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ninetalevixen
As with any anthology, I loved some stories, didn't like some others, and found still others in between. But I was pleasantly surprised to find enjoyment in the vast majority of these tales, probably because they center around food and love (family/friends/romance) and culture — a fantastic example of the power of #ownvoices rep.
[detailed reviews to come]
"Rain" by Sangu Mandanna | ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Kings and Queens" by Elsie Chapman | ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The Grand Ishq Adventure" by Sandhya Menon | ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
"Sugar and Spite" by Rin Chupeco | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Moments to Remember" by Adi Alsaid | ⭐⭐⭐
"The Slender One" by Caroline Tung Richmond
"Gimme Some Sugar" by Jay Coles
"The Missing Ingredient" by Rebecca Roanhorse
"Hearts a la Cart" by Karuna Riazi
"Bloom" by Phoebe North
"A Bountiful Film" by S.K. Ali
"Side Work" by Sara Farzian
"Panaderia ~ Pasteleria" by Anna-Marie McLemore
Recommended by CW @ The Quiet Pond.
[detailed reviews to come]
"Rain" by Sangu Mandanna | ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Kings and Queens" by Elsie Chapman | ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The Grand Ishq Adventure" by Sandhya Menon | ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
"Sugar and Spite" by Rin Chupeco | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Moments to Remember" by Adi Alsaid | ⭐⭐⭐
"The Slender One" by Caroline Tung Richmond
"Gimme Some Sugar" by Jay Coles
"The Missing Ingredient" by Rebecca Roanhorse
"Hearts a la Cart" by Karuna Riazi
"Bloom" by Phoebe North
"A Bountiful Film" by S.K. Ali
"Side Work" by Sara Farzian
"Panaderia ~ Pasteleria" by Anna-Marie McLemore
Recommended by CW @ The Quiet Pond.
"a humabn is just a small sad thing covered in many layers"
I first encountered this book a few years ago while browsing Target with some friends. We were so delighted by the cover that one friend immediately bought a copy, and I've since wished I'd done the same — especially since my library didn't have it, until now. And after reading it, I still wish I'd bought that copy because this is the kind of book I need to keep in my life.
It so perfectly expresses so many aspects of the lowkey existential panic in the back of my mind: both validates and assuages them, reminds me of all the wonderful little things in life (art, friends, the excitement of a new day, just to name a few). All the anthropomorphic characters are quirky in all-too-relatable ways; I felt represented in all the metaphorical multitudes I contain.
At heart, this is an incredibly comforting read which I was lucky to pick up at a time when I needed it.
I first encountered this book a few years ago while browsing Target with some friends. We were so delighted by the cover that one friend immediately bought a copy, and I've since wished I'd done the same — especially since my library didn't have it, until now. And after reading it, I still wish I'd bought that copy because this is the kind of book I need to keep in my life.
It so perfectly expresses so many aspects of the lowkey existential panic in the back of my mind: both validates and assuages them, reminds me of all the wonderful little things in life (art, friends, the excitement of a new day, just to name a few). All the anthropomorphic characters are quirky in all-too-relatable ways; I felt represented in all the metaphorical multitudes I contain.
At heart, this is an incredibly comforting read which I was lucky to pick up at a time when I needed it.
I received an advance review copy from Andrews McMeel Publishing through Netgalley; all opinions are my own and honest.
This is as lovely as all of Amanda Lovelace's other collections, with vivid (figurative) imagery and gorgeous autumn-colored artwork and raw emotion. It didn't resonate with me as strongly as some of the others have — in part because I have been fortunate not to experience toxic familial relationships or losing my parents or this specific kind of siblinghood — but it has that unmistakable honest vulnerability that characterizes Lovelace's work, at least in my mind.
content warnings:
-----------
CONVERSION: 11.9 / 15 = 4 stars
Prose: 9 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 10 / 10
Emotional Impact: 7 / 10
Development / Flow: 7 / 10
Setting: N/A
Diversity & Social Themes: N/A
Intellectual Engagement: 4 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: N/A
Rereadability: 4 / 5
Memorability: 3 / 5
This is as lovely as all of Amanda Lovelace's other collections, with vivid (figurative) imagery and gorgeous autumn-colored artwork and raw emotion. It didn't resonate with me as strongly as some of the others have — in part because I have been fortunate not to experience toxic familial relationships or losing my parents or this specific kind of siblinghood — but it has that unmistakable honest vulnerability that characterizes Lovelace's work, at least in my mind.
content warnings:
Spoiler
(from the author) child abuse, eating disorders, sexual assault, self-harm, violence, cheating, death, gore, blood, trauma, grief, & possibly more. remember to practice self-care before, during, & after reading-----------
CONVERSION: 11.9 / 15 = 4 stars
Prose: 9 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 10 / 10
Emotional Impact: 7 / 10
Development / Flow: 7 / 10
Setting: N/A
Diversity & Social Themes: N/A
Intellectual Engagement: 4 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: N/A
Rereadability: 4 / 5
Memorability: 3 / 5
To be quite honest this isn't my favorite of Amanda Lovelace's collections (that title, pun intended, still goes to [b:The Princess Saves Herself in This One|30075802|The Princess Saves Herself in This One (Women Are Some Kind of Magic, #1)|Amanda Lovelace|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1462211636s/30075802.jpg|50494177]) but it's pretty solid. The narrative arc is clear as you progress through the poems: a cohesive story of being hurt and recovering. I always feel bad not giving 5 full stars to books like these that hit home and are autobiographical to any degree (and poetry is such an intimate, personal medium), but in the interest of honesty I have to admit that it bothers me that .
And as always, I will fight anyone who wants to argue that this isn't "real" poetry:
didn't
anyone ever
warn you
not to
try
to trick
a girl
who reads?
she's
already
seen
everything.
- don't try to waste your time again.
content warnings from the author:
Spoiler
the narrator focuses a lot on the differences between her relationships and I wish she'd devoted more poems to introspection and personal journey, which is what I loved about the "women are some kind of magic" collectionsAnd as always, I will fight anyone who wants to argue that this isn't "real" poetry:
didn't
anyone ever
warn you
not to
try
to trick
a girl
who reads?
she's
already
seen
everything.
- don't try to waste your time again.
content warnings from the author:
Spoiler
intimate partner abuse, eating disorders, self-harm, cheating, alcohol, religion, death, gore, fire, blood, & possibly more. remember to practice self-care before, during, & after reading.
I received an advance review copy through Netgalley; all opinions are my own and honest.
"What kind of girl stays after her boyfriend hits her? What kind of girl gets hit in the first place?"
At the onset I had a bit of a rough time getting into this, but it all started to come together by the end of part one. As part two unfolded, I found myself reevaluating the situation and my initial impressions; part three went straight for my heart/feels and had me literally tearing up. So it's not at all an exaggeration to say that this book is An Experience in the best possible way.
The prose is very stream-of-consciousness, which won't appeal to all readers but which I found perfectly fitting. It's a messy, confusing situation, and that hits home through the narrators' struggle with what to think and how to react to everything going on. (Some of the parentheticals are a bit much, but otherwise the writing flows almost effortlessly.)
All the portrayed relationships are nuanced and relatable, but I want to point out the parent/child relationships in particular because I so rarely see them done this well. YA lit is full of abusive and absent adults, so it was especially poignant to see flawed but well-meaning parents in this novel. Adolescence is a time when you're in between depending on and wanting to be free of your parents, which makes for a tricky dynamic; and yet each of the parents is a complex, distinct character with a complex, distinct relationship with their child.
Some of the social justice themes are pretty blunt, but it is an integral part of the narrative. Apparently sensitivity and thoughtfulness is "practically in the school catalog", and it shows: the students pride themselves on believing the victim, though they're conflicted on whether that's Mike or his girlfriend. They're not perfect. It's frustrating, and it's completely true to life.
Finally, this really isn't all that important (especially compared to the weightier topics in this book), but the NorCal representation made me so happy! California isn't all beaches and sunshine, especially in the northern part, yet I so rarely see books that acknowledge this.
content warnings:
rep:
-----------
CONVERSION: 13.6 / 15 = 5 stars
Prose: 9 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 10 / 10
Emotional Impact: 10 / 10
Development / Flow: 9 / 10
Setting: 8 / 10
Diversity & Social Themes: 5 / 5
Intellectual Engagement: 4 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 4 / 5
Rereadability: 4 / 5
Memorability: 5 / 5
"What kind of girl stays after her boyfriend hits her? What kind of girl gets hit in the first place?"
At the onset I had a bit of a rough time getting into this, but it all started to come together by the end of part one. As part two unfolded, I found myself reevaluating the situation and my initial impressions; part three went straight for my heart/feels and had me literally tearing up. So it's not at all an exaggeration to say that this book is An Experience in the best possible way.
The prose is very stream-of-consciousness, which won't appeal to all readers but which I found perfectly fitting. It's a messy, confusing situation, and that hits home through the narrators' struggle with what to think and how to react to everything going on. (Some of the parentheticals are a bit much, but otherwise the writing flows almost effortlessly.)
All the portrayed relationships are nuanced and relatable, but I want to point out the parent/child relationships in particular because I so rarely see them done this well. YA lit is full of abusive and absent adults, so it was especially poignant to see flawed but well-meaning parents in this novel. Adolescence is a time when you're in between depending on and wanting to be free of your parents, which makes for a tricky dynamic; and yet each of the parents is a complex, distinct character with a complex, distinct relationship with their child.
Some of the social justice themes are pretty blunt, but it is an integral part of the narrative. Apparently sensitivity and thoughtfulness is "practically in the school catalog", and it shows: the students pride themselves on believing the victim, though they're conflicted on whether that's Mike or his girlfriend. They're not perfect. It's frustrating, and it's completely true to life.
Finally, this really isn't all that important (especially compared to the weightier topics in this book), but the NorCal representation made me so happy! California isn't all beaches and sunshine, especially in the northern part, yet I so rarely see books that acknowledge this.
content warnings:
Spoiler
dating/domestic abuse, explicit absence of consent (in relationship), bulimia, internalized body-shaming, descriptions of self-harm (cutting), on-page panic attack, self-medication (marijuana, non-prescription drugs), underage drinking & sex, infidelity, ableist language, slut-shamingrep:
Spoiler
Jewish MC, biracial (Mexican Catholic & Eastern European Jewish) WLW MC with diagnosed anxiety & OCD, F/F relationship, socioeconomic diversity, minor character with unspecified learning disability-----------
CONVERSION: 13.6 / 15 = 5 stars
Prose: 9 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 10 / 10
Emotional Impact: 10 / 10
Development / Flow: 9 / 10
Setting: 8 / 10
Diversity & Social Themes: 5 / 5
Intellectual Engagement: 4 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 4 / 5
Rereadability: 4 / 5
Memorability: 5 / 5
I wrote a "Thoughts I Had While Reading This Book" post, if you want to check it out. No pressure or anything.
I definitely understand the criticisms of Orientalism and stereotyping. Even though there are technically seven main characters / narrators, I felt like there were really only two different stories being told: the Chinese immigrant narrative and the first-generation ABC (American Born Chinese) narrative.
That said, I don't regret the time I spent getting through this book — primarily because it's such an important Asian-American cultural touchstone. It's not widely referenced and I don't think many other books have been based on it, but it's still part of our history, and I'm grateful for its existence.
I definitely understand the criticisms of Orientalism and stereotyping. Even though there are technically seven main characters / narrators, I felt like there were really only two different stories being told: the Chinese immigrant narrative and the first-generation ABC (American Born Chinese) narrative.
That said, I don't regret the time I spent getting through this book — primarily because it's such an important Asian-American cultural touchstone. It's not widely referenced and I don't think many other books have been based on it, but it's still part of our history, and I'm grateful for its existence.
I received an advance review copy through Netgalley; all opinions are my own and honest.
2.5 stars.
I don’t regret reading through to the end to give this a “fair chance,” but it certainly didn’t make me like the characters any more than I initially did. As a social commentary, I can see this book’s merits; as an engaging story, I’m not a big fan.
While it's not inherently a problem that I actively disliked pretty much every single character, they felt like caricatures rather than people. So their relationships didn't ring true, and I just wasn't emotionally invested. The drama was interesting to observe, but I didn't really care about them.
content warnings:
rep:
2.5 stars.
I don’t regret reading through to the end to give this a “fair chance,” but it certainly didn’t make me like the characters any more than I initially did. As a social commentary, I can see this book’s merits; as an engaging story, I’m not a big fan.
While it's not inherently a problem that I actively disliked pretty much every single character, they felt like caricatures rather than people. So their relationships didn't ring true, and I just wasn't emotionally invested. The drama was interesting to observe, but I didn't really care about them.
content warnings:
Spoiler
ableism, on-page attempted suicide, mentioned statutory rape, infidelity, suicidal ideation, terminal illness, explicit sexual content, queerphobia (homophobia, transphobia, acephobia), outing, terminal illness, violence, muggingrep:
Spoiler
socioeconomic, Black gay major character, Russian gay major character, major character with depression
I received an advance review copy for the blog tour through Xpresso Book Tours; all opinions are my own and honest.
This book is impressive not just because it’s such a fantastically written debut, but it’s refreshingly different from pretty much anything I can remember reading. While I wouldn’t consider myself well-read enough in the sci-fi or romance genres to confidently call it unique, it’s certainly memorable.
It’s intense, high-stakes action from beginning to end — and it’s incredibly intelligent, with actual scientific principles and processes being described rather than glossed over. (Though I did fact-check some of it with a chemistry-major friend who said it wouldn’t work as intended … so it’s probably not a good idea to try any of this at home.) Some fascinating ethical dilemmas and social standards are brought into question, too.
It feels almost like you, the reader, get to team up with Arden and Sebastian, which is awesome because Arden and Sebastian are awesome.
Of course, we spend the most time with Arden since she’s our protagonist and narrator. I loved that she casually exemplifies both brains and beauty: it’s 2019 and unfortunately this isn’t the norm yet, but it’s so empowering to read about the clicking of Arden’s black stilettos as she heads to the computer lab. She draws so much strength from her relationships, particularly with her family and her best friend, and at the same time it’s nice to be reminded that “strong” and “soft” are not mutually exclusive traits. Possibly the only thing I didn’t like are her disdainful generalizations about other girls and women; it didn’t really add anything to the story, and the world could use less internalized misogyny.
And it’s fascinating to see how Sebastian deals with not having any memories, how that affects his behavior and his personal identity. Being a kind of blank slate doesn’t make him a bland or boring character, either; he’s funny and smart and an all-around fantastic partner in crime. (I’ll let you find out for yourself how literal that’s meant to be.)
A significant part of this book is the romance, as you’ve probably guessed. I’m still figuring out what exactly I do and don’t like in (fictional) couples, but in this case I can say that I definitely ship it. They work really well together, literally as they try to figure out what’s going on and recover their memories, and figuratively as (metaphorical) sparks fly between them.
Part of what I love about ARCs is getting to experience a book without any influence from others’ reviews and thoughts; this book reminded me a little of The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle in that neither the narrator nor the reader has much idea what’s going on, and putting the pieces together is a large part of the fun. The basic synopsis gives you enough; I would just go for it, rather than reading reviews that might give away too much.
content warnings: terminal illness, amnesia, tampering with memories, loss of loved ones / major & secondary character death
rep: MLM secondary character (brother), Asian MLM secondary character, M/M relationship (secondary)
This book is impressive not just because it’s such a fantastically written debut, but it’s refreshingly different from pretty much anything I can remember reading. While I wouldn’t consider myself well-read enough in the sci-fi or romance genres to confidently call it unique, it’s certainly memorable.
It’s intense, high-stakes action from beginning to end — and it’s incredibly intelligent, with actual scientific principles and processes being described rather than glossed over. (Though I did fact-check some of it with a chemistry-major friend who said it wouldn’t work as intended … so it’s probably not a good idea to try any of this at home.) Some fascinating ethical dilemmas and social standards are brought into question, too.
It feels almost like you, the reader, get to team up with Arden and Sebastian, which is awesome because Arden and Sebastian are awesome.
Of course, we spend the most time with Arden since she’s our protagonist and narrator. I loved that she casually exemplifies both brains and beauty: it’s 2019 and unfortunately this isn’t the norm yet, but it’s so empowering to read about the clicking of Arden’s black stilettos as she heads to the computer lab. She draws so much strength from her relationships, particularly with her family and her best friend, and at the same time it’s nice to be reminded that “strong” and “soft” are not mutually exclusive traits. Possibly the only thing I didn’t like are her disdainful generalizations about other girls and women; it didn’t really add anything to the story, and the world could use less internalized misogyny.
And it’s fascinating to see how Sebastian deals with not having any memories, how that affects his behavior and his personal identity. Being a kind of blank slate doesn’t make him a bland or boring character, either; he’s funny and smart and an all-around fantastic partner in crime. (I’ll let you find out for yourself how literal that’s meant to be.)
A significant part of this book is the romance, as you’ve probably guessed. I’m still figuring out what exactly I do and don’t like in (fictional) couples, but in this case I can say that I definitely ship it. They work really well together, literally as they try to figure out what’s going on and recover their memories, and figuratively as (metaphorical) sparks fly between them.
Part of what I love about ARCs is getting to experience a book without any influence from others’ reviews and thoughts; this book reminded me a little of The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle in that neither the narrator nor the reader has much idea what’s going on, and putting the pieces together is a large part of the fun. The basic synopsis gives you enough; I would just go for it, rather than reading reviews that might give away too much.
content warnings:
rep:
3.5 stars.
The characters are likable and nuanced, and the storyline is really interesting; on a technical level this book is absolutely wonderful. But for some reason I just couldn't get as emotionally invested as I wanted to, and I'm not sure whether that was due to pacing, my getting caught up in the logistics and logic of time travel, the prose, or something else entirely.
Still, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone who enjoys sci-fi and a good family story!
The characters are likable and nuanced, and the storyline is really interesting; on a technical level this book is absolutely wonderful. But for some reason I just couldn't get as emotionally invested as I wanted to, and I'm not sure whether that was due to pacing, my getting caught up in the logistics and logic of time travel, the prose, or something else entirely.
Still, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone who enjoys sci-fi and a good family story!
1. [b:The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet|25786523|The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (Wayfarers, #1)|Becky Chambers|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1435140741l/25786523._SY75_.jpg|42270825] | ★★★★ 1/2
2. [b:A Closed and Common Orbit|29475447|A Closed and Common Orbit (Wayfarers, #2)|Becky Chambers|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1457598923l/29475447._SY75_.jpg|48620653] | ★★★★
I'M NOT CRYING YOU'RE CRYING.
Honestly, I just don't know what to say about this book. Like the others in this series, it's a very character-driven read with emphasis on all kinds of relationships, the way we as sentient creatures hurt and help and judge each other. I love the cast, the setting, the plot; I love the representation and the interpersonal/ethical quandaries; I love the way my heart was warmed and broken and pieced back together. I don't know that I want to reread it over and over again, but I adored it.
2. [b:A Closed and Common Orbit|29475447|A Closed and Common Orbit (Wayfarers, #2)|Becky Chambers|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1457598923l/29475447._SY75_.jpg|48620653] | ★★★★
I'M NOT CRYING YOU'RE CRYING.
Honestly, I just don't know what to say about this book. Like the others in this series, it's a very character-driven read with emphasis on all kinds of relationships, the way we as sentient creatures hurt and help and judge each other. I love the cast, the setting, the plot; I love the representation and the interpersonal/ethical quandaries; I love the way my heart was warmed and broken and pieced back together. I don't know that I want to reread it over and over again, but I adored it.