Why did I take so long to read this? It’s such a calming book. I love this book’s extended metaphor: exploring gender identity as finding a comfy home.

And “comfy” is so much the important word, here. Even the art style is soft, calming, easy. It’s full of gentle corners and curvy lines, as well as just kindly people. While there are sections of Theo worrying about what others think, they bless us with a gender journey that is mostly free of drama. Obviously, that won’t be everyone’s experience, but it’s still lovely to see. Trans teens need guidance from their elders, as well as the hope that comes from there BEING elders.

This needs to be part of your “understanding queer identities” canon. I definitely recommend it for public and school libraries, especially since it’s a memoir in graphic novel, and a good one. I always had a hard time picking up biographies and memoirs in school, and I so wish this had been an option when I was young. Not for the positive queer message, but because it’s good.

Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.

This was an excellent graphic novel detailing the author's life through a useful metaphor of houses, akin to that in the Alice in Wonderland movie made by Disney. It felt relatable and comprehensible, to learn the author's transition story. I think this could make a nice addition to a non-fiction graphic memoir collection for older teen readers. It's nothing terribly revolutionary or new, but the art is beautiful and the story is well-told.

I'm sure this book will be very important for its audience, but I didn't find anything new or revolutionary in this memoir. I did enjoy the limited color palette of the art.

Homebody was STUNNING. I finished reading it and immediately wanted to return to the pages to soak it all in again. The panels, the messaging... It was truly so beautiful. Highly recommend!

Homebody is a graphic novel that explains in great detail the misunderstandings and conflict of trying to figure out who you really are. I enjoyed how it was told in stages and thought it did a great job of explaining. It would be an excellent book for teens or communities who are learning about the lgbtq community. There are such great affirmations and positive language throughout the book.

As a non-binary person, I really appreciated the representation in this book. It reminded me of "Gender Queer" in some regards, but less intense and for a younger audience. I definitely think it's accessible for adults and teens, and that they would enjoy and learn something about gender identity from this graphic novel. I also loved the artwork and color pallet used in the book. Definitely recommend.

Less of a traditional memoir than a series of reflections. While there are narrative passages, Parish devotes more space to the ideas of finding meaning in being non-binary than in the journey of exploring gender identity. It's easy to engage with and lends itself well to reading in short spurts.

I enjoyed this warm and gentle exploration of identity and gender expression, especially the metaphor of the body as the house a person lives in.

I can't get over how much I enjoyed this graphic memoir. From the art to the heartfelt content, Theo's journey was familiar in many ways and reassuring to see it reflected on the pages.

Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Homebody is an inspiring, comforting, and moving debut graphic novel detailing the author's gender journey and how they were able to find validation and assurance in their identity. Graphic novel memoirs always seem to hit so hard, as the author's illustrations and style bring an additional aspect of vulnerability and beauty to their experiences, as well as using art as a way to connect with the reader.

I enjoyed Parish's wholesome and heartwarming style, especially as shown in the full page illustrations that provides positive affirmations. They did a wonderful job in presenting their journey in an accessible and relatable way, even when all explorations of genders are unique in their own ways. In this book, Parish achieves the honor of making self love feel achievable, which is needed for each and every queer youth.

I would definitely recommend this book to queer youth looking to find memoirs that may help guide them on their own gender journeys or provide validating perspectives. It is definitely one of those books that make you feel less alone.

Thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins Children's Books for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

The art was soft and sweet and the story even more so. Makes for a great addition to the growing graphic novel LGBTQ+ memoir collection at the library!

Theo Parish's Homebody is a poignant and deeply personal exploration of identity and self-discovery through the lens of a nonbinary individual. Through a unique blend of traditional comics and introspective journal entries, Parish invites readers into their world, sharing the challenges and triumphs of navigating the complexities of gender identity.

From the struggles of conforming to societal expectations in high school to the liberating moment of discovering the term 'nonbinary,' Parish's narrative resonates with authenticity and vulnerability. Through intimate reflections on everyday experiences and pivotal milestones, 'Homebody' celebrates the journey towards self-acceptance and finding a sense of belonging within oneself.

Parish's storytelling is both intimate and universal, offering insights into the intersections of gender identity, sexuality, and personal growth. With deftly drawn illustrations and candid prose, Homebody is a testament to the power of embracing one's true self and forging a path towards authenticity.

This debut comic memoir is a triumph of self-expression and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. 'Homebody' is sure to resonate with readers of all backgrounds, offering solace and inspiration to those on their own journey of self-discovery.

A great introduction to and explanation of what it feels like to be nonbinary. The home analogy worked really well and the artwork was simple but well done and easy to follow.

This is a great book for anyone just trying to figure out who they are, it addresses a lot of things that people have to deal with when it comes to gender norms and how they can make us feel. How at the end of the day there is not one way to be who you are and that it is a journey to find yourself and love yourself. Life does not come with a book of instructions and with society puting genders on things that are genderless it can become a very confusing world. I know when I was growing up I thought there were things wrong with me because I didn't do or think the way society thought I should and today I still don't.

This book is an amazing memoir/self help/informational graphic novel for any youth questioning their gender or where they "fit" in the world. The author was able to get rae and deep with their emotions but still keep the writing light enough to keep the reader going.

I got an ARC (after I read the book from the library).

How do I explain how I feel about this book? It isn't about me, but it also feels like it was. I am trans and gender stuff just feels like it is in everything. My gender doesn't work like Parish's, but it also doesn't not work work like theirs. Gender is so wobbly.

The art is a wonderful addition to this story. The way that bodies are drawn, the colors, the everything really just made this like coming home. It was cozy. It was one of those memoirs that are really focused, but not traumatic. So many trans memoirs are traumatic, which fair. We as a community face a lot. But seeing trans joy. Seeing trans self-love. That is important too.

I have already started recommending this to people.

A sweet and lyrical look at a gender journey. I loved the imagery of the different houses with heads and legs. Seeing how Theo progressed in their understanding and self-acceptance was refreshing.

I really enjoyed Homebody. The way the author made the connection between feeling at home in your own body and using the image of the body being a home was unique and really eye catching. Highly recommend for YA collections.

This memoir was an amazing story about self discovery. A book I feel many should add to their TBR as you journey with Theo on how they become Theo. It is inspirational and for me--hits close to home.

This book helped me to realize that while I enjoy a graphic memoir, I need it to stay narrative nonfiction. While the art was great and the discussions were good, I struggled with the narrator talking to the reader in a space outside our world; it consistently took me out of the story.