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challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Homophobia, Racism
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Blood
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Bullying, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Violence
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
I’ll admit I haven’t read a memoir since Russel Brand’s Booky Wook in 2007, but Sissy is something else all together.
I loved this book. Reading about Jacob Tobia's experiences was so affirming for me, a genderfluid academic of the same age. Their writing is so funny and the metaphors they draw profound. Sitting with this book was comforting, like a really good session of therapy or catching up with an old friend.
This book is a must read for folks in the LGBTQIA+ community, but also anyone with an open mind. As they wrote in an early chapter, everyone has experienced some kind of gender trauma. I agree with them in that sharing stories like these are so critical, since this is not the binary trans coming out story that Hollywood has only recently become comfortable with.
This book made me laugh and tear up more times than I could count. I’m thankful that Jacob Tobia has been so transparent and through this work, help people feel seen.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia
DNF at pg. 185. This is fantastic sci fi, I just made the mistake of putting it down too long, reading other books, then having to return it to the library.
DNF at pg. 148. The worldbuilding and religions are fascinating. I was not fully comfortable reading about one of the main characters being in love with his mentor. Another reviewer has discussed this in detail.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow, this one absolutely belongs next to The Vvitch as one of the best witch horror pieces. This book was so addicting and immersive, I had no choice but to read it in less than a day. Henderson included a lot of heavy topics and memorable characters that will be sitting with me for awhile. Half a star deducted for not killing the pedophile at the end with the reasoning of so many deaths have already occurred . I'm very much looking forward to reading the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Death, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Racism, Sexism, Blood
Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy: A Graphic Novel: A Modern Retelling of Little Women
Rey Terciero, Louisa May Alcott, Bre Indigo
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Racial slurs, Racism
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow, this book has so much heart!
Paranormal romance usually isn’t a subgenre I pick up, but the life that Aiden Thomas has given these characters had me crying over them so much.
The dialogue is written in such a way that I could read banter between Julian and Yadriel all day. I love how supportive they are of each other.
Yadriel is such an authentic protagonist, and is fully fleshed out among his identities as a Latinx trans boy. As time passes during the story, taking place over the days leading up to Dia de Muertos, the reader feels the anticipation and conflicting emotions Yadriel has over this upcoming deadline, to help Julian pass on peacefully and prove that he is a brujo.
The supporting characters are so memorable. Maritza is the best cousin anyone could ask for! The bonds between Julian and his friends (Omar, Luca, Flaca, and Rocky) are relatable for any Queer found family.
The breadcrumbs towards solving the mystery are laid out in a satisfying way that perhaps might not be solved right away by the intended audience (teenage/YA).
Of course the setting sets this book up to be the perfect read in October, though I look forward to rereading it at any time. If you don’t have funds to purchase more than a few books a year (and rely heavily on a library), this is the book to buy!
This book, and Aiden Thomas, absolutely deserved being on the NY Times Bestsellers list, and I can’t wait to see more works by openly trans authors up there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Transphobia
Moderate: Body horror, Child death, Death, Blood
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Minor: Death