Ashley, a 37-year-old transgender girl from Victoria, Australia, goes on an EPIC journey through both hilarious and horrific times in her life. Surviving mental illness, homelessness, substance abuse and suicide attempts, she finds herself at the end of this self-actualised and loving life. A rollercoaster of an adventure, which is sure to have you in both tears of laughter and tears of sadness.

Review by Ali.

People are all different and each individual has their own unique journey or purpose in life. As a male to female transgender person, Ashley’s journey so far has been filled with much trauma and discrimination. Drugs and masochism have helped take the focus away from the pain in her mind and redirected it as pain in her body. ‘Smack My Bitch Up’ is Ashley’s second memoir and one that takes you on her journey through the past two years of her life. Sometimes she recounts, sometimes relives, but mostly she reflects on life, philosophy and the disparities in humankind, with the intent of helping the reader on their journey towards self-actualisation.

‘Smack My Bitch Up’ is raw in its honesty and will shock, sadden and move you towards a better understanding of others and self.