Review: The Times I Knew I Was Gay

Title: The Times I Knew I Was Gay

Author: Eleanor Crewes

Publisher: Scribner

Publication date: October 6, 2020

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Summary

Ellie never quite felt like she fit in, no matter where she was. As a kid, she obsessed over Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and was confused about dating. She through that these feelings would go away as she got older. Maybe she would get more comfortable in her own skin.

However, as she goes to university, she feels more out of place than ever. Desperate to fit in, she tries everything. But until she’s true to herself, her fears overcome her confidence. Throughout her memoir, Ellie recounts all the different times she comes out, both to herself and to her friends and family. She shows that coming out isn’t just one moment; it’s a journey that can happen over a lifetime.

Review: The Times I Knew I Was Gay

Thanks to Scribner and Net Galley for sending me an early copy of this to review! I always love reviewing graphic novels, even if they aren’t in their final stages at the time of review. I like seeing what they turn into for the final edition. It’s such a fun process!

This is an honest and personal graphic memoir, showing that most times, LGBTQ+ individuals don’t just pop out of the closet. It’s a process of learning and realization that can take time to get comfortable in your own skin. This is something that I think we need to see more of in LGBTQ literature, especially in the YA realm. It’s important to see this process of coming out, and by being so personal about it, I think a lot of teens and young adults will connect with this story.

I also really enjoyed the art style throughout, for the most part. I think I’d like to see what it looks like in person, as it’s quite minimal at times. This also means that the book reads a bit like a journal or a diary, which complements the story really well. It was engaging and real, exactly what you want a graphic memoir to be.

Overall, this was a great graphic memoir that I think will connect with a lot of people!

4/5 stars