Customer Reviews

Miss Vera's Finishing School for Boys Who Want to Be Girls

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At the suggestion of a friend, I read MISS VERA'S FINISHING
SCHOOL FOR BOYS WHO WANT TO BE GIRLS by Veronica
Vera . . . I found it both amusing and enlightening . . . and while it isn't my typical reading fare, I found it fun to learn about cross-dressing and what exactly it entails. In addition, I also believe it gave me some insight into the female psyche.

Yet no need to fear. I don't see myself becoming a cross-dresser
any time in the near future, particularly since I like my

mustache. And Veronica notes that "no applicant is ready
for the freewheeling life an academy deb if he is not ready
to let go of a handlebar.

"Yet," she went on to say, "there are exceptions to every rule,
even this. I relaxed my rule once when a Hassidic Jewish man
applied for entrance. I knew that his long beard and side-curls
were part of his religious observance and thus not to be removed. Under all of that hair, his long-lashed eyes emanated sincerity and earnestness, so I took pity on him. We used a veil and turned him into an Arabian princess, not only accomplishing his transformation but doing our bit to heal Mideast relations.

There is a basic difference between the way women walk and
the way men walk. Men take control of the earth. Their feet are
planted firmly on the ground. Women go with the flow. We dance
through life. High heels are designed to complement that dancing,light-footed movement. In the days before sidewalks, the entire base of the shoe was often elevated. These early platform shoes made it possible to rise above the muck. Men wore them as well as ladies. But while men have toppled from their pedestals, we ladies remain there, usually being admired. High heels show off the calves and other parts of the anatomy to advantage. The higher the pump, the higher the rump. In high heels the buttocks are raised to provocative heights, inviting admiring glances. Just as some women choose not to wear high heels because they do not want to invite those glances, many men are starved for that attention. In high heels, our students' legs appear longer and, though our girl
may be concerned with her height, her legs can never be too long.

Even before the first official Voice class, new students at Miss Vera's Finishing School receive some instruction on girl talk. I don't know how many times I have asked a student to say "yes" instead of "yeah." There she is, all dressed up in the sheerest nylons and sexy pumps, seated in the makeup chair, wearing a lovely, soft negligee or perhaps a silk slip, bra, garter belt, and stockings while being transformed be the Dean of Cosmetology, who used the finest powders, lipstick, and blush. Inside she feels all relaxed and excited at the same time . . . all lush and juicy. Then I ask a question and she answers, "Yup," in a voice like John Wayne. This won't do. We start be refining speech in small, simple ways. Say, "Yes." The phrase "Yes, Miss Vera" is music to my ears. It is not so much how high she speaks her words that counts, but how deeply she feels what she says and how much of that feeling she
lets pass through her ruby lips.

I've not done much in the way of cross-dressing before. (Just a little dabbling for Rocky Horror) But I found myself in the position of being cast to play Albin in the Broadway musical version of La Cage Aux Folles for our local repertory theatre. This book was absolutely the most helpful source of information I have yet come across! I'm especially grateful since, playing the lead drag-queen, I'm expected to be able to assist some of our "Cagelles", about half of which are high school age boys! The light-hearted tone of this book has made it easier to get across some of the challenges involved in a less daunting fashion. Thank you, Miss Vera!

I was overjoyed when I began reading this book. I have been a phone sex operator for more than 10 years, with MANY of my clients being "boys who want to be girls". As part of my ongoing learning experience, I bought this book, and was THRILLED when I read it. The book doesn't condescent, isn't "Domme", and isn't a boring critical read. No, it doesn't give as many tips as one might expect, but it allows crossdressers to see themselves in a positive light, to learn that they are "OK" instead of abnormal, to see that one should walk with pride (and more than a bit of grace), instead of hiding out in the closet, fondling the pretty dresses instead of wearing them. The message is upbeat, humorous, and wholly positive. Thank you Miss Vera for helping to bring sexuality into the mainstream!

I'd like to respectfully disagree with those reviewers who criticize Miss Vera's book as too much of an advertisement for her business. In the book's introductory material she says that what she set out to do was offer people who couldn't come to New York and experience her school some idea of what goes on there. She's going to provide a positive evaluation of it, don't you think? The book may read like a commercial to some I suppose, but I found the book interesting and helpful. I'm a transgendered person who would LOVE to experience Miss Vera's school, but as this will probably never occur, I'm quite satisfied with the book. Would that it were longer!

I am very sorry to say that I was dissapointed in this book. The title says "Boys Who Want to be Girls" This makes the buyer think that this will be a book giving suggestions and help for crossdressing. In fact, there are some helpful ideas, but not enough to justify buying this book. The chapter on speaking with a more feminine voice is not very informative. It mostly talks about students of Veronica Vera. And, that is my main complaint about this book. There are far more stories about Vera's students than is necessary. After awhile reading this book seems like one long ad for her school. I would have liked more insight on how to crossdress. Also, photos on how to apply makeup, etc. would be helpful. To many photos of Vera and her students. Interesting, but not helpful. If Veronica Vera writes another book it should either be a guide to crossdressing, or a book about her school and philosophical insights into the causes of crossdressing. This book did not give me any real help. And, I am sorry it wasn't more informative, and less a sales pitch.

I am a female-to-male cross-dresser living in San Francisco who thought I'd find this book interesting (although it addresses those cross-dressing in a different direction than myself.) Although I found this book amusing and informative, I did object to the author's insistence on cross-dresssing as a largely erotic past-time. I believe it is mostly a stereotype that people cross-dress soley for erotic fulfillment. I also think the author tries to construct an articial distinction between cross-dressing and other transgender identities eg. transexuality. In doing so, she personalizes and de-politicizes gender, gender identity, and gender/gender identity based discrimination. This book seems almost like an extensive adverstisment for her academy. I also get the feeling that she thinks all male-to-female cross-dressers are trying to fill one particular (sexpot) image. I know from personal experience that this is not true, and I think this book potentially contributes to the sexualization and objectification of transgender people. On top of all that, it would be nice to hear more from the people who themselves cross-dress, rather than someone who "helps" those who do. On the other hand, I enjoyed the light-hearted tone of the book, and I'm sure many people will find useful facts and information in it. Plus, like Kate Bornstein's Gender Workbook, it's pink. Gotta love that.

A cheerful look at the world of the closeted cross-dresser, this book describes Veronica Vera's approach to offering cross-dressing services to men who have sufficient funds to be able to travel to her New York "Academy" for "lessons" of one sort or another.

Illustrated profusely with photos of students and staff, there are chapters covering everything from attitude, through body shaping and deportment, to finishing touches such as makeup, etiquette and outings. You can follow the adventures of students like Sally Sissyribbons as Ms Vera covers "studies" such as Home Ec, Fashion, Field Trips and Sex Education.

Yet, despite the sprightly, titillating approach to cross-dressing there are some very useful tips and tricks sprinkled throughout. More, Veronica Vera's philosophy and some very timely words of wisdom can be found, strategically placed for the most effect. For example, while covering the subject of what is referred to as "passing," she says, "You can sell what you believe in, so believe in your right to be your femmeself and you will be empowered in all aspects of your life."

Although the book provides the reader with lighthearted, humourous entertainment, if that is what you are after, I would not recommend it to the person who is seriously looking for advice or support on transgender issues.

This is not only an excellent story, but a superb publication, beautifully put together and laid out and at a great price. Especially if you use Amazon.com to order it. (I'll follow that up at the end of this review.)

I'm tempted to call this a paperback, but it's far beyond that in top quality layout and high grade pages of art and photos. The cover and back is hefty slick stock with clever fold-in pages that serve like a cover for hardback books. The fold-ins also may serve as placemarks although Amazon provides one with each issue of theirs.

Everything about this book is professional from the well written text by Miss Vera and the artistic context and design. I found it a delightful pleasure to pick it up each morning as I woke and read more and more in peace - and while fresh and eager to learn more about this fascinating Academy.

I was no stranger to Miss Vera and several of her deans after several of Constance's Dressing For Pleasure events. There I had attended at least one of her seminars with another dean and of course drooled over her Jennifer, Student Council President as `she' consistently won the Sissy Maid contest the night of the Formal Balls. I noticed frequent references to the support the Academy gets with its students by a lady described as `Tiger'. The night at the fantastic DFP Fashion Show I had been `mother of the groom' to Tiger as she crossdressed as the successful suitor in the wedding finale Mistress Lisa orchestrated that night.

What better approval can I give to Miss Veronica Vera for this superior edition depicting so much more about crossdressers as well as this superb Academy.

You will find many of her fantastic alumni here in text as well as photos and marvelous descriptions of the training and experiences they had with the curriculum. Best of all, she portrays their background and psyche that brought them to her institute and how they matriculated as the girls they wanted to be.

Ms. Vera's background and biography flows effortlessly throughout the book and adds immensely to her credibility, capacity and ability to found and achieve the success she has found with the Academy. It's no wonder that her Alumni and professional associates hold her in such high esteem.

The reader will find this an excellent `how to' book filled with much help they need as well as places and references to help in learning more. I loved the personal experiences of her students and am confident that most of the readers will find themselves here someplace. It's a great read for the spouse, as well as, the curious that desire to learn more about the crossdresser and who we really are.

As you read it becomes evident that many of her outstanding techniques were developed as the Academy matured. Each student is required on entrance to write a `HerStory' for her first `homework'. And that just sets the stage as her pupil begins her lessons to become the girl of her desire and fantasy -- usually a lot more than that as she matriculates and `comes out'.

It will come as no surprise that Ms. Vera is an accomplished author, having written over the years as columnist for national publications. She has lectured at major colleges and universities and you'll find several of those described in this reference work.

This tome was not produced over night. It's a masterpiece with great art and design that exudes the thoroughness and skillful planning and execution that has obviously gone into the Academy as well over the years.

It's said that you may not be able to tell a book by its cover, but this one proclaims great things coming when you open it and begin your journey through its pages. You may put it down a few times to savor it -- but you will pick it back up at your first opportunity to read more and finish to the end.

You'll probably dream or yearn to be a student and may realize that the tuition will be high and out of reach for the majority. But the price of the book is not. It's a best buy at the marked price of $14.95 and by using Amazon.com (Earth's Biggest Book Store) you'll find a discount price of just $11.96 plus shipping and handling.

I went straight to http://www.Amazon.com on the Internet and found this major book supplier that also handled some of the better reference books for transvestism. Just use that topic for the search engine, Veronica Vera, or the name of any book you are looking for and you will be there in a click. It was very secure for my credit card and I had an instant receipt by Email as well as notification when it shipped within a few days. Great service, just like ours!

This is a book and a service you should go for!!!
Bobbi Swan
Editor and Publisher
OUR WAY
A monthly publication for Crossdressers
http://www.redlightnet.com/swannest

First, know that I am all man, and I personally have no interest in learning how to cross dress. However, I found this book at my friend's house one night when I could not sleep, and being an attorney, I have to read. Let me tell you, this is a book I could not put down. If you want to understand not just the "why" but the "how to" of cross dressing, this is the book for you. It should be considered a must read for any transgender, transsexual, multigender, gendersexual, or transmultisexual. My only criticism is that it should have more tips. I want to sell the look on a bidet if I have the chance. Or my friend does, I mean.

Second, look at the cover. Am I the only one who thinks the tall one is hot? I mean, seriously, that's a chick, right?

It was just an ordinary day for me, perhaps one more of so many hundred. Like a Lady you find, just dressed to the nine's, it took my breadth for a second. There it was"Miss Vera's finishing school for Boys who want to be Girls" by Veronica Vera. "Great Mother in Heaven" I exclaimed under my breadth,"I must have this book!" I wasn't let down, In the first few minutes I had the book in my hands, the picture's were telling me somebody really could like me out there. Her stories wer very suportive and very kind. Sometimes I feel that I may be asking to much of myself in dressing the way my imag-ination sees me. What I get most from the book is the idea that with the right attitude and confidence and the many ideas from the book, I can give it the Academy try. Miss Vera is insightfull, and simply wonder-full. A not to be missed, cover to cover hug.