arijwl's reviews
213 reviews

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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4.0

I really enjoyed this book! If I'm honest I didn't really like any of the characters, but it was a journey worth going on fs. Some passages had me so emotional.

“People think that intimacy is about sex. But intimacy is about truth. When you realize you can tell someone your truth, when you can show yourself to them, when you stand in front of them bare and their response is 'you're safe with me'- that's intimacy.”
Nepantla: An Anthology Dedicated to Queer Poets of Color by Christopher Soto

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3.75

Love QTBIPOC writers so much...I feel grateful to exist at the same time as this collection. 
Golden Ax by Rio Cortez

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3.75

Not my favorite collection of poems, but some of them were beautiful!
Life Ceremony by Sayaka Murata

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2.75

Loved some of these stories but most of them didn't really hit for me. 
Persepolis: The Story Of A Childhood by Marjane Satrapi

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4.0

This book really resonated with me. I didn't know much about the Islamic Revolution and seeing it from Satrapi's perspective was both heartbreaking and beautiful. Such a wonderful memoir with art that's just as impactful as the story.
Tough Guy by Rachel Reid

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4.5

I think I’m easy to please because I’m almost always satisfied when there’s a queer & mentally ill athlete in a book. Just like me fr. 
Memorial by Bryan Washington

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4.5

I've said it before, and I'll say it again--I love how uncomfortable Bryan Washington's books make you feel. They're so honest. Some parts of this book felt slow, but there wasn't a moment I wasn't appreciative of his thoughtful portrayal of romantic and platonic love (and resentment). Some good stuff!
Pageboy by Elliot Page

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4.5

I truly felt honored to be able to read something so vulnerable, especially as a trans person. 
Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser

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5.0

BLACK WOMEN I LOVE YOU & US AHH
Reel by Kennedy Ryan

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4.0

This book floored me! Reel is such an impactful homage to Black history and art. I  listened to the audiobook narrated by Eboni Flowers and Jakobi Diem; they did a fantastic job, and there was actual singing in it ahhhh. I was just as invested in the movie as the relationship between Neevah and Canon, and everything about the film making/acting process was so compelling. 

Neevah is such an inspiring and deeply passionate protagonist. Let it be known that I'm kind of in love with her. Gotta say though--I was not prepared for the emotions I felt in the third act, lord have mercy. Overall, this book means a lot to me, and I'll definitely read it again someday.