This was a quick read, that didn't feel like it hit quite deep enough or gave me quite enough to connect to. The Times I Knew I was Gay is a graphic memoir by Eleanor Crewes, which demonstrates how the process of coming out and understanding your own identity can be a long, nonlinear process, full of questioning and exploring. I do like the art, it's simple and illustrates the story very clearly. There are some fun 90s/early 2000s touches for those that want to see references to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and choke necklaces pop up. I just wanted a little more - I felt like it gave flashes of time without always being cohesive as a story itself (probably because it started as a zine), and that the ending doesn't clarify whether the author felt she came to place of understanding for the long-term or for the particular moment she finds herself in (both would be okay!). I don't think every memoir needs to be 'gritty' or dark, but some reflection and the emotions should come thru in the illustration or dialogue - neither of which seemed to shine through completely here. I think this is a good read for someone looking for a coming out story that focuses more on a journey through adulthood. Thanks to NetGalley for the early review copy, all opinions are my own.

In this graphic novel, the author, Ellie, tells us about the many times in her life when she questioned being gay--in elementary school, in high school, and then in university. She dated some some young men, but it never felt quite "right" to her. This book shows how she questioned herself, went to counseling to better understand herself, and ultimately, became the person she is today.

This was one of those books that is just wonderful. It was fun and real and heart warming. It was awkward in all the good ways. It is a great message of loving yourself and discovering who you are. Knowing that will change over time and still loving who you are,

This was a sweet memoir. I really enjoyed the simplicity of the art style and the way the author still popped in to explain the intricacies about writing your own memoir. Especially a queer memoir.

I resonated a lot with some of the topics and the way we take control of our lives to hide away from our own identities. The descriptions of bullies and how they seem to know more about you than you know yourself was really solid. I do wish there had been more about the counselor, but I understand this is a memoir and one might not always be comfortable sharing that information.

Overall, a solid sweet read about the queer experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really, really enjoyed how honest and powerful this memoir was. The art style was reminiscent of Noelle Stevenson, another LGBT artist I admire, while demonstrating its own flair; and while I thought the narration was very good, the things that weren't said—that were hinted at in the art—were just as powerful. Particularly the recurring motif of an unopened letter hidden somewhere in the scene, symbolizing the things we subconsciously know about ourselves but aren't yet ready to actually admit. There was so much I found to relate to, and I loved that it had a really happy, hopeful ending!

This little comic started out as a ten-age zine, but after distributing them to comic shops from Brighton to Glasgow, Crewes knew there was something more to the story. “This is not a handbook for coming out, or for being gay, but I like to think that if I had found thsi book as a child, or a teenager, or a young adult, I might have known a little more about myself a little sooner.” It’s Pride month, after all, and every story, when its author feels comfortable sharing, can help another queer kid out there just trying to figure themselves out.

This graphic memoir is precious and honest. Like many people, Crewes’ coming out story wasn’t one pinnacle moment. She did it several times over a number of years. She also didn’t realize for a very long time that there was a closet, mcuh less that she was stuck inside of it.

I loved the cute illustrations and the candid nature of her voice. I devoured this in about thirty minutes, and I’d love to revisit it down the road as my own queerness develops and grows, and if I ever meet someone who makes me change my mind about relationships.

At its heart, this book is about discovering who you are and being true to that person. Whether you find that person or not, being yourself will provide peace and comfort, and when if you do meet that special someone, you’ll have done the work on yourself to be ready for them.

This one’s out in October, so be sure to keep an eye out for it. This one screams purchase from your favorite, local indie bookstore, preferrably a queer one if it’s possible.

I adored the simplicity of the pencil illustrations. the timeline of Eleanor's coming out story was so relatable; I also spent a large part of my life confused and uncomfortable with my identity and didn't sort it out until college so I connected strongly to the main character. This story was the perfect balance of silly and introspective and felt like a genuine insight into how Eleanor became comfortable with herself as a gay woman. This is the perfect book to read during pride month, so definitely give it a go!

I rate this somewhere in the 4 - 4.5 star range.

The Times I Knew I was Gay was a charming graphic novel coming-of-age memoir about a girl named Ellie who grew up in London with her parents and siblings. She had her group of close friends and they all loved watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Ellie's favorite character was Willow. Ellie tended towards things Goth and Emo. As she came into her teens Ellie started interacting with boys like her friends and even dated a guy for a year but just felt like something was missing.

Eventually, Ellie started slowly coming out as gay to herself, her family, and friends. It was not a clear cut thing for her but very gradual.

I really enjoyed this book. It was cute and engaging and I really liked Ellie. This is a great addition to the canon of LGBTQ+ memoirs. I highly recommend it!

Artist Eleanor Crewes chronicles her coming out story in this touching graphic memoir. She discusses growing up and how she grew to feel comfortable with how she felt. This was a very enjoyable read. Eleanor was very easy to relate to. The simple drawings really helped with the story. There were parts that could have been more fleshed out, but overall, it was a very good read. This was a great graphic memoir.

I enjoyed both the illustration and story presented here in an honest way about our imperfect path and journeys.

Relatable! Simple, good storytelling and a sincere voice which is sweet. A nice model that’s simple for comic drawing and graphic novels/storytelling for class, too.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review!

This book was heartfelt, relatable, helpful, and beautiful. Hearing stories like Ellie's help us validate our own stories and remind us we're not alone. This is one of those books you're glad to have met.

I found the artwork in this queer graphic memoir to be memorable but the lack of storyline and really only plot point of coming out made this seem a little long and lackluster. There are so many graphic queer memoirs out there so I am spoiled for choices and I have read so many that explored this topic in a less grazed over manner. I wish this graphic novel had more meat...it felt like a dinner of a light salad that kept me hungry and then after 320 pages it was just over.

***Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

A humorous and insightful look into the author's sexuality and growing up being confused.