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melissagopp's reviews
237 reviews
Starry Field: A Memoir of Lost History by Margaret Juhae Lee
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
In Starry Field, Margaret Juhae Lee goes on a mission to uncover the hidden history of her grandfather, who was imprisoned and died at an early age. Much of the narrative focuses on her research and interview process. The chapters I enjoyed the most were about her own life as a young adult in New York and her struggle to forge an identity of her own making rather than the vision her Korean parents had for her. The final chapters helped me understand the significance of her search for her family’s missing stories in her quest to move wholly and fully into her future. This was a slower read for me, but one full of meaning and history I otherwise may not have been exposed to.
The Running Body: A Memoir by Emily Pifer
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
The Only Way Through is Out: A Memoir by Suzette Mullen
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
What happens when one spouse uncovers a sexual identity different than what they believed themselves to be when they entered marriage? Suzette Mullen tells how she navigated her later-in-life discovery with bravery and authenticity in this memoir that reads like a novel. I cried for the heart-wrenching changes to her long-standing relationships and cheered as she forged paths to new versions of community, friendship, and love. What a great read for anyone peering over the edge of the unknown, especially when they thought their future was set.
Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture by Virginia Sole-Smith
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Entwined: Essays on Polyamory and Creating Home by Alex Alberto
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
What an entertaining and enlightening read! I’m a queer, monogamous reader who loves learning about gender, sexuality, and unconventional relationship models. I so appreciated Alberto’s willingness to share their evolving journey with polyamory, gender, and family. The chapters have such variety in content and structure, which makes for a quick read. At the same time, the book deepened my understanding of polyamory’s possibilities beyond the popular misconception of it being a practice filled with swinging and sex parties (no judgment intended toward those who indulge in “The Lifestyle”). I especially enjoyed the Q&As at the back of the book, where Alberto shares their unique perspectives on relationship challenges common to folx in all sorts of relationship models, including monogamy. I intend to do a full review of this one on my Substack in February.
West of the Sea by Stephanie Willing
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
I read this to my 10 and 12 year old boys, and they loved it! They were hooked from the beginning. As a parent, I appreciated the short chapters that we could digest in 15 - 30 minute evening reading sessions. We all were inspired by the themes of mental health and accepting people's differences. And most importantly, the story was great!
Silenced in Eden by Jo Lloyd Johnson
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
My first impression of both Jo and her book was dominated by one word: authentic. Jo comes from fundamentalist purity culture, a background that overlaps with my own. I resonated with many of the experiences in her brave shares on the page and found myself riveted by how she got out. It was fascinating to see the similarities between her recovery from religious abuse and her recovery from childhood sexual assault. Especially if you happen to be an exvangelical, you’ll find much to appreciate in Jo’s story.