sara_m_martins's reviews
328 reviews

This book is far too graphic in the abuse described. 
Plus, the writing style and the form feel weird and dissonant, as the sequence of events goes from pages of different but relatively-mundane life (like building a wall) to extremely abusive and traumatic scenarios. 
Additionally, I think I would rather read a more removed perspective - i.e. a biography instead of an autobiography

Great for fluff lovers!
I adored this book! It was funny from the get-go, and I found myself laughing out loud quite often! There is found family, cottage life completed with chickens and very lovable side-characters!
As a queer person in their late 20s that sometimes daydreams about leaving everything and go to live in the woods, this was very cozy to read! And nothing goes wrong - there were a few things I thought might go very wrong - like

one of the friends abandoning them, or the chickens dying, or someone being a victim of a hate crime...

. There was even redemption arcs where I didn't expect them!
The central story is more about this found family of 4 people, I think: they move from London to a village 45min by train, they adopt chickens and they are happy in their new life and new acquaintances. The romance that is mentioned in the blurb is present but mostly has an probably unrequited thing for most of the novel - 

I'd actually would have preferred if they didn't end up together, I think, even if their scenes at the end are very cute; quite shocked that they did end up together really

. 
Other things: I really enjoyed the tone and I thought the writing flowed really well. 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC.  I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Off I go to order my own copy!

true love is the friendships we made along the way 

A short poetry collection that centers on disability and chronic pain, but beware if this cold trigger you. The writing style wasn't for me, but I did appreciate the DnD references. I also think the queerness aspect is not *that* present, considering where it was presented in the synopsis - if you go in looking for that, I think you will be dissapointed. 
Overall, good for people that like some of the newer poetry styles (like Amanda Lovelace), and looking for themes of disability and chronic pain/illness. 

Nice little comic anthology. It provides a multitude of perspectives and existences of the trans experiences. The styles are all very different, and I simply didn't vibe with the style of writing or the art, which makes me knock it down to a 4*. 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC.  I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

lesbians and animals . had high hopes... 
I simply didn't vibe with the stories. The first was okay but nothing special. second one had a "character development arc" that was just wild to me and grated me. third one starts with, frankly, animal abuse and i was at a point with the book where i didn't care to go through with it

1st story - 3stars
fun.

2nd story - 2stars
being a lil' snarky doesnt warrant an AA like transformation. 

3rd story - dnf
very much disliked how the MC agreed fostering when she was completely not able to grasp basic concepts of being responsible for an animal. 

A great piece of science communication to the younger audience! Professor Tallamy adapts his bestseller on natura conservation for the youngest audience, but also great to be consumed by everyone else!
The writing is clear, informative and easy to take in! It has great calls to action with clear how-to.
The illustrations are very nice, alongside with the many photos, which works to keep readers of all ages engaged and gives them first-hand knowledge of what to look for, regarding these issues of conservation.
Keep in mind that the book is geared to information of Northern-American native species and problems in ecosystems.

Parallel follows Karl in a dual timeline: just after WWII in a divided Germany, starting his parallel lives (marriage, kids VS being gay when it is a crime), and in his first months of retirement, in the 80s (fairly alone, estranged from his daughter). 
This is a very sad story. It is a story of a gay man in a time and place where it was illegal to be. There is a flicker of joy here and there and it ends in a more or less uplifting note, but overall it's quite depressing.  The characters are not loveable (except for one side character or two), they are complex and do as much bad stuff as they do good. But this makes it quite an unusual story to read. If you are looking for something to warm your heart I don't think this one is right for you. This one if for those that want an unusual queer tale from an unusual historical place and perspective.
The art style is quite monochrome and stark throughout, the colorfulness of the left side of the cover isn't present. 
Overall, this one wasn't outstanding for me - something never quite clicked correctly, but it was an interesting read.
TW: Homophobia (by individuals and police), outing, suicide of a side character

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and OniPress for this opportunity.