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dreareads_'s reviews
233 reviews
Finna by Nino Cipri
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
This was a fun short queer multiversal critique of capitalism that its hard to not enjoy.
This book was so freaking funny, especially in the way it presented the goofiness of a furniture store with profit as its main goal. At times it was ridiculous but in a very endearing way. Our two characters were lovely and the love and hurt between them came through the page.
I love that this takes place in a future version of Ikea and uses the mundane store concept to make t the perfect place for wormholes to appear. Ironically, I wanted to spend more time with the 'Ikea' corporate system just to experience more of their banality and subtle evilness. To me the story loses focus and what makes it special the moment we travel to different multiverses that are a little TOO different from the evils of capitalism. I kind of wish we had had more worlds that were representative of the different way capitalism can ruin us all.
The book also loses its thread during the third act. It felt very much "blue beam at the end of an MCU movie" and some of the character choices were not very clear. I do not mind an open ending, but there were decisions made by characters (the grandma) that simply did not make sense.
Overall a fun time that I think most people would really enjoy!
This book was so freaking funny, especially in the way it presented the goofiness of a furniture store with profit as its main goal. At times it was ridiculous but in a very endearing way. Our two characters were lovely and the love and hurt between them came through the page.
I love that this takes place in a future version of Ikea and uses the mundane store concept to make t the perfect place for wormholes to appear. Ironically, I wanted to spend more time with the 'Ikea' corporate system just to experience more of their banality and subtle evilness. To me the story loses focus and what makes it special the moment we travel to different multiverses that are a little TOO different from the evils of capitalism. I kind of wish we had had more worlds that were representative of the different way capitalism can ruin us all.
The book also loses its thread during the third act. It felt very much "blue beam at the end of an MCU movie" and some of the character choices were not very clear. I do not mind an open ending, but there were decisions made by characters (the grandma) that simply did not make sense.
Overall a fun time that I think most people would really enjoy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Toxic relationship, and Transphobia
The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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
4.25
Pain. So much pain.
If there’s something Andrew Joseph White can do is write body horror that will have you squirming in your seat. Add to that the presence of medical trauma and you have a book that will give you nightmares.
But of all the body horror, and misery that this book covers it was its discussion of womanhood and trans masc identity that elevated it for me. Joseph White did a brilliant job at exploring the complexities of these identities while simultaneously maintaining a clear critique of the cis patriarchical system in the story (as well as real life).
I loved the relationship between Silas and Daphne. Their first meeting warmed my heart and brought me to tears. In addition, I just love how good Joseph White is at writing relationships between characters. Like I FELT the betrayal in the story.
My main “critiques” or caveats would be that the book gets bogged down in its metaphors and imageries at times. Towards the middle of the book the imagery that Joseph White was trying to evoke through his use of stylistic language felt repetitive, and disruptive of the flow of the text.
I would also add that although there is a historical note at the end of the book explaining how medical experimentation was racialized in the real world, you could really feel the lack of intersectional examination in the text.
Overall, another excellent book from an author that quickly becoming one of my favorites.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Hate crime, Medical content, Suicidal thoughts, Animal death, Blood, Child abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Abortion, Misogyny, Murder, Confinement, Cursing, Ableism, Animal cruelty, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, Transphobia, Body horror, Child death, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Dysphoria, Abandonment, Forced institutionalization, Homophobia, Violence, Sexual harassment, Body shaming, Cancer, Colonisation, Deadnaming, Death, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, and Sexism
Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.75
This book is everything I wanted HP and Percy Jackson to be and more ✨
(Full video on insta and tiktok)
(Full video on insta and tiktok)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Xenophobia, Violence, Murder, Bullying, Child death, Kidnapping, Death, and Torture
Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A slow paced horror story of two wives trying to hold on to each other as they’re drifting apart.
In this book you are lulled into a state of normalcy, almost becoming frustrated at how mundane it all is. That is until you’re deep in the story and you are now grasped by the growing tension, you’re scared of what’s waiting outside in the sea, and are terrified to stay inside the house.
The body horror and horror elements are sprinkled throughout in a manner to bring forth lasting discomfort with no quick resolution.
This is a story of grief. Of ptsd. Of losing someone that is standing next to you. Of the worst and best parts of being with another human during your darkest times. A story where logic goes out the window and the characters act erratically due to their fears. You experience first hand a person detaching themselves from the world and the other trying to hold on despite of being forced to change.
I see why people think it is too slow at times but for me the pace works perfectly to develop an atmosphere that will not let you sleep at night. I loved this book.
In this book you are lulled into a state of normalcy, almost becoming frustrated at how mundane it all is. That is until you’re deep in the story and you are now grasped by the growing tension, you’re scared of what’s waiting outside in the sea, and are terrified to stay inside the house.
The body horror and horror elements are sprinkled throughout in a manner to bring forth lasting discomfort with no quick resolution.
This is a story of grief. Of ptsd. Of losing someone that is standing next to you. Of the worst and best parts of being with another human during your darkest times. A story where logic goes out the window and the characters act erratically due to their fears. You experience first hand a person detaching themselves from the world and the other trying to hold on despite of being forced to change.
I see why people think it is too slow at times but for me the pace works perfectly to develop an atmosphere that will not let you sleep at night. I loved this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Mental illness, Death, Eating disorder, Violence, Body horror, Suicidal thoughts, Abandonment, Confinement, Suicide, and Toxic relationship
Silicone God by Victoria Brooks
dark
emotional
funny
fast-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
3.75
I have never in my life done shrooms but reading this book is what I figured it would feel like.
A trippy with capital T dystopian novel where men suck as either humans or mushrooms, create systems that pit women against each other for their gain, and there’s a lot of things going in and out of vaginas.
This book was an experience that I don’t know if everyone else should go on. The story has a lot to say but because of how overwhelming strange what is happening on the page is, it feels like it says nothing.
I will say this, I won’t be forgetting this book any time soon.
A trippy with capital T dystopian novel where men suck as either humans or mushrooms, create systems that pit women against each other for their gain, and there’s a lot of things going in and out of vaginas.
This book was an experience that I don’t know if everyone else should go on. The story has a lot to say but because of how overwhelming strange what is happening on the page is, it feels like it says nothing.
I will say this, I won’t be forgetting this book any time soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Homophobia, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Bullying, Excrement, Vomit, Body horror, Sexual harassment, Adult/minor relationship, Grief, Misogyny, Toxic friendship, Violence, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, Infidelity, and Sexual assault
Dawn by Octavia E. Butler
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The way I love this book with everything I am.
Listen I’m making an unnecessarily long video review about this book, don’t worry. Just know…. It’s perfect.
Listen I’m making an unnecessarily long video review about this book, don’t worry. Just know…. It’s perfect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Genocide, Torture, Grief, Self harm, War, Cursing, Mental illness, Rape, Violence, Death, Colonisation, Gaslighting, Slavery, Suicide, Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Body horror, Murder, Sexual assault, Child death, Confinement, Physical abuse, Xenophobia, Homophobia, Sexual violence, and Suicidal thoughts
Out of the Shadows by Justina Ireland
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
UGH! I love Star Wars but I especially love Gay Star Wars.
I could say more but y'all this book had sapphics, gay Jedis, grumpy violent cats, badass rogues, and Force spirituality. I was never meant to be objective about this book. I just loved it.
I could say more but y'all this book had sapphics, gay Jedis, grumpy violent cats, badass rogues, and Force spirituality. I was never meant to be objective about this book. I just loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Abandonment, Death, Gaslighting, Grief, Violence, Murder, and War
Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.25
Reading this book made me feel like a Bad Feminist because I did not love it...
I will begin by saying that there are plenty of essays to love, and Roxane Gay is at times a very engaging author. Her writing is at its best when she is clearly passionate about the topic and unrestrained in her opinions.
That being said, I feel like this book is a clear product of its time. The discussions on feminisn, gender, and representation in media were examples of the liberal feminism that was rampant in the early 2010's. This is not necessarily a bad thing (the essays were written at that time) but it does make it more difficult to fully engage with it in 2024. I also had my own frustration with her takes on academia, because while I agree with majority of her criticisms, as a woman of color in Academia myself I found that some of her stances perpetuated a kind of toxic expectation on students of colors that is prevalent amongst academic of colors from older generations. I was also left wishing for a more in depth exploration on the significant role of class and wealth and discussions of representation.
I still believe this is a book worth while reading. Especially because despite of it being a product of the 2012's a lot of the discussions on misogyny are still unfortunately too relevant today. I look forward to reading more of her contemporary work and seeing how (and if) her perspective has evolved in the years since the release of Bad Feminist.
(Idk how relevant this is, but I listened to the audio book and I was disappointed that it was not narrated by her. It created a sense of disconnection between the written essays and the audience that I hadn't experienced before)
I will begin by saying that there are plenty of essays to love, and Roxane Gay is at times a very engaging author. Her writing is at its best when she is clearly passionate about the topic and unrestrained in her opinions.
That being said, I feel like this book is a clear product of its time. The discussions on feminisn, gender, and representation in media were examples of the liberal feminism that was rampant in the early 2010's. This is not necessarily a bad thing (the essays were written at that time) but it does make it more difficult to fully engage with it in 2024. I also had my own frustration with her takes on academia, because while I agree with majority of her criticisms, as a woman of color in Academia myself I found that some of her stances perpetuated a kind of toxic expectation on students of colors that is prevalent amongst academic of colors from older generations. I was also left wishing for a more in depth exploration on the significant role of class and wealth and discussions of representation.
I still believe this is a book worth while reading. Especially because despite of it being a product of the 2012's a lot of the discussions on misogyny are still unfortunately too relevant today. I look forward to reading more of her contemporary work and seeing how (and if) her perspective has evolved in the years since the release of Bad Feminist.
(Idk how relevant this is, but I listened to the audio book and I was disappointed that it was not narrated by her. It created a sense of disconnection between the written essays and the audience that I hadn't experienced before)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Bullying, Abortion, Racism, Death, Child abuse, Grief, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Sexism, Rape, Cursing, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Hate crime, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, and Misogyny
The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer by Janelle Monáe
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
UGH! I love it when Science Fiction and social commentary come together to make such a creative, fresh, queer, unapologetic collection of short stories.
I loved it. The stories are all set in a dystopian future where human memories are currency and any person that does not conform to strict definitions of of gender, love, and belief are immediately classified as Dirty Computers. Even at its darkest, the thread of hope, acceptance, and love cursed through every page. I was sad every time a story ended, but was usually immediately gripped by the next one.
All the stories were a little on the nose with their messaging, but to me this willligness to be obvious with their stance felt refreshing instead of tiresome. Of all the stories, I think 'Timebox' was my favorite just because of the way it explores ideas of time theft and exhaustion under capitalism. I was moved by the raw exhaustion and infuriating ending.
I also listened to the "Dirty Computer" Album while reading the book and I loved the way they seamlessly fit together.
Final lesson is the world (I) needs more Science Fiction written by Janelle Monáe
I loved it. The stories are all set in a dystopian future where human memories are currency and any person that does not conform to strict definitions of of gender, love, and belief are immediately classified as Dirty Computers. Even at its darkest, the thread of hope, acceptance, and love cursed through every page. I was sad every time a story ended, but was usually immediately gripped by the next one.
All the stories were a little on the nose with their messaging, but to me this willligness to be obvious with their stance felt refreshing instead of tiresome. Of all the stories, I think 'Timebox' was my favorite just because of the way it explores ideas of time theft and exhaustion under capitalism. I was moved by the raw exhaustion and infuriating ending.
I also listened to the "Dirty Computer" Album while reading the book and I loved the way they seamlessly fit together.
Final lesson is the world (I) needs more Science Fiction written by Janelle Monáe
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Grief, Transphobia, Sexism, Biphobia, Body horror, Abandonment, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Torture, Violence, Confinement, Lesbophobia, Racism, Classism, Hate crime, and Homophobia
The Principle of Moments by Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book was very fun and a refreshing read after reading so many heavy books before that. I loved how you can easily identify the stories and worlds that inspired Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson to write this books. You can easily identify the portions that were directly inspired by NK. Jemisin, VE Scwab, Becky Chambers and more. All of the fun Star Wars and Doctor Who references had me pointing at the book like the Leonardo Dicaprio meme. I do think that all of these reference became a little distracting, and at times obscured the authors own unique voice.
I had quite a fun time with all the creativity on the page, as well as the world and the adventures our characters go on. I could not help but fall in love with Asha and Obi and their heartwarming friendship. Although there is quite a lot happening in the book (magical prophecy, tyranical emperor, different timelines, time travel, demons, forbidden loves) what makes this book special is the effortless love that grows between our two main characters. Even at it's shakiest moments, the relationship between Asha and Obi made the story worth it for me. My love for Obi and Asha was cemented when Obi took his time to take care of Asha and do her braids, as any older sibling would do for their younger sibling. That small familial act was the best representation of the main idea of the story. It is a story about family, the ups and downs that come with it, and the peace we experience when we finally find our home.
Despite how fun the book is, I must say that it is simply doing too much. There are too many set pieces introduced (especially in the 6066 timeline) and too little time spent slowing down and building the relationships between the characters (except for Asha and Obi). The biggest example of this to me is the time Asha and Obi joined a scavenger crew ship. Asha claims these are the best days of her life, and that she has found a new family, except there are not many moments that actualy SHOW this. Except for her time with Xavior, we do not see any interactions between Asha and the rest of the crew, but we are TOLD that relationships are being built.
This lack of space to build emtional moments happens over and over again. There is SO much that the book wants to say, SO many pieces that need to be put into place that at time it is the characters and emotional moments that suffer the most.
Despite all of this I cannot help but really like the book. It is a gran adventure, with two lovable main characters, and enough action to keep you invested. I really cannot wait for book 2!
I had quite a fun time with all the creativity on the page, as well as the world and the adventures our characters go on. I could not help but fall in love with Asha and Obi and their heartwarming friendship. Although there is quite a lot happening in the book (magical prophecy, tyranical emperor, different timelines, time travel, demons, forbidden loves) what makes this book special is the effortless love that grows between our two main characters. Even at it's shakiest moments, the relationship between Asha and Obi made the story worth it for me. My love for Obi and Asha was cemented when Obi took his time to take care of Asha and do her braids, as any older sibling would do for their younger sibling. That small familial act was the best representation of the main idea of the story. It is a story about family, the ups and downs that come with it, and the peace we experience when we finally find our home.
Despite how fun the book is, I must say that it is simply doing too much. There are too many set pieces introduced (especially in the 6066 timeline) and too little time spent slowing down and building the relationships between the characters (except for Asha and Obi). The biggest example of this to me is the time Asha and Obi joined a scavenger crew ship. Asha claims these are the best days of her life, and that she has found a new family, except there are not many moments that actualy SHOW this. Except for her time with Xavior, we do not see any interactions between Asha and the rest of the crew, but we are TOLD that relationships are being built.
This lack of space to build emtional moments happens over and over again. There is SO much that the book wants to say, SO many pieces that need to be put into place that at time it is the characters and emotional moments that suffer the most.
Despite all of this I cannot help but really like the book. It is a gran adventure, with two lovable main characters, and enough action to keep you invested. I really cannot wait for book 2!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Abandonment, Blood, Body horror, Racism, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Sexual violence, Genocide, Slavery, Gore, Addiction, Xenophobia, Physical abuse, Drug abuse, Violence, Suicide, Rape, and Murder