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yikesywikesy's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault and Injury/Injury detail
atleastonebookperweek's review
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was my first ever gifted book (thanks to Radiant Press + River Street Writes for my copy!) and if it’s a sign of things to come then I can’t wait to receive more gifted books because this one blew me away.
I really fully, truly loved this short novella about queer love. It is a nuanced type of read that says so much without saying much of anything particularly direct in its 100 pages.
Jawbone is about a young woman, Velvet, who is at present in a secluded cabin that she calls “the loneliest place in the world”, on an “indefinite sojourn” while she attempts to film a video submission in order to win a trip to Mars. Most of the book, however, is reflections on her relationship with her unnamed best friend, referred to exclusively as “you”.
I love when books refer to the reader as “you”, in the second person, but as a character, not directly as the reader. I feel like it provides a deeper feeling, as though you’re reading a letter written by someone to their lover, or best friend, or to someone who has passed away. You get a look into the way they speak to this other person when they don’t think anyone is watching them. Or the way they would speak to them if they came back from the dead, or if they could have just one more conversation with them. But either way, there’s no consideration for anyone other than the “you”. And you, the reader, are granted the privilege of being the “you”, for a brief moment of beauty. It allows for a degree of intimacy that is not entirely possible when you are just reading about feelings or thoughts. It is powerfully intricate.
For fans of the detached and fragmented style of short scenes of snippets in time in Elif Batuman’s The Idiot and Either/Or, and the tepid tone of A Bit Much by Sarah Jackson.
novelesque_life's review
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Jawbone
Written by Meghan Greeley
2023 (Radiant Press)
The cover of this novella, drew me right in, and I already knew I wanted to read it. The synopsis had me intrigued, and in my opinion, fulfilled all the promises of a character driven emotional story. In 150 pages or so I was left with full-length novel feelings. The author takes big topics like Queer love, loneliness, and self-reflection and gives it grace in the main character. Oh, and did I mention her jaw has been wired shut, and she is trying to film a one minute video on why she wants to win a one-way trip to Mars. It's a short read, but you will need some moments to resurface.
<i>***I received a complimentary copy of this trade paperback from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***</i>
Written by Meghan Greeley
2023 (Radiant Press)
The cover of this novella, drew me right in, and I already knew I wanted to read it. The synopsis had me intrigued, and in my opinion, fulfilled all the promises of a character driven emotional story. In 150 pages or so I was left with full-length novel feelings. The author takes big topics like Queer love, loneliness, and self-reflection and gives it grace in the main character. Oh, and did I mention her jaw has been wired shut, and she is trying to film a one minute video on why she wants to win a one-way trip to Mars. It's a short read, but you will need some moments to resurface.
<i>***I received a complimentary copy of this trade paperback from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***</i>
trishtalksbooks's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
readingmaria's review
medium-paced
4.0
Such a quiet book that says so much about life, friendships, living to our fullest selves. This short book is packed with beautiful writing, and it’s definitely one that will sit with you for a while, and deserves a reread at some point in the future. A dazzling debut (as the back cover says) indeed! I loved how everything comes together in the end.
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