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goofymango's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Oh, gosh. This is one of those books where it's so difficult to write a review, because it doesn't feel like there's enough words to convey just how deeply moving and impactful it was. You know a book is going to make you feel when you're already tearing up at the opening author's note.
I won't dance around it - the overwhelming feel of this book is one of tragedy, of heartbreak and trauma. But there are those glimpses of authentic joy, peace, and the wonders of human connection hidden throughout the book, something that adds to the incredible realness of it all. It's that realness that makes this story so gut-wrenching, because it isn't far removed. You can so very, very easily picture this happening in our reality, our timeline. It makes it difficult to get through at times - upsetting as it is in it's plausibility - but all the more important to really take it in, too. I wept, I had goose-bumps, I felt glimmers of hope. I felt every word of this book in my bones, and - provided you are in the right headspace - recommend anyone to read/listen to it.
The audiobook was read by the author, and gosh, what a performance. Engaging, captivating, raw and filled with emotion, the narration was some of the best I've ever had the joy to listen to.
I won't dance around it - the overwhelming feel of this book is one of tragedy, of heartbreak and trauma. But there are those glimpses of authentic joy, peace, and the wonders of human connection hidden throughout the book, something that adds to the incredible realness of it all. It's that realness that makes this story so gut-wrenching, because it isn't far removed. You can so very, very easily picture this happening in our reality, our timeline. It makes it difficult to get through at times - upsetting as it is in it's plausibility - but all the more important to really take it in, too. I wept, I had goose-bumps, I felt glimmers of hope. I felt every word of this book in my bones, and - provided you are in the right headspace - recommend anyone to read/listen to it.
The audiobook was read by the author, and gosh, what a performance. Engaging, captivating, raw and filled with emotion, the narration was some of the best I've ever had the joy to listen to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Homophobia, Racism, Xenophobia, and Death
Moderate: Police brutality, Violence, and Genocide
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
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
charliethebooklover's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
No spoilers!
BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING, PERFECTION!!
This book quite literally saved my life. My friend gave me this book for the holidays back in January, but I wasn't sure about it. I grew tired of dystopian novels a few years ago.
Pfft, not anymore. Yeah, maybe books like Divergent, or The Hunger Games (thought that book is great) are maybe a bit over-talked about, give me more books like this, and that genre will soon be my favorite!
I wish that this book was read in schools everywhere; it's educational AND enjoyable.
Let's talk about the characters. They were fleshed out, each with their own backstory. I usually hate flashbacks, but I didn't mind them in this book. They were complicated, messy, cutthroat, and so utterly human, it's impossible not to route for them. And they're not afraid to call people out, which I relate to on the highest of levels. Kay is such a lovable character, as are the rest. It makes you hate the antagonist with such a passion, and love the protags with the same fury.
The plot was a but messy, but in a purposeful way. This book reflects the discrimination in our lives, and amplifies it to a terrifying amount, that could very possibly happen. I think that plot is all over the place to reflect life in general: life isn't simple with a clean plot you expect. It's messy and brutal and a long ride that seemed so short when it ends.
The writing style was complicated for me. I didn't love it, hate it, but It also wasn't eh. I don't know how I feel about it, but It was very flowy.
And the ending. The ending saved my life.
There are many trigger warnings, so look out for that. But otherwise, read this book, for your own sake. It will change your life like it did mine.
BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING, PERFECTION!!
This book quite literally saved my life. My friend gave me this book for the holidays back in January, but I wasn't sure about it. I grew tired of dystopian novels a few years ago.
Pfft, not anymore. Yeah, maybe books like Divergent, or The Hunger Games (thought that book is great) are maybe a bit over-talked about, give me more books like this, and that genre will soon be my favorite!
I wish that this book was read in schools everywhere; it's educational AND enjoyable.
Let's talk about the characters. They were fleshed out, each with their own backstory. I usually hate flashbacks, but I didn't mind them in this book. They were complicated, messy, cutthroat, and so utterly human, it's impossible not to route for them. And they're not afraid to call people out, which I relate to on the highest of levels. Kay is such a lovable character, as are the rest. It makes you hate the antagonist with such a passion, and love the protags with the same fury.
The plot was a but messy, but in a purposeful way. This book reflects the discrimination in our lives, and amplifies it to a terrifying amount, that could very possibly happen. I think that plot is all over the place to reflect life in general: life isn't simple with a clean plot you expect. It's messy and brutal and a long ride that seemed so short when it ends.
The writing style was complicated for me. I didn't love it, hate it, but It also wasn't eh. I don't know how I feel about it, but It was very flowy.
And the ending. The ending saved my life.
There are many trigger warnings, so look out for that. But otherwise, read this book, for your own sake. It will change your life like it did mine.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Biphobia, Cursing, Racism, Violence, Child death, Cultural appropriation, Racial slurs, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Transphobia, Body shaming, War, and Xenophobia
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
readingwithkt's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
CROSSHAIRS by Catherine Hernandez is a brutal dystopian novel, unflinching in its account of a fascist regime that sweeps Canada in the aftermath of a climate crisis. The Boots are tasked with rounding up The Others, a term used to refer to anybody who is BAME/BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+. The Renovation movement involves all Others being taken to forced labour camps and brutalised, often murdered. This book is violent, graphic and extremely unsettling.
In the way that all good dystopian stories are written, this book could easily be a possible future, a prediction of what could come if we are not careful to challenge and destroy the growing wave of fascism. I particularly appreciated Hernandez’s reflections on intersectionality throughout the narrative.
Though somewhat heavy handed in places, I thought that Crosshairs was a chilling and harrowing dystopian, and one that is certainly worth a read if you can handle the graphic violence and dehumanisation tactics depicted throughout. It took me several (3-4) months to read this novel due to the content.
May this book serve as a reminder of the dangers of fascism, and the need for all allys to speak up and take action in the face of it.
Thank you to Jacaranda for this review copy, received in exchange for an honest review.
In the way that all good dystopian stories are written, this book could easily be a possible future, a prediction of what could come if we are not careful to challenge and destroy the growing wave of fascism. I particularly appreciated Hernandez’s reflections on intersectionality throughout the narrative.
Though somewhat heavy handed in places, I thought that Crosshairs was a chilling and harrowing dystopian, and one that is certainly worth a read if you can handle the graphic violence and dehumanisation tactics depicted throughout. It took me several (3-4) months to read this novel due to the content.
May this book serve as a reminder of the dangers of fascism, and the need for all allys to speak up and take action in the face of it.
Thank you to Jacaranda for this review copy, received in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Deadnaming, Death, Forced institutionalization, Genocide, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Mass/school shootings, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Racism, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Transphobia, Violence, and Xenophobia
Minor: Rape
eslsilver's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Deadnaming, Death, Excrement, Forced institutionalization, Genocide, Gore, Grief, Hate crime, Homophobia, Islamophobia, Medical trauma, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicide, Transphobia, Vomit, and Xenophobia
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
miamon's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Transphobia, Confinement, Torture, Hate crime, Pedophilia, Racism, Xenophobia, and Violence
tay_mackenziemac's review against another edition
challenging
dark
fast-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
5.0
This book is a must read. The writing is incredible and the characters are so carefully written. The plot itself is horrifyingly real in that it reminds us how quickly we can get to this place and how many of the oppressions and violence experienced by the characters in this fictional timeline are already happening right now in Canada. Again, a must read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Transphobia, Homophobia, Genocide, Murder, Xenophobia, and Police brutality
Moderate: Sexual assault
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