Take a photo of a barcode or cover
tate_francis's Reviews (373)
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Eating disorder, Homophobia, Self harm
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
hopeful
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Alcoholism, Drug abuse
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
This book is a difficult yet empowering exploration of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and the justice system from the perspective of an abuse victim. I have an unwavering respect for Clara and her ability to speak up against the inadequacies of the judicial system - to highlight the systemic revictimisation and dismissal of most victims of violent crimes.
I related to her story in many ways, as I know many others will. Her writings are also accessible in that she breaks down court proceedings, therapy practices, societal concepts, etc. to be easily understood to allow for the reader to follow her process - regardless of personal experiences or already acquired knowledge - and draw their own conclusions.
She tells her story in a raw, very real, way whilst still handling the topic sensitively but I would advise those intent on reading to do so with the knowledge that there are potential triggers. Sexual, physical, and domestic violence are obviously discussed at length. Please prioritise your mental wellbeing.
I related to her story in many ways, as I know many others will. Her writings are also accessible in that she breaks down court proceedings, therapy practices, societal concepts, etc. to be easily understood to allow for the reader to follow her process - regardless of personal experiences or already acquired knowledge - and draw their own conclusions.
She tells her story in a raw, very real, way whilst still handling the topic sensitively but I would advise those intent on reading to do so with the knowledge that there are potential triggers. Sexual, physical, and domestic violence are obviously discussed at length. Please prioritise your mental wellbeing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual content
Minor: Drug abuse, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Racism, Suicide, Vomit, Police brutality, Medical content, Trafficking, Stalking, Abortion, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
As readers, we acknowledge with every book we read, every review we write, the power of words. We understand there is power in the things we say and the things we read and listen to. Out of My Mind perfectly encapsulates this truth in the form of a young girl.
I only discovered this book due to the release of the Disney film but, have been made aware, it has been popular with young American audiences. Rightfully so. This slice-of-life story introduces its readers to the struggles and experiences of its main character, Melody, an 11-year-old girl with cerebral palsy. It allows for conversations around how society perceives disability and the many struggles forced upon those who aren’t able-bodied. As well as giving a raw insight into the mind of someone with a disability.
Whilst I’m not the intended audience for this book, there are many things I appreciated within this text. As someone who went to a SEND school, I felt that many of the things discussed (like the infantilisation of those with disabilities) were accurate and handled fairly. I appreciate that the author didn’t glorify disability nor make disabled lives seem entirely redundant as many authors fall victim to. Melody was appropriately wilful, strong, and intelligent - actively breaking stereotypes forced upon disabled people.
I also appreciated that we got to see instances of how not having speech actively disadvantaged Melody and made for some life-altering circumstances. As someone with a disability that limits speech, I felt seen.
I will add that this book was published 15 years ago, some language - like ableist slurs - are not handled as well as they could be. If you’re reading this book with a child, perhaps consider discussing with them the context of such words and why they are being used.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Car accident, Injury/Injury detail
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Tw: Child abuse, Sexual abuse
I have read close to a hundred memoirs in my twenty-one years of life - many of which discuss themes of child abuse and sexual assault - so believe me when I say that this was an especially difficult read. Whilst short and not particularly graphic, the lived realities of the two main children within this book are startlingly horrific. Very few pages expressed their ordeal but it was enough to break my, already dismantled, heart.
I would suggest you enter this short story with caution and, whilst books of this nature are important in allowing for education and the demolition of rape culture, prioritise your mental wellbeing.
As this book is so short, I don’t want to be too revealing on the narrative itself (I recommend that the synopsis be as much as you know prior to beginning) but I will say that it is written concisely and with much thought. The author allowed for a true account without doing her readers a disservice. The writing style mimics an oral rendition, as if we are friends or colleagues being allowed a conversation, without feeling too informal or insensitive to the content. It was fast-paced and easy to read. Being just under 50 pages long, I read it in its entirety in one sitting (and I am a particularly slow reader).
Having finished not so long ago, I can already tell that this book, all it had to say, will linger. I will think of these girls, and the masses like them, often. Unfortunately, this book isn’t a record of something that is incredibly rare, the experiences of these girls aren’t too unique, but I wish to be as open as I can to other’s experiences and do my part in allowing those around me to heal. So whilst tragic, I do not (at all) regret my digestion of this text and I would recommend this book - and the author, Casey Watson - to all those who read with purpose.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Incest, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual violence
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
I am a dedicated fan of the works of both Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe. Whilst both are wildly controversial figures and Smith, especially, should be held accountable for her previous ignorance, their works transcends their existence. I learned of their existence in my teens and developed a love of film photography because of Mapplethorpe. I’d never claim he was a saint, nor defended all his actions, but his works (and the works of many others like him) and ability to represent themes of sexuality and identity laid the foundation for artists like me. I hope I will gain the privilege to exist through my own works one day.
Regardless of their ignorance in life and art, you cannot deny the love they felt for each other. This collection of poems serves as a beautiful reflection of life and loss. It’s also a valuable reminder of how love can be felt and expressed unconditionally, regardless of sexuality, relationship dynamic, or even death.
Regardless of their ignorance in life and art, you cannot deny the love they felt for each other. This collection of poems serves as a beautiful reflection of life and loss. It’s also a valuable reminder of how love can be felt and expressed unconditionally, regardless of sexuality, relationship dynamic, or even death.
medium-paced
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes