Customer Reviews

The Lazy Crossdresser

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found this book to be a very entertaining, carefree and useful guide to Expressing the Feminine Self. Most guys refuse to admit the have a "feminine side," so I respect the author for "coming out" with this truly fun and practical guide for those who feel the need or desire to express their feminine nature--in public, as well as in private.

The author explains the intricacies and dilemmas of "crossing" and gives numerous tips for self-confidence, self-improvement, beauty tips, and covers issues relating to stubble; beard growth, et al. These tips could be used by non-cross-dressers, as well. Very few people actually like stubble (about 1% of the people I have met)--especially facial stubble, so the tips in this book can be used even by "macho" guys, to improve their "Cuddle Time."

For those with an open mind, this book is very interesting, entertaining and provides numerous website references (copyright 2002, so it is up-to-date) and ideas to try.

If you are looking for a book about the psychological implications of this subject, look elsewhere--this author understands that it is "normal" to experiment with gender & sexuality, so there is no need to defend his stance on the issues. The author seems to have a very carefree "take me as I am" point of view.

It is very refreshing to read a book about the subject, which doesn't concentrate on Society's negative (uneducated) prejudice against "Alternative" lifestyles.

After reading about this book on the internet I searched it out on Amazon. I probably was one of the first to read Julia's book and it could not have been at a better time. About to embark on my first public foray in Las Vegas, I was plenty worried about dressing, makeup, wigs, walking, talking and anything that could happen to me. Julia put my mind at rest in many ways. I understood what crossdressing really means to me and that it isn't a big deal. The title may be a little exageration as crossdressing for a man is not too easy, even for the lazy ones. If you're too lazy you will fall into some of the traps that Julia talks about in this book. If you have any interest in crossdressing or think you know nothing or everything on the subject, this is still the book to read in 2002. Let's hope it doesn't leave the Books In Print list because word of mouth surely should spread the word that this is a fun read, but one crossdressers, wannabe crossdressers, their spouses,lovers, partners, friends, employers, or anyone else with some interest in the subject should read. Don't miss this opportunity.

Charles Anders writes about crossdressing with great wit and style. I'd suggest the book to anyone based on the merits of the writing alone. It's a clear and amusing book filled with crisp prose and humor. The conversational tone makes reading it seem like chatting with a friend at a cocktail party.

I began crossdressing 6 months ago and can easily relate to Anders light approach. It's an amazing thing to step outside the normal gender barriers and go out in public. Mr. Anders appears to do this regularly with great comfort and self-assurance and he's certainly a role model in this capacity for anyone who wants to step outside the norm and simply be.

Read it for the quality of the writing. Read it for the education. Or read it just to hear the voice of someone who is so self-accepting while gleefully outside of the norm. Whatever the reason BUY (don't steal!) THIS BOOK!!! (Oh yes. And read it!)

I wish this book would be assigned in school - Charles does an incredible job of dispelling all those awful expectations of how anyone, male, female or a little of both, ought to act. I realized while reading this book that I had internalized some of those voices of the media telling me The Way to be sexy and beautiful (and how I was failing to do so). This was a great reminder to let go of those outside expectations and go with what feels right to you. Really, this is one of the best books on self-esteem I've ever read.

Charles Anders' book is based on three goals: 1) looking good in women?s clothes is not the same as looking like a woman, 2) there is no one true way to do this, and 3) it is much easier than you think. In other words, this is a book for crossdressers who love women's clothes but have no desire to be female or women. The book is very sensitive to the feelings of both the men who wear women's clothing and the reality of women's lives in America today -- I was especially impressed with Anders understanding of how clothing can be used as an oppressive item and how culture can influence a person's self-esteem. There is an excellent resource directly included and the practical, time-saving tips might help women who find themselves wanting to be more traditionally feminine but lacking the time or experience.

This is a fabulous book, and a must have for anyone who presently cross dresses, or has questions about it. I come from the old days where you looked up terms in antiquated dictionaries or medical books trying to grasp with your thoughts and feelings. In this book Charles (Julia) not only provides extremely practical and helpful information for the novice or individual exploring this aspect of self expression, but as well presents the reader with thought provoking questions determined to help the reader work through some of the "why do I ...". There is no pretense (or attempt) to dive into psychoanalysis, just simple questions geared to help promote a healthy reflection of one's self. Even long time cross dressers would find this book helpful and thought provoking. Julia breaks down alot of the misconceptions about cross dressing without loosing the real world acceptance or rejection of cross dressers. The book is full of humorous anecdotes and stories, and is fun and uplifting to read. I could not help but think that portions of the book might be useful in helping struggling cross dressers communicate their feelings with loved ones. The book is jam packed with all sorts of practical and valuable information concerning makeup, clothing, shopping, wigs, and much more. It also encourages you to throw out the rules and above all, have fun. It definately breaks down the "you have to do it this way" barriers. In conclusion, I loved the book, couldn't put it down until I read it through start to finish, wish I would have had it years ago, and highly recommend it.

A seemingly easy, fun, but very subversive book. In the course of offering crossdressers usable, practical advice, the author challenges conventions left and right, including the convention that there is only one (or maybe two, no more than three) body styles that are "right" for women's clothing; or men's clothing for that matter. Or that there is only one way to dress "like a woman". Or that you can't have fun because this is soooooo serious. I'll say no more because I can't say it with half the humour and elan that Ms. Anders does. The book is a hoot, but a very sly, subversive hoot. It really should be on your bookshelf, especially if you are a crossdresser. You will laugh. And you will think.

I have been dressing almost full time now for a year and still have not felt comfortable in public or in front of friends. I picked up this book thinking it was going to be fun (it is fun) and give me new ideas on how to put on makeup and try new clothes, instead this book truly changed my life! My comfort level changed the next day, and I even had people I know comment on my relaxed behavior when dressed. I guess it really goes to show us not to judge a book by it's cover. Well worth the read!

Thanks Julia

Charles Anders has written a great, common sense instruction manul for the cross-dresser with excellent tips for folks of any gender. I truly appreciated his emphasis on the small ways to shift gender, recognizing that very few of us (men or women) have the capacity to truly transform into glamorous starlettes -- instead, we just want to look pretty. The author is very body positive with helpful advice that is better than any I've ever read.

This book is definately a must have for anyone who cross dresses or is interested or seeking the subject. I wish I'd had this book years ago when I was struggling. I found so much of the book to be true (things I learned the hard way and had to nod my head to), and yet still found many many things to be helpful that I never knew. There's a great resource listing at the end as well. Charles (Julia), without getting into psycho-babble, presents the reader with thought provoking questions concerning the subject that I found not only helpful in understanding myself, but also helpful in understanding what aspects of cross dressing are most important to me. This is an easy to read, fun, humorous, "no rules" book. I highly recommend it.