Queer librarian spies fighting fascism! What more could you want in a Western? (And it’s a little satisfying to read a premise like that in a time where book banning is at an all-time high, tbh)

I lovedd the vibes in this book, Esther’s development, and the nail-biting action!! And the Librarians’ group dynamic!! There was a stellar queer community element to it, even if I wouldn’t call the rep “casual”. It’s not supposed to be: marginalization, and having pride while living within the margins, is a part of every central character in this story. But even there was also a *lot* of tension within the group from everyone doing the (very dangerous) work they do. The grittiness in “Upright Women Wanted” made it engrossing from beginning to end. 

(Of course, though, there was still some hopefulness to it. Can’t write a book with a rebellion without including some of that)

However, I wish there was some more worldbuilding— this works decently in a novella format, but unfortunately, like many other novellas, leaves things feeling a little incomplete. The ending would be stronger, imo