bisexualbookshelf's reviews
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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Reimagining the Revolution by Paula Lehman-Ewing is a thought-provoking exploration of prison abolition through four in-depth profiles of contemporary social justice groups. Centering on artists and creatives, Lehman-Ewing provides a compelling argument for viewing incarcerated individuals as full, complex people beyond their incarceration. The book’s core mission is to shed light on the inhumane conditions within American prisons and the profound risks incarcerated people face when challenging the prison system.

Lehman-Ewing skillfully deconstructs the exploitation inherent in the prison-industrial complex, highlighting the connection between poverty and criminalization. She traces the evolution of antebellum policies into today's criminal justice system, insisting that no reform can eradicate the inherent racism embedded in its foundation: “Racism infiltrates law enforcement and criminal legal proceedings because America’s original sins - colonialism, genocide, and slavery - have been solidified and carried forth in the country’s foundational legal documents.

The book’s profiles amplify the voices of those impacted by incarceration, documenting the creative and powerful advocacy work done from behind bars and after release. For example, the profile on Critical Resistance, founded by Angela Davis and Ruth Wilson Gilmore, demonstrates the importance of community-led change. The organization’s approach of facilitating the change that communities want, rather than imposing preconceived notions of needed changes, is a recurring theme.

However, not all profiles resonate equally. The chapter on Black-owned Greenwood Bank, founded by rapper Killer Mike, falls flat due to ideological differences with the concept of “compassionate capitalism.” While this approach aims to provide economic empowerment, it contrasts with the book’s overarching critique of systems that intertwine morality and wealth, where successful people are deemed right, and others are seen as broken or criminal.

Lehman-Ewing also touches on the climate crisis, demonstrating how prisons contribute to environmental degradation and create economic chokeholds on towns and cities. She provides a comprehensive look at how prisons perpetuate systemic injustices, arguing that abolition is necessary for true justice and safety: “Organizers do not think of abolition as a destructive practice. Rather, prison dismantlement is a means to opening up space - both physical space and in states’ budgets - to build something new.”

Overall, Reimagining the Revolution is a compelling introduction to abolitionist thought, offering strategies for moving towards a reimagined society. While some chapters may not align with all readers' ideologies, the book remains a valuable resource for those interested in understanding and challenging the prison-industrial complex.

📖 Recommended For: Advocates for Prison Abolition, Social Justice Activists, Readers Interested in Criminal Justice Reform, Fans of Nonfiction Highlighting Marginalized Voices, Those Who Appreciate Detailed Profiles of Grassroots Movements.

🔑 Key Themes: Prison Abolition, Incarceration and Humanity, Intersection of Poverty and Criminalization, Racial Injustice, Creative Advocacy, Historical Continuity of Oppression.

UPDATE: I've never actually done this before, but this book has been living in my head rent-free for the last three days since I finished it, so I am upgrading my rating from 3.5 to 3.75. I couldn't tell you what it is about the book that convinced me to increase my rating other than that I simply can't stop thinking about this weird little book.

ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Marissa Higgins' debut novel, A Good Happy Girl, is a raw and visceral exploration of trauma, obsession, and the intricate dance between control and chaos. The story follows Helen, a self-destructive and anxious lawyer, as she navigates her life burdened with PTSD after her parents’ incarceration for elder abuse. Helen’s complex journey towards self-understanding is portrayed through her attempts to find solace in a polyamorous relationship with Catherine and Katrina, a pair of wives who promise a blend of care and cruelty.

Helen’s struggle is deeply rooted in her past. Her parents’ incarceration has left her grappling with the duality of love and abuse, yearning for both care and punishment. As she navigates her relationship with the wives, she oscillates between hedonism and masochism, seeking a twisted comfort in their dynamic. Her plea to be "mothered meanly" reflects her confusion and desire for a semblance of the abusive care she still grapples with.

Higgins masterfully delves into the power dynamics within Helen’s relationships, probing the boundary between vulnerability and forced submission. Helen’s interactions with the wives are a poignant depiction of her internal lawlessness: “Obsession was a comfort, not a warning bell,” she muses, encapsulating her complex emotional state. The wives offer her a paradoxical mix of control and mayhem, which Helen finds both thrilling and stabilizing: “With the wives, the chaos offered a controlled bliss. Oh, to have thought I understood.”

The narrative style of A Good Happy Girl is candid and confessional, often providing a stream-of-consciousness experience. Higgins’ prose is stark and unapologetic, drawing readers into Helen’s tumultuous world. The raw language and introspective musings vividly capture Helen’s emotional landscape, making her journey both relatable and harrowing.

Themes of obsession, self-destructive behavior, and the quest for identity permeate the novel. Helen’s fixation on control and her fear of being unloved are central to her character. Her struggle with trauma is depicted with nuance and sensitivity, revealing the profound impact of her past experiences. Lines like “Hurting others had always been my preferred method of dealing with problems of my own making” and “I wanted to be worthy in my worst state” poignantly capture her internal conflict.

However, the novel is not without its flaws. The introduction of subplots and characters like Emma and Amy towards the end feels disjointed, leaving readers confused about their relevance. Additionally, the graphic depiction of elder neglect and abuse feels gratuitous at times, detracting from the narrative’s focus. The ending, while poignant, does not seamlessly tie together the story's threads, leaving some unresolved questions about Helen's relationships and her parents' fate.

Despite these issues, A Good Happy Girl remains a compelling read, offering a stark and unflinching look at the complexities of trauma and the search for self-worth. Higgins’ exploration of familial estrangement and the nuanced portrayal of power dynamics make it a noteworthy debut. The novel’s raw and honest portrayal of Helen’s journey, combined with Higgins’ evocative prose, makes A Good Happy Girl a thought-provoking and impactful read, despite its occasional narrative missteps.

📖 Recommended For: Readers Intrigued by Complex Psychological Portraits, Fans of Unconventional Relationship Dynamics, Those Exploring Themes of Familial Estrangement and Trauma, Admirers of Raw and Confessional Prose, Fans of Gillian Flynn’s "Sharp Objects."

🔑 Key Themes: Trauma and PTSD, Familial Estrangement and Manipulation, Power Dynamics in Relationships, The Search for Identity and Self-Worth, The Interplay Between Control and Chaos.

Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson is a poignant exploration of love, identity, and vulnerability through the lens of two young Black people in the UK. The novel’s unique use of second-person narration immerses readers in the emotional and psychological journey of an unnamed couple who are hesitant to fully embrace their feelings for each other. Nelson explores this dynamic with intimacy and immediacy, drawing readers into the couple's tentative dance around partnership.

The story centers on the narrator and his love interest, a dancer studying English literature in Dublin. Their connection is undeniable from the start, yet fraught with complications. The love interest's imminent return to Dublin fuels the narrator’s hesitancy, while her initial relationship with the narrator's friend, Samuel, adds another layer of tension. When she and Samuel break up, Samuel’s subsequent silence towards the narrator creates a barrier to their budding romance, reflecting the complexities of friendship and loyalty intertwined with emerging love.

Open Water aches with a curious desire, the kind that makes you want to swear off love if you can’t be together, even after only one date. Nelson masterfully elucidates the insufficiency of language to capture true feelings, portraying how the couple shares and explores each other’s favorite Black music, dancers, photography, and books. These shared cultural touchstones deepen their bond, highlighting the importance of Black art in their lives and relationship.

Nelson’s prose is both beautiful and brutal, perfectly capturing the narrator’s internal turmoil. The book poignantly illustrates the tension between longing and restraint that echoes between the couple. As the narrator and his love interest grapple with their identities and histories, they struggle to release control to the tender intimacy blossoming between them.

The relationship between the narrator and his love interest is not just a romantic journey but also a deeply personal quest to overcome a lifetime of racial trauma. Police violence and the constant threat of harm loom large, making it difficult for them to be present enough to develop and experience intimacy. Nelson’s depiction of this struggle is particularly powerful, probing the space between being seen and not being seen, and asking how implicated we are when someone fails to see us fully.

The writing style is introspective and lyrical, with a poetic cadence that evokes deep emotional resonance. The use of metaphor and vivid imagery creates a contemplative and intimate tone, allowing readers to connect deeply with the underlying emotions and themes. However, the second-person narration and the lack of names for the two main characters can feel slow to start and somewhat distancing initially. Despite this, the narrative picks up significantly around the 25% mark.

Though not all narrative threads come together perfectly by the end, and some may desire more clarity regarding the relationship’s outcome, Open Water remains a powerful and moving read. The gorgeous prose and Nelson’s ability to evoke profound emotions earn this book a strong 4.5 out of 5 stars.

📖 Recommended For: Readers who appreciate lyrical prose, those interested in exploring the complexities of love and identity, anyone who values stories centered on Black art and love, fans of Hanif Abdurraqib.

🔑 Key Themes: Desire and Vulnerability, Racial Trauma, Cultural Heritage and Identity, Love and Intimacy, Visibility and Invisibility.

Published in 1902 under the title "The Story of Mary MacLane," Mary MacLane's debut work "I Await the Devil's Coming" is a revolutionary text that shook the literary world. MacLane's unflinching honesty and radical self-expression were too avant-garde for her time, prompting her publisher to make numerous alterations to her original manuscript. Republished in 2014, I read an annotated, unexpurgated edition that restores MacLane’s raw and powerful voice.

MacLane’s writing is often considered the precursor to the confessional diary genre. Her openness about her self-love, sexual attraction to women, and desire to marry the Devil was groundbreaking. Her influence extended to literary figures like Gertrude Stein and F. Scott Fitzgerald, and she is recognized as a pioneer for her feminist and bisexual identity. Despite the historical context of her work, MacLane's themes of self-exploration, identity, and defiance against societal expectations remain strikingly relevant today.

"I Await the Devil's Coming" is a bold and introspective account of 19-year-old Mary MacLane's life and thoughts. Dedicated to the Devil—“who one day may come”—MacLane's narrative explores her deep sense of isolation, yearning for purpose, and rejection of the roles imposed upon women. Her writing probes the line between art and artifice, challenging the constant performance demanded of women. Mary’s reflections on her life in Butte, Montana, are interspersed with her longing for something more—an intense desire for change and recognition.

MacLane's prose is both sensory and sensual, drawing readers into her world with vivid descriptions of the Montana landscape and her internal turmoil. Her language is raw and unfiltered, capturing her emotions with an honesty that feels almost invasive. Lines like “Are there many things in this cool-hearted world so utterly exquisite as the pure love of one woman for another woman?” and “May I never, I say, become that abnormal, merciless animal, that deformed monstrosity—a virtuous woman” highlight her radical views and deep introspection.

Mary’s relationship with her former English teacher, Fannie Corbin—referred to as “the anemone lady”—is a poignant thread throughout the book. Mary's desire to escape with Fannie to the mountains, coupled with her acknowledgment that Fannie, a good Christian woman, would never reciprocate her feelings, paints a heartbreaking picture of unrequited love and longing. This relationship underscores the intense loneliness that permeates Mary’s life, as she imagines becoming a man to be with Fannie and achieve the respect and value denied to her as a woman.

MacLane’s reflections on her own femininity and her desire to be more than a commodity are powerful and ahead of her time. She grapples with feelings of invisibility and powerlessness, yet remains fiercely self-aware and determined to leave her mark on the world. Her narrative is informed by and obsessed with the natural world around her, often using it as a metaphor for her inner state.

The book’s portrayal of Mary’s inner world is both fascinating and at times, repetitive. While this redundancy can slow the narrative, it also reinforces the relentless nature of her introspection and desire for change. MacLane's self-awareness and her struggle to find happiness and recognition are themes that resonate deeply, making this book a unique and valuable insight into the life of a queer feminist in the early 20th century.

"I Await the Devil's Coming" is a remarkable and daring work that captures the essence of Mary MacLane’s rebellious spirit and her quest for identity and autonomy. It is a testament to the enduring power of radical self-expression and the importance of preserving the authentic voices of trailblazing women. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of feminist literature and the raw, unfiltered thoughts of a woman who dared to defy societal norms. For its groundbreaking nature and emotional depth, this book earns a solid four-star rating.

📖 Recommended For: Advocates for LGBTQ+ Representation, Feminist Readers, Those Interested in Historical Memoirs, Fans of Radical and Unconventional Literature

🔑 Key Themes: Queer Feminist Identity, Rejection of Societal Norms, Loneliness and Desire, Introspection and Self-Discovery, Unrequited Queer Love. 

In "Allow Me to Introduce Myself," Onyi Nwabineli offers a searing critique of social media exploitation through the compelling and heart-wrenching story of Aṅụrị, a young Igbo woman whose childhood was co-opted by her step-mother’s insatiable need for online validation. Aṅụrị’s journey from being a nonconsensual influencer to reclaiming her agency is depicted with unflinching honesty and lyrical prose, making this novel a poignant exploration of identity, autonomy, and resilience.

Aṅụrị, the step-daughter of a social media mogul, was thrust into the digital limelight from a young age. Her step-mother, Ophelia, exploited her image to amass followers and financial gain, leaving Aṅụrị grappling with the loss of control over her own life. The narrative oscillates between Aṅụrị’s tumultuous past and her present-day legal battle to remove content that features her from Ophelia's platforms. Through this structure, Nwabineli effectively portrays the long-lasting impact of digital exploitation on a person.

Nwabineli's prose is both beautiful and brutal, perfectly capturing Aṅụrị’s internal turmoil: "There is no perfect way to describe what it means to exist in a body that is not your own, that never really was." This sentiment echoes throughout the novel as Aṅụrị grapples with her identity and the control she desperately seeks to regain. Her battle for autonomy is not just a legal one but a deeply personal quest to reclaim her life and self-worth.

The relationship between Aṅụrị and her younger half-sister, Noelle, is a central pillar of the story. Their bond provides Aṅụrị with the strength to fight against Ophelia’s manipulation. The tender moments they share underscore the novel's exploration of family and the lengths we go to protect those we love. Similarly, Aṅụrị’s friendships with Simi and Loki offer a poignant depiction of chosen family: "To be loved, truly loved, is to be seen, and to be seen is to limit the ability to hide, and Simi and Loki loved Aṅụrị in the purest way.”

Aṅụrị’s journey also delves into themes of cultural heritage and identity. Raised by her Igbo father in the UK, she feels a disconnection from her roots, exacerbated by Ophelia’s whitewashed influence. A visit to her maternal grandparents in Nigeria becomes a turning point, grounding her in her heritage and reminding her of who she truly is. This exploration of cultural identity adds depth to Aṅụrị’s character and underscores the importance of understanding one’s roots.

Sobriety is another significant theme in the novel. Aṅụrị’s struggle with alcoholism is portrayed with raw honesty, reflecting the ways in which she attempts to cope with her trauma. Her journey towards sobriety is intertwined with her fight for autonomy, illustrating her resilience and determination to reclaim her life.

Ophelia, with her "momfluencer" facade, represents the darker side of social media. Nwabineli critiques the attention economy, where validation and praise become a toxic cycle, and popularity translates into financial gain: "Social media has its own currency, validation and praise could be dangerous and addictive, and as it had with Ophelia, when popularity translates into financial returns, the drug becomes more potent.”

As Aṅụrị navigates the chaos of the trial, she remains anchored by her friends and her budding relationship with Christian, an Igbo man who also helps her reconnect with her heritage. Despite numerous attempts by Ophelia to buy her silence, Aṅụrị's tenacity shines through. By the end of the novel, she successfully reclaims her image, voice, and agency, emerging stronger and more self-assured.

"Allow Me to Introduce Myself" is a powerful and timely narrative that resonates deeply in our digital age. Nwabineli’s masterful storytelling and evocative prose make this novel a standout, an absolute five-star read, and a top contender for my favorite 2024 read. Another must-read for my diverse lit-fic lovers!

📖 Recommended For: Advocates for Children, Fans of Novels Critiquing Social Media Culture, Readers Interested in Family Dynamics and Legal Battles, Those Who Appreciate Poignant and Lyrical Prose, Fans of R.F. Kuang’s "Yellowface" and Akwaeke Emezi.

🔑 Key Themes: Exploitation and Agency in Social Media, Family Dynamics and Chosen Family, Cultural Heritage and Identity, Sobriety and Self-Rediscovery, Legal Battles for Personal Autonomy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

In "Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI," Madhumita Murgia presents a meticulously researched and deeply unsettling exploration of how artificial intelligence is reshaping humanity and society. Murgia’s central question, “How is AI changing what it means to be human?” is both poignant and haunting. This book doesn’t just delve into the mechanics of AI but interrogates its broader implications, echoing the impact of past technological revolutions like industrialization and the advent of social media.

One of the most striking aspects of Murgia’s work is her ability to articulate complex concepts such as “surveillance capitalism” and “data colonialism” in an accessible and engaging manner. The idea that "if a product is free, you become the product" is a powerful reminder of how deeply entrenched we are in capitalist systems that commodify our very existence. The book's exploration of how AI perpetuates these systems is both eye-opening and alarming, drawing parallels to historical abuses and exploitations driven by profit motives.

Murgia’s exploration of the labor dynamics within the AI industry is particularly compelling. She vividly illustrates how the tech industry thrives on cheap labor, reinforcing capitalism’s relentless drive for cost minimization at the expense of human dignity and safety. The anecdotes about exploited laborers and the emotional toll on AI trainers—who suffer from nightmares and depression due to their work—are harrowing. These stories underscore the human cost of our technological advancements and the ethical implications of prioritizing profit over people.

The book’s examination of AI’s inherent biases is equally powerful. Murgia deftly exposes the fallacy of AI’s supposed objectivity, demonstrating how human prejudices are embedded within these systems. For instance, the discussion around facial recognition technology and its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities highlights the dangers of unchecked AI deployment. The chilling reality that AI could exacerbate existing inequalities and perpetuate systemic biases is a central theme throughout the book.

Throughout the book, Murgia does not shy away from the darker aspects of AI's impact on society. She examines how AI-driven surveillance affects culture and individuality, raising critical questions about privacy, autonomy, and the potential for a homogenized society. The surveillance of the Uyghur people, for example, serves as a grim illustration of how AI can be weaponized to control and oppress.

"Code Dependent" is a sobering yet essential read for anyone interested in understanding the profound and often troubling implications of AI. Murgia’s ability to weave together technical analysis, ethical concerns, and human stories makes this book a compelling call to action. As we hurtle towards an increasingly AI-driven future, Murgia reminds us that none of us are truly free until all of us are free, urging us to scrutinize and challenge the systems that shape our lives.

📖 Recommended For: Tech Enthusiasts Interested in Social Justice, Readers Who Appreciate Intersectional Activism, Fans of Investigative Journalism, Those Curious About the Intersection of Technology and Identity.

🔑 Key Themes: The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, Intersectionality in Technology, Marginalized Experiences in Tech, Social Justice and Cyber Activism, Exploration of Identity in Digital Spaces, Surveillance Capitalism.

Like Happiness captivated me with its poetic, imaginative prose and deeply resonant themes of identity, power dynamics, and cultural heritage. Ursula Villarreal-Moura crafts a poignant narrative through the eyes of Tatum, a Latina woman navigating the complexities of love, abuse, and self-discovery.

The novel begins with Tatum as a college student, feeling isolated in a predominantly white academic environment. Her encounter with the famed Puerto Rican writer, M. Domínguez, ignites a profound connection to her Latin culture, starkly contrasting the homogeneous influences around her. Villarreal-Moura skillfully oscillates between the present, when abuse allegations against M. surface, and the past, detailing the evolution of Tatum and M.'s relationship.

From the onset, Tatum's enchantment with M.'s writing is palpable. His collection of Latin short stories not only validates her cultural identity but also catalyzes their decade-long, tumultuous relationship. Villarreal-Moura's exploration of gender roles and power dynamics is particularly striking. Tatum's journey highlights the challenges faced by marginalized communities in finding genuine support and community, layered with commentary on class disparities.

The novel's prose is richly infused with Spanish phrases and Latin American cultural references, enhancing its authenticity and immersing readers in Tatum's world. Villarreal-Moura adeptly probes the intersection of language and identity, illustrating how language can simultaneously forge and fragment a sense of belonging.

Tatum's relationship with M. is complex, teetering between intellectual admiration and sexual entanglement, underscored by a significant power imbalance. M.'s manipulative hold over Tatum is evident as he oscillates between drawing her close and pushing her away. This dynamic is heartbreakingly captured in Tatum's realization: “For years, I naively thought I had to endure it all and never ask for more.”

One of the novel's most compelling aspects is Tatum's reclamation of her agency. Her move to New York marks the beginning of her transformation. Immersing herself in a diverse community and exploring her bisexuality, Tatum gradually disentangles from M.'s influence. Villarreal-Moura's portrayal of Tatum's empowerment is both inspiring and cathartic. Her eventual move to Chile, where she finds love with a queer partner and secures her dream job in museum curation, beautifully symbolizes her newfound freedom and self-fulfillment.

Like Happiness is a testament to Villarreal-Moura's ability to weave a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The novel’s exploration of cultural identity, power dynamics, and personal liberation is profoundly moving. Tatum's journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength required to reclaim one's life from those who seek to control it. Like Happiness is a beautifully crafted story of a woman’s journey to reclaim her life and identity. Villarreal-Moura’s lyrical prose and poignant themes make this a must-read for anyone interested in stories of cultural heritage, self-discovery, and the enduring fight for liberation.

📖 Recommended For: Readers drawn to poetic and imaginative prose, enthusiasts of Latin American literature, those interested in exploring power dynamics and gender roles, admirers of narratives about self-discovery and personal liberation, and fans of Bronwyn Fischer’s The Adult and Dizz Tate’s Brutes.

🔑 Key Themes: Latin American Culture, Power Dynamics, Gender Roles, Class Disparities, Language and Identity, Self-Discovery & Personal Liberation.

“I get lost time and time again, but somehow I end up exactly where I need to be.”

Down the Drain by Julia Fox opens with a raw and insightful look at her childhood. Julia was forced to grow up much too fast, and her life was most deeply impacted and informed by her parents’ neglect. Her childhood and teenage years are defined by a series of consuming girl friendships that inevitably trail off or implode. The memoir explores her millennial emo teenagehood, the craze and rush of teenage girlhood, and the risk created for her by her parents’ absence.

Lacking any guidance or oversight and suffering from a multitude of emotional wounds, Julia falls prey to drugs and alcohol at an extremely young age. This inevitably leads Julia to have an overwhelming number of experiences with sexual harassment and domestic violence. In sharing these experiences, Julia endorses an anti-rape culture ethos, turning the responsibility back on the men who sexualized and took advantage of her. When Julia is placed on probation for her fake IDs, she is finally forced to get a job and ends up turning to sex work, leading her to feel empowered by the sway she holds over men. Despite this, she continues to fall prey to the whims of the men she becomes romantically involved with.

Julia is haunted by her absent and untrustworthy father, with daddy issues echoing behind almost every decision she makes. One of the strengths of this book was the community care and solidarity Julia received from the other sex workers she worked with, who helped her eventually complete high school. Despite the ways she suffered from being objectified, harassed, and sexualized, Julia is buoyed by her female friendships that help her to see her own worth.

While I appreciate Julia’s bravery for boldly sharing her story, there were moments of this that rang as empty or maybe even false to me. Perhaps this is simply part and parcel of celebrity memoirs, but much of this seemed exaggerated. I also wanted more class consciousness and more political commentary. I probably should’ve known I wasn’t going to get that from a celebrity memoir, though.

Down the Drain isn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t for me. It certainly didn’t have much of an impact, earning it three out of five stars from me. This memoir, with its intense focus on female friendships and resilience in the face of adversity, may resonate more with readers who are looking for a raw, unfiltered look at the challenges faced by white women in a world still defined by patriarchy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

For me, reading Gender Theory by Madeline Docherty was practically like looking into a mirror. The second-person narration immerses you into the unnamed narrator's world, navigating the complexities of bisexuality, reproductive health, and toxic relationships. Docherty's poignant depiction of these themes resonated deeply with me, not only as a reader but as someone who has walked similar paths.

One of the most compelling aspects of Gender Theory is its exploration of the suffocating heat of girlhood through the narrator's experiences. We first meet her at university, losing her virginity and rushing to tell her friend Ella, the only person who makes her feel safe. This relationship beautifully captures the intense, often confusing, dynamics of female friendships and the validation sought through male sexual desire. Docherty deftly illustrates how this need for validation can lead to dangerous situations, a theme that many women, including myself, can relate to.

As the narrator's sexual journey unfolds, she discovers her attraction to women, a revelation that echoes the confusion and elation of multisexual attraction in a society that often insists on monosexual norms. This aspect of the story felt particularly personal to me, and I often wanted to reach into the book and give the narrator the biggest and softest hug.

Docherty's portrayal of the narrator's struggle with endometriosis adds another layer of depth to the story. The book highlights the medical field's lack of understanding and empathy regarding reproductive health for those with uteruses. The narrator's journey through various medical procedures and the eventual diagnosis of endometriosis shed light on the often stigmatized and misunderstood nature of this condition. It was eye-opening to see the added shame and frustration that come with reproductive disorders, particularly for those assumed to be future mothers.

The relationship between the narrator and Ella is the heart of the novel. Ella's constant presence and support, despite their complicated dynamics, underscore the importance of found family in the queer community. As the narrator navigates her bisexuality, toxic relationships, and health issues, Ella is her anchor, even when their friendship teeters on the edge of sexual intimacy. This relationship mirrors the experiences of many bisexual individuals who struggle to find their place in our monosexual world.

Throughout Gender Theory, Docherty captures the chaotic and often self-destructive behavior that can arise from being perpetually treated as sexually available. The narrator's substance abuse and struggles with intimacy are portrayed with raw honesty, reflecting the impact of bisexual stigma and oppression. These themes hit close to home, reminding me of my own journey towards self-acceptance and the challenges faced along the way.

Despite the emotional weight of the narrative, Gender Theory ends on a hopeful note. The narrator's journey towards independence, self-care, and embracing her queerness is a testament to the resilience and strength of bisexual individuals. Docherty's writing beautifully depicts the difficulty of managing an unmanageable life and finding joy amidst the chaos.

Reading Gender Theory was a profoundly personal experience for me. As a bisexual woman, I appreciated the authentic representation and the exploration of bisexuality's nuances. While the writing style and plot became somewhat redundant towards the end, this did not significantly detract from my overall enjoyment. Docherty's ability to capture the complexities of bisexuality, reproductive health, and toxic relationships earns Gender Theory a solid 4.5 stars from me. Thank you, Madeline, for this gorgeous book. I will be thinking about it for a long time.

📖 Recommended For: Readers who resonate with coming-of-age stories centered around queerness and disability, those interested in the complexities of female friendships, admirers of introspective narratives exploring identity and trauma, fans of bisexual fiction.

🔑 Key Themes: Bisexuality and Sexual Identity, Female Friendships and Found Family, Reproductive Health and Endometriosis, Sexual Violence and Healing, Navigating Toxic Relationships, Compulsory Monosexuality, Self-Discovery and Independence.

Lost Ark Dreaming by Suyi Davies Okungbowa is a captivating climate-fiction novella that deftly explores power dynamics, memory, and survival in a world ravaged by climate change. The story follows Yekini, an eager analyst yearning for her first field assignment, as she navigates the hierarchical complexities and submerged dangers of the Pinnacle tower—a refuge for the former residents of Lagos, now underwater.

From the very beginning, Okungbowa hooks the reader with Yekini's vivid, unsettling dreams of floods and a mysterious choice. These dreams set the stage for her journey down the Pinnacle, a tower where society's remnants are divided into castes, with the lower levels feared and shunned. However, Yekini's assignment to the perilous level 9 upends these assumptions, revealing that the true threat lies not in the people but in the enigmatic, underwater inhabitants known as the Children.

As Yekini descends the levels of the Pinnacle, she is joined by Ngozi, a strict diplomat from the upper levels, and Tuoyo, a grieving foreman from the lower levels. This unlikely trio must confront their biases and work together to combat the Children, who have breached the tower. The dynamics between these characters are richly drawn, highlighting their growth from distrustful strangers to reluctant allies.

Okungbowa's portrayal of the Pinnacle's castes is a poignant commentary on power and privilege. The upper levels' ignorance and fear of the lower levels mirror real-world societal divides, while the lower levels' resilience and ingenuity challenge these prejudices. The novella also delves into the significance of memory in the aftermath of catastrophe, suggesting that remembering and honoring the past is crucial for healing and moving forward.

The narrative is propulsive, with a plot that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. However, it does lose some momentum in the final third. The magical realism elements, while intriguing, could have been more fully developed to enhance the story's depth. This slight shortcoming makes Lost Ark Dreaming feel like a novella that could have benefited from a broader canvas—a full-length novel might have allowed Okungbowa to explore these themes even more thoroughly.

Despite this, the novella's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Okungbowa's lyrical prose and well-paced storytelling make for a compelling read. His depiction of a post-climate disaster world is both imaginative and chillingly plausible, reminding us of the urgent need to address climate change.

Lost Ark Dreaming is a must-read for fans of thought-provoking climate fiction and anyone interested in stories of resilience and solidarity in the face of overwhelming odds. It shares thematic resonance with Rivers Solomon’s The Deep, making it an excellent recommendation for those who appreciated Solomon's exploration of history and survival.

📖 Recommended For: Devotees of diverse climate fiction, readers interested in exploring power dynamics and social hierarchies, admirers of ensemble casts and enemies-to-comrades narratives, fans of Rivers Solomon’s The Deep and Martha Wells’s Murderbot.

🔑 Key Themes: Climate Change and Environmental Devastation, Power Dynamics and Social Hierarchies, Memory and Healing, Post-Apocalyptic Survival, Exploration of Prejudices and Assumptions.