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ambershelf's reviews
1295 reviews
skin & bones by Renée Watson
I really appreciate the discussions of fatphobia, especially moving through the world as a plus sized black woman, and how that affects adults and children. The themes of how body positivity is hijacked by white women, how wellness has an undertone of fatphobia, and even how “plus size” can still be exclusionary to certain body types are all important topics that are explored brilliantly in this novel in verse.
What challenged me is especially how me as a smaller-sized person should talk about my own body/health in an inclusive manner and examine my internalized fatphobia. Do I want to be thin because of health reasons? Or do I not want to be a specific size because I correlate size with beauty standards?
Watson’s craft as a poet really shines through. While the nonlinear and short paragraphs, vignette-like storytelling might not work for all readers, I really appreciate the almost poetry-like writing style. I’d also recommend those interested in novel in verse writing to consider picking this book up—it’s very approachable while having a great balance in prose, character, and plot
4.75
I really appreciate the discussions of fatphobia, especially moving through the world as a plus sized black woman, and how that affects adults and children. The themes of how body positivity is hijacked by white women, how wellness has an undertone of fatphobia, and even how “plus size” can still be exclusionary to certain body types are all important topics that are explored brilliantly in this novel in verse.
What challenged me is especially how me as a smaller-sized person should talk about my own body/health in an inclusive manner and examine my internalized fatphobia. Do I want to be thin because of health reasons? Or do I not want to be a specific size because I correlate size with beauty standards?
Watson’s craft as a poet really shines through. While the nonlinear and short paragraphs, vignette-like storytelling might not work for all readers, I really appreciate the almost poetry-like writing style. I’d also recommend those interested in novel in verse writing to consider picking this book up—it’s very approachable while having a great balance in prose, character, and plot
Mask of the Deer Woman by Laurie L. Dove
4.25
Finished copy gifted by the publisher
The author aptly explored themes of missing indigenous women/girls and not getting much media attention, what she describes as “twice lost” in the story.
I had some hesitation with the FMC being in law enforcement initially, but the examination of how a system failed a people and the subsequent distrust within the native community, as well as the FMC’s own reflection of whether she’s doing more harm than good as a cop, adds nuance and depth to the book.
In the author’s notes, she mentioned her indigenous heritage while growing up with white adopted parents, inspiring her to write a story examining this feeling of “in betweenness” that the FMC experienced. I feel that aspect is very well done in the book through the character’s arc, but can’t comment on whether the descriptions of native lives on reservations are accurate depictions.
I really love the multiple layers of mysteries, even though I wish it were faster paced.
The author aptly explored themes of missing indigenous women/girls and not getting much media attention, what she describes as “twice lost” in the story.
I had some hesitation with the FMC being in law enforcement initially, but the examination of how a system failed a people and the subsequent distrust within the native community, as well as the FMC’s own reflection of whether she’s doing more harm than good as a cop, adds nuance and depth to the book.
In the author’s notes, she mentioned her indigenous heritage while growing up with white adopted parents, inspiring her to write a story examining this feeling of “in betweenness” that the FMC experienced. I feel that aspect is very well done in the book through the character’s arc, but can’t comment on whether the descriptions of native lives on reservations are accurate depictions.
I really love the multiple layers of mysteries, even though I wish it were faster paced.
The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang
3.75
ARC gifted by the publisher
A very cute and heartwarming story about a lonely girl searching for the best life in a magical market. I really enjoyed the world building, even though it got a tad repetitive with all the “looking for my best life.” I enjoyed the element of the mystery that added more twists and stakes to the otherwise a very comforting cozy read. And the cat is just the best.
This one will work great for fans of THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY and BEFORE THE COFFEE GETS COLD. Not the deepest character development or most intricate writing but a very heartwarming read!
A very cute and heartwarming story about a lonely girl searching for the best life in a magical market. I really enjoyed the world building, even though it got a tad repetitive with all the “looking for my best life.” I enjoyed the element of the mystery that added more twists and stakes to the otherwise a very comforting cozy read. And the cat is just the best.
This one will work great for fans of THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY and BEFORE THE COFFEE GETS COLD. Not the deepest character development or most intricate writing but a very heartwarming read!
Heaven by Mieko Kawakami
4.25
Phenomenal writing as usual. I really appreciate the themes of making heaven out of hellish situations. A beautiful story about friendship, kindness, and strength that explores very dark situations. The ending felt a bit abrupt for me
Reading this one hurt 💔
Reading this one hurt 💔