Sorry this is so late! Enjoy!
Becoming Ted – Matt Cain
My friend Bonnie gave me an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, and I am so glad! As someone slowly breaking into drag, I found this book inspiring and very relatable. I did feel like Giles (who I could not stop picturing Rupert Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer whenever I read/saw his name) got off rather easy, and Oskar and Ted’s apology/reunion was a little rushed, but overall very enjoyable! I also wasn’t expecting two other POVs (Oskar, as well as Ted’s best friend), but that’s just stating a fact, I’m not mad about it.
The Palace of Eros – Caro De Robertis
I LOVED the discussions of sex and sexuality (and gender and gender roles) in this book, as well as the importance of consent, autonomy, and boundaries. The larger goal and metaphor of wanting and needing to protect women and our rights were very beautifully done. I wasn’t super into Greek myths and retellings when I was younger (sorry PJO-fans, I only read the first series). I think Zeus got off too easy but I’m sure that’s a common complaint in the myths.
The Blues Brothers – Daniel De Vise
The Blues Brothers is my favorite movie of all time, and this book was such a comprehensive history of not only the movie itself, but Belushi, Aykroyd, and Landis’s beginnings. Reading about John’s love for Judy, Dan, and his craft was so wonderful, and also his drug problems. It was also fun to read about how all these now-famous comedians and actors knew each other and how they’re connected. There were things about the movie that even I didn’t know!
So You Want to Be a Wizard and Deep Wizardry – Diane Duane
(Two books but I’m reviewing them as one) I LOVED Duane’s Star Trek novel Doctor’s Orders, and since I got back on tumblr (which I am not sharing here, thank you) I have been following her account, where she mentions her Young Wizards series. I enjoyed the science and logic throughout these books, and how mature they were for the time–I don’t think I ever read a YA novel like that that included “the talk.” The second book was super intense! I know that there are more books in the series, but I still had my doubts.
House of Frank – Kay Sinclaire
This book hit me very close to home, since it discussed grief and moving on. I lost a beloved family member last year, and I had to take breaks through. In terms of “cozy fantasy,” I preferred this over Legends and Lattes; I like my stories to have a little bit of tension. Yes, there were descriptions of food and reading on the porch swing, but the ending!! I was tense! I also loved the romance between Oli and Saika. Overall, I highly enjoyed it!
Clay’s Ark – Octavia E. Butler
This entry in the Patternist series is probably my favorite (at the time of writing, I have completed the series). This is another one of Butler’s books that were way ahead of its time–the conversations about the virus spreading, especially the final section, were very harrowing. Reminded me a lot of the pandemic, especially since this book takes place in 2021? Clay’s Ark also reminded me a lot of Parable of the Sower, with the class conflicts and emphasis on gated communities. I loved the parallel timelines, with the two sisters and the dad. Overall, one of Butler’s scariest works, personally.
E. A. Young Writes 