None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio

I've just finished reading None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio  and am kind of still processing this book.

Image Credit: Pinera, H. (2013, February 13). Run. Retrieved June 26, 2016, from https://goo.gl/NxFmiD

In this novel, we meet Krissy, an 18-year-old high school student who discovers that she is intersex  only after visiting the ob-gyn after having excruciatingly painful intercourse with her boyfriend for the first time. Krissy is one of the shining stars of her high school, having been recently named Homecoming Queen and being a track superstar (she has a scholarship to a Division One school). In other words, the intersex diagnosis throws Krissy for a loop making her question her very existence and place in the world. Is she a man? Is she gay? Is she a transsexual? Krissy wrangles and wrestles with these questions and more during the course of this novel. Not to mention that everyone at school hears through the grapevine about Krissy's intersex status. Navigating high school is difficult even for the most stereotypical "NORMAL" person ever. Krissy's struggle to accept herself leads to a great story. Including a totally crush-worthy book boyfriend.  Eventually, the reader understands that love and forgiveness heal, and that self-acceptance is key to a "good life." Yes, it is a rough and rocky journey, but once you are at peace with yourself, you can live your best life.

On a side note: I read this book on one of the saddest days in recent American history. I woke up this morning to learn that the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, had been the scene of the worst mass shooting in American history. I have always resolved to treat everyone I meet how I want to be treated. Period. However, it is easy to let my snarkiness, pride, and even disdain of other personalities get the better of me and I end up treating others in a less than stellar manner. After reading this book, and reflecting on the events of the day, I vow to treat everyone (even those who might pogo jump on my last nerves) with dignity and respect seeking nothing in return.

I currently work as a Juvenile Probation Officer and have for the last almost 10 years (June 16 is my 10 year anniversary). To my knowledge, I have not ever worked with an intersex youth. However, I have worked with a gracious plenty amount of youth who identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, and my life has been enriched by working with them all (and really all the youth I have ever worked with). I will wholeheartedly recommend this book to some of my probationers who might be struggling.

Reading Gregorio's blog, I just learned that None of the Above has been optioned for TV by Lifetime. This would be an amazing story to adapt, and if it is ever adapted, I will totally watch every episode!

Gregorio, a surgeon, was inspired to write this story after meeting a real life intersex patient. It was fascinating to read about Gregorio's patient. The patient had to navigate their intersex discovery all alone. I cannot imagine having to navigate this very complex (really this can chip away at the very essence of a person) process all alone.

I hope after reading my thoughts, you are inspired to read None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio.

Here were some amazing quotes that stood out to me during my read:

"While I waited, I studied Dr. Johnson's Howard and NYU diplomas and her posters of the female reproductive system. Somehow, the pictures made girl parts look like an alien, with the uterus being the body, the cervix a bad hairdo, and the tubes and ovaries a pair of demented eyes" (Gregorio, 2015 p. 32).

"I couldn't stand the word female. It gave me PTSD or something. When I heard the word, a jolt of electricity went down the back of my neck and turned into a ball of stress in my stomach. It was like, when Mr. Morris used the word, he wasn't just saying "female." He was saying "not Kristin Lattimore" (Gregorio, 2015 p. 140).

"I passed huddles of giggling girls, a trio of guys smoking and telling jokes outside a club. Everyone seemed to understand that strength came in numbers and identity came as a part of a group.

I wouldn't make the same mistake again" (Gregorio, 2015 p. 186).