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50books_poc2010-06-08 06:45 pm
holyschist.livejournal.com) wrote in 50books_poc2010-06-08 06:45 pm
Assorted book reviews
I haven't been doing as well about either reviewing or cross-posting as I'd like, but here are some books I've read in the last few months:
Fledgling, by Octavia E. Butler (African-American)
Adult science fiction
I was deeply ambivalent about this book. The worldbuilding was interesting, but the handling of sexuality (especially queer sexuality), eliding of what it means for an adult man who doesn't seem to be a pedophile to be sexually attracted to a woman who has the body of a human child, and handling of consent issues all left me feeling kind of icky. More thoughts on that in my linked review.
The Blood Stone, by Jamila Gavin (Indian-British)
Juvenile/young adult historical fiction (with magic realism elements)
Gorgeous, gorgeous writing and a really interesting book--it's set in 17th century Italy and the Mughal Empire, primarily--but some weird loose plot threads and enough anachronistic dialogue that I ended up wondering about the rest of the history. Will be trying some of the Gavin's other books.
Zarah the Windseeker, by Nnedi Okorafor (Nigerian-American)
Juvenile science fiction/science fantasy
One of the most vividly evocative books I've read in a while, and a jungle adventure to boot. I'm mostly a YA and adult reader and I did feel a little old for it--I would have enjoyed it much more in the 10-14 age range--but I really liked it and will seek out more of Okorafor's work.
Moonshine, by Alaya (Dawn) Johnson (African-American)
Adult historical urban fantasy
Sparklingly fun--1920s suffragette meets urban vampires, among Others. A nice change from a lot of modern urban fantasy, with a delightful heroine.
Tantalize, by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Creek Nation)
Young adult gothic/urban fantasy
Vampires, werewolves, and Italian food--much more of a dark edge than most of the current crop of YA vampire novels, and pretty funny in places. Texan wereanimals are not to be missed. Smith takes a stab at deconstructing some of the vampire tropes, but doesn't really go all out.
Rain Is Not My Indian Name, by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Creek Nation)
Juvenile/young adult contemporary fiction
Beautifully written novel about grief, healing, identity, community, and family. I wanted a little more of it, but loved it overall.
Spinners, by Donna Jo Napoli (white co-author) and Richard Tchen (Chinese-American)
Young adult fairytale retelling
Beautiful writing, horrible conflation of disability and evil, not deconstructed or subverted in the slightest. I really did not like this book.
(Additional Tags: Muscogee Creek Nation)
Fledgling, by Octavia E. Butler (African-American)
Adult science fiction
I was deeply ambivalent about this book. The worldbuilding was interesting, but the handling of sexuality (especially queer sexuality), eliding of what it means for an adult man who doesn't seem to be a pedophile to be sexually attracted to a woman who has the body of a human child, and handling of consent issues all left me feeling kind of icky. More thoughts on that in my linked review.
The Blood Stone, by Jamila Gavin (Indian-British)
Juvenile/young adult historical fiction (with magic realism elements)
Gorgeous, gorgeous writing and a really interesting book--it's set in 17th century Italy and the Mughal Empire, primarily--but some weird loose plot threads and enough anachronistic dialogue that I ended up wondering about the rest of the history. Will be trying some of the Gavin's other books.
Zarah the Windseeker, by Nnedi Okorafor (Nigerian-American)
Juvenile science fiction/science fantasy
One of the most vividly evocative books I've read in a while, and a jungle adventure to boot. I'm mostly a YA and adult reader and I did feel a little old for it--I would have enjoyed it much more in the 10-14 age range--but I really liked it and will seek out more of Okorafor's work.
Moonshine, by Alaya (Dawn) Johnson (African-American)
Adult historical urban fantasy
Sparklingly fun--1920s suffragette meets urban vampires, among Others. A nice change from a lot of modern urban fantasy, with a delightful heroine.
Tantalize, by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Creek Nation)
Young adult gothic/urban fantasy
Vampires, werewolves, and Italian food--much more of a dark edge than most of the current crop of YA vampire novels, and pretty funny in places. Texan wereanimals are not to be missed. Smith takes a stab at deconstructing some of the vampire tropes, but doesn't really go all out.
Rain Is Not My Indian Name, by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Creek Nation)
Juvenile/young adult contemporary fiction
Beautifully written novel about grief, healing, identity, community, and family. I wanted a little more of it, but loved it overall.
Spinners, by Donna Jo Napoli (white co-author) and Richard Tchen (Chinese-American)
Young adult fairytale retelling
Beautiful writing, horrible conflation of disability and evil, not deconstructed or subverted in the slightest. I really did not like this book.
(Additional Tags: Muscogee Creek Nation)