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A review by fwog19
Tomboy: A Graphic Memoir by Liz Prince
5.0
The husband got me a new Kindle, so of course that meant that I *had* to download a graphic novel. This was a fun read and totally relatable. Liz talked about growing up as a tomboy and how she was bullied like crazy. She dealt with her sexuality being questioned by others (because just because she wears boy's clothes she HAS to be gay, right? Sigh.) and all of the changes that come with being a girl.
Growing up, I was the same way - I've never really cared for dresses or makeup or just being "girly" like my cousins were. Hell, I still prefer jeans and t-shirts over skirts and dresses, much to my husband's chagrin. Like Liz, I was bullied growing up, but not so much by other kids - my older brother had that honor. Because of this (and like Liz) I learned to have a sharp tongue and put bullies in their place. Also like Liz, it took me a while, but I learned to be comfortable with who I am and to know that it isn't society's place to dictate what I should wear and what makes me a girl.
My daughter has the same issues - she's got short hair and prefers men's pants (they fit better!) and lives in a hoodie. Just about every day she says, "Someone said they thought I was a boy again!" Like me, she's learned that it's no big deal. These days, when someone mistakes me for a guy, I just look down at my chest and say, "Um...last time I checked I was female..." That usually gets an embarrassed "Oh geez, I'm sorry!" and I get the satisfaction of watching them stumble and blush. Is it wrong? Maybe. But then, how hard is it to look a little closer and not just assume from a voice (the women in my family do NOT have girly voices) or a quick glance someone's gender?
Liz wrote a good story and I enjoyed it greatly. I might have been reading about myself, especially since we're around the same age. I might have to have my kid read this book!
Growing up, I was the same way - I've never really cared for dresses or makeup or just being "girly" like my cousins were. Hell, I still prefer jeans and t-shirts over skirts and dresses, much to my husband's chagrin. Like Liz, I was bullied growing up, but not so much by other kids - my older brother had that honor. Because of this (and like Liz) I learned to have a sharp tongue and put bullies in their place. Also like Liz, it took me a while, but I learned to be comfortable with who I am and to know that it isn't society's place to dictate what I should wear and what makes me a girl.
My daughter has the same issues - she's got short hair and prefers men's pants (they fit better!) and lives in a hoodie. Just about every day she says, "Someone said they thought I was a boy again!" Like me, she's learned that it's no big deal. These days, when someone mistakes me for a guy, I just look down at my chest and say, "Um...last time I checked I was female..." That usually gets an embarrassed "Oh geez, I'm sorry!" and I get the satisfaction of watching them stumble and blush. Is it wrong? Maybe. But then, how hard is it to look a little closer and not just assume from a voice (the women in my family do NOT have girly voices) or a quick glance someone's gender?
Liz wrote a good story and I enjoyed it greatly. I might have been reading about myself, especially since we're around the same age. I might have to have my kid read this book!