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watson_my_shelf's reviews
487 reviews
Bellies by Nicola Dinan
4.5
Filing this one under “books that made me cry”
This book follows Tom and Ming. Them meeting. Graduating college. Adjusting to ‘adulthood.’ And Ming coming out as a trans woman. We get to see how they both navigate the relationship and friendships, seeing both of their firsthand perspectives throughout the book.
This one really snuck up on me. At first, I was finding it to be good, not great. A little slow. But then, I realized I was loving it and couldn’t put it down. By the end, I was crying. Dinan’s writing is very impressive in that she really builds this world and makes you feel like you are a part of it. I really enjoyed the alternate perspectives and the non-linear timeline. At first, I did not think I was going to like either of those aspects, but they ended up really adding to the story. It was really interesting to see Tom’s perspective as a cisgender partner in a relationship with a transitioning transgender partner.
In addition to Tom and Ming, we get to know their flawed yet lovely and loyal friends. Their friends add to the story in a way that gives you more perspective on Tom and Ming’s relationship. And who they are as people.
If I had to describe this in two words it would be tender and vulnerable. As a millennial, it was easy to see some of the struggles Tom and Ming faced. After reading some interviews with the author, I can see how she wove some of her personal life into both Tom and Ming and that made the story that much more special for me.
Another aspect I really enjoyed about this was Ming’s descriptions of Malaysia and growing up as queer and Malaysian. And the descriptions of food are YUM.
Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage
2.0
I never want to hear someone call their partner "sugar" again. No thank you. This one was fine - a little too rushed. I don't think the audio narrators helped any.
I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself by Marisa Crane
4.0
When I first started the audiobook and saw that the first section was over 200 minutes long, I panicked a little. But I immediately forgot about that once I got into the story and never noticed while reading. The book is written as a stream of consciousness mental letter to the main character, Kris’s, late wife. Kris is left raising their newborn alone. In this alternate world, instead of being imprisoned, law-breakers are given a shadow (or multiple) for their wrongdoings. The shadows designate them as outsiders and are a constant reminder of what they did.
It was really interesting to read about how Kris navigated life with her shadow and as a new mom raising a daughter, who was born with shadows. This book is queer in the best way. Through a queer lens, we get to see how people are fighting back and even as they face homophobia, find community together.
The daughter in the story is so funny. The mother daughter relationship we get to see form is great. We do see Kris struggle a lot though. Through alcohol abuse, depression, instability.
After reading, I do still have some questions about the shadows. I don’t really understand how they keep people from committing crimes once you already have one. Or what effects they have on their owner. But honestly, it was a fun read and as long as you don’t think too hard about the mechanics, you will still enjoy it.
Overally, I really enjoyed the narration style, found family, and showing up for each other.
The Family Outing by Jessi Hempel
Over a couple of decades, 4 out of 5 of Jessi’s family members came out as queer: a gay father, a bisexual sister, a transgender brother, and her as a lesbian. On top of that, her mother reveals she had a traumatic experience with an alleged serial killer as a teenager. Growing up, Jessi’s family was the seemingly perfect white picket fence family. But Jessi and her mother were constantly at odds, her dad was frequently traveling for work, and there was a lot of tension in their household.
This memoir was interesting in that it was mostly a history of Hempel’s family. We get to see how relationships evolved, how her various family members came out, and how the family healed emotionally throughout the years. While interesting, the storytelling sort of falls flat, where it seemed like the author was grasping for a theme or revelation, but did not quite get there. I wish there had been a little more depth to some of the writing. Hempel also randomly talks about her time in an MLM/cult situation, which her sister was a part of. It took away from the other parts of the story, in my opinion.
This book is a look at the cisheteronormativity of our society and we get to see how each of Hempel’s family members learned to navigate that. The author is very vulnerable in sharing her and her family’s stories. There is a lot of hope. While I am not sure I’d necessarily recommend reading it, Hempel has had an interesting life and shares a lot of queer joy (alongside the struggles) in this book.
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
5.0
Intro: takes place during the Syrian Revolution and follows 18-year-old Salama as she fights for herself, her people, and her home.
This book is not an easy read. But it is so important. And an amazing book. It is at once so impactful and heartbreaking. I was hooked from the very beginning. Though this story is speculative fiction, this could easily be based on a true story. From reviews I have read, this book accurately depicts the conflict in Syria and what life was and is like there. As an American with privilege, I cannot fathom what it would be like to be forced from my home and my family. But this book shines a light on what that could be like; it was very eye opening for me. This book is so important especially now, with everything going on in the world (especially Palestine).
We see the internal struggle of wanting to fight for your country and home, but also the need to protect yourself. There is a strong theme of not losing hope, even in the face of true tragedy.
There were some shocking twists I did not see coming in this book. My jaw dropped more than once. I am sort of surprised this book is classified as YA but in some ways it makes sense - make sure you proceed with caution. Though, I do highly recommend reading. You will be a better person for it.
This book is not an easy read. But it is so important. And an amazing book. It is at once so impactful and heartbreaking. I was hooked from the very beginning. Though this story is speculative fiction, this could easily be based on a true story. From reviews I have read, this book accurately depicts the conflict in Syria and what life was and is like there. As an American with privilege, I cannot fathom what it would be like to be forced from my home and my family. But this book shines a light on what that could be like; it was very eye opening for me. This book is so important especially now, with everything going on in the world (especially Palestine).
We see the internal struggle of wanting to fight for your country and home, but also the need to protect yourself. There is a strong theme of not losing hope, even in the face of true tragedy.
There were some shocking twists I did not see coming in this book. My jaw dropped more than once. I am sort of surprised this book is classified as YA but in some ways it makes sense - make sure you proceed with caution. Though, I do highly recommend reading. You will be a better person for it.
The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh
4.25
This winding story focuses on multiple generations of the supposedly cursed Duong family. This group of sisters, who all have daughters, are in a constant fight. Over who is better, who is more successful, who has the most successful kids, etc. This book is told from multiple narratives of the mothers and their daughters. Through this book, we get a look into Vietnamese American life in Southern California.
This book made me LAUGH. The sisters in this will drive you up a wall with their competitiveness and fighting, but they are so funny you will love them anyways. The writing really grips you and makes you want to keep reading. Also, this book is MESSY. In the best way. There is so much drama.
The main message of the book, that families will be there for each other, was really driven home. It was so interesting to see how the different relationships (familial and not) played out.
It was a little difficult to keep all of the characters straight. I think there were 10+ point of views throughout the book? It was a lot! But all of the characters were so important and added so much, so I am not sure it would be the same without all of them.
The audiobook narrator does a fantastic job with this book. All of the different inflictions are *chef’s kiss*. While I really loved the audiobook, I think it may have been easier for me to follow the many characters if I was also reading a physical copy. Not to dissuade you from the audiobook!
And that ending! Iconic. IYKYK
This book made me LAUGH. The sisters in this will drive you up a wall with their competitiveness and fighting, but they are so funny you will love them anyways. The writing really grips you and makes you want to keep reading. Also, this book is MESSY. In the best way. There is so much drama.
The main message of the book, that families will be there for each other, was really driven home. It was so interesting to see how the different relationships (familial and not) played out.
It was a little difficult to keep all of the characters straight. I think there were 10+ point of views throughout the book? It was a lot! But all of the characters were so important and added so much, so I am not sure it would be the same without all of them.
The audiobook narrator does a fantastic job with this book. All of the different inflictions are *chef’s kiss*. While I really loved the audiobook, I think it may have been easier for me to follow the many characters if I was also reading a physical copy. Not to dissuade you from the audiobook!
And that ending! Iconic. IYKYK
Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun
5.0
I love all of these characters so much. I saw myself in each of the main characters and found their struggles relatable. The characters exude so much queer joy, it was fantastic. Reading this was FUN. I laughed, I cried, and got very emotionally attached to this book. Here We Go Again was a good reminder to take a minute to slow down, make sure we are doing what makes us happy, and appreciate the people in our lives.
Plus there is a dog in this book & he is precious
(spoiler-ish content ahead) The cancer portions were hard to read about at times. I don’t think I have ever read a romance that included following along with someone dying so closely. Make sure to take care reading this, as it’s very emotional.
Also yes I immediately took a photo as soon as I picked up my preorder so I could post this review
Plus there is a dog in this book & he is precious
(spoiler-ish content ahead) The cancer portions were hard to read about at times. I don’t think I have ever read a romance that included following along with someone dying so closely. Make sure to take care reading this, as it’s very emotional.
Also yes I immediately took a photo as soon as I picked up my preorder so I could post this review
The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
My main thought on this book: it is so FUNNY yet still has so much DEPTH. I laughed out loud many times while listening to the audiobook. But don’t let that fool you: this book tackles heavier topics, such as domestic abuse, sexism, poverty, and oppression. All of which are still daily life for people living in India. The women in this book take a stand and it is awesome! The author’s approach to these topics is so well done.
Another big theme of this book is friendship and sisterhood. The way the women in this village band together (enthusiastically and not so enthusiastically) to lift each other up and take care of their families is so cool. While not all of the characters are likable, you will looove this group of women who band together.
Another thing about this book that I really enjoyed is the folktales woven throughout. The Bandit Queen is based on a real ‘dacoit’ (bandit) that ended up becoming a member of parliament. And she was assassinated! I thought this was a very fitting icon for this book.
I also have to add an important note that there is a dog, Bandit, who Geeta rescues at the beginning of the book that adds humor to this book. Who doesn’t love a book with a dog?!
4.25
My main thought on this book: it is so FUNNY yet still has so much DEPTH. I laughed out loud many times while listening to the audiobook. But don’t let that fool you: this book tackles heavier topics, such as domestic abuse, sexism, poverty, and oppression. All of which are still daily life for people living in India. The women in this book take a stand and it is awesome! The author’s approach to these topics is so well done.
Another big theme of this book is friendship and sisterhood. The way the women in this village band together (enthusiastically and not so enthusiastically) to lift each other up and take care of their families is so cool. While not all of the characters are likable, you will looove this group of women who band together.
Another thing about this book that I really enjoyed is the folktales woven throughout. The Bandit Queen is based on a real ‘dacoit’ (bandit) that ended up becoming a member of parliament. And she was assassinated! I thought this was a very fitting icon for this book.
I also have to add an important note that there is a dog, Bandit, who Geeta rescues at the beginning of the book that adds humor to this book. Who doesn’t love a book with a dog?!
At First Spite by Olivia Dade
4.75
I cried my eyes out at multiple points throughout this book. I wish I could explain in this post my feelings reading this, but words are hard. I will try though!
At First Spite has amazing fat representation. The main character, Athena, simply is fat and it’s not discussed. Her attractiveness is not debated. It just is. And I LOVED that. I also loved the insta love in this, which I am usually hesitant to accept. But Olivia mastered it.
Other things I loved about this book and need to share:
- The love interest is a pediatric doctor. Swoon!
- Athena experiences a deep depression, and the way Dade details this is so raw and accurate.
- I love the dual POV. Getting to see into Matthew’s gentle soul is just so good.
- There were funny parts that made me laugh!
- Even if the plot line was not super realistic, it was a fun story
Athena buys a spite house in this, which ends up being a fun plot point. Also - this is the second book I’ve read with a spite house and loved. Maybe this is a mini trope I am into??
I recommend this romance if you are looking for a little bit of seriousness