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daumari 's review for:
Woodworking
by Emily St. James
funny
hopeful
tense
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
ohhhhh this was EXCELLENT and I'm sad that I finished because there's no more book left (even though we do end at a satisfyingly hopeful place for our main characters). Emily nails the small town vibe (which makes sense as she's from South Dakota) and of our narrators, 17 year old Abigail is fucking delightful.
I really enjoyed viewpoint structure, which I didn't clock until the final third or so,when Erica goes to come out to her boss and the chapter changes from third person (as all Erica chapters have been thus far) to first person. After realizing this, I thought about how the Brooke section was entirely in second person which makes sense- she's deeply stealth, performing the titular Woodworking but wondering what she's lost when she considers her younger sister.
There's a sense of dread hanging over it all with this set during fall/winter 2016, and both local and presidential elections looming. Like I said, I do appreciate that our characters end in a positive space, but the author's note correctly recognizes that anti-trans fervor has only increased in recent years, often attacking the most vulnerable community members with legislation against kids participating in sports or their parents making informed medical decisions. If you don't know any trans people (outwardly, anyway), Woodworking will place you in their shoes. Highly, highly recommend.
(and again: Abigail is the FUCKING best; she's mean and hilarious and vulnerable, very much a teenage girl)
I really enjoyed viewpoint structure, which I didn't clock until the final third or so,
There's a sense of dread hanging over it all with this set during fall/winter 2016, and both local and presidential elections looming. Like I said, I do appreciate that our characters end in a positive space, but the author's note correctly recognizes that anti-trans fervor has only increased in recent years, often attacking the most vulnerable community members with legislation against kids participating in sports or their parents making informed medical decisions. If you don't know any trans people (outwardly, anyway), Woodworking will place you in their shoes. Highly, highly recommend.
(and again: Abigail is the FUCKING best; she's mean and hilarious and vulnerable, very much a teenage girl)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Misogyny, Transphobia, Pregnancy, Outing
Minor: Deadnaming, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Alcohol