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tinyjude's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Mágica, vívida y extremadamente creativa. Las descripciones de los paisajes y las emociones de les protagonistas me llegaron al alma. También el hecho de que ambes sean no binaries y usen los pronombres elle. También tiene representación de TDAH y dislexia según las vivencias de le autore. Una lectura maravillosa para aprender a aceptarnos en todas nuestras facetas y aspectos. Ojalá muches niñes queer, neurodivergentes y/o racializades lo encuentren cuando más lo necesiten y se sientan reconfortades y escuchades.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Dysphoria, Misogyny, Racism, Bullying, Medical content, Transphobia, Hate crime, and Violence
solenekeleroux's review against another edition
emotional
informative
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
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Transphobia, and Ableism
Moderate: Racism, Sexual harassment, Violence, and Medical content
cameronreads's review against another edition
4.0
The discussions around being Latiné, non-binary and neurodivergent in this book were some of the best I’ve ever read. Bastián is Mexican, non-binary and has ADHD, and Lore is Mexican, non-binary, and has dyslexia. There were so many ways these identities are discussed and every one of them was incredible. The differences in how the two experience gender, with Bastián identifying as a trans boy, just one who uses they/them pronouns, and Lore’s identity being more fluid, and how this effects them differently: Basitián’s experience with starting T and how to tell people in his life, and Lore’s experience with people perceiving them solely as a girl and not understanding why they would ‘chose’ to sometimes not be. Asking explicitly what words you use to describe yourself, and understanding this can be both abstract and change from day to day. As a non-binary person, this is probably one of the best reps I’ve read.
Watching Bastián properly come to terms with their ADHD was so powerful. They’ve been diagnosed since before the book starts and already have plenty of coping mechanisms - but also many things they still struggle with, one of which being not allowing themselves to come to terms with their bad days and letting that swallow them up. Watching them learn how to communicate and reconcile with themself was exactly what I needed. I may not have ADHD so couldn’t relate to the intricacies of what Bastián was going through, but I am autistic and the broader struggle of coming to terms with having aa neurodivergent brain was explored wonderfully.
Similarly, Lore’s dyslexia was explored very well, and there were some wonderful metaphors and explanations that really helped me, as someone who doesn’t have nor knows anyone who has dyslexia, understand at least a little of what it is like. I think it was really interesting to discover, as Lore does, (potential spoiler here) that it isn’t really the fact they’re dyslexic that bothers them, but rather who people see them as someone with dyslexia (as well as someone who is brown and non-binary).
Personally, I wasn’t that connected to the plot, and whilst this was a bit of an issue for my overall enjoyment of the book, I don’t think it matters for the book as a whole, as really it felt like a metaphor to allow these two characters to come to terms with themselves
The romance, whilst perhaps not necessary, was sweet, and I did really appreciate the open communication at the end.
The writing, whilst not my favourite style, was well done, both as a mode of communicating the discussions it had and creating an atmosphere for the main plot. The characters were relatable and flawed, and we all know those are my two buzzwords for characters.
Overall, this was well-done, and I’d definitely recommend.
Watching Bastián properly come to terms with their ADHD was so powerful. They’ve been diagnosed since before the book starts and already have plenty of coping mechanisms - but also many things they still struggle with, one of which being not allowing themselves to come to terms with their bad days and letting that swallow them up. Watching them learn how to communicate and reconcile with themself was exactly what I needed. I may not have ADHD so couldn’t relate to the intricacies of what Bastián was going through, but I am autistic and the broader struggle of coming to terms with having aa neurodivergent brain was explored wonderfully.
Similarly, Lore’s dyslexia was explored very well, and there were some wonderful metaphors and explanations that really helped me, as someone who doesn’t have nor knows anyone who has dyslexia, understand at least a little of what it is like. I think it was really interesting to discover, as Lore does, (potential spoiler here) that it isn’t really the fact they’re dyslexic that bothers them, but rather who people see them as someone with dyslexia (as well as someone who is brown and non-binary).
Personally, I wasn’t that connected to the plot, and whilst this was a bit of an issue for my overall enjoyment of the book, I don’t think it matters for the book as a whole, as really it felt like a metaphor to allow these two characters to come to terms with themselves
The romance, whilst perhaps not necessary, was sweet, and I did really appreciate the open communication at the end.
The writing, whilst not my favourite style, was well done, both as a mode of communicating the discussions it had and creating an atmosphere for the main plot. The characters were relatable and flawed, and we all know those are my two buzzwords for characters.
Overall, this was well-done, and I’d definitely recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Medical content, and Blood
Moderate: Misogyny and Transphobia
Minor: Dysphoria, Sexual harassment, Racism, and Stalking
readandfindout's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Style/writing: 4 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 3 stars
Plot: 3 stars
Worldbuilding: 3.5 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 3 stars
Plot: 3 stars
Worldbuilding: 3.5 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Bullying, and Ableism
Moderate: Medical content, Sexual harassment, Dysphoria, Violence, and Racism
asexualandriod's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Transphobia, and Ableism
Moderate: Racism, Sexual harassment, Homophobia, and Medical content
Medical content includes therapy sessions and the use of needles for testosterone.overbooked207's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
📖 Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore Book Review 📖
2nd book of August 2022 and 19th of the year:
“And I am a brown girl. Just like I’m a brown boy. Just like I’m both. And neither. In different proportions depending on the day. I’m the gradience of blue and green and violet and silver that the lake turns.” - Lore.
I absolutely loved this book! There was fantastic representation for trans/non-binary characters, genderfluidity, ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, and more, and the discussions around mental health/illness, self-love, self-acceptance and acceptance in general, and disabilities and how disabled and/or neurodivergent people navigate our world/society in it were so important! The writing style, characters, romance, and magic were also amazing, and I keep thinking about it months later! I don’t think the magic in it was 100% explained, so if you need an explanation for those things in stories, you might be left a little wanting in that regard, but it didn’t bother me too much or take away from the rest of the book being amazing. I also loved the audiobook SO much, and the fact that one of the narrators was Vico Ortiz from Our Flag Means Death made me SO happy! I definitely recommend picking it up, easily gave it five stars, and can’t wait to read more books by the author! TW for transphobia, misgendering, dysphoria, racism, ableism, bullying, a scene of sexual harassment toward the end, descriptions of needles, and anxiety📖🌊🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
2nd book of August 2022 and 19th of the year:
“And I am a brown girl. Just like I’m a brown boy. Just like I’m both. And neither. In different proportions depending on the day. I’m the gradience of blue and green and violet and silver that the lake turns.” - Lore.
I absolutely loved this book! There was fantastic representation for trans/non-binary characters, genderfluidity, ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, and more, and the discussions around mental health/illness, self-love, self-acceptance and acceptance in general, and disabilities and how disabled and/or neurodivergent people navigate our world/society in it were so important! The writing style, characters, romance, and magic were also amazing, and I keep thinking about it months later! I don’t think the magic in it was 100% explained, so if you need an explanation for those things in stories, you might be left a little wanting in that regard, but it didn’t bother me too much or take away from the rest of the book being amazing. I also loved the audiobook SO much, and the fact that one of the narrators was Vico Ortiz from Our Flag Means Death made me SO happy! I definitely recommend picking it up, easily gave it five stars, and can’t wait to read more books by the author! TW for transphobia, misgendering, dysphoria, racism, ableism, bullying, a scene of sexual harassment toward the end, descriptions of needles, and anxiety📖🌊🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Medical content, Racism, Ableism, Dysphoria, Sexual harassment, Transphobia, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Sexual harassment
cemeterygay's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-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
5.0
I think this is the book that has finally gotten me into magical realism. This book is an intensely emotional journey from page 1 to the end. I love how this book tackles so many intersecting issues like transphobia, ableism, and racism. I loved the connections not only between our main protagonists but between the protagonists and everyone else. The romantic relationship is just so well-written and I adored to see both characters not only grow in their relationship but be pushed to grow individually. I adored how well the magical realism helped the main emotional storyline dealing with confronting inner biases.
I just also adore that through all of the emotional pain and uncertainty there was always a glimpse of hope that things can be better than what they are. The prose itself was also gorgeous.
I cannot recommend this book enough, it was utterly fantastic and a great intro into magical realism in YA and honestly a good glimpse to how wonderful and meaningful magical realism can be.
I just also adore that through all of the emotional pain and uncertainty there was always a glimpse of hope that things can be better than what they are. The prose itself was also gorgeous.
I cannot recommend this book enough, it was utterly fantastic and a great intro into magical realism in YA and honestly a good glimpse to how wonderful and meaningful magical realism can be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Transphobia, Dysphoria, Ableism, Bullying, Racism, Misogyny, and Medical content
thewordsdevourer's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
very sad to say that lakelore is unfortunately a disappointment for me. while the story has mclemore's signature imaginative magical realism, along w/ amazing diversity and representation, i personally find it dragging + monotonous, and confoundingly feel no connection to its characters.
the magical elements are very creative here, and i find the lake and alebrijes a wonder, filling the novel w/ cultural elements that also crucially serve as an important metaphor for its themes. and while there's much diversity here, as usual mclemore's a step above many others in imbuing them all w/ complexity and nuance; i learn more abt enby folks, and a lottt abt ADHD and dyslexia reading this (this is the first book ive read that prominently features and explores the latter two, and what an exploration they are). how the theme of coming to terms w/ one's self both past and present is portrayed and explored is also powerful and very relatable, esp lore's story.
despite the aforementioned positives, however, they're outweighed by the negatives. unlike mclemore's other book that ive read, the writing in lakelore isnt particularly special, much less delicate or tinged w/ magic. the breaks in chapters and scenes can also feel disjointed and confusing at times; sometimes i was unclear what timeline i was reading. moreover, lore's and bastian's narrative voices are too similar, and i oft forgot whose POV i was reading, which is a lil concerning esp considering this is a dual POV book. storywise, i understand the concept and scope of it, but somehow feel no connection to or emotional impact from it whatsoever. things always, to use the book's titular setting, skim merely above surface for me, neither delving deep nor soaring high enough to make any kind of impression, in addition to seeming like a halfway between a character study and magic-driven story.
this novel def isnt a bad one - nothing from mclemore can be objectively considered bad tbh - it has great diversity, rep, magical elements, and powerful themes, though i personally find the story a bit lacking and bereft of emotional impact or connection.
the magical elements are very creative here, and i find the lake and alebrijes a wonder, filling the novel w/ cultural elements that also crucially serve as an important metaphor for its themes. and while there's much diversity here, as usual mclemore's a step above many others in imbuing them all w/ complexity and nuance; i learn more abt enby folks, and a lottt abt ADHD and dyslexia reading this (this is the first book ive read that prominently features and explores the latter two, and what an exploration they are). how the theme of coming to terms w/ one's self both past and present is portrayed and explored is also powerful and very relatable, esp lore's story.
despite the aforementioned positives, however, they're outweighed by the negatives. unlike mclemore's other book that ive read, the writing in lakelore isnt particularly special, much less delicate or tinged w/ magic. the breaks in chapters and scenes can also feel disjointed and confusing at times; sometimes i was unclear what timeline i was reading. moreover, lore's and bastian's narrative voices are too similar, and i oft forgot whose POV i was reading, which is a lil concerning esp considering this is a dual POV book. storywise, i understand the concept and scope of it, but somehow feel no connection to or emotional impact from it whatsoever. things always, to use the book's titular setting, skim merely above surface for me, neither delving deep nor soaring high enough to make any kind of impression, in addition to seeming like a halfway between a character study and magic-driven story.
this novel def isnt a bad one - nothing from mclemore can be objectively considered bad tbh - it has great diversity, rep, magical elements, and powerful themes, though i personally find the story a bit lacking and bereft of emotional impact or connection.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Ableism, and Bullying
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Homophobia, and Medical content
Minor: Violence
hngisreading's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Transphobia, Bullying, and Violence
Moderate: Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Medical content
littlesmaug's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
4.5
Lakelore is the textbook example of when own voices creates an incredible story. Funnily, when I went to choose if it was plot or character driven, I did have a moment where I thought "wait... what was the plot?"
But I realized that the lake was almost the secondary aspect of the story. It wasn't really the focus so much as this aspect of symbolism. And it was a symbolism that I understood. At first, the lake confused the hell out of me. It did make me wonder what exactly I was reading. But then it clicked... the lake's magic symbolizes the way Bastián and Lore's lives are truly exhausting them. I'm not saying this isn't a book of magical realism or that the lake wasn't this mystical thing... clearly it was, that was part of it, but it was just so clearly a representation, too, that the things they were compartmentalizing/suppressing were rising up to drown them and take over.
The writing was beautiful. I absolutely loved Bastián's POV the most because I remember when my ADHD was at that extent where no one could follow my thoughts. I actually loved the hectic-ness of Bastián's chapters because I understood that process. And I have a lot of students that are like little versions of them.
And Lore! Lore and Bastián kind of remind me of aspects of my soulmate. Ze is on T but also presents very differently on a day-to-day, like Lore. I liked that a lot.
Basically, this book made me very happy. Two nonbinary main characters with neurodivergences that were written from the author's lived experience with both ADHD and dyslexia. I guess it speaks to how much I prefer character-driven books sometimes because I didn't really mind the lake plot being messy and hard to follow. I treated it like symbolism and viewed the plot as more the character development and burgeoning relationship.
Also! No deadnaming. No present transphobia (just some brief stuff in Lore's past). Accepting parents. Lesbian parents! Queer friends! A whole lot of healthy.
But I realized that the lake was almost the secondary aspect of the story. It wasn't really the focus so much as this aspect of symbolism. And it was a symbolism that I understood. At first, the lake confused the hell out of me. It did make me wonder what exactly I was reading. But then it clicked... the lake's magic symbolizes the way Bastián and Lore's lives are truly exhausting them. I'm not saying this isn't a book of magical realism or that the lake wasn't this mystical thing... clearly it was, that was part of it, but it was just so clearly a representation, too, that the things they were compartmentalizing/suppressing were rising up to drown them and take over.
The writing was beautiful. I absolutely loved Bastián's POV the most because I remember when my ADHD was at that extent where no one could follow my thoughts. I actually loved the hectic-ness of Bastián's chapters because I understood that process. And I have a lot of students that are like little versions of them.
And Lore! Lore and Bastián kind of remind me of aspects of my soulmate. Ze is on T but also presents very differently on a day-to-day, like Lore. I liked that a lot.
Basically, this book made me very happy. Two nonbinary main characters with neurodivergences that were written from the author's lived experience with both ADHD and dyslexia. I guess it speaks to how much I prefer character-driven books sometimes because I didn't really mind the lake plot being messy and hard to follow. I treated it like symbolism and viewed the plot as more the character development and burgeoning relationship.
Also! No deadnaming. No present transphobia (just some brief stuff in Lore's past). Accepting parents. Lesbian parents! Queer friends! A whole lot of healthy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Transphobia
Minor: Medical content, Sexual harassment, and Racism