mollysmith1313's reviews
129 reviews

Queer: A Graphic History by Meg-John Barker

5.0

I was surprised at how much I was personally invested while reading much of this book. It really gave me so much to think about. Exploring gender, sexuality, race, class, and more in such a condensed way must have been difficult. But I applaud that effort and highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys graphic novels and is looking for an introduction into queer theory.

Gender Euphoria by Laura Kate Dale

3.0

I think it’s great to tell trans/nonbinary stories but focus on euphoria instead of dysphoria. It’s interesting to read about other peoples experiences, but I honestly have no desire to read it again and plan to donate it. I’m really glad it exists for people who need the “pick me up” these stories have a potential to provide for transgender readers.

A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall

5.0

I loved reading this book! It very much reminded me of a Bridgerton-like love story, but better because it’s such a warm and fuzzy “feel good” as far as so many characters knowing the main character’s gender identity and still being so supportive of them throughout the book. That being said, the depiction of depression and drug and alcohol abuse is sobering. I enjoyed reading it so much that I definitely see myself reading it again for fun! I highly recommend if you enjoy romance in general, but especially if you enjoy LGBTQ+ romance.

Transgender Child: A Handbook for Families and Professionals by Rachel Pepper, Stephanie A. Brill

5.0

This is the BEST book I have read that really addresses all the layers and things to consider when it comes to family members transitioning. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to be better educated about the topic. Yes, it’s very parent-child focused. But I still found myself finding any-relationship-relevant anecdote quotes on every other page. And it’s a fantastic resource for having a better idea of what gender-affirming health care professionals are considering when providing support and care for transgender and gender diverse patients. I think it does a great job addressing what to consider when it comes to how you handle it as a family and how you stay involved in your schools and local community regardless of what decisions families make for themselves.

Transgender History by Susan Stryker

5.0

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the topic. It took me a over a month to get through it because I was constantly marking up spots to return to and googling so much stuff. It felt like I was reading a condensed “Smithsonian” museum on transgender history, and I mean that in the best way! Such an eye opener. Such a great throughline in time specifically in the US (and a little bit outside the US, like how European influence made a big impact at key times). I have a feeling I’ll be returning to it a lot for reference in the years to come.

Flung Out of Space: The Indecent Adventures of Patricia Highsmith by Grace Ellis

3.0

I was fortunate enough to be able to check this out from the local library. I’m glad to have read it, but I don’t feel the desire to read it again. The illustrations were really well done, and the story of the main character flowed well enough.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

5.0

This book is such a LGBTQ cozy read! The first half is slow moving but the latter half is where my heart strings were definitely pulled. Overall it’s sweet, endearing, and has sprinklings of humor all throughout.

Witches, Sluts, Feminists: Conjuring the Sex Positive by Kristen J. Sollee

3.0

I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I might (from reading the description). I’m glad I read it for the perspectives and ideas and where the history, religion, and activism overlap…but I just don’t imagine reading it again. I’m not sure I feel as empowered by aspects of the occult as many women do. Maybe if I was I would have liked this book more.

The Silence of Our Friends by Mark Long, Jim Demonakos

5.0

If you enjoyed reading the “March” graphic novels, this book is definitely in the same family and belongs on your self next to it. The illustrations are great. The struggles of the Civil Rights Movement are so harrowing and sobering. I highly recommend if you enjoy books about this topic.

Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts by Rebecca Hall

5.0

This book was well done. So well done it was sobering to read because it’s so understandably emotionally charged. The illustrations are very well done. I highly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates the meaningful attempt made to honor some of the known black women who very likely rebelled while being traded and sold.