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podanotherjessi's reviews
730 reviews
Greenland by David Santos Donaldson
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I just don't think I get this book. There were some really good passages, and I liked the writing style. But I have no idea what the book was saying. I thought I did, but then the theming seemed to get really muddled until by the end I had no idea what I was supposed to have gotten. Maybe that was the point.
Refusing Compulsory Sexuality: A Black Asexual Lens on Our Sex-Obsessed Culture by Sherronda J. Brown
informative
medium-paced
This book falls into an expectations versus reality situation, some of which was my fault and some of which are ways I think it actually fell short.
I was expecting there to be a lot more focus on the intersectionality between asexuality and blackness, but that really only took up about half of the book. Much of the focus was on the ways in which asexuals are disenfranchised and discriminated against - sometimes with a borderline defensive tone - without the focus on specific ways black asexuals uniquely experience that discrimination. In retrospect, this makes sense as necessary to set the groundwork. This is meant for a more introductory text than I was anticipating.
But there were times where the book was nearly exclusionary of non-white experiences. An example that stands out was the chapter "Histories." This was meant as a timeline of the presence of asexuality, even when the same words weren't used. I love this in theory. But this timeline starts in the 19th century (there is some information about earlier times in a separate chapter) and only includes works from Europe and America. Brown excuses herself at the end of this chapter by saying she's not an historian, but then why attempt a history? The lack of any examples not from the global north in this timeline felt like a glaring omission.
That said, as an introductory work, I think this is a fairly good resource. It outlines a lot of the biases in American culture and does highlight the particular contradiction and dehumanization that black asexuals face. Overall, it's not a book I would recommend in place of other books on the topic of asexuality, but as a companion to.
I was expecting there to be a lot more focus on the intersectionality between asexuality and blackness, but that really only took up about half of the book. Much of the focus was on the ways in which asexuals are disenfranchised and discriminated against - sometimes with a borderline defensive tone - without the focus on specific ways black asexuals uniquely experience that discrimination. In retrospect, this makes sense as necessary to set the groundwork. This is meant for a more introductory text than I was anticipating.
But there were times where the book was nearly exclusionary of non-white experiences. An example that stands out was the chapter "Histories." This was meant as a timeline of the presence of asexuality, even when the same words weren't used. I love this in theory. But this timeline starts in the 19th century (there is some information about earlier times in a separate chapter) and only includes works from Europe and America. Brown excuses herself at the end of this chapter by saying she's not an historian, but then why attempt a history? The lack of any examples not from the global north in this timeline felt like a glaring omission.
That said, as an introductory work, I think this is a fairly good resource. It outlines a lot of the biases in American culture and does highlight the particular contradiction and dehumanization that black asexuals face. Overall, it's not a book I would recommend in place of other books on the topic of asexuality, but as a companion to.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I recognize the objective quality of this book. The writing is really incredible. There was a reflective and moving quality to the book that I enjoyed. But there was just no plot, and I was so bored.
This book is very episodic, which is a style that almost never works for me. There were some really exciting moments that I liked, when there was action or good character moments or conflict that was engaging. But most of the book was slow and plodding.
I also was lost by the worldbuilding. The explanation around what has happened to the world was just too vague. "Environmental disaster" is just too vague, and how di things escalate so quickly to be where it is? When it comes to apocalyptic stories, I just need more details.
And it's a small thing, but Lauren is just too competent and perfect. She never messes up, never has an emotional response. She's not unbelievable, but she's boring.
And yet, I still appreciate the book as a whole. Beautifully written. Poignant social commentary. As a vehicle for discussion, it's great. But as a story, it's just kind of dull.
This book is very episodic, which is a style that almost never works for me. There were some really exciting moments that I liked, when there was action or good character moments or conflict that was engaging. But most of the book was slow and plodding.
I also was lost by the worldbuilding. The explanation around what has happened to the world was just too vague. "Environmental disaster" is just too vague, and how di things escalate so quickly to be where it is? When it comes to apocalyptic stories, I just need more details.
And it's a small thing, but Lauren is just too competent and perfect. She never messes up, never has an emotional response. She's not unbelievable, but she's boring.
And yet, I still appreciate the book as a whole. Beautifully written. Poignant social commentary. As a vehicle for discussion, it's great. But as a story, it's just kind of dull.
Cleat Cute by Meryl Wilsner
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book was a lot of "it's not you, it's me." But also some things I think were objectively a little rough.
To start with the one major complaint I have that I think was actually a fault of the book and not just me. None of the conflicts between the couple in this book ever get resolved. They will start talking through it, but before they can resolve anything, one or the other will initiate sex instead. And they never actually address the issues. For me, in a romance, this is a huge flaw that makes it hard to believe in the couple's long term success.
And then there were things that just didn't work for me but probably wouldn't bother the regular reader.
First, boundary crossing was a big problem for both women in this story. A lot of their conflicts, when simplified, boil down to this issue. But the characters clearly don't mind. None of the things that to me were a clear violation of boundaries seemed to bother the characters in the same way. So none of the boundary issues got resolved because to the characters they weren't issues. So it just really bothered me.Phoebe getting involved in Grace's injury in the first place felt like an invasion. I absolutely hated Grace going behind Phoebe's back to book her an ADHD appointment. But clearly neither of the characters felt they were out of line for doing things like that.
Second, the sex scenes were practically unreadable for me. It's mostly just a "not my kink" situation, but I hate reading dirty talk in book and double hate listening to a narrator read dirty talk in books. And there was SO MUCH dirty talk in this one. I really hated that.
Adding onto that, I do think there were some questionable moments in the sex scenes that made me uncomfortable. Just things verging into dom/sub territory that I feel should have been better discussed of negotiated beforehand.The delayed orgasm stuff and Phoebe's tendency to boss Grace, especially coupled with the fact that she was using sex as a tool to control Grace, just all felt really icky to me.
I really liked the soccer games, and I thought Grace's story in particular was wonderful. But I just couldn't root for the couple as a couple. I didn't buy their romantic connection, and they were sending up so many red flags for me.
To start with the one major complaint I have that I think was actually a fault of the book and not just me. None of the conflicts between the couple in this book ever get resolved. They will start talking through it, but before they can resolve anything, one or the other will initiate sex instead. And they never actually address the issues. For me, in a romance, this is a huge flaw that makes it hard to believe in the couple's long term success.
And then there were things that just didn't work for me but probably wouldn't bother the regular reader.
First, boundary crossing was a big problem for both women in this story. A lot of their conflicts, when simplified, boil down to this issue. But the characters clearly don't mind. None of the things that to me were a clear violation of boundaries seemed to bother the characters in the same way. So none of the boundary issues got resolved because to the characters they weren't issues. So it just really bothered me.
Second, the sex scenes were practically unreadable for me. It's mostly just a "not my kink" situation, but I hate reading dirty talk in book and double hate listening to a narrator read dirty talk in books. And there was SO MUCH dirty talk in this one. I really hated that.
Adding onto that, I do think there were some questionable moments in the sex scenes that made me uncomfortable. Just things verging into dom/sub territory that I feel should have been better discussed of negotiated beforehand.
I really liked the soccer games, and I thought Grace's story in particular was wonderful. But I just couldn't root for the couple as a couple. I didn't buy their romantic connection, and they were sending up so many red flags for me.
Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is not a book for me. That's probably the first thing to establish. All of the elements other people have loved in this novel, I found annoyed me. The tounge-in-cheek style, the reminders of the rules of a fairplay mystery, the direct to reader fourth-wall breaks. None of it worked for me. I think a large part of this is that I'm not much of a mystery reader, so the references were lost on me. So I do think someone who grew up with Christie and love this genre would have a better time.
But the other problem I had was that this book wasn't as lighthearted as I was expecting. The title and the premise promise silly hijinks, but this book is surprisingly heavy. If I had gone in expecting that, I may have enjoyed the experience more, but it was jarring and really upsetting to experience.
But the other problem I had was that this book wasn't as lighthearted as I was expecting. The title and the premise promise silly hijinks, but this book is surprisingly heavy. If I had gone in expecting that, I may have enjoyed the experience more, but it was jarring and really upsetting to experience.
Thirst by Marina Yuszczuk
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sometimes, there's a book I don't particularly enjoy, but is so undeniably good that I can't help but admire it. This is one such book.
There is so much very good about this book. It explores grief - and specifically grief for someone still living - in such a nuanced and beautiful way. The longing and sadness are incredibly illustrated throughout the novel. The writing is lyrical and fluid and really drew me into the book.
And yet... I was bored. I never really latched onto the characters, and I can't help but feel like the pacing and tension might have been better if the vampire's story was spread out throughout the novel and interwoven with the modern story instead of dumped at the beginning.
Still, it's undoubtedly a good book, and one I will recommend to anyone looking for lit fic about loneliness and grief.
There is so much very good about this book. It explores grief - and specifically grief for someone still living - in such a nuanced and beautiful way. The longing and sadness are incredibly illustrated throughout the novel. The writing is lyrical and fluid and really drew me into the book.
And yet... I was bored. I never really latched onto the characters, and I can't help but feel like the pacing and tension might have been better if the vampire's story was spread out throughout the novel and interwoven with the modern story instead of dumped at the beginning.
Still, it's undoubtedly a good book, and one I will recommend to anyone looking for lit fic about loneliness and grief.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Terminal illness
The Plucker by Brom
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Not rating this one because I'm just not sure how I would. I think if this book was just the text, I wouldn't like it very much. The story is surprisingly slow, and the writing style is incredibly dry. The Plucker is an interesting villain, and Jack at least was fun to follow, but the other characters don't have much if any depth.
But the art does add a lot. All the depth missing in the text itself is provided by Brom's beautiful illustrations. That said, I don't know if they were always place appropriately. There were multiple times I found the story spoiled by the illustrations because the art was shown before a scene had happened in the text.
But the art does add a lot. All the depth missing in the text itself is provided by Brom's beautiful illustrations. That said, I don't know if they were always place appropriately. There were multiple times I found the story spoiled by the illustrations because the art was shown before a scene had happened in the text.
Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology by Shane Hawk, Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.
dark
medium-paced
3.75
Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
challenging
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Wow, I can't believe I was tricked into reading a hockey romance. This is ahead of it's time!
This book is very good! Which makes the complaints I have stand out more. So I'll start with the criticisms, and then swiftly move on to everything great about this book.
First, I wasn't super attached to the characters, in particular Daunis. She wasn't super relatable to me personally. That said, she was incredibly well written, so I'm sure she would connect for a different reader.
The other thing was the writing at times was clunky. I love that Boulley educates through these books, but there were times the action was put on hold for a teaching moment. The story would pause just so Daunis could have a long internal monologue about her culture. There was a similar lack of grace around the time of the novel, where there were references shoehorned in just so the reader would know in exactly which year the story takes place.
But literally everything else was great. I think there's a really nuanced exploration of grief and the many facets of it. Again, it's super educational. The mystery was really fun; I figured it out almost entirely, but it felt like the book was leading me gently there rather than it just being obvious.
As a note, I did read Warrior Girl Unearthed before this, and I do like the sequel more. That said, this book doesn't suffer from anything I know already. There was one thing I knew was coming, but if anything it just created a sense of dread. And this book made me immediately launch into a reread of Warrior Girl Unearthed so I can see those characters again with added context.
This book is very good! Which makes the complaints I have stand out more. So I'll start with the criticisms, and then swiftly move on to everything great about this book.
First, I wasn't super attached to the characters, in particular Daunis. She wasn't super relatable to me personally. That said, she was incredibly well written, so I'm sure she would connect for a different reader.
The other thing was the writing at times was clunky. I love that Boulley educates through these books, but there were times the action was put on hold for a teaching moment. The story would pause just so Daunis could have a long internal monologue about her culture. There was a similar lack of grace around the time of the novel, where there were references shoehorned in just so the reader would know in exactly which year the story takes place.
But literally everything else was great. I think there's a really nuanced exploration of grief and the many facets of it. Again, it's super educational. The mystery was really fun; I figured it out almost entirely, but it felt like the book was leading me gently there rather than it just being obvious.
As a note, I did read Warrior Girl Unearthed before this, and I do like the sequel more. That said, this book doesn't suffer from anything I know already. There was one thing I knew was coming, but if anything it just created a sense of dread. And this book made me immediately launch into a reread of Warrior Girl Unearthed so I can see those characters again with added context.