lavenderluvsbooks's reviews
426 reviews

Songs of Irie by Asha Ashanti Bromfield

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challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

This book is like the color purple but jamaican. I really enjoyed it and made a playlist but it still didn't truly have a happy ending because she didn't love romantically or sexually anyone else and tell anyone. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5S4rtHBWipf1VxtOt6l4Mh?si=0-sKbfZIQ12dDDcNSju5RA&pi=dRjYL9HsQ_mpB
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Just Playing House by Farah Heron

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad 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

This book came at a great time when my depression is at its strongest. I feel so much right now. I was diagnosed with pcos, mdd, anxiety, & struggling with my eating disorder all around the same year. It is a never ending battle. I have always been emotional. Without books,therapy, group therapy, & the few relationships I've been able to maintain I would not be here. I see myself reflected in many of the characters. I don't know if I will ever be able to or capable of being in a fulfilling romantic relationship, married, have children, or be happy. I am always working hard to not be a burden. I know not everyone understands or can handle issues of the mind and heart. I eternally wish for someone to love me and see me. To stay even with all my struggles as I do for everyone else. I've been better but need things to improve in certain aspects. I deserve to be happy. I look upon ganesh to overcome obstacles again & again. Thank you for this wonderful book I binged farah.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

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challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad 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? Yes

4.75

We have come so far but have farther to go in life & in the queer community too. This book made me so sad and happy at the same time. I hate that so many experienced and to a certain extent still experience this trauma. 
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

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challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective 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

5.0

This book had me tearing up and I will probably cry about it later in private. I am a black queer woman and I resonate with Felix's feelings of being unlovable and inadequate. I feel like its so easy for everyone else. But im continuing to take care of me. Allowing myself to love and be loved fully. This book hit me deep.
Hers for the Weekend by Helena Greer

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective 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

5.0

This story has it all. I am always down for doing what makes you happy. Queer love healthy love is iconic and needed. This story kept me interested all the way through. Thanks for my arc.
All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

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challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

This books has everything. The author is really something to put their life out there and I am glad there is a book like this out there in the world for others like us black & queer.
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad 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? Yes

5.0

Queer bipoc poetry just does it better. I am in love with this story. As a jamaican descendant omnisexual woman I feel seen and understood. Bravo
Jay's Gay Agenda by Jason June

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective 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

5.0

This is my first Jason June work to read thanks to the rainbow book bus and it is fantastic. I felt so loved and seen reading this story. The characters surrounding it as well made the story better and realistic. I can't wait to read more in the future.
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Of Blood and Lightning by Three Rooms Press

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adventurous challenging dark emotional informative mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Review of the arc version.This is a well done adaption of modernizing Greek mythology lore. I was not sure i would enjoy it in the beginning. Reminds me a lot of the bloodmarked trilogy. A lot of grief death and devastation. I'm not sure it should be considered young adult in the current state of the world with the very small intimate scene. I did not enjoy the willing to die to avenge situation felt very avengers to me. I'm interested to see how it's develops if the books continue. 
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Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective sad 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? Yes

4.75

There is something about bipoc and queer retelling of stories from your childhood that feels perfect. As I finished this story at my job full of homophobic Healthcare workers where I am professionally straight. I am Sophia. I am Cinderella. So often the argument of straight parents and people is they dont want their kids exposed to it. Its inappropriate & to that I saw i hope no queer child is unlucky enough to have you as parents. We suffer enough. I have suffered enough.