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pekoparty's reviews
217 reviews
Before We Were Trans: A New History of Gender by Kit Heyam
4.0
We have always been here. Heyam writes with sensitivity and consideration for the nuanced way that gender nonconformity has been perceived by the western lens of thinking about gender and turns it through the more recent lenses through which we experience gender. From ancient Egypt to the assimilation of indigenous two-spirit children in the colonized land we now call North America. I am grateful for the approach, the research, and the way that Heyam shows us the thread that connects us through our nonconformity to binary gender standards.
Winter Love by Han Suyin
4.0
Really glad I stumbled upon this McNally Edition of Winter Love. Han Suyin writes about a sapphic London romance during wartime in a way that feels familiar. I found Red (Bettina) to end up as difficult as Mara's husband who she hated. While the two women are falling in love, it is hard to imagine them as mere 20-year-olds attending college, but following societal roles of hetero-marriage, "a woman's work", and how women should behave. I really loved this book. I loved the depiction of heartbreak, the not being able to remember the other woman's face during the heartbreak--the way we reach for the simplest of memories. Not even a photo was left! This all during a time when it was much harder to find someone in the world if they went off from you.
A very quick read and I can't recommend it enough.
A very quick read and I can't recommend it enough.
Elsewhere by Alexis Schaitkin
2.0
While there were things I liked about this, I was really hoping for more of a fantasy aspect. This really gave The Village by M. Night Shyamalan vibes, and in the end nothing way mythical or explained. You get some answers, but yet there are still more questions--often the better part of reading books, but in this case an absolute bust! Bop or Flop: Elsewhere? Flop. I was so hopeful and so excited!
On a more critical note, I did value the descriptions of places, scents, bodies, and atmosphere. Schaitkin gets that right. I did not appreciate the jarring sex scene after the middle point which I would classify as S.A. So prepare yourself if you're emotionally vulnerable to those descriptions. It didn't make sense and didn't add to Vera's character progression.
On a more critical note, I did value the descriptions of places, scents, bodies, and atmosphere. Schaitkin gets that right. I did not appreciate the jarring sex scene after the middle point which I would classify as S.A. So prepare yourself if you're emotionally vulnerable to those descriptions. It didn't make sense and didn't add to Vera's character progression.
Stay True by Hua Hsu
4.0
Was he even my best friend? What a feeling to have after such gut wrenching loss. Hua Hsu gorgeously, with some young adult cynicism, walks us through this ode to friendship and self exploration. Layered and considered from every angle. The aftermath of his loss of his friend felt so heavy, and yet well carried.
Alcatoe and the Turnip Child by Isaac Lenkiewicz
5.0
Honestly really good. Really really good. Finding witch craft at 54? Sign me up. A fun time.
Taking Care by Joy Williams
4.0
Joy Williams is a gift. Short sentences strung together in a way that provides grand impact. Gems sprinkled throughout. I can't wait to read more.
Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your World by Pádraig Ó Tuama
4.0
Pádraig Ó Tuama is a gorgeous reader and writer. This collection speaks to so many aspects of humanity and human-ness. I love the reflections and connections Pádraig pieces together. Poetry Unbound is such an incredible project. Grateful for this and On Being.