simil's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent starting resource. Gives youth an in to the queer community.
servemethesky's review against another edition
3.0
I picked up this book because it’s currently being challenged in my local library system. While I think it should certainly remain in the library, I didn’t find it to be the *best* or most comprehensive/inclusive/up to date resource out there on queer stuff.
I was frustrated by their definition of bisexuality (attracted to men and women—nope. It’s attracted to your same gender and other genders). I also felt they oversimplified asexuality and flattened that experience to the point where the information was inaccurate/useless. Lastly, the trans stuff was quite skimpy and inadequate.
Also worth noting that the tone tries to seem young and hip, but it comes across as cringey and out of touch. When I flipped to the author photos/bios at the end, part of my brain went “yup, that checks out” LOL.
All that being said! I think this could still be a useful book for its target audience: teens early in their queer identity/self discovery journey. It has helpful sections on coming out, dating, what constitutes a healthy relationship, navigating sex, STIs, and more. I think the safe sex section is what makes conservatives want to ban it
I was frustrated by their definition of bisexuality (attracted to men and women—nope. It’s attracted to your same gender and other genders). I also felt they oversimplified asexuality and flattened that experience to the point where the information was inaccurate/useless. Lastly, the trans stuff was quite skimpy and inadequate.
Also worth noting that the tone tries to seem young and hip, but it comes across as cringey and out of touch. When I flipped to the author photos/bios at the end, part of my brain went “yup, that checks out” LOL.
All that being said! I think this could still be a useful book for its target audience: teens early in their queer identity/self discovery journey. It has helpful sections on coming out, dating, what constitutes a healthy relationship, navigating sex, STIs, and more. I think the safe sex section is what makes conservatives want to ban it
alanahhill's review against another edition
2.5
I understand that as a 24 year old cisgender woman I am not the target audience of this book, and although I know it is marketed to teens I feel it is quite juvenile and basic. I listened to the audiobook version and at times I felt like the narrator was a bit condescending and assuming that teens are less knowledgeable than they actually are
eavery's review against another edition
4.0
Target audience is probably more HS, but can work for mature/upper middle school too.
i_will_papercut_a_bish's review against another edition
5.0
This book is *thorough*, with large portions dedicated to issues like navigating queer culture, forming your own unique identity, navigating peer response, coming out, ways to meet other LGBT+ young people, and a couple of chapters dedicated to responsible sex and dating.
As of now, the info is up-to-date (though, obviously, culture moves fast. One hopes that updated editions will continue to be released by the publisher, as the writers have done an excellent job at due diligence to accurately covering a broad spectrum of questions LGBT+ teens face. Five stars. If they released a companion book or sequel, I'd be happy to read.
As of now, the info is up-to-date (though, obviously, culture moves fast. One hopes that updated editions will continue to be released by the publisher, as the writers have done an excellent job at due diligence to accurately covering a broad spectrum of questions LGBT+ teens face. Five stars. If they released a companion book or sequel, I'd be happy to read.
v_bookishdancer's review
Wasn’t the type of book I was looking for. Wanted more of a history book.
woolfinbooks's review against another edition
3.0
If this came out when I was a teenager I think it would've been revolutionary for me. It would've helped me come out to people in a small town and given me the skills to handle all of the complicated reactions and realities to coming out. It's easy to look past this as an outdated book, and don't get me wrong it definitely is in terms of definitions and information, but the advice? That's still needed sometimes. Part of me hates saying that because there are things in it that I wouldn't personally agree with coming out, but I'm also saying that as someone in their 30s who has been out for half of their life. There's a privilege in that and I see it. Communal progressions don't erase the never-ending struggles some folks will have with coming out. Overall, this book is a huge slap in the face towards how much everything in our community has changed in the past decade - and that's a good thing! If you're a kid who was in a small town or a family that won't get you and haven't kept up with the many modern changes in queer language this might be a solid book for you.