arijwl's reviews
213 reviews

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston

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5.0

I LOVE THIS BOOK! This much unadulterated yearning with a backdrop full of travel, food & drinks, sex, and angst is everything to me. This book lives in my mind rent-free. Theo and Kit...I love the lack of decorum, fueled by pure affection and desire. Keep it up. 

The ending had me sobbing because it turns out--if the love ain't like this, I don't want it!? Casey McQuiston did their thing, and I adore them for it. 
Cleat Cute by Meryl Wilsner

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2.0

I didn’t really like this book, and I’m pressed about it because gay athletes that aren’t neurotypical are usually my jam. The title is so clever too, but I just feel like the two main characters are unlikable! 

The unaddressed lack of boundaries between the main characters and inadequate representation of women with ADHD almost made it a DNF for me. It was hot and some of the teammates were cool, but I mostly felt apathetic. 

Also the whole tiktok & therapy appointment scene had me messed up…
Like c’mon now. 
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

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4.0

I enjoyed this book! One of the scenes near the end was infuriating tho LOL. 
Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

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3.5

I have mixed feelings about this book.
They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us by Hanif Abdurraqib

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5.0

I took my time with this one and listened to each song after every chapter. 10/10 experience. Hanif has such insightful and beautiful takes on music. I imagine that the artists would be very honored by such grounded reviews. Also, found some new music, yay!
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

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3.25

The first half of this book is insanely good; my jaw was on the floor!! One of the best audiobooks I've ever listened to as well.

Downside--The main character was insufferable, and even though this was probably R.F. Kuang's goal, I was so sick of June so early on. Also, the ending wasn't satisfying to me. I'm gonna stick with three stars, but the first half definitely carried the whole book.
Normal People by Sally Rooney

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3.75

Gets me in my feels. I like the show more if I'm being honest. 
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Vol. 1: Aphra by Kieron Gillen

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5.0

This comic is everything I love about Star Wars. Complicated family dynamics. Space gays. Mystical plot lines. 10/10
Sorry, Bro by Taleen Voskuni

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2.5

I wanted to love this book more than I did, but our main character did Erebuni so dirty and made a lot of nonsensical decisions. I really enjoyed some elements of this book, and I'm glad I read it since I learned a lot more about Armenian culture/history and absolutely fell in love with Erebuni; Although I couldn't root for Nar and Erebuni's relationship after her third act decision to throw someone she loves under the bus in such a harmful way...



The New Testament by Jericho Brown

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4.0

I've almost never read a Jericho Brown poem that I didn't want to devour.