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alexenjoysthings's Reviews (383)
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
A history book that doesn't read like a history book. This was a hilarious and informative collection that makes you question everything you thought you knew about sexual attitudes of the past.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
So like most story collections, some were good and some were not so good. It's definitely a YA focus with a good mix of genres, writing styles, and experiences. It's not often that we see fat main characters so that aspect was unbelievably refreshing, however, certain aspects of the stories can be incredibly triggering (especially in reference to fatphobia and disordered eating). My favorite stories were Prom Queers, Weightless, Breathe You In, and Letting Go.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The story was so unbelievably real and raw and a great way to capture how daily sexism affects women. I didn't particularly jive with the writing style, but I do think it fits well with the way the story is told.
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
Very cute funny collection, but I think the cartoons are best for someone that's read the particular books they're referencing
mysterious
medium-paced
This was a very interesting array of poems. I don't think I fully got all their meanings and I'm unsure if that's because they weren't done well or because I'm just not intelligent enough for that.
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a short story collection featuring messy, toxic, and incredibly realistic queer women. Polesso truly knows how to make characters feel real and with this collection she captures the breadth and diversity in our community. The stories all flow well together; it's well balanced. It's divided into two parts "Big and Juicy" for longer short stories and "Short and Tart" for more flash fiction style. I do think "Big and Juicy" was stronger.
My favorite stories were "Grandma, Are You a Lesbian?", "Marilia Wakes Up", "Amora", "Wasskerkur, Or a Couple Reasons Not to Hate Rainy Days", and "Profanation".
My favorite stories were "Grandma, Are You a Lesbian?", "Marilia Wakes Up", "Amora", "Wasskerkur, Or a Couple Reasons Not to Hate Rainy Days", and "Profanation".
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
I have not read the original Sense and Sensibility, but I have read some of Austen's other works and I think this adaptation does a good job of getting the Austen vibes. It's a really digestible way to read a classic and I love the extras at the end that explain some of the cultural things that aren't obvious to most people. The art is unbelievably cute too!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
I had put off reading this book for a while out of fear that it wouldn't live up to the hype. I was so, so wrong. Clap When You Land is a found family story for a biological family that didn't know about each other. Each of the characters are so unique and so real. The writing and poetry is amazing and really adds to the story; Acevedo has a magical voice. My absolute favorite part, though, was seeing the strength of women and women supporting each other through the mistakes and horrors that men can bring. I highly recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The writing in this book is great, but the plot's scope is too wide. There was no catharsis, no climax, it felt more like a collection of stories than one cohesive novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
This book is a beautiful piece of queer history. Grace does more than write, she paints with words. We Built the Bridge is a mix of poetic language, vivid imagery, and a heart-wrenching but hopeful story of fate.
Having an established relationship with Grace, Dawn, and the farm made the book extra special, but this is a story that anyone, of any identity and any or no familiarity with Stonebridge, can enjoy. I highly recommend.
Having an established relationship with Grace, Dawn, and the farm made the book extra special, but this is a story that anyone, of any identity and any or no familiarity with Stonebridge, can enjoy. I highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Terminal illness, Dementia
Minor: Homophobia, Death of parent