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39 pages 1 hour read

Gender Queer: A Memoir

Nonfiction | Graphic Memoir | Adult | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Maia Kobabe

Gender Queer

Nonfiction | Graphic Memoir | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

239

Format

Graphic Memoir • Nonfiction

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe is an autobiographical graphic novel that follows Kobabe's journey of self-discovery, focusing on eir struggles with gender and sexual identity from childhood through adulthood. Through a series of chronological vignettes, the memoir captures Kobabe's experiences with dysphoria, societal gender norms, and eir eventual embrace of being nonbinary, aromantic, and asexual. Sensitive topics such as anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination and transphobia are depicted.

Informative

Emotional

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.4

71,085 ratings

84%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe has been praised for its honest and nuanced exploration of nonbinary and asexual identities. Readers appreciate its informative and heartfelt narrative, coupled with engaging illustrations. Some critics, however, find its explicit content challenging and unsuitable for younger audiences. Overall, it is recognized as a significant and educational graphic memoir.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Gender Queer?

Readers who appreciate graphic memoirs exploring identity and gender would enjoy Maia Kobabe's Gender Queer. Fans of Alison Bechdel's Fun Home or Maggie Thrash's Honor Girl will find similar themes of self-discovery and LGBTQIA+ issues. This book is suited for those interested in nuanced, personal narratives about navigating gender and sexuality.

4.4

71,085 ratings

84%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Maia Kobabe

Maia Kobabe is the author and main character of the memoir, portrayed as an asexual and nonbinary cartoonist who shares personal experiences to shed light on often hidden aspects of identity and coming out.

Phoebe is Maia's younger sister, also queer, and a visual artist, who plays a supportive role in Maia's journey toward self-acceptance and understanding by introducing em to gender-affirming practices.

Amila is Phoebe's boyfriend and a transgender man who positively influences Maia by discussing eir identity and providing gender-affirming gifts, embodying confidence and support.

Maia's parents are educated and nontraditional, raising Phoebe and Maia in an unconventional environment; they accept Maia's sexuality but initially struggle with eir gender identity and asexuality, ultimately growing to be supportive.

Book Details
Pages

239

Format

Graphic Memoir • Nonfiction

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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