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beansandrice's reviews
105 reviews
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-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
4.25
I'm glad this book exists, but it definitely isn't for everyone. The overlapping realities of trans lives and reproductive rights are incredibly complicated, and Detransition, Baby doesn't shy away from this complexity. This book isn't at all about providing answers, but I'll be thinking back to it a lot with these topics nevertheless. In the end, Detransition, Baby is about capturing a certain kind of trans experience, and Torrey Peters undeniably succeeds at this.
It does still have a few rough edges, especially how it left me wanting in its various conversations around ethnicity and race. Admittedly, I almost DNF'd it because the many explicit sex scenes were almost too much for me. I don't regret finishing it though. I saw myself so much in these characters, despite the fact that they're very different kinds of trans people compared to myself.
Don't expect perfection, expect a journey.
It does still have a few rough edges, especially how it left me wanting in its various conversations around ethnicity and race. Admittedly, I almost DNF'd it because the many explicit sex scenes were almost too much for me. I don't regret finishing it though. I saw myself so much in these characters, despite the fact that they're very different kinds of trans people compared to myself.
Don't expect perfection, expect a journey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Infidelity, Transphobia, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Deadnaming, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Abortion, and Outing
Lost Caverns of Ixalan by Magic The Gathering, Miguel Lopez, Valerie Valdes
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation
Moderate: Death, Violence, and War
Strixhaven by Adana Washington
lighthearted
slow-paced
1.0
Strixhaven storyline was hardly a story at all. Why Kasmina was important was never discussed, Liliana feels shoe-horned in, and Will and Rowan barely go through anything resembling a character arc. One of the worst MTG stories I've ever read.
Ixalan and Rivals of Ixalan by Alison Luhrs
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.0
If you only focus on Jace/Vraska then you'll have a good time. Ixalan has.....a lot of baggage though, to say the least. :/
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
Just wasn't doing anything for me. Technically fun and is clearly Kuang stretching her muscles while also letting herself breathe easier. If I talked about it with someone who's read it more in-depth, I could be convinced to pick it up again
Broken Places & Outer Spaces: Finding Creativity in the Unexpected by Nnedi Okorafor
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
A mini-memoir that spawned from folks inviting Okorafor to give talks but not making their spaces accessible for her. If you're a major Okorafor fan like me, it's quick and worth the read.
Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
So much to compliment about this book, the way it interrogates histories of colonialism, race, and hierarchy. But something that doesn't get talked about is how this is a masterclass of exposition and worldbuilding. Every moment is tense, and every single magical element is intimately tied to the themes.
If you can handle the CWs, I strongly suggest you give it a go.
If you can handle the CWs, I strongly suggest you give it a go.