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CW: racism, ableism, misogyny, use of the r-slur (multiple times), islamophobic slurs and comments, attempted rape, assault, and murder.
The only reason I didn't dnf this was because of Maribel. I couldn't care less of everything else. There was so many ableist ideology and slurs. It lowkey triggered me a bit because I saw myself a bit in Maribel. There was also this really ugly comment when a character said that someone looked like a terrorist because they had a scarf over their head........ yeah. I really wanted to like this book because I love reading books about latine experiences. But this just wasn't for me.
ALSO THE PLOT HOLES AND RANDOM CHAPTERS FOLLOWING RANDOM CHARACTERS WAS SO ANNOYING!!
not me staying up at 2 am thinking this book would keep getting better..... call the circus they missed a clown.
cw: death, fatphobic comments, ableism and ablest terminology.
i was promised a eerie horror/thriller and what i got was a weirdly paced literary trying to be mysterious. i love short books but damn i wish this was longer and went in depth in the “thriller-y” aspects. i would continue ranting but i'm tired and want to be free from this book lmao.
honestly if you're intrigued by this pick it up, you might like it. but it just wasn't for me.
Thank you Oni press and net galley for an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Transphobia, Sexual Harassment, and Fatphobic remarks.
This was so cute! I really enjoyed my time reading this. It was so nice to see a plus sized main character that is athletic and doesn't give af. I loved Annie and BeBe so much. I loved the way their friendship blossomed into a relationship. And how they always had each other's backs to peoples hateful remarks towards the other. I also really liked how this showed that all bodies are healthy and can be active.
But i feel like it was too short and most of the problems they were presented with were resolved too quickly. Some of the cheerleaders made some transphobic comments and microaggressions and we never got to see them apologizing. We can just see that they do grow from that and learn to truly accept BeBe. I just wish we could've seen more.
Overall, I definitely recommend this graphic novel its wholesome, has great representation, and has a great message.
CW: abuse, suicide, miscarriage, cheating, use of the r-slur.
This felt like I was watching an episode of the k-drama, Hello my Twenties. This novel follows 5 women as they deal with the life expectations and beauty standards in Korean culture. It was interesting to see the characters in their day-to-day lives. It felt as if I was in a conversation with each of the characters. Not knowing everything but knowing enough to love and care for them all. I ended up connecting with and invested in the lives of each of the women we follow. I would recommend it for fans of Kim Ji-young born 1982 and contemporary k-dramas.
cw: death of a loved one, grief, school shooting, mentions of gun violence, suicide, islamophobia and racism
rep: Lebanese American, Muslim MC, MC with a Speech Impediment.
Jasmine Warga did it again y'all!! This book was so beautifully written. Warga brings up very serious and difficult theme with gun violence which is something that plagues America every single year. I loved how the novel doesn't expand on the event itself. But, leaves the reader to understand what happened with the brief mentions and conversations that the characters have. It shows the aftermath between the family of a victim and the family of the shooter. And how that affects even the strongest of bonds.
I loved this book so much. Between the gorgeous writing and the characters. This is definitely a book i would recommend to everyone that's not triggered by any of the themes that this book hits.
Also can I just say that I love the adults in this book. Especially Cora's dad and Grandma. I loved how involved and how they were always there for her. On the other hand... throw Quinn's dad away lol.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the e-ARC in exchange of an honest review.
THIS BOOK GOT ME CRYING AT WORK
This book took me completely by surprise. I was initially intrigued by this because it gave me grown (by tiffany d. jackson) vibes. They both talk about the dark side of the music industry. But they're both so different.
Muted follows Denver and her two friends as they want to make it big. And with the help of Rap legend Sean “Mercury” Ellis, they will surely get there. But, things fall into place a little too easily. And the question, How far are you willing to go to make your dreams come true?
This is a story of a girl trying to make her dreams come true, survive, and figuring out her sexuality. Please go into this book with caution. I wish i would've known about certain themes before going into it. I was really triggered by the fatphobic & diet/ed themes in this book. I still recommend this book if you think you won't be affected by any of the themes I mention in the Content Warning section in the end of my review.
rep: Haitian Lesbian MC, Dominican Queer LI, Black Side characters
CW: physical & mental abuse, fatphobia, forced dieting, eating disorder, gaslighting, drug use, alcohol abuse, assault, saying queer a relationship is just a phase, rape, pedophilia, blood, kidnapping, death, gun violence.
