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shereadytoread's Reviews (823)
adventurous
emotional
funny
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:
Complicated
This was such a beautiful, expressive work. Literally the epitome of "be gay, do crime" but tons of heart and depth. I loved that the book was lighthearted and heartwarming, but delved into serious introspection. The book deals with bodily autonomy, relationships, suicidal ideations, and creating a life you love. The art is bright and fun and really supports the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Religious bigotry
reflective
This book was an interesting commentary on the societal pressures of women and the extremes that can arise from refusal to accept ones own differences. It is a quick story told in a first person POV. The It is a rather contained story (few characters, settings, etc) but still makes an impact.
adventurous
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a fun little mystery/fantasy with a horror spin later in the story. However, the ending really missed for me. It fell into some really toxic family relationship dynamics and presented them in a way that made it seem that the victim is responsible for repairing. I think they were trying to draw a parallel to the MC's family dynamics but it didn't land. Overall I still think it's a really interesting plot and a good story. The twist worked well. The moving book was definitely a good plot device.
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
This was such an engrossing read. As someone with family a small drive from Crownville, MD, I've been aware of the existence of Crownville but not the history until now. Once I started reading this, I couldn't put it down. I finished this in less than 24 hours. We tend to think of the past in such a distant way. Crownsville State Hospital closed during my lifetime (probably the lifetime of anyone reading this as well). Interviews with family members of former patients and with former employees, along with historical archives saved at the last minute have culminated in this amazing work.
It not only tells the history of the asylum but also discusses the history of mental health treatment, institutions and the continued failures of both asylums and community care. It discussed the criminalization of mental health policies and the increased carceral response to poor and mentally ill community members. Something that strikes me most was a portion in which someone interviewed discussed they were running out of time to tell this story as those who lived it were passing away. How much of our lives and history are loss because there is no one to carry the story? What stories are we carrying? I expect that this is a read I will revisit in the futures.
Disclaimer: I received a free finished copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
It not only tells the history of the asylum but also discusses the history of mental health treatment, institutions and the continued failures of both asylums and community care. It discussed the criminalization of mental health policies and the increased carceral response to poor and mentally ill community members. Something that strikes me most was a portion in which someone interviewed discussed they were running out of time to tell this story as those who lived it were passing away. How much of our lives and history are loss because there is no one to carry the story? What stories are we carrying? I expect that this is a read I will revisit in the futures.
Disclaimer: I received a free finished copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Suicide, Suicide attempt, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual assault
hopeful
reflective
It's an interesting premise, but gets repetitive quick if you read through them all. I think this is better picked up and put down a few times, instead of read straight through. It's a pocket novelty book and has some gems.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was an exceptional YA romance. It had a lot of heart and depth. There were multiple heavier topics explored but also included a good balance of funny lighthearted moments. The relationships between the love interests as well as their families were great. It showed different family dynamics and issues without taking away from loving and health relationships between the family members.
I started this book in print and finished it in audio. I think the narrators for the audiobook did an excellent job and really brought out the emotions of the characters.
I started this book in print and finished it in audio. I think the narrators for the audiobook did an excellent job and really brought out the emotions of the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Sexual assault, Toxic friendship
informative
inspiring
This is such a good cultural overview of Afrofuturism. A perfect entry level reading for someone who doesn't know a lot about the genre and is looking for a general history of the beginning to current times. Looking at all mediums of media and art, I think it touches on a lot of different interest areas. If you have more knowledge of the genre, I think it is still worth reading with beautiful illustrations, artwork and photography, but also a lot of care given to specific figures and important works in afrofuturism. This was a wonderful read and supplied a lot of reference to other works to continue reading.
