fsethompson's reviews
419 reviews

My Brain is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorders by Monzusu

emotional hopeful informative fast-paced

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Suicide attempt, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis

This book contains the personal essays of 9 people recounting their lives with developmental disorders in a stylised, illustrated format. Instances of violence and abuse against children, as well as recounts of suicide attempts, are depicted clearly in a simplified art style. Along with instances of physical abuse, authors recount their experiences with bullying and harassment, from peers as well as authority figures, as adults in the workplace and as schoolchildren facing cruelty and discrimination from teachers and other adults as well as peers. There is regular depiction and discussion of medication used by the writers to assist with their symptoms. Many authors received outdated, insufficient or incorrect medical advice throughout their lives, which they also discuss and depict, including the impact such advice had on their lives and the perceptions of themselves.

In Praise of the Common: A Conversation on Philosophy and Politics by Cesare Casarino, Antonio Negri

challenging slow-paced

3.5

What We See When We Read by Peter Mendelsund

challenging mysterious reflective slow-paced

2.0

Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch by Rivka Galchen

dark emotional funny reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

The Undertaker's Gone Bananas by Paul Zindel

adventurous dark funny tense fast-paced

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

4.5

Witch Hat Atelier, Volume 8 by Kamome Shirahama

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious 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

Sheridan's Comedies: The Rivals and the School for Scandal; by

funny lighthearted fast-paced

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Antisemitism

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

challenging emotional reflective slow-paced

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

5.0

Skim by Mariko Tamaki

challenging emotional reflective sad slow-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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Suicide attempt, and Toxic friendship

The Elements of Style Illustrated by William Strunk Jr., E.B. White

challenging funny informative slow-paced

4.0