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libbysbookshelf's Reviews (745)
THE WOMEN OF TROY by PAT BARKER
[ad - PR] thanks to @penguin for the advanced reader copy.
This is the sequel to The Silence of the Girls, which I read 2 years ago, almost to the day.
If you know me, then you’ll know I love anything Greek myth, especially the feminist retellings that have been popular in recent years. The Women of Troy is no exception. It takes us back to the battlefields of Troy, only this time we are dealing with the aftermath. The novel follows the points of view of Briseis, Pyrrhus (Achilles’ son) and Calchas (the Trojan priest) in order to give a well-rounded account of the events.
Briseis definitely felt more three dimensional in this novel - even though I’d really loved her in the previous book, she had definitely grown and changed as she experienced new things.
This book is very consistent in energy levels, which is both good and bad. It’s good because it focuses on the storytelling and the characters. Bad because it did have much tension and almost no surprises. I know that not every book needs to be twisty, especially retellings, but I was expecting something unexpected.
The writer used the word ‘r@tarded’, which I know a lot of Bookstagrammers have been angry about in other books, so I wanted to ask your thoughts on this? My slight issue with it in this book was that the language is very modern, with a lot of 21st century idioms in use, so it did feel a bit out of place. It might have been a bit more forgiveable had the language been archaic.
So I didn’t love it as much as I expected to, but I am eternally grateful to have received an advanced copy as this is one of my most anticipated books of the year. I recommend that you place your preorders and get ready to go back to Troy.
[ad - PR] thanks to @penguin for the advanced reader copy.
This is the sequel to The Silence of the Girls, which I read 2 years ago, almost to the day.
If you know me, then you’ll know I love anything Greek myth, especially the feminist retellings that have been popular in recent years. The Women of Troy is no exception. It takes us back to the battlefields of Troy, only this time we are dealing with the aftermath. The novel follows the points of view of Briseis, Pyrrhus (Achilles’ son) and Calchas (the Trojan priest) in order to give a well-rounded account of the events.
Briseis definitely felt more three dimensional in this novel - even though I’d really loved her in the previous book, she had definitely grown and changed as she experienced new things.
This book is very consistent in energy levels, which is both good and bad. It’s good because it focuses on the storytelling and the characters. Bad because it did have much tension and almost no surprises. I know that not every book needs to be twisty, especially retellings, but I was expecting something unexpected.
The writer used the word ‘r@tarded’, which I know a lot of Bookstagrammers have been angry about in other books, so I wanted to ask your thoughts on this? My slight issue with it in this book was that the language is very modern, with a lot of 21st century idioms in use, so it did feel a bit out of place. It might have been a bit more forgiveable had the language been archaic.
So I didn’t love it as much as I expected to, but I am eternally grateful to have received an advanced copy as this is one of my most anticipated books of the year. I recommend that you place your preorders and get ready to go back to Troy.
THE COLLECTION by NINA LEGER
Well this is an odd little book, isn’t it? I’m not sure I really got it, actually.
The story follows Jeanne who likes to meet up with men and enjoy their penises… that’s it really. The story isn’t told in a typical way, and the fourth wall was sometimes broken. I’m all for experimental literature, but this one didn’t quite do it for me. I think it could have been a case of bad timing because I really wanted to like it, but I felt a little impatient with it.
Hey ho, it’s not a complete loss, the cover is gorgeous and some of the sex scenes were quite raunchy.
🍄
#book #bookstagram #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookstagrammer #books #reader #reading
Well this is an odd little book, isn’t it? I’m not sure I really got it, actually.
The story follows Jeanne who likes to meet up with men and enjoy their penises… that’s it really. The story isn’t told in a typical way, and the fourth wall was sometimes broken. I’m all for experimental literature, but this one didn’t quite do it for me. I think it could have been a case of bad timing because I really wanted to like it, but I felt a little impatient with it.
Hey ho, it’s not a complete loss, the cover is gorgeous and some of the sex scenes were quite raunchy.
🍄
#book #bookstagram #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookstagrammer #books #reader #reading
funny
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
BLACK BUCK by MATEO ASKARIPOUR
Bloody hell, that was a wild ride.
Thanks to @tandemcollectiveuk and @michaeljbooks for the #gifted copy of the book. And thanks to all the readalong pals who created some great discussions.
This book is about a salesman named Darren, trying to make it big in the tech start up world that is dominated by white, toxic males. Thankfully, Darren, or Buck is a little different than the rest because he’s Black and has a sense of morality.
I loved Darren, even when I hated him. I loved the pace of the storytelling and the fact that I genuinely could not put this book down.
Reading about race and learning to be a better person is extremely important to me, but a book about sales is not something I’d ordinarily be drawn to. I’m glad I did read it, though, because it was such a wild ride and it has furthered my education on racism in the modern world; something that some people like to ignore.
I might have botched this review, but that’s cos I’m not thinking clearly. This book has messed me up!
Anyway, read it.
#book #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #mateoaskaripour #blackbuck #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreader #bookrecommendation #bookreviewer
Bloody hell, that was a wild ride.
Thanks to @tandemcollectiveuk and @michaeljbooks for the #gifted copy of the book. And thanks to all the readalong pals who created some great discussions.
This book is about a salesman named Darren, trying to make it big in the tech start up world that is dominated by white, toxic males. Thankfully, Darren, or Buck is a little different than the rest because he’s Black and has a sense of morality.
I loved Darren, even when I hated him. I loved the pace of the storytelling and the fact that I genuinely could not put this book down.
Reading about race and learning to be a better person is extremely important to me, but a book about sales is not something I’d ordinarily be drawn to. I’m glad I did read it, though, because it was such a wild ride and it has furthered my education on racism in the modern world; something that some people like to ignore.
I might have botched this review, but that’s cos I’m not thinking clearly. This book has messed me up!
Anyway, read it.
#book #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #mateoaskaripour #blackbuck #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreader #bookrecommendation #bookreviewer
TOMORROW SEX WILL BE GOOD AGAIN by KATHERINE ANGEL
This book explores consent from the perspective of a modern context. It really gets you thinking about the nuances of consent in relation to desire and vulnerability. For example, do we ever really know what we want? Is it enough to just give consent once? Are words really reflective of how we feel in that moment? Should women know what they want sexually before they go with a partner? But how can you know what you want if you’ve never done it before? How can women explore their sexuality safely when (not all) men are prone to take advantage of women’s vulnerability during sex?
I was highlighting like mad and I’ve copied down many quotes to use in my dissertation.
An essential addition to any discussion about consent. Read it and teach your sons and daughters and non-binary children about it.
#tomorrowsexwillbegoodagain #katherineangel #book #nonfiction #bookstagram #feministlit #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #booklover
This book explores consent from the perspective of a modern context. It really gets you thinking about the nuances of consent in relation to desire and vulnerability. For example, do we ever really know what we want? Is it enough to just give consent once? Are words really reflective of how we feel in that moment? Should women know what they want sexually before they go with a partner? But how can you know what you want if you’ve never done it before? How can women explore their sexuality safely when (not all) men are prone to take advantage of women’s vulnerability during sex?
I was highlighting like mad and I’ve copied down many quotes to use in my dissertation.
An essential addition to any discussion about consent. Read it and teach your sons and daughters and non-binary children about it.
#tomorrowsexwillbegoodagain #katherineangel #book #nonfiction #bookstagram #feministlit #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #booklover
DEAR SENTHURAN: A BLACK SPIRIT MEMOIR by AKWAEKE EMEZI
I bought this book yesterday afternoon and started reading it immediately and my journey with it has just ended.
This isn’t a review. It’s impossible for me to review this book. What it is, rather, is an exploration of my journey with this book.
I first encountered Emezi about a year and a half ago when they were longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Freshwater. Strange that a non-binary writer should be longlisted for a prize for women, but that’s a discussion for another day. Anyway, that book moved me deeply. I was in the thick of mental health issues and that book made me feel seen. I read Freshwater as a metaphor.
Fast forward and here I am on anti-anxiety medication, mental health better than ever. I now realise how wrong I was to read Freshwater as a metaphor. It’s not. Neither is Dear Senthuran. They are both meant to be taken literally and I understand that now.
These are Emezi’s experiences and they are shocking but also unlike anything I’ve ever heard.
I can’t say much about that because I don’t know how. You’ll have to read the book.
What I can say is that I have experienced glee and excitement and anticipation because of Emezi. But I’ve also felt extremely anxious today and currently have a tightness in my chest that I’ll try to yoga out of me in a minute.
Some books are not meant to be read passively. Some books are not meant to reaffirm you. Some books are not meant for you. But, if you are willing to work for it, then you can witness them and feel changed forever.
I’m going to do some stretches and deep breathing and try to laugh with my husband because I’m deeply affected but I don’t want to be right now.
#akwaekeemezi #dearsenthuran #book #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #nigerianliterature #africanlit #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #booklover
I bought this book yesterday afternoon and started reading it immediately and my journey with it has just ended.
This isn’t a review. It’s impossible for me to review this book. What it is, rather, is an exploration of my journey with this book.
I first encountered Emezi about a year and a half ago when they were longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Freshwater. Strange that a non-binary writer should be longlisted for a prize for women, but that’s a discussion for another day. Anyway, that book moved me deeply. I was in the thick of mental health issues and that book made me feel seen. I read Freshwater as a metaphor.
Fast forward and here I am on anti-anxiety medication, mental health better than ever. I now realise how wrong I was to read Freshwater as a metaphor. It’s not. Neither is Dear Senthuran. They are both meant to be taken literally and I understand that now.
These are Emezi’s experiences and they are shocking but also unlike anything I’ve ever heard.
I can’t say much about that because I don’t know how. You’ll have to read the book.
What I can say is that I have experienced glee and excitement and anticipation because of Emezi. But I’ve also felt extremely anxious today and currently have a tightness in my chest that I’ll try to yoga out of me in a minute.
Some books are not meant to be read passively. Some books are not meant to reaffirm you. Some books are not meant for you. But, if you are willing to work for it, then you can witness them and feel changed forever.
I’m going to do some stretches and deep breathing and try to laugh with my husband because I’m deeply affected but I don’t want to be right now.
#akwaekeemezi #dearsenthuran #book #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #nigerianliterature #africanlit #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #booklover
HERE COMES THE SUN by NICOLE DENNIS-BENN
Phew. This is one hell of a debut novel.
I read Patsy first, and like Patsy, Here Comes the Sun is slow to start but like lightening when it gets going. At least, that was the pace of my reading anyway.
This one is set exclusively on Jamaica and, from the eyes of the locals, it’s far from the paradise that the tourists see.
Poverty and desperation push people to do terrible things and - in the process - to lose themselves and to become exactly who they didn’t want to be.
There is a light among all of this. A small glimmer of love that kept me turning the pages, hoping for some kind of happiness, or even safety.
I feel like Dennis-Benn is a Jamaican Toni Morrison. She gives you Jamaican people and she gives you terrible deeds and it’s up to the reader to decipher the language and the culture and - most difficult of all - to decide who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. Funny, much like real life, there is a lot of grey area among the black and white.
#readcaribbean and #pagesofpride
#book #herecomesthesun #nicoledennisben #bookstagram #jamaicanliterature #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookreader #booklover
Phew. This is one hell of a debut novel.
I read Patsy first, and like Patsy, Here Comes the Sun is slow to start but like lightening when it gets going. At least, that was the pace of my reading anyway.
This one is set exclusively on Jamaica and, from the eyes of the locals, it’s far from the paradise that the tourists see.
Poverty and desperation push people to do terrible things and - in the process - to lose themselves and to become exactly who they didn’t want to be.
There is a light among all of this. A small glimmer of love that kept me turning the pages, hoping for some kind of happiness, or even safety.
I feel like Dennis-Benn is a Jamaican Toni Morrison. She gives you Jamaican people and she gives you terrible deeds and it’s up to the reader to decipher the language and the culture and - most difficult of all - to decide who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. Funny, much like real life, there is a lot of grey area among the black and white.
#readcaribbean and #pagesofpride
#book #herecomesthesun #nicoledennisben #bookstagram #jamaicanliterature #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookreader #booklover
BLACK GIRL, CALL HOME by JASMINE MANS
[Ad - PR] thanks to @turnaround_books for sending me this copy.
I was expecting to love this collection of poems but I was not expecting to be so moved by it.
I am tempted to call it a love letter to Black American culture, but it’s more than that. It honours Black Americans and shares the struggle with its readers.
There were many modern culture references, including a poem addressed to Kanye West, one for Serena Williams and all the sexist racist shit she has to put up with, and another to Whitney Houston. The one to Michelle Obama was one of the most uplifting because it celebrated the importance of having strong Black role models for young girls to look up to.
This book is a celebration of what it means to be Black in America, but it’s also a warning and a reminder to white people of the privilege we have and the ways we should use this privilege to end racism.
I read one aloud (as instructed) but I imagine this whole collection would take on a new life if heard instead of read.
I highly recommend this for its Black, female and queer rep and for its gorgeous language.
#poetry #pagesforpride #pride #bookstagram #blackgirlcallhome #jasminemans #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookrecommendation #books #poetryreview
[Ad - PR] thanks to @turnaround_books for sending me this copy.
I was expecting to love this collection of poems but I was not expecting to be so moved by it.
I am tempted to call it a love letter to Black American culture, but it’s more than that. It honours Black Americans and shares the struggle with its readers.
There were many modern culture references, including a poem addressed to Kanye West, one for Serena Williams and all the sexist racist shit she has to put up with, and another to Whitney Houston. The one to Michelle Obama was one of the most uplifting because it celebrated the importance of having strong Black role models for young girls to look up to.
This book is a celebration of what it means to be Black in America, but it’s also a warning and a reminder to white people of the privilege we have and the ways we should use this privilege to end racism.
I read one aloud (as instructed) but I imagine this whole collection would take on a new life if heard instead of read.
I highly recommend this for its Black, female and queer rep and for its gorgeous language.
#poetry #pagesforpride #pride #bookstagram #blackgirlcallhome #jasminemans #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookrecommendation #books #poetryreview
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
WHERE WE GO FROM HERE by LUCAS ROCHA
[Ad - PR] thanks to @pridebooktours and @dfb_storyhouse for sending this book to me.
I would categorise this book as either young adult or new adult in genre. It follows a brief period in the lives of three young men dealing with HIV in various forms. The novel is set in Brazil and showcases an excellent healthcare system and a thriving LGBTQIA scene. Of course - unfortunately - there is homophobia and ignorance surrounding HIV represented as well. But for the most part, this novel taught me that an HIV diagnosis does not mean the end. It doesn’t even have to mean a shorter life - it can be completely undetected with the right medication.
What excites me about this writer is that he didn’t feel the need to take on everything. He chose a point in time in these lads’ lives and just focused on exploring that. To me, Rocha felt like a bold new writer and I think we can expect great things in the future.
If you don’t know much about HIV, then educate yourself and read this book. If you want to fall in love with some complex and flawed characters, then read this book.
Very glad I read this.
#pagesofpride #adpr #pridebooktours #pride #gaybook #hiv #gay #brazilianliterature #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookrecommendation #booklover
[Ad - PR] thanks to @pridebooktours and @dfb_storyhouse for sending this book to me.
I would categorise this book as either young adult or new adult in genre. It follows a brief period in the lives of three young men dealing with HIV in various forms. The novel is set in Brazil and showcases an excellent healthcare system and a thriving LGBTQIA scene. Of course - unfortunately - there is homophobia and ignorance surrounding HIV represented as well. But for the most part, this novel taught me that an HIV diagnosis does not mean the end. It doesn’t even have to mean a shorter life - it can be completely undetected with the right medication.
What excites me about this writer is that he didn’t feel the need to take on everything. He chose a point in time in these lads’ lives and just focused on exploring that. To me, Rocha felt like a bold new writer and I think we can expect great things in the future.
If you don’t know much about HIV, then educate yourself and read this book. If you want to fall in love with some complex and flawed characters, then read this book.
Very glad I read this.
#pagesofpride #adpr #pridebooktours #pride #gaybook #hiv #gay #brazilianliterature #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookrecommendation #booklover
FELIX EVER AFTER by KACEN CALLENDER
I’ve read a lot of LGBTQIA+ literature over my years as a Bookstagrammer. In fact, I’ve just realised that today might be my two year bookstaversary! But this book might just be one of the most important books I’ve ever read. I think it feels so important because it’s written for young adults and it includes so many themes around gender and sexuality and self-acceptance. CALLENDER is clearly writing from experience with this novel and I think that’s why it feels so emotive and so real.
The plot: Felix is a young trans boy and an artist. The novel is set during a summer art programme that Felix attends with his best friend Ezra (whatta great character!) and other young artists. Early on in the novel, Felix starts receiving anti trans messages on Instagram and the hatred and desire for revenge almost consume him. Luckily, Felix is surrounded by a lot of love…
It makes me so happy that I can give this book to any future students of mine who struggle with gender identity because I’m sure it will change their lives.
I’m on such a high after reading this.
#pagesofpride #pride #book #felixeverafter #kacencallender #bookrecommendations #gaybook #transbook #gay #transgender #lgbtqi #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookreader #bookrecommendation #bookstagram #bookstagrammer
I’ve read a lot of LGBTQIA+ literature over my years as a Bookstagrammer. In fact, I’ve just realised that today might be my two year bookstaversary! But this book might just be one of the most important books I’ve ever read. I think it feels so important because it’s written for young adults and it includes so many themes around gender and sexuality and self-acceptance. CALLENDER is clearly writing from experience with this novel and I think that’s why it feels so emotive and so real.
The plot: Felix is a young trans boy and an artist. The novel is set during a summer art programme that Felix attends with his best friend Ezra (whatta great character!) and other young artists. Early on in the novel, Felix starts receiving anti trans messages on Instagram and the hatred and desire for revenge almost consume him. Luckily, Felix is surrounded by a lot of love…
It makes me so happy that I can give this book to any future students of mine who struggle with gender identity because I’m sure it will change their lives.
I’m on such a high after reading this.
#pagesofpride #pride #book #felixeverafter #kacencallender #bookrecommendations #gaybook #transbook #gay #transgender #lgbtqi #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookreader #bookrecommendation #bookstagram #bookstagrammer
IN AT THE DEEP END by KATE DAVIES
On the surface, this is a sexy novel about a woman coming out as a lesbian and discovering the SM lesbian scene. It’s filthy af. And that’s a good thing, by the way!
Beneath the surface slightly, this is book about friendship and love and abusive relationships and self-discovery.
This book is laugh out loud funny and go-bright-red kinky. Big thumbs up for the sex scenes 🍆
My slight complaint is the stodgy middle, which went on for a little bit longer than necessary. Other than that, this is a fantastic contemporary lesbian novel.
#book #pagesforpride #lesbian #pride #pridemonth #lesbianliterature #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookrecommendation #booklover #iminatthedeepend @boroughpress #katedavies
On the surface, this is a sexy novel about a woman coming out as a lesbian and discovering the SM lesbian scene. It’s filthy af. And that’s a good thing, by the way!
Beneath the surface slightly, this is book about friendship and love and abusive relationships and self-discovery.
This book is laugh out loud funny and go-bright-red kinky. Big thumbs up for the sex scenes 🍆
My slight complaint is the stodgy middle, which went on for a little bit longer than necessary. Other than that, this is a fantastic contemporary lesbian novel.
#book #pagesforpride #lesbian #pride #pridemonth #lesbianliterature #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookrecommendation #booklover #iminatthedeepend @boroughpress #katedavies