bisexualbookshelf's reviews
793 reviews

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Hard Copy by Fien Veldman is a hauntingly introspective novel that blends dark comedy with existential dread. The story follows a young woman, working a low-wage office job, who forms an unusual attachment to her office printer. Through her conversations with this inanimate companion, she unravels the trauma of her past while grappling with the grim realities of her present. Veldman’s prose is stark and unembellished, mirroring the narrator’s sense of detachment and alienation, yet it is also deeply evocative, capturing the profound vulnerability that underlies her cynical outlook on life.

The novel is steeped in class consciousness, exploring how the narrator’s precarious financial situation and monotonous job exacerbate her feelings of anxiety and disillusionment. Her observations of the city’s contrasts—between the beauty of wealth and the grunge of poverty—highlight the societal divides that shape her internal world. Diagnosed with an allergy to stress, the narrator must constantly self-soothe, a task made all the more difficult by her bleak surroundings and the dehumanizing nature of her work. Her only solace comes from the printer, a machine she understands better than her colleagues, who pity her but fail to truly see her.

The narrative is interspersed with glimpses into the narrator’s childhood, revealing the profound impact of growing up near a pedophilic neighbor. These memories are not always seamlessly integrated into the present-day storyline, and at times, the transitions between past and present feel abrupt. However, these fragments of the narrator’s past add depth to her character, offering insight into the origins of her anxiety and her mistrust of the world around her.

Veldman’s writing is rhythmic and repetitive, mirroring the cyclical nature of the narrator’s thoughts as she processes the violence and pain she has experienced. The novel critiques the exploitative dynamics of the modern workplace, where the narrator’s job is both a source of sustenance and a contributor to her unraveling. The introduction of the printer’s perspective midway through the novel further underscores the story’s anticapitalist ethos, as the machine sympathizes with the narrator’s plight, recognizing how deeply her job is affecting her.

While Hard Copy excels in its exploration of existential themes and the psychological toll of isolation, the novel’s ending may leave some readers wanting more. Despite some uneven pacing and an ending that may not fully satisfy, Hard Copy is a powerful and thought-provoking read. Veldman’s prose is both sharp and deeply resonant, offering a candid portrayal of a woman struggling to find meaning in a world that feels increasingly alien. For those drawn to introspective, character-driven narratives with a darkly comic edge, Hard Copy is a novel likely to live in your head rent-free for weeks after finishing it. 

📖 Recommended For: Readers who enjoy introspective and existential narratives, those drawn to dark comedy with a philosophical edge, anyone interested in stories about the psychological toll of modern life.

🔑 Key Themes: Workplace Alienation, Trauma and Healing, Class Consciousness, Existential Dread, Human Connection vs. Isolation.

Thank you so much to the author for the gifted copy!

Allure by CEON is a riveting and provocative queer vampire tale that intertwines themes of autonomy, self-discovery, and boundaries within the context of polyamory. From the very first page, readers are drawn into the tumultuous world of Hannah, a bi-disaster protagonist navigating her open relationship with Dominic and her unexpected transformation into a vampire.

The story begins with Hannah's encounter with Morana, whose brief yet alluring bio on a dating app leads to a brutal and life-altering meeting. Morana, a vampire, turns Hannah into one of her own, setting off a chain of events that forces Hannah to confront her deepest desires and fears. Hannah's struggle to resist the newfound urge to kill, particularly targeting Dominic under Morana's sinister influence, adds a thrilling and suspenseful edge to the narrative.

CEON masterfully balances the plot's dark and sensual elements, ensuring the reader is hooked without giving too much away. The introduction of Araceli, a "micro" vampire who teaches Hannah to control her bloodlust by microdosing on human blood, provides a compelling counterpoint to Morana's more hedonistic and dangerous approach. This dynamic creates an intense and captivating conflict for Hannah, torn between two paths and two lovers.

One of the standout elements of Allure is its exploration of autonomy and self-acceptance. Morana's unconditional acceptance of Hannah, regardless of her choices, contrasts sharply with Araceli's conditional love, contingent on Hannah adhering to the micro lifestyle. This dichotomy forces Hannah to make a crucial decision about who she wants to be and who she wants to be with, reflecting broader themes of identity and personal freedom.

The book excels in its representation of queer relationships and the complexities of polyamory. Hannah's relationships with Dominic, Araceli, and Morana are nuanced and vividly portrayed, highlighting the importance of communication, consent, and mutual respect. The sapphic representation is particularly noteworthy, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.

However, the writing style, particularly the use of run-on sentences, can be a bit jarring at times and might detract from the overall reading experience for some. Additionally, the ending leaves certain elements unresolved, which may leave readers wanting more closure.

Despite these minor critiques, Allure is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of queer literature and vampire fiction alike. CEON's ability to blend liberatory themes with a gripping plot and well-developed characters makes this book a standout in its genre. Readers looking for a quick yet impactful read will find Allure a satisfying choice.

📖 Recommended For: Fans of queer vampire tales and supernatural fiction, readers who enjoy complex character dynamics and polyamorous relationships, those interested in themes of autonomy and self-acceptance.

🔑 Key Themes: Autonomy and Self-Discovery, Polyamory and Open Relationships, Moral and Ethical Dilemmas, Conflict Between Conditional and Unconditional Love, Personal Freedom and Identity.

All This and More by Peng Shepherd is a dystopian, choose-your-own-adventure novel that delves into the complexities of choice, autonomy, and the ripple effects of our decisions. The story follows Marsh, a 45-year-old recently single mom selected to participate in a reality TV show that allows her to redo her previous life choices using a process called quantum bubbling. This technology creates iterations of reality branching off from one moment, allowing contestants to explore different life paths.

Marsh, feeling undeserving and overwhelmed, sees this opportunity as a way to escape her mundane and disappointing life. She married her college sweetheart Dylan and had a baby, which derailed her law career. As she works as a paralegal, her best friend Jo makes partner, and she catches her husband cheating on her. These events lead her to reconnect with her high school sweetheart Ren, but this relationship also falls apart on the day she gets fired. Desperate for a change, Marsh signs up for the show.

As Marsh navigates her choices on the show, she realizes that altering her past is not as simple as she thought. Shepherd poignantly elucidates how even when we get what we want, it usually comes with sacrifices. Marsh struggles with the ripple effects of her decisions on the lives of those around her, grappling with the moral implications of changing not just her life but the lives of her loved ones. The word “Chrysalis” begins to haunt her through various realities, raising questions about the illusion of choice and the stability of the quantum bubble.

The novel's format, reminiscent of childhood adventure books, enhances the reader's connection to Marsh and adds a nostalgic touch. The active choices readers make and the commentary from the show’s viewers raise questions about compliance and the shared responsibility in someone else’s choices. These investigations echo the butterfly effect, a central theme in the novel, highlighting how every decision impacts not just Marsh but the entire world around her.

Marsh's unwavering motivation is her daughter Harper. Despite the chaos of her choices, Marsh consistently seeks paths that will benefit Harper, showing her moral compass and the lengths she will go to ensure her daughter’s happiness. This focus on Harper adds depth to Marsh's character and highlights the sacrifices parents make for their children.

However, despite the intriguing premise and thematic depth, I found it difficult to connect with the characters and was not particularly moved by Shepherd’s prose. The ending also felt abrupt, quickly wrapping up a long and complex story. Nonetheless, All This and More is a fun, nostalgic multiverse read that explores profound questions about autonomy, agency, and the impact of our choices.

For readers who enjoy speculative fiction with a philosophical bent, this book offers a unique blend of introspection and adventure. It’s a thought-provoking journey that will resonate with anyone curious about the paths not taken and the consequences of our choices.

📖 Recommended For: Fans of dystopian and choose-your-own-adventure novels, readers who enjoy exploring the consequences of choices and their ripple effects, those intrigued by quantum mechanics and multiverse plots.

🔑 Key Themes: Quantum Physics and Multiverse Exploration, Autonomy and Free Will, Mother-Daughter Bond, Moral Dilemmas and Sacrifice, Impact of Choices on Others, Reality and Illusion.

This was written in 2017, so maybe that accounts for why, but I don't really agree with a lot of Vitale's framing/perspectives in this. I appreciated that he highlighted how police violence affects neurodivergent people and people experiencing houselessness, but in both chapters on these topics, he mentions how these populations are burdens on society and how that burden needs to be alleviated, just not by police - not very disability justice/housing justice of him, and certainly not how I feel about my mad, crip, and houseless neighbors. I also didn't feel this book was very abolitionist. While Vitale SAYS reform is not the answer, all his visions for the future involve reforming the current system of law enforcement rather than abolishing it and building something radically different in its place. If you're interested in specific statistics and numbers on police violence and why all cops are bastards, this book is full of those. Otherwise, I wouldn't recommend it. 

I don't really process audiobooks well enough to write full reviews. I still really enjoyed this one! I wanted to know more about the characters from the first book, and this one follows a different set of characters, but I eventually got just as immersed in this story. I appreciated all the queer/nonbinary rep and anticapitalist rhetoric. This was really funny at times! I resonated more with the characters in the first book but don't really have any complaints about this one. A fun and easy listen. 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Jean-Martin Bauer's The New Breadline: Hunger and Hope in the 21st Century offers a critical examination of how colonial capitalism has perpetuated food crises from historical epochs to the modern-day epidemic of food deserts. Bauer, a Haitian-American humanitarian aid worker, draws from his extensive field experience to illuminate the political and historical contexts of food access, deftly revealing the havoc industrialization and commercial farming have wrought on vulnerable communities.

The book opens with Bauer's poignant recollections of his time providing aid in Haiti, a country deeply scarred by colonial exploitation and modern economic disparities. His firsthand experiences underscore a central theme: the systems creating and sustaining acute hunger are deeply embedded in political and economic frameworks. Bauer effectively unearths the intricate connections between politics and food, demonstrating how global capitalism has commodified food, transforming it from a basic necessity into a privilege accessible only to those who can afford it.

Bauer's writing is both direct and analytical, employing clear and impactful language to highlight systemic issues and historical contexts. He argues that economic disparities are the primary drivers of food insecurity, drawing parallels between capitalism, the climate crisis, commercialized farming, and the food industry. Through detailed analyses, Bauer elucidates how these unsustainable and inequitable models exacerbate global hunger.

The book is particularly compelling in its staunch anti-neoliberal approach, revealing how global capitalism's impact on impoverished nations has created and maintained food crises. Bauer's arguments expose the failures of international governmental bodies to protect citizens from starvation inflicted by corporate greed and colonial legacies. His assertion that those who control the food ultimately control the people, both in times of war and peace, is a powerful reminder of the political nature of hunger.

Despite the grim realities presented, The New Breadline is not without hope. Bauer documents the resilience and creativity of communities impacted by food crises, showcasing strategies of survival and resistance. From Haiti's hurricane and dictator recovery efforts to the Central African Republic's 2013 crises, and from Yemen and Syria's civil conflicts to the COVID-19 pandemic's revelation of food insecurity in upper-middle-class white communities, Bauer's experiences provide a rich tapestry of global perspectives.

Bauer's critique extends to the complacency toward hunger affecting marginalized groups and the sudden urgency when it impacts more privileged populations. This dichotomy underscores the pervasive inequalities in our global food systems and calls for a collective reimagining of food access. Bauer's vision of "a better food future for us all" is both an inspiring call to action and a sobering reminder of the work that remains.

The New Breadline is a vital contribution to the discourse on food justice, offering profound insights into the systemic and structural causes of food insecurity. Bauer's blend of personal narrative and analytical rigor makes for a compelling and enlightening read, challenging readers to confront the political realities of hunger and to envision a world where food is a right, not a commodity.

📖 Recommended For: Readers who seek insightful analysis of global food crises, those interested in the intersections of politics and food security, anyone passionate about social justice and humanitarian work, fans of books by activists and aid workers like Paul Farmer.

🔑 Key Themes: Colonial Capitalism, Economic Disparities, Systemic Corruption, Resilience and Resistance, Global Food Insecurity, Political Control through Hunger.

I listened to this on audio which I ADORED but don't process well enough to write a lengthy review for. This was an amazing queer multiverse novel about anticapitalism and redemption. The audiobook is about 3 hours and I really enjoyed it! If you process audiobooks better than me and like queer multiverse stories, I highly recommend this one!

Thank you so much to the author for the gifted copy!

Therapy Session: Poems from the Black Hole in My Chest by M.D. Robins is a poignant and introspective collection that delves into the complexities of mental illness, disability, queerness, and nonbinary identity. Through their raw and candid verses, Robins navigates the turbulent waters of trauma, seeking understanding and healing. This debut collection is a testament to the cathartic power of poetry, offering a deeply personal glimpse into the speaker's struggle to reconcile with their past and find a semblance of peace.

Robins's writing style is characterized by its vulnerability and intimacy. The use of free verse and minimalist language creates a confessional tone that invites readers to connect with the speaker’s emotional landscape. The poems are filled with evocative imagery and deliberate word choice, highlighting the stark contrasts between hope and despair. In lines like "Can I talk to myself? / No, / I don’t want to hear from me either," the poet captures the pervasive sense of self-doubt and inner conflict that permeates the collection.

The themes of Therapy Session revolve around trauma, self-exploration, and the struggle for healing. Robins delves into the pain of personal suffering, the quest for self-acceptance, and the impact of social expectations on a neurodivergent, queer person with chronic illness. The poems reflect a journey through darkness, acknowledging the weight of emotional scars while tentatively reaching for moments of clarity and hope. The recurring motifs of loneliness, identity, and resilience underscore the poet’s ongoing battle with self-doubt and the pursuit of a meaningful existence.

Therapy Session is a powerful debut collection that leaves a lasting impact. Poems like "Childish," "Surrender," and "Red Hair" stand out, resonating deeply thanks to Robins’s blend of vulnerability and strength. These poems are a celebration of the validating power of art, whether in its creation or consumption. This collection is a must-read for anyone seeking an authentic and emotive exploration of trauma and healing. I eagerly anticipate M.D. Robins’s next book, as their voice is a crucial addition to the literary landscape.

📖 Recommended For: Readers who resonate with introspective and raw poetry, those interested in exploring the intersections of mental illness, queerness, and disability, anyone who values heartfelt and candid reflections on trauma and healing.

🔑 Key Themes: Trauma and Healing, Self-Exploration and Identity, Mental Illness and Disability, Queerness and Nonbinary Identity, Resilience and Hope.

Content / Trigger Warnings: Expertly provided by the author in the introduction!

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty is a poignant and unflinching exploration of death that challenges our cultural aversion to mortality. Doughty, armed with a degree in medieval history and a job at a crematory, delves into the often-hidden world of death care with dark humor and thoughtful reflections. The book begins with her first day at the mortuary, where she confronts the reality of death head-on by shaving and cremating bodies. Through these experiences, Doughty humanizes our remains, resisting the erasure of who we were in life.

Doughty's narrative is deeply personal, shaped by witnessing the death of a toddler at the age of eight, an experience that left a lasting impression on her. She argues that our fear of death stems from cultural aversions and a lack of fluency in death’s language. By examining death rituals and practices across time and cultures, Doughty aims to demystify death and encourage a more honest engagement with it. Her writing seamlessly moves between moments of dark comedy and profound insight, insisting that people deserve care and respect even in and after death.

The book critiques the historical shift from dying at home to dying in hospitals, highlighting the medicalization and industrialization of death. Doughty exposes the "funeral industrial complex," driven by capitalism, that has transformed death into a commercial product. Each chapter explores different death practices, from cremation to embalming, showcasing their variations across cultures and history. Doughty demands that we confront death and accept it as a natural biological process, arguing that this acceptance can lead to a more authentic way of living.

However, my experience with the book was marred by a chapter that explores our cultural aversion to decomposing bodies through a fatphobic lens. Doughty's description of cremating a fat person was uncomfortable and detracted from the book’s overall message. This language, though perhaps reflective of the time it was written, feels out of place in an otherwise insightful and respectful exploration of death.

Despite this flaw, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes remains a compelling read that challenges norms about death and invites readers to rethink their relationship with mortality. Doughty's reflections on death are profound and thought-provoking, and I look forward to exploring her more recent work. This book is a bold call to embrace the inevitability of death, urging us to live more fully in its shadow.

📖 Recommended For: Readers fascinated by the macabre, those interested in death rituals across cultures, anyone who values candid discussions about mortality, fans of Mary Roach.

🔑 Key Themes: Mortality and Acceptance, Cultural Death Practices, Capitalism and the Funeral Industry, Humanization of the Dead, Historical Shifts in Death Care.