obscurepages's Reviews (410)

 Okay, this book is probably one of the weirdest books I've read? And yet, I think it's also one of the most honest and raw.

Let me start by saying the main character is not exactly likeable. He was full of resentment, of insecurities, a lot of hate. But we see him face his problems (that he brought upon himself), accept the challenge, and grow into a more mature, healthy adult. This journey, of course, is not an easy one. He fucks up a few (okay maybe many) times, and there are elements in his life he refuses to confront, but he improves.

This book also focuses on the journey of transitioning and the nuances of trans lives. It shows trans people going through the emotional, physical, and social changes when they transition. There are also lots of discussions about trans and queer lives (the good and the bad), different experiences, and more.

The writing style is very frank, straightforward, maybe even with a cynical tone (especially in the first few parts when the MC hasn't achieved character development yet). As a result, there are times when it feels like it's a drag. It also blends science fiction/fantasy in the contemporary world, which can get confusing, but as you read, you learn to go with it.

I want to say though, there are a few offhand comments that didn't sit right with me as I read the book.

Overall, I like how Future Feeling is ultimately about a journey of self-discovery and self-reflection, to self-improvement. I think this is a memorable one.

CW: graphic sex scenes/sexual content, mental illness, drug use

Thank you so much to Soft Skull Press for sending over a copy! (This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.) 

 Okay, this might be my favorite read this Pride Month 😭

It's simple, yet so poignant. Like there's no angst, no high stakes plot obviously, no drama or chaos, but it's just so *so* beautiful.

I love how mental health and therapy are a normal topic in Felipe and his mom's household. I love how this book teaches us to be brave in our own ways. I love how it encourages us to make connections with other people, because as an introvert, I definitely relate to that. I love how it also talked about fatness. And I love how precious and sweet Felipe and Caio are. I love how this book features love that's not explosive and intense, but rather, love that is quiet and yet heartwarming just the same.

Overall, this is such an amazing read. Would love to read it again for sure. 

This book, y'all. This book.

At first, I thought this was going to be a quick, easy read, instead I got an incredible, moving anthology. There are personal essays and anecdotes, poems, and pieces that just really dive into fatness and gender and how these two impact each other. As another queer, fat person, this was both amazing and overwhelming--taking all these personal experiences and opinions and stories that I never thought I'd connect with but turns out they're exactly what I needed.

I love how diverse the contributors and the pieces are. I love how every part criticizes and challenges the fatphobic society and perspective most people have. I love how every piece also talked about gender and sexuality and their fluidity.

I don't have any more words (I don't even think I can explain it properly *cries*), but this was truly impactful. I hope many more fat and queer people find this book.

Exact rating: 4.5

CW: fatphobia, body shaming, bullying, racism, rape/sexual assault, anxiety/panic attacks, sexual content, suicide/suicidal thoughts

E-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book. 

 Okay, this was so chaotic and full of teenage drama. 70% of the time, I was just annoyed at the MC's life choices. Despite that, this book was also funny and heartfelt. I'm also reminded that characters can be flawed and imperfect, and that the beauty lies in their journey to admitting their mistakes and correcting it. Jay's character arc is an example of that, and I loved it.

This book also talked about stereotypes, the good and the bad. How it's okay to fall into a stereotype, but it also doesn't mean that that particular stereotype is true for everybody. I liked their conversation about that.

And perhaps my favorite thing about this book is how it highlighted how amazing it is to find the people that you click with, people you can connect with, your community. Finding your community can change your life for the better and change the way you carry and express yourself. Really love that.

Exact rating: 3.5

Thank you so much to Epic Reads for sending a finished copy of this book! (This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)

 I lost a few hours of sleep because of this book, but I swear it was all worth it. Pumpkin is the cutest and most precious! Nothing but wholesomeness and learning to be your true self and confronting your doubts (and of course, a dash of angst, romance, and teen drama, but I love it!)

I love the character development, seeing Waylon be his true self and try to give their small town a chance was so good. I love the vulnerability in this book and I appreciate that so much. There was one quote from Waylon's mom when she said, "Not everything has to be sarcastic or edgy. It's okay to be vulnerable and sincere." and that absolutely stuck with me.

I also love that it speaks to a lot of fat, queer teens, as well as those who just want to fit in. I know younger me would have loved this book. 😭

Thank you so much Epic Reads for sending me a copy of this book! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.

See the rest of my Pride Month TBR here!!

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 It's my first read for Pride Month and I'm so glad to say I enjoyed it! Trouble Girls was a great read! It was dark, poetic, gritty, and poignant.

The overall story is a very real and heartbreaking example of what women go through because of terrible men. The characters were also compelling, and I was particularly moved by the MC's perspective. Also, it's very hard to explain it, but this book just makes you feel things. It takes you on such an emotional and haunting journey on finding freedom and love, and running from your fears. Overall, I enjoyed this one.

CW: sexual abuse/sexual harassment, rape, attempted rape, blood, gore (mild), domestic abuse, toxic relationships

Thank you so much to Wednesday Books for sending over an ARC! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.

(Check out the rest of my Pride Month TBR!)

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 Okay, this was incredible (pun intended? lol)! I didn't have much expectations for this, only that I found the premise so interesting. Now I can say that I am pleasantly surprised!

Incredible Doom was simple, yet so poignant. It showed the magnificence of using computers and the internet for the first time. And it also highlighted how amazing and comforting it can be, as it helps in connecting people and forging unexpected friendships. It also featured queer characters, which I didn't expect! I loved that.

Anyone looking for a fast and yet moving read, this graphic novel is for you!

Thank you so much to Epic Reads/Harper Alley for sending over a finished copy! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.

Full review on my blog soon!

CW: child abuse, domestic abuse, bullying, violence

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 Oh, this was so so good! In a way, it reads like a fanfic and I love that. (Also, when I say a book reads like a fanfic, I mean it as a compliment. We appreciate fanfics in this house. 🥰) It has all the fluff and the drama (especially towards the end of the book!), and it was funny and touching at the same time as well.

This was simple and straightforward, but I loved seeing the characters come together and achieve character development. Also, the tropes in this book are just some of my favorites! Enemies to lovers, sunshine and grumpy (who turns soft because of sunshine lol), and more!

Would have loved if there was more mystery about the Watcher though. I thought it was a pretty easy solve. Nonetheless, this was a great read and I enjoyed it a lot!

Thank you so much to Wattpad Books for sending over an ARC! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.

Full review on my blog soon!

CW: toxic/abusive relationships, kidnapping, violence (mild), blood (mild)

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 Greek mythology retelling, fierce female warrior as MC, enemies to lovers (sort of? lol), thrilling adventure... I swear, this book has all the right elements! This was definitely a solid read!

The first half, though it was action-packed, felt a little lethargic. Lethargic in a way that I wasn't invested in the characters or their dynamics yet. Once I got past that first half though, it got better. I got to know the characters a little better, saw their chemistry slowly form. That for me made the story more enjoyable.

I loved how the author reimagined Daphne and Apollo's tale (plus other stories!). I always found Daphne and Apollo's tale lacking and melancholic in a way. However, in this book, we see a different kind of Daphne and Apollo, we see a different dynamic between them, and of course, a different endgame.

Oh and, not to spoil anything but I adored the overall ending. It's not what I expected, but I thought it was fitting.

Exact rating 3.75/5! Full review will be posted soon on The Nerd Daily.

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 Y'ALL THIS BOOK IS PERFECT OKAY 😭 IT'S EVERYTHING I EVER WANTED AND MORE EVER SINCE I READ THE FIRST NOVELLA, A DEAD DJINN IN CAIRO.

PLOT WAS INTRICATE, AN ABOLUTE PAGE TURNER. THE CHARACTERS WERE CHARMING AND COMPELLING, YOU'LL BE ROOTING FOR THEM SOON. SAPPHIC ROMANCE WAS SO GOOD I THINK I SWOONED TOO MANY TIMES. WORLD-BUILDING WAS JUST AMAZING, I MEAN THE MYTHOLOGY AND THE LORE, AS WELL AS THE CULTURE WAS JUST SO RICH. HUMOR WAS ON POINT, FROM START TO FINISH. IT ALSO HIGHLIGHTED ISSUES LIKE MISOGYNY, RACISM, COLONIZATION. I SWEAR, THIS IS EVERYTHING. I'M SO IN LOVE WITH IT.

SO FAR, THIS BOOK IS THE BEST THING I READ THIS YEAR. *SCREAMS*

ALSO I AM SO SORRY FOR THE ALL CAPS. I HAVE A LOT OF FEELINGS.

E-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.

Full review on my blog soon!

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