Alicia

Gave me goosebumps. Will never read the word “creep” the same way again eugh

I really believe writings on social justice are products of their era and are challenging to revisit with a critical eye years later. This book/essay could definitely be better and more intersectional. But it was also written almost a decade ago. It doesn't make the gender essentialism and dismissal of the trans experience ok, but I feel like this essay is a byproduct of the politics and public consciousness of the moment. If it changed minds at the time and drove people to think critically (and I believe it did) then it did it's job. I don't see a reason to revisit it in 2023 besides the fact that I needed a short book to tide me over between library loans lol. I think our public consciousness around gender justice is more advanced and nuanced today, and that's great!

Gorgeous. Devastating. Both a really easy read and a REALLY tough read. Heavy is a masterpiece

I think I first read this book at about 12 or 13, but I gasped remembering Inkheart and Inkspell - this was one of the first books I ever read that had me on the edge of my seat and really viscerally invested in what was happening with the characters. Funke weaves such a comprehensive world with such rich relationships within it, and I remember breathlessly reading on to find out what was to come of the characters I'd grown to love. Highly highly recommend, particularly I think for young adults/adolescents, and definitely on my list to re-read.

3.5, the triumphant ending really saved it for me. I can only read about horrifying injuries for so long