tinyelfarcanist's reviews
323 reviews

The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I presume this book's hype is due to it being a queer teen romance and, after lacking the representation for so long, the bar is getting low.

I didn't feel connected to any of the characters, in fact, I believe most of them are unnecessary to the story. I couldn't see the chemistry between the MCs and, actually Morgan is rather toxic to Keltie for the most part of it.
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A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns by Tristan Jimerson, Archie Bongiovanni

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funny informative lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.5

I got this book in a bundle from Oni Press. So, I only picked it up after finishing A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities (from the same bundle) without many expectations. After all, I know how to use they/them pronouns even when English is not my native language.

I considered this guide flawed in its main purpose (or at least the one I anticipated): to give an easy demonstration of how to use neutral pronouns. While a little convoluted in that assignment, instead it shines in explaining why using them matters.

From shattering gender roles, gendered use of the language, and the dysphoria caused by being misgendered, I think this is a clear guide to understanding the importance of respecting someone's identity. 
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A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities by Mady G., J.R. Zuckerberg

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informative medium-paced

4.0

This is a collection of smaller guides for some LGBTQ+ labels. Explained by a snail (?) and accompanied by psychedelic illustrations, it gives a summary for terms like ‘queer’ or ‘gender expression’, the necessity of this labels, and the nuances within them.

I don’t think this would be useful for someone already acquainted with this labels but probably good enough for beginners.

Another resource that would be great in more languages to be more accesible
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Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I was moderately let down by this book. It was enormously hyped and for the most part I battled between 3 or 4 stars.

I found the humor very basic and some of the science explanations unnecessary. The most exciting part for me was before the halfway mark and I kept expecting more.

I enjoyed some interactions between the characters but most of them felt flat. I decided on 4 stars as the ending was gratifying.
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No son micro. Machismos cotidianos by Erendira Derbez, Claudia de la Garza

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informative reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Excelente recopilación de las violencias que viven las mujeres día a día.

Desafortunadamente, sin importar nuestro género, la sociedad nos instruye estas conductas machistas, lo que vuelve a muchas mujeres tanto víctimas como cómplices de estos actos.

Es difícil creer cómo existen tantos ejemplos recientes de cómo se normaliza, e incluso festeja, la violencia machista. Libro indispensable para todos. 
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Princess Princess Ever After by K. O'Neill

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adventurous hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Cute children’s story about overcoming gender roles and parental expectations.
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Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman

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emotional funny hopeful informative reflective 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

5.0

What a beautiful world where everyone is queer!! This one portrays dealing with mental health and it is done skillfully. My favorite in the series so far.
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Taproot by Keezy Young

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lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Everything felt rushed and the tension wasn’t there. Climax was underwhelming and most characters irrelevant.
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Heartstopper Volume 3 by Alice Oseman

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? No

5.0

It addresses darker themes than the previous ones. I love the evolution of Charlie and Nick’s relationship. Darcy is the best!
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Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The interactions between the MCs are so sweet. I didn't think I would enjoy a romance YA book so much, it's probably the medium.

This book explores better the character's struggles dealing with their blossoming relationship, family, and friends.
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