Reviews

Little Blue Encyclopedia (for Vivian) by Hazel Jane Plante

Only show reviews with written explanations

foggy_rosamund's review

5.0

An imaginative and experimental work that's also fun and easy to read! Little Blue Encyclopedia (for Vivian) describes the world of Little Blue, a cult TV show that never actually existed. Little Blue was Vivian's favourite TV show: after Vivian's death her best friend lovingly studies this TV show, writing an encyclopedia of characters and important moment. These entries are intercut with explorations of Vivian: of what the show meant to her, and what it was like to be her best friend. The compiler of the encyclopedia gradually realises she was in love with Vivian as she writes, and begins to see Vivian's flaws, as well as the aspects of her that she adored. This book is loving depiction of trans culture, of friendship, and of the ways music and TV can help us through our darkest moments. It's clever, witty, and full of emotion.

mooisawesome's review

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emotional informative mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.25

hydecircus's review

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emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

geraldine's review

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4.0

had been trying to find this for a bit but then discovered it was actually in the (extended) library system for the library in the very small town where i work, so i was able to put it on hold and two weeks later was able to read it!!

really liked it. short but i thought the use of the framing device worked and really painted a very clear picture of vivian. will be honest in that

Spoiler

i thought the show Little Blue sounded like absolute dogshit, but this genuinely does not matter for the book itself since it's truly not about the show but instead about a woman who loved the show

. really liked the very last chapter,

Spoiler

i'm a sucker for ending with the beginning

and thought it was a really solid finish. sometimes forgot this was fiction since they all seemed like such real people! good book.

balladofreadingqueer's review

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sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I am glad this book exists, it was an interesting innovative structure and addresses the importance of queer friendships in keeping people grounded.

This follows the story of a trans woman narrator in the aftermath of the death of her best friend (also trans). I enjoyed the story of the narrator and Viv friendship but I didn’t really care about the film facts that were centred throughout the encyclopaedia