A review by serinas
Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe

informative reflective fast-paced

5.0

I wanted to read this banned book when I first heard about it, but didn't have the time to read it. Now I found some time, and I'm so happy I read it. I also want to clarify that Gender Queer isn't banned in Norway, but in several states in the U.S. I did read it in Norwegian, and I don't think much got lost in the translation. 

This is a graphic novel, and a memoir Maia eirself wrote. Maia goes by the pronouns e/em/eir and writes about the journey of finding out ones gender identity. This is obviously a pretty queer book, with themes surrounding sexuality and gender identity. Some of it might be triggering, like the misgendering, so beware of that before reading.

I am drawn to books like this, as I'm queer myself, and I have at times been struggling with my identity. Like who am I, who do I want to be - and does it really matter? Maia asks many of the same questions I once had, and describes eir journey on finding an identity eir felt comfortable with.

I rated it 5 stars. I loved the drawings and style that was used - and the way the memoir was written was to my taste. It was relateable in many ways, and a fun (but hard) read. It definitely made me question some things about myself.

I really enjoyed this, and would recommend it. You don't need to be queer to read it - it might give some insight into what people who don't identify as cis might struggle with. It might also be educational and help anyone who is struggling as well - with their gender or sexuality. 

Just feeling like you aren't alone in your struggles are oftentimes enough - and Gender Queer made me feel less alone.

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