Reviews tagging 'Dysphoria'

Tomboyland: Essays by Melissa Faliveno

3 reviews

jenniferbbookdragon's review

reflective medium-paced

4.25

An introspective series of essays on gender, sexuality, nature, relationships,  and life in the Midwest,  this book is honest and raw. As a fellow Wisconsin native,  I recognize the deep connection to the earth, the stoic nature of the culture,  and the fish fries and potlucks that are much of life in communities across our state. The challenge of being different from the expectations in a small town,  and how that upbringing followed the author into larger, more liberal cities ties reflections on everything from guns, moths, to the choice to have children. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny, Homophobia, Dysphoria, Lesbophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Sexism, and Sexual harassment

Minor: Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Drug use, and Sexual content

BDSM

ciararenaud's review

challenging emotional inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Dysphoria, Gun violence, Rape, Self harm, Sexual content, Alcohol, Animal death, Sexual violence, Biphobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Grief, and Panic attacks/disorders

Moderate: Sexism

Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, and Classism

readerette's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

4.0

The essay/chapter entitled Motherland feels like a must read for anyone who's ever had children or not had children, or will/will not someday have children. It's a beautiful exploration of how complicated the decision is. As the author says, "...all choices are a sacrifice."

I found this an intriguing rumination on identity and how it develops, though as a Midwesterner, I don't agree with most of the generalizations the author makes about Midwesterners. I do believe those generalizations are how people outside the Midwest often think of us, but I don't believe they're factually true or that most Midwesterners consider them true. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Homophobia, Biphobia, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Grief, Self harm, Sexual content, and Alcohol

Minor: Death, Dysphoria, Eating disorder, Infidelity, Rape, Blood, Body shaming, Cursing, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Abortion, Colonisation, and Suicide attempt