Review by Booklist Review
The umbrella of queerness covers many identities. Here, nonbinary writer Anderson dives into one identity without its own letter in the so-called "alphabet soup," namely LGBTQAI+, often used to identify members of the queer community--nonbinary. Despite having the same "roots," as Anderson calls them, queer identities are not a monolith. The author explores nonbinary as a distinct identity as it dovetails with and is distinguished from others, in particular, trans. Using theoretical and historical perspectives combined with personal experience, Anderson reveals a "gender expansive" space that challenges the gender dichotomy while also challenging modern societal myths about trans and nonbinary. For example, they remind us that trans and nonbinary people are not a new phenomenon and that there is joy in being a nonbinary person. Not seeing themself fully reflected in the discourse, Anderson created this valuable and necessary contribution. Though occasionally a bit dense in theory, this is a thoughtful and hopeful book for nonbinary individuals and allies; Anderson has even included tools for allyship.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
This thoughtful exploration by Anderson (Problematic) theorizes what it means to be nonbinary within the broader queer community. Referencing philosophers, pop culture, and personal stories, the author investigates the "linguistic and social problems we encounter when we try to lump all parts of a broad, diverse community under the same umbrella," working to define nonbinary on its own terms and contending that "we cannot communicate if we do not agree to speak the same language." Using the works of Ludwig Wittgenstein and Simone de Beauvoir, Anderson argues in academic prose that existing "rules about how we use language around gender" have restricted queer expression. They share how they grew up without the vocabulary to articulate gender beyond cis norms and are "just now realizing who I am," asserting that it's time to "claim our language for our own." They offer advice to help cisgender readers "learn new patterns of thinking in order to be better" allies, suggesting readers respect gender labels and reflect on what it means to be cis. Anderson's arguments are well reasoned, and the author's frank account of their coming-out adds pathos to the discussions of queer theory. The result is an illuminating analysis of the contemporary functions and assumptions of gender. (July)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Kudos to Anderson (Damaged Goods) for placing a glossary at the front of their book, as it creates cohesive vocabulary for the remainder of the work. After establishing terms, the book explores non-binary identity through the theory and historical context of what the book refers to as the transsexual movement. This lens allows Anderson to add contemporary observations and comparisons to the piece, as well as personal narrative where appropriate. They discuss trans people in the Bible, trans people in the Roman Empire, and trans Indigenous people; use The Matrix to successfully explain Baudrillard; and reflect on their own sense of physical self. Anderson's struggle with faith and finding community as a formal evangelical will resonate, as will their analysis of the obsession to define what a woman is. Anderson's message about being recognized as non-binary and finding joy are as potent as the research. VERDICT Allies new and old will discover this book fills the gaps in the current conversations about trans people and communities.--Tina Panik
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
