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tinusreads's reviews
172 reviews
Veranderen: methode by Édouard Louis
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Change is a strange thing. I have changed all throughout my life and probably will until the day that I die. Change is inevitable. Change is sometimes necessary. In order to continue, to grow, or to survive. In order to become who we want to be.
In this book, Édouard Louis tells us all about the changes he went through. And at what cost all those changes came. An extremely painful journey where Louis constantly wants to reinvent himself in order to distance himself further from the person he once was. His upbringing and his working-class youth. This is not a happy tale. This is not change for the better. This is change because he feels like he must shed every skin with a better, smarter, and richer one. Leaving behind a trail of friends and family.
Slowly but surely climbing the social ladder. Changing his education, studying, and even altering his appearance to keep moving on up. But at what price? In the end, you can't outrun your own shame, insecurities, and heritage. When I read the book, I felt a certain kind of fascination but also annoyance for Louis, which I guess is also the point. The story also acts as a sort of apology to those he met and left behind. It's a fascinating story about someone desperate to become more than he once was.
When I look back at my life up until now, I too have been many different people. Falling in and out of different groups of friends, relationships, and places where I lived. I like the person who I am now much more than I did before. But sometimes it feels like this is just another version too. Who will I become next?
In this book, Édouard Louis tells us all about the changes he went through. And at what cost all those changes came. An extremely painful journey where Louis constantly wants to reinvent himself in order to distance himself further from the person he once was. His upbringing and his working-class youth. This is not a happy tale. This is not change for the better. This is change because he feels like he must shed every skin with a better, smarter, and richer one. Leaving behind a trail of friends and family.
Slowly but surely climbing the social ladder. Changing his education, studying, and even altering his appearance to keep moving on up. But at what price? In the end, you can't outrun your own shame, insecurities, and heritage. When I read the book, I felt a certain kind of fascination but also annoyance for Louis, which I guess is also the point. The story also acts as a sort of apology to those he met and left behind. It's a fascinating story about someone desperate to become more than he once was.
When I look back at my life up until now, I too have been many different people. Falling in and out of different groups of friends, relationships, and places where I lived. I like the person who I am now much more than I did before. But sometimes it feels like this is just another version too. Who will I become next?
Scared Stiff, Part 4: A Spicy MM Comedy-Horror Romance by Bjorn Wilde
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
The hottest volume of the four. We reach the conclusion of this story with a bit of a twist as loose ends (ha) are tied together. The last volume felt a bit short however.
Scared Stiff, Part 3: A Spicy MM Comedy-Horror-Romance by Bjorn Wilde
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
As the boys have a hard time keeping their promise, the heat and feelings towards eachother are started to intertwine. With Levi visiting lumberjack Henry's horror cabin and the other boys "pretending" to have sex. With all the risks that it may bring. The possible killer seemingly getting closer and closer to strike, it will only be a matter of time before the first murder will happen. Or will it not?
Scared Stiff, Part 2: A Spicy MM Comedy-Horror Romance by Bjorn Wilde
adventurous
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? N/A
3.75
We really crank up the heat in the second volume of this series ans dickmatized is my new favorite word. Volume two brings a nice mix of a lot of spice, humor and some horror aspects. The bros are in quite some trouble.
Maak je geen zorgen over ons by Koen Aelterman
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
It's not often that I feel that I can relate to a story and get emotional about it too lately. But this amazing graphic novel by Koen Aelterman did just that. More than once I closed this book and thought about life on public transportation on my way to work. And I do love it when a story makes you think.
In this story, Kobe decides to leave his life in Belgium and travel through Australia. Desperate for a new landscape, people, and space. But also to heal his broken heart. Along the way, he meets all kinds of people who all have their own stories to share. With themes such as queerness, identity, loneliness, love, and self-acceptance. You can't help but feel for Kobe and his journey as deeper layers slowly unfold themselves. It's really touching and relatable.
Sometimes the book was painfully relatable. I have not traveled that far or long in my twenties. I never dared to leave the comfort of my home for longer than two weeks. But the falling in love way too easily? For sure. The breakups, anxiety, and strange interactions with men in a world where I felt different and out of place. It all felt familial in its own way.
A beautifully illustrated book with a deeply personal and important story.
Scared Stiff, Part 1: A Spicy MM Comedy-Horror Romance by Bjorn Wilde
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
In this first volume we are introduced to three friends going on a camping trip with a killer on the loose. Luckily that killer only strikes those that are in heat. But the boys have a hard time trying to maintain their enthusiasm. A funny start, I am curious about the other three volumes.
Remina by Junji Ito
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Remina is the third Junji Ito book that I have read. An unknown planet emerges from inside a wormhole, and its discoverer, Dr. Oguro, christens the body “Remina” after his own daughter. They will soon find out that planet Remina is set on destroying Earth and all that inhabits it. A cosmic horror story unfolds with humans collapsing in a state of chaos, violence, and corruption.
While I do like the themes of the book, I couldn't help but feel a bit unsatisfied in the end. I was not expecting a happy ending, but I was expecting a bit more depth to the story. The scene with the family landing on Remina could have been expanded on a bit more. And the final chapter with everyone zooming through the air felt ridiculous. The first few chapters felt more intriguing and engaging. The rest just fell flat.
Regardless, the illustrations are gorgeous. And the big bad monster being a planet that eats other planets is badass. It just sadly isn't Junji Ito's best work, in my opinion.
While I do like the themes of the book, I couldn't help but feel a bit unsatisfied in the end. I was not expecting a happy ending, but I was expecting a bit more depth to the story. The scene with the family landing on Remina could have been expanded on a bit more. And the final chapter with everyone zooming through the air felt ridiculous. The first few chapters felt more intriguing and engaging. The rest just fell flat.
Regardless, the illustrations are gorgeous. And the big bad monster being a planet that eats other planets is badass. It just sadly isn't Junji Ito's best work, in my opinion.
Ryan and Avery by David Levithan
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-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? N/A
3.5
I started reading this book on the 11th of September and only just finished it today. While the themes and story are interesting, it sadly did not get me completely hooked on it. Regardless, Ryan and Avery is still a lovely story between two boys slowly getting closer together. We follow them throughout their dates as more personal information is shared and the bigger picture slowly unveils itself.
What I liked is that the chapters are divided into the ten dates the boys have had so far. But instead of following those dates in order, the dates are mixed up with each chapter. Actually almost ending with the first date they had together. This is done on purpose, so the storyline is slowly pieced together. This also opens the possibility for a sequel where we follow the boys on more dates.
The story really got some more depth to me when the family drama started being added in. Taking the book from another queer YA novel to something a bit darker at times. Though only scratching the surface of the damages that could have happened. I also like the way the story is written in a way that all the small things matter too. A look, a smell, a touch—a description of how something makes someone feel. It's quite delicate.
This is also where the part comes in that I did not enjoy that much. Because it's so sweet all the time, it felt like the story dragged on a bit too long sometimes. There were plot points that could have been explored even further, offering some drama and excitement. Or maybe this YA adult novel just wasn't for me. Regardless, still a very cute story.
What I liked is that the chapters are divided into the ten dates the boys have had so far. But instead of following those dates in order, the dates are mixed up with each chapter. Actually almost ending with the first date they had together. This is done on purpose, so the storyline is slowly pieced together. This also opens the possibility for a sequel where we follow the boys on more dates.
The story really got some more depth to me when the family drama started being added in. Taking the book from another queer YA novel to something a bit darker at times. Though only scratching the surface of the damages that could have happened. I also like the way the story is written in a way that all the small things matter too. A look, a smell, a touch—a description of how something makes someone feel. It's quite delicate.
This is also where the part comes in that I did not enjoy that much. Because it's so sweet all the time, it felt like the story dragged on a bit too long sometimes. There were plot points that could have been explored even further, offering some drama and excitement. Or maybe this YA adult novel just wasn't for me. Regardless, still a very cute story.
The Titan's Bride Vol. 4 by ITKZ
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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? No
3.0
The fourth volume of Titan's Bride is as stupid and sexy as always. But this volume actually has a bit more depth too, if you pardon my expression. Caius and Kouichi have grown much closer together, but now they are trying to get romantically closer too. With new dangers lurking around each corner, tiny Kouichi also needs to do this to learn magic so he can protect himself.
The Titan's Bride series has never been extremely serious or layered when it comes to an actual storyline. But I have to admit that this volume packed a bit more punch. The elves are introduced, a certain furry character returns and the story ends with Kouichi finally meeting his soon-to-be brother in law. The rest of the family will appear in the next volume.
There is not much else to say about this smutty story. If you liked the previous volumes, you will definitely like this new volume too. It's stupid, sexy and absurd.
The Titan's Bride series has never been extremely serious or layered when it comes to an actual storyline. But I have to admit that this volume packed a bit more punch. The elves are introduced, a certain furry character returns and the story ends with Kouichi finally meeting his soon-to-be brother in law. The rest of the family will appear in the next volume.
There is not much else to say about this smutty story. If you liked the previous volumes, you will definitely like this new volume too. It's stupid, sexy and absurd.
Restless by Joseph Kai
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? No
4.0
I stumbled upon this graphic novel in a bookstore and I am really happy that I did. Flipping through it the color work immediately tickled my eyes. Hues of purple, orange and teal make up most of the illustrations. Set in Beirut, Lebanon it's thirty years after the civil war and a few months before the disastrous explosion of August 2020. We follow Samar, a queer comic book artist shifting between dreams, desire and delusions.
Art, sex and political uprising set the scene for this story in a dreamy state. It also sheds some light on Beirut's alternative communities that make up Samar's chosen family and underground art collectives. It's a fascinating story about intimacy and oppresion. About trying to find acceptance and understanding. The scene where the story bounces between sexual and physical violence was what stood out the most to me.
A story about finding community and taking a stand. With incredible use of a limited color palette and dreamy illustration work. Restless tackles some difficult subject matter in a direct but interesting way.