This book was a compelling read for the most part. It is a split narrative between Olivia (3rd person) and her mother’s (Shannon) journal (1st person)This book was a compelling read for the most part. It is a split narrative between Olivia (3rd person) and her mother’s (Shannon) journal (1st person). Both women encounter a mysterious woman with black hair who berates and abuses them and seeks to replace their children with monstrous changelings. Shannon is institutionalized after her encounter, which threatened Olivia’s life. Olivia faces postpartum depression, fear of hereditary mental illness, and survivor’s trauma on top of her supernatural encounters. Monroe uses the horror genre effectively to explore these fears.
Unfortunately, like many other works of horror fiction that combine mental illness and the supernatural, the balance feels off. At the beginning of the novel the supernatural vs. mental illness make both interpretations seem plausible, but by the end it seems clear it’s all mental illness. Since the novel contends all mothers deal with the specter, that ends up almost stigmatizing motherhood and mental illness. I also felt that the struggles of queer mothers was not discussed as much as was perhaps appropriate, given Olivia and her partner’s status.
Overall, I think it’s a good book, and I still think many will enjoy it despite my critiques above....more
The narrative to this comic is clear, but the relationship between Right and Left would have benefitted from a longer narrative. The feelings of inadeThe narrative to this comic is clear, but the relationship between Right and Left would have benefitted from a longer narrative. The feelings of inadequacy and balancing self-worth, happiness, and work were done fairly well, given the limited narrative space. The material from the artist discussing his time having to take a break due to repetitive injury and how he drew much of this comic with his non-dominant hand, though, was a nice addition to the piece. It helped establish some context to the narrative and some parallels to Right and Left’s feelings regarding work and the nature of happiness in the comic. The art style is not my favorite, but others may like it better than I did....more
This memoir opens with using the recent COVID-19 pandemic to introduce young adult readers to the AIDS pandemic before diving into the Curlee's memoirThis memoir opens with using the recent COVID-19 pandemic to introduce young adult readers to the AIDS pandemic before diving into the Curlee's memoir. It is an effective opening because, as it addresses the difference in the two pandemics, it establishes that many things in the memoir will be different, too -- how people grew up, how gay people were seen and treated, how technology and access to information were more limited. The narrative voice used throughout is reflective, but also guides younger readers less familiar with the history of this pandemic through major ideas and events. The book features an excellent bibliography in addition to photographs and the author's primary experiences. This book would make an excellent addition to school or public libraries, as well as personal ones....more
This book has some beautiful, lyrical writing at points, and the primary protagonist’s story is moving. I found the non-linear story telling confusingThis book has some beautiful, lyrical writing at points, and the primary protagonist’s story is moving. I found the non-linear story telling confusing to follow, but it was often stylistically appropriate and fitting on the reflection of the protagonist’s life....more
This book is an okay fantasy novel, but nothing about it particularly stands out. Neither of the two protagonists felt especially unique or interestinThis book is an okay fantasy novel, but nothing about it particularly stands out. Neither of the two protagonists felt especially unique or interesting; the magic system is also not well-fleshed out. Also, while it is marketed as LGBTQIA+, there is little queer representation in the book. The setting and feminist themes will appeal to some, though, and it wasn’t a horrible read. ...more
This book has a beautiful cover, pomegranate motif on chapter pages, and memorable Armenian proverbs at the start of each chapter. The narrator/protagThis book has a beautiful cover, pomegranate motif on chapter pages, and memorable Armenian proverbs at the start of each chapter. The narrator/protagonist’s handling of her Armenian heritage, family drama, and coming out as a bisexual, and sexist workplace are all handled well and make interesting reading. The descriptions of the Explore Armenia events especially enriched this book.
However, for my tastes, the sheer number of subplots led to some feeling shallow or superfluous. For example, the set up from the beginning with the fiancé leaving for a one-month trip and his return were unnecessary....more
The best part of this book is the protagonist and narrator, Sister Holiday. Her observations are engaging, as was uncovering her past as a punk rockerThe best part of this book is the protagonist and narrator, Sister Holiday. Her observations are engaging, as was uncovering her past as a punk rocker lesbian, her family tribulations, and how that led her to becoming a nun. The descriptions and critiques of different types of authorities (from the fire investigator to the police to the Dioceses) were also well done. However, the pacing of the action, especially the overly quick resolution, weakened the novel....more
The art in this book is gorgeous. That was really what kept me engaged as I read through the work. However, I found the plot confusing overall. I alsoThe art in this book is gorgeous. That was really what kept me engaged as I read through the work. However, I found the plot confusing overall. I also didn’t find it particularly feminist, despite the book’s description. The primary character is female (disguised as male) who ultimately triumphs, but the majority of the book shows women being ‘traded’ either literally or figuratively, reduced into whether they are breedable or not, and with most disappeared into the mysterious Bright. Yes, the men who ascribe to these views and the views themselves are mocked, but regardless of the mockery, the world doesn’t seem to get actively better despite the protagonist’s efforts. At the end, when the protagonist triumphs, there’s no transition between the before and the after. It’s just suddenly good. I understand the victory is supposed to be with love and remembering family, but it just felt clunkily delivered, dropped all at the end instead of building to better things throughout....more
Pesuyama's second, concluding volume is as good as their first. The art continues to be expressive; among my favorites are those in the section descriPesuyama's second, concluding volume is as good as their first. The art continues to be expressive; among my favorites are those in the section describing Pesuyama's experience with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. In my review of the first volume, I spoke of how it felt like navigating a healing wound. This volume continues that theme much more explicitly with Pesuyama describing their engagement with their abuser and a childhood friend, also a victim of sexual abuse, and what they learned as a result, and descriptions of therapy. Pesuyama uses a powerful metaphor of suffering abuse as walking shoeless on a gravel road and how, through their manga, they hope to give everyone "shoes" against such pain in the future. It leaves the memoir off on a hopeful note and creates a satisfying ending to the story being told....more
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Bretman Rock’s voice is genuine, funny, and unique with his examinations of his identities (e.g., queI enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Bretman Rock’s voice is genuine, funny, and unique with his examinations of his identities (e.g., queer, Filipino, immigrant) and how they contributed to his lived experiences. Some decisions (like purposefully misspelling words) can make the text distracting at times, but I still read through it fine....more
The book features well-written imagery and is an interesting read when it comes to learning about Hostetter's focus on feminism and gaining independenThe book features well-written imagery and is an interesting read when it comes to learning about Hostetter's focus on feminism and gaining independence from religion.
One huge disappointment with this book was that there was literally only two or three pages about coming out or being queer. Normally I wouldn't criticize this aspect to a memoir or autobiography. However, this book was released as part of a series of Lesbian and Gay autobiographies, and the queer identity is heavily mentioned in the descriptions. Given that, I would have expected more discussion of the author's queer identity....more
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