Who Would Like This Book:
Maia Kobabe's 'Gender Queer' is a beautifully drawn graphic memoir that's raw, honest, and relatable - especially for anyone questioning their identity or wanting to better understand the LGBTQ+ experience. It’s full of touching, sometimes humorous vignettes about growing up, body image, coming out, and navigating relationships and family dynamics, all presented with warmth, authenticity, and vulnerability. This is a fantastic read for anyone interested in queer stories, allies hoping to grow their empathy, and those looking to see themselves reflected in literature - teens, adults, and even open-minded grandparents have found it enlightening and moving.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers struggle with the book's non-linear, vignette style and wish for a deeper dive into certain topics, like asexuality. The graphic format, with a few candid depictions of sexuality and body issues, has been polarizing - some feel it's not appropriate for younger readers or school libraries. Those not interested in personal memoirs or who are uncomfortable with frank discussions of gender and sexuality may find it challenging or not for them.
About:
'Gender Queer' by Maia Kobabe is a graphic memoir that delves into the author's journey of self-discovery and exploration of gender identity. Through vivid illustrations and raw storytelling, the book navigates themes of gender queerness, sexuality, and coming-of-age experiences. Kobabe's narrative sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals questioning their gender identity and offers a glimpse into the complexities of navigating societal expectations and personal authenticity. The book provides a platform for conversations about gender diversity, acceptance, and the importance of self-exploration.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for Gender Queer include discussions of bodily trauma, gender dysphoria, and potential triggering topics related to sexuality.
From The Publisher:
2020 ALA Alex Award Winner
2020 Stonewall - Israel Fishman Non-fiction Award Honor Book
In 2014, Maia Kobabe, who uses e/em/eir pronouns, thought that a comic of reading statistics would be the last autobiographical comic e would ever write. At the time, it was the only thing e felt comfortable with strangers knowing about em. Now, Gender Queer is here. Maia's intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends over erotic gay fanfiction, and facing the trauma and fundamental violation of pap smears.
Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, Gender Queer is more than a personal story: it is a useful and touching guide on gender identity-what it means and how to think about it-for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere.
"It's also a great resource for those who identify as nonbinary or asexual as well as for those who know someone who identifies that way and wish to better understand." - SLJ (starred review)
Ratings (31)
Incredible (12) | |
Loved It (11) | |
Liked It (5) | |
It Was OK (1) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (68):
Read It (36) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (15) | |
Not Interested (16) |
3 comment(s)
I really loved reading Gender Queer. It opened my eyes to things I didn’t fully understand before about the trans and non-binary community.
🌈 I actually got this book because my friend is trans, and I wanted to find a gift for him, and he loves books!
I came across it in an ad while looking for gift ideas and thought, why not read it myself? I’m so glad I did.
The story follows Maia Kobabe’s journey with gender identity, exploring a lot being non-binary, asexuality, coming out, and just figuring things out over time. It’s really personal and honest, and what I loved most is how it uses visuals to tell the story. If you’re someone who learns or connects better through drawings (like I do), this book makes everything feel more real and easy to take in. 🎨📖
There were even a few parts that really hit home for me and made me reflect on my own identity, which I wasn’t expecting. It made the experience that much more meaningful. 💛
If you're looking to better understand gender identity or just want a moving, beautifully told story.
I definitely recommend this one.
4.5*
I feel bad about not loving
Gender Queer. I like Kobabe's perspective and insight into being nonbinary, but I'm going to have to agree with Ashton that some of the information in the book (e.g. implications about asexuality) seemed a bit off.
What can you read after
Gender Queer?
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