Synopsis: This book provides a clinical and theoretical overview of the issues facing transgender and gender-variant individuals and their families. It presents an ecological strength-based framework that views assessment and treatment through a nonpathologizing lens, honoring human diversity while acknowledging the impact of oppression on gender identity development. Specific sections address the needs of transgender children, youth, and various gender-variant populations, including intersex individuals and those identifying as bigender. The book includes case studies, critiques of diagnostic processes, treatment recommendations, and a glossary of relevant terms, making it a valuable resource for professionals working with gender-variant individuals. Handy tables and figures enhance accessibility and understanding of the information.

Synopsis: "Bodies of Subversion" is the first history of women’s tattoo art, exploring a subculture that dates back to the nineteenth century. Author Margot Mifflin presents intriguing female characters, including breast cancer survivors who tattoo their scars, and Maud Wagner, the first known woman tattooist. The book highlights the historical surge of women’s interest in tattoos during the suffragist 20s and feminist 70s, as well as the relationship between tattooing and cosmetic surgery in the 80s. Mifflin offers compelling anecdotes and insightful analysis, revealing new histories about women, tattoos, and cultural significance.

Synopsis: In "Nightwork," Anne Allison explores Japanese corporate culture and gender identities through her experiences as a hostess in Tokyo's "hostess clubs." She examines how these establishments foster connections among white-collar men and shape a masculine identity aligned with corporate needs. Through detailed observations of a typical company outing to a hostess club, Allison analyzes male interactions, the expected roles of hostesses, and the distinction between "play" and "work." Viewing the phenomenon from a woman's perspective, Allison investigates how clubs like Bijo contribute to a form of ritualized male dominance in Japanese corporate nightlife, highlighting the implications for social, economic, and gender relations. This book is relevant for those interested in gender roles and contemporary Japanese society.

Synopsis: In "Marriage, a History," historian Stephanie Coontz explores the evolution of marriage from ancient Babylon to the Victorian era. She examines how the concept of marrying for love is a recent development, arguing that its rise in the nineteenth century transformed marriage from a societal institution to a personal relationship. Coontz offers an insightful and engaging perspective on the complexities of marriage throughout history.

Synopsis: Riki Anne Wilchins' *Read My Lips* explores the complexities of gender through a blend of personal experience and theory. With a voice that oscillates between outrage and humor, Wilchins invites readers from diverse backgrounds, including feminists, queer activists, and mainstream audiences, to reconsider their understanding of bodies, sex, and gender.