alisarae's reviews
1408 reviews
Chlorine by Jade Song
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was drawn to this book because of I grew up swimming competitively. Jade Song so intimately captures the sensation of being a teenage swimmer that it is clear they also lived this experience.
The book is written mostly in first person, with the mc Ren Yu narrating her transformation from a human girl to a transcendent mermaid. It is a tense, dark, isolating journey, with her best friend/paramour Cathy being the sole source of light. Cathy and Ren's relationship is complex, interesting, and unhealthy on both sides tbh. There is also the uncomfortable and intrusive presence of their coach Jim, whose million little actions add up to a picture of a predator. Ren's relationship with her parents and Chinese identity is also complicated and layered and refreshingly well-written with many scenes showing Ren not embarressed by her otherness but trying to fit herself into a world that isn't ready to accept her. At the very least, the world doesn't care enough to try to understand. And when Ren reveals herself as a mermaid, only Cathy is willing to accept her for who she is.
The book is written mostly in first person, with the mc Ren Yu narrating her transformation from a human girl to a transcendent mermaid. It is a tense, dark, isolating journey, with her best friend/paramour Cathy being the sole source of light. Cathy and Ren's relationship is complex, interesting, and unhealthy on both sides tbh. There is also the uncomfortable and intrusive presence of their coach Jim, whose million little actions add up to a picture of a predator. Ren's relationship with her parents and Chinese identity is also complicated and layered and refreshingly well-written with many scenes showing Ren not embarressed by her otherness but trying to fit herself into a world that isn't ready to accept her. At the very least, the world doesn't care enough to try to understand. And when Ren reveals herself as a mermaid, only Cathy is willing to accept her for who she is.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm
Moderate: Eating disorder and Sexual harassment
Minor: Racism
Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections Between Sexuality and Spirituality by Rob Bell
3.0
Rob Bell has a writing style similar to Donald Miller—conversational, lilting, and weaving personal stories with broader spiritual themes. Rob Bell is primarily a pastor. Donald Miller is primarily an author. I think this difference is key.
While this book did open up my eyes to new concepts and perspectives of sexuality, I wish that Bell had said these things in a film. He writes like he is talking to you, and I think the medium should be appropriate to the subject matter.
That said (written?) Bell explained Jewish traditions and Hebrew words in a down-to-earth way that brought depth and value to God's physical illustrations and words. I liked that.
While this book did open up my eyes to new concepts and perspectives of sexuality, I wish that Bell had said these things in a film. He writes like he is talking to you, and I think the medium should be appropriate to the subject matter.
That said (written?) Bell explained Jewish traditions and Hebrew words in a down-to-earth way that brought depth and value to God's physical illustrations and words. I liked that.
Great Chefs Cook Vegan by Linda Long
1.0
Many of the tools and ingredients called for in these gourmet recipes, making it rather complicated to cook. One example: chef’s torch. The book has nice photos though!
The Helsinki School: Young Photography by Taik, Volume 3 by Timothy Persons, Katrin Hiller
5.0
It’s very nice to see a bound collection of contemporary, foreign photography artists that are just beginning their careers. My peers, essentially.
Pasi Autio, Wilma Hurskainen, Nelli Palomaki, and Saana Wang were my favorites from this collection.
Pasi Autio, Wilma Hurskainen, Nelli Palomaki, and Saana Wang were my favorites from this collection.