Finding Nevo Review

Finding Nevo by Nevo Zisin (2017)

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Not all men sexually harass, but all men need to be taught not to. - Nevo Zisin

I have only ever been me. Sometimes, I have been more authentically myself, but I have only ever transitioned from me to a better version of me. 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. - Nevo Zisin

This is a book that I think needs to be available to all young adults in public libraries and school libraries. For people who are questioning their gender or sexual preference, or allies of them. It is so readable, so confident. Nevo reminds people that it is okay to be yourself, that it is okay to take time finding yourself. Nevo is a personal and intriguing mix Jewish, trans, queer, polyamorous, Australian. It is the journey this is fantastic.

There are a few wonderful pieces of writing in Finding Nevo. After their chest surgery Nevo wrote a letter to their breasts, it is incredible. The afterword is brilliant. The whole book is so quotable too, Nevo has a wonderful style. Nevo has in a way seen the world from both sides of the gender divide that makes this a brilliant book for that. With the whole book feeling like it could have been either extremely cathartic or extremely stressful to write. I’m glad they wrote it; young people need something written in a young perspective for all things but especially development topics.

Nevo wrote their autobiography at 20, while that sounds very young they have lived a story that needs to be told. One that in a time of LGBTQIA+ discussion is especially relevant. They provide a perspective on life as an LGBTQIA+ person, finding themselves and meeting of the communities we all belong to. Family plays a big role both positive and negative. They challenge us all as readers and people to be more than amazed and touched, they challenge us to become activists and make the world a safer, less scary place for people like them. That challenge is firmly accepted.

Finding Nevo is probably a 4.5 star book. I liked it and the glossary, the resources and the suggested readings are so valuable. I just felt something was missing, not sure what I can’t put my finger on it but I can’t find it in me to give it 5 straight.

My reading experience in a gif:

I have been fortunate enough to see Nevo speak on a panel with Alison Evans. Both are wonderful, inspirational people. If you ever have the opportunity don’t turn it down. And yes, Nevo’s sense of humour does translate from written form to performance and visa versa.

Crossposted from Goodreads

References

Cover for 148876014682. (n.d.). WalkerBooks. [Image File]. Retrieved from https://www.walkerbooks.com.au/statics/dyn/1488760146825.jpeg

McPherson, C. (2018, March 24). Catherine McP's review of Finding Nevo. Goodreads. [Goodreads Review]. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2334659990

P!NK. (n.d.). Trouble bar brawl gif. [Image file]. Retrieved from https://media.giphy.com/media/3owvKhdimLNHKmMFB6/giphy.gif

Zisin, N. (2017). Finding Nevo. Newtown, Australia: Black Dog.