Passing Cars, published in November 2017, is a captivating collection of introspective essays by Marissa Alexa McCool, a transgender, neurodivergent activist and storyteller. Throughout 196 pages, McCool revisits pivotal moments from her life through the lens of a maturing self, while weaving in narratives from diverse individuals. This multi-voiced approach offers a panoramic view of resilience, identity, and belonging.
The book is structured around the five stages of grief, a concept suggested by her publisher, Wyrmwood Publishing, and features contributions from several writers, imbuing the collection with layered perspectives and emotional depth.
In Passing Cars, McCool doesn’t merely recount life’s significant moments; she juxtaposes her teenage mindset with her present-day understanding. One powerful essay explores her past resistance, which now reads as early manifestations of autistic traits and gender exploration. She writes:
“The struggles I had as a teenager make a lot more sense when viewed through the lens of trying to discover my gender identity and being untreated for autism… so it came out as being rebellious and unwilling to cooperate.”
This retrospective clarity not only enriches her storytelling but also models compassion toward one’s younger self, encouraging readers to reimagine their own past with kindness and nuance.
A striking feature of Passing Cars is its inclusive design. Marissa invites multiple contributors to share their own transformative moments, creating a tapestry of voices that navigates grief, acceptance, and empowerment. It's a communal journey that amplifies trans and neurodivergent experiences, reinforcing that no life story, however singular, is lived in isolation.
Anchoring the essays in the five stages of grief, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, gives the collection both cohesion and emotional resonance. Readers encounter not only moments of reflection but also the universal arc of healing and self-realization. This structure adds intentional weight and fosters a deeper connection between personal storytelling and broader human experience.
In an in-depth conversation with Monika Kowalska for The Heroines of My Life, McCool explains her motivations for Passing Cars. She emphasizes how retrospect allowed her to contextualize her rebellious teen years through her evolving understanding of her gender and neurodivergence. Moreover, she shared gratitude toward her publisher’s suggestion of the grief structure and highlighted the enriching impact of collaborating with other writers.
Neurodivergent readers may find solace and validation in seeing their inner experiences portrayed with clarity and care. Trans readers, especially those navigating the collision of dysphoria, identity, and self-expression, will recognize reflections of their own journeys. All readers seeking an emotionally intelligent memoir will connect with the universal themes: the messy growth, the beauty of healing, and the power of shared narrative.What sets this book apart is its deep honesty, McCool’s essays confront vulnerability head-on, with no sugarcoating, only sincerity. The intersectional storytelling, framed by various voices, creates empathy beyond the personal. And the grief-stage structure enhances the emotional pacing, offering a healing rhythm that resonates with many readers’ lived experiences.
Passing Cars: The Internal Monologue of a Neurodivergent Trans Girl is more than a memoir, it’s a layered conversation. It balances personal introspection with a communal lens, healing with forward momentum, and identity with transformation. It invites the reader not only to observe but to empathize and reflect. As McCool writes and makes clear in her interview:
“It’s not just reflecting on those pivotal moments, but it’s also comparing the thoughts I was having at the time against what they are now.”
For anyone seeking a heartfelt, thoughtful exploration of identity, growth, and community, Passing Cars is a deeply rewarding journey.
Available via Amazon
Photo via The Heroines of My Life
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