book_bermi's reviews
652 reviews

Cuckoo by Gretchen Felker-Martin

dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Right from the start, this book was captivating. Check your triggers before diving in as some of the content can be hard to read. The premise of this book takes all the vial things that have been said and done to trans and queer folk and sets the stage of a truly terrible horror story. I loved the use of a conversion camp as the setting of this horror, and appreciated that appart from the start, it wasn't too preachy. The ending gave the impression that the horror was far from over. There were many lines in the book that were powerful. In general, a great read. I listened to the audio of this book, and I do plan to go back and reread as it was harder to keep track of the plot. I did love how many narrators came together to bring this book to life! This is a book you will want to pay close attention to.

Four Eids and a Funeral by Adiba Jaigirdar, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

I really loved the cultural and community aspects of this book! I thought the micro aggressions in here were very realistic and eye opening about the ways that even within a community, people can be “othered”. Bits of the story were spoon fed and it definitely all came together much clearer in the end. Overall, an enjoyable read with great representation.

Lockjaw by Matteo L. Cerilli

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Ok, seriously, this book was incredible. The whole while it seemed like something wasn’t quite shared, and once it all clicks into place, it does it seamlessly. As a trans person, there were parts of this book that cut deep. As a minority, there were parts of this that resonated. As a dog lover, there were parts of this that destroyed. I definitely cannot wait to get more of Matteo L. Cerilli! What an incredible debut!

Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky

adventurous funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This book was a great mix of silly and reflective! While many of the scenes made me chuckle, the overall premise was very real and makes you think about where humanity is ultimately headed. If you want to experience a post apocalyptic world from the eyes of robots, sprinkled with some humor and a bit of horror if you really contemplate it, I highly recommend you check this out!

I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers

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? No

4.0

This book was cute! A YA coming of age story full of finding the courage to say what’s on your mind and go after what’s in your heart! The romance was cute and juvenile, as you would expect from high school age characters. There was a ton of drama to keep you wanting more, and honestly, I enjoyed the journey!

Earth Boys Are Easy: A Superhero x Alien MM Romance by C. Rochelle

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This. BOOK. Ok, so I went into this expecting some ridiculous times, a ton of laughs, a good helping of spice, and characters that I would love with all my soul. This book delivered and THEN SOME! Micah is a precious baby Angel, and he can do no wrong. Ziggy is both Space Daddy and Babygirl. How? How is he both?! Ugh, I cackled so hard, my heart strings were tugged more than once, and I just loved every moment. If I could go back in time and reread for the first time, I would. If you loved Villainous Things, be prepared for your new obsession!

When Among Crows by Veronica Roth

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This book was quite short but I am impressed with all that was fit into it. Initially I had trouble keeping focus on the story, but it all came together in the end. A good helping of mystery, magic, and plots that overlap in unexpected ways. Once the story grabs you, it keeps you paying attention for more. I enjoyed the ending, and would definitely read another in this world!

Blood in the Cut: A Novel by Alejandro Nodarse

dark mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.25

Oh man! There was a lot going on in this book, and the story was very well done. At its bones, it is a story about a family doing everything they can to stay afloat. Gentrification, prison, business, and struggle are just the tip of the iceberg that encompasses all the things the Guerra family has to survive against. This book was part mystery, part thriller, and it keeps you guessing as you read. Some of the plot points I was able to guess, some were a surprise when they were revealed. If you are looking for a story to keep you on your toes, this is the one. The family ties in this story, although maybe a bit frayed, run deep. 

PUSH by Nyla K.

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

Don't Be a Drag by Skye Quinlan

funny hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

5.0

 I have been looking forward to this book since it was first announced! Let me tell you, it was worth the wait! I foam at the mouth for any books with drag queens, but drag kings I rarely see!

This is a YA story that follows Briar as she navigates her mental health while making some friends, some enemies, and discovers more about herself and what she can do. Maybe along the way, some enemies may become... More...

I adored any and all references to drag and gay culture. I would have LOVED to actually be in attendance to some of the performances that are described in the book. I love the depression representation and the support systems that were showcased in this book. I adored the ending of the book and how is was positive and believable. I wish I would have had more books just like this one when I was a baby queer. Highly recommend!