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elwirax's reviews
479 reviews
The Lost Girls by Sonia Hartl
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
The premise was everything, a band of vampire exes teaming up to kill the vampire who turned them then stealing his new girlfriend. What more could you want? Unfortunately, in this case a bit more. I had such high hopes and was rather dissapointed. I also started this book in September 2021, it is now June 2022 sooo...just goes to show how much I was enjoying it.
The writing was simple enough, though very dialogue heavy which slowed down the pace of the book significantly and for an already short book it says a lot. I also couldn't gel with the fact that all the characters sounded practically the same, surely someone from the 1920s would not speak in the same manner as someone's from the 1980s. The characters as a whole were too contemporary and rather bland and I just didn't really care.
I was also not convinced by the romance at all, Parker and Holly had no chemistry and it was very insta-lovey. Had the book been longer and developed the relationship I may have enjoyed it more. Then again, I don't think I would have finished the book had it been any longer.
I also didn't think there were many stakes. The way the author created the vampires in her book meant that even the most severe injuries healed quickly (there was a scene where the main character's arm was torn off and it grew back in seconds). This added to the lack of anticipation and excitement as there was never really anything that made me fear for their well being.
One thing I did like was the author's more realistic portrayal of vampires. Living forever probably leaves you with many regrets and isn't as fun as it is usually portrayed. This was an aspect that was explored through all the characters and whatever was given of their backstories. I also kinda liked the heirloom idea but that's about as much as I cared for in this book.
Overall, I was underwhelmed. The premise was great but the execution lacked.
The writing was simple enough, though very dialogue heavy which slowed down the pace of the book significantly and for an already short book it says a lot. I also couldn't gel with the fact that all the characters sounded practically the same, surely someone from the 1920s would not speak in the same manner as someone's from the 1980s. The characters as a whole were too contemporary and rather bland and I just didn't really care.
I was also not convinced by the romance at all, Parker and Holly had no chemistry and it was very insta-lovey. Had the book been longer and developed the relationship I may have enjoyed it more. Then again, I don't think I would have finished the book had it been any longer.
I also didn't think there were many stakes. The way the author created the vampires in her book meant that even the most severe injuries healed quickly (there was a scene where the main character's arm was torn off and it grew back in seconds). This added to the lack of anticipation and excitement as there was never really anything that made me fear for their well being.
One thing I did like was the author's more realistic portrayal of vampires. Living forever probably leaves you with many regrets and isn't as fun as it is usually portrayed. This was an aspect that was explored through all the characters and whatever was given of their backstories. I also kinda liked the heirloom idea but that's about as much as I cared for in this book.
Overall, I was underwhelmed. The premise was great but the execution lacked.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Blood, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Sexual assault, Violence, and Abandonment
The Life of a Stupid Man by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa
Reading this novella was like reading a collaboration between authors like Poe and Whitman in terms of topics and themes discussed (death/life, regret and nature). Throughout, Akutagawa references many Western authors, suggesting he was fascinated by the ideas these authors presented, while also doing so in his own way. The Life of a Stupid Man had an interesting writing style, it often came across as stream of consciousness yet, read like poetry at times. I liked his use of creative non-fiction that added a sense of depth to these vignettes.
In a Bamboo Grove 3.5/5
An interesting exploration of human nature and the perception of reality. Through the correspondences, what is essentially a simple story gets twisted based on each characters perspective, it becomes difficult to discern who is lying and who isn't. In this story Akutagawa very much scorns/moralises society and people while also commenting on our hypocrisy as humans.
Death Register 3.5/5
An autobiographical account of the authors early life in which many of his closest relatives passed away. From this story it was clear that his mother wasn't a prominent figure in his life and wasted away in front of him. Akutagawa was scared of becoming mentally ill like his mum and this is very much evident in this section of the novella as well as in The Life of a Stupid Man.
The Life of a Stupid Man 4/5
Akutagawa condensed many details of his most important memories into a few lines. These 51 vignettes were full of self loathing, his hatred of society, the evils of capitalism and the loneliness of the intellectual. Given that this is one of the author's final pieces of work before he committed suicide it makes it that more heart breaking.
Overall this was a very interesting read. Easy to follow and offered insightful snapshots into the life of an artist and the struggle with mental illness. While it feels wrong to rate someone's difficult life story, I have done so objectively.
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
"At some point he had lost interest in life. ‘I do have the will to create, though.’
‘But surely the will to create is a form of the will to live … ?’"
"The higher he flew, the farther below him sank the joys and sorrows of a life bathed in the light of intellect."
Reading this novella was like reading a collaboration between authors like Poe and Whitman in terms of topics and themes discussed (death/life, regret and nature). Throughout, Akutagawa references many Western authors, suggesting he was fascinated by the ideas these authors presented, while also doing so in his own way. The Life of a Stupid Man had an interesting writing style, it often came across as stream of consciousness yet, read like poetry at times. I liked his use of creative non-fiction that added a sense of depth to these vignettes.
In a Bamboo Grove 3.5/5
An interesting exploration of human nature and the perception of reality. Through the correspondences, what is essentially a simple story gets twisted based on each characters perspective, it becomes difficult to discern who is lying and who isn't. In this story Akutagawa very much scorns/moralises society and people while also commenting on our hypocrisy as humans.
"When I kill a man, I do it with my sword, but people like you don’t use swords. You gentlemen kill with your power, with your money, and sometimes just with your words: you tell people you’re doing them a favor. True, no blood flows, the man is still alive, but you’ve killed him all the same. I don’t know whose sin is greater – yours or mine."
Death Register 3.5/5
An autobiographical account of the authors early life in which many of his closest relatives passed away. From this story it was clear that his mother wasn't a prominent figure in his life and wasted away in front of him. Akutagawa was scared of becoming mentally ill like his mum and this is very much evident in this section of the novella as well as in The Life of a Stupid Man.
The Life of a Stupid Man 4/5
Akutagawa condensed many details of his most important memories into a few lines. These 51 vignettes were full of self loathing, his hatred of society, the evils of capitalism and the loneliness of the intellectual. Given that this is one of the author's final pieces of work before he committed suicide it makes it that more heart breaking.
Overall this was a very interesting read. Easy to follow and offered insightful snapshots into the life of an artist and the struggle with mental illness. While it feels wrong to rate someone's difficult life story, I have done so objectively.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
Moderate: Death, Rape, and Death of parent
Minor: Blood and Murder
Flip the Script by Lyla Lee
Flip the Script was a heartfelt love letter to K-Dramas and Korean movies. It was also a hopeful story for queer Korean individuals who unfortunately do not get the media representation they deserve.
I loved all the supportive people in this book such as Hana's parents and her manager, Sophia.The overall message was really powerful and I admired Hana, Minjee and Bryan's bravery to stand up for themselves and fight back against a homophobic industry and society.
Thankfully the love triangle wasn't really a thing and instead we got a beautiful friendship between Hana, Minjee and Bryan. I loved their individual characters, Bryan really grew on me, Minjee was sweet and Hana was a great lead (thinking about her love for food while filming a romantic scene and then gagging at the idea of dating Bryan was hilarious). If anything I wish Minjee's character was a bit more developed and stood out a bit more in the story.
I though Hana and Minjee were dead cute but I don't think their relationship was as substantial as it could've been for me to be fully invested in their love (maybe because their friendship was established off page). That being said, I appreciated the LGBTQIA+ representation, in a conservative country such as Korea it's great seeing queer joy presented in a realistic manner. The ending was also just the cutest and most hopeful thing ever, as the author says "queer teens deserve happy endings".
Overall, a very sweet and heartwarming book that tackles some very important issues. It was cliché in the best way which made for a fast and entertaining read.
emotional
lighthearted
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? No
3.5
Rep- Korean-American Bi MC, Korean lesbian LI, Korean Pan Side Character, all Korean cast.
“So please, support your queer friends and family. And if you’re queer, love yourself. Please don’t subscribe to outdated values. Young people like you and me can make a difference. We need to stand up for what we think is right.”
Flip the Script was a heartfelt love letter to K-Dramas and Korean movies. It was also a hopeful story for queer Korean individuals who unfortunately do not get the media representation they deserve.
I loved all the supportive people in this book such as Hana's parents and her manager, Sophia.The overall message was really powerful and I admired Hana, Minjee and Bryan's bravery to stand up for themselves and fight back against a homophobic industry and society.
Thankfully the love triangle wasn't really a thing and instead we got a beautiful friendship between Hana, Minjee and Bryan. I loved their individual characters, Bryan really grew on me, Minjee was sweet and Hana was a great lead (thinking about her love for food while filming a romantic scene and then gagging at the idea of dating Bryan was hilarious). If anything I wish Minjee's character was a bit more developed and stood out a bit more in the story.
I though Hana and Minjee were dead cute but I don't think their relationship was as substantial as it could've been for me to be fully invested in their love (maybe because their friendship was established off page). That being said, I appreciated the LGBTQIA+ representation, in a conservative country such as Korea it's great seeing queer joy presented in a realistic manner. The ending was also just the cutest and most hopeful thing ever, as the author says "queer teens deserve happy endings".
Overall, a very sweet and heartwarming book that tackles some very important issues. It was cliché in the best way which made for a fast and entertaining read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Sexism and Xenophobia
This Way to the Sugar by Hieu Minh Nguyen
A raw look into childhood memories and how they haunt and damage long after they've been buried.
This poetry collection is filled with the hardships of racism, assimilation, sexual abuse and coming to terms with sexuality in a Vietnamese household. As the title of this collection may suggest, it's also about overcoming these hardship for your own peace of mind and changing them into something freeing (such as poetry in the author's case).TATER TOT HOTDISH and STUBBORN INERITANCE particularly stood out to me as they reflected my own experience as an immigrant and assimilation as well as my own relationship with my mother. The author really made me feel so much in so few words.
Poetry is meant to be related to so while I appreciated the honesty of the author and bravery to be so open and personal, I personally didn't relate to many of the poems. That being said, just because I didn't relate to them doesn't mean they weren’t good and won't have an impact on other people, such is the beauty of poetry.
Overall, I didn't necessarily enjoy many of these poems but they were very real and full of raw emotions, struggles and difficult themes. It's undoubtedly a great collection.
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
Something wicked has occupied me for years...until I woke up holding a pair of scissors and a fist clenching the parts of me that had already died, there’s no need to eradicate this vessel of shadows. Lightning won’t strike twice on a vandalized house.
I am told I’m supposed to hate you, since hate is the body that stays when love leaves, but by now that skin has a new name, and if the story of us begins in summer, then I’m the one who left.
I’ve been told that once you’ve been stabbed, it is better to leave the blade inside the body—removing the dagger will only open the wound further. Forgiveness will bleed you thin. If you ignore it, your skin could close around the metal.
A raw look into childhood memories and how they haunt and damage long after they've been buried.
This poetry collection is filled with the hardships of racism, assimilation, sexual abuse and coming to terms with sexuality in a Vietnamese household. As the title of this collection may suggest, it's also about overcoming these hardship for your own peace of mind and changing them into something freeing (such as poetry in the author's case).TATER TOT HOTDISH and STUBBORN INERITANCE particularly stood out to me as they reflected my own experience as an immigrant and assimilation as well as my own relationship with my mother. The author really made me feel so much in so few words.
Poetry is meant to be related to so while I appreciated the honesty of the author and bravery to be so open and personal, I personally didn't relate to many of the poems. That being said, just because I didn't relate to them doesn't mean they weren’t good and won't have an impact on other people, such is the beauty of poetry.
Overall, I didn't necessarily enjoy many of these poems but they were very real and full of raw emotions, struggles and difficult themes. It's undoubtedly a great collection.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Sexual assault
Minor: Homophobia
Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Rep- Bi MC, Black gay LI, mentions of a poly relationship, lesbian Side couple, hispanic side characters, Black side character
There were good conversations on mental illness particularly when you lead a seemingly privileged lifestyle, queerphobia in male sport, parental/ social pressures and how women are often overlooked in sports even if they're better than male counterparts. I think that the author did a good job of discussing these issues in depth and incorporating them in between lighter scenes.
I loved the friendship and family dynamics in Icebreaker the most, they felt real and well developed. I appreciated Mickey's strong bonds with his sisters and how supportive they were of each other. The author also used the friendships between Mickey and his team mates to comment on issues such as toxic masculinity and the stigmatisation of mental illness in male sport which I liked. Hockey takes up the vast majority of this book and as someone who doesn't know anything about the sport, I appreciate that it was done in a way that didn't confuse or bore me.
I can't say I was entirely convinced by the enemies to lovers trope and it wasn't as much of a slow burn as I expect from books with this trope but Mickey and Jaysen were sweet regardless. The writing wasn't bad per se but it did have many cliche lines which read rather young and sometimes made me cringe. However, it's good enough and for a debut I can't fault it too much.
In terms of the ending I think it was rather bitter sweet, I wanted a bit more since it came of as rushed and underdeveloped but I can't say I was too dissapointed. I like that at the end the author chose to focus on what mattered most to the Mickey which was self acceptance and his relations with the people he cared about.
Overall, i can't say this is a new favourite but it was a solid sports romance that dealt with many difficult issues quite well.
There were good conversations on mental illness particularly when you lead a seemingly privileged lifestyle, queerphobia in male sport, parental/ social pressures and how women are often overlooked in sports even if they're better than male counterparts. I think that the author did a good job of discussing these issues in depth and incorporating them in between lighter scenes.
I loved the friendship and family dynamics in Icebreaker the most, they felt real and well developed. I appreciated Mickey's strong bonds with his sisters and how supportive they were of each other. The author also used the friendships between Mickey and his team mates to comment on issues such as toxic masculinity and the stigmatisation of mental illness in male sport which I liked. Hockey takes up the vast majority of this book and as someone who doesn't know anything about the sport, I appreciate that it was done in a way that didn't confuse or bore me.
I can't say I was entirely convinced by the enemies to lovers trope and it wasn't as much of a slow burn as I expect from books with this trope but Mickey and Jaysen were sweet regardless. The writing wasn't bad per se but it did have many cliche lines which read rather young and sometimes made me cringe. However, it's good enough and for a debut I can't fault it too much.
In terms of the ending I think it was rather bitter sweet, I wanted a bit more since it came of as rushed and underdeveloped but I can't say I was too dissapointed. I like that at the end the author chose to focus on what mattered most to the Mickey which was self acceptance and his relations with the people he cared about.
Overall, i can't say this is a new favourite but it was a solid sports romance that dealt with many difficult issues quite well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Mental illness
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Sexual content, Vomit, and Abandonment
Soft Science by Franny Choi
I admit that reading this poetry collection made me feel quite silly. While I understood many of the themes presented (what it means to be human, do we have a fair moral code? The struggle of identity as an immigrant and as a queer individual, gender roles/ expectations), I really couldn't discern the deeper meanings enough for me to fully appreciate them.
However, the word choice and style of writing was beautiful and interesting. The disjointed structure of the writing such as in THE CYBORG WANTS TO MAKE SURE SHE HEARD YOU RIGHT resonated with me and was reminiscent of a time when I as an immigrant could barely string a coherent sentence. I also liked the poems "ON THE NIGHT OF THE ELECTION", "AFTERLIFE" and "INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM THEORY". While I didn't relate to this collection as much as I'd hoped, I really enjoyed the conversations on intersectionality and references to the 1950s Turing test.
I don't want to discount Soft Science without fully undertanding it, therefore, I will most likely re-read it some time in the future. For now it's a solid 3 stars.
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
“is there anything that works
that isn’t a machine for killing
or doomed to collapse or stolen
from the sweat of the hungry?"
I admit that reading this poetry collection made me feel quite silly. While I understood many of the themes presented (what it means to be human, do we have a fair moral code? The struggle of identity as an immigrant and as a queer individual, gender roles/ expectations), I really couldn't discern the deeper meanings enough for me to fully appreciate them.
However, the word choice and style of writing was beautiful and interesting. The disjointed structure of the writing such as in THE CYBORG WANTS TO MAKE SURE SHE HEARD YOU RIGHT resonated with me and was reminiscent of a time when I as an immigrant could barely string a coherent sentence. I also liked the poems "ON THE NIGHT OF THE ELECTION", "AFTERLIFE" and "INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM THEORY". While I didn't relate to this collection as much as I'd hoped, I really enjoyed the conversations on intersectionality and references to the 1950s Turing test.
I don't want to discount Soft Science without fully undertanding it, therefore, I will most likely re-read it some time in the future. For now it's a solid 3 stars.
Sofi and the Bone Song by Adrienne Tooley
This has been one of my most anticipated reads this year after really enjoying Tooley's Sweet & Bitter Magic last year, and I loved it equally as much.
Tooley has such an interesting way of weaving magic and atmosphere into her worlds it makes for a really immersive read. Her writing is beautiful and easy to get into (slightly repetitive in this book, though not glaringly so).
In terms of characters, Sofi herself wasn't always likeable but I understood why she felt the way she did. She had a difficult childhood where her true self was constantly repressed and punished and it took time to unlearn that what she had been taught was wrong.The road trip nature of this book was a great way to develop her character and relation with Lara who encouraged her to view her opinions on art and emotions in a different light. Lara's character wasn't as developed as I had hoped but she was passionate, hopeful and complemented Sofi's character well. Although the romance between these two wasn't convincing as an enemies to lovers nor was it a big aspect of the book, it was sweet nonetheless.
Another aspect of this book I really liked were the interludes of childhood memories, they allowed me to understand Sofi's character and her relationship with her father a lot more which in turn made me sympathise with her and her pursuit of perfection for the sake of art. The friendship and family aspects of this book were wonderful, though I wish at times they were a bit more developed as I loved the characters so much.
The ending is truly one of my favourites in a standalone. I was afraid that given all the ideas presented by Tooley it would not end in a satisfying way. However, the book wrapped everything up perfectly.
Many plot twists were predictable and very clear for the start and some aspects of worldbuilding were not expanded enough but in all fairness this didn't hinder how much I enjoyed the book.
Overall, an amazing queer, fantasy, standalone with many great messages, characters and an atmosphere that enthralled me completely. I will definitely read anything else Tooley comes out with.
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
Rep- lesbian MC, (most likely) Lesbian LI, Gay SC, mentions of non-binary characters.
"What was art if it did not come from hard work and devotion? If it was not tended to and grown in the careful pockets of one’s heart?"
"...you don’t have to hurt yourself to be worthy of pursuing your dream. You don’t have to deny pieces of yourself in order to be good. Your songs are never better than when you let yourself go."
This has been one of my most anticipated reads this year after really enjoying Tooley's Sweet & Bitter Magic last year, and I loved it equally as much.
Tooley has such an interesting way of weaving magic and atmosphere into her worlds it makes for a really immersive read. Her writing is beautiful and easy to get into (slightly repetitive in this book, though not glaringly so).
In terms of characters, Sofi herself wasn't always likeable but I understood why she felt the way she did. She had a difficult childhood where her true self was constantly repressed and punished and it took time to unlearn that what she had been taught was wrong.The road trip nature of this book was a great way to develop her character and relation with Lara who encouraged her to view her opinions on art and emotions in a different light. Lara's character wasn't as developed as I had hoped but she was passionate, hopeful and complemented Sofi's character well. Although the romance between these two wasn't convincing as an enemies to lovers nor was it a big aspect of the book, it was sweet nonetheless.
Another aspect of this book I really liked were the interludes of childhood memories, they allowed me to understand Sofi's character and her relationship with her father a lot more which in turn made me sympathise with her and her pursuit of perfection for the sake of art. The friendship and family aspects of this book were wonderful, though I wish at times they were a bit more developed as I loved the characters so much.
The ending is truly one of my favourites in a standalone. I was afraid that given all the ideas presented by Tooley it would not end in a satisfying way. However, the book wrapped everything up perfectly.
Many plot twists were predictable and very clear for the start and some aspects of worldbuilding were not expanded enough but in all fairness this didn't hinder how much I enjoyed the book.
Overall, an amazing queer, fantasy, standalone with many great messages, characters and an atmosphere that enthralled me completely. I will definitely read anything else Tooley comes out with.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Suicide and Death of parent
Loveless by Alice Oseman
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Rep- Aroace MC, Latina, Lesbian SC, Pan SC, Indian, Asexual, non-binary SC, mention of same sex parents.
I really wanted to enjoy this but was dissapointed. At its core, the message that platonic love can be just as rewarding as romantic love and that representation is important was great, the execution not so much. Not to mention this book was over 400 pages and practically nothing happened.
While I somewhat related to Georgia's aroace experience, I can't help but see that the other LGBTQIA+ representation in this book was not good. Sunil was a prominent non binary character (he/they) but no one ever referred to them as they/them which I found odd and strangely binary (why have them only addressed as he/him if he also uses they/them?). Rooney is pansexual and as it turns out she has frequent casual sex because she was in an abusive relationship and doesn't feel loved. While this may be the experience of some people it would've been good to see good representation for an identity that is already under represented in media.
I really didn't like Georgia's character at all ( I should've known when she accidently caused someone to set aflame and only cared about her jacket being ruined). She used people as a stepping stone and didn't seem to consider other people's feelings. Georgia was also very clearly sex repulsed which I relate to but the way in which she shamed other people for partaking in sex and invalidating their sexuality really didn't sit right with me. I can't imagine shaming people for enjoying sex and while I understand she was realising that she doesn't fit into certain societal expectations it should've been handled better.
In this book there were 3 people who identified as asexual and 2 of them had pretty similar experiences which I feel was a missed opportunity in showcasing the spectrum of asexuality. It would've been a good opportunity to introduce a character who was more sex positive than Georgia or indifferent for those asexuals who also feel that way.
Overall, I think my expectations were too high, maybe I was desperately needing to be seen and represented but this was not the book for me which is a shame. On with my hunt for my perfect ace rep book.
I really wanted to enjoy this but was dissapointed. At its core, the message that platonic love can be just as rewarding as romantic love and that representation is important was great, the execution not so much. Not to mention this book was over 400 pages and practically nothing happened.
While I somewhat related to Georgia's aroace experience, I can't help but see that the other LGBTQIA+ representation in this book was not good. Sunil was a prominent non binary character (he/they) but no one ever referred to them as they/them which I found odd and strangely binary (why have them only addressed as he/him if he also uses they/them?). Rooney is pansexual and as it turns out she has frequent casual sex because she was in an abusive relationship and doesn't feel loved. While this may be the experience of some people it would've been good to see good representation for an identity that is already under represented in media.
I really didn't like Georgia's character at all ( I should've known when she accidently caused someone to set aflame and only cared about her jacket being ruined). She used people as a stepping stone and didn't seem to consider other people's feelings. Georgia was also very clearly sex repulsed which I relate to but the way in which she shamed other people for partaking in sex and invalidating their sexuality really didn't sit right with me. I can't imagine shaming people for enjoying sex and while I understand she was realising that she doesn't fit into certain societal expectations it should've been handled better.
In this book there were 3 people who identified as asexual and 2 of them had pretty similar experiences which I feel was a missed opportunity in showcasing the spectrum of asexuality. It would've been a good opportunity to introduce a character who was more sex positive than Georgia or indifferent for those asexuals who also feel that way.
Overall, I think my expectations were too high, maybe I was desperately needing to be seen and represented but this was not the book for me which is a shame. On with my hunt for my perfect ace rep book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Sexual content and Toxic friendship
Minor: Emotional abuse
A Million Quiet Revolutions by Robin Gow
A Million Quiet Revolutions was a great exploration of identity, love and rewriting queer people back into history. It was very touching to see Aaron and Oliver find and accept themselves and I love that this novel ended happily (it is all too often that queer and trans stories end in tragedy). There were many poetic and beautiful lines throughout. While the format didn't always work for me in terms of strong characterisation, it did enough to illustrate authentic characters and struggles. I enjoyed the main themes of identity, family bonds, religious hypocrisy and reclaiming history that worked together to really bring the story to life. There was also a further reading list at the end which I found to be a great addition on where to continue learning about trans and queer history.
There were some questionable choices that didn't really work for me such as having sex in a cemetery and the obsession/ romanticisation of war. Admittedly, the re-enactment weren't really my thing either. I understand the importance and symbolic meanings of these things in the novel and appreciate what was trying to be communicated but the execution wasn't my thing.
Overall, this was undoubtedly an important book particularly for trans and gender non conforming folk who get to see themselves represented. The war plot itself didn't really work for me but the representation and strong themes were great.
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Rep- trans, queer and hispanic MC, trans queer and Jewish MC, mentions of non-binary character, mention of lesbian couple, Black side character.
"I see your old name like a moth, dusty-winged and glowing. The name escapes out the open window and into the soupy August night, into forever."
A Million Quiet Revolutions was a great exploration of identity, love and rewriting queer people back into history. It was very touching to see Aaron and Oliver find and accept themselves and I love that this novel ended happily (it is all too often that queer and trans stories end in tragedy). There were many poetic and beautiful lines throughout. While the format didn't always work for me in terms of strong characterisation, it did enough to illustrate authentic characters and struggles. I enjoyed the main themes of identity, family bonds, religious hypocrisy and reclaiming history that worked together to really bring the story to life. There was also a further reading list at the end which I found to be a great addition on where to continue learning about trans and queer history.
There were some questionable choices that didn't really work for me such as having sex in a cemetery and the obsession/ romanticisation of war. Admittedly, the re-enactment weren't really my thing either. I understand the importance and symbolic meanings of these things in the novel and appreciate what was trying to be communicated but the execution wasn't my thing.
Overall, this was undoubtedly an important book particularly for trans and gender non conforming folk who get to see themselves represented. The war plot itself didn't really work for me but the representation and strong themes were great.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming and Transphobia
Moderate: Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, and War
Minor: Sexual content
Message Not Found by Dante Medema
This book was set out to be a heartbreaking look into grief, what happens when we don't get to say a final goodbye, the secrets they never told us and the things we'd do to keep them forever. While it was all of these things, it wasn't what I was expecting or hoping for.
I liked that it was written in mix media with texts and chats and I very much appreciated the short chapters which made this seem faster to get through. The beginning was written in the moment but with interludes of past tense/ hindsight, it was straight to the point and didn't drag on what happened. I liked the LGBTQ+ rep with Bailey having two mums, it's not a family dynamic I see often in YA so I thought was a great inclusion.
However, that's about as much as I liked of the book.The mystery aspect was intriguing but wrapped up in a cliche and dissapointing way. I can't say I liked any of the characters at all (except Esther, she was a sweetheart). I hated every decision they made, I know they were teenagers and teenagers make mistakes but by the end I really didn't care for them.
Overall, Message not Found didn't really work out for me. The themes of grief and moving on were great but the overall plot and execution weren't for me.
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Still, I can’t stop looking at this picture of our toes in the sand and wondering why the ocean heard my wish and sent hers out to sea.
Bailey: But mostly, I hope you’re happy too. Really happy. Like we all deserve to be. I love you, you asshole.
Error: MESSAGE NOT FOUND.
This book was set out to be a heartbreaking look into grief, what happens when we don't get to say a final goodbye, the secrets they never told us and the things we'd do to keep them forever. While it was all of these things, it wasn't what I was expecting or hoping for.
I liked that it was written in mix media with texts and chats and I very much appreciated the short chapters which made this seem faster to get through. The beginning was written in the moment but with interludes of past tense/ hindsight, it was straight to the point and didn't drag on what happened. I liked the LGBTQ+ rep with Bailey having two mums, it's not a family dynamic I see often in YA so I thought was a great inclusion.
However, that's about as much as I liked of the book.The mystery aspect was intriguing but wrapped up in a cliche and dissapointing way. I can't say I liked any of the characters at all (except Esther, she was a sweetheart). I hated every decision they made, I know they were teenagers and teenagers make mistakes but by the end I really didn't care for them.
Overall, Message not Found didn't really work out for me. The themes of grief and moving on were great but the overall plot and execution weren't for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Grief, and Car accident
Moderate: Gaslighting
Minor: Sexual content