Transgender Warriors : Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman , by Leslie Feinberg. (Beacon Press, 1997)

Leslie is female-to-male, and has compiled an excellent overview of transgenderism in world history.

Sex Changes: The Politics of Transgenderism , by Pat Califia (Cleis Press, 1997)

Pat has written an outstanding outline of transsexual history in the U.S. since the mid-fifties, focusing on contemporary issues. Scholarly, but not too dry.

Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women and the Rest of Us , by Kate Bornstein (Vintage, 1994)

Kate's style is fun and accessible, and she raises some interesting questions about gender. However, it's a bit scattered, and she addresses her more compelling issues much more thoroughly and thoughtfully in her follow-up, My Gender Workbook.

Branded T , by Rosalyne Blumenstein. (First Books, 2003)

See my page on Rosalyne Blumenstein for details on this great book and its amazing author.

Conundrum (New York Review Books Classics) , by Jan Morris (Henry Holt & Co.).

Jan is a world-renowned travel writer. She has written a fascinating autobiography recalling her days accompanying the first expedition to scale Mt. Everest, up through her transition and life after. It's easily the best-written account, although some might find her style a bit inaccessible.

My Story , by Caroline Cossey (Faber and Faber, 1991).

Caroline's autobiography tells of her sex change and subsequent career as an international model under the name "Tula." Her appearance in a James Bond movie and growing fame led to her outing by the British tabloids. Maybe you saw her photo in an obnoxious Sauza Tequila ad a couple of years ago that said "she's a he" across her chest.

Wrapped In Blue: A Journey of Discovery , by Donna Rose (Living Legacy Press, 2003).

A thoughtful and frank memoir from a soman who was married with children when she decided to transition. She has had one of the more remarkable physical transformations as well. You can find more information about Donna and her book at donnarose.com.

Hidden in Plain Sight by Leslie Townsend

Leslie's book is currently being revised for the second edition. I'll update this when the new version is abailable.

Leslie began transition at 19 and lived stealth for 18 years before deciding it was holding her back. Read my review here.

She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders by Jennifer Finney Boylan

Jenny has written an engaging and often charming account of the joys and difficulties of her transition as a college professor. Buy it here.

Mom, I Need To Be a Girl. by Just Evelyn

Evelyn helped her MTF child transition at 15 and have SRS at 18. I found this to be a very touching book. Read it for free here.

Mark 947: A Life Shaped by God, Gender and Force of Will by Calpernia Addams

Calpernia began transition after a strict religious upbringing and a stint in the Navy. While working as a showgirl, she was thrust into the media spotlight when her boyfriend was murdered by fellow soldiers. Read my review here.

From Within. by Vicky

Vicky's account of transition in her teens is both heartbreaking and uplifting. Read my review here.

'O Au No Keia: Voices from Hawai'i's Mahu and Transgender Communities . by Andrew Matzner

An interesting collection of 14 first-hand narratives about life in Hawai'i's mahu and transgedered commmunities. Read my review here.