Reviews with content warning for Bullying - Homebody

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and everyone that contributed to the existence of this book for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review! Note: I rate memoirs based on the literary aspects and not on the personal story.

This was a fast-paced audio version of a graphic memoir, and it definitely hit me in several ways.

😍 The good:
I really enjoyed listening to this, it was better than other audio adaptations of graphic novels that I have listened to, maybe because the style was a better fit. I enjoyed several ideas that the book raised (the journey towards discovering yourself, making your body a home) and the overall audio immersion that this book provided, even though that means that I did not get to enjoy the artwork. The title also fit well with the story, blending perfectly with the cover.

😅 The not-so-good:
I felt that the memoir fell a bit short in some ways, but that is understandable, as each person has a different story to tell. Nevertheless, this was relatable, inspiring and heartfelt, being a quite nice read especially for the YA age group.

Content Warnings

devynreadsnovels's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

5.0

Content Warnings

daniellereadslikealot_'s review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

This was such a beautiful graphic novel, both in storytelling and illustration. It was so powerful and uplifting. I loved the idea of bodies being like homes and how some people might be comfortable with what they were given and some need renovations to feel like their authentic selves. Theo’s journey of self love and identity is such a necessary story and I think anyone who loved Gender Queer or the Heartstopper series will love this story too. The illustrations were just so cool and fit the story perfectly. I highly recommend this one and I’m so glad I got to read it!

TW: deadnaming, bullying, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny

Thank you to EpicReads for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

Content Warnings

betweentheshelves's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional informative fast-paced

4.5

This graphic novel memoir takes us through author Theo Parish’s journey with gender identity, from when they were a kid to a young adult. It’s a book about finding your home, figuring yourself out, and navigating the world when you don’t feel like you fit in.

In addition to traditional comes, there are journal entries interspersed throughout. Parish takes the reader through experimental haircuts, changing their name, and eventually finding something that feels like home.

Thanks to HarperAlley and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Homebody by Theo Parish to review! 2024 is going to be the year of YA graphic novels, I can just feel it. It felt like there weren’t a lot to choose from last year, but so far, I’ve read a lot of excellent ones coming out in 2024. This one included!

Homebody is pitched for people who enjoy Heartstopper and Gender Queer, and I’d honestly say it’s a good combination of those two books. It has the gender exploration elements of Gender Queer and the sort of feel-good quality of Heartstopper. If you enjoyed either of those, chances are you’ll enjoy this memoir!

What I also enjoyed about this is that it makes it clear that there is no one way to figure out your gender identity. You can try a bunch of different things until one feels like it fits! It’s just an overall positive reading experience, from the tone to the colors to the art style. Just a delight to read.

This will be a great resource for teens who may feel like they’re questioning their gender identity. It will help them to feel not so alone. But it’s also great for those that just want to learn more about gender identity or understand what a friend might be going through. It’s just a good resource in general.

Definitely one to add to any library collection!

Content Warnings

ezwolf's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny informative fast-paced

5.0

I thought this was a very relatable and great read. Similar to Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, but unique in the way that each person's relationship with gender is. It's always nice to be able to read about people who have had similar experiences and know that you're not alone.

Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!

Content Warnings

More...