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jmbz38's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-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? No
2.5
kai_ash's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
This short novel is about the protagonist's 'trans realisation' moment - that messy time when a trans person is realising they are trans. It's not a fast paced story, and it doesn't really get to the 'coming out' moment, but it's one of the first times I've read a story about this type of trans experience - most trans protagonists are either coming out or already out - so it was a nice change of pace.
On a completely unrelated note, I struggled with the name 'Sasha Masha', as I'm Australian and we tend to pronounce 'Masha' the same way as 'masher' (as in, something that mashes things, like a potato masher). So every time I read the name, I was hearing 'Sasha Masher' in my head, which made me picture a pro wrestler or super hero / super villain, which was rather distracting. It's one of those cases where names don't translate very well across different language contexts.
On a completely unrelated note, I struggled with the name 'Sasha Masha', as I'm Australian and we tend to pronounce 'Masha' the same way as 'masher' (as in, something that mashes things, like a potato masher). So every time I read the name, I was hearing 'Sasha Masher' in my head, which made me picture a pro wrestler or super hero / super villain, which was rather distracting. It's one of those cases where names don't translate very well across different language contexts.
maryehavens's review
3.0
I believe this is a semi-autobiographical. It jumped around a bit to me, like it was condensing someone's experience versus a complete fiction story where Borinsky could have added whatever she wanted.
I really appreciate Borinsky sharing their story because we don't have a lot of stories from trans authors, especially ones where she is uncovering their authentic selves. Alex/Sasha Masha's search for being a "real person" was interesting, wish there could have been a bit more. Like a diary entry or a few?? It was still good - short and sweet :)
I really appreciate Borinsky sharing their story because we don't have a lot of stories from trans authors, especially ones where she is uncovering their authentic selves. Alex/Sasha Masha's search for being a "real person" was interesting, wish there could have been a bit more. Like a diary entry or a few?? It was still good - short and sweet :)
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
Novella on audio? Yes, I like short, and it worked really well.
It is about Alex, have always felt like in between. Then his best friend moves away. He gets his first girlfriend and wonder if he now will feel like a real boy.
But, a name starts to come to him, Sasha Masha. He is that that name.
This is not a journey book, it is more coming to understand that there might be more to everything. Sasha still goes by him at the end though, and I will not assume I know how their journey turned out in the end. I hope Sasha truly becomes Sasha
I enjoyed it. Short! Haha, well I needed short
I was a bit afraid cos the narration was done by the author. And yes the tone, emotions and lack of distinct voices was there, but I felt like she made up for it because she that had gone through this could really put herself in the story
It is about Alex, have always felt like in between. Then his best friend moves away. He gets his first girlfriend and wonder if he now will feel like a real boy.
But, a name starts to come to him, Sasha Masha. He is that that name.
This is not a journey book, it is more coming to understand that there might be more to everything. Sasha still goes by him at the end though, and I will not assume I know how their journey turned out in the end. I hope Sasha truly becomes Sasha
I enjoyed it. Short! Haha, well I needed short
I was a bit afraid cos the narration was done by the author. And yes the tone, emotions and lack of distinct voices was there, but I felt like she made up for it because she that had gone through this could really put herself in the story
bibliobrittish's review
4.0
I wish I'd had this book in high school. I wish I'd had these kind of friends in high school - what an incredible found family (once Sasha Masha found it). Agnes has written an incredibly wholesome, hopeful, and real coming of age story that grapples with gender identity and social anxiety in particular. The style of writing is perfectly suited to the story, and Borinsky's own narration made for an incredibly enjoyable listening experience. More please.
jayasreads's review against another edition
4.0
It was okay, too short for me to really love it or even make a decision. Alex struggling with his given identity and trying to find out who he really wants to be.
carissagcaulton's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.0