Ann Leckie’s science fiction is pitch-perfect – an incredible world, a strong set of lead characters, and a complicated, interesting plot are rounded Ann Leckie’s science fiction is pitch-perfect – an incredible world, a strong set of lead characters, and a complicated, interesting plot are rounded out by a fascinating study of the complexity of relation between entirely different groups, with entirely different systems of power, and a study of the complexity of desire in a race where to desire means to make oneself a duplicate of their lover. And it’s also just quite fun. This made me remember what I love about scifi, even without having lost my love for it in the first place.
Qven is a Presger Translator – the only set of members of the cannibalistic race of aliens that can communicate with the human Radch empire. Enae is a reluctant diplomat hunting a two hundred year old fugitive on the request of the powerful Radchaai empire – either Raadchai diplomatic staff with dangerous information, or a Presger Translator. Reet is an adopted mechanic living in Zoeson who operates wrong – and according to a consultant, he may be descended from the Schan, the Hikipi rulers of Lovehate station before their rebellion against the Phen failed.
In the background of all this, the Radchai empire’s treaty with the Presger is in true danger after a thousand years, as the imperial system – using space ships controlled by AIs, who control human bodies ("ancillaries") to use as soldiers – is breaking down into war. Other species are interested in their own ends. (view spoiler)[And the AI ship Sphene is trying to find new ways to use bio mechs instead of making humans into ancillaries. (There’s also a second very obvious cameo character, Dlique the Presger translator.) (hide spoiler)]
There’s a quote from All Things Too Small, which I read recently, that I think applies well to the Phen route of merging — “That was cannot be one another, that we cannot be what we consume, that we cannot be what we cannot be the whole world and can never ascend high enough to see all of it at once— all this is a source of disappointment, even torment, to anyone ravenous for living.” Or, in more poetic voice: “They are trying to become one creature / and something will not have it”. I think this blending of creature to creature is fascinating – and I really liked the exploration of both its perils and benefits.
Sidra laid one of the kit’s palms atop the synthetic head. She kept it there for a second, two, three. A quick-travel pod arrived, its hatch opening w
Sidra laid one of the kit’s palms atop the synthetic head. She kept it there for a second, two, three. A quick-travel pod arrived, its hatch opening with a soft whir. She leaned toward the AI’s head before leaving. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “This isn’t fair.”
In A Closed and Common Orbit, Lovelace/Sidra, an AI in a human body, finds herself traveling with Pepper (formerly Jane), raised by an AI named Owl. With the help of Pepper’s painter partner Blue and an Aeluon history major named Tak, she’ll have to find her place in a world not made for someone like her. Her narrative alternates with Pepper’s Jane narrative, as she’s raised by Owl.
Becky Chambers has built such a fantastic world with this space, and here we get to spend more time on planets as well!! I love the smaller world building details; there’s so much life in a summerquick sex festival and a realm of tattoo shops. And there’s the wealth of different aliens—silver, box-speaking Aeluons; many-legged Quelin; squishy Hermigeans; and feathered green Aandrisk. It’s just very solid worldbuilding.
These books are built on a foundation of general hope and love for people [and non-people] that really resonates with me. While I found this a bit too slow at points, it's a wonderful book that I know will stick with me.
It was beautiful, but every stitch bites into her history, the deaths she left behind, and the home she could not refer to.
The Empress of Salt and
It was beautiful, but every stitch bites into her history, the deaths she left behind, and the home she could not refer to.
The Empress of Salt and Fortune follows Rabbit the Handmaiden she tells a narrative of the empress In-Yo to Chih, a Cleric keeper of memories, and Almost Brilliant, a bird and a scribe of memories.
There are several things to love about this novella, including the gorgeous writing and wonderful characters, but primary to it is its treatment of the complexities of history and memory. The empress erased memories of her own life, leaving Rabbit as the only memory. It is thus in her telling that the Empress’s cruelty comes, but also in that her humanity is extracted.
The humanity of those around her does not go unmarked, either. Servant Kazu and fortuneteller Sukai (Lucky) are each unimportant, but remembered by Almost Brilliant nonetheless. There is a passage about burning trash that specifically made me tear up; it was really beautiful.
This novella touched me so deeply and I’m sure I’ll find myself returning to it again in the future. I’m excited to read the rest of this series.
me finding a book about sapphic women that doesn't end in tragedy: 👌👀👌👀👌👀👌👀👌👀 good shit go౦ԁ sHit👌 thats ✔ some good👌👌shit right👌👌there👌👌👌 right✔thereme finding a book about sapphic women that doesn't end in tragedy: 👌👀👌👀👌👀👌👀👌👀 good shit go౦ԁ sHit👌 thats ✔ some good👌👌shit right👌👌there👌👌👌 right✔there ✔✔if i do ƽaү so my self 💯 i say so 💯 thats what im talking about right there right there (chorus: ʳᶦᵍʰᵗ ᵗʰᵉʳᵉ) mMMMMᎷМ💯 👌👌 👌НO0ОଠOOOOOОଠଠOoooᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒ👌 👌👌 👌 💯 👌 👀 👀 👀 👌👌Good shit
Okay, but all emojis aside, I really adored this novella about love and oppression between queer women. Passing Strange is a speculative fiction ode to San Francisco’s hidden history, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I know the blurb is marketing the story as one of six different women, but it truly only follows three characters - a woman in our present day, and two women in a budding relationship in the 1940s. ➽Helen - a Chinese immigrant working as a dancer, because. you know. racism. Also, apparently lived to over 80 years old, like the lesbian icon she is. ➽Haskel - a famous artist in the future, unknown to most even as being a woman. I fucking love women who have to publish under male names and no one knows are women!! this is my favorite plotline and I love it that's all bye!! ➽Emily - a new arrival to the town, traveling to San Francisco after being thrown out of her boarding school for being queer. All of these characters were so effortlessly compelling, in so many ways, that I didn't have any trouble connecting and rushing through.
Honestly, though, my true favorite thing about this book was the setting. Look at that painting on the cover. Then think about San Francisco. Then think about the lesbians. Then think about the 1920-1940 era. Tell me that isn't an aesthetic you're totally into. Tell me you don't completely want to read this.
I hope I'm not alone in loving this, and that plenty of readers enjoy it just as much!
4 1/2 stars. That was... unexpected. Far From the Tree is an exploration of family, the one you find and the one you're born into. Great concept, right? But I definitely did not guess just how good this would be. A story like this is one that can only succeed based off stellar character work, and my expectations for character work in contemporary is often quite low. But this was so lovely.
This book revolves around three siblings, each with their own conflicts. 🌹Grace has recently given birth and put a girl up for adoption. Ostracized at school and by her ex-boyfriend, she’s trying to fit in. 🍁 Maya is living with divorcing parents and a dysfunctional home situation. And also her first girlfriend. 🍃Joaquin is a foster child trying to decide whether to trust his maybe adoptees.
And guess what: I loved all three of them. I don’t want to give away much about this book, because it’s one best experienced. But if I were to sum this book up, it feels so personal. With such fantastic characters, the friendship and family element totally stands out.
The older she got, the more human her parents seemed, and that was one of the scariest things in the world. She missed being little, when they were the all-knowing gods of her world, but at the same time, seeing them as human made it easier to see herself that way, too.
Oh, and I love the representations of being adopted. It's amazing. And I adore the way Maya is represented as a gay girl.
It turns out she wasn't the only gay kid at school, and she was never harassed or teased - but she found she didn't know how to be affectionate with friends. Would they think sh was hitting on them if she just hugged them hello? Would she make it weird just by being herself? It hadn't mattered with Lauren, but at her new school, Maya found herself holding back, using sarcasm as affectionate until it became habit, until it became who she was.
This book feels so personal, and so emotional, but also so hopeful. It’s the perfect tone for this kind of story. Would highly, highly recommend.
The world is full of stories, and no matter how much time we spend in it—alive or dead—there’s never time to learn them all. They just go by s
The world is full of stories, and no matter how much time we spend in it—alive or dead—there’s never time to learn them all. They just go by so quickly.
Seanan McGuire has a talent for finding hope in the darkest of places; in this case, death. Behind its mystery front story, this novella is a study in the family you find and in finding hope in death. Dusk or Dawn or Dark or Day is a compelling mystery about the disappearance of ghosts in New York, but honestly, what stands out here is the next-level worldbuilding, theme work, and character work.
Honestly, my feelings on this are very similar to my feelings on McGuire's earlier Every Heart a Doorway. Her worldbuilding is stellar. The idea of a city full of ghosts is brilliant, and the execution is even more detailed and clever; the ghosts age by taking life from others, and can give ti back, too, which is interesting. I'd love to read more from this verse.
Her writing and theme work is also a standout. There's a lot of content here focusing around the death of kindness in our current age, and the sadness of aging in a world that seems to have left you behind. Yet the book also never becomes a session of look-how-terrible-technology-is; the concept is touched upon, but this story is no PSA.
As is also typical, I liked the characters. I think McGuire is quite good at making her audience care about characters in a very brief amount of time and without too much description. With a vast and intriguing cast of side characters, this story feels as if it could really be taking place with this exact cast.
And, as is typical - YET AGAIN - I thought it could've gone deeper. There's so much great here, but if the ending had done just a little more - the themes come closer to the surface, the fascinating worldbuilding get more exploration, the character development take full precedence - this could've been a five. But despite my lack of full adoration, this was great, and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a creepy and quick read.
“You took my life and Oliver's life and made them into this book. You made us into monsters, both of us.”
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars. Do you ever rea
“You took my life and Oliver's life and made them into this book. You made us into monsters, both of us.”
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars. Do you ever read books that don't really stand out? That you love while reading, but can't think of anything standout to mention? That's how I felt about this. It's a very solid and well-paced book, it's lacking in romance but strong in friendship, and it's a creative retelling. But there's nothing here that makes me cry with delight, you know? A fun read, but not a memorable one.
First of all, the plot and concept is really interesting. A retelling of Frankenstein in which Frankenstein: the book actually exists? Alternate history? It's just as interesting as it sounds. This novel is so fast-paced and entertaining I can hardly complain. Just the thing for my reading slump.
“We're all monsters. We're all careless and cruel in the end.”
The themes here about evil are so interesting and well-done; maybe my favorite thing about this book. For that reason alone, I'd definitely rec this to fans of This Savage Song by V.E. Schwab, one of my current reads. They have very similar vibes.
While these characters maybe aren't the most nuanced of all, they're all solidly interesting characters. There's main character Alasdair, the Frankenstein of this story. His reincarnated, maybe-a-monster-and-maybe-not brother Oliver. His ex-girlfriend Mary. And his new friend Clemence.
I also LOVE how this doesn't focus on romance. I kept waiting for Alasdair's relationship with Clemence to turn romantic, and it never did. They only have a strong friendship!! The only romance takes place in the past, which I loved.
I do, however, feel this was a little underwhelming. It just didn't go deep enough into the situations for my taste. The characters were never pushed to their limits or broken to the degree I wanted them to be. There's not much development and not many plot twists. Nothing bad, just nothing particularly fabulous or standout either.
VERDICT: Maybe not a fabulous book, but I solidly enjoyed this. Recommended for anyone who needs a good fast-paced read. I preferred Gentleman's Guide, though.
Also, my review for Mackenzi Lee as a person would be a five-star gush review. I LOVED HER TALK SO MUCH. And yes, she is just as passionate about random historical figures as her books would indicate.
“Without further ado, the Salone Postale proudly presents the intrepid, the indelible, the incomparable... Ginger!” A stagehand pulled open the
“Without further ado, the Salone Postale proudly presents the intrepid, the indelible, the incomparable... Ginger!” A stagehand pulled open the curtain, and I got my first look at the audience. “Her hair's not red,” one of the hecklers shouted. “I want my money back.”
A good and probably-about-to-be-underrated-read! This was my first-ever physical arc I received directly from an author and publisher, and I have to say I’m pretty pleased it was this one.
The Art of Escaping is a book about finding your passion, whatever it is, and finding a group of people who want to be a part of that passion. I think in high school, wanting to find a group who want you - it could be one person or fifty people - is one of the most important things in the world. This is a book that knows how important that can be, and wants to show you.
First of all, can I just say: this book is really humorous. The humor here didn’t always fit my sense, but several moments of sarcastic humor gave me a good laugh.
And there were so many minor things that worked for me! I appreciated the moments of poking fun at typical high-school tropes. I also really liked, though it was minor, Mattie’s history class - cool good teachers in YA are always something I really enjoy.
And okay, a nitpick section for somewhat eh lines and themes that I, personally, disliked? Okay, there’s one moment - this is arc and not final copy - where a teacher suggests a gay-straight alliance and the main character responds with “I’m apolitical” and, you know, I am dead tired of being queer being defined as a political thing. Would love if that got released. And the minute girl hate element is... hm. On one hand, Mattie talks a lot about how Meadow isn’t really bad, just above it all, and puts her on the same level as several dudes. But on the other hand, the intro is so filled with bouncy hair that the entire thing feels like yet another “wow, aren’t girls who fit western beauty standards terrible?” And in general, I think a few of the attempts to point out racism and homophobia fall a little short. Will’s thoughts on his mother’s treatment of gay men as objects beyond people are so amazing and important. And then… they disappear in two pages. His later coming out exemplifies his mom’s homophobia, but the whole thing is written off. And in general, I think this book was not without flaws — a few more complicated sections feel somewhat messily written in that debut-novel way, and there’s a dream sequence towards the beginning that could really use some editing.
But in the end, I thought this was a really fun story about finding your passions. I’ll definitely be reading more by this author.
So, SO good, one of the better middle grade novels I read this year, and then a very messy final chapter lowkey ruined it??
“It ain’t salvation if it mSo, SO good, one of the better middle grade novels I read this year, and then a very messy final chapter lowkey ruined it??
“It ain’t salvation if it means I have to belong to you.”
This is a story about prejudice and exclusion, all disguised as a middle grade magical realism novel. It's all metaphorical but it will be perfectly easy for children to consume.
There's an interesting thread here about how religion can be a cover for hate, complete with a preacher and a discriminated-against pair of dads. I thought this thread was very well-executed and I respected how deep it was.
Unfortunately, I do feel that the final chapter failed this book. Perhaps it was meant to mean something, but I personally found it messy and poorly explained. However, I still have to recommend this to any MG readers!!...more
But I would not let the swans write our story for us.
So… let’s start with, I cried reading this? Anna-Marie McLemore is one of the most ta
But I would not let the swans write our story for us.
So… let’s start with, I cried reading this? Anna-Marie McLemore is one of the most talented authors on any market right now. They are consistently fantastic at creating compelling characters, beautiful sentences, and Super Good Romances, all wrapped up in narratives of generational trauma, colonialism, & queerness.
➽W H Y T H I S W A S A M A Z I N G
This book is about a few things: internalized colorism, systematic transphobia & homophobia, and most importantly of all, stealing back your story from those who wish to make it theirs. In a world that wants to steal your words, to put you into a story of sister vs. sister and family vs. family, it is so difficult to find your own way and force your way out of a colonial narrative.
As always, McLemore’s writing is so beautiful and lyrical. I really do find it hard to tear myself away from these works; I never binge them, but whenever I read them I am so in them. For those of you who found Wild Beauty a bit much, I will say I found this slightly easier to read quickly; however, I will say that Wild Beauty was my favorite book of two years ago, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
➽C H A R A C T E R S
These characters are just,,, so so good.
→Blanca Del Cisne has been trying to fit an archetypal role, a role she has been allowed to partake in due to her lighter skin. So throughout the story, she must find that she does not belong in that role, and that she can find love as a queer girl, and have her own life.
→Roja Del Cisne projects manipulation and lack of caring, but underneath that layer, she is a deeply loving girl, made fierce by love and by resentment of her mother’s dislike. (One of my only complaints about this was that I really wished that element specifically had been resolved with slightly more buildup.)
→Page Ashby is a nonbinary trans boy trying to discover his identity in a world where he is put into boxes. There's a really good discussion of gender ≠ pronouns incroporated here, as Page uses both he and she pronouns.
→Barclay Holt, or Yearling, is the story’s blue-eyed boy, a boy from an abusive family. His arc involves resolving his feelings around his past and adjusting to his disability. He is also sadly the only character I do not love; his arc felt sort of dissonant compared to the other three character’s arcs. He is fine and he exists and he is good.
→Also, Tess Holt and Grandma Ashby are the best. That is all.
➽R E L A T I O N S H I P S
There are two romantic couples in this book. Roja and Yearling’s romance is sweet. Blanca and Page’s is indescribably good. It’s sensual, but built on such an incredible base of trust, and their tension is just um… a lot? There is something so delicate and emotional to me about queer people finding themselves in loving each other, and I honestly wonder if there’s any personal element to how beautifully this romance is rendered. They are amazing, my favorite couple, 30/10.
But the main relationship in this book is between the two sisters. Blanca & Roja’s relationship is incredibly complex; each has problems with herself, and each often projects these problems on her sister. It is so easy, in a sibling relationship, to see your sister as something she is not — to allow the image of someone you love to twist and distort. Seeing that bond break, and then come back, was so cathartic.
➽I N C O N C L U S I O N
I remember about a week before I read this book, I saw this thread by Anna-Marie, and it was so amazing, and the fact that the reality of this book was even better is a real statement on how amazing this story was. I know I won’t forget about this story anytime soon.
TW: colorism, homophobia, transphobia, discussion of physical abuse.
“You're always you, and that don't change, and you're always changing, and there's nothing you can do about it.”
The Graveyard Book is a middle-gra
“You're always you, and that don't change, and you're always changing, and there's nothing you can do about it.”
The Graveyard Book is a middle-grade story about growing up and leaving your family. This is actually my first ever Gaiman, and my first ever audiobook, all at once!
To be quite honest, my favorite thing about this was probably the audiobook narration. Gaiman's character voices and baritone voice made this audiobook experience so relazing and enjoyable. If you haven't read this, I HIGHLY recommend the audiobook.
“People want to forget the impossible. It makes their world safer.”
I've never been much of a middle-grade fan, but I do love middle-grade books that don't talk down to their readership. This is definitely a book I'd recommend to any children I know. It's comforting and bittersweet and emotionally real.
I don't think it's a perfect book. In general, there were so many subplots that didn't seem to fit the tone of the book. I liked all the subplots, don't get me wrong! The book just feels a little tonally odd. To that point, the resolution to the subplot surrounding Summer left me cold. It seemed contrary to the message of the book. But I might give some credit to Gaiman anyway; the tonal shifts seemed to fit this book very well. It's a dark and yet hopeful book, walking a careful line between the two.
While this wasn't my favorite book of all time, I did really enjoy listening to the audiobook narration. Seriously, five stars for the narration. Good luck if you do try this!!...more
This book is very clever. The Wolf Hour is all about how we view stories and how they differ from our perception.
Many fairy tale retellings only add This book is very clever. The Wolf Hour is all about how we view stories and how they differ from our perception.
Many fairy tale retellings only add romance or further plot to the original story. The Wolf Hour takes it for granted that Red Riding Hood is a popular story, and writes about the beings who have been forced into that story, not from their own actions but from events beyond their control. Sara Lewis Holmes offers a unique retelling of Red Riding Hood.
The writing style here is odd, yet it works perfectly for the story. The overuse of exclamation points could feel so false, yet it flows perfectly within the story.
I don’t know what to say without spoiling things, but this is definitely a book to look out for. I didn’t fall in love quite enough for a four star; while the characters are enjoyable, they’re nothing particularly standout. But in terms of plot and writing, this definitely gets a recommendation from me.
This is a book about how the smallest gestures can form the biggest pictures, how the smallest actions can change the course of a life. How seeing a gThis is a book about how the smallest gestures can form the biggest pictures, how the smallest actions can change the course of a life. How seeing a girl can change your life. How falling in love with your secretary can change the course of someone’s life forever. How swerving in a car can get two teens together. How calling a security officer can save her life.
It sort of tore my heart into a million pieces.
Fuck, okay. I don’t know how to explain how much I feel about this book.
“You were expecting something...” More poetic,” she says. “Are you kidding? Most poems are about sex.” She's skeptical. “Do you have actual data to back that up? I wanna see some numbers.” “Scientist!” I accuse. “Poet!” she retorts.
Let's start here. Before I lose all my credibility: yes, this book is about instalove, and yes, I ended up absolutely loving the relationship. I will say two things. First, that they don’t really fall in love - they see the possibility that they could.
And personally, I think seeing the possibility of a future is a very real thing.
There’s a Japanese phrase that I like: koi no yokan. It doesn’t mean love at first sight. It’s closer to love at second sight. It’s the feeling when you meet someone that you’re going to fall in love with them. Maybe you don’t love them right away, but it’s inevitable that you will.
And second… it’s written really well. Their relationship is just... so soft? It's sweet, in that way first love is, and it's supportive, in that way good love is. And they call each other out on their shit.
Because you don't love me, Daniel. You're just looking for someone to save you. Save yourself.
I will also fully admit that I didn’t really connect with Natasha and Daniel’s relationship in the first hundred pages - not until I connected with their characters. But holy shit, towards the end? There is a REASON I sobbed REAL TEARS while reading this book. You know I’m discerning about my romantic couples and I have chosen well.
But... the romance is not all this book is about.
The real focus of the book, instead, is on the issues faced by immigrants. On one hand, we have Natasha, a science girl, complete icon, and illegal immigrant from Jamaica who is being deported at the end of the day after her father has been picked up. On the other hand, we have Daniel, a child of South Korean immigrants whose family wants him to become a doctor but who wants his own life as poet.
There’s just… oh my god, there’s so much here?
If people who were actually born here had to prove they were worthy enough to live in America, this would be a much less populated country.
What is happening to Natasha is horrible, and Yoon does not shy away from its horror. Natasha has lived here, in America, her whole life. She has been picked up due to a mistake made by her father. It is not her fault she has been picked up. It is not her fault she illegally immigrated in the first place. She cannot change it. And yet here she is, being forced to uproot her whole life for another’s mistake. There is something so honest about how this is written, about the way Natasha’s pain is conveyed here.
But that’s not all. There is a discussion here about the social stigma against “bad hair” - i.e. black hair - and how that is perpetrated by black hair care places, like the one owned by Daniel’s parents. There is honest discussion of the contrast between emotions and science, whether you can quantify fate or put a box around love. There is honest discussion of parent-child relationships, in many flavors; of evil, of fate, of suicide.
And the characters. Okay, I’m going to say something weird and reference high school English: Natasha and Daniel form perfect narrative foils to each other. They each have super distinct voices and personalities. Also, apparently this is an unpopular opinion [what can I say? stanning underrated lady characters is my brand] but I love Natasha so much I might start crying!! The way she is written is just… she conveys so many emotions I have felt in my past, even though we’re in totally different situations. There’s honestly a lot of talent in making the audience relate on such a personal level to a character I share no situation in common with.
Listen, I know I’ve said a lot, but I don’t think I have said enough. This book deeply affected me. I don’t think I have ever read a book crying so hard I couldn’t turn pages. I can tell you to please, please read this - even if you think you won't like it. Literally, this was my first note about this book:
me, performing self sabotage by reading a romantic contemporary when I know I dislike romantic contemporary? it’s more likely than you think
[do you remember what a fetus I was just a mere month ago, thinking I would hate this book... who was she....]
The Sun Is Also a Star was such a fantastic read and I know it will stay with me forever - I’m getting chills just thinking about it, and I have a feeling I always will. I just remember finishing this book and wanting to cry because I love human beings, and even when the world is unfair, it gives us what we deserve in the end.
How do you describe a book that relies on confusion? There's no way to review this story properly without giving away spoilers, but I'll do my best.
THow do you describe a book that relies on confusion? There's no way to review this story properly without giving away spoilers, but I'll do my best.
This book relies on being, well... charming and strange. It takes place in two timelines, one in the past and one in the current. There's a sense of tension and suspense built up here. Unfortunately, I think the whole thing was almost too weird for me. This is a totally subjective thing, and I'm usually someone who enjoys ambiguity. Somehow it didn't really work for me here. If you need solid answers in your books, I would not read this.
Win's journey is both completely confusing and completely wonderful. He's a very angsty character, one who's often hard to understand, but by the time the book reveals its secrets, he's someone you genuinely care about.
Hm. I really don't know how to review this and I'm not even sure how I feel about this. What I do know is it will stay with me and I will read more of the author's books in the future.
Girl Out Of Water surprised me. I have to admit, I was expecting something far less heartfelt and well-written. But I’m so glad I picked this up.
This Girl Out Of Water surprised me. I have to admit, I was expecting something far less heartfelt and well-written. But I’m so glad I picked this up.
This is a great book on most levels; it contains prime characterization, a sweet romance, and well-developed themes. But it does bear mentioning: it was so. boring. For the first half, I didn’t connect to the story much, despite my enjoyment of the characters. That being said, everything else about this story was so perfect that I can’t not give it four stars, and I’m sure many won’t suffer from my issues.
”Your mom was terrified to end up like our mother, to live and die in the same place without seeing the world… so she left.” It’s odd, the more I think about it. My mom was terrified of ending up like her mom, so she left home, and I’m terrified of ending up like my mom, so I was scared to leave home.
This book is about leaving home and growing up, but it’s first and foremost about how we reflect our parents' mistakes. This wasn’t a theme I expected, but it was definitely a theme I loved. It’s clear Laura Silverman knows what she’s doing with the themes here.
"Don’t you understand that the fact you’re asking these questions means you actually give a shit and are nothing like your mom at all?"
I also admired the descriptions of Santa Cruz. Anise’s love for her home comes through in every description. This expert description made her love for Santa Cruz and desire to go home so real and so tangible. As the book developed, her love for home got more and more complex, which was awesome.
I love home. But it’ll be here when I get back.
Anise isn’t the shrinking violet of many contemporary novels; no, she’s far more confident. She’s got a complex relationship with self-esteem that I instantly connected to. So many authors feel the need to make self-esteem either/or, and it was lovely to see a character break that mold. I understood her character on a deep level.
None of the side characters felt throwaway, which was great. We meet six members of Anise’s family, a few members of Lincoln’s crowd, and several of Anise’s friends, yet all of them feel real. Silverman definitely deserves a shoutout for the casual diversity here: Anise's love interest, Lincoln, is disabled without it being a huge part of his character; Anise herself is Jewish; many of the main characters are mixed race; there’s also casual lesbian rep in the form of Anise’s friends.
VERDICT: A slightly slow but still well-written contemporary coming-of-age with very well-developed characters and well-incorporated themes.
Funny how you notice how beautiful things are just when you're about to leave them.
It is amazing how a novel focusing on only three charac
Funny how you notice how beautiful things are just when you're about to leave them.
It is amazing how a novel focusing on only three characters can feel like one of the most human experiences of your recent reading history. Bone Gap is about the burden of the past, and the roles we have to take on to escape that past.
Bone Gap is a magical realism retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, sort of combined with the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, and though at times slow, it is exceptionally worth your time. Trust me. Here are three reasons for why it is worth your time:
“Why do you want to see the beast?” “Because he is just as pretty as I feel.”
Petey has some of the most interesting character development in the whole novel. She is the town’s ugly girl, liked by one boy, who the rest of the town seems to think is only dating her because she’ll put out. And by the time she figures out what’s really happening with Finn, it is impossible not to sympathize with her insecurity.
“What have you got against people?” Finn hated crowds. Thousands of people bumping and churning. “Too many opinions.”
Finn is a character who took a little longer to grow on me, but who I eventually fell in love with. His relationship with his brother Sean, and his gentle kindness towards everyone around me, were both so compelling to me, and I loved the direction the author took his arc. This is sort of a spoiler within the text of the book, but I'm not sure it should be, so I'm going to talk about it: (view spoiler)[Finn has facial blindness, which is plot-relevant, and though I generally don't like disability being used as a plot twist, I thought the narrative around difference was really respectful and relevant. (hide spoiler)]
“You said you wouldn’t touch me until I wanted this.” “I don’t want this.” “You do.”
On another note of amazing women, Roza is such an incredible character, with one of the best-written arcs of the book. The sections of this book dealing with Roza’s kidnapping are genuinely terrifying, playing off the silent fear I think a lot of women and women-aligned people in America face: the fear of an unnamed stranger who wants us and is not bothered by whether we want them back. This is boosted along by a detailed backstory of life with her boyfriend, who physically hurts her (and - it is implied - sexually violates her).
Listen, I know I’ve talked a lot about the characters in this book, but they really are the focus. I found this book so, so cathartic. Even with such dark content, it's a fundamentally hopeful book, and I am so so glad I took a chance on it.
What do I even begin to say about this impactful, gorgeous book? My faith in humanity and my love for found family has been absolutely restored.
There'What do I even begin to say about this impactful, gorgeous book? My faith in humanity and my love for found family has been absolutely restored.
There's so much I loved about this book, I really don't know where to start.
# SO CLOSE YOU CAN TASTE IT: SETTING AND WRITING
The setting developed here is just as awesome. Yes, I'm a little biased, because I've been in love with the idea of Alaska since I was really little. But this book made me feel like I was there. I felt as if I were in that snowy, isolated area. I could feel the loneliness, feel the isolation, feel the lack of human contact.
The writing is also a strength. It's lyrical and subtly gorgeous. It's not showy, but it's gorgeous. This book is appropriately titled, for the author's writing is sensory in the perfect way.
# CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN SHORT TIME: A HOW-TO
The characters here are amazing. We have Ruth, with possibly the most emotionally cathartic teen pregnancy story ever written; Dora, who's full of anger and wants to find a forever home after her abuse; Alyce, who wants to pursue her dreams without forgetting her family; and Hank, who just wants to run away.
I can't begin to express how much I loved all four narrators. Each one has their own story and journey, and all four stories are fleshed out, despite how short the book is. Alyce, Ruth, and Dora's points of view resonated with me the most, but Hank's was well-developed too. This is the type of book where your favorite character here will depend entirely on your own experiences, because all four are well-written enough to be a favorite character.
All the side characters are just as developed, just as brilliantly written. I was shocked by how many memorable side characters managed to fit into this epic.
# SYMBOLISM AND THEMATICS
Honestly, the thematic arc of this book probably stood out most to me. Each of these characters' journeys revolves around one thing: the family you choose. These characters get to choose their families. Sometimes their chosen families involve their parents, and sometimes not. That's not the point. It's more important to surround ourselves with people we love, even if they aren't our parents.
VERDICT: I honestly can't think of any negatives. There are so few books I can't complain about, but I really can't complain about this book. It was a lovely journey.
“It's just, when I think about sex or whatever, it's kind of like on tv.” “Vanilla and hetero?”
I fell in love with this story.
Not only is How To Re
“It's just, when I think about sex or whatever, it's kind of like on tv.” “Vanilla and hetero?”
I fell in love with this story.
Not only is How To Repair A Mechanical Heart hilarious and adorable, it's also a far more developed and important story than I expected.
This book is a somewhat a parody of fandom and somewhat an ode to fandom. It's not one or the other, and I really liked that. It's like an even better version of Fangirl.
I really loved the characters. Over the course of the story, these two characters were developed far more than I expected. I found Brandon so easy to relate to, even though we have totally different personalities. His development made way for a good dynamic. Most of the side characters weren't anything special, but none were ever actively annoying.
This book nailed romance. It's so sad that I can't say much about it, because I feel like you have to let it unravel rather than knowing what happens beforehand. But trust me when I say it's incredibly heartwarming.
Last time I asked her for advice she lit a cigarette and said “God is like junior high, Brandon. Graduate already.”
The humor in this book is so A+. I don't even know how to pick a favorite quote. J.C. Lillis is a master at snappy dialogue.
Kade and Abel. Like you're reading Genesis with a cold.
This isn't just a funny, fluffy story, though. It's also got one of the best portrayals of internalized homophobia I've ever read. Brandon's intrusive thoughts and subconscious bias against himself is so incredibly real.I related to him so much I wanted to puke. Reading his character arc was so emotionally cathartic.
I definitely recommend this one. God, I loved it so much.
Initial Thoughts
this story was written by someone trying directly to appeal to me, Elise Mouzon Thompson, and frankly I cannot WAIT to read book two.
I'll review this later... I have a ton of books to finish before I start the sequel...more
Let’s get the negatives out of the way first: this book is fairly plotless. Despite its short length, I fThanks to the publisher for my netgalley arc!
Let’s get the negatives out of the way first: this book is fairly plotless. Despite its short length, I found myself bored for most of the first half.
However, my disapointment at the plot was outshined by my love for pretty much everything else.
The character work here is sublime. Juliet is a funny and believable protagonist. Her emotional journey was easy to connect with, and I’m sure it will be for anyone who feels disenfranchised in society. This is Juliet's specific journey as a lesbian woman of color, and the author makes that very clear. Yet I was constantly impressed that Rivera managed to make this journey so specific yet so universal.
The side characters shined here too. All were complex and developed, even in very little page time. I feel like I know these women. I feel like Gabby Rivera knows these women. I was just incredibly impressed by the amount I connected to this story.
The integration of social issues here was also amazing. I’ve never read a book that represented so many issues so well. There’s a focus on lgbt issues, on women’s issues, on how women’s issues and trans issues need to be connected, and on racism issues. It’s revolutionary that this book got published by an agency. Juliet would be proud.
I almost wish Juliet’s brave women heroes had been integrated more into the latter half of the book. It seemed like an amazing concept that almost got abandoned. I understand why it happened, though; there was a lot to resolve in the latter half. Again, the pacing needed a little editing. But everything else was just amazing.
This review can be split in two: the first half and the second half. The first half is a solid 4 stars. The second half is 2 stars.
The first half of tThis review can be split in two: the first half and the second half. The first half is a solid 4 stars. The second half is 2 stars.
The first half of this book is a claustrophobic, well-written, suspenseful tale of witches in the Middle Ages, with magical realism thrown in. The plotting is a bit slow, but there's a bite of tension in the air, just enough dramatic tension interwoven that it is impossible to look away. This sort of fantasy-suspense combination is honestly my favorite genre and if you're looking for that please look no further.
I appreciated the portrayal of how religion can be co-opted into hate. This is a recurring theme throughout the book; how a combination of religion and self-righteousness lead to destruction. Alys was a believable, likable heroine in the first half. She's desperately afraid of becoming a monster, and her arc seems to glow with potential.
Perhaps this was one of the things that had made her so different all along– that she saw the truth of things. That beauty could sometimes be ugly, and that you didn't always find good and evil where you expected to– or where you'd been told to find them.
Unfortunately, quite a lot went downhill in the second half.
This book tossed me straight into instalove hell. Cian isn't a bad romantic interest. As a couple, their relationship was perfectly fine and healthy. It would've been fine had Cian only shown up earlier in the book. And had he not overwhelmed the plot towards the end. This should be Alys' story, not Cian's. That's what the book has been since the beginning.
I also didn't love how the romance was the only source of character development. Alys' character arc in the second half revolves around her romance. It's subtle, but it really irked me.
When you mix these character worries with a slightly anti-climactic end, I ended up really disappointed. I don't not recommend this, but I'm honestly not sure I'd highly recommend it either.
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