Take a photo of a barcode or cover
sundaysunshine's reviews
128 reviews
Trans-Galactic Bike Ride: Feminist Bicycle Science Fiction Stories of Transgender and Nonbinary Adventurers by Lydia Rogue
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Exactly whatβs on the tin: campy fun pocket sci fi tales by and about transgender and non binary people just living all sorts of bizarre and wholesome lives across the universe. Definitely makes me want to read more books of this type of sci fi this year.
Like all short story anthologies it was a hit or miss with the stories, but there were some real gems in here that would be fun to see in extended forms and even the ones that werenβt my taste were well written with interesting premises.
All in all, a very fun little read :)
π©΅π©·π€π©·π©΅
ππ€ππ€
If You Still Recognise Me by Cynthia So
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.0
Heaven by Mieko Kawakami
dark
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Talking About a Revolution by Yassmin Abdel-Magied
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
3.0
5 star until the absolute mess of the last act. Went from wanting to buy a physical copy of this to annotate to genuinely sitting with the weirdest mixture of confusion, irritation and denial at how they decided to deal with such an interesting plot idea, character arcs/dynamics, and story like... this.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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
4.75
The Deep by Rivers Solomon
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
Wow. What a read. I got this from my sister coincidentally around the time I added Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon to my TBR. I thought it a good introduction to the writer and my sister thought I would like it so I decided to give it a shot.
The story introduces the myth of the wajinru, a race of deep sea creatures with an immensely complex and profound history with the ocean and the continent of Africa, in all of its people's beauty and pain. This history is collected through generations by 'historians' like Yetu, the main character, who hold all of the memories, lives, loves and deaths of her people in their minds to spare the rest of the wajinru the weight. The role is too painful for her so one day she sheds the load, and escapes to the surface, to a world and a version of herself seperate from her people.
The story telling is gorgeous, and the bond Yetu builds with Oori, a land-dwelling recluse like herself, is equally beautifully crafted.
But the most poignant element to this tale is the tender potrayals of African community, family and culture, in all of its glory. The little commonalities we share with different groups in the diaspora, the wajinru's memory paralleling the weight and pressure culture and tradition can put on you. The ending felt so earned and so right, and leaves you feeling hopeful about finding a balance between loving and being loved by your people as well as loving yourself.
Not to mention intersex, queer and neurotypical representation in this is woven in so seamlessly as well, they're essential parts of Rivers' and Yetu's story.
All in all, a stellar read I wish was longer but also find perfect as is. Definite recommendation πππ
The story introduces the myth of the wajinru, a race of deep sea creatures with an immensely complex and profound history with the ocean and the continent of Africa, in all of its people's beauty and pain. This history is collected through generations by 'historians' like Yetu, the main character, who hold all of the memories, lives, loves and deaths of her people in their minds to spare the rest of the wajinru the weight. The role is too painful for her so one day she sheds the load, and escapes to the surface, to a world and a version of herself seperate from her people.
The story telling is gorgeous, and the bond Yetu builds with Oori, a land-dwelling recluse like herself, is equally beautifully crafted.
But the most poignant element to this tale is the tender potrayals of African community, family and culture, in all of its glory. The little commonalities we share with different groups in the diaspora, the wajinru's memory paralleling the weight and pressure culture and tradition can put on you. The ending felt so earned and so right, and leaves you feeling hopeful about finding a balance between loving and being loved by your people as well as loving yourself.
Not to mention intersex, queer and neurotypical representation in this is woven in so seamlessly as well, they're essential parts of Rivers' and Yetu's story.
All in all, a stellar read I wish was longer but also find perfect as is. Definite recommendation πππ
Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.5
Out of all of the YA high school romances I've read, (that I remember) this is definitely one of the best.
Characters were very enjoyable and memorable, which in my opinion is very important in these types of stories with large casts, a range of identities and personalities that fits perfectly into the story. I particularly loved Darcy and her older Ainsley's relationship and Brougham and Finn's friendship, lighthearted and fun side relationships that were also full of tenderness and platonic/familial sincerity.
The romance didn't blow me out of the water, it was wholesome and well developed though.
100% would recommend. π©·ππ
Characters were very enjoyable and memorable, which in my opinion is very important in these types of stories with large casts, a range of identities and personalities that fits perfectly into the story. I particularly loved Darcy and her older Ainsley's relationship and Brougham and Finn's friendship, lighthearted and fun side relationships that were also full of tenderness and platonic/familial sincerity.
The romance didn't blow me out of the water, it was wholesome and well developed though.
100% would recommend. π©·ππ
This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0