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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
StoryGraph was right. Too literary/introspective. The writing was good, but nothing happens.
Fascinating read with incredibly creative storytelling. Even so, it was difficult for me to delve fully in. Probably worth a reread.
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A bit too experimental for my liking — I misunderstood what exactly kind of story I was getting myself into. The parts I enjoyed, I really enjoyed. There were also parts that I felt were trying to be artistic, but failed to stick the landing. The ending left a lot to be desired in my opinion - perhaps because I initially thought the book would be Nene actually going to learn more about “Sex Variants” instead of listening to Juan’s last testament. My bad. Glad I read it, certainly, but it would be somewhat difficult for me to recommend with first giving my friends a brief overview of queer history (or a list of Wikipedia articles to read at the very least).
challenging
informative
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Haven’t read something that deconstructs and reconstructs storytelling in this way since Machado’s In the Dream House. Not even sure how to classify it. Is it an autobiography? A historical book? A screenplay? A novel? A collection of poetry? Or all of the above? Justin Torres insists “Blackouts is a work of fiction”, and perhaps that is the best descriptor, as it allows the story to live its many truths and untruths freely
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book felt like a fever dream, and I think that was the point. An amalgamation of fiction and non-fiction, pictures and prose, poetry and dialogue. I wasn't sure what was real and what wasn't, and I think some research is required to grasp its full potential. I've never read a book like it, and ultimately it was a quick read, so for that I'm happy to have read it.
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
"And then they hear it, unmistakable, the mark of the pansy, fearless; that high and happy bark; that scavenger's yelp."
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes