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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Devoured in an evening. I enjoy all of Kelly's novels that I've read so far, and am now working through their novellas.
Read at the recommendation of a friend and so glad I did! Short and spicy novella, featuring a sweet couple that works out their fears and awkwardness very candidly. I would happily revisit these people and their beloved gathering place in the future.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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:
Complicated
Very sweet, wholesome quick lil read. Tender story about accepting yourself and accepting that you are worthy of love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Sexual content, Dysphoria
Moderate: Body shaming
This book made me want to sing and dance and love myself a little more.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
This book is SO GOOD! From reading Heartwaves, I already knew that Anita wrote great older, fat, and enby characters, and this book is proof that this is a consistent gift with their books!
I loved the ways this short novella was able to offer so much exploration of body image, gender, sex, and the personas we share with the world.
Content warning:
This story centers on a karaoke bar and “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood comes up a few times.
Side note - I listened to the audiobook and a side character’s name, Preeti, was pronounced in ways that I perceive to be incorrect by both narrators. Not placing any blame or even definitively saying it’s wrong, but pointing it out because it did poke at existential feelings I have around white people not being able to get people’s names right and how it’s not just getting a word wrong, but how dehumanizing it is for someone to disregard something so deeply personal.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5: Blows me away, loved it, life-changing, will sit with me
I loved the ways this short novella was able to offer so much exploration of body image, gender, sex, and the personas we share with the world.
Content warning:
This story centers on a karaoke bar and “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood comes up a few times.
Side note - I listened to the audiobook and a side character’s name, Preeti, was pronounced in ways that I perceive to be incorrect by both narrators. Not placing any blame or even definitively saying it’s wrong, but pointing it out because it did poke at existential feelings I have around white people not being able to get people’s names right and how it’s not just getting a word wrong, but how dehumanizing it is for someone to disregard something so deeply personal.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5: Blows me away, loved it, life-changing, will sit with me
Source: Library: Hoopla
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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 novella was so sweet. It was queer joy, affirmation, and Moonie’s felt like community. It was also hot af. Anita Kelly’s writing makes you feel safe as a queer person, which is needed right now. I always giggle and tear up (or fully sob) when reading Anita Kelly’s books, and this sweet novella series is no different.
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Sexual content, Alcohol, Dysphoria