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quasinaut's reviews
199 reviews
Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book drew me in and was a quick read for me! Imogen's uncertainty and people-pleasing was highly relatable. I loved how her arc developed throughout the book as she figured stuff out, learned to stop listening to Gretchen's rigid views of queerness, and began to accept being accepted by Lili's college friends group.
Two complaints: lots of pop culture references made the story less immersive for me, and the latter portion of the book sped along a bit too quickly!
Two complaints: lots of pop culture references made the story less immersive for me, and the latter portion of the book sped along a bit too quickly!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia and Alcohol
Ocean's Echo by Everina Maxwell
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Rule-abiding Surit and chaotic Tennal were delights. Dual narratives can be tricky to pull off, but these two had such distinct personalities and histories and incentives and insecurities and, and, and. It really worked for me.
I feel like the story took a while to find its footing, but once things were underway, I was fully along for the ride.
I feel like the story took a while to find its footing, but once things were underway, I was fully along for the ride.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement and Murder
Minor: Drug use, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Margo Zimmerman Gets the Girl by Brianna R. Shrum, Sara Waxelbaum
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Cute and funny! I loved seeing Margo and Abbie navigate social and school dynamics. Absolutely adored Margo's family; it was especially nice seeing how Margo could turn to her sibling for advice, and that he gave such clear older-brother vibes - supportive, but also an adult doing adult things.
There were some continuity issues that bugged me - often little things that felt like they could've been fixed with another editing pass. Like, one character would refer to something that we hadn't seen them learn on-page. I wouldn't be surprised if these things happen with two authors co-writing, but it was enough to take me out of the story a few times.
There were some continuity issues that bugged me - often little things that felt like they could've been fixed with another editing pass. Like, one character would refer to something that we hadn't seen them learn on-page. I wouldn't be surprised if these things happen with two authors co-writing, but it was enough to take me out of the story a few times.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia and Abandonment
Minor: Toxic friendship
The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence: Abridged by Gavin de Becker
dark
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
3.5
I'm glad I listened to the abridged version - I don't think I'd have the attention span or interest for the full book, but there were interesting sections here. The examples/scenarios are definitely dated, but some of the case studies did help drive home specific points: when to listen to your gut, how to explicitly say no, why it's better to ignore or cut contact than engaging (because even saying "don't contact me" is furthering contact). Essentially, it boils down to "figure out what your instinct is, then listen to it."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, and Stalking
The Long Run by James Acker
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-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
4.5
This is a romance, yes, but it's also a book about two high school boys getting to know themselves, both separate from and in reaction to how others perceive them. We see Bash turn into someone else around his jock friends, his stepdad, his teachers, Sandro's family. Meanwhile, Sandro is dealing with how he fits with his family and kids at school, who like him but don't really see him.
The main downside for me is that this feels like a book written 10-15 years ago (and maybe it was, but just didn't get a chance to be published until now). I see the comparisons to Aristotle and Dante, a book from 2012 set in the 1980s; this book from 2023 feels like it could have been set in 2010, maybe. Like it's more millennial than gen Z. But I am a millennial, so what do I know about today's teen experience, ha!
Other good things: I appreciate that Bash and Sandro have identity issues that are separate from their sexual identities. I liked that there are real adult figures, who aren't perfect but are trying. (Though I would have liked to get a taste of how Sandro's family dynamic evolves, beyond just his interactions with his mom!)
All in all, just two kids making mistakes and figuring stuff out and fighting and loving and doing their best. Good stuff.
The main downside for me is that this feels like a book written 10-15 years ago (and maybe it was, but just didn't get a chance to be published until now). I see the comparisons to Aristotle and Dante, a book from 2012 set in the 1980s; this book from 2023 feels like it could have been set in 2010, maybe. Like it's more millennial than gen Z. But I am a millennial, so what do I know about today's teen experience, ha!
Other good things: I appreciate that Bash and Sandro have identity issues that are separate from their sexual identities. I liked that there are real adult figures, who aren't perfect but are trying. (Though I would have liked to get a taste of how Sandro's family dynamic evolves, beyond just his interactions with his mom!)
All in all, just two kids making mistakes and figuring stuff out and fighting and loving and doing their best. Good stuff.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcohol
Minor: Vomit, Medical content, Grief, and Death of parent
The Climbers by Ali Standish
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I initially picked up this book because the cover illustrations are lush and beautiful. Based on the cover/format, I was hoping for a middle grade novel, but it's really a chapter-book-shaped picture book.
The story inside is a quick little adventure that manages to touch on fear and xenophobia, pollution and deforestation, courage and belonging. I could see this being a good jumping off point for a child to ask lots of questions about our world and how people react to the unknown.
The story inside is a quick little adventure that manages to touch on fear and xenophobia, pollution and deforestation, courage and belonging. I could see this being a good jumping off point for a child to ask lots of questions about our world and how people react to the unknown.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia
You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism by Amber Ruffin, Lacey Lamar
challenging
funny
informative
fast-paced
4.5
Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar's energy, humor, and sisterly banter almost distract from how devastating these stories about casual everyday racism are.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Racial slurs and Cultural appropriation
Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
I liked the abundance of examples, from the author's experiences and travels, from people she's interviewed, and from studies and stories around the world. This book made me appreciate how joy shows up around me, and gives me insight into figuring out why something brings joy, but I also think there's a lack of depth and nuance as well as an unwillingness to dwell on any downsides and how these aesthetics of joy aren't universally applicable.
I plan to return to elements of this book and Ingrid Fetell Lee's work in the future.
I plan to return to elements of this book and Ingrid Fetell Lee's work in the future.
I Love Paper: Paper-Cutting Techniques and Templates for Amazing Toys, Sculptures, Props, and Costumes by Fideli Sundqvist
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
I had hoped this book would have more techniques and step-by-step instructions but it's pretty sparse. The projects are beautiful! But the author mostly shows the same processes again and again, and provides templates without really explaining how you could use these techniques to design your own. Pretty, but not what I was looking for.
(Plus, I know that the author is Swedish and the book is a few years old, but I was taken aback to see a "Native American headpiece" with paper feathers.)
(Plus, I know that the author is Swedish and the book is a few years old, but I was taken aback to see a "Native American headpiece" with paper feathers.)
Content Warnings
Minor: Cultural appropriation
Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stetz-Waters
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I loved Selena and Cade's dynamic and how they balance each other's strengths and weaknesses. I also appreciate that the hiccups in their relationship are due to the circumstances (and some fear of committing too fast) rather than one of them actively doing something wrong or intentionally miscommunicating.
Some things didn't quite work for me -- maybe I'm a cynic, but I've never understood looking at artwork and automatically feeling these deep emotions that the artist wanted to convey. I'm also skeptical that Cade's parents wouldn't have shown her over the years that she and her work are valued. Also, is it realistic that so many random art people would recognize her name/her parents?
All my nitpicking aside, the story was quite lovely! And funny and warm and flirtatious and emotional.
Some things didn't quite work for me -- maybe I'm a cynic, but I've never understood looking at artwork and automatically feeling these deep emotions that the artist wanted to convey. I'm also skeptical that Cade's parents wouldn't have shown her over the years that she and her work are valued. Also, is it realistic that so many random art people would recognize her name/her parents?
All my nitpicking aside, the story was quite lovely! And funny and warm and flirtatious and emotional.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Suicidal thoughts