Samantha Josephs Released Novel Carrying
Los Angeles author Samantha Josephs debuted her latest novel featuring a pregnant trans woman.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Pregnancy
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Author and University of Southern California graduate Samantha Josephs has released her new novel, Carrying. The book follows a protagonist named Martha, a trans woman who discovers she is pregnant.
Why it matters
The author penned the book to challenge the claim that a trans woman cannot be a woman because she is unable to carry a pregnancy. Josephs drew upon her own medical transition experience to craft the character of Martha.
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons, the novel Carrying was released on October 6, 2026. The author utilized trans ballroom slang to define the multiple meanings of the title.
The players
Samantha Josephs
She is an author and University of Southern California graduate who resides in Los Angeles.
G.P. Putnam's Sons
This publishing house is responsible for the release of the novel Carrying.
The Center for Fiction
This organization hosts the New Novel Prize, for which Josephs has been longlisted.
The details
The book explores themes of gender and identity through its lead character, Martha. Josephs kicked off the book tour for her new release at Skylight Books in Los Angeles.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: The novel Carrying was released by G.P. Putnam's Sons.
October 2026: 31 horror books were also released during the month.
Culture Shift
The novel contributes to the rise of trans-centered narratives in contemporary literature by exploring complex themes of womanhood and biology. This shift challenges traditional literary tropes regarding gender identity and physical experience.
Local readers can find the novel at area bookstores following the author's initial tour stop at Skylight Books. The book provides a new resource for those interested in trans-centered fiction and contemporary storytelling.
The takeaway
This novel invites readers to consider the evolving definitions of womanhood through the lens of trans experience. It serves as a creative response to rigid biological arguments surrounding gender.
Further reading
Explore more local perspectives on literature and families in our Pregnancy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chico Enterprise-Record.
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