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1.84k reviews by:
caseythereader
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the free advance copy of this book.
- NOBODY'S MAGIC is essentially three novellas, following these three women (who do not know each other) through periods of upheaval in each of their lives.
- Each story is a meditation: on friendship, on grief, on family. Each woman is trying to find her place, and to be treated as a human worthy of love and respect, not someone to be stared at or collected due to her condition.
- I wanted more time with each woman and would have happily read a full novel on each. Birdsong's prose is transporting and fully immersive.
- NOBODY'S MAGIC is essentially three novellas, following these three women (who do not know each other) through periods of upheaval in each of their lives.
- Each story is a meditation: on friendship, on grief, on family. Each woman is trying to find her place, and to be treated as a human worthy of love and respect, not someone to be stared at or collected due to her condition.
- I wanted more time with each woman and would have happily read a full novel on each. Birdsong's prose is transporting and fully immersive.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thanks to Del Rey Books for the free copy of this book.
- LORE OLYMPUS, a retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone set in a modern world, is by turns hilarious and dark, told with style and full of clever takes on well-known characters.
- My one small gripe with it is that I found some of the panels to be quite dark. Literally, I mean it was sometimes hard for me to see what was happening, though the story takes some dark turns as well. Aside from that, the art style is generally quite stunning.
- LORE OLYMPUS, a retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone set in a modern world, is by turns hilarious and dark, told with style and full of clever takes on well-known characters.
- My one small gripe with it is that I found some of the panels to be quite dark. Literally, I mean it was sometimes hard for me to see what was happening, though the story takes some dark turns as well. Aside from that, the art style is generally quite stunning.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Blood, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thanks to Macmillan Publishing for the free advance copy of this book.
- COLD is a quick, gripping YA murder mystery. At less than 250 pages, the story moves along at a clip, dragging you directly into Todd and Georgia's minds as they unravel the events surrounding Todd's death.
- It's sad and tense and terrible and I just had to know what happened. I felt so deeply for these two kids, outcasts in different ways, just trying to be themselves and be accepted for it.
- It does feel very neatly tied up at the end, but I think one can expect a YA mystery to be a little less messy than an adult murder mystery novel.
- COLD is a quick, gripping YA murder mystery. At less than 250 pages, the story moves along at a clip, dragging you directly into Todd and Georgia's minds as they unravel the events surrounding Todd's death.
- It's sad and tense and terrible and I just had to know what happened. I felt so deeply for these two kids, outcasts in different ways, just trying to be themselves and be accepted for it.
- It does feel very neatly tied up at the end, but I think one can expect a YA mystery to be a little less messy than an adult murder mystery novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Cursing, Death, Homophobia, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Murder, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Fatphobia
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- THE LIBRARY BOOK is more than just an investigation of whether L.A. Central Library was a victim of arson. It's also a history of the branch, of libraries generally, and a look at what libraries have evolved into today and the challenges librarians tackle every day.
- This book is a love letter to libraries and a message of gratitude to librarians. The descriptions of people and places read like fiction, and I just couldn't put it down.
- I really appreciated the repeated emphasis on how libraries are expected to fill every social need and gap in our safety nets, in particular in regards to supporting unhoused people but also in dozens of other ways. It shows us how far beyond their limits (financial, educational, etc.) we have forced them to stretch.
- This book is a love letter to libraries and a message of gratitude to librarians. The descriptions of people and places read like fiction, and I just couldn't put it down.
- I really appreciated the repeated emphasis on how libraries are expected to fill every social need and gap in our safety nets, in particular in regards to supporting unhoused people but also in dozens of other ways. It shows us how far beyond their limits (financial, educational, etc.) we have forced them to stretch.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexism, Terminal illness, Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Addiction, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Mental illness, Racism, Suicide, Antisemitism, Death of parent, Classism
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Racism, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
- I AM GOING TO SCREAM ABOUT IRON WIDOW FOREVER! Queer screaming! Feminist screaming! Vengeance screaming! Epic mecha battles screaming!
- This book is heavy, given that it's set in a world steeped in misogyny and violence. You will rage right along with Zetian as she blazes her way through the system, hanging on to every twist, turn, and fight. Even if you see some of the twists coming, you can't turn the pages fast enough.
- Plus, all three main characters are lowkey queer, and for blessed once we escape the dreaded YA love triangle. I cannot wait for the sequel to see what other boundaries, tropes, and systems come crashing down.
- This book is heavy, given that it's set in a world steeped in misogyny and violence. You will rage right along with Zetian as she blazes her way through the system, hanging on to every twist, turn, and fight. Even if you see some of the twists coming, you can't turn the pages fast enough.
- Plus, all three main characters are lowkey queer, and for blessed once we escape the dreaded YA love triangle. I cannot wait for the sequel to see what other boundaries, tropes, and systems come crashing down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thanks to Scholastic for the free advance copy of this book.
- Looking for a clever, beautiful YA fantasy filled with fantastic imagery, fight scenes, and queer identities not often seen on the page? Look no further than FIRE BECOMES HER.
- I loved that Ingrid was allowed to be a complicated work in progress. Power hungry and still figuring out what she wants from her life and her relationships.
- I am pretty sure this is the first book I've read that has multiple aromantic/asexual characters, and also definitely the first to feature a queerplatonic relationship. I love that a book for young people is openly discussing that love and relationships can take many forms. Also, that socialist policies help everyone.
- Looking for a clever, beautiful YA fantasy filled with fantastic imagery, fight scenes, and queer identities not often seen on the page? Look no further than FIRE BECOMES HER.
- I loved that Ingrid was allowed to be a complicated work in progress. Power hungry and still figuring out what she wants from her life and her relationships.
- I am pretty sure this is the first book I've read that has multiple aromantic/asexual characters, and also definitely the first to feature a queerplatonic relationship. I love that a book for young people is openly discussing that love and relationships can take many forms. Also, that socialist policies help everyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Sexism, Violence, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Transphobia
informative
fast-paced
Thanks to Ten Speed Press for the free copy of this book.
- READ THIS TO GET SMARTER is a whirlwind trip through a range of topics everyone should be knowledgeable about. Just like Imani's "Smarter in Seconds" video series, this book serves up bite-sized lessons and tips about everything from pronouns to economics.
- I appreciated that Imani doesn't mince words or try to soften ideas that might be hard to hear for the first time. She doesn't shy from beginning statements like "the false belief that..." or "the racist historian..."
- I think this book would be a great tool for anyone who wants to learn more about not just how to use the right words, but how to approach the world compassionately and thoughtfully. Even if you feel like you already have a handle on these topics, it's still a good reference.
- READ THIS TO GET SMARTER is a whirlwind trip through a range of topics everyone should be knowledgeable about. Just like Imani's "Smarter in Seconds" video series, this book serves up bite-sized lessons and tips about everything from pronouns to economics.
- I appreciated that Imani doesn't mince words or try to soften ideas that might be hard to hear for the first time. She doesn't shy from beginning statements like "the false belief that..." or "the racist historian..."
- I think this book would be a great tool for anyone who wants to learn more about not just how to use the right words, but how to approach the world compassionately and thoughtfully. Even if you feel like you already have a handle on these topics, it's still a good reference.
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Thanks to Ecco Books and Libro FM for the free advance copy of this book.
- I CAME ALL THIS WAY TO MEET YOU is less a recounting of Attenberg's life, and more a consideration of how she got here and how she became the person she is today - someone fully devoted to art and life and the joy of community.
- I appreciated the exploration of the mental effects of coming up in the art and literature world as a woman, and particularly a woman mostly doing it on her own. She looks at both the joys of going solo and choosing your own path, and the pitfalls and scary moments.
- I CAME ALL THIS WAY TO MEET YOU is less a recounting of Attenberg's life, and more a consideration of how she got here and how she became the person she is today - someone fully devoted to art and life and the joy of community.
- I appreciated the exploration of the mental effects of coming up in the art and literature world as a woman, and particularly a woman mostly doing it on her own. She looks at both the joys of going solo and choosing your own path, and the pitfalls and scary moments.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Blood, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thanks to Avon Books for the free advance copy of this book.
- Alert! Queer second chance friends to lovers! What a joy this addition to an already wonderful series is. Bellefleur is excellent and creating a gentle environment but still having electric energy between her characters.
- And whew, is this book spicy! I was beginning to fear that all mainstream F/F romances were going to forever have only one or two brief love scenes. Enter COUNT YOUR LUCKY STARS, where Margot and Olivia hit the ground running and never stop.
- I do love a "these dummies need to admit they're in love" story, though this one may verge too much on "just have a conversation already" territory for some. Thank goodness they have friends to help them out (all beloved characters from the previous books)!
- Alert! Queer second chance friends to lovers! What a joy this addition to an already wonderful series is. Bellefleur is excellent and creating a gentle environment but still having electric energy between her characters.
- And whew, is this book spicy! I was beginning to fear that all mainstream F/F romances were going to forever have only one or two brief love scenes. Enter COUNT YOUR LUCKY STARS, where Margot and Olivia hit the ground running and never stop.
- I do love a "these dummies need to admit they're in love" story, though this one may verge too much on "just have a conversation already" territory for some. Thank goodness they have friends to help them out (all beloved characters from the previous books)!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Infidelity, Sexual content, Alcohol
Moderate: Medical content