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aether's Reviews (111)
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
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
I loved the premise of the book. That it took place many, many years after an invasion, imagining what the world might look like as a result. The journey the main character took felt authentic, her feelings in many cases reasonable. The end of the book became practically a Jeff Vandermeer novel, the way certain scenes played out. I enjoyed that aspect, but that does muddy the reality of what's happening a bit (which I'm sure is the intention). The main character's transness felt appropriate and from a place of lived experience. It was also a shorter read - I blew through this a lot quicker than I was expecting.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
An peek through the looking glass into a truly anarchistic town that's watched over by a magical, endless spirit. Even though this is a short novella, I will be thinking about Freedom, Iowa for months to come.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault
challenging
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have never, in my life, had a book resonate with me on such a deeply personal level like Nevada. So many parts of the book made me scoff in surprise, or exclaim "Yes! That's what it's like!". Though his book would probably be largely incomprehensible to cis people, it struck a chord so deep in my that I'm still processing it. I've read passages to my therapist and I'm trying to pressure her into reading it! She said to one part I read about kinks "this is extremely well-written". I'm hoping to read some passages to my mom to, to try and help her understand. Imogen's writing is just so simultaneously personal and profound.
On the actual characters and plot: Maria (the main character) stresses me the hell out. She's actively, intentionally irresponsible. She doesn't take her hormones regularly! She "Just Does Stuff". I hate it, but it creates quite the basis for a story.
Not a plot spoiler but spoilering it anyway:A note for the last bit of the book - it just ends, pretty abruptly. It's worth being prepared for that because it pissed me off! But it is really representative of life and how there's no "big final ending" to the story of a particular journey. Life goes on and so must we, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.
It's hard to find a copy of this book that's not from Amazon, but (Obama voice) let me be clear: If you're trans, read this book!!!
On the actual characters and plot: Maria (the main character) stresses me the hell out. She's actively, intentionally irresponsible. She doesn't take her hormones regularly! She "Just Does Stuff". I hate it, but it creates quite the basis for a story.
Not a plot spoiler but spoilering it anyway:
It's hard to find a copy of this book that's not from Amazon, but (Obama voice) let me be clear: If you're trans, read this book!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Transphobia
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-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
This book was such a treat, I was sobbing with joy by the end. The book starts off with "teens doing dumb teen things" and continues on that trend for some time, all while Vanni and Leigh's relationship blossoms. There are some really tough scenes to get through, but in the end they emerge such changed people and it's so heartwarming to see. I did NOT think this book was going to hit me so hard.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Homophobia, Alcohol
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:
Yes
This is seriously such an amazing graphic novella. As a trans woman, I was nodding my head furiously the entire time, it's so freaking relatable! It has well written characters who grow a tremendous amount through this short read. And it has such a lovely ending too. I stayed up late to finish it, and loved every minute!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Transphobia
emotional
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:
Yes
What a lovely, fun read! Just a book about a prince who likes to wear dresses, and where that takes him. There are struggles but a happy ending!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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:
No
I do not have enough good things to say about this book! If you can get past the cheesy cover, it's an excellent blend of love, the search for excellence, and the ever-present battle against the patriarchy. I was surprised at all the feminist aspects of this book, but they really help to tell a story of women pushing the boundaries of what it means to exist in society (intellectually, emotionally, and romantically). The book is also so, so tender and just filled to the brim with earnest, wholesome love.
Waite also does a wonderful job of using astronomical descriptions for human interactions and her description of events in genera. They are vivid and help one to feel like they're present in a scene. Mix in some astronomy with the lesbian romance? It's like this book was written with me in mind!
What seems to be the initial conflict of the book, the translation done by Lucy, resolves rather quickly! And so much more comes up in its place afterwards.
I was also pleased and surprised that the first really in-depth description of a sex scene didn't come until 220+ pages into the book. Which was fine for me - the characters are so wonderful and compelling, that the sex was merely an added bonus on top it.
Waite also does a wonderful job of using astronomical descriptions for human interactions and her description of events in genera. They are vivid and help one to feel like they're present in a scene. Mix in some astronomy with the lesbian romance? It's like this book was written with me in mind!
What seems to be the initial conflict of the book, the translation done by Lucy, resolves rather quickly! And so much more comes up in its place afterwards.
I was also pleased and surprised that the first really in-depth description of a sex scene didn't come until 220+ pages into the book. Which was fine for me - the characters are so wonderful and compelling, that the sex was merely an added bonus on top it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
This funny, inglorious, critical book takes a look at various aspects of our society and calls out what the Chapo folks perceive is wrong with them. It doesn't spare anyone from its ridicule, including its own authors! A fun, albeit sometimes depressing, read. Would not recommend for your liberal parents.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
What a cute, wonderful read. A lovely story about a young girl discovering her gender through the imaginary world her mother built.
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Lovely story, not quite my style. The story meanders a lot, throughout time and themes alike. Bechdel's art style makes it looks like everyone in the story is apathetic. There are also a lot of literary allusions that go over my head - which is probably not her fault! I'm just not well read. Her story of self-discovery, intertwined with discoveries about her father, are as encouraging as they are heartbreaking.