Author Rowan Jetté Knox (who published this book under a previous name and pronoun) had a loving mother and stepfather but a chaotic family life. At school, Jetté Knox was bullied harshly and considered dying by suicide. At 14, he entered a counselling program for alcohol addiction; by 16 he was living on the street; and at 20, he was married.
Three children followed. Jetté Knox’s second child came out as a transgender girl at age 11, and Jetté Knox writes of coming to terms with his own internalized transphobia. A year later, after years of unhappiness, Jetté Knox’s spouse came out as a trans woman. Jetté Knox was determined that their family would survive this change by remembering to “lead with love.” By their 20th anniversary, Jetté Knox had come out (at the time) as a lesbian as well.
Honest and direct, yet also kind and insightful, with gentle touches of humor, this is a story of change, but also of the constant that is love. While few families may share the exact circumstances and changes as Jetté Knox’s, many should find comfort and hope in their story.
Content warning for suicidal ideation.
Note that since the book’s publication, Jetté Knox has come out as trans themself, taking the name Rowan and using he/him pronouns. I have adjusted his name and pronouns in this review accordingly.
