rickjones's Reviews (1.66k)

The Ojja-Wojja is a supernatural mystery about the toxicity of conformity and the hidden violent pasts of many localities in the United States. While the quick pacing and focus on mystery is sure to keep young readers engaged, I wish the book had focused more on characterization. It's rare for autistic and transgender protagonists to exist singularly in comics, let alone as a duo, but the promise of a series gives me hope that we'll get to know these girls more in the future. This first volume is entertaining, gorgeously and expressively illustrated, and definitely worth your time. I look forward to its continuation. 

A Small Gathering of Bones is a heart-wrenching and tender portrayal of a group of gay men living in 1970s Jamaica before the threat of HIV was known. The story is told through the perspective of Dale, a leader in his church and gay man whose long-term relationship is floundering after a regrettable act of infidelity. Dale is a deeply flawed but wise protagonist who I enjoyed listening to. His inner monologues note his frustrations alongside the hypocrisy and ruthlessness of the church women who reject and terrorize their own children, and the men who set up families through heterosexual marriages to shield themselves from being outed. Throughout the novel, Dale becomes increasingly dissatisfied with his life due to the end of his relationship and the grief from watching his friend die while his mother refuses to even visit him, resulting in a horrific conclusion. Decades after its publication, this book remains a relevant and scathing criticism of homophobic neglect and a tender portrait of those who are made to suffer from it. 

This is a brilliant collection of poetry that is both well-written and accessible to those who are less familiar with the form and how emotions are expressed through it. Asghar speaks both about herself and to the reader, inviting us to process her emotions and understand her perspective with honesty and vulnerability. I highly recommend this collection to other readers curious in experiencing the strength and beauty of poetry.