jainabee's reviews
487 reviews
The Midnight Lie, by Marie Rutkoski
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
4.75
I got this in the Banned Books Box subscription and was curious to read something totally new to me. Had a hard time putting it down and now am hungry for more! The story twists and turns in ways that startled me and I gave up trying to predict anything about the characters. How refreshing! And lovely writing. A pleasure to read and I'm so glad there's more!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Classism, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Drug use, Slavery, and Blood
Moderate: Police brutality, Child death, Grief, Kidnapping, Torture, Murder, Lesbophobia, Homophobia, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Death of parent, Pregnancy, and War
Considering all of the challenging content in the book, it is all handled in a way that I could tolerate (I am somewhat squeamish) and I did not feel personally triggered. I have no problem with putting a book down if the violence is too graphic or gory for my tastes or if the cruelty and abuse goes beyond a brief explicit detail.
Gender Queer, by Maia Kobabe
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I've read and reread this, gaining a deeper appreciation for the kindness and vulnerability with which Maia shares eir personal experiences, and eir respect and appreciation for the people, places and things that supported em along the way.
The Little Guide to Getting Tied Up: Tips for Rope Bondage Bottoms, by Evie Vane
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
A much needed POV —and quite enjoyable! Written with deep understanding from plenty of personal experience and prioritizing informed consent and excellent negotiation skills.
The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person, by Frederick Joseph
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
This book is excellent. The best gift I've received in ages. A gift in the sense that the author is quite generous in what he offers here. I got it in the Banned Books Box subscription. A friend of mine saw me reading it and said, "Why would that be banned?" Well, because it talks honestly —and from lived experience— about racism—and the many ways that denying that racism exists continues to perpetuate racism and white supremacy. I hope that I may appreciate this gift by taking what I've learned and applying it in my life. Thank you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cultural appropriation, Racism, Xenophobia, Bullying, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Self harm, Police brutality, Sexism, and Violence
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Slavery
Of course these content warnings are directly related to the topic of the book, and is entirely appropriate in this context. The publishers list it as "for ages 12 and up." I wish I had read this when I was 12.
The Bohemians, by Jasmin Darznik
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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? No
5.0
I enjoyed this dazzling dive into a San Francisco of 100 years ago. The timeless beauty of The City comes alive through the dramas experienced by a fictionalized yet thoroughly convincing Dorothea Lange. Richly detailed and lively storytelling rekindles my passion for this fabled fogtown, and curious to seek out the dwindling relics of the times when artists, poets, and assorted oddballs could afford to live the Bohemian lifestyle.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Racial slurs, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Child abuse, Racism, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Rape, Deportation, Trafficking, and Alcohol
Minor: Cultural appropriation, Fire/Fire injury, War, Confinement, Blood, Police brutality, Violence, Ableism, Pedophilia, and Domestic abuse
The Invisible Painting: My Memoir of Leonora Carrington, by Gabriel Weisz Carrington
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
A biography as unique and marvelous as Leonora herself.
Thieves, by Lucie Bryon
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Art of Drag, by Jake Hall
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
Scrumptiously gorgeous illustrations and a surprisingly informative history of drag that is also very up-to-date and respectful about gender identities and how misogyny and racism have been a significant factor in this fascinating art form from the beginning. Who knew that Kabuki was started by women wearing men's kimonos?!?!
Polly: Sex Culture Revolutionary, by Polly Whittaker
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
4.75
I couldn't put this delightful and fascinating book down. Beautifully written and impressively edited to shine like a latex catsuit. I enjoyed and appreciated the three different Polly POVs weaving their stories together— the Maiden Mother Crone arc of her revolutionary evolution from her unusual family of origin to her even more bizarre Kinky Salon family and then at the edge of her future self, sending encouragement to her younger selves.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Death of parent
Moderate: Drug use and Medical content
Minor: Cultural appropriation