Saturday, November 11, 2023

BOOK RELEASE: Growing Up As One of Jehovah's Transsexuals

Many who follow me on social media know this is late notice. The rollout has been disjointed, sporadic, and combined with so many other life-changing events. Officially, my book, Growing Up As One of Jehovah's Transsexuals, has been published. 


OR ORDER A SIGNED COPY (US ORDERS ONLY)

The date of this post should have been November 1, 2023; but the book's "coming out" occurred in the same fashion that its concept began, and in the same way that I, personally, came out: Amidst a plethora of other frantic happenings. I am currently recovering from a surgery which was delayed from October, and there technical issues with the book distributer which delayed its release a few days. Both events converged and ended up occurring on November 3, 2023. While I cobbled together a few social media posts to cover the release as soon as I awoke from surgery, now--as I find myself regaining some strength--I can finally make the official announcement. 

After a decade of work, between scheduling playdates and university classes, between teenagers asking for rides to their friends' houses, or for Mom to come help with homework, while reconciling corporate accounts at my day job, I complete it. I am proud to announce on this site that the book is available for purchase. You can currently buy Growing Up As One of Jehovah's Transsexuals on Amazon.com, in either ebook or paperback editions.

If you would like a signed copy of the book and live in the United States, please visit the link here. If you do not live in the United States, you can email me at laura@jwtgirl.com requesting a signed copy, or for any other reason.

If you are looking for a hardcover or audiobook edition, there are plans to produce these versions. However, the rollout for these versions will be another year or more. Quite a few people have asked, so plans are to begin these productions as soon as possible.

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

As Samantha embarks on a frantic road trip to see her father, who has recently sustained a serious and potentially fatal head injury, her recollections come unbidden. The emotional journey that follows her as she drives is one of transformation and self-discovery, marked by the pursuit of authenticity despite overwhelming odds. The inner dialog captures the complexity of human existence, filled with both horrors and moments of profound insight. 

Raised in the confines of the Jehovah's Witness faith, Samantha’s childhood was marked by the suffocating grip of a cult, a narcissistic mother, and an emotionally estranged father. To survive, she must delve into the darkness of her upbringing, trying to understand herself while following the rigid paths set forth for her. Driving and retracing these difficult roads, Samantha shares brutally honest accounts of abuse, violence, and self-harm. Yet, amidst the chaos, she weaves a thread of resilience, self-acceptance, and empathy that binds her narrative together. 

Based on her own life experiences, Laura Engram’s "Growing Up as One of Jehovah's Transsexuals" is a raw and unapologetic memoir that defies convention. Laura takes readers on a tumultuous journey, decisively maneuvering through time, memory, and her quest for identity. More than an autobiography, it's a cultural critique, a social parody, and an analytical exploration of life's most profound questions. A testament to the enduring power of self-worth, no matter the obstacles in the way; it is a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of life, ultimately revealing the strength that lies within us all.