figsx's reviews
299 reviews

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

5.0

I will admit, I started this read because it was very popular and it kept popping up around me and took it as a sign that I had to give it a read. It took me while to finally pick it up after having bought it and I don't regret doing so. As my first complete read of the new year, I am happy to have it been this book. I fell in love with the kids that are part of this home and the different struggles they had. The work that Linus did in order to gain their trust was warming and sad at the same time, as towards the end of his assignment he was coming to the realization that his life was meant for more. I do love that the ending took its time to find its "Happy Ending" because anything would not have felt as genuine. Also, the LGBTQ+ representation? LOVED IT.

Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters

I am in awe of this novel. I honestly don't want to give it a star rating because it is beyond needed a rating, but deserves praise. The queerness in this book is well outlined, for all three of our main characters. I am most fond of the questioning or maybe challenge brought up about family dynamics because let's be honest, who the fuck knows what a perfect family is? Does it even exist? I'm not sure, but I do like that there are options being brought up to raise this possible unborn child. And the ending?? I wish there was a clearer ending, but the not knowing is what made me love this book. I can imagine both a happy ending for Ames, Reese and Katrina and even a sad one where they all end up leaving each other. It is up to interpretation, but one can wish for the best. The novel was raw and vulnerable and I think it was a great change of pace.

Melissa by Alex Gino

5.0

I will start by saying, I will be having my nieces and nephews reading this book to help them understand what it may mean to be brave and love themselves for who they truly are. I give praise to Alex Gino for being so creative in this work of literature. The way Alex used the name George with the pronouns they knew belonged to her was perfect. I understand Alex using the name George until Melissa felt safe enough to use her new name and how much assurance was in Melissa's tone when telling her friends and family that she was a girl. I know this was a lower grade level read, but that would never stop me from reading books that I know would be impactful.

Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf by Hayley Krischer

4.0

There are subjects that I find harder to read about than any other, but I prepare myself, whenever I know a novel I pick up deals with SA, Rape or subjects of the matter. I find it's important to read these however, as it can help build courage, hope and possible resources. I have to say this book took a great route in telling the journey of Ali Greenleaf coming to terms to what happened to her through two point of views. We see Ali's POV, which highlights her pain, her fears, her detaching from her friends and family and finally coming to terms in being able to say what happened to her in words. We then see Blythe's POV, who has also experienced SA but doesn't seem to want to come terms with it until she finally comes to terms to what happened to Ali and how she played a role in the situation. There is no perfect world where SA and Rape victims are always allowed a happy ending and are given the justice they deserve, the perfect example would be Know My Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller. However, this book is a great YA book for teens to read whenever parents or guardians are finding it hard to explain to younger people what can be done if ever put in such situation.

The Sleep Experiment by Jeremy Bates

4.0

I knew the snips of what inspired this horror novel and decided I wanted to give psychological horror a try. I am very happy I did so, I am usually not a fan of graphic description (I hate picturing it), but was able to push through the scenes described. Overall, I think Bates did a great job in narrating the novel through, what I considered, a character so obsessed over his research and his end goal (I am not sure what can best describe Roy, maybe a psychopath or narcissist?). Anyways, the narration and the different POVs were great. The ending seemed justifiable enough for myself and even gave me respect for the author. Solid 4/5 for my first read of psychological horror.

Speak: The Graphic Novel by Laurie Halse Anderson

5.0

I think the last time I read a graphic novel was when I was a child. I have a copy of the Speak novel, but haven't gotten to reading it just yet. This was a quick read and I really loved it. The strong message that was conveyed through the graphics spoke volumes. I can definitely see myself handing this novel over to my niece when she's a bit older to read, to ensure her that no matter what, speaking out is what should be done and that she will always have a support system with me and our family. I hate to think it will ever happen to someone around me, but I would love to be able to let them know they are not alone.

Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney

4.0

I hate this book. I started reading this because everyone kept recommending Sally Rooney and I honestly see why. The writing in this novel is great. I was so engaged and I felt gripped. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I had to finish it once I was committed to the characters, but I regret that. I started feeling sympathy for Frances, because she seemed like an outcast and living in Bobbi's shadows and I related whole heartedly to her father's situation. I even felt sympathy for Nick because Melissa seemed like an ass towards him at first. I thought I had my two favorite characters and even rooted for them. Anyways, I ended up hating everyone in the novel haha, but it doesn't take away for how well this was written and constructed. I think I hate it even more because I can actually related so much to Frances, take away the affair and her constant lack of good decision making, but I can see why Frances feels the way she does. I felt overly well with the ending at first and then we reach that final scene where it just feels like we pressed this infinity button on idiocy. I am a fan on being left on cliff hangers and open endings, but I hated this one haha. I still fucking loved reading this, but I hated it!! Props to you Rooney, because now I am purchasing your other works.

Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman

5.0

I will say, I decided to start this series because it's on Netflix and I have this thing for not watching anything based on a novel until I read said novel. I am so glad I actually gave this a go. I love giving new mediums a chance when it comes to reading, especially when graphic novels rarely make a scene in my rotation of TBRs. I love the story of Charlie and Nick and how their relationship flourished from a friendship to something more at the end. Watching Nick grow as a person, even though it seems he was always a kind lad, was also warming. The cliff hanger of an ending, for our queer hearts, was perfect for the opening of volume 2.

Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman

5.0

Well as mentioned in my prior review for volume 1, the ending made a great opening for this volume. I love the ease that Charlie and Nick have to reeling back into their situation-ship (best described at the moment). Charlie's understanding of what it means to try and find your sexuality, while still respecting each other is what many people hope for in their partners and even in friends/families. Seeing Charlie grow to defend himself and be able to be himself with Nick is also beautiful. There's nothing more organic then now Nick came to understanding his sexuality and the effort it took for him to accept it. I am in awe of what Alice is able to do with her art.

The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes

5.0

There is nothing I love more than a novel that hits too close to home. It had everything it needed to make my heart ache: a Hispanic family, a queer daughter, a family dynamic that needed help and so many feelings. Coming from a Mexican family, I was also inserted into catholic beliefs and the ultimate machismo dynamic. Being a daughter in a Mexican family can be tough, but to also be queer and afraid to come out, is nothing short of pure horror. I hated how much Yami would put up with in order to protect Cesar, but it's so true and touching. I loved how she would still think about all the good things she loved about her parents, even with all the hurt they would bring her. I loved reading her family grow into something beautiful, regardless of the person they had to lose.