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skudiklier's reviews
629 reviews
Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld
4.0
Curtis Sittenfeld is one of my favorite authors, so I don't like how conflicted I feel about this book. In some ways I really liked it, and I read the last 80% of it basically in one sitting. But in other ways it was unsatisfying and distressing, and not the book I felt I'd signed up for. I was not a fan of the sudden affair or how much that seemed to be the main point of the book/ending. As someone twelve weeks pregnant, it was really interesting to read about all the pregnancy experiences in this book, and her life as a stay-at-home parent. But I also hated the ableism, even if it was probably more of a product of the time it was written than anything else. I don't know. I'll still read anything Sittenfeld writes, but I don't think I'll be recommending this book to anyone ever.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Infidelity, Death of parent, Pregnancy
Moderate: Racism, Suicide, Kidnapping, Abortion
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia
Man of My Dreams by Curtis Sittenfeld
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
5.0
The Hocus-Pocus of the Universe by Laura Gilpin
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Big Swiss by Jen Beagin
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really liked this book and the way it was written. My only complaint is that I don't think it should be labeled a romance, as that made me more disappointed in the ending than I would have been otherwise. But I can't hold that against the book itself, so I'm still giving it five stars.
The writing reminded me a bit of Emily Austin's books, which I love.
The writing reminded me a bit of Emily Austin's books, which I love.
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
adventurous
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos by Lucy Knisley
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
I just read this all in one sitting while nine weeks pregnant, and after having had a miscarriage a couple months ago. I cried a lot. A lot a lot. This book was beautiful and helpful and scary and I'm glad I read it.
I would like to mention, as others have, that I do wish the author used less gendered language when talking about pregnant people and research on pregnancy. As a trans person, it doesn't feel great to read so much implying this only happens to women. But I know the author probably didn't mean it that was and it was just an oversight. I just wanted to mention it for the record, and so others have warning if they want to read this too. Personally I still loved this book, but I know it could be hard to read for other trans people.
I would like to mention, as others have, that I do wish the author used less gendered language when talking about pregnant people and research on pregnancy. As a trans person, it doesn't feel great to read so much implying this only happens to women. But I know the author probably didn't mean it that was and it was just an oversight. I just wanted to mention it for the record, and so others have warning if they want to read this too. Personally I still loved this book, but I know it could be hard to read for other trans people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Medical content, Medical trauma, Pregnancy