Member Reviews

A beautiful and extremely informative graphic novel about the intricacies of sex and gender. It tackles both science and social backgrounds for gender; both are important to explore.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this gorgeous graphic novel.

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I've read and enjoyed a few of the other 'Really Strange' books and this is my favourite of them all. It's very readable and accessible regardless of how much you already know about the topic. I would definitely recommend this book.

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Teddy G. Goetz’s Gender is Really Strange offers an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of gender identity and expression in contemporary society. With a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and sharp insights, Goetz challenges readers to reconsider their preconceived notions about gender.

One of the book’s strengths is its accessibility. Goetz writes in a relatable and conversational tone, making complex ideas about gender fluidity and societal norms easy to understand. The author’s willingness to share personal experiences adds a layer of authenticity that resonates with readers, fostering a sense of connection.

Throughout the book, Goetz deftly addresses the myriad ways gender is experienced and expressed, emphasizing the spectrum beyond the traditional binary. This nuanced approach invites readers to think critically about their own understanding of gender and encourages a more inclusive mindset.

While the humor is a highlight, there are moments of profound reflection that ground the narrative. Goetz addresses the challenges and triumphs of navigating gender in a world that often feels rigid and unyielding. The balance between levity and seriousness enriches the reading experience, making it both enjoyable and enlightening.

However, some readers might find certain sections a bit dense, particularly those new to discussions surrounding gender. A few more real-life examples or case studies could have further enhanced the relatability of some concepts.

In conclusion, 'Gender is Really Strange' is a compelling read that shines a light on the complexities of gender identity in a thoughtful and engaging way. Goetz’s humor and honesty make this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of gender and its implications in our lives. Highly recommended for both those familiar with the topic and those looking to learn more.

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I really like how Teddy breaks down the different aspects of gender and how it all comes together in a weird soup. Teddy does a great job explaining and describing all the different aspects, backed by science and research, and explaining it in relatively simple terms.

As a gender diverse individual myself, there was plenty I already knew, but still heaps I did learn through this book. If you are wanting to learn more about gender or even start to learn about it, this book has you covered! Highly recommend.

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It was interesting, it delved into many aspects related to gender: cultural backgrounds, anatomy, gender expression etc. However, I wish it was longer, 40 pages were only scratching the surface of the conversation

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It really wasn't easy/friendly to read and I'm not quite sure what the target audience would be.
Interesting but not quite well executed.

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unfortunately i did not have enough time to read this book in its entirety but it seemed like a good read.

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

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Thank you for my eARC of this book. I adore the cover and it really drew me in (as well as the subject matter). I think this complex and broad topic was handled well and it was an insightful read.

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Gender is, indeed, really strange. The creators of this book, though, manage to give great clarity to a subject that can so easily be washed away in generalisations and overly 'necessary' opinions. This was a fun, quick read which at the same time never ceased to make me stop and reflect. Seems like a perfect work to introduce this topic to tweens and/or teens!

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Thank you to Net Galley for this ARC and amazing book! 'Gender is Really Strange' by Teddy G. Goetz is an exploration of gender within this graphic novel. The artwork beautifully complements the text, making complex concepts easily understandable. This book challenges social norms and promotes inclusivity, fostering a deeper understanding of gender diversity. Overall, it's a fantastic starting point for those new to gender studies, offering positivity and encouragement to question preconceptions and embrace diversity. I recommend it to others who wish to gather a deeper understanding of themselves and others!

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This was a really fun and informative look into gender! Even as a nonbinary person who feels pretty versed on gender junk, I learned a lot, and the illustrations were really neat!

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A short (40 pages) but very informative, beautifully illustrated graphic book about gender. Covering everything you could possibly want to know about gender identity including history, science, colonialism and sociology.
At the end of the book is a list of sources and further references. This book makes a good starting point to get the reader thinking about what gender is.

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I thought this was a good book. The style of this book was beautiful, the information itself would be a great starter for anyone relatively new to this area and a good refresher to those who have been here for a while. It was really short and I hope to see what else Goetz creates in the future.

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This book was a delightful guide to gender. The art makes it extremely appealing, takes a decolonized lens to gender and the larger discussions around gender going on today. Excited to see this in my collection.

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Thank you Netgalley for an arc, for an honest review.

This book was utterly gorgeous ! I will definitely read more of Goetz' stuff going ahead. The art inside this book was just so visually captivating, ever since reading it I keep looking at it. Also this book was a really cute and nice discussion of gender and how it falls under the LGBTQ umbrella, and I really loved that. It's also super accesscible and I can see anyone picking it up and just having a wonderful time with it. It's really hard to put into words my thoughts but just know I will be rereading this book often, and have purchased myself a copy just to have it.

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"Gender is Really Stranger" by Teddy G. Goetz masterfully navigates the intricate realms of gender, deconstructing prevailing societal norms and challenging the rigidity of biological binaries. I appreciated how the author artfully interlaces the complex threads of gender, culture, and colonialism, offering readers a profound exploration of their interconnectedness. The graphic novel makes a number of academic studies accessible, yet occasionally veers towards oversimplification. One thing I loved less was the commercial, Facebook-esque artstyle. In essence, "Gender Is Really Strange" offers a comprehensive yet digestible exploration of the intricate landscape of gender.

I would like to thank Jessica Kingsley Publishers for providing this copy via Netgalley in exchange.

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A really nice, quick, and easy look at gender. I liked the artwork but am struggling to write enough to explain. The book is short. Like really short and not sure it needs a 100 character review.

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Nice, thoughtful, easy and available in a way that I think talk about gender should be. There are always spaces where we need more research and more in depth knowledge, but I think this little book does wonders with its target groups.
/ Denise

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The infographic format covers a lot of information in a small space. It's a great way to start building an understanding of a tricky topic, and the visual portrayal makes it approachable, although it's more illustrated essay than comic. The historical / cultural mentions are interesting and provide a starting point for further research, although I found the science sections could become a bit overwhelming for a layperson. The biggest problem is the high cost for a relatively short length.

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