This Book is Gay
E**J
Not impressed. Very basic.
This book was okay and provides a very simple overview of LGBT. The reason why I gave one star is because I felt the section on religions was extremely inaccurate. The book suggests being LGBT and Christian is a breeze, very inaccurate and portrays LGBT issues as non existent which I felt doesn't reflect accurate experience. The writer obviously isn't religious, which isn't a problem, but they should have conducted accurate research into all areas
L**Y
In awe
This Book is Gay is the first book that I have ever seen that is marketed for teenagers to address LGBTQ+ issues that hasn’t been patronising or written by someone well meaning but clueless about what it is to live as an LGBTQ+ person. Juno Dawson, however, offers honest, witty, and entertaining information within her book This Book is Gay – those who are aware of Juno Dawson (if you haven’t then, seriously, where have you been?) you will know that she has a bit of experience living as an LGBTQ+ woman.She discusses the often unavailable information about living in this community to an audience who have very limited experience. Those who are either taking tentative steps to understand their part in the LGBTQ+ community or friends and family who also have limited knowledge and want to be supportive.Juno Dawson addresses the inadequacies in the school system – why is heteronormative sex the only thing taught in schools; she looks at dating and how difficult it can be. She also talks to people who are LGBTQ+ so we don’t feel that her writing is preachy. She is and has lived it and she knows what she is talking about but you don’t feel talked AT.I firmly believe that This Book is Gay should be issued to schools. Young students who are struggling to find their place would find this book so comforting and feel that there is somewhere that they can feel included. That someone out there, beyond the microcosm of their small world knows what it feels like.I was genuinely in awe of this book.
H**E
Be a cool parent
I loved this book, and I wish it had been around when I started wondering about my sexuality. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and handles all the basics without getting hysterical. It also covers likely reactions of family and friends - possibly the biggest barrier to coming out. It makes you feel ok about being gay, and that's so important for young people. It also made me giggle a lot, because Juno Dawson's take on so many aspects of gay/straight life is hilarious. Life is far too short to take seriously, and this book really gets that. All parents should also read it, whether or not anyone in the house is gay. Definitely one to buy, read, and then put on the most available bookshelf in your house if you have rising teens. Don't freak out if it goes missing. It's probably doing the rounds of all the questioning young people in your children's circle, and you will be known as the coolest parent for having bought it and made it available (especially if the spine is well-creased).
E**.
Informative, engaging, useful - recommended for all young adults
A really good look at sexuality and sexual identity, suitable for teens, young adults, parents. It is an engaging read, not patronising, and covers lots of different aspects. It was recommended to me by a friend and I bought it to be available to my children through their teenage years. A good way of discussing lots of different areas of sometimes difficult subjects, in an accessible way. I would recommend reading something like this to young people of all sexual identities just to answer questions and clarify common misconceptions, as well as reassuring young people through that confusing time.
L**C
Needed this like 10 years ago!
I would recommend this to 14 year old me who didn’t realise that having feelings for girls was an option.If we give books to kids to learn about periods, puberty and heterosexual sex and procreation then why not include this? I’d like to see this in a bundle ready for those 11th birthdays!My only criticism is that I wish it was co-written with a women who identified as lesbian. Everything was extremely well researched and I liked that there were quotes from LGBT people but here and there it was a bit too male gay for me. But still 5 stars over allIt will have you measuring your fingers to see if the research is correct!!
V**R
Excellent
This is the second copy of this book I have purchased. This one I got for my granddaughter and she loved it. It answered all sorts of questions for her in an accessible way. It gave her the choice to read on her own or come to us and ask questions. It enabled us to open dialogues. Highly recommend.
L**R
Educational, Funny, Useful
‘This Book Is Gay’ is a great educational tool, filled with lots of information and definitions of terms commonly used in/by the LGBTQ+ community. This book is very useful and covers many topics which should be covered in school. It highlighted to me just how much we need better sex education, and not just sex education aimed at cisgender women and men. For everyone.I definitely recommend this book if you’d like to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community. (Although I want to add that this book is not the only book you should read on the subject, but it could be a good start).
J**D
Excellent for all
I recommend this to all really. It covers all the different labels around these days, while at the same time promoting acceptance of all the differences that people may come across in life. This book does well to explain that having a label or labels doesn't take away from identifying in a variety of ways, people don't need to stick to a stereotype but can if they want to. A lot is covered and I suggest this book if you only have an awareness of your own personal desires but would like to be able to move forward and engage with a range of different people in life. Start here to get a base understanding and awareness of others.
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