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miistical's reviews
33 reviews
Wow, No Thank You. by Samantha Irby
If I hadn't skipped to the end, I would not have finished this book. I almost DNF'd around page 100, but forced myself through as much as I could. Granted, that wasn't much considering the amount I barely even skimmed, but I got to the end. All I can say is: cringe.
Since I am 100% not the target demographic for Irby, I'm not going to ding her on the content too harshly. Like she states (over and over and over and over), she's 40 and doesn't understand The Youths. As a certified Youth™, discussions about her career, her relationship as a wife and stepmom, and her health are pretty foreign topics. However, her formatting and voice are things I can complain about.
At the beginning, I clicked with her tone and blase attitude, but it went downhill from there. Some of the chapters were way too repetitive, the chapters that weren't had very erratic and confusing transitions between paragraphs, and every essay seemed like she put little to no effort into editing it. The way she speaks ages her immediately with some of the most millennial-type writing I've ever read. Everything felt too crass and not at all as vulnerable or really honest as I thought it would be nor as funny as I was expecting. Her choices, in life and in writing, befuddle me and if one of my own friends were like this, I'd try to slap some sense into her. This all really just felt like I was listening to my older sister—and that is not a compliment.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
2.0
This season on Americana Horror Story.
If I hadn't skipped to the end, I would not have finished this book. I almost DNF'd around page 100, but forced myself through as much as I could. Granted, that wasn't much considering the amount I barely even skimmed, but I got to the end. All I can say is: cringe.
Since I am 100% not the target demographic for Irby, I'm not going to ding her on the content too harshly. Like she states (over and over and over and over), she's 40 and doesn't understand The Youths. As a certified Youth™, discussions about her career, her relationship as a wife and stepmom, and her health are pretty foreign topics. However, her formatting and voice are things I can complain about.
At the beginning, I clicked with her tone and blase attitude, but it went downhill from there. Some of the chapters were way too repetitive, the chapters that weren't had very erratic and confusing transitions between paragraphs, and every essay seemed like she put little to no effort into editing it. The way she speaks ages her immediately with some of the most millennial-type writing I've ever read. Everything felt too crass and not at all as vulnerable or really honest as I thought it would be nor as funny as I was expecting. Her choices, in life and in writing, befuddle me and if one of my own friends were like this, I'd try to slap some sense into her. This all really just felt like I was listening to my older sister—and that is not a compliment.
The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore
"The Radium Girls" is one of the most captivating novels (nonfiction and fiction) that I have ever read. While the first third - Knowledge - dragged on a bit, I devoured the next 300 pages in a 6 hour single sitting. Vindication and righteousness boiled in my blood; it was like a predator was searching for prey, hoping that the next page would spell out a slip for me to latch onto with my teeth.
I am not normally a fan of nonfiction, but Kate Moore's sympathetic and detailed language was perfect for envisioning each tragedy and justice the Radium Girls went through. On occasion, it did seem a bit too detailed—there are many descriptions of the face, body type, and personality of every person mentioned. However, it dawned on me that these were very much real people, not just names with a D next to them. That clear visual of these women and those who helped them reminded me that these were people who deserved to be seen, not just as letters on a page.
By the end, it did truly feel as if I were there with these poor women. I watched the court proceedings, sat in Catherine Donahue's living room, roamed Ottawa and Orange and New York. I despaired and cheered and, quite literally!, cried with them. This book is a monument to injustice in all its forms, and I highly encourage everyone to read it so that they may truly know hopelessness—and to hope anyway.
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.75
For too long the women had waited for the truth. The scales, at last, were tipping against the company. The girls had been given a death sentence; yet they had also been given the tools to fight their cause—to fight for justice.
The diagnosis, Katherine Schaub now said, "gave me hope."
"The Radium Girls" is one of the most captivating novels (nonfiction and fiction) that I have ever read. While the first third - Knowledge - dragged on a bit, I devoured the next 300 pages in a 6 hour single sitting. Vindication and righteousness boiled in my blood; it was like a predator was searching for prey, hoping that the next page would spell out a slip for me to latch onto with my teeth.
I am not normally a fan of nonfiction, but Kate Moore's sympathetic and detailed language was perfect for envisioning each tragedy and justice the Radium Girls went through. On occasion, it did seem a bit too detailed—there are many descriptions of the face, body type, and personality of every person mentioned. However, it dawned on me that these were very much real people, not just names with a D next to them. That clear visual of these women and those who helped them reminded me that these were people who deserved to be seen, not just as letters on a page.
By the end, it did truly feel as if I were there with these poor women. I watched the court proceedings, sat in Catherine Donahue's living room, roamed Ottawa and Orange and New York. I despaired and cheered and, quite literally!, cried with them. This book is a monument to injustice in all its forms, and I highly encourage everyone to read it so that they may truly know hopelessness—and to hope anyway.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Chronic illness, Death, Infertility, Miscarriage, Terminal illness, Blood, Medical content, and Grief
Classmates Vol. 3: Sotsu gyo sei (Spring) by Asumiko Nakamura
Spring had a strong start and didn't falter the entire time. The art is just as expressive as always, all of the characters feel like real people, and even the conflict of this volume felt realistic. The sweet parts were candy and the bitter parts ached just hard enough and long enough that I could only continue to read.
Kusakabe and Sajo are so obviously in love with each other that it makes me want to kick my feet like I'm 13 again. Even if they don't say it right (or at all), each boy is so conscious of each other and what they want out of life. Kusakabe can't stand to be apart from Sajo at all, but he also so desperately wants him to succeed in his university exams in a prefecture 14 hours away. Sajo similarly wants Kusakabe nearby, but he had already accepted that he needs a bit more freedom to get the future he wants. They're both so alike, but the way they see the world and their place in it is so different that the meeting of the both of them makes sparks fly.
Also, and I can't believe I'm saying it, I kind of feel bad for Harasen. He's so lonely and detached from the world that his attraction to Sajo is less about him and more about reclaiming the time he's lost from his own teenage years. As an adult, I understand that need - that attraction to something you once had. I really do think Harasen sees his own teacher when he looks at Sajo sometimes.
At the end of it all, though, their declaration to get married, finally saying that they love each other, having sex in their old classroom, their relief representing in Sajo crying in the last page—it's all very heartwarming. I can't wait to get whatever else Nakamura has in store for these two.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The season we first met. The season you were there. The season we were classmates.
Spring had a strong start and didn't falter the entire time. The art is just as expressive as always, all of the characters feel like real people, and even the conflict of this volume felt realistic. The sweet parts were candy and the bitter parts ached just hard enough and long enough that I could only continue to read.
Kusakabe and Sajo are so obviously in love with each other that it makes me want to kick my feet like I'm 13 again. Even if they don't say it right (or at all), each boy is so conscious of each other and what they want out of life. Kusakabe can't stand to be apart from Sajo at all, but he also so desperately wants him to succeed in his university exams in a prefecture 14 hours away. Sajo similarly wants Kusakabe nearby, but he had already accepted that he needs a bit more freedom to get the future he wants. They're both so alike, but the way they see the world and their place in it is so different that the meeting of the both of them makes sparks fly.
Also, and I can't believe I'm saying it, I kind of feel bad for Harasen. He's so lonely and detached from the world that his attraction to Sajo is less about him and more about reclaiming the time he's lost from his own teenage years. As an adult, I understand that need - that attraction to something you once had. I really do think Harasen sees his own teacher when he looks at Sajo sometimes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
Classmates Vol. 2: Sotsu gyo sei (Winter) by Asumiko Nakamura
No matter your opinion on its contents, "Classmates" can create emotional interest in a way few romance manga can. This is something the first volume does well, but Winter takes it up a notch. The reactions between Sajo and Kusekabe are - not relatable, per se, but very sincere. The art style helps with this feeling; the body proportions might set you off, but the facial expressions are wonderful.
Hara-sensei makes a greater appearance in this volume. His story line is pretty weak outside of his genre, but works well for what it is. He is emulating the behavior he had once experienced as a high schooler. And while it is very funny to read about him and Kusekabe having a dick-measuring contest (the translator who wrote "Pervy Hara-sensei! More like Hara-ssment!" is the funniest person alive), Sajo certainly isn't backing off when he should. It really is only after Harasen directly asks Sajo about his feelings that anything feels resolved.
(Also, I have no idea why so many people are commenting on the teachers being pedophiles? One other teacher makes a sympathetic comment to Harasen that he had a similar interest in a student, which only maybe became something when she had grown up. That's it.)
The second name of the game here is emotional availability. Not only does Sajo finally express his frustration of Kusekabe not telling him anything about his life, he makes the first move! For Kusekabe, he seems to be slipping out of the mindset that he always has to be cool for Sajo, especially when he talks about his jealousy and how he just wants to be there for Sajo. I can't wait to see what they do next.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
"And you need to give me half of you."
"I could give you all of me, though."
"Nah, that's fine. Just save half for me."
No matter your opinion on its contents, "Classmates" can create emotional interest in a way few romance manga can. This is something the first volume does well, but Winter takes it up a notch. The reactions between Sajo and Kusekabe are - not relatable, per se, but very sincere. The art style helps with this feeling; the body proportions might set you off, but the facial expressions are wonderful.
Hara-sensei makes a greater appearance in this volume. His story line is pretty weak outside of his genre, but works well for what it is. He is emulating the behavior he had once experienced as a high schooler. And while it is very funny to read about him and Kusekabe having a dick-measuring contest (the translator who wrote "Pervy Hara-sensei! More like Hara-ssment!" is the funniest person alive), Sajo certainly isn't backing off when he should. It really is only after Harasen directly asks Sajo about his feelings that anything feels resolved.
(Also, I have no idea why so many people are commenting on the teachers being pedophiles? One other teacher makes a sympathetic comment to Harasen that he had a similar interest in a student, which only maybe became something when she had grown up. That's it.)
The second name of the game here is emotional availability. Not only does Sajo finally express his frustration of Kusekabe not telling him anything about his life, he makes the first move! For Kusekabe, he seems to be slipping out of the mindset that he always has to be cool for Sajo, especially when he talks about his jealousy and how he just wants to be there for Sajo. I can't wait to see what they do next.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Cancer
Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death by Yoel Hoffmann
I was not expecting such a thorough introduction to the concepts behind haiku. While it was great contextual and cultural knowledge, I do not feel as if Yoel Hoffmann used the space he was given to its greatest potential. His language is beautiful, but dry and dragging in certain places. I can appreciate his knowledge, but the execution of it was lacking. However, this does not extend to the annotations of the actual poetry.
If you have an interest in haiku or Japanese literature in general, then the poems themselves are a wonderful read. For an English-speaking reader, Hoffmann's additional information only heightened my enjoyment of the poetry. This isn't only about certain symbols or events non-Japanese people wouldn't know, but the stories behind the poems themselves. I might have really liked the wording of a haiku, but knowing what was happening in the author's life enhanced the experience.
Hoffmann was also smart in his separation of the monks from actual poets (though, of course, these two circles often overlapped). An untrained eye might not recognize the difference between the poems, but it is there nonetheless. Seeing the difference in how each group accepted their death, no matter circumstance or age, gave me new interest in a largely ignored art in Western countries.
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
And anyone who has seen a Japanese stand silently for a good hour to view the blossoming cherries in spring and the reddening maples in fall, or to gaze at the full moon in the autumn sky, knows that this is no mere gesture of aesthetic appreciation, but an act of worship.
I was not expecting such a thorough introduction to the concepts behind haiku. While it was great contextual and cultural knowledge, I do not feel as if Yoel Hoffmann used the space he was given to its greatest potential. His language is beautiful, but dry and dragging in certain places. I can appreciate his knowledge, but the execution of it was lacking. However, this does not extend to the annotations of the actual poetry.
If you have an interest in haiku or Japanese literature in general, then the poems themselves are a wonderful read. For an English-speaking reader, Hoffmann's additional information only heightened my enjoyment of the poetry. This isn't only about certain symbols or events non-Japanese people wouldn't know, but the stories behind the poems themselves. I might have really liked the wording of a haiku, but knowing what was happening in the author's life enhanced the experience.
Hoffmann was also smart in his separation of the monks from actual poets (though, of course, these two circles often overlapped). An untrained eye might not recognize the difference between the poems, but it is there nonetheless. Seeing the difference in how each group accepted their death, no matter circumstance or age, gave me new interest in a largely ignored art in Western countries.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Suicide, and Murder
Warmth: Coming of Age at the End of Our World by Daniel Sherrell
I have never felt more personally victimized by a novel. I had picked this up because of its cover and then proceeded to never put it down. The very first sentence had me gasping and that feeling continued the entire way through.
There is something almost cathartic about Warmth. The author is close in age, so his language as he describes his feelings and experiences are like listening to a friend. This novel is so personal. While there are (frankly terrifying) statistics and true journalism, it reads more like a memoir; Daniel Sherrell is sharing his view of the climate crisis with all of his complex feelings. By referring to the reader as his future child to his personal anecdotes to calling the crisis The Problem all feel like he's trying to reach out to us, to get us to sit with him and really understand what he's saying.
While some of these parts might be off-putting to some, I found them relatable. "Global warming" and "climate change" have become political buzz words—what do they mean any more? Certainly not what they were suppose to when first coined. The same with Sherrell's recounting of all the weird things he has done to reduce this ever-present stress of The Problem (considering he's a climate change activist/organizer, I get it). And framing the novel as a long letter to a child he may or may not have? Well, I get the sentiment. Who would want to bring a child into this? But when you do want a child, how can you not give them the opportunity to be loved? Is that selfish?
Sherrell doesn't really answer any of these questions, but who can? But he talks about them, which is far more than most people can bring themselves to do. He's really in the thick of it when it comes to the climate disaster we have found ourselves in, in all of its optimism and hopelessness, and I'm so grateful he wrote about it.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
"...But most importantly tell them we don't want to leave / We've never wanted to leave"
I have never felt more personally victimized by a novel. I had picked this up because of its cover and then proceeded to never put it down. The very first sentence had me gasping and that feeling continued the entire way through.
There is something almost cathartic about Warmth. The author is close in age, so his language as he describes his feelings and experiences are like listening to a friend. This novel is so personal. While there are (frankly terrifying) statistics and true journalism, it reads more like a memoir; Daniel Sherrell is sharing his view of the climate crisis with all of his complex feelings. By referring to the reader as his future child to his personal anecdotes to calling the crisis The Problem all feel like he's trying to reach out to us, to get us to sit with him and really understand what he's saying.
While some of these parts might be off-putting to some, I found them relatable. "Global warming" and "climate change" have become political buzz words—what do they mean any more? Certainly not what they were suppose to when first coined. The same with Sherrell's recounting of all the weird things he has done to reduce this ever-present stress of The Problem (considering he's a climate change activist/organizer, I get it). And framing the novel as a long letter to a child he may or may not have? Well, I get the sentiment. Who would want to bring a child into this? But when you do want a child, how can you not give them the opportunity to be loved? Is that selfish?
Sherrell doesn't really answer any of these questions, but who can? But he talks about them, which is far more than most people can bring themselves to do. He's really in the thick of it when it comes to the climate disaster we have found ourselves in, in all of its optimism and hopelessness, and I'm so grateful he wrote about it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
For all that this is a retelling of Jennette McCurdy's actual life, the book itself almost imposes a fictional recreation rather than the truth. This isn't to say the events are hyperbolic or the language is abstract, but rather the opposite.
Her story is told chronologically. The narration fits in as if the events are happening - everything is present instead of the past, as if they are still continuing past her mother's death. Like this, the vulnerability and frank discussion of the abuse Jennette went through made me want to step back. Jennette felt comfortable or maybe even empowered talking about her childhood, but, as a reader, I needed this wall between us. Treating it like fiction as i read these horrible events made it easier to swallow.
So, I stopped separating me from her and tried again.
When Jennette is so earnestly letting down her guard, it is only respectful to let down your own. This actually happened, every bad and food bit. If you can be just as open as Jennette was writing this, this is one of the easiest memoirs I could ever recommend.
Her story is told chronologically. The narration fits in as if the events are happening - everything is present instead of the past, as if they are still continuing past her mother's death. Like this, the vulnerability and frank discussion of the abuse Jennette went through made me want to step back. Jennette felt comfortable or maybe even empowered talking about her childhood, but, as a reader, I needed this wall between us. Treating it like fiction as i read these horrible events made it easier to swallow.
So, I stopped separating me from her and tried again.
When Jennette is so earnestly letting down her guard, it is only respectful to let down your own. This actually happened, every bad and food bit. If you can be just as open as Jennette was writing this, this is one of the easiest memoirs I could ever recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Cancer, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Classmates Vol. 1: Dou kyu sei by Asumiko Nakamura
Nakamura described the making of "Classmates" as something cliched and hackneyed—she called it "the f of fundamentals and the b of basics" for the BL genre. Well, she pulled it off perfectly. The main characters are very simple, but not in a stereotypical way. They're charming in their simplicity; this then makes their eccentricities, like Sajo's studious yet flustered nature or Kusekabe's flamboyance that masks his insecurities, stand out even more.
The pacing is very quick (this first volume covers an entire year!), but if you're paying attention you can catch it. Still, it does hurt the story since it just makes me want even more of our couple. I audibly squealed over certain pages and damn near cooed at the end. They're just so cute and sweet and I wanted more from their relationship. Maybe that's good marketing, though, since I immediately got the next volume. I think the art helps this feeling as well. It's not for everyone as it's very fluid and stark at the same time, but I love the way it flows from page to page.
It is hard to talk about this series without mentioning the 35-year old elephant in the room. Other readers might ding the entire story over the very heavily implied student-teacher relationship, but I've read too much BL for it to be the biggest negative ever. The author nor the characters treat it as dubious consent, but it is a man in a position of authority trying to kiss a 17 year old. It's skeevy, obviously, but it's 2008 BL - there is far, far worse.
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
"You're finally kissing me."
"Huh?"
"So, like... I've wanted to kiss you ever since the train."
Nakamura described the making of "Classmates" as something cliched and hackneyed—she called it "the f of fundamentals and the b of basics" for the BL genre. Well, she pulled it off perfectly. The main characters are very simple, but not in a stereotypical way. They're charming in their simplicity; this then makes their eccentricities, like Sajo's studious yet flustered nature or Kusekabe's flamboyance that masks his insecurities, stand out even more.
The pacing is very quick (this first volume covers an entire year!), but if you're paying attention you can catch it. Still, it does hurt the story since it just makes me want even more of our couple. I audibly squealed over certain pages and damn near cooed at the end. They're just so cute and sweet and I wanted more from their relationship. Maybe that's good marketing, though, since I immediately got the next volume. I think the art helps this feeling as well. It's not for everyone as it's very fluid and stark at the same time, but I love the way it flows from page to page.
It is hard to talk about this series without mentioning the 35-year old elephant in the room. Other readers might ding the entire story over the very heavily implied student-teacher relationship, but I've read too much BL for it to be the biggest negative ever. The author nor the characters treat it as dubious consent, but it is a man in a position of authority trying to kiss a 17 year old. It's skeevy, obviously, but it's 2008 BL - there is far, far worse.
Content Warnings
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
This Language, a River: A History of English by Susan M. Kim, K. Aaron Smith
challenging
informative
slow-paced
5.0
This book answered basically every question I had on the formation of the English language. Was it interesting, educational, and highly informative? Yes! Should you read this casually? LMAO WHAT? NO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
Though I've given this 5 stars, I have a massive gripe with how long some of these chapters are. The length does make it kind of hard to keep reading since at some point you start to wonder how long it will be before you're free. However, this is definitely influenced by the fact I read this book for my HEL class, so take that as you will.
Though I've given this 5 stars, I have a massive gripe with how long some of these chapters are. The length does make it kind of hard to keep reading since at some point you start to wonder how long it will be before you're free. However, this is definitely influenced by the fact I read this book for my HEL class, so take that as you will.
Is Love the Answer? by Uta Isaki
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
As an asexual and aromantic person, there is all too much and yet nothing at all that I relate to in this story. Fortunately, I was never too hung up on my sexuality. When I was younger, I already knew the term, what it was, and that it applied to me. However, I am very much an outlier.
Reading this gave the same feeling as listening to the personal journey of other ace people. There is so much confusion and guilt and shame—how can you ever find love or friendship or even feel like a normal person when you're missing such a crucial part of being alive? But sexual and romantic attraction isn't what makes us human.
The supporting cast proves this, too. There are tons of different kinds of ace representation. We see relationships differently and I'm glad that was also taken into consideration. This does make it feel a bit educational, but if this gets allosexual people to understand asexuality better, then I'm happy to let it go.
Seeing Chika go through all of this realize that it's okay felt sweet. That's really what this story is: it's so, so sweet.
Reading this gave the same feeling as listening to the personal journey of other ace people. There is so much confusion and guilt and shame—how can you ever find love or friendship or even feel like a normal person when you're missing such a crucial part of being alive? But sexual and romantic attraction isn't what makes us human.
The supporting cast proves this, too. There are tons of different kinds of ace representation. We see relationships differently and I'm glad that was also taken into consideration. This does make it feel a bit educational, but if this gets allosexual people to understand asexuality better, then I'm happy to let it go.
Seeing Chika go through all of this realize that it's okay felt sweet. That's really what this story is: it's so, so sweet.