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_meganrose's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Mental illness, Hate crime, Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Rape, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, and Transphobia
megansoetaert's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
this book hurt my heart :( it was heartbreaking but had so many moments of beauty and joy, and both made me cry. it’s too easy to envision our world becoming this one, so read easy and take care of yourself, especially if you’re Black, Indigenous, a person of color, or queer. this book feels very important, and i think if you have the capacity, you should all read it
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Violence, Police brutality, Genocide, Murder, Xenophobia, Classism, Colonisation, Religious bigotry, Sexual harassment, Transphobia, Death, Hate crime, and Homophobia
Moderate: Child abuse and Ableism
bad_bookworm_h's review against another edition
Dnf'd at page 92... the CSA and the forced homophobic exorcism was too much for me right now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Religious bigotry, Hate crime, Genocide, Child abuse, Homophobia, Pedophilia, and Transphobia
Moderate: Cultural appropriation, Colonisation, Islamophobia, Lesbophobia, Outing, Racism, and Racial slurs
kp_writ's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Such a necessary read, especially for white queers (lots of discussion around performative allyship here, and how to be better). The way this novel interweaves so many unique stories through fairly seamless narration is superb. This is a dark story, for sure, but it captured me in a way that I read it all in one sitting. Lots of political commentary here, and I'll be interested to reread this a few years from now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Xenophobia, Violence, Kidnapping, Transphobia, Slavery, Racism, Racial slurs, Islamophobia, Genocide, Physical abuse, Pedophilia, Hate crime, Police brutality, Murder, Medical trauma, Homophobia, and Grief
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Ableism, Suicide, Pregnancy, War, Rape, Excrement, Colonisation, Animal death, and Panic attacks/disorders
kharlan3's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Forced institutionalization, Genocide, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Islamophobia, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Racism, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Trafficking, Transphobia, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Blood, Bullying, and Gore
Minor: Biphobia
bookishrealm's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
<b>Brilliant. A difficult book to read, but also a book that leaves the reader with so much hope. CW: homophobia, specific use of f** as a slur, transphobia, racism, lynching, transphobic slurs, sexual abuse of a minor, emotional abuse, suicidal ideation, deadnaming, death of a child, and gang rape (described not on page). I received this book from Atria Books for review. All thoughts are my own. 4.5 Stars</b>
I was dreading reviewing this book. Clearly it wasn't because I didn't enjoy it. This was just an instance where I was at a loss for words because the book was just that intense. <i>Crosshairs</i> is such an interesting book that I'm not really sure how to categorize it in terms of genre. It reads like literary fiction, but also as science fiction/dystopian. So, if I was attempting to describe it I would say literary science fiction if that's even a thing. It takes place in a alternative, but real life/modern version of Canada in which a cataclysmic enviornmental event has caused the country to go haywire. The novel itself focuses on Kay, descendent of Jamaican and Filipino heritage, as they write love letters to their partner. It is through these letters and through the stories of so many other characters that the reader learns that all individuals who are considered "other" are sent to these work camps that are supposed to be for the greater good of society. Of course, they are means for those who are White, Anglo Saxon, cis-gender, heterosexual, Protestants to control and oppress those who do not fit into their "normative" beliefs. Kay, like so many others, are on the run and in hiding with the assistance of an opposition group ready to expose the Canadian government and those running the camps for the inhuman ways that they have treated others.
This is a slow burn novel and very much so needed to be because of the complex issues discussed in the book. Nothing and I mean absolutely nothing about this novel is easy. The content warnings alone are enough to make anyone question whether they would enjoy this book; however, it is an important read. Catherine Hernandez utilizes this dystopian/science fiction like version of Canada to bring forward ideas/thoughts that are extremely relevant to conversations happening around the world right now in 2021. It is horrifying to know that the behaviors, thoughts, and ideals held by the oppressors in this novel are the same that are present in people today. So to know that marginalized groups were forced into precarious situations that forced them into hiding made me feel like this was something that could happen in real life. And that directly relates to Hernandez's conversation about intersectionality and visible marginalizations. Hernandez makes it clear that while some marginalizations may initially fall under the same "umbrella" categories, the experiences of said groups are extremely different. For example, we frequently use LGBTQ2SIA+ as an umbrella term but should know and understand that the experiences of a person who identifies as gay will not be the same as someone who has marginalizations that intersect between sexual identity and race. Those who can code switch and hide their marginalizations were never targeted like their counterparts and characters were quick to check each other on this.
Another interesting topic that Hernandez explores is performative activism and the meaning of allyship. This is a conversation that has been happening throughout communities all over the world even within the book community. Because those groups that are targeted are often on the run and in hiding, there are a number of individuals who can pass for white, cis gender, heterosexual citizens that assist in the resistance. Their ability to pass puts into question whether they are helping for self gradification, to make themselves feel better or if this is something they are doing because they truly want to stop their country from committing these atrocities. One of the best lines in the book that describes this exploration of theme is when a character states that "being an ally is a verb not a noun."
Overall, I thought that this was a powerful book. Definitely a difficult book, but one that that I found myself fully absorbed in and intrigued by. It may seem like this book is full of tragedies, but honestly Hernandez has a way of inserting hope into the conversation. And it was nice to see a glimmer of hope after all the trauma and tragedy that the characters face. The only criticism that I did have was the shifting and jumping of timelines. This happens not only with Kay, but also with side characters so there were moments when I had a difficult time keeping up. Other than that this novel was well-written and effectively mirrors the difficult conversations that we're having today. I'm looking forward to reading more by Catherine Hernandez.
I was dreading reviewing this book. Clearly it wasn't because I didn't enjoy it. This was just an instance where I was at a loss for words because the book was just that intense. <i>Crosshairs</i> is such an interesting book that I'm not really sure how to categorize it in terms of genre. It reads like literary fiction, but also as science fiction/dystopian. So, if I was attempting to describe it I would say literary science fiction if that's even a thing. It takes place in a alternative, but real life/modern version of Canada in which a cataclysmic enviornmental event has caused the country to go haywire. The novel itself focuses on Kay, descendent of Jamaican and Filipino heritage, as they write love letters to their partner. It is through these letters and through the stories of so many other characters that the reader learns that all individuals who are considered "other" are sent to these work camps that are supposed to be for the greater good of society. Of course, they are means for those who are White, Anglo Saxon, cis-gender, heterosexual, Protestants to control and oppress those who do not fit into their "normative" beliefs. Kay, like so many others, are on the run and in hiding with the assistance of an opposition group ready to expose the Canadian government and those running the camps for the inhuman ways that they have treated others.
This is a slow burn novel and very much so needed to be because of the complex issues discussed in the book. Nothing and I mean absolutely nothing about this novel is easy. The content warnings alone are enough to make anyone question whether they would enjoy this book; however, it is an important read. Catherine Hernandez utilizes this dystopian/science fiction like version of Canada to bring forward ideas/thoughts that are extremely relevant to conversations happening around the world right now in 2021. It is horrifying to know that the behaviors, thoughts, and ideals held by the oppressors in this novel are the same that are present in people today. So to know that marginalized groups were forced into precarious situations that forced them into hiding made me feel like this was something that could happen in real life. And that directly relates to Hernandez's conversation about intersectionality and visible marginalizations. Hernandez makes it clear that while some marginalizations may initially fall under the same "umbrella" categories, the experiences of said groups are extremely different. For example, we frequently use LGBTQ2SIA+ as an umbrella term but should know and understand that the experiences of a person who identifies as gay will not be the same as someone who has marginalizations that intersect between sexual identity and race. Those who can code switch and hide their marginalizations were never targeted like their counterparts and characters were quick to check each other on this.
Another interesting topic that Hernandez explores is performative activism and the meaning of allyship. This is a conversation that has been happening throughout communities all over the world even within the book community. Because those groups that are targeted are often on the run and in hiding, there are a number of individuals who can pass for white, cis gender, heterosexual citizens that assist in the resistance. Their ability to pass puts into question whether they are helping for self gradification, to make themselves feel better or if this is something they are doing because they truly want to stop their country from committing these atrocities. One of the best lines in the book that describes this exploration of theme is when a character states that "being an ally is a verb not a noun."
Overall, I thought that this was a powerful book. Definitely a difficult book, but one that that I found myself fully absorbed in and intrigued by. It may seem like this book is full of tragedies, but honestly Hernandez has a way of inserting hope into the conversation. And it was nice to see a glimmer of hope after all the trauma and tragedy that the characters face. The only criticism that I did have was the shifting and jumping of timelines. This happens not only with Kay, but also with side characters so there were moments when I had a difficult time keeping up. Other than that this novel was well-written and effectively mirrors the difficult conversations that we're having today. I'm looking forward to reading more by Catherine Hernandez.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, Deadnaming, Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Hate crime, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, Xenophobia, and Violence
jbraith's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, and Transphobia
deedireads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
All my reviews live at https://deedispeaking.com/reads/.
First, thank you to Atria for granting me an early review copy of this book on NetGalley.
This is a hard book to review, mostly because it represents experiences, hardships, and desires that my identity shields me from — I’m not an Own Voices reviewer for this one. So I urge you to seek out Own Voices reviews as you decide whether you want to read this one.
Crosshairs tells the story of a near-dystopian future that feels too realistic. Catastrophic weather events caused by climate change have pushed people with privilege to turn their back on “Others” — essentially anyone who isn’t white, cis, straight, able-bodied, or passing for all those things — and the Canadian government has begun a genocide of Others disguised economic recovery. The main character, a queer Black drag queen, is on the run when he’s swept up into the heart of the revolution, which is Other-led and ally-assisted.
What I really liked: I thought the premise of this book was excellent and compelling and important, and I was drawn into the story and these characters. Obviously Hernandez has shown us a future that is really not outside the realm of possibility at all. She’s written from the perspective of one character whose experiences in a dystopia like this would matter most. And, perhaps most importantly for me, she’s created the sort of ideal structure of a revolution — led by the Others, and assisted by those with privilege who fight their unconscious biases every day to center and amplify Others’ voices.
The thing that has me torn on this book is the writing. I didn’t necessarily feel like the plot followed a shape that built up toward the end like you might expect from a story like this, so I found myself 75% of the way through and more than capable of setting it down and doing something else. Only the last chapter really felt like a climactic moment. The writing also felt very heavy handed, sometimes bordering on cheesy. But ultimately, that may have actually been the point. Hernandez is sort of begging allies to get the picture here.
So while I don’t think this book was perfect, I do think that it is very much worth reading, especially for those of us who strive to be allies to those who face discrimination and violence.
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Racism, homophobia, and transphobia: language, aggression, violence, suppression; Child abuse/conversion therapy; Suicide; Dating violence
First, thank you to Atria for granting me an early review copy of this book on NetGalley.
This is a hard book to review, mostly because it represents experiences, hardships, and desires that my identity shields me from — I’m not an Own Voices reviewer for this one. So I urge you to seek out Own Voices reviews as you decide whether you want to read this one.
Crosshairs tells the story of a near-dystopian future that feels too realistic. Catastrophic weather events caused by climate change have pushed people with privilege to turn their back on “Others” — essentially anyone who isn’t white, cis, straight, able-bodied, or passing for all those things — and the Canadian government has begun a genocide of Others disguised economic recovery. The main character, a queer Black drag queen, is on the run when he’s swept up into the heart of the revolution, which is Other-led and ally-assisted.
What I really liked: I thought the premise of this book was excellent and compelling and important, and I was drawn into the story and these characters. Obviously Hernandez has shown us a future that is really not outside the realm of possibility at all. She’s written from the perspective of one character whose experiences in a dystopia like this would matter most. And, perhaps most importantly for me, she’s created the sort of ideal structure of a revolution — led by the Others, and assisted by those with privilege who fight their unconscious biases every day to center and amplify Others’ voices.
The thing that has me torn on this book is the writing. I didn’t necessarily feel like the plot followed a shape that built up toward the end like you might expect from a story like this, so I found myself 75% of the way through and more than capable of setting it down and doing something else. Only the last chapter really felt like a climactic moment. The writing also felt very heavy handed, sometimes bordering on cheesy. But ultimately, that may have actually been the point. Hernandez is sort of begging allies to get the picture here.
So while I don’t think this book was perfect, I do think that it is very much worth reading, especially for those of us who strive to be allies to those who face discrimination and violence.
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Racism, homophobia, and transphobia: language, aggression, violence, suppression; Child abuse/conversion therapy; Suicide; Dating violence
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, Homophobia, Transphobia, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse and Suicide
caseythereader's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thanks to Atria Books for the free advance copy of this book.
📚 Wowww, this was horrifying. The world of CROSSHAIRS is only a breath away from our own, and it's easy to see the path we'd take to reach it.
📚 Heavy emphasis on intersectionality and how differently oppression works for queer BIPOC and trans people than for white cis queer people who could pass as straight if they wanted to.
📚 The flashback scenes to Kay's drag days were so joyful and loving.
📚 Great discussions of how allyship is an action, not just a label, and how white people can use their privilege to both lift up BIPOC leaders and to put their bodies on the front lines.
•
What I didn't like:
📚 A lot of the dialogue was stiff and unnatural, which took me out of the story a few times.
•
Content warnings: Ableism, bullying, child abuse, child death, deadnaming, death, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, genocide, gun violence, hate crime, homophobia, Islamophobia, kidnapping, physical abuse, police brutality, racial slurs, racism, rape, religious bigotry, sexism, sexual violence, suicide, suicidal thoughts, torture, transphobia, violence, and xenophobia.
📚 Wowww, this was horrifying. The world of CROSSHAIRS is only a breath away from our own, and it's easy to see the path we'd take to reach it.
📚 Heavy emphasis on intersectionality and how differently oppression works for queer BIPOC and trans people than for white cis queer people who could pass as straight if they wanted to.
📚 The flashback scenes to Kay's drag days were so joyful and loving.
📚 Great discussions of how allyship is an action, not just a label, and how white people can use their privilege to both lift up BIPOC leaders and to put their bodies on the front lines.
•
What I didn't like:
📚 A lot of the dialogue was stiff and unnatural, which took me out of the story a few times.
•
Content warnings: Ableism, bullying, child abuse, child death, deadnaming, death, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, genocide, gun violence, hate crime, homophobia, Islamophobia, kidnapping, physical abuse, police brutality, racial slurs, racism, rape, religious bigotry, sexism, sexual violence, suicide, suicidal thoughts, torture, transphobia, violence, and xenophobia.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Blood, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Deadnaming, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Islamophobia, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Transphobia, Violence, and Xenophobia
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