ziggy_queerdust's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
notthatcosta's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
I first heard Jamie speak when they spoke at a work event I attended a couple of years ago. Since then, this has been firmly on my reading list.
Largely the book lived up to my expectations. I particularly loved the parts that went into detail about the relationship with fashion and gender expression.
Some parts that spoke more to activism fall into virtue signalling and don’t quite land with the wisdom of someone who’s been ‘doing the work’, but overall the book is very charming, witty and well written.
Largely the book lived up to my expectations. I particularly loved the parts that went into detail about the relationship with fashion and gender expression.
Some parts that spoke more to activism fall into virtue signalling and don’t quite land with the wisdom of someone who’s been ‘doing the work’, but overall the book is very charming, witty and well written.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Homophobia, Bullying, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Transphobia
emeraldreverie's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
2.5
The best parts of this book were the moments of Jamie's self-reflection and personal anecdotes. They have a very natural writing voice and a fascinating bevy of life experiences, which easily belies their age at publication (early 20s).
My frustrations arose, however, as each situation was universalized and applied to a wholesale "non-binary" life which I struggled more and more to feel included by. Then, most lessons and calls to action amounted to "just be (fill in blank)". I feel this book struggled with scope and focus.
I appreciate the individual experience a lot and would love to read something more purely memoir focused, and would especially appreciate reading Jamie's personal historical reflections through their very unique and multi-faceted lens as they pass through further decades of their life.
My frustrations arose, however, as each situation was universalized and applied to a wholesale "non-binary" life which I struggled more and more to feel included by. Then, most lessons and calls to action amounted to "just be (fill in blank)". I feel this book struggled with scope and focus.
I appreciate the individual experience a lot and would love to read something more purely memoir focused, and would especially appreciate reading Jamie's personal historical reflections through their very unique and multi-faceted lens as they pass through further decades of their life.
a_violentfemme's review
3.0
This is going to the pile I've called "books I would have enjoyed a lot more 10 years ago".
An interesting read in parts but left me cold overall, felt like it was written for social media.
An interesting read in parts but left me cold overall, felt like it was written for social media.
emrythequeer's review
4.0
This book felt like having a conversation with a good friend, someone who gets me and gets what it's like just existing as a nonbinary person in a hetro and cisnormative world. I could really tell it was written from the heart. I laughed, sighed and may have shed a tear or two. This is the exact sort of book I needed when I was younger and figuring out my gender and how I fitted into this world. I think this boon could be super powerful to young nonbinary people and I hope lots of them get to read this and feel seen and affirmed. Powerful and important.