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793 reviews

In "Dead Weight," Emmeline Clein embarks on a poignant exploration of disordered eating, weaving together her personal journey with the stories of others—historical figures, pop culture icons, and the girls she's encountered along the way. With a deeply compassionate and fiercely feminist lens, Clein challenges societal norms and delves into the complexities of femininity, body image, and the pervasive influence of diet culture.

From her own struggles with the thin ideal to the harrowing realities of residential treatment centers, Clein paints a raw and urgent portrait of an epidemic rooted in racism and misogyny. Through a kaleidoscope of sources, from cult classic films to medieval texts, Clein exposes the cultural, economic, and political forces at play, urging for radical acceptance and solidarity among women and feminized people.

What sets "Dead Weight" apart is Clein's unwavering commitment to liberation and intersectional feminism. She navigates the intersection of queerness and femininity with both incisiveness and compassion, highlighting how societal expectations intertwine with personal identity. Clein's prose is both lyrical and evocative, inviting readers into a world where food becomes a battleground for control in a society that devalues feminized bodies.

Throughout the book, Clein deftly dismantles the binaries and hierarchies that dictate our understanding of bodies, urging us to embrace the messiness of girlhood and reject the notion that our worth is tied to our size. She challenges diagnostic hierarchies and medical norms, advocating for a more compassionate and holistic approach to healing.

While "Dead Weight" shines in its exploration of disordered eating and feminist solidarity, there are moments where it falls short. The parallels between disordered eating and other mental illnesses under capitalism are touched upon briefly but warrant further exploration. However, Clein's introspective and emotive style ensures that even in its shortcomings, the book remains sincere and heartfelt.

Overall, "Dead Weight" is a powerful and revelatory polemic that demands our attention. Clein's blend of personal anecdotes, reflective language, and poetic expression creates a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking. At its core, Clein’s debut refuses to turn away from the ugly and the painful, instead seeking to pull survivors from the wreckage. I’m grateful to have discovered a new sister who is also pursuing this endeavor. Thank you, Emmeline, for sharing your story and for the work of this book. It’s a revolution. 

📖 Recommended For: Advocates of Feminist Liberation, Supporters of Body Neutrality, Critics of Diet Culture, Fans of Roxane Gay's "Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body” and Melissa Broder’s “So Sad Today.”

🔑 Key Themes: Feminist Solidarity, Intersectionality, Fat Liberation, Harm Reduction, Deconstructing Medical Norms, Queer Femininity, Capitalism's Impact on Bodies, Sisterhood, Body Neutrality. 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC! Model Home releases from Farrar, Straus, and Giroux on October 1st, 2024 in the US.

Rivers Solomon's Model Home is a master class in literary horror, exploring intergenerational trauma, race, queerness, and survival, framed within the confines of a suburban model home that serves as both literal and figurative battleground. This novel invites readers into the haunted life of Ezri Maxwell, a fat, genderqueer protagonist grappling with the horrors of their childhood home after the sudden deaths of both of their parents. Through Ezri’s journey, Solomon weaves a narrative that transcends the conventional boundaries of genre, offering a raw and daring portrayal of queer identity, intergenerational trauma, and the quest for healing.

From the start, Solomon subverts the traditional haunted house trope by transforming the Maxwell family’s suburban mansion into a symbol of inherited trauma and racial violence. The house itself, nestled in a predominantly white, gated community outside Dallas, becomes a suffocating metaphor for the structures of racism, segregation, and abuse that have shaped Ezri’s life. As Ezri returns to this childhood home with their sisters Eve and Emanuelle, they confront not only literal ghosts but the deeper, more insidious hauntings of secrets and unresolved pain. Solomon uses the setting to highlight the false promises of suburban utopia, exposing the violent undercurrents of a society built on racism and white supremacy.

At the heart of the novel lies Ezri’s emotional journey. They are both tender and hardened by the traumas they have endured, making their emotional turmoil palpable throughout the story. Solomon masterfully portrays Ezri’s struggle to navigate their gender identity, their body, and the burden of their family’s expectations. Ezri’s battle with dissociation and their need to unlearn the binary constraints of gender and self-worth are rendered with raw, visceral clarity. As Ezri grapples with the ghosts of their past, they are forced to confront the painful truths that lie at the heart of their own identity—a journey that is as harrowing as it is ultimately liberating.

The prose in Model Home mirrors the themes it tackles—fragmented, lyrical, and deeply unsettling. Solomon’s use of rich metaphor brings the house and its walls to life, anthropomorphizing them into symbols of the oppression that Ezri cannot seem to escape. The novel wrestles with the contradictions of survival—how to carry on in a world that both demands and denies one's existence. Ezri’s story is not one of sweeping salvation but of incremental triumphs, of surviving even when healing feels out of reach.

In Model Home, Solomon offers no easy answers, but instead, a meditation on survival and the small victories won in the face of trauma and oppression. This novel is as much about family bonds as it is about the secrets that erode them. It is a testament to resilience, queerness, and the fight to carve out a space for oneself in a world that seeks to diminish and erase. Solomon’s portrayal of trauma is brutal, but their vision of survival is equally powerful, forcing readers to confront the ghosts that haunt both the book’s characters and our world. Like Solomon’s previous works, Model Home is a book that demands not to be just read, but felt. Thank you, Rivers, for another searingly brilliant book. I can’t wait for the next one.

Content Note: Readers should be aware that while the sexual assault scenes are very mild, not very descriptive, and mostly implied, that childhood sexual assault ultimately serves as a key plot point.

Both Ezri and their daughter are groomed and assaulted by adult white women.

This is a poignant and critical antiracist critique, but it may be triggering for some readers.

📖 Recommended For: Fans of literary horror, readers who appreciate explorations of intergenerational trauma and queer identity, anti-racist advocates, lovers of Carmen Maria Machado and Octavia Butler.

🔑 Key Themes: Intergenerational Trauma, Queerness and Gender Identity, Racial Violence and Suburban Politics, Survival and Resilience, Family Secrets and Healing.

Chana Porter's "The Seep" delves into a speculative world teeming with transformative possibilities, where the arrival of an alien entity disrupts humanity's very fabric, prompting profound existential queries. Trina, a transfeminine narrator, navigates this tumultuous landscape alongside her wife Deeba, as they confront the profound implications of The Seep's assimilation into human existence.

Full Review:
In the luminous tapestry of speculative fiction, Chana Porter's "The Seep" emerges as a celestial beacon, guiding readers through a kaleidoscopic odyssey of transformation and introspection. With prose as lush as the verdant tendrils of The Seep itself, Porter invites us into a world where the boundaries of identity, community, and consciousness blur in the cosmic dance of interconnectedness.

At the heart of this ethereal narrative lies Trina, a transfeminine oracle navigating the ever-shifting tides of existence alongside her beloved Deeba. As The Seep, an enigmatic alien entity, weaves its tendrils into the fabric of human experience, Trina's world is irrevocably altered, her once-familiar landscape transformed into a dreamscape of boundless possibility. Through Trina's lens, readers are immersed in a society grappling with newfound freedoms and unsettling transformations brought forth by The Seep. 

Porter's language, a symphony of decadence and dark whimsy, sweeps readers into a realm where the mundane and the miraculous converge in a shimmering dance of light and shadow. Through Trina's eyes, we witness the dissolution of binaries and the emergence of a new paradigm—one where joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, intertwine in a delicate embrace.

As The Seep's psychic tendrils unfurl, so too do the layers of human consciousness, revealing depths hitherto unexplored. Trina's journey becomes a luminous tapestry of self-discovery, her identity refracted through the prism of cosmic revelation. In her wife Deeba's choice to embrace the transformative power of The Seep, Trina confronts the abyss of loss, grappling with the ineffable mystery of existence itself.

Yet, amidst the cosmic upheaval, Porter's narrative remains grounded in the tender intricacies of human connection. Through Trina's relationships—with Deeba, with her queer community, with the very essence of The Seep itself—we glimpse the fragile beauty of solidarity and the enduring power of love.

In its exploration of anti-capitalism, anti-wellness culture, and the inherent interconnectedness of all life, "The Seep" emerges as a luminous tapestry of resistance—a rallying cry against the tyranny of individualism and the commodification of human experience. Through Trina's struggles and triumphs, Porter invites us to question the very foundations of our society, to imagine a world where our highest priority is our collective responsibilities to one another.

As Trina grapples with the weight of memory and the tantalizing allure of oblivion, "The Seep" becomes a meditation on the cyclical nature of existence—a hymn to the impermanence of all things. Through Porter's lyrical prose, we are reminded that every ending is but a prelude to a new beginning, every loss a gateway to transformation. Porter challenges readers to reconsider notions of utopia and perfection, positing that growth often arises from adversity and change.

In the luminous expanse of "The Seep," Porter beckons us to embrace the infinite possibilities of change, to dance with the cosmos in a celestial waltz of renewal and rebirth. In the embrace of The Seep's cosmic tendrils, we find solace in the knowledge that we are not alone—that, even in the darkest depths of the void, we are bound together by the luminous thread of shared life.

In conclusion, "The Seep" stands as a testament to the transformative power of speculative fiction—a luminous beacon illuminating the hidden depths of human experience. Through Porter's decadent prose and visionary storytelling, we are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transcendence—a journey that leads us not only into the heart of the cosmos, but into the very depths of our own being.

📖 Recommended For: Advocates of Queer Liberation, Critics of Individualism & Capitalism, Supporters of Collective Liberation, Fans of Calvin Kalsuke’s “Several People Are Typing” and the film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”

🔑 Key Themes: Gender Liberation, Collective Transformation, Community Solidarity, Existential Exploration, Environmental Justice, Ethical Futurism, What We Owe Each Other.

From the iconoclastic mind of Judith Butler emerges Who's Afraid of Gender?, a magnum opus that transcends the confines of traditional gender discourse to illuminate the intricate interplay between power, identity, and resistance in our contemporary world.

In Who's Afraid of Gender?, Judith Butler embarks on a courageous intellectual journey that transcends the boundaries of traditional gender discourse, challenging readers to confront the complexities of identity, power, and resistance in our contemporary world. With their characteristic blend of erudition and empathy, Butler navigates the intricate terrain of gender politics with precision and insight, embracing a staunchly anti-cisheteronormative stance and intertwining gender liberation with broader struggles against colonialism, fascism, and authoritarianism.

At the heart of Butler's exploration lies a radical reimagining of gender as a fluid and multifaceted phenomenon that defies easy categorization. Rejecting simplistic binary constructions, Butler invites readers to consider gender as a spectrum of possibilities, shaped by intersecting forces of race, class, sexuality, and nationality. This nuanced approach not only challenges prevailing norms and stereotypes but also opens up new avenues for understanding the complexities of human experience.

One of the book's most compelling aspects is its relentless pursuit of intersectionality, as Butler examines how systems of oppression intersect and compound to produce unique forms of marginalization and exclusion. From the intersections of gender and race to the intersections of gender and class, Butler underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing the interconnected nature of social inequality. By centering the experiences of marginalized communities, Butler highlights the ways in which gender intersects with other axes of identity to shape individual and collective experiences of oppression.

Moreover, Who's Afraid of Gender? offers a powerful critique of the anti-gender movement, revealing how reactionary forces seek to weaponize fear and misinformation to undermine progress and sow division. Butler's analysis of the ways in which anti-gender rhetoric intersects with broader narratives of nationalism, fascism, and xenophobia is both timely and illuminating, shedding light on the urgent need to resist authoritarianism and defend the principles of equality and justice. Who’s Afraid of Gender? dissects the insidious tactics employed by anti-gender movements, exposing their dangerous rhetoric and the real-world consequences of their actions.

Throughout the book, Butler demonstrates a remarkable ability to navigate complex theoretical terrain while remaining grounded in the realities of everyday life. Their prose is at once erudite and accessible, inviting readers on a journey of intellectual discovery that is as enlightening as it is empowering. By weaving together theory and praxis, Butler challenges readers to confront their own assumptions and complicity in systems of oppression, inspiring them to join the fight for a more just and equitable world.

Ultimately, Who's Afraid of Gender? is a testament to Judith Butler's enduring legacy as a pioneering thinker and a fierce advocate for social change. By shining a light on the intersections of power and privilege, Butler invites readers to imagine new possibilities for freedom and solidarity, making this book an indispensable resource for anyone committed to the pursuit of gender justice and liberation.  The book's fearless exploration of intersectionality, its poignant critique of the cisheteropatriarchy, and its unwavering advocacy for collective liberation make it an indispensable addition to the canon of feminist literature.

📖 Recommended For: Champions of Gender Liberation, Supporters of LGBTQ+ Rights, Critics of Patriarchy, Fans of bell hooks' "Feminism is for Everybody” and Naomi Klein’s “Doppelganger.”

🔑 Key Themes: Gender Liberation, LGBTQ+ Rights, Intersectionality, Anti-Cisheteronormativity, Global Intersectional Feminism, Collective Resistance, Identity Affirmation.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Rating: DNF @ 67%

In "Play" by Jess Taylor, the author crafts a haunting narrative that delves into the complexities of trauma and imagination. One of the standout aspects of the book is the portrayal of PTSD, which resonated deeply with me as a reader with cPTSD myself. Paul's journey through her healing process felt raw and authentic, offering a poignant exploration of the impact of childhood trauma. Taylor's prose has a haunting quality that draws readers into the narrative, creating an atmosphere that is both beautiful and eerie. Additionally, the concept of The Lighted City as an escape from the harsh realities of life adds an intriguing layer to the story, highlighting the power of imagination as both a refuge and a source of danger.

However, despite its strengths, "Play" falls short in several key areas. One of the most glaring issues is the lack of character development, particularly regarding Paul. Despite being the protagonist, Paul's character never fully comes into focus, leaving her feeling underdeveloped and elusive. The exploration of Paul's gender fluidity is intriguing but ultimately feels underutilized, failing to add depth to her character. As a result, it becomes challenging for readers to fully invest in Paul's journey, hindering the emotional impact of the narrative.

Additionally, "Play" suffers from an abundance of timelines that contribute to a disjointed narrative structure. With three alternating timelines, the story becomes convoluted, making it challenging for readers to maintain a cohesive understanding of the plot. While the concept of multiple timelines can add complexity to a narrative, in this case, it overwhelms the storytelling, causing readers to lose the thread of the plot. The 2016 timeline felt especially out of place, and I was too interested in unlocking the secrets of the Lighted City to appreciate the scenes that took place in the present timeline. The constant shifting between timelines disrupts the flow of the story, detracting from the overall readability and coherence of the narrative.

Moreover, I did not feel that “Play” appropriately handled its triggering content. While an opening note warns of "childhood trauma," this fails to adequately prepare readers for the disturbing revelations that unfold within the narrative. Throughout the first half of the book, it is heavily implied that there was some kind of romantic relationship between Adrian and Paul, who are first cousins. In fact, Paul seems to still be struggling with some of those feelings for Adrian. I forced myself through my discomfort with these plot points because I didn’t know for sure if something inappropriate had ever happened between Paul and Adrian; I didn’t want to jump the gun. However, at 67%, it is finally revealed that Adrian was sexually assaulting Paul. As a mental health clinician, I realize there is something to be said about the way abused children often end up abusing other children. However, as a survivor myself, without an adequate trigger warning, I was not prepared when this disclosure occurred and had to choose, for my safety, to stop reading. For those who are triggered by it, incestual CSA is extremely difficult to interact with. In my opinion, that must be explicitly named in the trigger warnings to protect readers. “Childhood trauma” is not sufficient to warn readers about the content of this book.

In conclusion, "Play" offers a haunting exploration of trauma and imagination, but its flaws prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the portrayal of PTSD is commendable, the lack of character development and the mishandling of triggering content detract from the overall impact of the narrative. Readers should approach this book with caution, especially those who may be sensitive to themes of childhood trauma and sexual abuse. Ultimately, "Play" is a novel with promise, but its execution leaves much to be desired.

Content / Trigger Warnings: Self-harm (moderate), death by suicide (severe), murder (minor), death of a child (minor), emotional abuse (moderate), child neglect (moderate), kidnapping (moderate), death of a parent (minor), sexual content (severe), gun violence (severe), drug use (minor), pandemic (moderate)

 

Rivers Solomon's "The Deep" plunges readers into the depths of a richly imagined oceanic society, where the legacy of enslaved African women endures in a community of water-dwelling beings known as the Wajinru. The novella, narrated by Yetu, the historian burdened with the memories of her people, serves as a profound exploration of memory, identity, and collective trauma.

At the heart of the narrative lies Yetu, whose struggle to reconcile her duty as historian with her own well-being forms the emotional core of the story. As the sole keeper of her people's memories, Yetu grapples with the weight of the past, a burden that threatens to consume her. Solomon masterfully portrays Yetu's internal conflict, oscillating between the desire to preserve their collective memory and the toll it takes on her mind and body. Through Yetu, Solomon offers a poignant depiction of disability, representing the challenges faced by individuals overwhelmed by the burden of memory.

The wajinru society itself is a marvel of Afrofuturist imagination, a vibrant underwater civilization shaped by the resilience of its inhabitants. Solomon deftly weaves elements of African diasporic history with speculative fiction, creating a rich tapestry of folklore and tradition that underscores the resilience of marginalized communities. The wajinru’s genderfluid culture and queer-centric society offer a refreshing depiction of queer identity and belonging.

Central to Wajinru culture is the concept of togetherness, a collective ethos that eschews individualism in favor of communal well-being. This ethos extends to gender identity, allowing for fluidity and self-expression within the community. Solomon's portrayal of gender diversity reflects a commitment to inclusivity, offering representation for nonbinary and queer identities.

The novella's exploration of memory and trauma is not confined to the individual level but extends to the collective consciousness of the Wajinru. Through Yetu's journey, Solomon interrogates the legacy of historical violence and its enduring impact on marginalized communities. "The Deep" serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of confronting and reckoning with the past, even when it is painful or traumatic.

In addition to its thematic depth, "The Deep" boasts a lyrical prose style that immerses readers in its underwater world. Solomon's evocative descriptions breathe life into the oceanic setting, capturing both its beauty and its danger. The novella's narrative structure, interspersed with memories and reflections, adds depth and complexity to the storytelling, inviting readers to engage with its themes on multiple levels.

Through its compelling characters and thought-provoking themes, "The Deep" transcends the boundaries of genre fiction, offering a powerful meditation on history, memory, and the enduring power of community. Solomon's masterful storytelling and poignant exploration of identity make "The Deep" a must-read for fans of speculative fiction and literary fiction alike.

Rivers Solomon's "The Deep" is a haunting and immersive novella that explores the intersection of memory, identity, and collective trauma. Through its compelling characters and lyrical prose, Solomon crafts a narrative that challenges, provokes, and ultimately inspires. A testament to the resilience of marginalized communities and the importance of confronting the past, "The Deep" is a triumph of speculative fiction and a worthy addition to any reader's bookshelf.

📖 Recommended For: Readers Interested In Collective Memory, Lovers of Afrofuturism, Critics of Historical Erasure, Supporters of Marginalized Narratives, Fans of Octavia Butler's "Kindred."

🔑 Key Themes: Collective Memory, Cultural Heritage, Afrofuturism, Intergenerational Trauma, Identity Fluidity, Solidarity, Environmental Justice, Resistance, Community Healing, Cultural Resilience.

Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha's 'Bodymap' is a poignant celebration of queer disabled love and justice, intertwining themes of liberation and resilience in a lyrical exploration that challenges societal norms and embraces the beauty of diverse experiences.

Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha's "Bodymap" is a courageous exploration of queer disabled love and justice, intricately woven with themes of liberation, resilience, and belonging. From the very first stanza to the final word, this poetry collection invites readers into a world where the body is revered as a site of knowledge, remembrance, and unapologetic authenticity.

The collection begins with a profound sense of gratitude, setting the tone for an journey that delves deep into the complexities of claiming and redefining home. Through evocative language and poignant imagery, Piepzna-Samarasinha asks fundamental questions about what it means to find sanctuary in a world that often seeks to erase marginalized bodies and experiences.

"Bodymap" is structured into six sections, each offering a kaleidoscopic view of queer desire, survivorship, and transformative love. With a deft hand, this collection navigates through themes of cultural imperialism, ableism, and queer sexuality, illuminating the intersections of identity and activism with striking clarity. These poems serve as both a testament and battle cry, challenging the capitalistic and ableist norms that seek to silence and marginalize marginalized communities.

Piepzna-Samarasinha's poetry is fiercely political yet deeply personal, drawing upon their own experiences as a queer disabled femme-of-color to craft narratives that resonate with raw honesty and vulnerability. Whether celebrating the joy of community care or confronting the realities of navigating a world not built for disabled bodies, Leah's voice rings out with unwavering conviction and strength.

At the heart of "Bodymap" lies a celebration of diversity and resilience, where sapphic and Sri Lankan representation intertwine with themes of anticolonialism, anticapitalism, and antiableism. Through bountiful anecdotes and lyrical explorations, Piepzna-Samarasinha invites readers to embrace the messy, imperfect beauty of femininity and disabled love.

The author's commitment to disability justice is evident throughout the collection, as they unapologetically reject societal norms and insist on the inherent perfection of all bodies. By centering disabled experiences and perspectives, "Bodymap" challenges readers to reevaluate their perceptions of normalcy and embrace neurodivergent pride with open arms.

In addition to its powerful social commentary, "Bodymap" is also a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. Piepzna-Samarasinha's prose-like sequences weave together a tapestry of lived experiences, inviting readers to bear witness to the complexities of queer disabled life.

As a cultural and memory worker, Leah deftly crafts narratives that bridge the gap between past and present, offering glimpses into a history that is both universal and deeply personal. Through its words, “Bodymap” reminds us that the fight for justice is not just a collective struggle but also an individual journey of self-discovery and affirmation.

“Bodymap" is a triumph of queer disabled poetics—a love song to those who dare to exist outside society's narrow confines and a rallying cry for a more inclusive and compassionate world. Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha's voice is a beacon of hope in a sea of uncertainty, guiding readers toward a future where all bodies are celebrated, all love is valid, and all voices are heard.

📖 Recommended For: Advocates of Disability Justice, Supporters of Queer Liberation, Critics of Ableism, Fans of Audre Lorde's "The Cancer Journals."

🔑 Key Themes: Disability Justice, Queer Desire, Survivorship, Transformative Love, Cultural Imperialism, Anticapitalism, Anticolonialism, Community Care, Neurodivergent Pride.

Through lyrical prose and incisive critique, "Stellar Nursery" by KG Strayer illuminates the celestial journey of self-discovery and advocacy for bodily autonomy, inviting readers to navigate the cosmic tapestry of identity and resilience.

In "Stellar Nursery: On My (Trans) Body and My Choice," KG Strayer orchestrates a celestial symphony of words, weaving together themes of bodily autonomy, gender fluidity, reproductive justice, and the intertwining complexities of personal and societal struggles. With their poignant memoir-in-verse, Strayer invites readers on an intimate journey through the cosmos of their lived experiences, challenging conventional norms and advocating for a more expansive understanding of identity and self-expression.

At the heart of "Stellar Nursery" lies a profound exploration of the fluidity of gender and the intricate threads of human identity. Through lyrical prose and evocative imagery, Strayer deftly dismantles the constraints of cisgender gender socialization, urging readers to reconsider what they’ve been taught about their own genders. By sharing their own journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Strayer courageously confronts the social norms and expectations that seek to confine and control individual expression.

"Stellar Nursery" also serves as a powerful critique of the medical industrial complex and its pervasive influence on issues of bodily autonomy and reproductive rights. From the harrowing experience of receiving state-mandated counseling before an abortion to the threat posed by the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Strayer lays bare the systemic barriers and injustices faced by marginalized individuals in navigating their own healthcare decisions. With unflinching clarity, they confront the insidious nature of patriarchal control and advocate fiercely for the right of every individual to make informed choices about their own bodies and lives.

Throughout the memoir, Strayer artfully incorporates elements of the natural world as allegorical motifs, drawing parallels between the processes of growth and transformation in the cosmos and the journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. The metaphor of the stellar nursery serves as a potent symbol of resilience and regeneration, reminding readers of the inherent beauty and power found in embracing one's own uniqueness and authenticity.

One of the most poignant moments in "Stellar Nursery" is Strayer's exploration of the relationship between self-love and external validation. Through their introspective musings, they confront the profound challenge of learning to love oneself in a world that often seeks to diminish and devalue marginalized identities. With aching vulnerability, they lay bare the struggle to reconcile internalized self-doubt and societal expectations, ultimately affirming the transformative power of self-acceptance and self-love, often through the support of community.

In addition to its profound thematic depth, "Stellar Nursery" is also a testament to Strayer's lyrical prowess and command of language. Their prose is luminous and evocative, imbued with a raw emotional intensity that resonates with deep intensity. Each page is a masterpiece of imagery and emotion, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Strayer's inner world and bear witness to the complexities of their journey toward self-discovery and empowerment.

This debut book is a luminous and groundbreaking work that transcends the boundaries of genre and convention. Through their fearless exploration of identity, autonomy, and resilience, KG Strayer invites readers to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and self-affirmation. With its lyrical prose, incisive critique of social norms and unwavering advocacy for justice and liberation, "Stellar Nursery" stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to illuminate the darkest corners of the human experience and inspire hope for a more equitable and compassionate world.

📖 Recommended For: Advocates of Reproductive Justice, Champions of Gender Fluidity, Critics of Patriarchal Control, Fans of Anne Boyer’s “The Undying.”

🔑 Key Themes: Bodily Autonomy, Religious Trauma, Gender Socialization, Intersectionality, Healthcare Inequality, Climate Justice, Liberation from Societal Norms.

See book notes for full trigger warnings and corresponding page numbers.