Had a hard time getting into this book at first. It’s written in a very conversational voice with the author addressing the reader directly and familiarly. Being a private person who doesn’t readily open up to others, I found this presumed familiarity off putting. However I also saw that the author was coming at this with a sincere desire to convey joy and show non-binary readers how they, too, can and should embrace the joyfulness of a non-binary identity even in the face of skepticism, criticism and outright hostility. Eventually I sought out Ben Pechey’s social media. I had never heard of them before requesting this #NetGalley ARC as I’m old and don’t spend much time socializing online. Pechey is an engaging, fun, thoughtful and insightful speaker on social media. Also has a good sense of humor, true empathy with his non-binary followers, and a flair for styling themself. Sincere and authentic.

After getting a sense of Pechey via the medium of YouTube, the book was easier to read – the words came off the page with Pechey’s voice and delivery. I requested this book to begin with because I want to learn more about the non-binary experience. While I have “googled” as Pechey suggests, like all internet search results – there are good sources and bad sources and in a new area of investigation, it’s hard to figure out which is which. I had hopes that this book would enlighten me on (1) what it means to be non-binary, (2) whether I, myself, am non-binary, or (3) how to be a good ally to non-binary persons.

It did answer those questions to varying degrees and Pechey themself makes clear at in the book’s opening that the primary audience they are addressing is non-binary individuals except for one section written specifically for allies. As to the question of whether I am non-binary? No, I wouldn’t say that I am. But here’s the thing – I am a trans (AFAB) and it’s easy to conflate the two life experiences. There is a good deal of overlap when it comes to the struggle to understand one’s self, the eventual revelation of self to others, and dealing with the reactions of others. There is overlap in that both trans and non-binary folk navigate a predominately cis world to whom questioning one’s gender is foreign and unnecessary.

The chapter on being an ally was useful and I have more knowledge when meeting and interacting with those in the queer community who identify as non-binary.

As for Pechey’s writing, it did become very repetitive very quickly. Unfortunately I am one of those readers who finds idioms annoying and this book is a working list of the top 50 idioms in the English language. The publisher and author should consider producing an audiobook as I think Pechey’s literal voice can work to offset what started to sound like one continuous note with no variation.

Finally, I hope Pechey themself takes some time for self-care and takes their own advice from this book. A whiff of professional burnout rose to the surface from time to time – professional burnout in that the author is an active creator as a non-binary identified person. It feels like they may be struggling to balance creativity outside of the public/media demand exclusively for their non-binary creativity so to speak, and not seeing Pechey as a full artist integrating many aspects of themself. I saw this happen with trans people in the ‘90s who were out and in creative spaces and whose art reflected their trans experience. Truly encourage this author to hold space for themself, their whole self, for all the joy you’re creating for others.

Very well written, and it did bring me joy. I’m glad I took the time to read it. The way it’s given makes me feel less alone in my personal experiences, which I don’t find very often in books.

'The Book of Non-Binary Joy' is a refreshingly light outlook on all the things that make living outside the gender binary a wonderful thing. So much queer non-fic tend to be wrapped up in (and justifiably so) all of the trials and heartaches that nonbinary folks go through. Ben Pechey's writing is friendly and feels like a lovely, warm hug.

I did find myself thinking that some of the lessons were a bit Genderqueer 101 in terms of substance—potentially a better fit for someone just starting to explore gender or for allies! However, what 'The Book of Non-Binary Joy' may lack in depth, it more than makes up for in heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading this. It's self help, so it features a lot of things that other self help books have, but everything is discussed with a nonbinary 'twist' on it. I think the best thing about the book is that it will make people feel seen. Yes, you could read any self help book and then figure out how to apply it to your own circumstances, but there is just something so wonderful about reading something specifically written for you. The focus is on exploration, that it's ok to take time to figure yourself out, and how to look after yourself in a world that does not treat nonbinary people the way they should be treated. The art at the start of each chapter is cute, and each chapter ends with a helpful summary and an activity.

I appreciated that, whilst this book is predominantly about joy, Pechey doesn't ignore the negatives. The book talks about the way society impacts nonbinary people, and does not pretend that self love fixes everything. It shows how self love can help you to survive, though.

It's a little wordy at times, and I found the overuse of the word 'darling' a little irritating. Some topics felt like they were oversimplified at times, but given that this is self help and not queer history or theory that's pretty typical.

The book features fun activities, practical tips, and tools that you can use in real life. Well worth a read, particularly for nonbinary people, but also for anyone who wants to be an ally to nonbinary people.

Joyful definitely sums up this book. Deals with some heavy and difficult aspects of non-binary life in a sunny but realistic (eg not with toxic positivity) way. It's tailored towards non-binary people, but I'd say it has appeal to people who aren't non-binary too - both as advice on how to be more supportive to the non binary folks anoung us, and some personal universal advice avout finding joy. It would especially be relevant to other queer and trans folks.

I really enjoyed the voice of the author in this, and it has lovely illustrations and interactive bits.

I think this book would be enjoyed and be a useful tool to some people, however myself I found it a bit boring. It didn’t really tell me anything I didn’t already know. However, I do love the concept of it, and the illustrations are great!

I really enjoyed this - I had very little idea about being non binary before reading this book and it’s really opened my eyes!

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.

The Book of Non-Binsry is Joy is a quick and enjoyable read, even though it also covers some of the harder topics of life in a gender-binary world. I was interested to read this book as a gender-questioning person. I don't identify strongly as woman, but would not say that I identify as non-binary.
The book covers a lot of different topics and gives practical tips that are summarized after each chapter. I found that really helpful. Pechey themselves writes that the book is also an important read for cis allies and I would agree. However, as someone who is not really sure about things, it was a bit tricky. I would say it is more aimed at someone who already knows who they are.
I'm still glad that I read it, thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the ARC!

I received an eARC copy of The Book of Non-Binary Joy by Ben Pechey from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall I found this book to be very good for exploring my identity. The art that is found within the book is amazing and helps break up a few of the drier sections. That said, there were some parts of the book that seemed a little repetitive and harder to get through. Overall I would recommend this book for anyone who wishes to learn more about being Non-binary, especially if you are just starting on your journey.

This review is written by a nonbinary person! A big thank you to Netgalley for granting me an advanced copy of "The Book of Non-Binary Joy" by Ben Pechey in exchange for an honest review!

I needed this book when I was a teenager. I am a non-binary adult that needed the guidance and reassurance that Pechey presents in their new release "The Book of Non-Binary Joy," and I love that current youth (or anyone) can utilize this book to begin thinking about what words fit their identity and how their identity fits into the larger world. I think I would have been thrilled and validated to know and see other nonbinary representation in media, and I'm overall enthused that a book centering the nonbinary experience has even made its way to the publishing house. However, I think "The Book of Non-Binary Joy" may have missed the mark for me, and here's why:

I consider this a text most appropriate for a younger audience, one that is just beginning to understand their place in the world. Also a strong fit for anyone whose love language is words of affirmation. This is an identity-building starting place—written conversationally, Pechey provides referential lists of places to look for further resources, including lists of nonbinary social media influencers, nonbinary celebrities, and places to shop for androgynous clothing. In between the common proverbs and pop culture references, Pechey grazes over topics in intersectional activism without delving particularly far into any one thing, which is again why I consider this well-tailored to a younger reader that is just beginning to understand their world.

Ultimately, there isn't enough substance for this to be a work with long-lasting gravity; in a few years, the references and voice are going to be outdated, brands and websites are going to close, phone numbers are going to be changed. Influencers may retire, and celebrities' career paths may change—and then the book will only be its word searches.

While this book is very well written with compassion and heart ; it's a bit repetitive at points. The repetition is my only complaint though. I enjoyed the artwork and metaphors the most. I recommend this for everyone who has been curious about gender identities for a while.

I think this is a great book for people new to the idea they may be trans or nonbinary, as well as a helpful book for allies though it isn’t written for them.

Micro-aggressions section had two examples that were the same one about racism and one about homophobia, I feel like it would be more beneficial to have two different examples.

“The body positive movement and it’s messages, which were created by powerful black and poc women” this sentence doesn’t make sense “created by black and people of colour women” is what is said here. I would say “black women and women of colour” avoid shortening to the acronym as people may not know what WOC is.
I think it would be beneficial to add some historic context to this as well as many people don’t know where or how it bagan and who for/by.
https://www.refinery29.com/amp/en-gb/2021/03/10389843/body-positivity-neutrality-movement-history
“Initially dubbed the Fat Acceptance Movement, the campaign for the normalisation of bigger bodies in society began in New York City in the late 1960s. Body positivity went on to be a product of the fat liberation movement of the 1960s. It was created by fat queer Black women and femmes — a space by and for marginalized bodies, for anyone who felt cast aside compared to the strict beauty standards of the time period.”

“I really appreciate that you may have never met anyone who uses they/them pronouns before and this may feel new or alien to you. I use they/them pronouns and I deserve you to respect this” the last sentence is super confusing, doesn’t read well.
“I deserve your respect on this/I deserve to be respected on this” is way clearer

“Soul food in itself” is erring on using things not ours to use. You can just use “food for the soul”

The fashion, make up and style section feels way more catered to femme presenting people than masc or fluid. There’s minimal to no advice for masc presentation. And the recommended brands are expensive and again only looking from a femme pov. I agree with other reviews I’ve seen where this book would have benefitted from more voices being more actively involved than the random chunks of quotes. Not one mention of second hand shopping.

“Kids this is toxic behaviour” ages the book. I feel like the writing and language choices are confusing for who this is meant for. There are words used I don’t know the meaning of and I’m 27 and then the author refers to the readers as “kids”
The idea of ‘mutually beneficial relationships’ makes them sound like a transaction rather than actual friendship.

Self diagnosis is widely accepted among disabled activist due to many factors that make official diagnosis out of reach for many. I recommend removing that bullet point in the mental health section and doing some more research. People aren’t just taking quizzes to diagnose themselves. They are doing plenty of their own research.

Unfortunately this book frustrated me more the further I read, and I was reading this with audience in mind. I know I am not the audience, but I feel like there is a lot lacking in intersectionality and context.

2.5 stars.
This book was a bit different than I expected and I wish I had enjoyed it more, but it just didn't hit me in the right way I guess.

This book could definitely still benefit other people though, because it has some good quotes and advice in it. Note the use of the word some there...

Because there was a section in this book that rubbed me the wrong way which was the section about avoiding (online) self diagnosis. As a disabled person myself, I very much advocate for self diagnosis. I self diagnosed myself with autism about a year before I actually managed to get access to getting a diagnosis. Self diagnosis can literally save people's lives. So yeah, safe to say that I really didn't like that particular section.

Anyway, the book was still quite informational and it definitely helped me figure some stuff out, but again it just didn't hit me in the right way.

Not quite the audience for it, thought to inform myself since my child is non-binary. This book is more aimed to young people who may contemplate if they might be non-binary.

This book is truly a joy to read. Pechey keeps a very personal connection with the reader. Perfect for people at a younger age looking for steps and helpful tips to exploring one's gender. Enjoyable interactive parts, the ability to read the chapters in any order is wonderful to those knowing what they need advice on. I cannot wait to be able to bring this into the library.

Thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for an eARC of this title.

I don’t often read non-fiction or self-help type books, but this one really caught my eye. Written by a non-binary person about how to live an authentic and happy life as someone who doesn’t fit the gender binary is a really great book and concept. I think this book is great for a number of people. First, for people who are non-binary, gender-nonconforming, or questioning their gender identity. Second, for people who want to know more about the experience of non-binary people, what they experience, and what the kinds of questions they have.

The book starts with some definitions, explanations, and experiences about gender, sex, the discrimination faced by non-binary people, and experiences from people and their lives. I think these explanations and definitions are really great to give a brief overview of terms and experiences that some may not understand or have even realized exist. Though, I think they are too brief for anyone who already knows a bit about gender and LGBTQ+ identities, terms, etc.

Overall, I think this a great read for anyone questioning their identity, who is non-binary, or who is interested in learning more about gender identity. It’s got some great self-care activities, tips and ideas, and some really great anecdotes.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

This book is such a little gem! Packed with friendly and fundamental advice, it contains all the important basic tips to navigate being non-binary, on a personal as well as social level . From taking your time to explore your gender identity (and enjoying the journey), to being aware of the duplicitous role of social media and learning how to create healthy boundaries, Pechey is a funny and enthusiastic cheerleader for self-expression and acceptance.
Perfect for rainy Sunday afternoons, this book is a much needed source of encouragement and validation.

I loved this inspirational, positive book about the experiences of being a non-binary person. It is humorous, hopeful, and enlightening. I highly recommend it for people of all genders!

Hmm, I want to give this book 5 stars but a few things rubbed me the wrong way. I couldn’t connect to the voice as much as I wish I had. And I didn’t really learn anything new. HOWEVER, it gets 4 stars because it’s be a great resource to those who need it.