From the book’s description: “A queer, mixed race writer working in a largely white, male field, science and conservation journalist Sabrina Imbler has always been drawn to the mystery of life in the sea, and particularly to creatures living in hostile or remote environments.” 

In the book, Imbler has written several essays, each of which focus on a different marine creature. In each essay, they use the life, habitat, habits, etc. of each marine animal to discuss parts of their lives (and vice versa). We get to read about challenges Sabrina has faced, childhood stories, struggles with body image and eating disorder, their queer awakening, parental pressure, and so much more, interwoven with stories and facts about the animals. 

I am just so fascinated by how Sabrina was able to beautifully write these stories and include so much personal history, along with sea creatures. It’s hard to describe this book, so you may just have to read it!! But really - I deeply related to Imbler’s exploration of body and queer identity in this book. I highly recommend it, and the audiobook is fantastic! 

Queenie is having a sort-of quarter life crisis. Her boyfriend asked for a break, her job kinda sucks, and she is having adventures on the dating apps. Queenie faces a lot of covert racism on a daily basis, especially at work where her editors and boss force her to whitewash her writing. She is also estranged from her mom, and she has a lot of unresolved trauma from her childhood. 

I think this book is fantastic! It combines politics, relationships, conversations on consent, and adult friendships with a little bit of humor and a lot of relatability. This book is heartbreaking, but I was not able to put it down. Queen is a bit of an annoying main character at times, but you can’t help but love her and root for her. 

I think the author did a great job of covering mental health, heartbreak, systemic racism, and consent. A must-read in my opinon!