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loiscc's Reviews (313)
The Poet X tells the story of Xiomara Batista, finding freedom and redefining it through poetry. Xiomara is a high schooler who lives in Harlem and is a daughter of Spanish speaking Dominican parents. Her daily life is exacting and harsh because of her size, dealing with an devout Catholic mother and peers that misunderstand her. It's for this reason that Xiomara doesn't speak much unless it's to let her fists do the talking. She fights to defend her soft-hearted twin brother and herself, against those who feel like they have a right to her body.
The Poet X includes journal entries and poems that speak to all young girls like Xiomara. As such, I was surprised by how much I identified with this book. It was deeply in tune with the complications and emotions of being a bigger sized brown girl from a religious background. I only thought the ending lost the intensity. I get that Acevedo tried to end things on a high but it felt too much like a 'happily ever after' ending which was inconsistent with the rest of the story. I would've much preferred a more open ending, giving a sense that there are still things that need to be resolved and are best left for the reader to interpret.
However, I loved reading this stanza-like novel and the all the artisry that Acevedo embeds it with. I thought The Poet X was intense, poetic and creatively told.
The Poet X includes journal entries and poems that speak to all young girls like Xiomara. As such, I was surprised by how much I identified with this book. It was deeply in tune with the complications and emotions of being a bigger sized brown girl from a religious background. I only thought the ending lost the intensity. I get that Acevedo tried to end things on a high but it felt too much like a 'happily ever after' ending which was inconsistent with the rest of the story. I would've much preferred a more open ending, giving a sense that there are still things that need to be resolved and are best left for the reader to interpret.
However, I loved reading this stanza-like novel and the all the artisry that Acevedo embeds it with. I thought The Poet X was intense, poetic and creatively told.
Eloquent Rage is a fearless, defiant memoir about black female rage and the unique contours of Black Feminism.
I thought the way Cooper articulated her argument was noteworthy; it was both intellectual and colloquial, indicative of both her academic background and her humble, low-income upbringing. In effect, the narrative shows that eloquence can be expressed through a language associated with and derived from black culture.
Cooper succinctly argues the case for Black Feminism and I couldn't fault her argument, especially when she speaks about how mutual love of women should be at the core of the movement.
As much as I loved this book, I wish it had more of a sharper focus. It does a fantastic job of discussing and dissecting all the things there are to be indignant about, but it lacks something tying it all together. There is an attempt to marry all the arguments at the very end, linking it all back to the concept of Eloquent Rage and how to channel one's anger, however I think it could've been structured more effectively.
That aside, I would absolutely recommend this book. Cooper is unapologetically herself and draws upon her own experience to argue the need for a feminist movement that recognises the struggles of black women.
I thought the way Cooper articulated her argument was noteworthy; it was both intellectual and colloquial, indicative of both her academic background and her humble, low-income upbringing. In effect, the narrative shows that eloquence can be expressed through a language associated with and derived from black culture.
Cooper succinctly argues the case for Black Feminism and I couldn't fault her argument, especially when she speaks about how mutual love of women should be at the core of the movement.
As much as I loved this book, I wish it had more of a sharper focus. It does a fantastic job of discussing and dissecting all the things there are to be indignant about, but it lacks something tying it all together. There is an attempt to marry all the arguments at the very end, linking it all back to the concept of Eloquent Rage and how to channel one's anger, however I think it could've been structured more effectively.
That aside, I would absolutely recommend this book. Cooper is unapologetically herself and draws upon her own experience to argue the need for a feminist movement that recognises the struggles of black women.
Don't Touch My Hair is a candid discourse about the history and culture, both modern and ancient, of Afro hair. This book was intelligent and challenging. It re-defines the conversation about Afro hair by unearthing an extremely rich history, rooted in ancient African civilisations and confronts the modern racial biases that have conditioned many black people today into hiding the natural texture of their hair.
I loved the dynamics of the writing that was at times highly academic and at other at times casual. It covers various different aspects of afro hair, de-stigmatising the negative connotations synonymous with black hair types from a spiritual, political, philosophical and even mathematical vantage point. The name of this book would suggest a more tailored discussion about the micro-aggressive action of touching a black woman's hair, completely entitled and without consent, but this book went way way deeper than that and I am so glad it did!
I loved the dynamics of the writing that was at times highly academic and at other at times casual. It covers various different aspects of afro hair, de-stigmatising the negative connotations synonymous with black hair types from a spiritual, political, philosophical and even mathematical vantage point. The name of this book would suggest a more tailored discussion about the micro-aggressive action of touching a black woman's hair, completely entitled and without consent, but this book went way way deeper than that and I am so glad it did!
Six Of Crows was an edgy heist fantasy adventure novel aimed at young adult readers but is entertaining and thrilling in a way that will capture many adult readers as well.
It follows the story of six outcasts as they take on an impossible feat to kidnap a mysterious scientist who's deadly invention threatens to destroy the many magically-enhanced beings, called Grisha on the continent.
The plot, which is extremely dynamic is full of cunning ploys and clever schemes. The action was abundant and equally as exciting and the romances conveyed in a beautifyul way that was appealing.
I had to suspend my disbelief at times when it felt like this cast of primarily teenagers behaved in ways that would have you believe they were worldly wise adults, Kaz especially. Thankfully it wasn't too much of a stretch for me and each of the characters were developed in such a way that explains their loss of innocence, whilst also acknowledging the vulnerabilities they possess because of their youth.
It follows the story of six outcasts as they take on an impossible feat to kidnap a mysterious scientist who's deadly invention threatens to destroy the many magically-enhanced beings, called Grisha on the continent.
The plot, which is extremely dynamic is full of cunning ploys and clever schemes. The action was abundant and equally as exciting and the romances conveyed in a beautifyul way that was appealing.
I had to suspend my disbelief at times when it felt like this cast of primarily teenagers behaved in ways that would have you believe they were worldly wise adults, Kaz especially. Thankfully it wasn't too much of a stretch for me and each of the characters were developed in such a way that explains their loss of innocence, whilst also acknowledging the vulnerabilities they possess because of their youth.
Set in Tokyo, Antique Bakery is a temptingly lavish affair run by three men. Yusuke Ono is a prodigious chef and playboy who was once cruelly rejected by Tachibana, the boy he had a crush on in high school. Several years later and the two find themselves working together in the same bakery, along with the short-tempered former boxer, Kanda. Through the everyday running of this bakery, we learn more about each of the characters and salivate over beautifully illustrated cakes.
I enjoyed all aspects of this manga from the artwork to the humour to the characterisation. I loved how these characters had such different personalities and the way it made them all stand out, each with their own memorable quirk. I also adored how this manga developed the unsettling nature of Tachibana's past as well as Ono's deep-seated fears. The constant friction between Tachibana and Kanda was incongruous at times, but it also provided some comic relief.
Overall, I was not disappointed by Antique Bakery and I have every intention of continuing the series!
I enjoyed all aspects of this manga from the artwork to the humour to the characterisation. I loved how these characters had such different personalities and the way it made them all stand out, each with their own memorable quirk. I also adored how this manga developed the unsettling nature of Tachibana's past as well as Ono's deep-seated fears. The constant friction between Tachibana and Kanda was incongruous at times, but it also provided some comic relief.
Overall, I was not disappointed by Antique Bakery and I have every intention of continuing the series!
Heartstopper is about the blossoming romance between two teenage secondary school boys; Charlie and Nick. I read this graphic novel at the very end of 2020 and it was the perfect way to end the year on a high note.
Charlie is an openly gay brainiac who wears his heart on his sleeve because of the traumatising experiences he's had with homophobic bullying. He meets Nicholas, or Nick for short, whom he feels an instant connection to, but Charlie fears that these feelings won't be reciprocated. Little does he know just how much of a liking Nick has taken to him.
Heartstopper had an endearing candy floss charm that will pull on the heartstrings of many young adult/teenage readers. The romance felt very authentic in the way things started tentatively and then slowly developed into the beginnings of something more. I thought the artwork style was very intriguing, if not slightly lacking in finesse, it definitely conveyed a lot of emotion, such as a believable sense of awkwardness.
This sugary sweet comic is perfect for lovers of a heart-warming romance.
Charlie is an openly gay brainiac who wears his heart on his sleeve because of the traumatising experiences he's had with homophobic bullying. He meets Nicholas, or Nick for short, whom he feels an instant connection to, but Charlie fears that these feelings won't be reciprocated. Little does he know just how much of a liking Nick has taken to him.
Heartstopper had an endearing candy floss charm that will pull on the heartstrings of many young adult/teenage readers. The romance felt very authentic in the way things started tentatively and then slowly developed into the beginnings of something more. I thought the artwork style was very intriguing, if not slightly lacking in finesse, it definitely conveyed a lot of emotion, such as a believable sense of awkwardness.
This sugary sweet comic is perfect for lovers of a heart-warming romance.
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For An Otaku is about a group of workmates who struggle to form romantic relationships because of their OTT obsession with all things gaming and anime.
The two main characters are Nifuji, a self-professed and unashamed serial gamer and Narumi whose fandom involves writing and illustrating her own 'boys love' manga. Because of their lack of social skills, neither of them have found much success in the love department and so they decide to become an item themselves.
I loved the upbeat casualness of this manga and all its satisfying anime references and amusing ripostes. The brevity of the manga worked in its favour in that, plot wise, not much happens aside from the group going out for drinks, gaming, having awkward conversations heavily laced with pop culture references and the relentless arguments between the two seniors, Kabakura and Koyanagi. But despite that, Wotakoi was a fun experience that ended in a satisfying way and made me want to continue the series.
The two main characters are Nifuji, a self-professed and unashamed serial gamer and Narumi whose fandom involves writing and illustrating her own 'boys love' manga. Because of their lack of social skills, neither of them have found much success in the love department and so they decide to become an item themselves.
I loved the upbeat casualness of this manga and all its satisfying anime references and amusing ripostes. The brevity of the manga worked in its favour in that, plot wise, not much happens aside from the group going out for drinks, gaming, having awkward conversations heavily laced with pop culture references and the relentless arguments between the two seniors, Kabakura and Koyanagi. But despite that, Wotakoi was a fun experience that ended in a satisfying way and made me want to continue the series.
Pride and Prejudice was a charming and gracefully illustrated graphic novel retelling. It does a fantastic job of making Austen's classic accessible to younger or more visual readers, whilst also keeping the integrity of the original story. A couple of scenes were left out of the retelling, such as when Elizabeth is exploring the countryside with her Aunt and Uncle, Mr and Mrs Gardiner, and exclaims upon beholding the beauty of nature;
“'My dear, dear aunt,' she rapturously cried, what delight! what felicity!...What are men to rocks and mountains? Oh! what hours of transport we shall spend!"
This was one of my favourite moments in the book, apart from the heated tête-à-tête with Lady Catherine de Bourgh, so I was disappointed that it was not included in the graphic retelling, but the plot is otherwise true to the source material. Another way in which it does justice to the classic is through the artwork, which I thought had a softly refined charm. The illustrator depicted each character in such a way that really brought them to life. It is evident that she worked hard to create illustrations that fully embody the way each character is described and presented in the original novel. Altogether, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Pride And Prejudice and would recommend to those apprehensive about reading classic novels.
“'My dear, dear aunt,' she rapturously cried, what delight! what felicity!...What are men to rocks and mountains? Oh! what hours of transport we shall spend!"
This was one of my favourite moments in the book, apart from the heated tête-à-tête with Lady Catherine de Bourgh, so I was disappointed that it was not included in the graphic retelling, but the plot is otherwise true to the source material. Another way in which it does justice to the classic is through the artwork, which I thought had a softly refined charm. The illustrator depicted each character in such a way that really brought them to life. It is evident that she worked hard to create illustrations that fully embody the way each character is described and presented in the original novel. Altogether, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Pride And Prejudice and would recommend to those apprehensive about reading classic novels.
Felix Ever After was every bit the feel-good, optimistic story I expected it to be and I wish I had read it when I was younger.
It follows the complicated life of seventeen-year-old Felix Love. Having to face the daily challenges of being black, queer and transgender means that Felix has a guarded personality, hinging on fear. He believes that he is unlovable and struggles to socialize with others.
This is only made worse when an anonymous person who also attends his summer school program begins making transphobic taunts over social media and even an outright attack. As well as this, Felix also grapples with questions surrounding defining his identity and finding true love.
Felix Ever After felt like a very familiar young adult coming out story. It follows a similar methodology common to most books of the genre, whereby the hero is presented with a conflict and in trying to overcome it, he severs important friendships only to realise that true love was there all along.
But judging this book independent of all the clichés, it was a deeply affecting and sensitive read. It speaks to mainly queer people of colour whose experience with feelings of fear, dysphoria, imposter syndrome and self-deprecation often leave them more vulnerable than most.
The stripped back narrative made this book a quick and easy read as most of the plot was revealed through the dialogue and therefore didn't require much fleshing out. I thought this style of storytelling was executed well, though events became more and more predictable as we got closer to the end.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Felix Ever After and would definitely recommend it. It was an uplifting own voices novel with an equally optimistic message.
It follows the complicated life of seventeen-year-old Felix Love. Having to face the daily challenges of being black, queer and transgender means that Felix has a guarded personality, hinging on fear. He believes that he is unlovable and struggles to socialize with others.
This is only made worse when an anonymous person who also attends his summer school program begins making transphobic taunts over social media and even an outright attack. As well as this, Felix also grapples with questions surrounding defining his identity and finding true love.
Felix Ever After felt like a very familiar young adult coming out story. It follows a similar methodology common to most books of the genre, whereby the hero is presented with a conflict and in trying to overcome it, he severs important friendships only to realise that true love was there all along.
But judging this book independent of all the clichés, it was a deeply affecting and sensitive read. It speaks to mainly queer people of colour whose experience with feelings of fear, dysphoria, imposter syndrome and self-deprecation often leave them more vulnerable than most.
The stripped back narrative made this book a quick and easy read as most of the plot was revealed through the dialogue and therefore didn't require much fleshing out. I thought this style of storytelling was executed well, though events became more and more predictable as we got closer to the end.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Felix Ever After and would definitely recommend it. It was an uplifting own voices novel with an equally optimistic message.
Monster is one of the best first volume manga novels I've read in a long while.I read the complete first volume of this suspenseful manga in one breathless sitting and I was completely hooked from the very outset. This manga is set in the mid 80’s shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall, separating what was formerly known as East and West Germany. Dr. Kenzō Tenma is an extremely promising young doctor who migrated from Japan to Düsseldorf, West Germany, intending to further his studies in medicine. He soon realizes how political a profession he has when he refuses an order from the head of the doctor’s association by saving the life of a young boy. Monster had me on edge the whole way through and seamlessly probes the boundaries of morality.