The Secret History of the Rape Kit #netgalley was very informative, and personable. So many hurdles to jump through but I am glad to say that Marty Goddard has her story out there. So many gaps shows just how dedicated she was to her job that getting to know the real woman is elusive.  I am saddened by the trauma Marty, the author Pagan and so many others have experienced in this world, and the lack of empathy shown by this patriarchal society we live in.  DNA evidence is a wonderful thing, but it is so unfortunate that someone claiming bodily harm has been so readily questioned for the truth.  I admit the book has gaps as far as gender equality as it centers mostly on women, but in all honesty, that is the demographic this kit benefits the most. Evidence is only as good as the collection procedure and analyzation. Great read, easy to understand, and is a page turner.  

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon was a wild quick sexy violent ride.  Lots of cool demons that talk, dragons that breath fire, southern Louisiana vibes and food, and lots of comedy.  I enjoyed the message of how it is not moral to keep people in bondage.  It added a bit of seriousness to an otherwise silly sexy book.  The pacing was a bit too fast; the characters need to take a reflective breather before springing to action.  Also in my head, the time period was off because they use modern speech with lots of cussing but then they have horses and carriages as transportation. But overall an enjoyable book. I wouldn’t mind reading the rest of the series. 

Well I finally read Lady Chatterley’s Lover and glad I had it on audio because I could tune out all the boring talking about man’s nature, private parts and political talk. I was annoyed and tuned out a lot.  I do like Connie’s progressive views on woman taking charge of their sex lives and demanding their pleasure compared to the rampant sexism of many of the men.  Book does show many different opinions though.  The characters were not likeable and all seemed insecure.  I can see why for the time period (1920s) this book was scandalous.  In more modern times, I don’t think it would be.  The sex was vaugely described, not graphic really, and actually quite dull.  Oh, and there is racism.  I’m glad to be done with this book.

Uzumaki is a weirdly, horrific, abstract good time. The spirals are everywhere and eye catching and the twisted bodies provide great creep factor that i really enjoyed.  The detail in this book is genius as is all Junji Ito books.  Overall I enjoyed the story, but woundn’t mind a more concrete ending. I do think some of the characters looked like others from Tomie.

Mutant Superhero Zombie Killing Disco Cheerleaders from Outer Space with Uzi’s is exactly as it sounds. A wild gorey ride of horror sci fi surrealness with some comedy sprinkled in. And it is set in the 1970s. A B movie of a book. I loved it. While it is a complete story, I can see it being added on to. 

Heaven Breaker is an imaginative sci-fi twist on nobility and jousting competitions. I enjoyed that aspect a lot.  I couldn't understand a lot of what was happening in the "saddle" but still was able to enjoy the story.  The world building was gradual with no big info dumps.  It has so many mixtures of different books/movies that I found myself listing them as I was reading.  The main characters were enjoyable and fleshed out adequately; however, I am not getting the romance (not really, just some crushing).  It seems forced.  Plot itself is good and entertaining, and you see where it is going.  However, I am upset this book ended in a cliffhanger and was not aware of it upfront.  I will not be picking up the next book whenever it comes out.  

Stay Awake was a fast well written short story.  Emotional and suspenseful.  

The Wings Upon Her Back is a more emotional read than I thought it would be.  You really get into the head of the main character(s) and understand their choices but want to intercede and say stop. Young brains are impressionable and when you have nothing else, that loyalty runs deep.  I was reminded of the Marines military mentality-do as I say.  You better hope that leader is a good one.  Can you say that same thing 26 years later when you really know what is going on in an organization.  I loved all the technology, although it was scary.  Just because you can don’t mean you should.  This story is a complicated one and very imaginative.  Kudos for it being a debut novel, and a stand alone too.  I think it was ambitious, and with the exception of a few not fleshed out pockets, it was a job well done.  I enjoyed the story. 

Does it Hurt was not as dark as I expected.  Some elements yes, but more gruffy dude.  My favorite part was the revenge F; very original for sure although dumb.  Book was more emotional than I expected also.  Some sensitive topics so if you check your triggers.  Book had lots of spice with and edge, that came out of nowhere at times.  Book was also way too long for what it was.  I did enjoy the story, but kept waiting for paranormal elements.  Now I dont' care it if this is a spoiler or not, but this is not a paranormal story.  I will leave it at that. 

Why have I not read An American Marriage before.  It was absolutely amazing.  It is entertaining, but deeply rooted in the realities of the world and the heart.  It made me want to believe in black love, not travel to small southern towns, write to a black inmate to let them know someone thinks they are a person and worth something(and put some money on their books), question my absentee dad, believe in step dads, see a dentist, punch Andre in the face, and keep reading at the same time.  The lyrical language was so beautiful that I wanted to have someone feel love like that for me and bathe in it.  I kept writing down quotes. Tayari Jones knows how to pen a book.  I'm glad the book ended in where I wanted it to because I was on pins and needles as the page count dwindled.  I woulda been hot had it gone another route.  Well done.