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lisacanteven's reviews
521 reviews
Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars: A Dangerous Trans Girl's Confabulous Memoir by Kai Cheng Thom
fast-paced
4.0
This is a novel, not a memoir. Even though it was not what I expected at all, I had a great time.
Second Chances in New Port Stephen by TJ Alexander
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
TJ Alexander writes another banger. I loved this one so much. I only couldn’t give it 5 stars, like I did for Triple Sec, because Nick and Eli didn’t spend enough time in the present together especially in the second half. I get it for the development, but I would have just enjoyed more pages in order to get more time. Watching them flirt did so much for my little demisexual heart.
I also would have loved to see more conversation around Nick’s demisexuality. I would really love to see how TJ could have written that convo bc they are so brilliant at writing communicative scenes. I spent a lot of the book excitedly waiting for that scene and was a little bummed to never get it. But I guess that is for a different book.
Still will read everything and anything by TJ Alexander forever and always. Did you hear about their upcoming queer regency romance? I am giddy!
I also would have loved to see more conversation around Nick’s demisexuality. I would really love to see how TJ could have written that convo bc they are so brilliant at writing communicative scenes. I spent a lot of the book excitedly waiting for that scene and was a little bummed to never get it. But I guess that is for a different book.
Still will read everything and anything by TJ Alexander forever and always. Did you hear about their upcoming queer regency romance? I am giddy!
Content Warnings
Minor: Biphobia, Homophobia, Racism, Transphobia, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Dysphoria
You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World by Ada Limón
3.5
This is a lovely collection of poems written about the natural world. I thought all the poems were fine, but only a few stood out to me.
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.5
As no surprise, this is a tough read. It’s emotional and raw. Octavia Butler never misses.
An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was unexpectedly wonderful. I had no idea what I was going into. I didn’t even know the genre, but I was so happy when it ended up being sci-fi that takes place on a ship hurdling towards the heavens. The writing was beautiful and haunting. If you have been enjoying the tv show, Silo, you will love this book.
Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really wanted to love this, but in the end it just didn't work for me. I don't care for short, almost choppy writing where the paragraphs are only 2-3 lines long. This is similar writing to Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé's writing. It works for some people, and I wish it worked for me because it makes the story fly. However, I just can't get into the book this way.
I also don't like enemies to lovers a lot and this was enemies to lovers to the extreme. It reminded me of Zodiac Academy in the way that it felt like a bully romance. I will say that the writing in this book is leagues better than ZA. If you want vibes from ZA but better development and writing, this is a good book for you.
I also don't like enemies to lovers a lot and this was enemies to lovers to the extreme. It reminded me of Zodiac Academy in the way that it felt like a bully romance. I will say that the writing in this book is leagues better than ZA. If you want vibes from ZA but better development and writing, this is a good book for you.
A Million Kites: testimonies and poems from the children of Gaza 2023-2024 by Leila Boukarim, Asaf Luzon
5.0
I cried my eyes out. We should pass this book around so everyone gets a chance to read the words from these children in Gaza.
I'll Get Back to You by Becca Grischow
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.
I’m sure this is a great book, but the fact that it is college students coming back to their hometown for thanksgiving- I just can’t do that.
Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity in This Crisis (And the Next) by Dean Spade
4.0
Really informative for a beginner activist. Makes a great tool in the tool box. There was one part where it started to get a little preachy about eating well and exercise?? Felt a little ableism come in from the privilege.