Review: Bitch Planet, Vol. 1: Extraordinary Machine

Bitch Planet, Vol. 1: Extraordinary Machine by Kelly Sue DeConnick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoy the science fiction/dystopia world of this comic, along with the exploration of intersectional feminism. In this world, women who do not fit societal norms and who are deemed "non-compliant" are sent to a prison place called "Bitch Planet." Yet over time, they find a way to fight the system, which is run by patriarchal White men. Among the most clever panels involve advertisements and advice columns for women, some of which are eerily similar to ones we see in the modern-day. I love the female characters in this book, and they come in many different shapes, sizes, skin tones, and personalities. Kelly Sue Deconnick really is a writing genius. I look forward to the next volume. Also, the discussion questions at the end of this volume are great, and I love that because I read this book for my comics/graphic novels book club at Avid Bookshop. I'm studying book clubs and literary events for my dissertation research, so I love any questions that fuel good discussion. Also, I can't help but wonder if I would be sent to "Bitch Planet" in this fictional universe? Probably. :)

View all my reviews

Review: Vivian Apple at the End of the World

Vivian Apple at the End of the World by Katie Coyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A cross between John Green's Paper Towns and the Veronica Mars TV series with a post-apocalyptic plot, so I was interested and read it very quickly. I think it's an important book to read during today's political times, and it was very thought provoking for me. There were a few small issues I had with the plot, but overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's edgy, but in a good way, and it definitely has a feminist flare to it, which of course appeals to me. It also reminds me of the TV show Angel in some ways, particularly Season 4. It's thoughtfully critical of capitalism gone wrong and religious fanaticism. This book is dark, but also spunky, so teenagers and adults who love YA alike will really appreciate it. A worthwhile read!

View all my reviews

Review: All American Boys

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Just wow! I read many books and love many books, but there are only so many that move me to tears and cause me to look at the world in a different way. This book is one of them! It raises so many important issues, such as police brutality and racism, and in a very moving and powerful way. The writing is lyrical, and both of the main characters are wonderful. It's the first book we're reading in Dr. Kajder's and my YA literature class this fall, and I'm so excited to hear what the students have to say about it. Really, this is "that book" that you need to drop everything and read, like, yesterday. Did you love John Lewis's March graphic novel series? Well, then you'll love this book even more. Read it. You'll be glad you did, whether or not you are a YA literature fan, and it will change your life.

View all my reviews

Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by John Tiffany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Of course I loved it, and I even got choked up a couple of times. It was nice to take a break from academic writing/reading to take a journey back to Hogwarts, especially during my travels. :) There's only so much I can say about it without totally spoiling it, so I look forward to chatting with friends about it, at Dragoncon and otherwise. <3

View all my reviews