A book that I imagine will have a lot of appeal to people who aren't me. It felt a little bit like watching one of those teen comedy movies with a poppy soundtrack and snarky voice overs -- which is fitting enough for Abigail, the teenage protagonist, but not so much for Erica, who is thirty five and has a job. That isn't to say that St. James doesn't tackle serious topics -- in fact, in terms of subject matter, it's one serious topic after another, and aside a few moments that didn't land quite right for me, it's all pretty deftly handled -- but there's a certain lightness to the writing itself that left me less than totally satisfied. I never had any real doubt that all would be right for our protagonists in the end, and while Erica and Abigail both experience a bingo card of "trans in 2016 South Dakota" suffering, none of it is dwelt on for more than a page or two at a time. For a lot of people, those are both desirable qualities in a book, but unfortunately for me I prefer the literary equivalent of unseasoned broccoli.

Before reading this, I was unfamiliar with the author but found the premise interesting. I am glad I requested an ARC for this! Our two main characters, both trans women, are on different paths of life. Erica is recently divorced and not yet publicly identifying as a woman. Abigail is a teenage girl, estranged from her parents and an outcast in a conservative town. Through these two characters, St. James tells a story of trans solidarity. I have to admit, I was way more interested in Abigail’s chapters than Erica ( I am closer in age to her so maybe that’s why). I don’t know what to make of the relationship between Erica and Abigail. While I recognize the importance of both women played in each other’s life, I didn’t really like how Erica (the adult) used Abigail as a therapist. At the beginning I felt the relationship between them was a bit one sided, with Erica constantly talking about her life and telling Abigail how much easier it was for her. These issues are acknowledged, thankfully, and I also understand where Erica was coming from. Still, I think this is why I enjoyed Abigail’s chapters more. That being said, I appreciate the author writing the characters as complex and messy!

I loved reading Emily St. James's debut novel, Woodworking. If this is her first novel, I can't wait to see what else she creates.

Woodworking is a story about interconnected lives in a small South Dakota town in 2016. It features multiple trans women in different stages of their lives with varying family dynamics.

Major characters include high school teacher Erika, a recent divorcee who is not entirely out, and her student, Abigail, with whom she forms an unlikely friendship. The story follows these two as they try to figure out their identities and navigate complicated relationships and a toxic political landscape. Erika also helps put on the play Our Town, and St. James does a great job connecting the characters' struggles to the premise of the play. Unlike the characters in Our Town, these characters can break free, question things, find companionship and a chosen family, and live life to the fullest before it is too late.

I loved this book and would love to see it adapted into a limited TV series or film. St. James showcases a spectrum of experiences in a gentle, vulnerable, but witty storytelling style. It's soft, tender, and absolutely amazing! The characters show the courage it takes to live authentically. This book is a lifeline. It has the power to change lives and help people feel seen. Many thanks to Zando and NetGalley for this ARC.