A Week at #1: What It Means and Where We Go Next
To everyone who waited patiently to read my story, thank you. The story has been fascinating, even more amazing to live, and now, I hope, equally as impactful to read. It’s been incredible to see how this story has resonated.
Before launch day, I had a sense the book would do well. The number of pre-orders signaled the anticipation. Seeing it climb to number one in two categories, in four hours, surpassed expectations. Silently, I thought it might hit number one—but to achieve bestseller status in six categories and ranked right behind Jimmy Carter’s book in the week after his passing was unforgettable.
So why did the book resonate so deeply? Because it breaks the stereotypes so often associated with someone who has made a transition. These stereotypes are created, fostered, and amplified to serve political agendas, and Do You Still Like Football shatters them.
Readers have shared moments that particularly resonated with them. One reviewer reflected on the moment in the book where I expected a battle over a fishnet tattoo but found that it wasn’t about the feminine design—it was about color. That experience reminded them of how often we anticipate conflict when simple, clear communication can resolve misunderstandings.
Another review praised the book for taking an emotional, loaded topic and making it approachable for an outsider. They appreciated the openness in how I take responsibility throughout the book, especially in moments like when my wife, Summer, told me the problem wasn’t my transition but my “attitude transplant.” That kind of feedback reinforces my belief that authenticity and vulnerability are essential to fostering understanding.
The success of this book reinforces the core of my mission: breaking down division and helping people challenge the stereotypes and narratives that fuel it. When the majority—80% of people—see that the reality is different from the extremes perpetuated by the 5–10% on either edge, it is disruptive. That’s the beginning of change.
The book’s success affirms my first blog post: embrace disruption. I never strayed from my gut instinct that this book could be impactful, and I’ve learned that trusting myself was the right decision.
The biggest lesson learned is to trust your gut. When people dismiss books as “expensive business cards” or claim that “everyone has a book,” I knew my story was different. Not everyone has this story, and not everyone has written a book that could create this kind of experience for a reader. I’ve also learned that I am, in fact, a good writer—and that this book matters.
One surprise was just how few people truly read books. Every sale, every share, and every discussion about this book makes an impact, even on a massive platform like Amazon. I realized that every single reader matters because they help move the needle toward understanding and connection.
Now, I’d love your help in taking the mission further. Share the book. If you’ve read it, recommend it to someone who might need it or appreciate it. The e-book version is inexpensive and easy to share.
If you’re local, I’d love to see you at one of my upcoming events. Follow my journey at AndreaLeigh.com, where you can learn more about me, my work, and my mission.
And please, share Andrea Leigh with the world. Maybe it’s as simple as saying, “Andrea Leigh? She’s the woman who used to be a guy, and she turned out alright. She’s pretty, she wrote a great book, and she has a captivating talk.” If that opens the door to more conversations and breaks down divisions, that’s a step forward.
If you’re organizing a corporate or university event, I’d love to speak. Whether it’s addressing stereotypes, fostering connection, or sharing the deeper insights of my journey, I’m here to help us all move forward.
Thank you! If you haven’t read Do You Still Like Football, go for it! Don’t punt on this one.
Do You Still Like Football Is Available Now!
