Member Reviews
This was a really lovely and quick read. There are reference guides and I really felt that the authors wanted to make this book as accepting and honest as possible. I have heard so many friends struggle with the issues presented in this book and it was great to see them immortalized in print and graphic form.
I will say that while I enjoyed the book, I feel that sometimes the book talks down to the "cis white male". Which I totally get! But, since that is one of the hardest audiences to reach with this measage, I am afraid that this may detur th from reading this. I hope I am very wrong though and this will be shared far and wide. In communities, in workplaces, and just readily available.
Overall, this is a quick and easy read that informs the reader of the most basic of things concerning genderqueer and non-binary pronouns with a few vague experiences to stress the points made pertaining to they/them pronouns.
However, there is a lot of room for improvement. For a start, as a genderqueer/non-binary person myself, I felt like this was the cis ally show, and that made me feel very uncomfortable at times - to be told, which included moments where it felt like I was being spoken down to and condescended, by someone who doesn't know from experience about the topic at hand, well, I felt a little awkward. I understand that the major audience for this book is probably to pass on the most basic information pertaining to gender and pronouns to the cis population who are taught to be ignorant of such things, but, as someone who's been this way my whole life and who's only been learning about all of this myself for the last while, putting names and labels to things I've always known and never had names for, it felt as if there could be so many others out there, genderqueer and/or non-binary people, who are discovering their own sex and gender who might feel as uncomfortable as I did, and find the learning through it daunting, because it was mostly explained by a cis person who is trying to make light of a topic they have no right to make light of. On top of that, perhaps the humour and language were aimed at Americans only, but for someone from the UK, it fell short - the overuse of 'folks' for example didn't help matters. I think perhaps there could be a broader use of the English language in order to spread the information as far as possible within the English-speaking world in a way that makes it something anyone can connect with because there's at least one listing of a word that is used around them.
Other than my discomfort at certain points due to the lack of the non-binary person getting to speak and it seeming to be all about the cis person for the cis people, and the repetitive use of Americanisms that make outsiders feel a little excluded, I do like this graphic novel/comic book. The concept, at least, is a nice one, and it's something we need more of these days, something that's long over-due, because a lot of people are ignorant to this, not always by choice, but because of the utter lack of information available - it's all right saying look things up, but without having something to grasp at beforehand, people don't know what to look up or where to look for it. The government and school systems ought to put aside their historic moral codes and traditions, and start teaching things like this to people as early as possible so that they don't grow up to a life-time of bad habits it's difficult to shake. So, yes, the concept is beautiful, but, sadly, the execution falls a little short of the mark. The personal touch is fine to a point, but when it reads as being more about one 'character' than the other, and that person not being part of the people who the topic affects in the first place, I think it crosses a line that perhaps ought to be avoided.
Overall, as I said, I do like this, it's nice, it's quick, it's easy enough to read, though perhaps a bit wordy in places where it might lead to information overload for those who can't handle a lot of new information at once, and the concept is something I hope catches on, but there's a lot of room for improvement in the execution of it. But I will be passing on the title of this to others, in hopes to spread the knowledge that little bit further, and also in hopes that others, especially those who live it day in and day out, can find the courage to write their own telling of it, whether with personal examples to go with it or merely a basic learning thing. I really did want to give it five stars, more than anyone could understand, but I can't give it more than four, and, if I could, I think I might even lower that to 3.5 stars.
But for what it's worth, for those who are cis gendered and new to this concept, then this is perfect, but for those with loved ones who are genderqueer/non-binary, and, more importantly, to those of us who actually are, then I think there's a lot of things that could be improved upon to make it more accurate and comfortable to read and access. And I really do think that, as there are many out there who are genderqueer and don't have that information to better understand themselves and their situation, who no doubt believe that they're wrong or broken or that there's something not right with them, forcing themselves to be 'normal' in the eyes of society, this really should be the priority audience to cater to, because reading this I felt like it was all about the cis people, that what we go through and experience all comes down to how the cis people are left feeling, and that is the sad reality of it as it is without adding to it in an attempt to undo some of that damage done to the world. Or, at the very least, make it extremely clear that this is directly aimed at cis people who don't know any better for whatever reason, so that those of us who read it anyway are forewarned that it's aimed at them more than us, otherwise it leaves you feeling a little despairing about things.
This book was indeed quick and easy; just like learning to use gender-neutral pronouns should be. I’ll be spreading it around my college workplace and I recommend it to anyone working to spread understanding of this topic.
I highly recommend "A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns"! I want it for my library, but more for the teachers than the students.
This topic is important and this comic explains easily how to use they/them pronouns. It is funny, quick read. I love how sarcastic and funny both characters are. Everyone should read this.
In this succinct and clever graphic novel, Archie Bongiovanni and Tristan Jimerson effectively explain how they/them pronouns work, how you can politely ask someone for their pronouns, and how easy it is to use language without assuming anyone's gender. This is a fantastic guide to a subject that many people are eager to learn about, and the combination of humor and cartoonish art is inviting and entertaining while also being educational.
This is a very short book in the shape of a graphic novel/comics, so there’s no excuse not to read it. ;)
While I’m not particularly vocal about it when I write book reviews, and while the name I use is ‘feminine’, I don’t identify as a woman—my *sex* is female, but my *gender* is non-binary (more specifically, agender). So, it’s always mildly annoying at best when people keep referring to me as ‘she’. Sometimes they just don’t know, and of course, if I don’t tell them, they won’t know… therefore I tell them. Sometimes, too, other people just don’t care, or it forces them to reevaluate their paradigm, and, well, things don’t go so well in such cases.
Therefore I truly appreciate such books as this one—short and to the point, again: no excuse—that explain what it’s all about, and why it matters. Because being called ‘she’ is as much incomfortable for me as it is for a man who identifies as a man to be called ‘she’, for instance. (Also, for the grammar purists who say that ‘there’s only he and she pronouns, and they as a singular isn’t right’: singular 'they' has been in use since the 14th century or so. Just saying.)
To be honest, I’m not entirely fan of the graphic style here; however, it is cute, with fun moments, and the art IMHO isn’t what matters the most in this book.
Except for a couple of things I wasn’t too sure about, mostly the two characters (Archie and Tristan) run you through a quick explanation of non-binary vs. cisgender (‘quick’, because the whole thing detailed would take a book of its own), situations about how to use they/them pronouns, and examples of misgendering and how to react to it tastefully, whether you’re the one being misgendered or an ally. Among such situations, when loved ones misgender you, but you know they’re supportive in plenty of other ways, ranting is not useful. But sometimes, too, when people deliberately refuse to acknowledge you (binary or non-binary, this *is* part of your identity, after all), and make fun of you and/or are deliberately hurtful, it’s also good to be reminded that it’s OK to let go of what is, all in all, abusive. It’s not easy to accept… but it’s true.
This book is a good introduction to the matter, easy to follow and understand, and one that you can also apply to other pronouns like ze/hir (yes, there are more than just the few mentioned here). Even though it’s not exhaustive, it paves the way for further reading for anyone who’s interested.
Narrated by co-authors Archie and Tristan, this comic is simultaneously informative, snarky, and funny. It does exactly what the title suggests and offers a user's guide to they/them pronouns for both allies and those who may be using they/them pronouns themselves. In this case the perspective from a cisgender, heterosexual male was very helpful because it gave the reader a window into a good ally's point of view. It may be important to note that this book does not give any sort of in depth explanation of gender identity, so if you are trying to get a friend or family member to respect your identity in the first place this might be a little advanced for them. If you are trying to be a better ally to trans or gender nonconforming friends, however, this is a great book for you! Archie Bongiovanni uses they/them pronouns and includes a section about how to use these pronouns, including it being totally okay to be tired of explaining yourself all the time! Personally, I am going to recommend this book for my local LGBT Center as I have found many people in our community still struggle with pronoun usage. A real bonus is the short length and fun comic style which makes a sometimes intimidating topic easier to digest. Definitely add this to your collection of books to loan everyone you know!
This is a comprehending, yet easy (and necessary) to absorb account on the importance and use of pronouns, that manages to be fun and visually engaging, while tackling a serious topic, and offering great guidance for everyone. People tend to take certain things for granted and being correctly gendered is high up on that list. I am a girl who was born a girl so I've had it quite easy contrary to the experinces of so many queergender and non-binary people. However, I remember something that happened a while ago and that impacted me enough to still be able to picture the whole scene clearly. When I was little, I used to have my hair cut very short and as I was rollerblading through the park one day this confused a lady who identified me as "a young boy". You think it would be no big deal. Everyone makes mistakes. And I'm inclined to say you are right in this particular case, but I still remember the frustration, the distance that formed between me and my own body. Gender isn't and is important in the sense that you shouldn't take decisions based on it or attribute each gender expectations or roles, but you should get it right. So go read this. And give it to your friends and family, neighbours and coworkers. Because yeah, being a respectful and empathetic human being is truly the coolest thing around.
This is definitely a good starting point for all of us that are confused by gender neutral pronouns. Many of us in same sex relationships have often used they/them pronouns for our partners before we come out, so doing so for friends and/or family that are non-binary shouldn't be a problem. But sometimes it is. I liked the scripts they give us to get us started with being able to ask and how to ask which pronouns people use.
Really is a quick-n-easy guide to they/them pronouns!
As someone who is more comfortable with neutral pronouns than any other, this little book was an absurd, educational delight. It puts a lot of the things I (and many others like me) struggle with into an easily-readable format for anyone looking to see exactly how using neutral pronouns could fit into anyone's life. Singular they isn't a new concept, but it's one that a lot of people still struggle with -- which tends to have some pretty harsh knock-on consequences for those of us who use it as their 'standard' pronoun, as it were.
This book addresses these issues and doesn't patronise the (both cisgender and non-binary) readers by doing so; it shows us the structure of a pronoun, and lightly touches on the topic of the ever-changing nature of language, and why using they/them to refer to a person really shouldn't be such a big deal because of that.
Also, it's funny! This is 100% the kind of book I'd keep spare copies of around the house or in my backpack when I'm going out, and discreetly drop them off in high-traffic areas that I'm planning on visiting. Gotta spread the good word of Singular They.
This is an easy humorous way of explaining something slightly complicated, especially if you are new to it then it can get complex. It even comes with practical guides and examples. And, it gives advice on how to come out as non-binary and what not to do for cis-gender people (binary).
It's a great and quick read. It very informative and I learned a lot. If you need a guide on the They/Them pronoun I highly recommend this one
This book is so informative. Such a quick read and it's just so awesome that there's a book this informative and educational and that's so reachable. I can't wait to hopefully be able to acquire it in the future.
I got an ARC copy of this book.
Gender is my thing. Sexuality is my thing too. They both hold a very dear place in my heart. As soon as I saw the name of this book I pounced. There was no way I was passing up on this book. The cover was cutesy and it was something I might want to take lessons from for the class I teach.
The book talks about pronouns. There is some technical talk, which one of the characters is really bored through. Then they start to break it down into real people talk. There is discussion on how to use a pronoun, when to use pronouns, and why it matters. This book covers a ton and I learned a lot about language from it. If you already use gender neutral pronouns for someone you love or even yourself, then this book is just reaffirming things you understand. If you don't, it is a great introduction.
There was purposeful misgendering of Archie to prove a point. That point is how damaging misgendering can be for someone. There is even talk about how it is ok to feel angry, cut people out of your life, and that sometimes people love you but will never get it. It was a wonderful section and that section is so important for queer people to read. Family is not blood for a lot of queer people. Family are the people who love you and the people on your side. This book validates that experience and allows someone to see just how hard pronouns can be on someone when you get them wrong. It was just so well done.
The book is not just a book for beginners. If you already know your stuff, this book is still interesting. The art is cutesy and I adored it. Then there were some really funny sections like Tristan giving a new meaning to YOLO and his hat that made his life easier because it was a hat of ignorance. LOVELY. I was snorting. This book could have been super dry and dusty, something no one but supreme nerds (like me) would have read. Instead it was really approachable and helpful.
I have been trying to explore books that talk about gender-neutrality and gender-fluidity in a very elementary, rudimentary manner- so this one comes as a great recommendation for that.
As a cisgender, I have wondered myself how awkward and uncomfortable conversations about one's gender identity could be, and how tricky it is to use words, and to try and use them in the right manner- I have imagined the best of intentions go to waste because of the uncertainty of 'what should I say that it doesn't offend them' or 'how should I say this without sounding mean'. If anything, I have to thank this book to address this issue. Not just by giving healthy ways of going about these apprehensive conversations, but also addressing how these can get awkward- but change is awkward and uncomfortable and if we are to be advocates for inclusion, we have to be companions in this discomfort.
"This book exists to educate and inform people on gender neutral pronouns--specifically they/them*--so that you don’t have to do all the heavy lifting yourself. We want to keep this book short and affordable, so you can give it to friends, family, co-workers, or random people on the street.Also, if education fails and folks are being jerks, you can just throw this book in their face."
I like the fact that even when the book uses humour, it doesn't try to be sarcastic- it is rather the plain, good ol' humour and I believe that is how such issues need to be discussed.
Gender identity and gender neutral pronouns are becoming increasing important in today's world. (Not that they weren't important before!) Everyone can benefit from reading this very important book. This timely comic guide is beautifully handled with humor and extreme clarity. I especially appreciated the careful handling of the subject and the attention to the fact that 'switching' pronoun use in our vocabulary can be challenging and require a real attempt to put gender neutral pronouns into everyday practice. Why is this so important? All individuals are entitled to feel comfortable with who they are. Confusion and acceptance of gender identity can be eased with many of the suggestions and examples in this guide.
For anyone approaching this with the attitude of 'just another attempt at forcing political correctness' -- consider this: EVERYONE benefits from the use of gender neutral pronouns-- even cisgender individuals. While reading, it brought back memories from my teen years of being misidentified on the phone or from appearance (because I had longer hair) and how bad and embarrassed it made me feel even though it was not intentional
This book needs to be available EVERYWHERE... but especially in schools, libraries and in the workplace. Educators and HR personnel can greatly influence change and acceptance. This book should be an important tool for change.
This was a good short explanation on the use of gender neutral pronouns which is definitely an important topic that needs more attention and is rarely addressed in literature or in society for that matter. It presents itself as a short and easy guide that works pretty well at educating those unfamiliar with gender neutral pronouns. However, in order to be really effective I do think it needed to be longer as this only scratched the surface. The art worked well for subject matter. There were a few times however that the book felt patronizing given that its target audience seems to be adults.
This book is useful for anyone who wants to learn more about gender neutral pronouns, and why it's important to respect everyone's pronouns, Cute format and also approachable!
Can't write a review for this title as unable to open the file in the form it has been offered.
This book does exactly what it says on the tin. It's short, easy to read and is a good basic guide to they/them pronouns. It's mainly aimed at people new to the concept of they/them pronouns but could also be validating and encouraging for someone who uses they/them pronouns- and useful for them to lend to friends and family! It covers how to use they/them pronouns, how to avoid misgendering people, what to do when you make a mistake and how to change your language to be more inclusive. I felt like it could have been a bit longer, but then it wouldn't be so quick and easy and might put others off.