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Alana Nicole Sholar released her first book, a memoir entitled, "Hung in the Middle: A Journey of Gender Discovery," in May 2012 depicting the bitter-sweet journey of being born as Alan in Kentucky in 1961 - a time and place where the word 'transgender' was not, and still is not a household word.
Although the challenges may differ, Alana's story is a wonderfully uplifting and encouraging resource for anyone traveling their own journey of self-discovery - and we're all on the path of discovering 'self.'
By the time Alan was eight years old he realized something was 'wrong.' He lived and worked on some of Kentucky's now-famous thoroughbred farms (and even trained to become a jockey), while hiding, and running from, the secret within - struggling with his difference well into his mid-30's before he became aware there were others like him.
Determined to hide the struggle within, Alan is a fast driving, hard drinking, pill popping guitar player with a sex addiction that leads to multiple partner encounters and the consequences. On the way to becoming Alana, with the first step being a legal name change in 2005, she imagines what it must be like to be with a man. When the opportunity presents itself she struggles with making a decision to do something that, once done, could never be undone.
While "Hung" has received global attention, all the attention in the world is SECONDARY to a Facebook message Alana received within a month of her book's release that said: "Reading your bo
Reviewed by Jean Hall for Readers' Favorite
For the reader, Alan's journey to become Alana begins in her therapist's office. I felt as though I was walking in Alana's high heels as she tentatively but sexily made her way into the counseling session. Most of her story, from childhood to middle age, is told as though she is speaking to counselor Marcie. Alan is born in a boy's body but he identifies himself as a girl. We are touched by the question, "why did I feel so good dressed in mom's clothes?" Alan plays a hard game of cops and robbers and he drives Bubba's car without being old enough for a license. He rides horses and he goes out drinking with friends. He generally enjoys his life in Kentucky but he holds many of his feelings inside. Eventually the rough masculine beard is shaved and hormone medicine promotes softer, feminine characteristics. Alana finds love and he has a son. Alan/Alana is transgender and she learns to deal with being different.
Alana Nicole Sholar's "Hung in the Middle," explores her relationship with family members, friends and herself. Ultimately, I felt as though I could accept her because she learned to accept herself. The chapters of her story are nicely labeled with a glimpse of what is to come. The story may provide a helpful guide for others in a similar situation. There is some bawdiness, cussing and sexual situations which make the author's voice ring true. Some of the therapist's comments seem to be what the author wishes society would think of her appearance, feelings and situation. The prose and dialogue flow smoothly and the story is thoughtfully told.
