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ashylibrarian's reviews
891 reviews
Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings
I have thoughts on this book I would like to share, however, I will be withholding my review for this title in solidarity with the St. Martin's Press Marketing Boycott.
The book community is demanding three (3) things of St. Martin's:
1. Address and denounce the Islamophobia and racism from their employee.
2. Offer tangible steps for how they're going to mitigate the harm this employee caused.
3. Address how moving forward, they will support and protect their Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab readers, influencers, and authors in addition to their BIPOC readers, influencers, and authors.
This boycott is a media boycott asking influencers not to promote books from St. Martin's Press. If you are interested in supporting the authors, please still buy/borrow and read their books, just please do not promote those books on socials.
The book community is demanding three (3) things of St. Martin's:
1. Address and denounce the Islamophobia and racism from their employee.
2. Offer tangible steps for how they're going to mitigate the harm this employee caused.
3. Address how moving forward, they will support and protect their Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab readers, influencers, and authors in addition to their BIPOC readers, influencers, and authors.
This boycott is a media boycott asking influencers not to promote books from St. Martin's Press. If you are interested in supporting the authors, please still buy/borrow and read their books, just please do not promote those books on socials.
Cat + Gamer, Volume 1 by Wataru Nadatani
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A truly lovely, lighthearted read that gives perspectives from both the human gamer and her fluffy feline companion. With subtle humor slipped throughout, you can’t help saying “awww!”
From Here by Luma Mufleh
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
As a gay Muslim woman growing up in 1980’s Jordan, Luma concealed her true self. After years of hiding, she applied for political asylum, and though it was not always easy, she found self-acceptance and empowerment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Homophobia, Sexual content, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Animal death, Cancer, and War
Minor: Rape and Cultural appropriation
Sounds Fake But Okay: An Asexual and Aromantic Perspective on Love, Relationships, Sex, and Pretty Much Anything Else by Sarah Costello, Kayla Kaszyca
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
This was missing something. I tried to get into it and I just didn’t feel like I was learning anything new or substantial.
Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A middle-grade novel full of growth, friendship, adventure, and learning. Friendships can be complicated and sometimes messy. Sass does a great job exploring the ebbs and flows of this complications and resolutions in Ellen Outside the Lines. It was great to see such a dynamic cast of characters, as well. Each growing and learning more about themselves through their trip to Spain.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Outing
Moderate: Transphobia
Penguin & House, Volume 2 by Akiho Ieda
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
The Prospects by KT Hoffman
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Transphobia, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Deadnaming, Car accident, and Death of parent
Chef's Kiss by Jarrett Melendez
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
So cute! I wish there was more to the story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Gaslighting
Moderate: Vomit and Alcohol
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A strong historical fiction that tells the lost story of Martha Ballard, a midwife who delivered over 1,000 babies in her small town.
Maybe a more in-depth review to come?
Maybe a more in-depth review to come?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Child death, Sexual content, Blood, Medical trauma, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and War
Becoming a Queen by Dan Clay
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Wow is this book full of heart and emotion. A beautifully written story that explores friendship, self-acceptance and -discovery, and grief (in the many facets of life). This is a book I will be thinking about for a while.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Grief, and Alcohol
Moderate: Cursing, Homophobia, and Toxic relationship