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beansandrice's reviews
96 reviews
Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
Wow!!!!! Queer maximalist sci-fi and fantasy about the music and the Asian-American experience in southern California. Perplexing yet amazing premise, and an incredible follow-through. This is one of the most remarkable stories I've read in a long time.
Light from Uncommon Stars is just as compelling on a breezy read for fun as it is on a deep and academic read. The seriousness of the subject matter never keeps it from being silly, and the silly moments of the book never detract from the seriousness of its message.
Of course it's not a perfect book, like there are a few loose plot threads that could've been cleaned up with just a teensy bit more editing, and some chapters felt like they should've ended a paragraph or two earlier than they did. That said, this book is a massive inspiration for me on both literary and philosophical levels, and I'm going to be thinking about it for years to come.
Light from Uncommon Stars is just as compelling on a breezy read for fun as it is on a deep and academic read. The seriousness of the subject matter never keeps it from being silly, and the silly moments of the book never detract from the seriousness of its message.
Of course it's not a perfect book, like there are a few loose plot threads that could've been cleaned up with just a teensy bit more editing, and some chapters felt like they should've ended a paragraph or two earlier than they did. That said, this book is a massive inspiration for me on both literary and philosophical levels, and I'm going to be thinking about it for years to come.
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I'm glad this book exists, but it definitely isn't for everyone. The overlapping realities of trans lives and reproductive rights are incredibly complicated, and Detransition, Baby doesn't shy away from this complexity. This book isn't at all about providing answers, but I'll be thinking back to it a lot with these topics nevertheless. In the end, Detransition, Baby is about capturing a certain kind of trans experience, and Torrey Peters undeniably succeeds at this.
It does still have a few rough edges, especially how it left me wanting in its various conversations around ethnicity and race. Admittedly, I almost DNF'd it because the many explicit sex scenes were almost too much for me. I don't regret finishing it though. I saw myself so much in these characters, despite the fact that they're very different kinds of trans people compared to myself.
Don't expect perfection, expect a journey.
It does still have a few rough edges, especially how it left me wanting in its various conversations around ethnicity and race. Admittedly, I almost DNF'd it because the many explicit sex scenes were almost too much for me. I don't regret finishing it though. I saw myself so much in these characters, despite the fact that they're very different kinds of trans people compared to myself.
Don't expect perfection, expect a journey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Transphobia, Infidelity, and Hate crime
Moderate: Outing, Abortion, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Racism, Deadnaming, and Physical abuse
Lost Caverns of Ixalan by Valerie Valdes, Miguel Lopez, Magic The Gathering
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation
Moderate: Death, War, and Violence
Strixhaven by Adana Washington
lighthearted
slow-paced
1.0
Strixhaven storyline was hardly a story at all. Why Kasmina was important was never discussed, Liliana feels shoe-horned in, and Will and Rowan barely go through anything resembling a character arc. One of the worst MTG stories I've ever read.
Ixalan and Rivals of Ixalan by Alison Luhrs
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.0
If you only focus on Jace/Vraska then you'll have a good time. Ixalan has.....a lot of baggage though, to say the least. :/
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
Just wasn't doing anything for me. Technically fun and is clearly Kuang stretching her muscles while also letting herself breathe easier. If I talked about it with someone who's read it more in-depth, I could be convinced to pick it up again
Broken Places & Outer Spaces: Finding Creativity in the Unexpected by Nnedi Okorafor
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
A mini-memoir that spawned from folks inviting Okorafor to give talks but not making their spaces accessible for her. If you're a major Okorafor fan like me, it's quick and worth the read.