Amateur

Author and columnist Thomas Page McBee narrates his thought-provoking memoir about masculinity with an engaging clarity and openness. McBee, who wrote about transitioning to male gender in his award-winning memoir, MAN ALIVE, is living with his girlfriend when the audiobook opens. Finding himself in a near fistfight with an aggressive jerk one day, the tattooed and testosterone-fueled author confronts the question of what really makes a man. In search of the answer, he trains for a charity boxing match. The achingly honest story that results makes for a compelling listen. McBee's light, growly voice is pleasant, and his rhythm and pacing add to the audiobook's listenability, encouraging us to think deeply as we root for him to survive throwing punches and being punched. A.C.S. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine