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A review by obscurepages
Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
5.0
Okay this was perfection??? π₯Ή I've had this on my TBR for quite some time now. Thanks to me being a mood reader (and Libby), I started reading and listening to the audiobook π
Three things stand out to me particularly: the poetic prose, the neurodivergent and mental illness rep, and the discussions on gender identity.
The prose is just amazing, and the writing style is so vivid. This book not only gives you incredible imagery (especially when talking about the lake and its magic), but also delves deep into the characters and their thoughts and emotions. I think the narrators also had a part in that, because they really did bring their characters to life. I could feel every emotion in every word as I was listening to the audiobook version. These two nonbinary, neurodivergent, brown kids are so precious and I loved reading/listening to their journey. In more ways than I imagined, I was able to relate to them throughout the book.
The neurodivergent and mental illness rep, I didn't really expect? Or maybe it's just been a while since I read the synopsis π Either way, I thought these were so written so well. I could particularly relate with Bastian and their anxiety. And maybe that lead me to see the plot twist/moral lesson early? But I am definitely not complaining π If anything, it just gave me more affirmation with how I try to deal with <i>*my*</i> own anxiety and stress. And I really really love that.
And of course, the queer rep in this book is just magnificent. There were discussions about gender identity, dysphoria, and experiences. And it just made me appreciate how there's really no singular experience or guideline in being queer or trans or nonbinary. No one can really tell us about our gender except ourselves βit's a spectrum, it comes in waves, and it's beautiful. (My favorite part definitely has to be Lore and Bastian talking about "gender forecasts", and in one scene Bastian says theirs is "nonbinary with a chance of stars" π₯Ή)
This book is just really precious π and it made me feel tons of emotions, so yes 5 stars π
This is also my first audiobook with Vico Ortiz!? Oh my beloved π
Three things stand out to me particularly: the poetic prose, the neurodivergent and mental illness rep, and the discussions on gender identity.
The prose is just amazing, and the writing style is so vivid. This book not only gives you incredible imagery (especially when talking about the lake and its magic), but also delves deep into the characters and their thoughts and emotions. I think the narrators also had a part in that, because they really did bring their characters to life. I could feel every emotion in every word as I was listening to the audiobook version. These two nonbinary, neurodivergent, brown kids are so precious and I loved reading/listening to their journey. In more ways than I imagined, I was able to relate to them throughout the book.
The neurodivergent and mental illness rep, I didn't really expect? Or maybe it's just been a while since I read the synopsis π Either way, I thought these were so written so well. I could particularly relate with Bastian and their anxiety. And maybe that lead me to see the plot twist/moral lesson early? But I am definitely not complaining π If anything, it just gave me more affirmation with how I try to deal with <i>*my*</i> own anxiety and stress. And I really really love that.
And of course, the queer rep in this book is just magnificent. There were discussions about gender identity, dysphoria, and experiences. And it just made me appreciate how there's really no singular experience or guideline in being queer or trans or nonbinary. No one can really tell us about our gender except ourselves βit's a spectrum, it comes in waves, and it's beautiful. (My favorite part definitely has to be Lore and Bastian talking about "gender forecasts", and in one scene Bastian says theirs is "nonbinary with a chance of stars" π₯Ή)
This book is just really precious π and it made me feel tons of emotions, so yes 5 stars π
This is also my first audiobook with Vico Ortiz!? Oh my beloved π
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Racism, Transphobia, and Dysphoria