Review: This Book Is Gay

THIS BOOK IS GAY

by James Dawson

Pages: 271pages

Publisher: Hot Key Books

Publication Date: September 4th 2014

ISBN: 9781471403958
Received From: Hot Key Books

Summary 

Former PSHCE teacher and acclaimed YA author James Dawson gives an uncensored look at what it's like to grow up as LGBT. Including testimonials from people 'across the spectrum', this inclusive book explores everything anyone who ever dared to wonder wants to know - from sex to politics, how to pull, stereotypes, how to come-out and more. Spike Gerrell's hilarious illustrations combined with funny and factual text make this a must-have read.

Review

Listen up ladies, gentleman and carrots I'm about to tell you why you need to read THIS BOOK IS GAY! 

So I like to think at 21 - almost 22 - I've got a pretty good understand of LGBT. I mean, my aunts a lesbian (of the butch variety) and one of my best friends throughout my teen years changed his sexual preference more times that he changed his sock, so it's not like I've had blinkers on when it comes to being LGBT. However, this book blew my mind. It's not just intriguing and at times down right hysterical it's also preceptive and informative. I don't think I went a chapter without learning something new. It's a fantastic read that, if I had the power, would get into every school library in the country stock THIS BOOK IS GAY. 

Unlike every other book I've ever reviewed This Book Is Gay is non-fiction. I don't usually read non-fiction for fun... in fact I think the only time I do is for my degree and they're art books (so basically lots of pretty pictures). In all fairness this book DID have lots of epic illustrations by the talented Spike Gerrell, but it was about so much more. It's a book about acceptance and finding out who you really are and knowing that no matter what label you find sharpied to your forehead it's okay to be whoever you are. For example, I'm a mostly straight, cis woman in her early twenties with big boobs, red hair and a tendency to crush on chicks. And in the word of Mr. Dawson himself, THAT'S OKAY! 

This Book Is Gay is split into different sections and each chapter tackles something different. From smashing the stereotypes of LGBT and the difficult task of 'coming out', to ways in which to meet like minded people and the nitty gritty of gay sex. It's the stuff that's not taught in schools, it's the things that, in the 21st century, most people should know but are too afraid to ask about. Although, should we really have to ask? 

I think that in general sex isn't talked about enough and I know that growing up I got into one or two little predicaments because I didn't understand what it meant to do certain things but it's even more so for people who have feelings for the same sex. It wasn't until my mid teens that I knew what happened between a woman and a women when it came to sexy time, I mean they doesn't have the pointy parts so how does it work? I think we need to ask more questions. I think that when it comes to sex ed classes we should be taught about all kinds of sex because I'd say at least 75% of the people I've met in my humble 21 years have had relationships (or at least experimented) with people of the same sex. 

Excuse the language... I'm sure he meant Motherlovers! 

Look, I could literally go on and write a book about how much I love this book but no one want to read that. What I will say is This Book Is Gay gives the reader the information they may not have been given at school. It's a book that answers the questions you might be too afraid or embarrassed to ask and above all else it's real, it's honest and it's a bloody funny book! 

Whether you're gay, straight, bi, trans or something else entirely this book is worth the read. It's educational and captivating. AND it's also got little sections for you to drawn in! What more could you want? 

P.S. Can we make Hug a Bisexual Week a thing? 

**I received this book as an ARC from Hot Key Books to read & review. This is a 100% honest review.**