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spinesinaline's reviews
815 reviews
The Break by Katherena Vermette
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was excellent and heartbreaking and infuriating as you might expect from the subject. It does get very detailed into both the assault and the trauma so it’s not one to pick up lightly. Vermette does a great job of navigating this topic and providing a realistic depiction of how an assault and the aftermath can impact the victim, family, and community, and the ways that social services help or harm all those involved.
I love that Vermette describes the inclusion of so many perspectives (10!) as embodying a restorative justice circle because that’s exactly what it felt like. This entire book is focused more on this healing than the case itself, though we still follow the typical police process. It’s a hint of what could be offered through the system if some level of care and accountability were offered at all stages.
There were a couple things that held this back for me, mainly the fatphobic comments. These are all directed towards the same character, sometimes by the character themselves, and felt at times like it was used as the one and only point of interest for the character. In the end, these comments do have a purpose but I feel there’s a much better way to arrive at the end result without the constant fatphobic language. I also felt confused by the timeline, though this was less of a concern. Each chapter is a different character but sometimes those chapters would be happening simultaneously and sometimes they would continue in time so it was difficult to keep on top of how time was moving.
I love that Vermette describes the inclusion of so many perspectives (10!) as embodying a restorative justice circle because that’s exactly what it felt like. This entire book is focused more on this healing than the case itself, though we still follow the typical police process. It’s a hint of what could be offered through the system if some level of care and accountability were offered at all stages.
There were a couple things that held this back for me, mainly the fatphobic comments. These are all directed towards the same character, sometimes by the character themselves, and felt at times like it was used as the one and only point of interest for the character. In the end, these comments do have a purpose but I feel there’s a much better way to arrive at the end result without the constant fatphobic language. I also felt confused by the timeline, though this was less of a concern. Each chapter is a different character but sometimes those chapters would be happening simultaneously and sometimes they would continue in time so it was difficult to keep on top of how time was moving.
I know there’s a recent release in this series and I’m curious where the story will pick up, whether we see the return of any of these characters or simply a new story in this same world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, and Violence
Moderate: Addiction and Alcohol
Minor: Child death and Death of parent
Little Moons by Jen Storm
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
CWs: story deals with the subject of MMIWG2S
A beautiful new graphic novel that tells an important story. Big thanks to the publisher for a copy to review, highly recommend this read for all ages!
It's a story of grief and family, tackling the difficult subject of MMIWG2s. Along with showcasing the different ways that each family member experiences grief, the author also incorporates cultural forms of mourning, sharing in the acknowledgements that she wanted to bring in some of her own Ojibwe traditions.
I love reading book acknowledgements and to learn more about the author’s intentions with their story. It’s very touching to learn that many of the characters’ actions and experiences were based on the author’s own life or that of her family and friends, like the titular “little moons” throughout. They gain a special second meaning with the understanding that it’s something so personal and I think they strengthen the story and connection for readers with similar experiences.
A beautiful new graphic novel that tells an important story. Big thanks to the publisher for a copy to review, highly recommend this read for all ages!
It's a story of grief and family, tackling the difficult subject of MMIWG2s. Along with showcasing the different ways that each family member experiences grief, the author also incorporates cultural forms of mourning, sharing in the acknowledgements that she wanted to bring in some of her own Ojibwe traditions.
I love reading book acknowledgements and to learn more about the author’s intentions with their story. It’s very touching to learn that many of the characters’ actions and experiences were based on the author’s own life or that of her family and friends, like the titular “little moons” throughout. They gain a special second meaning with the understanding that it’s something so personal and I think they strengthen the story and connection for readers with similar experiences.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death, Racism, and Toxic relationship
The Fall of Homunculus by Pentti Otsamo
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
This story was a bit of a letdown in that it said almost nothing. There was almost a story about relationships or adulthood or parenthood but it fell flat and didn’t explore aspects in more detail that could have turned this potential into something interesting. It also disrespects the female characters and pursues a strange storyline that also goes nowhere. It's not one I'd necessarily recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Infidelity and Miscarriage
I Hold a Wolf by the Ears: Stories by Laura van den Berg
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Along with an excellent title, this was a great collection of stories. I really enjoyed the realistic foundation of the stories, each focused on women and gender, not always pleasant but something mildly hopeful. I found this collection got stronger with each story, with “Karolina” as one of my favourites that challenges familial bonds in considering domestic violence.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, and Medical content
Minor: Miscarriage
Don't Want To Be Your Monster by Deke Moulton
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This felt a little lackluster to me. I liked the premise and the characters but I didn't find them believable as realistic children. There were some really funny and very heartfelt moments and I think it has the makings of a great story with a wonderful message about family.
Overall, though, the dialogue in particular felt uneven and disjointed. I think it could've done with another round of edits to capture some issues with the dialogue and action as the order of events was confused later in the book.
Overall, though, the dialogue in particular felt uneven and disjointed. I think it could've done with another round of edits to capture some issues with the dialogue and action as the order of events was confused later in the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Hate crime and Antisemitism
Peter Darling by Austin Chant
challenging
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
So good, what a delightful and tense story.
I often enjoy retellings and it’s quite a big feat to take on such a well-known story as Peter Pan. What I love with Chant’s take on the retelling is that it subverts the readers’ assumptions based on their knowledge of the popular tale. This new unfamiliarity, along with a general unease that something is not quite right with Neverland, creates a tenseness that keeps you on your toes until it’s resolved. The slow reveal of each character through repeated flashbacks also adds to this feeling of unknowing.
I often enjoy retellings and it’s quite a big feat to take on such a well-known story as Peter Pan. What I love with Chant’s take on the retelling is that it subverts the readers’ assumptions based on their knowledge of the popular tale. This new unfamiliarity, along with a general unease that something is not quite right with Neverland, creates a tenseness that keeps you on your toes until it’s resolved. The slow reveal of each character through repeated flashbacks also adds to this feeling of unknowing.
This is of course based on a children’s story but with what feels like much more mature characters, with a growing understanding of what the world around them can offer or take away. Rather than just presenting us with play fights between boys and swashbuckling pirates, we see them experience very real grief and guilt through the violence they cause.
Though it’s a novella, the book felt long to me as the resolution I expected came in the first third. I had absolutely no idea where else the story could go so it was thrilling to see what additional action the author dreamed up.
Though it’s a novella, the book felt long to me as the resolution I expected came in the first third. I had absolutely no idea where else the story could go so it was thrilling to see what additional action the author dreamed up.
All in all, such a wonderful read with a creative take on Neverland and incredibly developed characters. Such a delight!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Transphobia, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Dysphoria
My Lost Freedom by George Takei
challenging
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
What a beautifully illustrated children's book and such an important story to share with kids. I appreciated the afterword that gave more context to the brief overview Takei offers in the book but I do wish it had explored more of this danger and harm in the depth in the actual story rather than a more superficial overview, though this was presented as his experience as a child.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: War
The Barren Grounds by David A. Robertson
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What a beautiful story with a reenvisioning of Narnia for a new generation. Will absolutely be picking up the rest of this series
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Abandonment and Colonisation
Minor: Racism
Symbiosis by Tony Batton
challenging
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Big thanks to the author for a review copy! My fave thriller series, I'm so glad there's a new book continuing the story.
This latest in the Interface series involves even more powerful and intricate tech than the previous books and seeing the wonder and horror of how it can be used will certainly make you hesitate when considering your current devices.
I would highly recommend reading the earlier books before this third instalment as the antics and adrenaline and stress keep ramping up. There’s enough exposition throughout that you’ll likely be able to put together the earlier events yourself and the plot here isn’t entirely reliant on the previous books but it would help to have the background if for nothing more than to keep track of this massive cast.
Along with the sheer number of people and their varied motivations, this plot will always keep you guessing. There are so many twists and turns and last-minute reveals. Some of the twists have just enough hints that you might be able to anticipate where the story is going but it’s a thrill whether you’re taken by surprise or not.
With all of the excitement of this book and seeing these characters back together for more adventures, I am so pumped to revisit the whole series and see once more how it all comes together. There is just enough resolution here to wrap up the story but I still have loads of questions about where the characters will go next.
This latest in the Interface series involves even more powerful and intricate tech than the previous books and seeing the wonder and horror of how it can be used will certainly make you hesitate when considering your current devices.
I would highly recommend reading the earlier books before this third instalment as the antics and adrenaline and stress keep ramping up. There’s enough exposition throughout that you’ll likely be able to put together the earlier events yourself and the plot here isn’t entirely reliant on the previous books but it would help to have the background if for nothing more than to keep track of this massive cast.
Along with the sheer number of people and their varied motivations, this plot will always keep you guessing. There are so many twists and turns and last-minute reveals. Some of the twists have just enough hints that you might be able to anticipate where the story is going but it’s a thrill whether you’re taken by surprise or not.
With all of the excitement of this book and seeing these characters back together for more adventures, I am so pumped to revisit the whole series and see once more how it all comes together. There is just enough resolution here to wrap up the story but I still have loads of questions about where the characters will go next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement
Minor: Terminal illness and Medical content
Manywhere by Morgan Thomas
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This was such an enjoyable and fun collection, particularly as someone who works in the history field! I knew that it was a collection of queer stories but I’d forgotten that the blurb mentions the historical themes too so to discover that historical tie-in continuing through each story was a delight.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Pregnancy
Moderate: Deadnaming, Death, Self harm, Transphobia, Abortion, and Abandonment
Minor: Miscarriage and Fire/Fire injury