The Other Mother by Rachel M. Harper is a captivating novel that weaves a complicated familial web. It follows Jenry, a musical prodigy from Miami, whThe Other Mother by Rachel M. Harper is a captivating novel that weaves a complicated familial web. It follows Jenry, a musical prodigy from Miami, who attends Brown University hoping to connect with his estranged family. Jenry is successful in locating his paternal grandfather but then comes to realize that his father wasn't truly his father, but he had a lesbian mother. This novel successfully delves into LGBTQ+ and racial themes without pandering to calls for "more representation". The writing, though sometimes monotonous, is captivating enough to tell the stories of seven unique people, and very cleverly introduces its characters without dumping columns of exposition, in a way that creates fun plot twists.
The novel was split into seven books - seven perspectives that felt raw and truthful. Something that aided this real-feeling nature was that everyone had major flaws that were exposed fairly head-on, and they all had secrets and lies. Many books have at least a few characters that exist for flair and to add ambiance to the world, but every character serves a specific purpose and has notable quirks from the very beginning, which then develop into unique and fleshed-out personalities and identities. That can be rare to find in a book - many a time, the author isn't able to distinguish certain voices, and they read the same. Harper successfully separated each character, therefore making their various opinions and ways of life more believable, and making everyone easier to empathize. The author has won when we can empathize with everyone.
Conversely, the actual writing style was rather lackluster. It kind of read like an SAT passage - overly descriptive and lacking real emotion. We could feel the emotions of the characters through their dialogue, and we could believe that they felt them through the narration, but we really had to try hard to see the unique personalities that the dialogue was able to expose. I supposed that is the point of third-person limited, to give an unbiased perspective, but other novels that have a third-person limited (i.e. Harry Potter), tend to be more emotional and entertaining. Before the plot really started, I was considering not continuing because of how tedious I assumed the reading might be. Luckily, the plot itself became intriguing enough to carry the book on its back.
On the other other hand, the exposition was done amazingly well - above average for dramatic contemporary novels. Instead of dumping exposition on the reader, the author focuses on the present, using flashbacks to reveal secrets of the past. Unknown information is stated through information so casually, and isn't overly dramatized, but since the information has been kept hidden from the reader for the entire novel, it turns into a jarring and entertainingly dramatic plot twist. By only focusing on the present, the author also makes the idea of the flashback entertaining, because the reader is about to learn some long-awaited truths. This way, the author can build suspense, and the reader is more likely to give a four-star review like I have.
One last thing I'd like to point out is the juxtaposition between men and women in this novel. I'm not trying to sound all annoying and feminist, but at the same time, it's an observation I made while reading, and I shouldn't have to be fake apologetic about it. The way the women were vilified in comparison to the men in this novel was extremely interesting. It certainly makes sense considering the way lesbian women are viewed in today's society, but I thought it was interesting how Jenry, Winston, and Victor treated the women at the center of this whole ordeal when the latter two arguably did worse things that harmed them. Unfortunately, that's the way the world works, but in a way, the female characters seemed to be written in a more unlikable way than the men. Winston and Victor were a more lighthearted perspective to read than the women, who appeared down everyone's throats every few seconds and were generally exhausting. Maybe that's my intrinsic bias being exposed, but it felt weird for the two lesbian characters to be attacked this way.
In conclusion, The Other Mother by Rachel M. Harper stands as a testament to the power of character-driven storytelling, exploring the intricate dynamics of family and identity with authenticity and depth. While the writing style may lack emotional vibrancy, the novel's strength lies in its well-crafted characters and skillful exposition, which together create a narrative rich with surprising twists and heartfelt revelations. The overall theme of my review highlights the novel's ability to navigate complex social issues without feeling forced, showcasing Harper's talent in making every character's voice distinct and empathetic. This thoughtful approach makes The Other Mother a memorable and impactful read....more
I missed this series so much, and I'm so glad it's being extended into a new trilogy. Though I do feel it lacks a bit of prior magic (maybe because thI missed this series so much, and I'm so glad it's being extended into a new trilogy. Though I do feel it lacks a bit of prior magic (maybe because the stakes are lower), I think this came out during a perfect time in my life. I needed Percy, Annabeth, and Grover back, plus, Percy needed a rec letter for college the year I was applying to college. Serendipity at its finest. ...more
I feel so cheap giving one of the greatest American classics a low rating, but this book just didn't do it for me.I feel so cheap giving one of the greatest American classics a low rating, but this book just didn't do it for me....more
I think this is just about the strangest book I've ever read. The premise seems intriguing, but it also brings about this thought that the book could I think this is just about the strangest book I've ever read. The premise seems intriguing, but it also brings about this thought that the book could either be excellent, or really bad. Sadly, after some chapters of reading, I experienced the latter, and then that feeling deepened as I continued until the end of the book. The writing was Wattpad standard. The characters were extremely surface-level, and there was insta-love. The plot was so unusual... unfortunately. Even though it technically wasn't, the main romance plot felt necrophilic, and that made me extremely uncomfortable.
There was also a presence of Jewish cultural misappropriation. I am not Jewish myself, and I have no clue about the status of the author, but either way, it was abundantly clear while reading that these random cultural references were a little out of place. The representation of a golem in YA fiction is rare, and maybe it was too rare of a reference for this type of story, because it felt extremely out of place without real context....more
Down These Mean Streets is a poignant autobiography about Piri Thomas and his trials and tribulations as a darker-skinned Puerto Rican in the 1930s anDown These Mean Streets is a poignant autobiography about Piri Thomas and his trials and tribulations as a darker-skinned Puerto Rican in the 1930s and 1940s in New York. The book itself is quite easy to read, though the subject matter can be both touching and triggering to readers. Piri touches on the racism, colorism, harsh expectations, drug abuse, and sexual situations put upon him, and throughout the novel, the reader can see how much these facets of his life affected his development and led to some unfortunate circumstances. Piri entrenches the reader into his experiences and the reader learns a lot, as these topics are not delved into deeply enough from that perspective.
One of Piri's major struggles throughout the book exists in the colorism he faces from his environment, including his own family. Because Piri has a darker skin tone than his brothers, he is treated as a "Negro", and is ostracized, even though he is a Puerto Rican, which was more acceptable during this time than being Black. This manner of treatment leads to many different chain reactions that lead to Piri's eventual arrest. Reading Piri's story can be extremely enlightening, as it is rare to see someone be treated poorly by their own family because of the color of their skin.
I read this book for school, and unlike many books, I have read for this specific class, this book was captivating, easy to pick up, and really taught me a new, underrepresented perspective. I would recommend this book to anyone, as I feel it is a piece of media that everyone should consume, but primarily white people, as it is important to read about different experiences and stories that may seem unbelievable to you, or extremely foreign to others you've undertaken....more
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is a dark dystopian speculative fiction novel that explores the themes of sexTW: sexual situations, rape, death
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is a dark dystopian speculative fiction novel that explores the themes of sexism, restriction, and right-wing agenda. As a female Florida resident, this book scares the living daylights out of me because, based on some recent developments, I could see the speculations made in this book becoming my reality. This book is very well-written; June, the narrator, is a very realistic character. She feels like a common person, not a “chosen one”, a typical and annoying trope for the protagonist. The ambiguous ending is quite startling, which is a good trait for the dystopian genre.
The thing that scares me the most about this book is the fact that it has been banned....more
Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s only stories with a female protagonist who’s plucky, fleshed-out, and admirable while simultaneously being feminTwelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s only stories with a female protagonist who’s plucky, fleshed-out, and admirable while simultaneously being feminine at heart. Though the story is not the most stirring on paper, it makes for a fascinating play and is very ahead of its time. It has paved the way for an extremely popular trope in fiction, and because it can be held responsible for certain advances in literature, it should be deeply valued and still read widely.
(Though it is interesting to think about how she’s one of the only plucky and admirable characters in Shakespeare’s works, though she spends most of her time disguised as a man anyway. Makes the progressive nature of the character feel less progressive.)...more
Mr. Terupt was a series that I was invested in late elementary school, and when I only recently found out that the final book had been published and tMr. Terupt was a series that I was invested in late elementary school, and when I only recently found out that the final book had been published and the series wasn't discontinued at book three, I was excited to say the least.
I read this book in one sitting and I loved it. I loved being brought back to the world of this Massachusetts middle school, as it brought me back to my old middle school days. I love the characters and the comforting environment of these books. I love how the characters deal with their own darknesses and experience so much. It was very educational for the naive and open-minded middle school girl that I was. The feelings that the characters felt in this book in particular were so raw and gutting, and it was very nice to see them develop the way they did.
If there was one thing I would improve about this book, it would be to eliminate the relationship between Luke and Danielle. This book seemed to dumb Luke down a little bit, which is why Jessica felt she was too mature for him, and while I love her maturity, she was so good with Luke in the second and third books, and it felt like their relationship was just forgotten about. I mean, we didn't even get to see their moment. Luke and Danielle's relationship was very forced - I understand that Danielle needs to find love as well, but I think forcing her into a relationship (flirtationship) with someone to whom she had no chemistry....more
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy is a brilliant memoir detailing the traumatic events in the child star’TW: eating disorder, abusive parenting
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy is a brilliant memoir detailing the traumatic events in the child star’s life, and how she grew to overcome adversity. The conversational writing paints an immersive picture into the unfortunate events that surrounded her life. She is mostly transparent about her trauma, though there are some events that are likely kept hidden, yet insinuated, particularly involving the “The Creator” character.
There’s not much for me to say about this memoir, as the nonfiction is written so descriptively. It’s not exactly for the faint of heart. It’s a difficult book to recommend to someone, as some of the events can prove particularly triggering. Personally, I loved it, and I think it’s extremely important for Jeanette to share her story, but there were some moments for which I had to step away. That’s how poignant the writing is.
The title makes certain readers apprehensive, but I assure you that it is justified. She’s not truly glad her mom died, in the literal sense, but you have to be able empathize with the person that her mother abused here. You shouldn’t make judgments before understanding her story....more
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare is a tragic play based on the true events of Julius Caesar's rule. Though tTW: murder, betrayal, assisted suicide
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare is a tragic play based on the true events of Julius Caesar's rule. Though the work is titled after the central character, the main character, Caesar, is not the main character: it is really Brutus, his best friend and killer, because he experiences the most growth. Some of the events that occur are quite unbelievable, in my opinion. I understand the conflicts and bloodthirstiness of the political world, and that the ethics and morals may have been up for debate during this time period, but I don't understand how someone could just be okay with murdering their best friend. I comprehend the history of it, but I don't really feel certain that this was how things transpired in real life. Then again, was the intention of the play written to be introspective, or to accurately represent the past?
I am going to make a bold assertion: the story of Julius Caesar's assassination is a story that should have stayed within the confines of history, because despite its obvious dramatism, it is quite a boring story altogether. It makes an interesting outline of a historical story, but at the end of the day, it is one small historical event, and fleshing out a particular event for so long can get quite mundane. For instance, the reader doesn't really need a whole act in which Cassius and Brutus talk about killing Caesar. It feels like a time absorption device. Brutus's whole character also felt extremely...surface level. We are constantly told that Brutus is an honorable man, and that he wanted what was best for the country, but we never see it. He just seems like a plain old mutineer without a justifiable motive to kill....more
TW: sexual assault, domestic violence, street violence
My Brilliant Friend, the first of the Neapolitan Novels, is, to be frank, a brilliant novel. We TW: sexual assault, domestic violence, street violence
My Brilliant Friend, the first of the Neapolitan Novels, is, to be frank, a brilliant novel. We follow Elena Greco, our narrator (and technically, author), during her adolescent years, as she navigates her complex friendship with Lila Cerullo, her childhood friend. Something so unbelievable about this novel is that almost every event that transpires is so insignificant and mundane that it's beautiful. The more unremarkable a statement is, the more relatable it seems to be. Elena and Lila's friendship is so beautiful because its so pure and raw and - toxic. I can place myself into either Elena's or Lila's shoes during most events in the story, and I find myself truly in that statement, pushing through with them.
Both of Elena's complicated relationships with Lila and Nino Sarratore are so beautiful and raw, because they both encapsulate the purity of adolescent feelings about friendship and romance. I've experienced so many of Elena's thoughts in my adolescent life, regarding people like Lila and Nino, and sometimes both at once. I also really need to appreciate the queer subtext, even though it remains and will remain unacknowledged.
The writing is exquisite in that its succinct and descriptive all at once, and the added layer that it's a translation from its original Italian makes it nearly breathtaking. Its insane how such prosaic events can be expressed with such emotionally poetic writing, and all the while employing very compelling plot twists. This novel is everything to me, and I'm thrilled to read The Story of a New Name.
P.S. This is one of the first books in a while that has passed the Bechdel test, and I really appreciate that....more
The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket is one of the darkest books I think I've ever read. Well, it's Poe, so TW: murder, racism, cannibalism
The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket is one of the darkest books I think I've ever read. Well, it's Poe, so what did I really expect?
Arthur Gordon Pym is a plucky, adventurous schoolboy, who, along with his buddy Augustus, pursues an adventure on Augustus's father's ship, but doesn't anticipate the grim events that occur and follow him like ghosts throughout the novel.
This novel is extremely well-written and well-researched, but horrific ship mutiny dramas have never really been my thing, so I guess that's why this book didn't do that much for me. However, nightmares will absolutely ensue after this. This book's odd grotesque effects are beginning to linger with me, as I write this review right before I go to sleep. Wish me luck....more
Looking for Alaska by John Green is a young adult novel that follows Miles Halter's journey at a new boarding school to find his "Great Perhaps", or rLooking for Alaska by John Green is a young adult novel that follows Miles Halter's journey at a new boarding school to find his "Great Perhaps", or reason of being. In doing so, he meets Alaska, a vivacious, rebellious girl who is essentially his vessel for change (not a realistic person). Miles and his friends are forced to face reality and uncover the truth when something extremely predictable happens (but it happens to be a big spoiler so I won't disclose).
This book may seem like a stereotypical young adult book, and that's because it is a trendsetter. It pioneered the expectations for so many of the books in the subsequent genre. I've seen it get a lot of hate for the book misrepresenting female characters, almost in the same way that I criticized The Catcher in the Rye three years ago. I do see a vital distinction to make here: John Green wrote two female characters into this novel, and they were vastly different characters. Alaska is a hurricane and Lara is probably some light snowfall. I feel it important to note that imperfect portrayals of women (i.e. moody, insecure, troubled, tumultuous), are portrayals nonetheless. There are women out there like Alaska and like Lara, and to diminish these portrayals as weak or unrealistic doesn't make the huge feminist point that everyone seems to hope it does.
Women should be portrayed with significant weaknesses in fiction. That may be a bold statement to make, but I feel like the YA fiction genre has gone through many different eras in the way that it approaches writing them. There's the typical John Green protagonist: philosophical, intelligent, sarcastic; there's the fantastical extremely strong self-doubting type (Celaena - Throne of Glass) - and then there's loads in between. I know a lot of the writers want to capture the archetypes of women that are likely to be reading their books, but I think capturing a woman who is boy-crazy, ambitionless, and not as smart as the others isn't anti-feminist. It's important to make a story realistic by including people other than Mary Janes. We as women can't keep going into a book expecting a carbon copy of ourselves. There's more diversity and personality that lies outside of what our own egos can comprehend.
A lot of people also criticize the novel for Miles' fantasy and romanticization of Alaska. They're annoyed by the fact that he was just in love with the idea of her and saw her as infallible. People who take issue with this bug me ever so slightly because there seems to be a lack of media literacy and comprehension. I mean, that's the plot. They point it out multiple times: Colonel does, Takumi does, even Miles acknowledges. It makes Miles into more of a flawed character. Yes, he's an annoying teenage boy who doesn't have a real idea of what women are as people. That's a real thing. It happens.
I have gone through a love-hate relationship with John Green's books. I was absolutely hooked in 2019, but then I went through that phase where everyone was saying it was all extremely pretentious and I wanted to be part of the mob. Now, I can proudly say that I think they're all right. I mean, it can be fun to read something wax poetic and philosophical. The characters are teenagers and they say dopey things and make dopey decisions. I would like to point out one thing - John Green references Waffle House far too much to be realistic....more
I don't like that I disliked this book, but unfortunately, I did. Don't get me wrong: I think Maya Angelou's story is so important to tell and still wI don't like that I disliked this book, but unfortunately, I did. Don't get me wrong: I think Maya Angelou's story is so important to tell and still way relevant to today's society. The only thing about it that I didn't agree with was the writing itself, but it was pretty significant for me, as the slow pacing made it extremely hard for me to read....more
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