ARC Review: The Trans Self-Care Workbook: A Coloring Book and Journal for Trans and Non-Binary People by Theo Lorenz
About this book (from Goodreads) Publishing October 21, 2020:
“If you're transgender, non-binary, or any other gender under the wide and wonderful trans umbrella, this book is for you. A creative journal and workbook with a difference, this book combines coloring pages celebrating trans identity, beauty and relationships, with practical advice, journaling prompts and space for reflection to promote self-affirmation and wellbeing.
Drawing on CBT and mindfulness techniques, the book covers topics including body positivity and neutrality, coming out, euphoria and dysphoria, building new friendships and navigating relationships with your friends and family, and is the go-to resource for anybody who has ever felt the pressure to conform to a singular definition or narrative.
Theo Nicole Lorenz's heart-warming and empowering illustrations of trans people will provide reassurance that you are never alone, and are a reminder to always treat yourself kindly.”
My review:
This book is amazing! I love each of the coloring pages - they have great messages, make me smile and itch for my colored pencils, and feature racial diversity, gender diversity, and many types of disability. The affirmations and journal prompts are thoughtful and meaningful and really had me digging deep. I haven't yet done all of the journal entries as I haven't had enough time to devote to them yet, but I have been writing the affirmations and thinking about the journal prompts and that has helped me feel so much more present and centered.
Another great thing about this workbook is how inclusive and welcoming it is. I am nonbinary and have always shied away from calling myself trans, but the messaging of 'trans enough' and featuring of trans, nonbinary, and genderqueer identities really helped me feel seen and helped me feel much more comfortable with myself and my identity. I will for sure be buying a print copy for myself as a visual reminder to go back to the affirmations and exercises occasionally. I also recommended it to my therapist today.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for providing an e-arc to review
Some of the coloring pages included in this workbook can also be found in the Trans Affirmation Coloring book print version on Amazon, or for free/pay what you want in pdf form from the author here. I HIGHLY recommend checking it out because the coloring pages are gorgeous and have affirming, hopeful messages that we all need right now:
