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aswygs's reviews
44 reviews
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I need to read and reread again to soak it all in
a tragic queer love story
compulsory heteronormativity and misogyny and closetedness all wrapped into a complicated situation
I love love love Giovanni and my heart breaks for his misfortune
also me: under the beauty and bravado, terror and a terrible desire to please
“Love him and let him love you. Do you think anything else under heaven really matters?” the fact you know Giovanni will die in prison very early on in the book is sad, and then when your learn WHY all the sadder. I didn’t see it coming
David is complicated, and I see him trying to figure himself out and what he wants, and he hurts everyone in his path
interesting commentary on misogyny in men who love men and do not value women
Hella is a queen and deserved better, and she knows she deserves better and yet settles for the times
I really wish I knew French for the full experience
every gay person should read it, it’s a beautiful reflection on love and identity and how relationships evoke parts of ourselves we never knew, and how when it’s counter cultural, it’s all the more difficult to integrate
a tragic queer love story
compulsory heteronormativity and misogyny and closetedness all wrapped into a complicated situation
I love love love Giovanni and my heart breaks for his misfortune
also me: under the beauty and bravado, terror and a terrible desire to please
“Love him and let him love you. Do you think anything else under heaven really matters?” the fact you know Giovanni will die in prison very early on in the book is sad, and then when your learn WHY all the sadder. I didn’t see it coming
David is complicated, and I see him trying to figure himself out and what he wants, and he hurts everyone in his path
interesting commentary on misogyny in men who love men and do not value women
Hella is a queen and deserved better, and she knows she deserves better and yet settles for the times
I really wish I knew French for the full experience
every gay person should read it, it’s a beautiful reflection on love and identity and how relationships evoke parts of ourselves we never knew, and how when it’s counter cultural, it’s all the more difficult to integrate
Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living by Rueben P. Job
reflective
slow-paced
1.25
outdated, reads like an old white man
this book lost me on the first page when it said “most of never imagined we spill be living in such a divided world” in reference to the post-WWII without identifying America was literally divided by race by Jim Crow
1. do no harm
- positions do not harm as do no nothing
- NO ATTENTION to systemic evil. there is no ethical consumption under capitalism
- it’s not possible to do not harm without not addressing the systems that oppress
- what are the underlying values of “do no harm?” why?
- good language on self-examination and reflection
2. do good
- how do you know if something is good?
- weird reflection on self-denial
- just didn’t really say much
3. stay in love with god
- only section that was moderately okay
- I fuck with the word “ordinance”
- public worship, scripture, communion, public and private prayer, Bible study, and fasting
- and extension for spiritual disciplines to include actions that heal pain, injustice, and inequality of our world
this book lost me on the first page when it said “most of never imagined we spill be living in such a divided world” in reference to the post-WWII without identifying America was literally divided by race by Jim Crow
1. do no harm
- positions do not harm as do no nothing
- NO ATTENTION to systemic evil. there is no ethical consumption under capitalism
- it’s not possible to do not harm without not addressing the systems that oppress
- what are the underlying values of “do no harm?” why?
- good language on self-examination and reflection
2. do good
- how do you know if something is good?
- weird reflection on self-denial
- just didn’t really say much
3. stay in love with god
- only section that was moderately okay
- I fuck with the word “ordinance”
- public worship, scripture, communion, public and private prayer, Bible study, and fasting
- and extension for spiritual disciplines to include actions that heal pain, injustice, and inequality of our world
Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.75
love love love love
obsessed, would recommend to any baby gay or questioning girlie
the stream of consciousness is incredible and imogen is so relatable and funny
🔥 Tessa!! the love story is so cute and Imogen finding queer belonging is so heartwarming and lovely
also just a great homage to freshman year and ding out who you are and who your community is
Lilli and Edith are the sweetest
incredible commentary on identify politics, queerness, questioning, the “right” way to be queer
literally the only reason this isn’t a 5 is because the book ended without further conversation with Gretchen. I understand the choice to omit and think it’s pretty powerful, esp the “maybe Gretchen’s my back story” AND the reality is imogen’s story wouldn’t end there and she would see Gretchen in person again. And I do think that story would be helpful for baby queers navigating their life AND for Gretchen gays to know how to properly respond
LOVE IT
we need more cutesy sapphic YA romance out here for the kiddos
obsessed, would recommend to any baby gay or questioning girlie
the stream of consciousness is incredible and imogen is so relatable and funny
🔥 Tessa!! the love story is so cute and Imogen finding queer belonging is so heartwarming and lovely
also just a great homage to freshman year and ding out who you are and who your community is
Lilli and Edith are the sweetest
incredible commentary on identify politics, queerness, questioning, the “right” way to be queer
literally the only reason this isn’t a 5 is because the book ended without further conversation with Gretchen. I understand the choice to omit and think it’s pretty powerful, esp the “maybe Gretchen’s my back story” AND the reality is imogen’s story wouldn’t end there and she would see Gretchen in person again. And I do think that story would be helpful for baby queers navigating their life AND for Gretchen gays to know how to properly respond
LOVE IT
we need more cutesy sapphic YA romance out here for the kiddos
A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
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
4.5
everyone dies
except poor poor tenente
I think it did a really good job embodying the experience of being a soldier for the allies in world war I
and the sense of endlessness and frustration
the first half was relatively slow, and a lot of war and injury and recovery
and when that boy goes back to the front lines HOLY SHIT it got crazy
I was unwell when the Italians retreated and he spent one more night in the mess reflecting on his friendships, esp rinaldi and the priest
normalize calling your best friend baby
and then the retreat journey was just bad all the way down
unwell again when they were shooting anybody in Italian uniforms assuming they were German spies
“Nothing happens to the brave. They die of course. But only once. The coward died a thousand deaths, the brave but one.”
and then the overnight rowboat to switzerland? wild. I was so nervous
I really wanted him to have a happy Swiss life with Catherine and a child but NO
this man only received despair
wife dies of childbirth on the literal last page
like goddamn
no wonder he had a drinking problem
except poor poor tenente
I think it did a really good job embodying the experience of being a soldier for the allies in world war I
and the sense of endlessness and frustration
the first half was relatively slow, and a lot of war and injury and recovery
and when that boy goes back to the front lines HOLY SHIT it got crazy
I was unwell when the Italians retreated and he spent one more night in the mess reflecting on his friendships, esp rinaldi and the priest
normalize calling your best friend baby
and then the retreat journey was just bad all the way down
unwell again when they were shooting anybody in Italian uniforms assuming they were German spies
“Nothing happens to the brave. They die of course. But only once. The coward died a thousand deaths, the brave but one.”
and then the overnight rowboat to switzerland? wild. I was so nervous
I really wanted him to have a happy Swiss life with Catherine and a child but NO
this man only received despair
wife dies of childbirth on the literal last page
like goddamn
no wonder he had a drinking problem
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
the plot THICKENS
would be 5 stars if Aelin wasn’t just a wreck at the beginning / it just feels like such a different world from the first 2 books it always takes an adjustment
love love LOVE ROWAN and his development 🦅
and how he and Aelin bring out the light in one another
also the whole mistward gang is so wholesome - love the gays
Aedion walking into the story like 🐺🤪🗡️🤭🔪
and honestly Chaol isn’t hopeless in this one tho my heart hurts for the Dorian Chaol ship
also poor little baby Dorian and his 2 minutes of happiness, that himbo deserves better I just adore him
MANON AND THE THIRTEEN
first read through: why the fuck are we spending so much time on this pov
second read through: NOW UNTIL THE DARKNESS CLAIMS US.
literally living for Abraxos and I can only imagine him as toothless from how to train your dragon 🐈⬛
Manon caring for him and building up his strength is just so beautiful and develops her so much
also I stan her and Asterin and that fanfic has to be hot
would be 5 stars if Aelin wasn’t just a wreck at the beginning / it just feels like such a different world from the first 2 books it always takes an adjustment
love love LOVE ROWAN and his development 🦅
and how he and Aelin bring out the light in one another
also the whole mistward gang is so wholesome - love the gays
Aedion walking into the story like 🐺🤪🗡️🤭🔪
and honestly Chaol isn’t hopeless in this one tho my heart hurts for the Dorian Chaol ship
also poor little baby Dorian and his 2 minutes of happiness, that himbo deserves better I just adore him
MANON AND THE THIRTEEN
first read through: why the fuck are we spending so much time on this pov
second read through: NOW UNTIL THE DARKNESS CLAIMS US.
literally living for Abraxos and I can only imagine him as toothless from how to train your dragon 🐈⬛
Manon caring for him and building up his strength is just so beautiful and develops her so much
also I stan her and Asterin and that fanfic has to be hot
Orlando by Virginia Woolf
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I think it’s a 4. I am truly unsure how to evaluate this book
I do not understand the ending; that’s for sure
there’s not really any plot? and that made it difficult to follow
I was truly not ready for the protagonist to wake up from a week long nap and transition genders
it’s an interesting commentary on the differences in socialization and navigating the privileges and stigmas of each
Orlando returning to her estate and it being so gender affirming 🥹🥹🥹
there was no lesbianism tho, that was an incorrect sell
some hints at an asexuality discourse, and then she becomes engaged to a man within 2 minutes of knowing him
but Orlando really did say you turn 30, everyone’s coupled up, so I might as well marry the next guy I see
but the real question how did this bitch find another gender queer in this political climate
BUT THEN SHE HAD A BABY? and then there is NO MENTION of it again
we just on that violent seesaw from life to death
Orlando would’ve loved watt pad
we have all been struck by the disease of wanting to be a writer
I am kinda speechless after reading and truly am not sure what to do with it, but I had a good time
I do not understand the ending; that’s for sure
there’s not really any plot? and that made it difficult to follow
I was truly not ready for the protagonist to wake up from a week long nap and transition genders
it’s an interesting commentary on the differences in socialization and navigating the privileges and stigmas of each
Orlando returning to her estate and it being so gender affirming 🥹🥹🥹
there was no lesbianism tho, that was an incorrect sell
some hints at an asexuality discourse, and then she becomes engaged to a man within 2 minutes of knowing him
but Orlando really did say you turn 30, everyone’s coupled up, so I might as well marry the next guy I see
but the real question how did this bitch find another gender queer in this political climate
BUT THEN SHE HAD A BABY? and then there is NO MENTION of it again
we just on that violent seesaw from life to death
Orlando would’ve loved watt pad
we have all been struck by the disease of wanting to be a writer
I am kinda speechless after reading and truly am not sure what to do with it, but I had a good time
very British magical realism
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.25
really insightful on the dynamics of social epidemics
1) Law of the Few
1) Law of the Few
- 80/20 Principle, 80% of the “work” will be done by 20% of the participants, depending on how sociable they are, how energetic, o knowledgeable or influential among their peers
- Connectors, Mavens. and Salespeople
2) Stickiness Factor
- = message makes an impact; it sticks in your memory
- Relatively simple changes in presentation and structuring of information that can make a big difference in how much of an impact it makes
- Sesame Street and Blues Clues
3) Power of Context
- 150 people maximum for health community
- NY graffiti and crime rates
- John Wesley shoutout
definitely helpful in thinking about trends and how to bring about change
old book, still pretty relevant
old book, still pretty relevant
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
it was a solid 3 before the last 10 pages,
this whole book felt like a fever dream
WAY too much going on here, should’ve been 2 books
parts 1 & 2 feel so disjointed
tbh could’ve just eliminated part 1 entirely, why the fuck would they go back to school AND be able to keep up the lie?? make it compute. plus time in aretia was way more interesting
I cannot take anymore angsty sexual tension, either work it out or move on goddamn
and the chemistry isn’t even convincing
or maybe xaden just isn’t a compelling anti-hero / morally grey character
regardless, violet is horny af, distrustful to a fault, and shitty with boundaries
the andarna plot line is driving me crazy
tbh we ride with tairn, bc that bitch is over the pining, the angst, and the drama
and saegyl, we stan the dragons. they just tryna make it through
DO NOT GET ME STARTED ON THE JACK BARLOWE PLOT LINE
1) why did we bring him back to life
2) you mean to tell me this mofo was venin THE ENTIRE TIME?? make it make sense, like. WHAT.
and xaden with the mind reading, I just
I liked the dain redemption arc, we live for jessenia. love the whole iron squad
still can’t believe the prince is just chilling with them and the king is not at all bothered, but it’s cool. we’re rocking with aaric because aaric’s rocking with us
I liked the fliers and the gryffins too, wish we spent more time on their development than poorly written angry sex scenes
tbh I’m on cat’s side, I’d fuck with violet’s emotional stability too
and ofc it ends with a mom death
but xaden as venin, come on. like WHY. who thought this was a good idea of where the story should go
idk if my heart can go on, I felt like I was working hard to hold all the threads together and now I’m just frustrated and confused
this whole book felt like a fever dream
WAY too much going on here, should’ve been 2 books
parts 1 & 2 feel so disjointed
tbh could’ve just eliminated part 1 entirely, why the fuck would they go back to school AND be able to keep up the lie?? make it compute. plus time in aretia was way more interesting
I cannot take anymore angsty sexual tension, either work it out or move on goddamn
and the chemistry isn’t even convincing
or maybe xaden just isn’t a compelling anti-hero / morally grey character
regardless, violet is horny af, distrustful to a fault, and shitty with boundaries
the andarna plot line is driving me crazy
tbh we ride with tairn, bc that bitch is over the pining, the angst, and the drama
and saegyl, we stan the dragons. they just tryna make it through
DO NOT GET ME STARTED ON THE JACK BARLOWE PLOT LINE
1) why did we bring him back to life
2) you mean to tell me this mofo was venin THE ENTIRE TIME?? make it make sense, like. WHAT.
and xaden with the mind reading, I just
I liked the dain redemption arc, we live for jessenia. love the whole iron squad
still can’t believe the prince is just chilling with them and the king is not at all bothered, but it’s cool. we’re rocking with aaric because aaric’s rocking with us
I liked the fliers and the gryffins too, wish we spent more time on their development than poorly written angry sex scenes
tbh I’m on cat’s side, I’d fuck with violet’s emotional stability too
and ofc it ends with a mom death
but xaden as venin, come on. like WHY. who thought this was a good idea of where the story should go
idk if my heart can go on, I felt like I was working hard to hold all the threads together and now I’m just frustrated and confused
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
yarros clearly wanted to be dauntless in middle school, read acotar, and added dragons
xaden is just rhysand with a dragon, and violet is feyre with just one power and ehlers danlos syndrome
violet also giving angsty, horny tris
liked the world, love the dragons
plot feels a little easy and overdone, easy to guess each twist (especially the last page 🙄)
low key just a lower tier romantasy novel of this age
I mean couldn’t put it down obviously but a little predictable and not super original
glad I read it for the cultural moment I guess
xaden is just rhysand with a dragon, and violet is feyre with just one power and ehlers danlos syndrome
violet also giving angsty, horny tris
liked the world, love the dragons
plot feels a little easy and overdone, easy to guess each twist (especially the last page 🙄)
low key just a lower tier romantasy novel of this age
I mean couldn’t put it down obviously but a little predictable and not super original
glad I read it for the cultural moment I guess
All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
love = love, affection, recognition, respect, commitment, + trust, as well as honest and open communication
Fromm’s def: “the will to extend one’s self for the purpose of nurturing one’s own or another’s spiritual growth”
loved the clarity in language
loved inclusivity around platonic, communal, and erotic love
definitely written by a heterosexual
felt like not the right book for the right time
lots about loving men in a life where I have very few men in my circle
buttttt we still hate patriarchy all the way down, she slays for that
tbh, probably would’ve scored higher but the last chapter was absolutely dreadful with her use of the Abrahamic patriarch Jacob and his relationship to his “soulmate” Rachel as the example of doing the work of anti-patriarchal, spiritually transformative love 🤢 WRONG
also, she used a lot of generalization of “men” and “women” in ways that weren’t always helpful, and did some perspective taking that felt a little inappropriate and disembodied
Fromm’s def: “the will to extend one’s self for the purpose of nurturing one’s own or another’s spiritual growth”
loved the clarity in language
loved inclusivity around platonic, communal, and erotic love
definitely written by a heterosexual
felt like not the right book for the right time
lots about loving men in a life where I have very few men in my circle
buttttt we still hate patriarchy all the way down, she slays for that
tbh, probably would’ve scored higher but the last chapter was absolutely dreadful with her use of the Abrahamic patriarch Jacob and his relationship to his “soulmate” Rachel as the example of doing the work of anti-patriarchal, spiritually transformative love 🤢 WRONG
also, she used a lot of generalization of “men” and “women” in ways that weren’t always helpful, and did some perspective taking that felt a little inappropriate and disembodied