Review: This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson

 Publisher: Hot Key Books

Publication Date: September 2014

Source: Review copy 

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[ Under My Skin Review ] 

Blurb: 

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.

 Thank you to Hot Key Books publishing for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. 

I have only read one other James Dawson novel, Under My Skin, which I read two weeks ago. I absolutely loved Under My Skin and knew I had to read more by James so I picked up This Book Is Gay and can honestly say that James Dawson is on his way to becoming one of my favorite authors! I am hoping to pick up some of his other novels this summer.

This Book Is Gay is a wholly inclusive novel. This novel covers so many topics, while focusing on the  LGBT+ , there are many references to a variety of different sexual orientations such as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, asexual etc., and all are explained simply and discussed thoroughly in the novel. James does well to not put too much of a rigid definition on each sexual orientation and guides the reader through the novel in an open way. 


I really enjoyed the statistics and facts James included in the novel as they really grounded the reader and made me go away from the novel and think.The illustrations in the book were also very fun and the chapter titles made me laugh out loud! I also enjoyed the witty and humorous approach the author took to what could have been a very serious book. 

My favorite part of the novel was when the author discussed why people would be opposed to homosexuality and he discussed the religious argument against homosexuality and challenged this. I think this is the most referenced argument to marriage equality at the minute in Ireland as a result of the upcoming referendum and it was really interesting to see James look on how to argue against their argument. I think this book should be read by some of the people opposed to marriage equality in Ireland. 

I think this book is honestly one of the best I've read on this subject. The subject matter is so topical and honestly just something everyone needs to be more understanding and aware of. Honestly one of the funniest, most entertaining and all encompassing novels I've read on sexuality ever. 

 Hopefully the marriage equality referendum is passed in Ireland, so please vote YES to equality all my Irish followers of age! 

I will definitely be reading more James Dawson in the near future, probably over the summer when my college exams are finished! So please leave a recommendation below of which of is novels I should read next!