THE DAD ROCK THAT MADE ME A WOMAN

Like a singer-songwriter performing her own work on stage, Niko Stratis really HAD to be the narrator of her own memoir. In a gentle voice tinged with strength, humor, and vulnerability, she shares stories as a kind of "soundtrack of my life," weaving commentary on popular music with her experiences as a trans woman. Reflecting on the lyrics of bands such as R.E.M., Pearl Jam, and Radiohead, she explores her early life as a blue-collar worker in Canada's north--an environment she had to flee after transitioning in her 30s. Like any good mixtape, this production includes stories that are both metaphorical anthems and ballads, with Stratis's tone adapting as she reveals her personal triumphs and struggles. D.B. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2025]