Although I did not love this book, it is definitely a unique and worthwhile romance. For one, the plot is interesting and unlike any other romance I Although I did not love this book, it is definitely a unique and worthwhile romance. For one, the plot is interesting and unlike any other romance I have read. Courtney Milan does a good job of forming the universe in which the story takes place.
Additionally, the diversity of the characters is exceptional: the hero is Black, the heroine is bisexual, and there are a few other supporting characters that are queer.
The heroine Camilla’s perspective was very repetitive and annoying at the beginning, but it got better. The hero Adrian was much more likable although his personality could have been fleshed out a little more.
I knew I had to read this book when I stumbled across it at the library. Gay coming-of-age with political upheaval and the dissolution of young love? I knew I had to read this book when I stumbled across it at the library. Gay coming-of-age with political upheaval and the dissolution of young love? All those things are right in my wheelhouse!
The book was pretty good. It cleverly reflects the love triangle of James Baldwin’s novel Giovanni’s Room, while also using that novel as a plot device within the story. I did enjoy this book a lot, but it felt like there was a small piece missing which prevents me from praising it completely. I can’t say what that small thing is, but either way, Swimming in the Dark is a promising debut novel and I’m glad to have read it.
Most of these poems did nothing for me because I frankly didn’t understand what they were supposed to be about. It is clear in some parts of this collMost of these poems did nothing for me because I frankly didn’t understand what they were supposed to be about. It is clear in some parts of this collection that the author is capable of creating vivid imagery and gripping narratives. In other parts, I was left feeling nothing at all except a bit of confusion.
Favorite Poems: Boy in a Whalebone Corset Drag Body & Kentucky Bourbon Guilt Sleeping Arrangement History, According to Boy
I ended up starting and finishing this book on the same day because it was so gripping and the characters were so interesting. At times, the book fee I ended up starting and finishing this book on the same day because it was so gripping and the characters were so interesting. At times, the book feels a little bit like it can’t pick a consistent direction to go in, especially the last two or three chapters. Other than that minor gripe, I loved this book and I look forward to future works from Celia Laskey because this debut novel shows great promise.
The third installment of the B-Boy Blues series takes place mostly in flashback as Mitchell remembers his relationship with a high school gymnastics The third installment of the B-Boy Blues series takes place mostly in flashback as Mitchell remembers his relationship with a high school gymnastics coach. We then return to the present for a high school reunion and Mitchell’s reckoning with that coach.
This book was so short and quick to read. I enjoyed the story a lot, especially the way that it showed the relationship from Mitchell’s past and present perspectives. It presented the heady intoxication of falling for an older man, while also showing the unhealthy and dangerous imbalance of power.
This book does not follow the present-day relationship between Mitchell and Raheim as much as the first two books of the series, but readers can rest assured that they are still very much in love. I can’t wait to check out the fourth book and see where this beautiful story leads next.
This is one of the better Young Adult romances that I have read. I enjoyed the characters and their relationships with one Review edited July 27, 2020
This is one of the better Young Adult romances that I have read. I enjoyed the characters and their relationships with one another. The plot was a little bit convoluted, especially with regards to Ruby, but it didn’t bother me because I was entertained.
It reminded me of Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda in that the characters are afraid of coming out although the reader is never really shown any of the real-life consequences that come with that process. Maybe because both of these novels are written by women whom (I assume) are straight.
In summary, this book is not perfect or amazing, but it is a quick and enjoyable YA romance (bonus points for a main character with dyslexia).
I appreciate Maggie Nelson’s honesty and the fact that she doesn’t shy away from details in regards to motherhood, sex, and everything else she addresI appreciate Maggie Nelson’s honesty and the fact that she doesn’t shy away from details in regards to motherhood, sex, and everything else she addresses herein.
Nature Poem is the “sequel” to the long-form poem IRL. This one is less narrative and a bit more thematic, focusing on indigeneity (I think that’s a wNature Poem is the “sequel” to the long-form poem IRL. This one is less narrative and a bit more thematic, focusing on indigeneity (I think that’s a word), nature, queerness, and the art of poetry itself. I found Nature Poem less satisfying than IRL, but still enjoyable and well-made.
Looking for Lorraine is a beautifully written and comprehensive biography of the amazing Lorraine Hansberry. It has inspired me in many ways and made Looking for Lorraine is a beautifully written and comprehensive biography of the amazing Lorraine Hansberry. It has inspired me in many ways and made me want to read more of Hansberry’s works. Gorgeous work.
I don’t have anything to say that hasn’t been said about this book already, but it’s hilarious and frequently relatable! Definitely recommend the aud I don’t have anything to say that hasn’t been said about this book already, but it’s hilarious and frequently relatable! Definitely recommend the audiobook as well.
Some of the plot points were a bit predictable or illogical, but this book was very enjoyable to read. I felt a lot of emotions and I didn’t want to Some of the plot points were a bit predictable or illogical, but this book was very enjoyable to read. I felt a lot of emotions and I didn’t want to stop reading until I finished.
Minor Spoilers Ahead
I expected this story to be a romance, but it’s ultimately about the main character’s growth and progress. The ending was satisfying, mostly because it allows the reader to see the growth of the main character....more
The sequel to B-Boy Blues is significantly more mature as the characters develop and grow. Some of the toxic behavior from the first novel is address The sequel to B-Boy Blues is significantly more mature as the characters develop and grow. Some of the toxic behavior from the first novel is addressed and corrected here. The story is fun to read and mostly lighthearted even when dealing with challenging topics. I’ve already got book 3 lined up.
This collection of essays, although published in 2004, still covers a lot of ground in many interesting ways. Each of the essays feels unique and tho This collection of essays, although published in 2004, still covers a lot of ground in many interesting ways. Each of the essays feels unique and thought-provoking, despite the fact that American marriage equality is no longer a topic of intense debate.
Although a little pretentious at times (Tortorella never stops mentioning the title of his first book), Space Between feels like a warm hug. I love t Although a little pretentious at times (Tortorella never stops mentioning the title of his first book), Space Between feels like a warm hug. I love the messages of acceptance and activism. It discusses addiction, love, gender, sexuality, polyamory, family, and much more in very mature and realistic ways. I can definitely foresee this book affecting me positively in the future with its promotion of self-acceptance and exploring everything within reach.
I loved the diversity and the variety of this short story collection, in both the stories and the characters that it presents. Some of the characters I loved the diversity and the variety of this short story collection, in both the stories and the characters that it presents. Some of the characters felt so realistic (especially in “You Wouldn’t Have Known”). The concepts of gender, body image, and sexuality are twisted and turned in beautiful and thought-provoking ways all throughout these stories.