Scan barcode
apollos_books's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
Preciado extends theories of (trans)gender, communism and labor exploitation, sex work, sexuality, technology, and biology. The result is an impressive synthesis and compelling theory, undergirded by personal reflections, of the "pharmacopornographic era." It is definitely a must-read for anyone interested in these theories or sub-fields. The book is at its best when it speaks directly to the intersections of history, theory, and personal narrative. But it is at its worst when it seems to stray from these areas. There are points in the book that bordered on dehumanizing and ahistorical, leaning too much into a "wake up sheeple" tone. This is definitely one of those books where you take what you like/what is useful and leave the rest.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
daisymaytwizell's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Preciado raises a lot of interesting ideas and connections between their pharmacopornography and contemporary society. However, this is a really dense/heavy text, exacerbated by their run-on style of writing. I do think part of this might be a translation issue though - overall it was good to engage with and challenged me, but definitely not the most accessible theory text (although to be fair, it isn't trying to be).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use and Sexual content
Minor: Sexual violence, Transphobia, and Medical trauma
Preciado supplements their theory with real-world examples of trans, gay, sexual, and pharmaceutical history - sometimes the topics get rather heavy, but most of these themes are only present in intermissions.