Morgan in the Mirror by

C.C. Saint-Clair's latest novel, Morgan in the Mirror, moves away from her usual lesbian contexts and tackles the issue of Transgenderism -- a most relevant matter for the health and survival of humankind, because fear of the unfamiliar is part of the global problem of discrimination against "the other."

If our survival as a community is based on our ability to become accepting, compassionate human beings capable of caring for each other -- even in the absence of understanding -- then Saint-Clair tests our readiness by giving us Morgan and the challenge his personal circumstances present to the world.

Already a highly recommended book for those interested in Gender Studies and promoted as a must-read on FTM and SOFFA-friendly resources (Significant Others Family and Allies - Australia's P-FLAG equivalent), Morgan in the Mirror offers an insightful look into the heart and mind of Morgan, a transgender male struggling to define himself as a man and win the heart of Christen, the woman he loves.

Gender and sexuality have never been frozen in binary oppositions of each other, but they have always existed as mere stations along a rich and gloriously multicoloured continuum. Christen discovered this truism after her own surprising heart-connection with Maddy, but can she now accept Morgan, her new love interest, as he stands before her at the mid-point of his transgender journey from female to male?

Even more poignant and heart-wrenching than Morgan's personal struggle is the insight into the secret, hidden world of transgender society. The dangers of being revealed as a transgender and harmed by unthinking fools who hate and fear what they do not understand lend an element of fear and survival at all cost to Morgan's struggles. Paradoxically, a great many fears, hatreds and prejudices about the transgender issue continue to persist even in the gay and lesbian community. This is addressed in my interview with C.C. Saint-Clair.

While the book made me cry several times, It also has many of the juicy love scenes for which C.C. Saint-Clair is well known. One thing that it a more personal read is the friendship I share with my childhood friend, Cheryl, who grew up with me in rural western Kentucky. My long brown hair endlessly fascinated her, known then as Charlie. I, the budding lesbian, mistook this for a crush. We laugh at these stories now, many years later. Neither of us realized then, at the tender age of 12, what secrets the other was hiding. Morgan in the Mirror now makes clearer the struggles that all transgenders face. I enjoyed this book and recommend that everyone read it, because all of us could use a little more love, understanding and compassion in our lives.

Pam Harrison: professional and freelance writer [written for C.C.also seen on Amazon]

Where Can I Buy Morgan?:

Recommended BMI: Publisher of Morgan - $12.95

Amazon (you'll pay more! $19.95)

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C.C. Saint Clair's website

The interview in Curve Magazine

FORUMS:

All Things Lesbian: A forum addressing/discussing C.C.'s books, including many about Morgan.

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