library binding, 240 pages
Published May 28, 2019 by Turtleback.
So thankful for Maia and eir work. I didn’t realize I needed the representation that I did. I think I’m used to always being kinda weird and unique, but it was really nice to see so much of my “normal” be kin to someone else’s. Let alone a cool comic maker’s.
fREADom #UniteAgainstBookBans
This graphic novel is among the greatest hits of the book banners who in the past few years have been berating librarians and threatening the freedom of others to simply read. As an autobiography, I can see how Gender Queer—with its absolute unveiled description of Maia Kobabe’s journey to eir realization of self—might be discomforting to some, but this work could be absolutely life-saving for young people in crisis or just struggling with putting into words who they are.
An impressive "graphic memoir." One of the few comic-book-style memoirs I've ever read, and one that I couldn't put down. I'm a slow reader and it only took me an hour or two to get through it. The illustrations are top-notch and the writing is engaging, as well. An important work that everyone should read and learn from.
Personal note on the research mentioned: Touching a Nerve, by Patricia S. Churchland.
Content warning Misgendering, Transphobia / TERF alert
I highly recommend this book if you yourself are non-binary, or want to better understand how it works.
It does contain misgendering, and a TERF lesbian aunt.
I personally didn't care for how the book ended, but it's not like it was bad or anything. It just felt sudden and "oh that's it".
