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Finding Nevo
Meet Nevo: girl, boy, he, she, him, her, they, them, daughter, son, teacher, student, friend, gay, bi, lesbian, trans, homo, Jew, dyke, masculine, feminine, androgynous, queer. Nevo was not born in the wrong body. Nevo just wants everyone to catch up with all that Nevo is. Personal, political and passionate, Finding Nevo is an autobiography about gender and everything that comes with it.
224 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2017
15 people are currently reading
869 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
June 15, 2017
*3.5 STARS*
July 6, 2020
My full review of Finding Nevo first appeared on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
Nevo sums it up best when they say, about halfway through Finding Nevo: “There is no single trans narrative. This is my experience, and my experience alone.” But even bearing that in mind, for people unfamiliar with real-life trans and non-binary stories, this book is a bit of a crash course in a lot of the personal and political aspects of a life outside the cis-gender binary. Nevo introduces and describes subjects like changing pronouns, “passing”, seeking medical care, accessibility in public spaces, and there’s a really helpful glossary and resource guide in the back – but Finding Nevo never reads like a textbook, nor does it read like high-minded literature. Nevo uses language that is accessible to anyone. They don’t assume any pre-existing knowledge, just an open mind.
Nevo sums it up best when they say, about halfway through Finding Nevo: “There is no single trans narrative. This is my experience, and my experience alone.” But even bearing that in mind, for people unfamiliar with real-life trans and non-binary stories, this book is a bit of a crash course in a lot of the personal and political aspects of a life outside the cis-gender binary. Nevo introduces and describes subjects like changing pronouns, “passing”, seeking medical care, accessibility in public spaces, and there’s a really helpful glossary and resource guide in the back – but Finding Nevo never reads like a textbook, nor does it read like high-minded literature. Nevo uses language that is accessible to anyone. They don’t assume any pre-existing knowledge, just an open mind.
May 25, 2017
Such an important, personal account of Nevo as they transitioned their gender identity and found who they were. I learnt a lot about gender dysphoria, the Jewish community and transgender identities.
Full review to come.
I'll be discussing this book on OZYAY on ABC Radio on 4 June 2017 at 7-8 pm AEST! Tune in on your local ABC Radio station, via the ABC Radio app or at https://radio.abc.net.au/.
Full review to come.
I'll be discussing this book on OZYAY on ABC Radio on 4 June 2017 at 7-8 pm AEST! Tune in on your local ABC Radio station, via the ABC Radio app or at https://radio.abc.net.au/.
March 19, 2018
Such an important book! Everyone needs to read this.
I wasn't sure I wanted to read it (I didn't so much like Nevo's love for their religion). But it fit in with January's prompts for the LoveOzYA/NZ reading challenge https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/... . I was challenged and I liked it.
"I don't identify with the words female or male. They are not my words. The space in which I have felt gendered female and transitioned to gendered male has been in the ways people have treated me."
I wasn't sure I wanted to read it (I didn't so much like Nevo's love for their religion). But it fit in with January's prompts for the LoveOzYA/NZ reading challenge https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/... . I was challenged and I liked it.
"Privilege is often invisible to those who have it. Try looking at the world from another perspective, listen to other people, then reconsider."
March 30, 2017
This is an essential teen autobiography to understand what it is like for someone who lives their life as queer, transmasculine and non-binary. Born a Jewish girl in Melbourne, Nevo faces the internal and external battle of coming to terms with their masculine side. For a 20 year old, Nevo lives their life and writes this biography with such emotional maturity. Of particular interest, is the insight Nevo shares about how life is different when been 'passed' as a man as opposed to being considered a female. They talk about obvious differences in how they are treated and how safe they feel out and about.
A brilliant read for teens and adults alike.
A brilliant read for teens and adults alike.
February 3, 2017
I have a lot of love for this book, but my detailed thoughts are currently embargoed.
It's out in May - hound your favourite bookseller to put a copy aside for you, 'kay?
It's out in May - hound your favourite bookseller to put a copy aside for you, 'kay?
June 30, 2017
Firstly, we would just like to say a huge thank you to Walker Books Australia for sending us a copy of ‘Finding Nevo’ to review.
This was a beautiful insight into a person’s journey to discover themselves.
We found this autobiography to be really insightful. We would definitely recommend this novel to everyone. This book would be great to help educate children on gender, sexuality, feminism, culture and faith.
This is one of the first autobiographies that we have read based on the topic of gender and transition. There have often been times that we have read about fictional characters who have transitioned however, we have never met anyone who has. This book truly educated us a lot and we found it really interesting.
In respect to Nevo, we will be addressing them in pronouns out of respect to this very courageous author.
We were so surprised by Nevo’s story as it was really eye-opening, fierce and very inspiring. We encourage those who are going through similar experiences or those that are looking for their next good read to pick up this novel!
Nevo mentioned many important issues throughout their story and how it changed their way of thinking. For example, people within today’s society can make many assumptions that can be incredibly hurtful like ‘assuming your straight until proven otherwise’. As a society, we should definitely stop our assumptions not only with sexuality but also with personal appearances. However you recognize yourself, whether that be gay, bi, trans or straight, know that we are all unique and equal.
We thoroughly enjoyed reading about Nevo’s experiences. Nevo is so courageous for being so honest and loyal. They believed in themselves and they are so brave for sharing their own personal experiences which will help a lot of people. This is a truly amazing book that we would recommend to everyone without a doubt.
Book Rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐️.
This was a beautiful insight into a person’s journey to discover themselves.
We found this autobiography to be really insightful. We would definitely recommend this novel to everyone. This book would be great to help educate children on gender, sexuality, feminism, culture and faith.
This is one of the first autobiographies that we have read based on the topic of gender and transition. There have often been times that we have read about fictional characters who have transitioned however, we have never met anyone who has. This book truly educated us a lot and we found it really interesting.
In respect to Nevo, we will be addressing them in pronouns out of respect to this very courageous author.
We were so surprised by Nevo’s story as it was really eye-opening, fierce and very inspiring. We encourage those who are going through similar experiences or those that are looking for their next good read to pick up this novel!
Nevo mentioned many important issues throughout their story and how it changed their way of thinking. For example, people within today’s society can make many assumptions that can be incredibly hurtful like ‘assuming your straight until proven otherwise’. As a society, we should definitely stop our assumptions not only with sexuality but also with personal appearances. However you recognize yourself, whether that be gay, bi, trans or straight, know that we are all unique and equal.
We thoroughly enjoyed reading about Nevo’s experiences. Nevo is so courageous for being so honest and loyal. They believed in themselves and they are so brave for sharing their own personal experiences which will help a lot of people. This is a truly amazing book that we would recommend to everyone without a doubt.
Book Rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐️.
May 10, 2018
this book is forever my happy place
April 11, 2021
Really well-written, moving and interesting - great resource for young trans people and also for anyone who lives in the world with young trans people, aka everyone. Sad for Nevo that they’ve been forced to become this super-articulate educator just by virtue of existing as themselves - what a lot of work - but their community is lucky to have them.
May 15, 2017
It’s kind of serendipitous how Finding Nevo found its way into my life.
I was at my local Dymocks in Melbourne trying to find a new read, when this happened to catch my eye. I’ve been making a conscious effort to read more diversely this year, with some additional prompting provided by #diversitybingo2017, and I’d been on the lookout for an own voices book by a non-binary author. Not only did this fulfill what I was looking for, but I realised the author was part of the queer community in Melbourne - aka my own backyard!
So yeah, needless to say, Finding Nevo found its way into my shopping basket that day.
Finding Nevo is an autobiography written by a non-binary queer Jewish Melburnian named Nevo and put simply, this is such.an.important.read. Nevo shares their journey to date centering around the various sexual and gender identities they’ve held over the last twenty years, coming out multiple times as gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, and queer. They share their pain, anxiety, and dysphoria, as well as the love, joy, and sense of fulfillment associated with each moment in time. Simultaneously, Nevo shares their experience finding their feet within the Jewish community as a youth leader, and how their identity and culture reconciled or did not reconcile at times.
This is an important read, and an incredibly difficult one. The pain, depression, and anxiety Nevo felt is palpable at times. Nevo explores misogyny and toxic masculinity in a way that doesn’t read like a textbook, as they share their unique perspective of society having attempted them to conform into both male and female “boxes” at one point or another. And this is all intertwined with a compelling discourse on Judaism, the Jewish community, and how being Jewish as well as sexually and gender diverse does not have to be mutually exclusive.
It’s difficult for me to critique an autobiography, and particularly one that tells such an important story, but my only criticism is a minor grammatical one: I wish this had page breaks. I think Finding Nevo could have benefited from page breaks/chapters to demarcate different time periods and for dramatic effect; particularly in the earlier chapters which tended to read a little stream-of-consciousness at times.
Overall: This is an important read for anybody who thinks they might be sex or gender diverse, or simply wants to learn more about how to support a friend or loved one who is. It’s all too rare that we get to see the perspectives of non-binary and Jewish people in fiction and non-fiction - particularly tales sold by major commercial bookstores - and I’m so thankful that Nevo’s story is getting out there! I’ve already lent this book to a fellow friend in the Melbourne queer community, and look forward to shouting about it to people for months to come.
I was at my local Dymocks in Melbourne trying to find a new read, when this happened to catch my eye. I’ve been making a conscious effort to read more diversely this year, with some additional prompting provided by #diversitybingo2017, and I’d been on the lookout for an own voices book by a non-binary author. Not only did this fulfill what I was looking for, but I realised the author was part of the queer community in Melbourne - aka my own backyard!
So yeah, needless to say, Finding Nevo found its way into my shopping basket that day.
Finding Nevo is an autobiography written by a non-binary queer Jewish Melburnian named Nevo and put simply, this is such.an.important.read. Nevo shares their journey to date centering around the various sexual and gender identities they’ve held over the last twenty years, coming out multiple times as gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, and queer. They share their pain, anxiety, and dysphoria, as well as the love, joy, and sense of fulfillment associated with each moment in time. Simultaneously, Nevo shares their experience finding their feet within the Jewish community as a youth leader, and how their identity and culture reconciled or did not reconcile at times.
This is an important read, and an incredibly difficult one. The pain, depression, and anxiety Nevo felt is palpable at times. Nevo explores misogyny and toxic masculinity in a way that doesn’t read like a textbook, as they share their unique perspective of society having attempted them to conform into both male and female “boxes” at one point or another. And this is all intertwined with a compelling discourse on Judaism, the Jewish community, and how being Jewish as well as sexually and gender diverse does not have to be mutually exclusive.
It’s difficult for me to critique an autobiography, and particularly one that tells such an important story, but my only criticism is a minor grammatical one: I wish this had page breaks. I think Finding Nevo could have benefited from page breaks/chapters to demarcate different time periods and for dramatic effect; particularly in the earlier chapters which tended to read a little stream-of-consciousness at times.
Overall: This is an important read for anybody who thinks they might be sex or gender diverse, or simply wants to learn more about how to support a friend or loved one who is. It’s all too rare that we get to see the perspectives of non-binary and Jewish people in fiction and non-fiction - particularly tales sold by major commercial bookstores - and I’m so thankful that Nevo’s story is getting out there! I’ve already lent this book to a fellow friend in the Melbourne queer community, and look forward to shouting about it to people for months to come.
March 6, 2017
Finding Nevo is the story of a person trying to find their place in a world that cannot seem to wrap its head around the very idea of a non-binary existence. Personal and heart felt, the fact that this book exists now places the ball in your court to educate yourself on the ways that society (you and me included) causes harm with expectations.
"It is absurd to expect people of oppressed minorities to calm themselves and educate you delicately on a topic you don't understand because you haven't put in the effort."
That goes for me too. Thanks, Nevo.
"It is absurd to expect people of oppressed minorities to calm themselves and educate you delicately on a topic you don't understand because you haven't put in the effort."
That goes for me too. Thanks, Nevo.
July 25, 2021
Nevo came to speak to all the staff at the school where I work and I was in awe of how openly and eloquently they shared their story with us. I wanted to hear more.
It was an absolutely gift to read the story in more detail in Nevo’s autobiography and reflect on how I can support the queer and trans students in my school. I will continue to make sure that they feel safe, valued, respected and heard.
The final chapter of the book “afterword” was beautifully written and such a symbolic way to reflect on such a huge journey.
The final pages of the book are a list of resources and also a glossary of words that can help people become better educated about how to support the LGBTQIA+ community.
An important story written is an honest way. A real privilege to read. Thanks Nevo x
It was an absolutely gift to read the story in more detail in Nevo’s autobiography and reflect on how I can support the queer and trans students in my school. I will continue to make sure that they feel safe, valued, respected and heard.
The final chapter of the book “afterword” was beautifully written and such a symbolic way to reflect on such a huge journey.
The final pages of the book are a list of resources and also a glossary of words that can help people become better educated about how to support the LGBTQIA+ community.
An important story written is an honest way. A real privilege to read. Thanks Nevo x
April 15, 2021
A valuable resource for understanding the complexities of sexuality, gender and societal norms and assumptions. Articulate, insightful and wise beyond their years, Nevo bravely shares their story thus far and takes us on the journey of how their first 20 or so years have shaped their current thoughts, feelings and views.
I highlighted so many passages as “food for thought” - it’s like a philosophy text book - but I’m hugely nervous to inadvertently insult or injure with my thoughts/opinions.
I’ve read this book from the position of a rainbow ally, learning my own place in the world and how I can support members of the rainbow community live their lives as they wish, without the pressures, assumptions, prejudice or pain that society inflicts.
I highlighted so many passages as “food for thought” - it’s like a philosophy text book - but I’m hugely nervous to inadvertently insult or injure with my thoughts/opinions.
I’ve read this book from the position of a rainbow ally, learning my own place in the world and how I can support members of the rainbow community live their lives as they wish, without the pressures, assumptions, prejudice or pain that society inflicts.
April 6, 2017
This was a beautiful and emotional insight into a young persons journey of self discovery. It follows Nevo through their later teen years and early twenties, as they discover who they really are.
It was beautifully written and very insightful. I would highly recommend this to everyone.
I throughly enjoyed reading about Nevo's experiences as identifying as a lesbian, through transitioning to male and then identifying as queer, transmasculine and non binary, and the differences they encountered in society as a whole.
I also believe this is an important book to be in existence, as it depicts not only a physical, mental and emotional journey, but also a spiritual one as their Judaism remains an intergral part of their sense of self durn each stage of their life so far.
I love their views on the gender spectrum and how inheritly we can be outside of the rigid "norms". I took away a lot from this deeply personal story and hope whoever else reads it does too.
It was beautifully written and very insightful. I would highly recommend this to everyone.
I throughly enjoyed reading about Nevo's experiences as identifying as a lesbian, through transitioning to male and then identifying as queer, transmasculine and non binary, and the differences they encountered in society as a whole.
I also believe this is an important book to be in existence, as it depicts not only a physical, mental and emotional journey, but also a spiritual one as their Judaism remains an intergral part of their sense of self durn each stage of their life so far.
I love their views on the gender spectrum and how inheritly we can be outside of the rigid "norms". I took away a lot from this deeply personal story and hope whoever else reads it does too.
Read
September 19, 2017My Thoughts
I will always find it hard to review autobiographies because it’s reviewing an actual person’s life, their journey, and who they are, which is why there is no star rating for this review. Nevertheless I need and want to review Finding Nevo because I’ve never read anything like it, and I think this should be required reading for literally everyone.
Finding Nevo follows the life of Nevo from a very young age up until around now – when they’re in their twenties. Throughout the book Nevo goes through a lot of changes, and most of these relate to their queer identities. When people think of sexual orientation and gender identity they often think that they are very rigid identities, things that cannot move or do not change throughout life. But sexuality and gender are fluid (but please don’t use this as a way to discount anyone’s queer identities because for a lot of people their identities aren’t fluid so just don’t be an asshole), and Finding Nevo shows this fluidity in a really beautiful way.
For example, when Nevo was around four they identified as a boy, then through teenagehood they identified as lesbian, bi, and a trans guy. They’re also polyamourous and non-binary. I loved how Nevo explained their feelings in regards to these identities. How they all felt right at different times, but as they grew and discovered themselves their identities changed along with them.
It was kind of heartbreaking when Nevo described how, after identifying as a trans guy for so long, they didn’t think their family would accept them as non-binary because it had taken them so long to accept them as a trans guy. I truly wish that everyone would understand that our identities can change over time but that doesn’t discount the previous identities that we might have had. Nevo was a trans guy, and deserved respect and acceptance of that identity. When they realised that non-binary fitted more with who they are as a person the respect and acceptance they had as a trans guy should have been a given.
I really liked it when Nevo said that they don’t want people to turn around and say “that was an inspiring book” but leave it at that. Because I completely agree with them. This book, to me, is one that should exist as a learning tool for people who aren’t queer and want to learn about queer identities, and queer people who are struggling to find a label or identity that fits with who they are. For allo cishet people (not queer people), I think Finding Nevo will show how hard it can be when family doesn’t accept you for who you are, and how having to take someone through a journey to accept you can be exhausting and incredibly hard emotionally. For queer people (both young and old), I think Finding Nevo will say: it’s okay to not know. It’s okay to change. It’s okay to be fluid because it doesn’t take away from who you are, or how you have identified in the past. That finding a label or identity that fits can be a journey in itself.
Finding Nevo is a novel that I urge you to read. If you’re allo cishet I want you to read this so that you can learn, and apply that learning to people you meet on the internet and in real life so that they don’t have to be teachers in Queer 101 to help you understand and respect their identity/identities. If you’re queer I want you to read this to know that you are not alone, that you can still be growing, that you can be fluid (even if people tell you that isn’t possible). If you’re trans or non-binary, I especially want you to read this because there you are, in the flesh, and on the page.
I honestly want you – yes, you – to read Finding Nevo because I think that everyone who reads this book will take something positive away from it that will likely change lives for the better.
© 2017, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity. All rights reserved.
trigger warning: sexism, bullying, biphobia, divorce (parents), homophobia, transphobia, anxiety, depression, and suicidal themes in this novel
I will always find it hard to review autobiographies because it’s reviewing an actual person’s life, their journey, and who they are, which is why there is no star rating for this review. Nevertheless I need and want to review Finding Nevo because I’ve never read anything like it, and I think this should be required reading for literally everyone.
Finding Nevo follows the life of Nevo from a very young age up until around now – when they’re in their twenties. Throughout the book Nevo goes through a lot of changes, and most of these relate to their queer identities. When people think of sexual orientation and gender identity they often think that they are very rigid identities, things that cannot move or do not change throughout life. But sexuality and gender are fluid (but please don’t use this as a way to discount anyone’s queer identities because for a lot of people their identities aren’t fluid so just don’t be an asshole), and Finding Nevo shows this fluidity in a really beautiful way.
For example, when Nevo was around four they identified as a boy, then through teenagehood they identified as lesbian, bi, and a trans guy. They’re also polyamourous and non-binary. I loved how Nevo explained their feelings in regards to these identities. How they all felt right at different times, but as they grew and discovered themselves their identities changed along with them.
It was kind of heartbreaking when Nevo described how, after identifying as a trans guy for so long, they didn’t think their family would accept them as non-binary because it had taken them so long to accept them as a trans guy. I truly wish that everyone would understand that our identities can change over time but that doesn’t discount the previous identities that we might have had. Nevo was a trans guy, and deserved respect and acceptance of that identity. When they realised that non-binary fitted more with who they are as a person the respect and acceptance they had as a trans guy should have been a given.
I really liked it when Nevo said that they don’t want people to turn around and say “that was an inspiring book” but leave it at that. Because I completely agree with them. This book, to me, is one that should exist as a learning tool for people who aren’t queer and want to learn about queer identities, and queer people who are struggling to find a label or identity that fits with who they are. For allo cishet people (not queer people), I think Finding Nevo will show how hard it can be when family doesn’t accept you for who you are, and how having to take someone through a journey to accept you can be exhausting and incredibly hard emotionally. For queer people (both young and old), I think Finding Nevo will say: it’s okay to not know. It’s okay to change. It’s okay to be fluid because it doesn’t take away from who you are, or how you have identified in the past. That finding a label or identity that fits can be a journey in itself.
Finding Nevo is a novel that I urge you to read. If you’re allo cishet I want you to read this so that you can learn, and apply that learning to people you meet on the internet and in real life so that they don’t have to be teachers in Queer 101 to help you understand and respect their identity/identities. If you’re queer I want you to read this to know that you are not alone, that you can still be growing, that you can be fluid (even if people tell you that isn’t possible). If you’re trans or non-binary, I especially want you to read this because there you are, in the flesh, and on the page.
I honestly want you – yes, you – to read Finding Nevo because I think that everyone who reads this book will take something positive away from it that will likely change lives for the better.
© 2017, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity. All rights reserved.
trigger warning: sexism, bullying, biphobia, divorce (parents), homophobia, transphobia, anxiety, depression, and suicidal themes in this novel
June 13, 2017
This book is beautiful. This book is difficult. This book is important. I thoroughly enjoyed and also struggled with this work. Nev's journey thus far is challenging and at some points downright awful, yet they manage to imbue their words with light and love and strength. Their indomitable spirit rings most clearly through this work. Beyond autobiographical details, beyond political comments, beyond skilful prose - it is Nev's bright and persevering self who shines through all of this. Reading this felt like I was sitting across the table from them, listening to them speak over some morning tea. There felt like there were no layers of mediation between Nev's voice and myself - difficult truths, unfinished stories, complex multiplicities all existed. There is no distance between reader and author in this text, which is so powerful and so admirably constructed. I would recommend this book to anyone who will listen and not just because I'm lucky enough to be friends with Nev but because this text will become a cornerstone of young activism.
July 29, 2017
What an incredibly generous resource this book is and will be - for young people and adults alike. While aimed at a younger audience, Nevo never speaks down or shies away. I'll be disappointed if this book doesn't end up on school lists.
June 9, 2017
4.5!
This book is VERY IMPORTANT! Please read it!!
This book is VERY IMPORTANT! Please read it!!
May 24, 2017
I received a copy of Finding Nevo from Walker Books Australia to review. This is Nevo’s debut novel and I think it’s a book everyone should read.
This is the first autobiography I’ve read about someone who has transitioned. I’ve read fictional stories but never someone’s actual experience. I’m glad that Finding Nevo was my first one. Nevo goes by he/him and they/them pronouns. I’ll be using they/them in my review.
Nevo’s story was not only very eye-opening, I learned a lot from their story, but also very inspiring and powerful. I’m sure this book and Nevo’s story will help a lot of people going through similar experiences.
Nevo bought up a lot of important issues in their book and has changed the way I think about some things too. Like the idea that people just assume someone is straight until they choose to come out. I think we need to just stop assuming things about people, not only their sexuality either. If someone wants to open up and say their gay, bi, trans, whatever, that should be up to them and in their own time. We shouldn’t just assume that everyone we meet is the same.
Then there was the way people see genders… Like men need to be strong and not show emotions and women need to be feminine/homemakers/mothers and all that crap. Why do people still have to fit into these boxes that are so ridiculous. Like if a woman doesn’t want to be a mother there’s something wrong with her… We should be free to be ourselves, whoever that is.
I really liked Finding Nevo and I think Nevo is an amazing person for being so honest and willing to share their story with everyone. I’m sure this book will help a lot of people. I cannot recommend this book enough. It has stayed with me since I finished it and I think that’s the sign of an amazing book.
This is the first autobiography I’ve read about someone who has transitioned. I’ve read fictional stories but never someone’s actual experience. I’m glad that Finding Nevo was my first one. Nevo goes by he/him and they/them pronouns. I’ll be using they/them in my review.
Nevo’s story was not only very eye-opening, I learned a lot from their story, but also very inspiring and powerful. I’m sure this book and Nevo’s story will help a lot of people going through similar experiences.
Nevo bought up a lot of important issues in their book and has changed the way I think about some things too. Like the idea that people just assume someone is straight until they choose to come out. I think we need to just stop assuming things about people, not only their sexuality either. If someone wants to open up and say their gay, bi, trans, whatever, that should be up to them and in their own time. We shouldn’t just assume that everyone we meet is the same.
Then there was the way people see genders… Like men need to be strong and not show emotions and women need to be feminine/homemakers/mothers and all that crap. Why do people still have to fit into these boxes that are so ridiculous. Like if a woman doesn’t want to be a mother there’s something wrong with her… We should be free to be ourselves, whoever that is.
I really liked Finding Nevo and I think Nevo is an amazing person for being so honest and willing to share their story with everyone. I’m sure this book will help a lot of people. I cannot recommend this book enough. It has stayed with me since I finished it and I think that’s the sign of an amazing book.
June 3, 2017
Reading this book felt like having an intimate and personal conversation with Nevo about their life and the complexities of gender. A quick but important read, and one that is sure to be a cornerstone of gender education for high school students.
Read
May 20, 2017Important and influential. Nevo is an exciting new voice in publishing.
January 7, 2018
This review was originally posted on The Bumbling Bookworm
I chose this book to meet the second January prompt for the AustraliaYABloggers Reading Challenge, to read a book featuring a non-binary, genderfluid or genderqueer point of view protagonist. This was a quick read for me, but boy did it pack a punch. This is a deeply personal memoir of Nevo's gender dysphoria, and the transitioning of their gender identity over time from childhood until their early twenties.
I found this book to be eye-opening and very insightful - it taught me a lot about queer identities and gender fluidity, particularly that I have a lot more to learn. Nevo's tale was emotionally impactful, and it must be so difficult to struggle with your identity and also not to have the support of your family and/or friends. The writing style was very engaging and I flew through it, although the subject changes within the chapters were a bit abrupt and this threw me off at times. All in all, a must read - 4 stars.
Check out the rest of my review here!
I chose this book to meet the second January prompt for the AustraliaYABloggers Reading Challenge, to read a book featuring a non-binary, genderfluid or genderqueer point of view protagonist. This was a quick read for me, but boy did it pack a punch. This is a deeply personal memoir of Nevo's gender dysphoria, and the transitioning of their gender identity over time from childhood until their early twenties.
I found this book to be eye-opening and very insightful - it taught me a lot about queer identities and gender fluidity, particularly that I have a lot more to learn. Nevo's tale was emotionally impactful, and it must be so difficult to struggle with your identity and also not to have the support of your family and/or friends. The writing style was very engaging and I flew through it, although the subject changes within the chapters were a bit abrupt and this threw me off at times. All in all, a must read - 4 stars.
Check out the rest of my review here!
January 27, 2025
I feel like this book is deeply personal for the author because they write about their experience navigating gender and sexuality. In some part I can feel the rawness and the vulnerability yet a strong determination to be their authentic self -- with lots and lots of support from friends and family. However, the support from their loved one is not automatically given, there are lots of confusion, learning and unlearning process, and finally support.
Nevo's story sets in Melbourne, Australia, and while there's a lot of ups and downs in the book, I can't help but notice the huge privelege gap between Nevo's story and the story that I heard back home. I'm not from Australia and my country isn't as welcoming as Australia in terms of the LGBTQ+'s rights. Therefore, altough I know that while every individual's story is different, none of the story I heard in my country closely resemble Nevo's story.
So, while reading the book, I have this mix feeling. Some part of me is happy that despite everything Nevo's can figuring out themselves in relatively safe environment and getting the support that they need. Other part of me filled with jealousy, sadness, and anger for those in my country who might face a more challenging situation navigating their gender and sexuality in such unwelcome and unsupportive environment.
Nevo's story sets in Melbourne, Australia, and while there's a lot of ups and downs in the book, I can't help but notice the huge privelege gap between Nevo's story and the story that I heard back home. I'm not from Australia and my country isn't as welcoming as Australia in terms of the LGBTQ+'s rights. Therefore, altough I know that while every individual's story is different, none of the story I heard in my country closely resemble Nevo's story.
So, while reading the book, I have this mix feeling. Some part of me is happy that despite everything Nevo's can figuring out themselves in relatively safe environment and getting the support that they need. Other part of me filled with jealousy, sadness, and anger for those in my country who might face a more challenging situation navigating their gender and sexuality in such unwelcome and unsupportive environment.
June 23, 2021
Trigger warnings: transphobia, homophobia, sexism, bullying, mental health, mentions of suicide.
When this first came out in 2017, I remember hearing about it and being all "what the hickity heck does nonbinary mean?". How far we've come in four years!
Anywho. This is a memoir of Nevo's experiences growing up and realising their changing identity. They came out as a lesbian as a teenager, then slowly came to realise that they were male and went through the process of being prescribed testosterone and getting top surgery. And then sometime afterwards, Nevo realised that they were nonbinary. So essentially, Nevo - at the age of not much more than 20 - had to come out to their family over and over again.
It's a beautifully written memoir that discusses not only their feelings and experiences as a queer person, but which discusses the importance of their Jewish faith in their life. Despite all the emotional and mental trauma that Nevo experiences in the course of the story, the overall message is one of hope and of acceptance, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
When this first came out in 2017, I remember hearing about it and being all "what the hickity heck does nonbinary mean?". How far we've come in four years!
Anywho. This is a memoir of Nevo's experiences growing up and realising their changing identity. They came out as a lesbian as a teenager, then slowly came to realise that they were male and went through the process of being prescribed testosterone and getting top surgery. And then sometime afterwards, Nevo realised that they were nonbinary. So essentially, Nevo - at the age of not much more than 20 - had to come out to their family over and over again.
It's a beautifully written memoir that discusses not only their feelings and experiences as a queer person, but which discusses the importance of their Jewish faith in their life. Despite all the emotional and mental trauma that Nevo experiences in the course of the story, the overall message is one of hope and of acceptance, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 26, 2020
A thought-provoking, interesting and powerful read.
Without doubt after reading Finding Nevo I have a better understanding of transgender people.
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge 2020: #12 - A book by a trans or non binary author
Without doubt after reading Finding Nevo I have a better understanding of transgender people.
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge 2020: #12 - A book by a trans or non binary author
October 4, 2019
A beautiful and important read about being trans and everything that comes with it. This is my first book in this category and it was very informative and touching. Thanks Nevo x
October 18, 2021
Seemed rambling at first, but it grew on me; it educated me - the point, I guess.
October 4, 2021
Accessible, life changing, beautiful.
March 15, 2017
Though Nevo is always mindful to point out that this their story only, I'm sure everyone who has ever felt other than the "norm" will relate to this honest, beautifully expressed account of a young person questioning their identity.
March 4, 2017
A must for inclusion in all secondary school libraries. A genuine honest account of finding personal gender identity and encouraging community inclusivity instead of phobia.
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