be realistic in the many descriptions of John's early life and his psychological difficulties related to his physical body not being the same as his "inner" body image. The confusion, the internal/emotional conflict, the body shame and disgust were very accurate descriptions. The story is a very basic, simplified depiction of growing up transgender, discovering your true sexual identity as a young adult and the process of transitioning through gender reassignment surgery.

And I also like that John's brother is their for him and help him in understending himself!

aajumbo · Post by **aajumbo** » 10 Jan 2018, 10:20

John doesn't feel comfortable in his own skin he is confused about who he really is.Transgender is the main plot of book

HeatherTasker · Post by **HeatherTasker** » 10 Jan 2018, 10:23

Beautifully written review! You've given just enough detail to really hook me, thanks! (Some reviews tell so much it's hard to imagine needing to read the story.)

This sounds like a great book. I'm adding it to my TBR list and, when my son is old enough I think he should read it too.

Thanks again and congratulations to the author. We'll be reading you soon!

Rajanis · Post by **Rajanis** » 10 Jan 2018, 10:25

John knows he is different from others as he is constantly bullied in school. He finally finds a true friend in Aureus who would stand by him even when he questions his own identity. Thanks for the review.

kislany · Post by **kislany** » 10 Jan 2018, 10:29

With the subject of transgender so prevalent in today's world, this book is quite timely to ease people into this very peculiar (for some) way of life.

Mercelle · Post by **Mercelle** » 10 Jan 2018, 10:32

This book brings to light a pertinent issue plaguing society. For the author to do so with such grace deserves a round of applause.

Paul78 · Post by **Paul78** » 10 Jan 2018, 10:34

The review reflects on how Magus has described through his story of people's struggle to self esteem and acceptance.
Kudos for the good work.

afiaboafo · Post by **afiaboafo** » 10 Jan 2018, 10:45

This book I believe is a must read for everyone especially people from Africa where I come from in order for us to fully understand and grasp transgender issues. I really like the review because it is insightful. I would love to read this book.
I think we should all know something about these pertinent issues in our times in order to better understand and live with people who are struggling to accept who they truly are.
Great review, great book!
Thanks.

jemgirl202 · Post by **jemgirl202** » 10 Jan 2018, 11:07

This sounds like a beautiful story. The transgender community is judged quite harshly by those not willing to get to know them and how they feel. This book sounds like it will give a glimpse into the mind and feelings of someone who is transitioning. Congrats on Book of the Day! Great review!

tamdlyte · Post by **tamdlyte** » 10 Jan 2018, 11:09

It would appear that this reviewer really really really liked this book and author! LOL And though the topic matter may not interest me, (I don't care what clothes or body somebody wears) I would read this book just because it sounds like the author wrote his subject matter well!

Rainslick · Post by **Rainslick** » 10 Jan 2018, 11:24

The butterfly is often the symbol of metamorphosis, and Magnus has chosen a heroine of a children's rhyme, the lady bird. "Lady bird, Lady bird, fly away home. Your house is on fire, your children are gone." The strong association of the word lady bird with the need to return home, with calamity, with the desperate want for care are all very appropriate when put into the context of the main character John boy. Home is grounding, a safe place, an anchor, John boy is adrift attempting to find a place in a world that feels alien. His own body doesn't align and the navigation of that transition is tenderly applied in the story line. Transgender story lines rarely deal with the emotional nuance of the character and often hold to rote and tired formulas. This book has some of those same elements, but the modeling of the character has more depth than most. All in all a good read and possibly an important one for teens grappling with similar struggles. A solid 4 star book.