Take a photo of a barcode or cover
anchovysaurus's reviews
246 reviews
Feminism for the 99%: A Manifesto by Cinzia Arruzza, Nancy Fraser, Tithi Bhattacharya
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
This manifesto's a good summary of contemporary feminist concerns. It argues that feminists should join up with other movements, like climate activism, to effect true societal change for all women of all races, classes, etc.
Unfortunately, it doesn't really define or explain certain economic and political concepts, so you may need some prior knowledge going in. It also blames capitalism and neoliberalism for practically all feminist problems, but many of these problems [particularly the way men believe they are superior to women] were probably present before capitalism came into being.
Unfortunately, it doesn't really define or explain certain economic and political concepts, so you may need some prior knowledge going in. It also blames capitalism and neoliberalism for practically all feminist problems, but many of these problems [particularly the way men believe they are superior to women] were probably present before capitalism came into being.
Dehiscent by Ashley Deng
dark
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
The climate-ravaged dystopia and the flora inside the Zhu house were striking. However, the first quarter of the book is essentially a description of the world's state; the worldbuilding isn't woven gently into the story. The secret of how the house provides was also predictable. Nevertheless, I appreciate that the story ends on a hopeful note.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling, Newt Scamander
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
4.0
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.75
The Mermaid in the Millpond by Lucy Strange
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Exploitative child labour is a dark theme for a middle grade audience, but I believe it's worthwhile for younger readers to explore grim settings. Perhaps the intention is to evoke compassion in the reader, which is definitely one of the book's key themes.
My only criticism is that the story covers its topics superficially. I wish that it had explored the grief, defence mechanisms, and empathy a bit more.
However, I really appreciate that Bess and Dot have a [somewhat] happy ending! I was so stressed because I thought Dot would be killed off.
My only criticism is that the story covers its topics superficially. I wish that it had explored the grief, defence mechanisms, and empathy a bit more.
Black Water Sister by Zen Cho
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Rape
The Story of a Seagull and the Cat who Taught Her to Fly by Luis Sepúlveda
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.25
Come Closer by Sara Gran
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
As a whole, Come Closer ultimately deals with relatable fears like lack of bodily autonomy and abandonment. Instead of being scary, I found the story to be quite sad, especially in the final third of the book. I do also wonder if the possession is meant to be an allegory for substance abuse , considering the slow descent and spiralling consequences.