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Homebody: A Graphic Memoir of Gender Identity Exploration
YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award Finalist
In their comics debut, Theo Parish masterfully weaves an intimate and defiantly hopeful memoir about the journey one nonbinary person takes to find a home within themself. Combining traditional comics with organic journal-like interludes, Theo takes us through their experiences with the hundred arbitrary and unspoken gender binary rules of high school, from harrowing haircuts and finally the right haircut to the intersection of gender identity and sexuality—and through tiny everyday moments that all led up to Theo finding the term “nonbinary,” which finally struck a chord.
“Have you ever had one of those moments when all of a sudden things become clear…like someone just turned on a light?”
A whole spectrum of people will be drawn to Theo’s storytelling, from trans or questioning teens and adults, to folks who devoured Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe or The Fire Never Goes Out by ND Stevenson, to any person looking to dive a little deeper into the way gender can shape identity. Throughout the book, Theo’s crystal-clear voice reminds the reader that it’s okay not to know, it’s okay to change your mind, and it’s okay to take your time finding your way home.
“We are all just trying to find a place to call our own. We are all deserving of comfort and safety, a place to call home.”
In their comics debut, Theo Parish masterfully weaves an intimate and defiantly hopeful memoir about the journey one nonbinary person takes to find a home within themself. Combining traditional comics with organic journal-like interludes, Theo takes us through their experiences with the hundred arbitrary and unspoken gender binary rules of high school, from harrowing haircuts and finally the right haircut to the intersection of gender identity and sexuality—and through tiny everyday moments that all led up to Theo finding the term “nonbinary,” which finally struck a chord.
“Have you ever had one of those moments when all of a sudden things become clear…like someone just turned on a light?”
A whole spectrum of people will be drawn to Theo’s storytelling, from trans or questioning teens and adults, to folks who devoured Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe or The Fire Never Goes Out by ND Stevenson, to any person looking to dive a little deeper into the way gender can shape identity. Throughout the book, Theo’s crystal-clear voice reminds the reader that it’s okay not to know, it’s okay to change your mind, and it’s okay to take your time finding your way home.
“We are all just trying to find a place to call our own. We are all deserving of comfort and safety, a place to call home.”
224 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2024
66 people are currently reading
10427 people want to read
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February 17, 2024An uplifting, hopeful, empowering memoir that celebrates self-discovery and self-love.
Many thanks to Macmillan for sharing an early copy with me.
Many thanks to Macmillan for sharing an early copy with me.
![Profile Image for s.penkevich [hiatus-will return-miss you all].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1735525095i%2F6431467._UX200_CR0%2C11%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 19, 2025
‘We are all just trying to find a place to call our own,’ writes author and artist Theo Parish and across their empowering graphic memoir they explore how this place to call your own might just be a journey into discovering who you are in your own body. Aptly titled Homebody, this memoir traces the journey to ‘discover what it means to be me’ around concepts of gender and identity that take us from childhood to the present all told through rather adorable and whimsical artwork. There is such a warmth to this rather comforting book that, while telling Theo’s very individual journey towards embracing themselves as non-binary, can be beneficial and affirming for anyone on a similar journey as Theo opens the conversation up to remind readers that there is not a narrow expression of identity. Homebody celebrates the variety of expressions that can help build a more inclusive and supportive community while also looking at the importance of language and stressing self-love as ‘living authentically in a world that takes every opportunity to squeeze you uncomfortably into a box of someone else's design is the most radical act of self love.’ Charming, comforting and full of succinct, but well thought out and nuanced ideas of identity, Homebody is a marvelous graphic novel on trans identities.
[Text: Coming home…to myself…wherever that may be.]
Author and artist Maia Kobabe has referred to this "all ages version” of their own book, Gender Queer and it does indeed make a great companion read that covers similar subject matter while also having its own unique perspectives. Similarly, this reads well alongside other trans graphic memoirs such as Sara Soler’s Us or Rhea Ewing’s memoir mixed with interviews with others on gender expression in Fine: A Comic About Gender. What is key here is that Theo shows their own individual journey but presents it in a way that can be affirming or instructive for others without trying to say there is only one way to process or express these concepts.
[Text: This journey is mine to take as I please one step at a time.]
‘They say that ‘your body is a temple,’’ Theo writes, ‘but mine has felt more like a rental.’ I quite enjoy the metaphor of the body as a home threaded through here and the adorable artwork of people with houses as bodies, but it makes a good point on the idea that who we are is more than just our physical features. They work through part of their journey trying on different personas much like we all do during their teens and drawing inspiration and empowerment from musicians they enjoy (there are some shoutouts to Lunachicks here), but I found it helpful to show that their struggles with gender identification went beyond “trying things out.” The book follows Theo from grade school, through college and beyond in a way that shows the journey can be a lifelong process and can’t merely be dismissed as “just a phase” as some often do. It also shows how one’s own engagement with their expression of gender can change over time or how we are faced with different social situations or obligations (like how to present at work when still unsure of one’s own identity, pronouns or name) that might affect that. They go through ideas like why choosing a name is empowering, why deadnaming is harmful, and more to show how one has individual reasons for what constitutes self-love or important to their journey and we should respect that. Overall this book is about being respectful and giving space for people to grow and be loved, especially by themselves.
‘We are ALL just trying to find a place to call our own. We are ALL deserving of comfort and safety…a place to call home.’
I really liked the emphasis placed on language here. ‘Words are important,’ they tell us, especially when understanding yourself comes from using language as a tool to do so and how rewarding it is when ‘finally grasping the language you’ve been reaching for, to explain this complex and perplexing thing.’ This was a moving point in Lewis Hancox’s graphic memoir Welcome to St. Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure how the author was experiencing eating disorders and gender dysphoria but lacked the language to express it or comprehend what it was at the time. In Fine: A Comic About Gender, Rhea Ewing discusses how a large issue with book bans targeting primarily LGBTQ+ stories or pushing back on that language being used in schools is that it is an erasure of language people need to decode their own identities. Understanding the words is like ‘finally being able to articulate this thing that for so long you had no idea how to express.’ While it is very different, but still seems adjacent, I was recently reading about actor Adam Driver’s program Art in the Armed Forces which is intended to bring artistic expression to those in the military in order to help give them the language and forms of expression to deal with issues like PTSD and other traumas because the service ‘has acronyms for acronyms but no language for expressing anything abstract.’ Basically having language helps us to understand ideas more deeply and we can use words like tools to pick apart concepts, figure out how they function and assess what to do about it. Not the most comparable maybe but I still like this idea of focusing on language as a tool for self-care.
[Text: There is no one way to be transgender…just like there is no one way to be cisgender.]
The emphasis on there being more than one way to be transgender is really key. Theo identifies as non-binary (as do I) and spends a lot of time in the book trying to figure out not only what that means but where that fits in on the spectrum of identity. This is a really important issue for author Kit Heyam in their recent book Before We Were Trans: A New History of Gender which looks at different forms of trans expression and argues that ideas around being “trans enough” or gatekeeping identity ownership is rooted in capitalist thought that creates a false idea of scarcity for identity that can be harmful. For that reason they write ‘we're unlikely to share every aspect of our experience with every member of our community, but we have enough in common to create solidarity,’ and this solidarity is important to Theo as well such as their experience at their first Pride where they feel seen, safe, valued and valid amongst ‘a community of those who understood.’ They want that for everyone.
Homebody is a really lovely graphic memoir that is accessible and just as valuable for adults as it is for teens. It handles a wide variety of topics in a graceful manner with an emphasis on being welcoming while also being vulnerable to tell their story in a way that can be very affirming. A quick read with rather lovely artwork, I very much enjoyed and would recommend Homebody.
4/5
[Text: Coming home…to myself…wherever that may be.]
Author and artist Maia Kobabe has referred to this "all ages version” of their own book, Gender Queer and it does indeed make a great companion read that covers similar subject matter while also having its own unique perspectives. Similarly, this reads well alongside other trans graphic memoirs such as Sara Soler’s Us or Rhea Ewing’s memoir mixed with interviews with others on gender expression in Fine: A Comic About Gender. What is key here is that Theo shows their own individual journey but presents it in a way that can be affirming or instructive for others without trying to say there is only one way to process or express these concepts.
[Text: This journey is mine to take as I please one step at a time.]
‘They say that ‘your body is a temple,’’ Theo writes, ‘but mine has felt more like a rental.’ I quite enjoy the metaphor of the body as a home threaded through here and the adorable artwork of people with houses as bodies, but it makes a good point on the idea that who we are is more than just our physical features. They work through part of their journey trying on different personas much like we all do during their teens and drawing inspiration and empowerment from musicians they enjoy (there are some shoutouts to Lunachicks here), but I found it helpful to show that their struggles with gender identification went beyond “trying things out.” The book follows Theo from grade school, through college and beyond in a way that shows the journey can be a lifelong process and can’t merely be dismissed as “just a phase” as some often do. It also shows how one’s own engagement with their expression of gender can change over time or how we are faced with different social situations or obligations (like how to present at work when still unsure of one’s own identity, pronouns or name) that might affect that. They go through ideas like why choosing a name is empowering, why deadnaming is harmful, and more to show how one has individual reasons for what constitutes self-love or important to their journey and we should respect that. Overall this book is about being respectful and giving space for people to grow and be loved, especially by themselves.
‘We are ALL just trying to find a place to call our own. We are ALL deserving of comfort and safety…a place to call home.’
I really liked the emphasis placed on language here. ‘Words are important,’ they tell us, especially when understanding yourself comes from using language as a tool to do so and how rewarding it is when ‘finally grasping the language you’ve been reaching for, to explain this complex and perplexing thing.’ This was a moving point in Lewis Hancox’s graphic memoir Welcome to St. Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure how the author was experiencing eating disorders and gender dysphoria but lacked the language to express it or comprehend what it was at the time. In Fine: A Comic About Gender, Rhea Ewing discusses how a large issue with book bans targeting primarily LGBTQ+ stories or pushing back on that language being used in schools is that it is an erasure of language people need to decode their own identities. Understanding the words is like ‘finally being able to articulate this thing that for so long you had no idea how to express.’ While it is very different, but still seems adjacent, I was recently reading about actor Adam Driver’s program Art in the Armed Forces which is intended to bring artistic expression to those in the military in order to help give them the language and forms of expression to deal with issues like PTSD and other traumas because the service ‘has acronyms for acronyms but no language for expressing anything abstract.’ Basically having language helps us to understand ideas more deeply and we can use words like tools to pick apart concepts, figure out how they function and assess what to do about it. Not the most comparable maybe but I still like this idea of focusing on language as a tool for self-care.
[Text: There is no one way to be transgender…just like there is no one way to be cisgender.]
The emphasis on there being more than one way to be transgender is really key. Theo identifies as non-binary (as do I) and spends a lot of time in the book trying to figure out not only what that means but where that fits in on the spectrum of identity. This is a really important issue for author Kit Heyam in their recent book Before We Were Trans: A New History of Gender which looks at different forms of trans expression and argues that ideas around being “trans enough” or gatekeeping identity ownership is rooted in capitalist thought that creates a false idea of scarcity for identity that can be harmful. For that reason they write ‘we're unlikely to share every aspect of our experience with every member of our community, but we have enough in common to create solidarity,’ and this solidarity is important to Theo as well such as their experience at their first Pride where they feel seen, safe, valued and valid amongst ‘a community of those who understood.’ They want that for everyone.
Homebody is a really lovely graphic memoir that is accessible and just as valuable for adults as it is for teens. It handles a wide variety of topics in a graceful manner with an emphasis on being welcoming while also being vulnerable to tell their story in a way that can be very affirming. A quick read with rather lovely artwork, I very much enjoyed and would recommend Homebody.
4/5
April 12, 2024
The warm, affirming, gentle, honest story of a nonbinary gender journey. Easy to read, beautifully illustrated, very accessible, this is truly a book for everyone. By the end of the story, Theo felt like a friend. From now on, whenever anyone asks me for an "all ages version of Gender Queer" I'll just be handing them this book instead. I got to read and blurb an advance copy of this; very excited for it to hit shelves on April 25 2024!
November 6, 2025
In a Nutshell: A graphic memoir about a nonbinary person’s journey towards finding the right home within their body. Honest, heartfelt, and heartwarming. Loved the smooth narrative, with the conversational approach helping the content feel more personal. Not a book about definitions or politics. Much recommended to those looking for a book about the interconnection between gender and identity.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Theo Parish, a Norwich resident, never realised why they felt odd about certain things, such as wearing girls’ clothes or having girly hairstyles. They also didn’t understand why they gravitated towards hobbies not traditionally considered feminine. It was only after many years of introspection, self-awareness, online searches, and personal interactions, that Theo figured out their true identity of being transgender and nonbinary.
In this debut comic work, Theo takes us along their journey, using the metaphor of a journey to help us understand what it is like to be transgender. They set the correct expectations right from the start: this book is not about definitions and labels, just about doing what you think is right and best for yourself.
I love that the book is written in the first person, and addressed to the reader. This makes us feel like we are getting a ringside view of Theo’s experiences. It also makes the tone of the writing highly conversational and connected instead of detached.
The map and journey analogy Theo uses in the first chapter is brilliant. It sets a clear foundation to understand why some people might not fit into the presupposed gender binary. I also love the metaphorical “homebody”, never expecting it to be so literal – quite smart!
The book is quite fast-paced. It is easy to complete the 224 pages within an hour or so. The writing never focusses on the macro aspects such as governmental policies about LGBTQ citizens, pride protests and so on. As a memoir, its focus is solely on Theo’s lived experiences. Thus readers can find much information and inspiration from Theo’s story because they keep the content very grounded and relatable. Even if you aren’t trans/nonbinary, you will be able to identify with some of the internal confusion Theo feels about their physical identity and societal expectations about gender roles.
In between the comic chapters containing Theo’s life experiences, there are several pages that contain declarations and affirmations about the trans identity and Theo’s self-realisation about the same. These are fabulous and probably my favourite part of the book. I especially loved the line: “There is no one way to be transgender, just like there is no one way to be cisgender.”
Unlike many people facing such dilemmas, Theo is blessed with an incredibly supportive family. Be it their parents or their siblings, there is neither a question nor an apprehensive look at Theo’s stages of “coming out.” They are always readily accepting. That’s one reason why Theo’s struggles stay somewhat muted in the story as a lot of their identity conflict is internal and introspective rather than expressed through external verbal arguments or bullying. I am not sure if Theo sanitised the more traumatising parts of their life experiences to keep the overall tone of the book slightly milder as it is aimed at teens as well as adults. Most of the LBGTQIA memoirs I have read are full of angst or anger, especially at the start. Not this one. The dominant tone is of love, care, and acceptance, even in moments of uncertainty. This makes the book feel unique.
I wish the content had clarified Theo’s age at various stages of their journey. There is a clear passage of time, but after the post-school years, it is tough to figure out how long Theo took before they finally understood where they stood on the gender spectrum and found inner peace with their newly recognised identity.
The illustrations are mostly good. Almost monochromatic, the graphics use sober pastel tones throughout. This muted palette helps keep the focus on the characters without distractions. I especially loved the sketching of the “homebody”. I also appreciate how, though it's a comic about the body, it stays away from nudity.
Much recommended. Theo’s story is a great way for us to understand the complexities of gender and how all of us, no matter our gender identity, struggle to feel at home in this body of ours at some time or the other. As they rightly point out, “we are ALL deserving of comfort and safety[…] in our homebody.”
4.25 stars.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Theo Parish, a Norwich resident, never realised why they felt odd about certain things, such as wearing girls’ clothes or having girly hairstyles. They also didn’t understand why they gravitated towards hobbies not traditionally considered feminine. It was only after many years of introspection, self-awareness, online searches, and personal interactions, that Theo figured out their true identity of being transgender and nonbinary.
In this debut comic work, Theo takes us along their journey, using the metaphor of a journey to help us understand what it is like to be transgender. They set the correct expectations right from the start: this book is not about definitions and labels, just about doing what you think is right and best for yourself.
I love that the book is written in the first person, and addressed to the reader. This makes us feel like we are getting a ringside view of Theo’s experiences. It also makes the tone of the writing highly conversational and connected instead of detached.
The map and journey analogy Theo uses in the first chapter is brilliant. It sets a clear foundation to understand why some people might not fit into the presupposed gender binary. I also love the metaphorical “homebody”, never expecting it to be so literal – quite smart!
The book is quite fast-paced. It is easy to complete the 224 pages within an hour or so. The writing never focusses on the macro aspects such as governmental policies about LGBTQ citizens, pride protests and so on. As a memoir, its focus is solely on Theo’s lived experiences. Thus readers can find much information and inspiration from Theo’s story because they keep the content very grounded and relatable. Even if you aren’t trans/nonbinary, you will be able to identify with some of the internal confusion Theo feels about their physical identity and societal expectations about gender roles.
In between the comic chapters containing Theo’s life experiences, there are several pages that contain declarations and affirmations about the trans identity and Theo’s self-realisation about the same. These are fabulous and probably my favourite part of the book. I especially loved the line: “There is no one way to be transgender, just like there is no one way to be cisgender.”
Unlike many people facing such dilemmas, Theo is blessed with an incredibly supportive family. Be it their parents or their siblings, there is neither a question nor an apprehensive look at Theo’s stages of “coming out.” They are always readily accepting. That’s one reason why Theo’s struggles stay somewhat muted in the story as a lot of their identity conflict is internal and introspective rather than expressed through external verbal arguments or bullying. I am not sure if Theo sanitised the more traumatising parts of their life experiences to keep the overall tone of the book slightly milder as it is aimed at teens as well as adults. Most of the LBGTQIA memoirs I have read are full of angst or anger, especially at the start. Not this one. The dominant tone is of love, care, and acceptance, even in moments of uncertainty. This makes the book feel unique.
I wish the content had clarified Theo’s age at various stages of their journey. There is a clear passage of time, but after the post-school years, it is tough to figure out how long Theo took before they finally understood where they stood on the gender spectrum and found inner peace with their newly recognised identity.
The illustrations are mostly good. Almost monochromatic, the graphics use sober pastel tones throughout. This muted palette helps keep the focus on the characters without distractions. I especially loved the sketching of the “homebody”. I also appreciate how, though it's a comic about the body, it stays away from nudity.
Much recommended. Theo’s story is a great way for us to understand the complexities of gender and how all of us, no matter our gender identity, struggle to feel at home in this body of ours at some time or the other. As they rightly point out, “we are ALL deserving of comfort and safety[…] in our homebody.”
4.25 stars.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
April 25, 2024
With a sweet artstyle similar to Heartstopper, this memoir in graphic novel format is the kind, open, and honest story of Theo's figuring out they're non-binary. This is one of those books that make you feel like you are not alone. I love the message the title was based on, that your body is not just some house for your brain that you simply ended up with, but one you deserve to make into your home.
October 17, 2024
Finished reading this right after I was reading Lighlark and omg I needed that change of pace. I loved the artwork in here and how sweet and cute it was not a favorite graphic novel of mine but one I still enjoy and will recomended to friends. Hope to buy myself a physical copy soon.
PS. Oh, btw I read this one for readathin and used it for the reading prompt of: read a thin book under 250 pages!(:
PS. Oh, btw I read this one for readathin and used it for the reading prompt of: read a thin book under 250 pages!(:
July 3, 2024
Gosh, this is so heartwarming and empowering! Wonderfully told and illustrated, it feels like a warm blanket hugging you close, Theo’s journey exploring who they are and about loving themselves is really uplifting. It’s a fast and light read, but don’t forget to look at all the cute drawings! Theo, it was awesome meeting you, and I can’t wait for your next novel. :)
October 9, 2024
Theo starts life as a happy kid (with girl-parts) when gender really didn't matter - kids are just kids. But happy-meals automatically came with the 'girl' prize. Thankfully, Theo's parents allowed the toy car-option to be substituted. Schools have many more rules for girl's clothing choices than boys, so a whole new forced set of boundaries were introduced.
The discomfort is extremely well conveyed in this story. Theo is questioning and truly wants answers. Even dressing/looking like a boy has confusing aspects as well. Theo discover "non binary" on the internet:
a term used to describe those whose gender identify is not exclusively male or female. Some nonbinary people also identify as trans, but this isn't always the case.
Thankfully, friends responded well to switching to they/them. More allies emerged behind colored flags or pins seen on clothing. A nickname of 'Blue' helped through college, but the working world forced birth-certificate names to be formally used. So the switch to "Theo" really finalized the transition into a confident person.
Pride events, friends, acceptance, great parents all greatly helped in this journey.
I highly recommend this book for everyone. If you are going through these questions, this is perfect. If you have friends on this path, you will gain understanding. Books like this should be required reading in high school. (Can we require adults to read these too somehow?) Short, right to the points, empathetic and informative. Readable in one solid sitting - at least for me.
Easy 5*
The discomfort is extremely well conveyed in this story. Theo is questioning and truly wants answers. Even dressing/looking like a boy has confusing aspects as well. Theo discover "non binary" on the internet:
a term used to describe those whose gender identify is not exclusively male or female. Some nonbinary people also identify as trans, but this isn't always the case.
Thankfully, friends responded well to switching to they/them. More allies emerged behind colored flags or pins seen on clothing. A nickname of 'Blue' helped through college, but the working world forced birth-certificate names to be formally used. So the switch to "Theo" really finalized the transition into a confident person.
Pride events, friends, acceptance, great parents all greatly helped in this journey.
I highly recommend this book for everyone. If you are going through these questions, this is perfect. If you have friends on this path, you will gain understanding. Books like this should be required reading in high school. (Can we require adults to read these too somehow?) Short, right to the points, empathetic and informative. Readable in one solid sitting - at least for me.
Easy 5*
March 25, 2025
Re-read was just as good as the first time. Crying in public. so healing.
September 5, 2024
Ik word gezien. Ik besta. Ik ben niet alleen.
Voor iedereen die queer is of een ally of zich er niet mee bezig houdt, of juist wel. Ook als je veel kennis hebt, ook als je helemaal niks weet. Echt prachtig 🤍 Heartstopper playlist en gaan!
Voor iedereen die queer is of een ally of zich er niet mee bezig houdt, of juist wel. Ook als je veel kennis hebt, ook als je helemaal niks weet. Echt prachtig 🤍 Heartstopper playlist en gaan!
June 11, 2025
Content warnings: none.
Rep: Theo is nonbinary. Side queer characters.
This beautiful memoir felt like a massive hug to me. Oh gosh, I am crying as I type this.
This is why representation matters - always!
The art style is simple, sweet, and utterly perfect. The story flowed really well, and I loved seeing Theo's journey as they discovered their identity.
I just loved this a lot.
Rep: Theo is nonbinary. Side queer characters.
This beautiful memoir felt like a massive hug to me. Oh gosh, I am crying as I type this.
This is why representation matters - always!
The art style is simple, sweet, and utterly perfect. The story flowed really well, and I loved seeing Theo's journey as they discovered their identity.
I just loved this a lot.
June 11, 2024
I wasn't ready to cry reading this but here we are. As someone currently going through a gender journey this book really felt like a warm hug. I loved it with my entire being.
May 22, 2024
I will never get sick of wholesome trans (especially non-binary) graphic novels!!! <33
This one honestly warmed my heart and I felt so seen and understood. Please give me more of this!!
This one honestly warmed my heart and I felt so seen and understood. Please give me more of this!!
March 8, 2024
"...living authentically in a world that takes every opportunity to squeeze you uncomfortably into a box of someone else's design is the most radical act of self love"
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
☆ Synopsis
Homebody is a stunning graphic memoir of Theo Parish's journey to discovering their identity as trans and non-binary in a world that struggles to understand those who are deemed different.
☆ My thoughts
This book is absolutely gorgeous. I adored the analogy throughout about treating your body as a home for yourself - "coming home to myself, wherever that may be". The whimsical illustrations made the book a delight to read. This is essential reading for LGBTQ+ people, or those wanting to educate themselves more about gender nonconformity and what it means to be nonbinary. I honestly cannot rave about the illustrations enough, it is a beautiful book.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
☆ Synopsis
Homebody is a stunning graphic memoir of Theo Parish's journey to discovering their identity as trans and non-binary in a world that struggles to understand those who are deemed different.
☆ My thoughts
This book is absolutely gorgeous. I adored the analogy throughout about treating your body as a home for yourself - "coming home to myself, wherever that may be". The whimsical illustrations made the book a delight to read. This is essential reading for LGBTQ+ people, or those wanting to educate themselves more about gender nonconformity and what it means to be nonbinary. I honestly cannot rave about the illustrations enough, it is a beautiful book.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
April 21, 2024
Headlines:
Life through Theo's lens
Beings non-binary and trans
Hopeful
Homebody was a beautiful graphic novel both in its illustrations and it's conceptualisation. It was written with a gracious voice, a willingness to open up their experiences so that others can understand. Theo told their journey from childhood to adulthood with regards to their gender identity.
Theo shared instances through their life and growth captured poignantly with understandable jarring moments. The emotions they felt were readily on the page but the overwhelming emotion of this graphic novel is hope. I'm so glad Theo found their homebody.
I can imagine that this story is an important resource for any young person questioning their identity so that they feel seen and they can identify with others' experiences. For those of us not in this situation it brings the opportunity to understand our fellow trans people better; to understand their journeys.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan for the review copy.
Life through Theo's lens
Beings non-binary and trans
Hopeful
Homebody was a beautiful graphic novel both in its illustrations and it's conceptualisation. It was written with a gracious voice, a willingness to open up their experiences so that others can understand. Theo told their journey from childhood to adulthood with regards to their gender identity.
Theo shared instances through their life and growth captured poignantly with understandable jarring moments. The emotions they felt were readily on the page but the overwhelming emotion of this graphic novel is hope. I'm so glad Theo found their homebody.
I can imagine that this story is an important resource for any young person questioning their identity so that they feel seen and they can identify with others' experiences. For those of us not in this situation it brings the opportunity to understand our fellow trans people better; to understand their journeys.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan for the review copy.
July 24, 2024
“Dit is mijn reis.
Ik ga waar ik wil.
De ene voet voor de andere...
Tot ik thuiskom...
Bij mezelf
Waar dat ook mag zijn.”
Dit is een sterk uitgebeeld, open, eerlijk, intiem en zeer persoonlijk verslag van Theo’s zoektocht naar zichzelf, vol vraagstukken over genderidentiteit, zelfvertrouwen en veranderende relaties, over leren luisteren naar je hart, vertrouwen op je intuïtie, voor jezelf kiezen en je thuis voelen in je lichaam en de wereld. Een aanrader!
Ik ga waar ik wil.
De ene voet voor de andere...
Tot ik thuiskom...
Bij mezelf
Waar dat ook mag zijn.”
Dit is een sterk uitgebeeld, open, eerlijk, intiem en zeer persoonlijk verslag van Theo’s zoektocht naar zichzelf, vol vraagstukken over genderidentiteit, zelfvertrouwen en veranderende relaties, over leren luisteren naar je hart, vertrouwen op je intuïtie, voor jezelf kiezen en je thuis voelen in je lichaam en de wereld. Een aanrader!
July 25, 2024
Thuiskomen bij jezelf, je echte zelf, is iets wat je iedereen gunt. Deze graphic novel gaat over Theo’s reis daarnaartoe. Het is warm, ontroerend, empowering.
Young adult, maar ook geschikt om gericht te tippen in de bovenbouw.
Young adult, maar ook geschikt om gericht te tippen in de bovenbouw.
August 2, 2024
Very cute and very relatable
April 29, 2025
such an important book, especially right now. so wonderfully done, the art is so fun, i just love how the author told their story.
January 23, 2025
even though i accidentally bought it in dutch (which shocked me when i opened it), this is such an amazing little read. heartwarming and way too relatable. gave it to my mother now, so let’s pray for the best lol 🫢🙃
August 22, 2025
Oh my heart! What a beautiful story about the long journey of coming home to your true self. Thanks to Kailyn for recommending this to me!❤️
July 11, 2025
A beautifully illustrated, sweet and hopeful autobiographical graphic novel perfect for fans of Heartstopper.
April 10, 2024
An absolutely stunning graphic memoir of Theo Parish’s coming out journey. I truly loved this SO MUCH. Everything about this was beautiful - from the story to the panels to the lessons woven in throughout the narrative. It’s a wonderful journey of self love and making a home out of the shell of a house - about searching for sanctuary and creating a haven and being proud of the body you have.Almost every page I was gushing to my queer friends about how they Really Needed To Read It ASAP. Highly recommend.
June 25, 2024
Such a heartwarming and important story!
It's a graphic novel so you'll be able to quickly finish it.
I was smiling through most of the book 🥰 (also less great parts but mostly cute).
It's a graphic novel so you'll be able to quickly finish it.
I was smiling through most of the book 🥰 (also less great parts but mostly cute).
September 29, 2024
I really loved the artwork in this and the chapter on choosing a new name ❤️ Definitely a good read for anyone on a gender journey (hehe hi!) including teens!
November 22, 2024
A quick and joyous graphic novel about one individual's journey to discover their true identity. Theo Parish never felt like they truly fit in. It was hard to verbalize and make sense of their feelings towards gender and sexuality. An eye opening look at one person's courageous adventure into discovering their true self as nonbinary. A great book for those looking to understand for themselves or for those around them. Great illustrations and analogies!
May 1, 2025
This book was so beautifully written/illustrated. I’m grateful to be able to read Theo’s story and even more grateful to know that there will be trans and nonbinary kids that find peace among these pages. ❤️🏳️⚧️
July 21, 2025
umm hello?! is anybody home? is any BODY home? yes. You decorate your home the way you like and you wear it well my dear! I absolutely adore this 💖
February 14, 2025
One of the best books I've read in a long time.
August 5, 2025
just a wholesome, warm story about feeling at home in your body. what can one say? this is just the cutest! <3
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