Title: Homebody
Author: Theo Parish
Publisher: HarperAlley
Publication date: April 23, 2024
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads | StoryGraph
Summary
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.
Review: Homebody
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!
4.5/5 stars