She/Her. 20s. Most of my reading is trying to keep up with my book club. On my own I like SF/F, manga (I track that on MAL,) trans lit and sapphic romance, as well as some non-fiction about topics I find fascinating, like dance music, videogames, psychoactive substances, and computers. I also try to read theory and more academic works, though I've struggled with that since I was younger. My main fedi is currently @throatmuppet@xyzzy.link.
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Heather McKenna has no idea how to be a werewolf. Her wolf might be free …
This month is looking to be remarkably exhausting. this book helped. I liked it a bit less than the first. Is that the fault of the book or my circumstances? who can tell. Abbot delivers exactly what I need.
Natalie Donovan jumps at a friend’s offer to stay in the family cabin for a …
You know the rest.
A god will return When the earth and sky converge Under the black sun
In …
I haven't read enough fantasy since I started reading again to say much that can't be disentangled from my reading experience. I will say: I found the characters interesting, their dynamics more so, and the backdrop of the meso-american inspired fantasy captivating. It was so compelling I finished in one sitting. As soon as the book club for this one wraps, I'm starting the sequel.
**2019 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST
A haunting Orwellian novel about the terrors of state surveillance, …
It wasn't for me, but I'm still glad I read it. Ogawa's greyscale, slowly grinding dystopia gives the mind's eye a view of a world where epistemic injustice is extremely unsubtle, and still the people oppressed are unable to give voice to this, in fact directly because of it. The mechanics of the world don't quite make sense -maybe something lost in translation- but once you move past the small things that you think need answers and look at the bigger picture, things begin to take shape. Interesting questions about the setting and happenings of the narrative are left unanswered intentionally, and left as exercises to the reader. I was reminded throughout my reading of Yokohama Kaidashi Kiko- that being a 90s reaction to climate change and this a piece of dystopic literature, but the comparison seems apt to me because of the slow creep of impending doom. The eponymous …
It wasn't for me, but I'm still glad I read it. Ogawa's greyscale, slowly grinding dystopia gives the mind's eye a view of a world where epistemic injustice is extremely unsubtle, and still the people oppressed are unable to give voice to this, in fact directly because of it. The mechanics of the world don't quite make sense -maybe something lost in translation- but once you move past the small things that you think need answers and look at the bigger picture, things begin to take shape. Interesting questions about the setting and happenings of the narrative are left unanswered intentionally, and left as exercises to the reader. I was reminded throughout my reading of Yokohama Kaidashi Kiko- that being a 90s reaction to climate change and this a piece of dystopic literature, but the comparison seems apt to me because of the slow creep of impending doom. The eponymous Memory Police almost seem more like a force of nature run amok than anything human. A great book club read that generates lots of discussion regardless of whether you like it or not. I don't think I'll be returning to it, though.
Frustrated by her current relationship, trans lesbian Maria Griffiths decides to change her life by …
I was put onto this by the Transfeminine Review, and goodness am I glad. Much of what it has to say about queer community and how it treats trans women is still relevant today, and there are times it felt like my life was put on the page- like someone had read my mind! Maria is a window into our community- its no wonder this was a breakout hit. She's not likeable, at times- just like me and the girls I know aren't. She's genuine and a better character for it, a reflection for the world to see, but more importantly for girls like us to see. It's not quite perfect- its a little overly self conscious and the writing can be emotionally disconnected- but at the same time that's very fitting for what Nevada is trying to be. Definitely recommend
Frustrated by her current relationship, trans lesbian Maria Griffiths decides to change her life by …
In a strange little home built into the branches of a grove of trees, live …
The variety of perspectives at book club was surprising. Other than that; of all the books in the world, it is among them
The Hades Calculus
The duo behind the psuedonym Maria Ying deliver a compelling tale of messed up lesbians embroiled in the politics and violence of a far flung Olympian future. However, following the fandom reaction lead me to believe I was going to experience an even more stark and depraved setting than was provided. Very happy with what I read, excited for more when it comes, but another tally in the "you should never read twitter" column.
Watching Ellie and Homa move through the world, first as young people full of hope, then as disillusioned adults, moving on separate but entertwined paths in life as the ground is swept out from under them, over and over was terribly moving. Once the story got going the pages flicked by faster than I could realize. Two people on the jagged edge of forces totally beyond their control and what they do in the face of it nearly drove me to tears several times. Definitely reccomended.
It’s less a loose collective of writers and artists than it is a way to …
I built it up in my head too much, but I was really expecting more from this given how every transfemme with good taste I know says the name "Empty Spaces" with either hushed tones of reverence for what it was, or a sadness at its falling apart. There were a couple of pieces that felt like someone was reading my mind, as well as a one or two more that left me feeling things I can't describe. Largely, those made the experience of reading through the rest of it, which fell very flat, worth it.
What is the purpose of a map?
Nell Young’s whole life and greatest passion is …
The characters are a bit thin, there's a romantic subplot that doesn't really go anywhere or do anything, and the first half of the book is thankfully a quick read for how little is going on. The back half, after the twist is revealed, is much more compelling and is probably best enjoyed in a single sitting. Some characters are much more fleshed out, and the developing intrigue mixed with the dramatic irony (you can totally tell who the villain is before they ever reveal themselves) makes every page gripping and a little heart-wrenching. I was filled with thoughts like "is the antagonist going to show their hand now" and the twist was so out of left field given the otherwise rather mundane nature of the setting it genuinely took me by surprise. Glad I read it, and though I won't be reading it again, I'm excited to talk about …
The characters are a bit thin, there's a romantic subplot that doesn't really go anywhere or do anything, and the first half of the book is thankfully a quick read for how little is going on. The back half, after the twist is revealed, is much more compelling and is probably best enjoyed in a single sitting. Some characters are much more fleshed out, and the developing intrigue mixed with the dramatic irony (you can totally tell who the villain is before they ever reveal themselves) makes every page gripping and a little heart-wrenching. I was filled with thoughts like "is the antagonist going to show their hand now" and the twist was so out of left field given the otherwise rather mundane nature of the setting it genuinely took me by surprise. Glad I read it, and though I won't be reading it again, I'm excited to talk about it at book club.
Two time-traveling agents from warring futures, working their way through the past, begin to exchange …
Even in the flaws it grows stronger. This is a book that is going to stay with me for a long, long time.
For all his life, Sol has believed he's only worthy of affection as long as …
The overwrought handwringing about a world run by elon musk expys is a bit much, and the writing in some places is quite clunky. That said, the world envisioned in Catknip is a beautiful one, full of people I would either like to know, or feel like I already do. It was a comforting read on a couple levels, with almost the right balance of fluff to steam. I'm glad I've read it and would reccomend to anyone else with a similar preternatural attraction to stories of becoming yourself.
Not all it's chalked up to be. Glad I read it, but failed to really impress.