The XY Axis

by Karin Bishop

[Alternate cover edition for ASIN: B007M87NE4]

All Mike wanted to do was survive school. But his best friend Christine helped him learn that he was transgender, and that his future should be as Michelle, not Mike. When Grandmother, the family's wealthy Connecticut blue-blood matriarch, becomes ill, the family gathers and Michelle learns about her family’s past. But there are troubles in the present, and Michelle may not be the only variant in a genetically remarkable family.

Genres: Transgender, LGBT, Young Adult

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 18, 2012

About the author

I started writing as a child, and won my first national writing award in sixth grade. I edited and wrote for my high school and college creative writing magazines, but then life got in the way and didn’t write fiction for years—I wrote for hire. Magazine articles (in music and travel), advertising copy, corporate newsletters and software manuals paid the bills. I have always been interested in the discovery of a person’s true nature and sexual identity, and began exploring different literary genres and structures to tell those important stories.

Reviews

[Elle Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand this is fiction, but this is NOT the typical experience for most trans people and I think it's way out of touch. This is a perfect situation where everyone is supportive and the family has money and connections to get the teen the help they need. Mom just magically has had everything lined up including meds and therapists for the day when "Michael" realized they were Michelle (a name their best friend told them they should choose, not one they really chose on their own). Also not a fan of the dialogue and it feels too much like Michelle is being pushed too quickly into transitioning and told what to do without being given much agency.

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was too juvenile and over the top for me. 🫠🤷🏼‍♀️

[Maria Iozzi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea at all!

[Corey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the worst one yet.

One of the worst and most biowssentialist books I've read.

Ever as always Karin Bishop's book The XY Axis is a bigoted poorly written screed of fake science, wild transphobia, misogyny the likes of which have never been seen before, and an absolutely bizarre and disgusting homophobic anti-lesbian subplot.

The book has dozens of unnecessary and absurd subplots. The inciting incident about Michelle's grandmother having cancer basically doesn't affect the plot AT ALL until the epilogue.

The genetics are complete nonsense and not even a little bit reflective of real world genetics. The entire "so many females in our family" subplot falls apart the moment you remember that sex determination comes from sperm.

The protagonist goes on and on about Being Intersex but in real life she wouldn't be. The intersex condition the author gives her DOES NOT exist.

[Nelson Noel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent offering from an exceptional author!

As usual, Ms. Bishop delivers a story with well developed characters, a great plot and an intriguing ending.
I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 11. There are technical and medical procedures that will need explaining, but nothing too difficult.
Great job Karin, keep them coming. 😉

[Russell Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

This was an interesting and exciting read. I always enjoy Karin Bishop's writing. Almost always the same theme, but every book is different and interesting.

[MK · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book about a transgender girl approaching puberty. Gay or straight, or bi, I 'get' that. But I don't - or didn't - really 'get' transgender, or how it's different from gay, or transvestite, so this was an interesting read.