If I could I woud give this a 13/7
The story was incredibly, beautifully elaborate; while still able maintaining the japanese yaoi aspect, the story was well informed of American culture at the time of setting. It felt so real and believable. The personality of J was also pitiable able also admirable; being in a non-supportive environment while being gay/transgender one would definitely developed a trauma but him able to stand up, trying his best to live as himself (even tho he failed several times) he finally achieved what most people actually can't: having a family that love him for who he is.
I guess people are still confuse of what's actually going on with J. My take is that J loves men. Living in the 50-60s where homosexuality is still not accepted, it is a common perception that only women could love men. Growing up needing the love from men, he idolized Marlyin Monroe who at the time was someone who could charm all men. It's not that he doesn't want to be woman, but i wouldn't group him as a transgender either bcs his wanting of becoming a woman doesn't stem from his hatred in his physical appearance but more bcs that's the only way he thought he could charmed and getting loved by men.
All in all, this was such a wonderful reading. Definitely in my best yaoi list; it's a rare thing to find auch a difficult topic in yaoi
J no Subete