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anniefwrites's reviews
394 reviews
Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
I think it’s important for this book to exist in the world—it makes even more space for the multiplicity of experiences that people have with gender and sexuality. I have mixed feelings about the reading experience itself, but I think that’s just personal preference. I’m also unsure about the gynecologist scenes. I think it’s important for Kobabe to own eir experience, but at the same time horror stories like these kept me away from the OB-GYN for years, and knowing young people will read this, that concerns me a bit. . But all in all, glad I read this, both in honor of pride month, and also to be aware of the content in the most banned book in the US right now.
The Sister Split by Auriane Desombre
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
So, so proud of my former classmate Auriane for her amazing middle grade debut! Autumn and Linnea are such real characters, and she handles their emotions and struggles with depth and care. Autumn’s journey toward accepting her new life—and herself—is so heartwarming. Looking forward to more kid lit from Auriane!!
Rise Up!: Broadway and American Society from 'angels in America' to 'hamilton' by Chris Jones
informative
medium-paced
I learned so much from this book! As a self-proclaimed theater nerd, I am surprised by how much I didn’t know about the goings on of Broadway in this particular era. It was really interesting to see how Broadway both reacted to and shaped what was going on in American culture surrounding its plays and musicals. My only complaint is that I found the strategy of tying *every* chapter to Hamilton a bit heavy-handed—of course that’s in the title and the cover, but I think if we view all of theater as leading up to the creation of Hamilton, that can be limiting and restrictive for what’s come, and is coming, after. But all in all, I found this book really fascinating, and I’m looking forward to reading more nonfiction about Broadway.
Somebody's Daughter: A Memoir by Ashley C. Ford
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Ashley C. Ford is so vulnerable in the way she explores her relationships with her flawed parents and family members. There were some parts that were really dark and hard to get through, but ultimately it lands on a hopeful note. She tackles her most intimate desires—love, belonging, goodness—in an accessible and moving way. Ford has been through a great deal of trauma, but I’m so glad she’s able to share her story.
Fiona and Jane by Jean Chen Ho
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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? Yes
I really enjoyed this. I loved following Fiona and Jane’s friendship throughout time and space—I don’t think I’ve ever read a collection of interconnected stories before. Their closeness reminded me of the sisters in Mary H.K. Choi’s Yolk, which I also loved. I will say that the anti-fatness threaded throughout rubbed me the wrong way and I thought the ending was a bit corny and overdone; this book felt so original to me, except those last couple pages. I feel like Jean Chen Ho really took advantage of the richness of friendship in this book, and I hope that more authors do the same.
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Overall, this was a really fun read. It had its emotional ups and downs, but I do love a YA happy ending. I think it was a bit slow for a while and didn’t pick up until the last third or so of the book. I also think it skews a bit younger, just based on the language, though the emotions are complex. But it was fun reading a book set at Catholic school, which as a former Catholic school kid, I’ve almost never seen represented.
It's Lonely At The Centre Of The Earth by Zoe Thorogood
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Woof. This was a really intimate look into the mind of someone struggling with suicidal ideation. I really liked how Thorogood used different art styles to represent different parts of herself and thought a lot of her narrative choices were really clever. I can typically handle heavy subject matter, but this was a bit intense for me.
Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion by Jia Tolentino
challenging
funny
reflective
medium-paced
I really enjoyed this! Jia Tolentino has a strong and bold voice—one that is at once uber-confident and self-aware of flaws. For the vast majority of the essays, I felt like my brain was expanding, taking in a very intelligent person’s thoughts on internet, culture, and more. On occasion, I got a little lost about what argument was being made, but rarely. She challenges conventional liberal thinking in a way that can be frustrating but useful, and eases that frustration with admissions of her own complicity and imperfection. I’d definitely read more from her.
Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
There is truly nothing like sinking into a Nina LaCour novel—losing track of time in the impeccable details, the slow-moving world, the moments of complete devastation and immense joy. I loved this book.
If They Come for Us: Poems by Fatimah Asghar
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
A really excellent collection that tackles generational trauma, family, girlhood, and identity. This is exactly the kind of poetry I like—accessible yet with deep layers of subtext if you look closer.