The Book of Non-Binary Joy

Welp - here it is. My first five star of the year and already in my top reads of the year.

As I mentioned in my 2022 in review, I wanted to read books with more queer representation, as well as more non-fiction reading. However, I would have read this book if that wasn't one of my goals. It's phenomenal. I have been following Ben Pechey on Instagram for years and when I found out they were writing a book, I could not have been more excited.

When I tell you how much I cried during this book, it was because of all of the truths I didn't realize that I needed to hear. Ben did a beautiful job writing this book, and I can't wait for it to come out so I can not only buy myself three copies, but I can give a copy to my mom, my partner, my tattoo artist, and just about everyone I know.

Each chapter is wrapped up beautifully, listing takeaways, and the book is sprinkled with illustrations as well as activities to keep you engaged. I would have read this book in an entire sitting if I could have, but sleep was not my friend.

It is an immense privilege to have been able to read this book before its release. Thank you so so much to Ben Pechey, Net Galley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the e-ARC. I cannot wait for its release so I can see everyone else read it.

This truly was a delight. Like a slow-burn romance, or satisfying session of self-indulgence and self-care. There were times that I was worried that it might fall short, that it might leave me wishing it was more, but as I sat with it and let its content seep in I realised how much it was already doing. I accepted the book for what it was already doing and allowed myself to see that magic that it already contained.

There was a lot in this that a cisgendered person (such as myself) can take on board as good life advice; but I'm really glad that this book caters specifically to non-binary people. My main takeaway and one of the books' very well made points: is to be absolutely in awe of non-binary and trans people for already being several steps ahead of cisgendered people on the journey of self-understanding.

Ben's voice is crucial to this book. Both in terms of how they come across as a character but also to help understand intonation occasionally. Their voice just bounces off the page. So much so that I imagined I could hear them talking to me.

And - while not wishing to give them more work! - if they could read this as an audiobook it would be just *chef's kiss!" (not to mention more accessible for the visually impaired or those whose neuro-divergence is more receptive to audio than visual). However, having said that - I recognise the puzzles would present difficulties.

I would also suggest (if I may) that the book cover is changed to feature Ben. Fashion and visual representation is obviously important to Ben as a person, to their journey as a non-binary person and as a theme of the book itself. I'm not a marketing exec, but as a consumer I felt more connected to Ben as the author after I looked them up online and saw photos of them on their agency's page.

I wish Ben the very best as the next chapters of their life are written - can't wait to hear/see what they do next.
Thank you to Jessica Kingsley Publishers for an ARC via NetGalley

I've found it incredibly difficult to summarise my thoughts on this book. This collection of insights provides a really wonderful overview of what it means to be non-binary, as a non-binary person myself I felt the love pouring out from the author and their words brought me so much joy.

The description of non-binary identities using colour was beautiful and is a metaphor I'll definitely use when describing myself in the future. I also loved all the metaphors Ben used when talking about self-love and development, looking at myself as an unfinished book has really helped me be more compassionate to myself. The book was really educational and compassionate, but at its core is a celebration of non-binary joy and self-love. I didn't even make it 10% in before I started crying, this book saw me, brought me in for a warm embrace and told me it was going to be ok. Then it

I think this is a great tool for non-binary or gender questioning people to read to get to know themselves better and help us be kinder to ourselves, but it's also accessible for allies and people curious to learn more. The writing was personable and the illustrations are truly heart warming. I really loved the "Key Takeaways" at the end of each chapter, it made the book feel laid back in a way that most self help books lack, and all in all I felt like Ben was holding my hand through the whole experience, like a kind friend guiding me through a wonderfully queer garden. Whilst I would've loved to have this book when I first came out as non-binary, I got just as much out of it now. I can't wait to buy this for myself and everyone I love.

From the bottom of my gender-queer, purple, rose, pink and blue heart, thank you Ben.