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vezreads's review
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
I wish law makers would read this
mergs_scribbles's review
4.0
I could feel the journey the author went on through each part of this graphic novel. And in turn, I felt like I was going through a journey myself while reading. There were ideas or information I never heard of or thought of before and I think the interview format of this graphic novel was a good choice as it allowed the exploration of different voices and experiences.
namizaela's review
3.5
I read this in one sitting! It was really interesting, and I loved Ewig's style of letting the interviewees speak for themselves, but also gently nudging them towards an overarching narrative of our collective gender struggles and liberation. However, I think the meandering nature of this comic also meant that it felt disorganized rather than focused.
buer's review
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Fine is partly a gender-journey memoir by author Rhea Ewing and partly a recounting of interviews Ewing did with several individuals over several years time regarding their relationships with gender and identity. The memoir portions give Fine just enough shape that it feels like it has a structure aside from a bunch of interviews addressing specific subjects like femininity, masculinity, race, healthcare, relationships, and more.
A ton of research and time went into this book and the diversity of perspectives is both impressive and informative. Ewing's ability to put together such a cohesive, concise book out of so many years of interviews with so many people is truly impressive. I also found their struggle with belonging and concern about taking up space that doesn't belong to you to be relatable and well-stated.
The art in Fine is functional, leaning heavily into realistic rather than cartoonish stylings, which makes a lot of sense. This is definitely a series where knowing what the people look like is a huge part of understanding their stories. That said, my favorite panels were the ones where Ewing got a little silly, like the "Very Anonymous" interviewee who Ewing portrayed as a person with a large paper bag with sunglasses drawn on it.
It took me a lot longer to finish this book than I expected. I usually blaze through graphic novels and memoirs, but the interview style of Fine had me taking my time. It is also over 300 pages long in spite of feeling pretty slim in your hand.
If I'm being completely honest, I was a little baffled by Ewing's choice to 1) use their partner's old name in the comic and 2) tell us in that first introduction that this choice was with their partner's permission and what name their partner goes by now. HOWEVER if I'm being a little personal...most of my family still calls me by my old name because that feels better for me. So although I found it a little weird I also fully acknowledge that people approach their names in deeply personal and sometimes outwardly confusing ways.
I would recommend this book for anyone on a gender journey (or close to someone who is), people who like alternative comics, and anyone who wants to get a broad angle view of a deeply personal experience.
A ton of research and time went into this book and the diversity of perspectives is both impressive and informative. Ewing's ability to put together such a cohesive, concise book out of so many years of interviews with so many people is truly impressive. I also found their struggle with belonging and concern about taking up space that doesn't belong to you to be relatable and well-stated.
The art in Fine is functional, leaning heavily into realistic rather than cartoonish stylings, which makes a lot of sense. This is definitely a series where knowing what the people look like is a huge part of understanding their stories. That said, my favorite panels were the ones where Ewing got a little silly, like the "Very Anonymous" interviewee who Ewing portrayed as a person with a large paper bag with sunglasses drawn on it.
It took me a lot longer to finish this book than I expected. I usually blaze through graphic novels and memoirs, but the interview style of Fine had me taking my time. It is also over 300 pages long in spite of feeling pretty slim in your hand.
If I'm being completely honest, I was a little baffled by Ewing's choice to 1) use their partner's old name in the comic and 2) tell us in that first introduction that this choice was with their partner's permission and what name their partner goes by now. HOWEVER if I'm being a little personal...most of my family still calls me by my old name because that feels better for me. So although I found it a little weird I also fully acknowledge that people approach their names in deeply personal and sometimes outwardly confusing ways.
I would recommend this book for anyone on a gender journey (or close to someone who is), people who like alternative comics, and anyone who wants to get a broad angle view of a deeply personal experience.
emily_journals's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
No star rating for this one as I don't rate memoirs and this book felt close enough to a memoir that I didn't want to give this one a rating.
This is partly a set of interviews with a variety of individuals on their opinions on and experiences with gender and partly the author grapping with their own gender identity. The opinions and experiences were interesting to read, but I don't think I personally learned anything (which is fine). It did feel a little disorganized and aimless since it isn't really trying to prove a point, but I would still recommend it as an interesting read.
This is partly a set of interviews with a variety of individuals on their opinions on and experiences with gender and partly the author grapping with their own gender identity. The opinions and experiences were interesting to read, but I don't think I personally learned anything (which is fine). It did feel a little disorganized and aimless since it isn't really trying to prove a point, but I would still recommend it as an interesting read.
sglance9's review
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
evan2756's review
3.0
overall i think it really was just fine. the last two chapters were really good, but the rest of the book just dragged without a super defined story line or objective. it also felt like there was almost too much information. cool to see so many different thoughts on relevant topics to the trans community but the story telling wasn't nearly as effective as other trans comics