It Gets Better . . . Except When It Gets Worse

And Other Unsolicited Truths I Wish Someone Had Told Me

By: Nicole Maines

Narrated by: Nicole Maines

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The irreverent and candid coming-of-age memoir of Nicole Maines, trailblazing trans actress, activist—and sometimes someone who’s just existing, which is actually pretty hard!

Nicole Maines knows a little something about “happily ever after”—not just because she’s a self-professed expert in the Disney princess canon, but because she’s lived it. After coming out at an early age, her family had not only to educate themselves, but also those around them as they fought and won a landmark court case in the state of Maine before she graduated high school. She made it into college, got the guy, and finally had The Surgery™. She achieved her lifelong goal of becoming an actress when she landed a major role in the CW’s Supergirl, playing television’s very first live-action transgender superhero.

Cue sappy music and sunsets, because we’ve got ourselves a happy ending, right?

Ha! As if.

For the first time, in her own words, Nicole tells the story of her journey from childhood in rural Maine to the spotlights of Hollywood, sharing the lessons she’s learned along the way. With clever wit and unflinching honesty, she tackles some of the most insidious messaging absorbed by queer kids and all young women, from the idea that any one thing can (or should) ever really “fix” you, to wondering what’s wrong with you when things don’t always feel better, and reminding us that, sometimes, a happy ending is only the beginning of the story.

Critic reviews

Praise for It Gets Better . . . Except When It Gets Worse

“[Nicole Maines’s] singular voice powers the book; she is open and humorous and a bit sly. . . . This is the memoir of a still young and confident woman, with more accomplishments yet to come.”—Kirkus Reviews


Praise for Nicole Maines

“A trailblazer.”—The Mary Sue

“A badass.”—Bust

“Unabashedly herself.”—Entertainment Weekly

“The hero we all need right now.”—The Wrap

I laughed, I cried, I started watching Supergirl

Nicole tells her story in such an open/honest way and manages to keep you entertained the entire time. Seriously, there was never a dull moment!
I love how she handles things with witty amusement, while also acknowledging the often harsher aspects of her lived experience as a trans woman. Let’s just say I’m a fan now.

Everyone should read this book!

I hardly ever write reviews but this book deserves to be spread across the country especially in this crazy time. As a mom of a trans son I wish more people understood that my child is just trying to live their authentic and best life. Nicole’s book beautifully showcases how she knew who she was at a young age. And she is hilarious at the same time!

Amazing and Funny!

I love this candid, entertaining life story of Nicole. So glad I got the audio version- she is so funny and heartfelt (although I have the actual book, too).

Navigating Dysphoria and Healing: Nicole's Transgender Journey with heart and humor.

A relatable narrative of growing up as a trans girl, vividly capturing the early childhood struggles with dysphoria. I deeply resonate with the journey toward gender-affirming surgery—though I was fortunate to avoid complications, I vividly recall the long, painful healing process and the emotional rollercoaster post-op. My heartfelt thanks to Nicole for sharing her deeply personal story in such a visceral, humorous, and entertaining manner. Thank you, Nicole ❤️

Tremendous on every level

Maines's personal story is deeply compelling presented with a level of vulnerability and self-awareness that I wish more people in this world possessed. She also deftly weaves into her narrative observations and insights about trans history, the trans community, and attacks on trans people and trans rights that, unfortunately, resonate deeply (and increasingly) with the current moment. Completing the package is Maines's delightful narration, which hits perfect notes of sarcastic, self-deprecating, silly, and sobering. Listening to this book is a transformative experience that you owe to give yourself and your loved ones.