CW: infidelity, rape, drug/alcohol abuse, eating disorders

I honestly could not have told you much about Demi before listening to this book, other than that I remembered her and Ashton being together when I was growing up. I would definitely recommend this book on audio; it felt like I was hearing a friend tell me her life story. A lot of pain and heartbreak, but also much joy throughout this story.

CW: abuse against mental health hospital patients

Definitely recommend the audiobook for this one. Super fascinating book.

CW: homophobia, sexual assault, suicidal ideation, self harm, transphobia, depression, anxiety, disordered eating

I had read a lot of reviews about this book, many of which gave it high praise, so I think I went into this one with high expectations. Unfortunately, I wish I had liked it more... I'd been meaning to pick this one up for a while, but finally found some motivation since it was the June pick for Bad Bitch Book Club. This is the second transgender "family memoir" I have read this year and I think what I have learned is that I would probably rather hear these stories from trans folks instead. All in all, it was fine, I liked it enough to finish it because I wanted to see how it ended, but I didn't love it like I thought I would.

CW: racism, microaggressions, rape, transphobia, disordered eating

I can't remember who recommended that I listen to this one, but it was a great recommendation. This was another instance of listening to a memoir by someone who I know nothing about, but I really enjoyed it. In addition to the content warnings listed above, it does discuss problematic topics like R. Kelly and Game of Thrones. There is a glossary of "activism terms" at the end, which I think would be helpful for folks who are new to activism. I will note, however, that her definition of LGBTQIA says that the A stands for ally, which is simply not true.

I don't always love ensemble casts, but I'd recommend listening to this one. These voices and these stories are important.

This one has similar vibes to Hyperbole and a Half. Super light read that made me laugh out loud a handful of times.

CW: police shooting, bullying, details re: Emmett Till's death

This book. One word - chilling.

CW: domestic violence, racism, lynching, colorist

The beginning of this book was pretty slow for me and I was worried because everyone seemed to love this book, but around part 3, I was hooked and could hardly put it down. I loved the intersecting lives of the twins and their daughters. I loved that the trans storyline didn't feel out of place or tokenized. I loved how the details throughout the story made it come alive.

CW: mentions of suicide, domestic abuse, and sexual assault

This is the kind of book that I would have gravitated toward on the library shelves when I was a teen and I'm glad it exists now as a modern, inclusive way to educate yourself on all things menstruation.

CW: self-harm, depression, anxiety

Each book of Madisen's is somehow even better than the last.

Favorites from this collection: thin lines, my old self, the shape of lonely, my anxiety keeps me warm, the little things, the difference, how to love