Scan barcode
bisexualbookshelf's reviews
660 reviews
Bad Cree by Jessica Johns
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
"Bad Cree" by Jessica Johns is an immersive journey through intergenerational trauma, resilience, and the complexities of Indigenous identity. Johns skillfully weaves together a narrative that resonates deeply with cultural authenticity, portraying the experiences of Indigenous characters with nuance and depth.
Through the lens of protagonist Mackenzie's experiences, Johns deftly navigates themes of PTSD, chronic stress, and dissociation. Mackenzie's struggles with these issues are portrayed with raw honesty, offering readers a poignant glimpse into the psychological toll of intergenerational trauma. The author's prose is both powerful and evocative, capturing the depth of emotion with striking clarity.
Johns seamlessly integrates elements of magical realism into the narrative, adding a layer of depth and complexity to the storytelling. Dreams and ancestral wisdom play a central role in Mackenzie's journey, serving as a source of both solace and revelation. The novel's exploration of these themes is both thought-provoking and deeply resonant, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationships with grief and healing.
The solidarity and support between characters serve as a powerful testament to the strength of love and community. Johns skillfully portrays the ways in which honesty and vulnerability can foster connection, even in the face of profound adversity.
Overall, "Bad Cree" is a beautifully written exploration of Indigenous identity, trauma, and resilience. Jessica Johns' masterful storytelling and poignant prose make this novel a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply moving and thought-provoking literary experience.
đ Recommended For: Advocates of Indigenous Rights, Critics of Intergenerational Trauma and Colonialism, Fans of Leslie Marmon Silko's "Ceremony."
đ Key Themes: Indigenous Identity, Intergenerational Trauma, Healing and Resilience, Cultural Reclamation, Environmental Justice, Solidarity and Community Support, Oral Tradition and Storytelling.
Through the lens of protagonist Mackenzie's experiences, Johns deftly navigates themes of PTSD, chronic stress, and dissociation. Mackenzie's struggles with these issues are portrayed with raw honesty, offering readers a poignant glimpse into the psychological toll of intergenerational trauma. The author's prose is both powerful and evocative, capturing the depth of emotion with striking clarity.
Johns seamlessly integrates elements of magical realism into the narrative, adding a layer of depth and complexity to the storytelling. Dreams and ancestral wisdom play a central role in Mackenzie's journey, serving as a source of both solace and revelation. The novel's exploration of these themes is both thought-provoking and deeply resonant, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationships with grief and healing.
The solidarity and support between characters serve as a powerful testament to the strength of love and community. Johns skillfully portrays the ways in which honesty and vulnerability can foster connection, even in the face of profound adversity.
Overall, "Bad Cree" is a beautifully written exploration of Indigenous identity, trauma, and resilience. Jessica Johns' masterful storytelling and poignant prose make this novel a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply moving and thought-provoking literary experience.
đ Recommended For: Advocates of Indigenous Rights, Critics of Intergenerational Trauma and Colonialism, Fans of Leslie Marmon Silko's "Ceremony."
đ Key Themes: Indigenous Identity, Intergenerational Trauma, Healing and Resilience, Cultural Reclamation, Environmental Justice, Solidarity and Community Support, Oral Tradition and Storytelling.
Anyone's Ghost by August Thompson
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Thank you to Penguin Press for the gifted ARC!
"Anyone's Ghost" by August Thompson presents a narrative that attempts to delve into the intricacies of love, friendship, and masculinity, but falls short of truly resonating with me. While the novel explores some compelling themes, its execution leaves much to be desired.
From the outset, I found the prose to be overly embellished, as if striving for a level of creativity that ultimately feels forced rather than genuine. While there are moments of brilliance scattered throughout, they are few and far between, overshadowed by passages that feel contrived and prototypically male in their approach. The line about âIt seems I was determined to break my own heart over nutâ was just never going to land with me.
Moreover, the representation of queerness in the novel feels disappointingly one-dimensional. Instead of offering a nuanced exploration of the queer experience, the narrative reduces queerness to sexual behavior, experiences with homophobia, and self-destructive tendencies. As someone who has grappled with queer trauma in my own life, I'm weary of narratives that sensationalize and romanticize these experiences. The world feeds me enough of my own queer trauma, I donât need to be served up the queer trauma porn soup in books as well.
The pacing of the novel also leaves much to be desired. The slow-burn exposition of the first 30% of the book feels interminable, making it difficult to remain engaged with the story. Even when the narrative does pick up pace, the impact feels muted by the meandering nature of the preceding chapters. Furthermore, the second car crash, a potentially pivotal moment in the story, is glossed over with only a few sentences, leaving little room for exploration or emotional resonance. By the time the novel reaches its climax, with Jake's death occurring a mere 20 pages from the end, there is a distinct sense of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.
I also found it challenging to connect with the characters on a meaningful level. Theron, the protagonist, is portrayed in a way that feels overly familiar, his insecurities and struggles with masculinity bordering on clichĂŠ. And while I wanted to empathize with Jake's struggles, his character ultimately falls flat, his behavior veering towards unsympathetic and abusive.
Despite these shortcomings, there are moments of insight to be found in "Anyone's Ghost." Thompson's critique of toxic masculinity is particularly noteworthy, as he highlights the damaging effects of societal expectations on young men like Theron. However, the novel's reliance on women and femininity as a cure for toxic masculinity feels reductive and unoriginal, failing to offer any meaningful solutions to the complex issues at hand.
In conclusion, "Anyone's Ghost" is a novel that promises much but ultimately fails to deliver. While it touches on important themes and offers moments of lyrical beauty, its flaws ultimately outweigh its strengths. August Thompson may be a promising new voice in contemporary literature, but this debut work leaves much room for improvement. This book may resonate more with cisgender queer men who have personal experience with the struggles of toxic masculinity and its intersection with queerphobia and heteronormativity. With where I am at in my life with my bisexuality, my gender identity, and my community building, this one simply did not hit for me.
"Anyone's Ghost" by August Thompson presents a narrative that attempts to delve into the intricacies of love, friendship, and masculinity, but falls short of truly resonating with me. While the novel explores some compelling themes, its execution leaves much to be desired.
From the outset, I found the prose to be overly embellished, as if striving for a level of creativity that ultimately feels forced rather than genuine. While there are moments of brilliance scattered throughout, they are few and far between, overshadowed by passages that feel contrived and prototypically male in their approach. The line about âIt seems I was determined to break my own heart over nutâ was just never going to land with me.
Moreover, the representation of queerness in the novel feels disappointingly one-dimensional. Instead of offering a nuanced exploration of the queer experience, the narrative reduces queerness to sexual behavior, experiences with homophobia, and self-destructive tendencies. As someone who has grappled with queer trauma in my own life, I'm weary of narratives that sensationalize and romanticize these experiences. The world feeds me enough of my own queer trauma, I donât need to be served up the queer trauma porn soup in books as well.
The pacing of the novel also leaves much to be desired. The slow-burn exposition of the first 30% of the book feels interminable, making it difficult to remain engaged with the story. Even when the narrative does pick up pace, the impact feels muted by the meandering nature of the preceding chapters. Furthermore, the second car crash, a potentially pivotal moment in the story, is glossed over with only a few sentences, leaving little room for exploration or emotional resonance. By the time the novel reaches its climax, with Jake's death occurring a mere 20 pages from the end, there is a distinct sense of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.
I also found it challenging to connect with the characters on a meaningful level. Theron, the protagonist, is portrayed in a way that feels overly familiar, his insecurities and struggles with masculinity bordering on clichĂŠ. And while I wanted to empathize with Jake's struggles, his character ultimately falls flat, his behavior veering towards unsympathetic and abusive.
Despite these shortcomings, there are moments of insight to be found in "Anyone's Ghost." Thompson's critique of toxic masculinity is particularly noteworthy, as he highlights the damaging effects of societal expectations on young men like Theron. However, the novel's reliance on women and femininity as a cure for toxic masculinity feels reductive and unoriginal, failing to offer any meaningful solutions to the complex issues at hand.
In conclusion, "Anyone's Ghost" is a novel that promises much but ultimately fails to deliver. While it touches on important themes and offers moments of lyrical beauty, its flaws ultimately outweigh its strengths. August Thompson may be a promising new voice in contemporary literature, but this debut work leaves much room for improvement. This book may resonate more with cisgender queer men who have personal experience with the struggles of toxic masculinity and its intersection with queerphobia and heteronormativity. With where I am at in my life with my bisexuality, my gender identity, and my community building, this one simply did not hit for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Alcohol
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Biphobia and Child abuse
First Love: Essays on Friendship by Lilly Dancyger
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Thank you so much to the author and to Dial Press for the gifted ARC!
In a world often fixated on romantic entanglements, Lilly Dancyger's "First Love: Essays on Friendship" offers a refreshing and poignant exploration of the profound bonds between women. Drawing from her own experiences and anchored by the tragic murder of her cousin Sabina, Dancyger delves into the intricate tapestry of female friendships with a depth and nuance that ultimately feels like a warm embrace from an old friend.
From the very outset, it's evident that Dancyger's intention with this book goes beyond mere storytelling; it's an invitation to delve into the essence of friendship, to explore its nuances, its challenges, and its enduring beauty. At its core, "First Love" challenges heteronormative relationship hierarchies, celebrating the richness and complexity of intimacy wherever it may be found. Dancyger's refusal to confine love to romantic partnerships is both liberating and affirming, offering a narrative that embraces the multifaceted nature of human connection.
What sets this collection apart is Dancyger's unapologetic embrace of vulnerability and her willingness to navigate the complexities of grief, desire, and identity. Through her evocative prose, she invites readers into the intimate spaces she shares with her closest friends, allowing them to witness the bonds that have shaped her life in profound ways. These essays, grounded in Dancygerâs own friendships, explore themes of fluid sexuality, mothering, chosen family, and the evolving dynamics of adolescent relationships.
The essays are interwoven with references to literature and pop culture, from AnaĂŻs Nin to Tumblr "sad girls," creating a rich tapestry of influences that speak to the universality of the human experience. Dancyger's writing is both introspective and incisive, offering a kaleidoscopic view of life through the lens of friendship. She doesn't shy away from the messiness of human connection, acknowledging the inevitable conflicts and misunderstandings that arise, even among the closest of friends. Yet, amidst the challenges, there is a prevailing sense of resilience and graceâa recognition of the profound impact that these relationships have on shaping who we are and who we aspire to be.
One of the most compelling aspects of "First Love" is Dancyger's insistence on the importance of community care and solidarity. Throughout the collection, she explores the ways in which women create space for each other in a world that often seeks to diminish their voices. Her themes of anti-oppression, anti-appropriation, and anti-white supremacy are both timely and necessary, offering a rallying cry for collective action.
In her upcoming collection, Dancyger masterfully navigates the intricate terrain of societal narratives, including her poignant critiques and steadfast denial of the true-crime industrial complex. With keen prose, Dancyger unveils the harmful consequences of sensationalized crime narratives, refusing to succumb to the voyeuristic allure they often propagate. Through her exploration, she sheds light on the ways in which these narratives exploit tragedy for entertainment, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and distorting the complexities of human experience. By steadfastly resisting the allure of sensationalism, Dancyger underscores the importance of approaching storytelling with empathy, nuance, and a commitment to truth. In doing so, she challenges readers to confront their complicity in perpetuating harmful narratives, urging us to demand a more compassionate and authentic approach to storytelling in our society.
"First Love" is a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the ways in which it sustains us through life's most challenging moments. It is a book that celebrates the beauty of feminine relationships in all their complexity, offering a timely reminder that love, in all its forms, is always worth the risk. This collection is a radiant and deeply moving exploration of the bonds that unite us. It is a book that refuses to be confined by conventional definitions of love, instead embracing the full spectrum of human connection. To read it is to be reminded of the profound impact that friendship can have on our lives, and the importance of cherishing those connections, however fleeting they may be.
Recommended For: Queer Millennial Women and Femmes, Mommy Issues Readers, Advocates for Community Care, Intersectional Feminism Fans
Key Themes: Feminine Solidarity, Fluid Sexuality and Identity, Grief and Loss, Chosen Family and Alternative Forms of Care, True Crime Critiques
My Favorite Quotes:
In a world often fixated on romantic entanglements, Lilly Dancyger's "First Love: Essays on Friendship" offers a refreshing and poignant exploration of the profound bonds between women. Drawing from her own experiences and anchored by the tragic murder of her cousin Sabina, Dancyger delves into the intricate tapestry of female friendships with a depth and nuance that ultimately feels like a warm embrace from an old friend.
From the very outset, it's evident that Dancyger's intention with this book goes beyond mere storytelling; it's an invitation to delve into the essence of friendship, to explore its nuances, its challenges, and its enduring beauty. At its core, "First Love" challenges heteronormative relationship hierarchies, celebrating the richness and complexity of intimacy wherever it may be found. Dancyger's refusal to confine love to romantic partnerships is both liberating and affirming, offering a narrative that embraces the multifaceted nature of human connection.
What sets this collection apart is Dancyger's unapologetic embrace of vulnerability and her willingness to navigate the complexities of grief, desire, and identity. Through her evocative prose, she invites readers into the intimate spaces she shares with her closest friends, allowing them to witness the bonds that have shaped her life in profound ways. These essays, grounded in Dancygerâs own friendships, explore themes of fluid sexuality, mothering, chosen family, and the evolving dynamics of adolescent relationships.
The essays are interwoven with references to literature and pop culture, from AnaĂŻs Nin to Tumblr "sad girls," creating a rich tapestry of influences that speak to the universality of the human experience. Dancyger's writing is both introspective and incisive, offering a kaleidoscopic view of life through the lens of friendship. She doesn't shy away from the messiness of human connection, acknowledging the inevitable conflicts and misunderstandings that arise, even among the closest of friends. Yet, amidst the challenges, there is a prevailing sense of resilience and graceâa recognition of the profound impact that these relationships have on shaping who we are and who we aspire to be.
One of the most compelling aspects of "First Love" is Dancyger's insistence on the importance of community care and solidarity. Throughout the collection, she explores the ways in which women create space for each other in a world that often seeks to diminish their voices. Her themes of anti-oppression, anti-appropriation, and anti-white supremacy are both timely and necessary, offering a rallying cry for collective action.
In her upcoming collection, Dancyger masterfully navigates the intricate terrain of societal narratives, including her poignant critiques and steadfast denial of the true-crime industrial complex. With keen prose, Dancyger unveils the harmful consequences of sensationalized crime narratives, refusing to succumb to the voyeuristic allure they often propagate. Through her exploration, she sheds light on the ways in which these narratives exploit tragedy for entertainment, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and distorting the complexities of human experience. By steadfastly resisting the allure of sensationalism, Dancyger underscores the importance of approaching storytelling with empathy, nuance, and a commitment to truth. In doing so, she challenges readers to confront their complicity in perpetuating harmful narratives, urging us to demand a more compassionate and authentic approach to storytelling in our society.
"First Love" is a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the ways in which it sustains us through life's most challenging moments. It is a book that celebrates the beauty of feminine relationships in all their complexity, offering a timely reminder that love, in all its forms, is always worth the risk. This collection is a radiant and deeply moving exploration of the bonds that unite us. It is a book that refuses to be confined by conventional definitions of love, instead embracing the full spectrum of human connection. To read it is to be reminded of the profound impact that friendship can have on our lives, and the importance of cherishing those connections, however fleeting they may be.
Recommended For: Queer Millennial Women and Femmes, Mommy Issues Readers, Advocates for Community Care, Intersectional Feminism Fans
Key Themes: Feminine Solidarity, Fluid Sexuality and Identity, Grief and Loss, Chosen Family and Alternative Forms of Care, True Crime Critiques
My Favorite Quotes:
My mother never quite found solid ground, attempting to outrun her demons with frequent short-notice cross-country moves, and to drown them in heroin. She protected me better than her own mother had protected her, but still, I inherited chaos like a family heirloom.
To love someone, I have always understood, is to keep them safe.
With romantic love, thereâs usually the expectation that you get one at a time. But sisterly love allows for multiplicity, overlapping and interlocking - the first love, the one that set the bar, continuing alongside all the other loves that follow.
We snarled and bristled, puffed ourselves up and bared our teeth - but only to protect the softness weâd made for each other, where no one else had.
But the self is a tenacious thing. It will allow itself to be submerged, for a time, but there in the murky waters of love, or grief, or addiction, or fear, or whatever you try to drown it in - it waits. It waits for its moment, for the first crack in the surface, and then it struggles forth.
I felt the claustrophobia of being loved so fiercely for exactly who you are that to change is a betrayal.
On top of this strained transition, Heather had recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The diagnosis reoriented what her sadness meant in the world; made it something to be not just expressed but managed, tended to vigilantly with the help of professionals. It brought into stark relief the difference between being a sad and angry teenager, as we all had been, and being actually, clinically depressed. It had been hard to tell the difference when we were sixteen, singing sad songs and drinking too much sugary liqueur, crying over each otherâs sad poems and worshipping at the altars of our sad girl saints. But not the difference was clear: Heatherâs was a bigger, scarier sadness. It was a current she had to fight constantly, or surrender to and be swallowed forever.
Grief is a place you canât travel to without being transformed. You eat the seeds and then you become the queen of a land you never even wanted to visit.
I spent years preparing myself to write a crime story, waiting for the desire to know more about Sabinaâs murder to bubble up in me. I expected it, but it hasnât arrived. When I finally sat down to write about Sabina, the story that came out was not about murder at all. It was a love story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Drug use, Suicide, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Drug abuse and Sexual assault
The sexual assault content occurs on page 101.
The Rain Artist by Claire Rudy Foster
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
đ§ď¸âď¸ Welcome to a world where rain is no longer a natural occurrence but a luxury reserved for the ultra-rich. In "The Rain Artist," Claire Rudy Foster paints a dystopian landscape where scarcity reigns, capitalism consumes, and the line between art and survival blurs.
Celine Broussard, the last of the umbrella-makers, becomes embroiled in a high-stakes conspiracy when framed for the murder of the planet's wealthiest man. As she navigates a treacherous landscape of power and privilege, Foster masterfully explores themes of hierarchy, power dynamics, and the commodification of nature.
Foster's prose deftly navigates the complexities of a world ravaged by environmental degradation, where the absence of rain has reshaped every facet of life. Through the lens of protagonist Celine Broussard, descended from a lineage of umbrella-makers, this book explores themes of tradition, ancestry, and the relentless march of capitalism. From the first page, issues of anti-capitalism and class consciousness echo, weaving through the intricate narrative like a delicate thread.
At the heart of this book lies a scathing critique of capitalism and its insidious grip on society. Foster doesn't shy away from delving into the unequal distribution of resources, the exploitative nature of wealth accumulation, and the consequences of unchecked greed. Through nuanced character dynamics and marvelously descriptive diction, "The Rain Artist" paints a vivid portrait of a society teetering on the brink of collapse.
This debut novel serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of complacency in the face of impending disaster. Foster's meticulous attention to detail and evocative imagery create an atmosphere of unease, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the world we inhabit. "The Rain Artist" does not require much world-building because it is our world, simply sped up, significantly increasing the foreboding experienced while reading this. I think this book is meant to discomfit, though, because as long as we remain comfortable, we are unlikely to agitate against capitalism.
Central to the narrative is the concept of solidarity and collective action in the face of oppression. As Celine navigates a treacherous landscape fraught with danger, she forms unexpected alliances and discovers the power of community in the fight against injustice. Amidst the chaos, moments of beauty and resilience emerge, embodied by the unlikely found family of Celine, Paul, and Yochanna.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its ability to seamlessly weave together themes of environmentalism, anti-capitalism, and social justice. Foster's narrative is both thought-provoking and deeply affecting, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after the final page is turned. In addition, as a queer, nonbinary trans writer, Foster brings a unique perspective to the genre, infusing the novel with authenticity and compassion. This book both entertains and challenges readers to question societal norms and imagine a more just future.
In "The Rain Artist," Claire Rudy Foster has crafted a masterful work of speculative fiction that transcends genre boundaries. With its timely themes, compelling characters, and immersive world, this novel is a powerful testament to the enduring power of storytelling in challenging times, reminding us of how much capitalism takes from us when we fall for its lies and the freedom that awaits if we can learn to resist.
đ Recommend For: Environmental & Queer Activists, Dystopian Lit Lovers, Anticapitalist Advocates, Fans of NK Jemisin's "Broken Earth" Trilogy and Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale.â
đ Key Themes: Anticapitalism, Environmental Degradation, Class Consciousness, Found Family, Reproductive Justice, Surveillance Culture, The Commodification Of Nature.
đ My Favorite Quotes:
- âWealth diffused stress the way umbrellas shed rain, showering it on the people beneath them, whose job it was to support the canopy at all costs, at any cost, for life.â
- âThe truth was like everything else and could be manufactured, bought, and traded. All facts belonged to the ice-drinking class; everyone else picked up their scraps and recycled their quotes until speculation became certainty. Every word the ice-drinkers uttered was currency unto itself.â
- âThey could film police brutality all they wanted. Didnât change a thing. This is America! Ask not!â
- âHumanity was always the first thing to go, under fascism. The voice of her grandmother humming in the kitchen. Then, beauty.â
- âCeline knew how girls could be; sheâd been a girl herself, once, believing she had powers that excused her from the laws of gravity, the state, and her body itselfâits aging and frailty, its agonizing dependence on other peopleâs tenderness. She used to be young, but now she was wise. She felt it was an even-handed trade. She would not go back, even if she could.â
- âIn another era, he thought, truth was an unmalleable thing. Humans gave up their lives to protect it. And now, here was the species, with more sensors, spyware, and synthesis capabilities than ever, knowing less than before. They had no idea what was worth defending.â
- âPaul had said that the only thing limiting the rich was a lack of imagination and that the rest of us were lucky because they were so very stupidâbut Celine knew from experience that ignorance was temporary, and all it needed was a spark of energy, whether it be rage, desire, grief, or greed, to power its engines and send it down the runway, picking up speed as it went, and leaving Celine and her mother trailing behind it with their bags flapping against their shins, hands raised to the departing craft as if to beg for another chanceâa better chanceâto do it right this time, even perfect, now that we knew what was really expected of us.â
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Drug use, Gore, and Torture
Minor: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Cannibalism, Sexual harassment, and Classism
The sexual assault scene occurs on pages 48 and 49.
Gay Girl Prayers by Emily Austin
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Emily Austinâs debut poetry collection, "Gay Girl Prayers," is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of liberation, self-discovery, and unabashed celebration of queerness. With each verse, Austin deftly unravels the confines of traditional religious narratives, reconstructing them into a mosaic of empowerment and affirmation for all shades of queer people.
In "Gay Girl Prayers," Austin fearlessly reimagines Catholic prayers and biblical passages, infusing them with a radical queer sensibility that challenges conventional norms and invites readers into a realm of unapologetic self-expression. Through her words, she crafts a sanctuary where queer identities are not only acknowledged but exalted, where the rigid constructs of gender and sexuality dissolve, giving rise to a kaleidoscope of possibilities.
Austin's poetry serves as a beacon of liberation, offering a fresh perspective on age-old texts and inviting readers to question and deconstruct oppressive narratives. "Gay Girl Prayers" celebrates the inherent magnificence of queer existence, affirming the worth and dignity of every individual regardless of societal expectations. Through sensual imagery and playful innuendo, Austin embraces the erotic as a tool for liberation, reclaiming narratives of pleasure and desire from the constraints of shame. This collection embodies a spirit of solidarity, acknowledging the diverse experiences within the queer community and amplifying voices that have long been marginalized.
For queer folks seeking liberation and empowerment in the face of societal norms, "Gay Girl Prayers" offers a roadmap to self-discovery and radical self-love. Austin's bold reimagining of religious texts resonates with those who are unafraid to challenge patriarchal structures and embrace their own agency. Whether you're exploring your own identity or questioning established narratives, this collection serves as a catalyst for introspection and transformation.
In "Gay Girl Prayers," Emily Austin has crafted more than just a collection of poems; she has created a manifesto for liberation, a testament to the power of words to transcend boundaries and ignite the flame of resistance. With each verse, she invites readers to join her on a journey of queer self-discovery, liberation, and unapologetic joy.
Key Themes: Queer liberation, religious reinterpretation, erotic apocrypha, intersectional solidarity, queer self-love and empowerment
Recommended for: Queer Revolutionaires, Feminist Trailblazers, Seekers of Truth
Key Themes: Queer liberation, religious reinterpretation, erotic apocrypha, intersectional solidarity, queer self-love and empowerment
Recommended for: Queer Revolutionaires, Feminist Trailblazers, Seekers of Truth
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Sexual harassment
Content warning: several mentions of r*pe
Of Friction by S.J. Lee
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Thank you so much to the author for the gifted eARC!
In a world on the brink of collapse, "Of Friction" by SJ Lee delivers a riveting narrative that blends dystopian intrigue with urgent social commentary. Lee's debut novel plunges readers into a future where the aftermath of the climate crisis has reshaped humanity, forging a society fraught with tension and division.
At the heart of this gripping tale is Sam "Valkyrie" Ryan, a complex protagonist grappling with the weight of her responsibilities and the fractures within her own identity. Through Sam's eyes, Lee skillfully explores themes of power, solidarity, and the transformative power of empathy. As Sam navigates the perilous landscape of political unrest and personal turmoil, readers are drawn into a narrative that pulsates with tension and authenticity.
One of the standout features of "Of Friction" is its unflinching portrayal of societal hierarchies and the consequences of unchecked power. Lee adeptly deconstructs the structures that perpetuate oppression, weaving a narrative that challenges readers to confront their complicity in systems of injustice. Against this backdrop, the novel champions themes of feminism, queer empowerment, and the enduring strength of found family bonds.
Moreover, "Of Friction" shines in its representation of marginalized experiences, from the nuanced portrayal of dissociative amnesia to the inclusion of sign language as a form of communication. Lee's commitment to diverse representation enriches the narrative tapestry, offering readers a glimpse into perspectives often overlooked in mainstream literature.
As the first installment in the Altered Earth series, "Of Friction" lays a solid foundation for what promises to be an exhilarating saga. Lee's evocative prose and dynamic characterizations propel the story forward, leaving readers eager to unravel the mysteries that lie ahead.
In addition to its thought-provoking themes, "Of Friction" boasts pulse-pounding action sequences and a simmering LGBTQ+ romance that adds depth to the narrative. Lee's ability to balance intimate moments of introspection with heart-pounding suspense ensures that readers remain fully immersed in the world of Altered Earth from start to finish.
With its blend of social commentary, exhilarating action, and poignant character development, "Of Friction" is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and speculative literature alike. SJ Lee's debut heralds the arrival of a bold new voice in the genre, one that promises to captivate readers with its vision of a world teetering on the edge of chaos and redemption.
Note: I would not recommend this one to anyone with strong anti-military beliefs.
đ Key Themes: Climate Crisis, Power Dynamics, Solidarity, Queer Empowerment, Found Family Bonds
đ Recommended For: Fans of Dystopian Fiction, Social Justice Advocates, LGBTQ+ Readers, Those Seeking Diverse Representation in Literature, Murderbot Fans
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Violence, Death of parent, and War
Moderate: Addiction
Minor: Abandonment
Entwined: Essays on Polyamory and Creating Home by Alex Alberto
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
In a world where love is often confined to narrow definitions, "Entwined" serves as a beacon of liberation, offering a refreshing narrative that celebrates the beauty of polyamory, queerness, and community care. Alex Alberto's collection of genre-blending essays invites readers on a journey through the complexities of relationships, identity, and self-discovery, all while challenging the conventions of monogamy and heteronormativity.
With a voice that is both candid and compassionate, Alberto delves into their personal experiences navigating polyamory, gender identity, and the search for belonging. From tender reflections on building unconventional families to candid discussions on the intersections of queerness and cultural identity, each essay in "Entwined" offers a nuanced exploration of love, intimacy, and the quest for authenticity.
At the heart of "Entwined" lies a profound commitment to deconstruction and equity. Alberto deftly dismantles the myths perpetuated by compulsory monogamy and heteronormativity, advocating for a world where love knows no bounds and relationships are built on mutual respect and consent. Through their introspective lens, they challenge readers to confront their own assumptions about love, sex, and relationships, while championing the importance of inclusivity and intersectionality.
What sets "Entwined" apart is its unwavering dedication to uplifting marginalized voices and centering the experiences of queer and nonbinary individuals. Alberto's narrative weaves together themes of decolonization, disability representation, and community care, offering a vision of love that transcends societal norms and embraces the fluidity of desire.
Moreover, "Entwined" serves as a testament to the power of storytelling as a tool for empowerment and social change. Through their candid prose and genre-defying approach, Alberto invites readers to imagine new possibilities for love and kinship, while challenging them to interrogate the systems of oppression that seek to limit their autonomy and agency.
In conclusion, "Entwined" is a groundbreaking work that celebrates the beauty of polyamory, queerness, and self-discovery. With its compelling narrative and commitment to social justice, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to expand their understanding of love, relationships, and the pursuit of authenticity.
đ Key Themes: Polyamory, Queer Identity, Social Justice, Community Care, Decolonization
đ Recommended For: Queer Millennials, Advocates for Social Justice, Readers Interested in Nontraditional Relationships
Content Warnings
Moderate: Monosexism
The World We Make by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
N.K. Jemisin's "The World We Make" is a tour de force in speculative fiction, intertwining themes of identity, community, and power dynamics in a mesmerizing narrative that challenges readers to confront the complexities of our world. Through a series of meticulously crafted chapters, Jemisin deftly navigates the lives of a diverse cast of characters, each grappling with their own struggles and aspirations amidst a backdrop of urban upheaval and supernatural intrigue.
From the thought-provoking prologue, which echoes unsettling truths about contemporary society, to the intricately woven plotlines of the various chapters, Jemisin captivates with her masterful storytelling. The exploration of identity and belonging, particularly through the lens of marginalized communities, resonates deeply, inviting readers to contemplate the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality in shaping individual experiences.
One of the most compelling aspects of "The World We Make" is Jemisin's adept world-building, which seamlessly blends elements of fantasy with incisive social commentary. The concept of cities as living entities, imbued with their own personalities and histories, adds a layer of depth to the narrative, while also serving as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of human experience.
Throughout the book, Jemisin skillfully addresses themes of systemic oppression, community resilience, and the power of collective action. Whether delving into the intricacies of gentrification, the impact of immigration policies, or the dynamics of solidarity among marginalized groups, she navigates complex issues with nuance and empathy, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the world we inhabit.
The characters in "The World We Make" are richly drawn and multifaceted, each contributing to the tapestry of the narrative in their own unique way. From the fiercely independent Brooklyn to the enigmatic Manny, Jemisin imbues her characters with authenticity and depth, allowing their stories to unfold with grace and authenticity.
At its core, "The World We Make" is a testament to the power of imagination and resilience in the face of adversity. Jemisin reminds us that while the world may be shaped by our beliefs and actions, it is also capable of transformation and renewal. As readers journey through the pages of this remarkable novel, they are invited to envision a world where justice, compassion, and solidarity prevailâa world worth fighting for.
In conclusion, "The World We Make" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work that reaffirms N.K. Jemisin's status as one of the most visionary writers of our time. With its compelling narrative, richly drawn characters, and incisive social commentary, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after they turn the final page.
đ Recommended For: Lovers of Urban Speculative Fiction, Supporters of Social Justice Narratives, Critics of Systemic Oppression, Fans of Octavia Butler's "Parable of the Sower."
đ Key Themes: Urban Ecology, City as Character, Identity and Belonging, Collective Action, Intersectionality, Community Resilience, Supernatural Intrigue, Power Dynamics, Found Family, Resilience in Adversity.
From the thought-provoking prologue, which echoes unsettling truths about contemporary society, to the intricately woven plotlines of the various chapters, Jemisin captivates with her masterful storytelling. The exploration of identity and belonging, particularly through the lens of marginalized communities, resonates deeply, inviting readers to contemplate the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality in shaping individual experiences.
One of the most compelling aspects of "The World We Make" is Jemisin's adept world-building, which seamlessly blends elements of fantasy with incisive social commentary. The concept of cities as living entities, imbued with their own personalities and histories, adds a layer of depth to the narrative, while also serving as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of human experience.
Throughout the book, Jemisin skillfully addresses themes of systemic oppression, community resilience, and the power of collective action. Whether delving into the intricacies of gentrification, the impact of immigration policies, or the dynamics of solidarity among marginalized groups, she navigates complex issues with nuance and empathy, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the world we inhabit.
The characters in "The World We Make" are richly drawn and multifaceted, each contributing to the tapestry of the narrative in their own unique way. From the fiercely independent Brooklyn to the enigmatic Manny, Jemisin imbues her characters with authenticity and depth, allowing their stories to unfold with grace and authenticity.
At its core, "The World We Make" is a testament to the power of imagination and resilience in the face of adversity. Jemisin reminds us that while the world may be shaped by our beliefs and actions, it is also capable of transformation and renewal. As readers journey through the pages of this remarkable novel, they are invited to envision a world where justice, compassion, and solidarity prevailâa world worth fighting for.
In conclusion, "The World We Make" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work that reaffirms N.K. Jemisin's status as one of the most visionary writers of our time. With its compelling narrative, richly drawn characters, and incisive social commentary, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after they turn the final page.
đ Recommended For: Lovers of Urban Speculative Fiction, Supporters of Social Justice Narratives, Critics of Systemic Oppression, Fans of Octavia Butler's "Parable of the Sower."
đ Key Themes: Urban Ecology, City as Character, Identity and Belonging, Collective Action, Intersectionality, Community Resilience, Supernatural Intrigue, Power Dynamics, Found Family, Resilience in Adversity.
Doppelganger by Naomi Klein
slow-paced
2.0
Controversial opinion alert: I did not like this book!
Iâve seen how popular this book is in my various reader circles, from book clubs to bookstore displays to Bookstagram. Iâve seen a lot of hype and not much criticism. This concerns me because I found some of the ideas in this book potentially harmful.
The first half of Doppelganger focuses on Naomi Kleinâs experience with and reaction to being confused with Naomi Wolf. Klein, as a self-proclaimed leftist and anticapitalist, focuses on how disarming and alarming it was to be confused with a now prolific alt-right conspiracy theorist. As someone who somehow missed this particular Twitter drama, I was slightly interested in the first half of the book. It felt a bit like an unedited diary and, as my good friend Dez said, âAll of what she says could have been in a New Yorker op-ed.â While I was curious about her story, I felt like I kept waiting for the analysis while Klein waxed on about her distress. To be clear, Iâm sure her experience was very distressing. I just didnât feel she had reflected on it in a way that deserved 200 pages. Throughout the first section of Doppelganger, I had one main question: if our culture werenât so highly individualistic, would Klein have even had anything to write about?
Around halfway, Klein pivots away from her reaction to her experience and attempts to connect doppelgangers as a whole to the struggles of various social justice movements. Based on her experience and a cast of cultural figures throughout history, Klein concludes that the existence of a doppelganger is a natural and guaranteed phenomenon for anything in existence, from people to social justice movements. As an example, she offers Christianityâs depictions of God and Satan, casting the devil as Godâs natural and guaranteed opposite. Itâs possible I didnât appreciate this book because I fundamentally disagree with this entire thesis. For those who donât have the psychology background that I do, this perspective smells a lot like an expansion of Freud's and Carl Jungâs ideas about the unconscious and shadow selves. While some practitioners still embrace these frameworks, many are shifting to more dimensional and somatic analyses that first reject this internal dichotomy and also embrace the body as the source of many of these âunconsciousâ feelings and drives. For those who are interested in these lines of thinking, I highly recommend Richard Schwartzâs book âNo Bad Parts: Healing Trauma & Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model.â
Beyond my disagreement with her main argument, the second half of the book also got problematic for me at times. Letâs talk about the anti-vax chapter: the anti-vax movement is a legitimate problem, and Klein offers some important critiques of it. She introduces us to these critiques through anecdotes about her son and some of the difficulties sheâs faced as the parent of an autistic child. This is an immediate nope for me. Therapy and safe, trusted relationships are the place for these conversations, not a book thatâs going to be made publicly available. Again, Iâm sure some of her experiences have been distressing, and she has every right to want to talk about that. But a public forum is not the right place, especially when her son has no say over or understanding of how his neurodivergence and neurodivergent experiences are depicted. As Klein even admits, she doesnât know how her son will feel about what she wrote when heâs old enough to read and understand it. That should have been enough to stop her from doing so.
As mentioned, the first section of Doppelganger is dedicated to explicating the distress experienced by Klein, a respected journalist and researcher, when she was confused with Wolf, someone whose ideas are not respected or based on valid research. So I was surprised when referring to her autistic son in the anti-vax chapter, Klein mixes up the terms âneurodivergentâ and âneurodiverse.â I was not aware of the proper use of these terms until recently, and there are many of you who I wouldnât expect to be either, as this clarification is only just now making its way into mainstream discussions.
But, as the journalist and academic she establishes herself to be in the first section and, more importantly, as the parent of an autistic child, I would have expected Klein to have done her research and determined that âneurodiverseâ is an adjective that can only be applied to a group of people. Her son cannot be described as a âneurodiverse kid,â as she describes him in her book, as he is only one individual, and you need a group of people to have diversity. Even then, no one in the group must be neurodivergent for it to classify as âneurodiverse.â Neurodiversity is a term that captures how no two brains function the same way. You could have a group of people whose brains all function ânormally,â according to sociocultural standards, and still use the term neurodiverse to describe it. The adjective to describe an individual who is not neurotypical is âneurodivergent.â Kleinâs son is a neurodivergent kid, not a neurodiverse one. And Klein should have known the difference.
At this point, Doppelganger probably wasnât going to recover for me. But you guys know that DNF-ing is not my brand, so I persisted. Klein goes on to cover some important social justice movements and the ways their work has been impaired by alt-right groups. I was never quite sure how these chapters and their analyses connected, nor did I think they supported Kleinâs thesis about doppelgangers. I also didnât feel like Klein added much to the conversations happening in these movements; if anything, she simply include a blurb from an activist who is contributing to the work happening within them. On top of all this, as we jumped from anti-vaxxers to Black Lives Matter to anti-semitism to pro-Palestine advocacy, I was shocked that movements for queer and trans justice did not appear in this wide breadth of topics. You know who the alt-right hates as much as Black and brown people? Queer and trans people. But somehow, this didnât occur to Klein, which felt very much to me like a cishet person who might think homophobia is over now.
Doppelganger highlighted a lot of bad things that are happening in our world right now. Beyond that, Iâm not sure what it had to offer. There are many more radical books out there dissecting how we got to where we are now and what we can do about moving forward toward a less harmful world. While I havenât read them myself, I appreciate that Kleinâs previous works have significantly contributed to anticapitalist theories and conversations. Yet, for me, this one didnât contribute anything to our advocacy movements and did add harm in some places. With the impression I have of Kleinâs former work, I canât help but feel that she didnât allow enough time for the trauma dust to settle. From very early on in this book, I felt that Klein was still too emotionally close to her doppelganger experience to write about it critically and reflectively. By the end of the book, I still felt that Doppelganger failed to offer any significant insights into the issues plaguing our society today, leaving me questioning what the point was.
Iâve seen how popular this book is in my various reader circles, from book clubs to bookstore displays to Bookstagram. Iâve seen a lot of hype and not much criticism. This concerns me because I found some of the ideas in this book potentially harmful.
The first half of Doppelganger focuses on Naomi Kleinâs experience with and reaction to being confused with Naomi Wolf. Klein, as a self-proclaimed leftist and anticapitalist, focuses on how disarming and alarming it was to be confused with a now prolific alt-right conspiracy theorist. As someone who somehow missed this particular Twitter drama, I was slightly interested in the first half of the book. It felt a bit like an unedited diary and, as my good friend Dez said, âAll of what she says could have been in a New Yorker op-ed.â While I was curious about her story, I felt like I kept waiting for the analysis while Klein waxed on about her distress. To be clear, Iâm sure her experience was very distressing. I just didnât feel she had reflected on it in a way that deserved 200 pages. Throughout the first section of Doppelganger, I had one main question: if our culture werenât so highly individualistic, would Klein have even had anything to write about?
Around halfway, Klein pivots away from her reaction to her experience and attempts to connect doppelgangers as a whole to the struggles of various social justice movements. Based on her experience and a cast of cultural figures throughout history, Klein concludes that the existence of a doppelganger is a natural and guaranteed phenomenon for anything in existence, from people to social justice movements. As an example, she offers Christianityâs depictions of God and Satan, casting the devil as Godâs natural and guaranteed opposite. Itâs possible I didnât appreciate this book because I fundamentally disagree with this entire thesis. For those who donât have the psychology background that I do, this perspective smells a lot like an expansion of Freud's and Carl Jungâs ideas about the unconscious and shadow selves. While some practitioners still embrace these frameworks, many are shifting to more dimensional and somatic analyses that first reject this internal dichotomy and also embrace the body as the source of many of these âunconsciousâ feelings and drives. For those who are interested in these lines of thinking, I highly recommend Richard Schwartzâs book âNo Bad Parts: Healing Trauma & Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model.â
Beyond my disagreement with her main argument, the second half of the book also got problematic for me at times. Letâs talk about the anti-vax chapter: the anti-vax movement is a legitimate problem, and Klein offers some important critiques of it. She introduces us to these critiques through anecdotes about her son and some of the difficulties sheâs faced as the parent of an autistic child. This is an immediate nope for me. Therapy and safe, trusted relationships are the place for these conversations, not a book thatâs going to be made publicly available. Again, Iâm sure some of her experiences have been distressing, and she has every right to want to talk about that. But a public forum is not the right place, especially when her son has no say over or understanding of how his neurodivergence and neurodivergent experiences are depicted. As Klein even admits, she doesnât know how her son will feel about what she wrote when heâs old enough to read and understand it. That should have been enough to stop her from doing so.
As mentioned, the first section of Doppelganger is dedicated to explicating the distress experienced by Klein, a respected journalist and researcher, when she was confused with Wolf, someone whose ideas are not respected or based on valid research. So I was surprised when referring to her autistic son in the anti-vax chapter, Klein mixes up the terms âneurodivergentâ and âneurodiverse.â I was not aware of the proper use of these terms until recently, and there are many of you who I wouldnât expect to be either, as this clarification is only just now making its way into mainstream discussions.
But, as the journalist and academic she establishes herself to be in the first section and, more importantly, as the parent of an autistic child, I would have expected Klein to have done her research and determined that âneurodiverseâ is an adjective that can only be applied to a group of people. Her son cannot be described as a âneurodiverse kid,â as she describes him in her book, as he is only one individual, and you need a group of people to have diversity. Even then, no one in the group must be neurodivergent for it to classify as âneurodiverse.â Neurodiversity is a term that captures how no two brains function the same way. You could have a group of people whose brains all function ânormally,â according to sociocultural standards, and still use the term neurodiverse to describe it. The adjective to describe an individual who is not neurotypical is âneurodivergent.â Kleinâs son is a neurodivergent kid, not a neurodiverse one. And Klein should have known the difference.
At this point, Doppelganger probably wasnât going to recover for me. But you guys know that DNF-ing is not my brand, so I persisted. Klein goes on to cover some important social justice movements and the ways their work has been impaired by alt-right groups. I was never quite sure how these chapters and their analyses connected, nor did I think they supported Kleinâs thesis about doppelgangers. I also didnât feel like Klein added much to the conversations happening in these movements; if anything, she simply include a blurb from an activist who is contributing to the work happening within them. On top of all this, as we jumped from anti-vaxxers to Black Lives Matter to anti-semitism to pro-Palestine advocacy, I was shocked that movements for queer and trans justice did not appear in this wide breadth of topics. You know who the alt-right hates as much as Black and brown people? Queer and trans people. But somehow, this didnât occur to Klein, which felt very much to me like a cishet person who might think homophobia is over now.
Doppelganger highlighted a lot of bad things that are happening in our world right now. Beyond that, Iâm not sure what it had to offer. There are many more radical books out there dissecting how we got to where we are now and what we can do about moving forward toward a less harmful world. While I havenât read them myself, I appreciate that Kleinâs previous works have significantly contributed to anticapitalist theories and conversations. Yet, for me, this one didnât contribute anything to our advocacy movements and did add harm in some places. With the impression I have of Kleinâs former work, I canât help but feel that she didnât allow enough time for the trauma dust to settle. From very early on in this book, I felt that Klein was still too emotionally close to her doppelganger experience to write about it critically and reflectively. By the end of the book, I still felt that Doppelganger failed to offer any significant insights into the issues plaguing our society today, leaving me questioning what the point was.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism