August Wrap-Up || 2018

TL;DR

Adriana discusses her August reading, which includes a diverse range of books from romance to fantasy, with themes of empowerment, representation, and love.

Transcript

Bibliophiles of the internet, my name’s Adriana and today I’m here to bring you my August Wrap-Up. The first book I read in August was “The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang. This is an #ownvoices romance about Stella, who is on the Autism spectrum, and she hires a male escort to teach her the finer nuances of dating and sex. But the two of them actual... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Diverse representation and authentic experiences are crucial in romance novels, such as "The Kiss Quotient" and "Major Crush."
• 🙈 Aromantic representation is rare but valuable, as seen in "The Trouble" and its exploration of identity and relationships.
• 🙂 Nonfiction books like "I'm Still Here" shed light on the pervasiveness of racism and privilege, even within supposedly inclusive spaces.
• ❓ Combining paranormal elements with familiar genres, like mystery in "Sparkwood," can create a unique reading experience.
• 🖕 Middle grade fantasies like "Whichwood" combine enchanting stories with important messages about identity, empathy, and visibility.
• ❓ Literature can address racism and empower marginalized voices, as exemplified by "Lovecraft Country" and its allegorical exploration of privilege.
• 🥰 Romance novels, like the "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" series, can capture the complexities of love and personal growth.
• 🕵️‍♀️ Fantasy retellings, such as "Spinning Silver," can reimagine familiar stories and empower female characters.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the significance of "The Kiss Quotient" being an #ownvoices romance?

The author, Helen Hoang, is on the Autism spectrum, and she brings an authentic perspective and representation to the story of Stella, a character with similar experiences. This allows for a more accurate portrayal and celebration of positive experiences with sex.

Q: How does "Major Crush" portray the marching band experience?

The book authentically explores the dynamics, grueling practices, inter-band politics, and romance that can occur within a marching band. It captures the thrill and drama of being part of a close-knit musical community.

Q: What is unique about "The Trouble" as an "aromantic romance"?

"The Trouble" features an aromantic protagonist, Danny, who is in a satisfying and healthy relationship where his partner, Jiyoon, understands and respects his experiences. It explores their journey of understanding and working through their different identities.

Q: What themes of racism and privilege are explored in "I'm Still Here"?

Austin Channing Brown shares her experiences in a religious nonprofit organization, exposing how clauses on "diverse inclusion" often fail to address the true issues of racism in the workplace. She also reflects on the need to empower people of color rather than solely educating white people on how to be less racist.

Q: How does "Sparkwood" combine paranormal elements and mystery?

"Sparkwood" is a queer paranormal mystery where Finn investigates the death of his twin brother, delving into the faerie world of their hometown. The story weaves elements of mystery, romance, and the author's millennial humor, but some readers may find the third act messy in tying everything together.

Q: What is the significance of the all-Black cast in "Lovecraft Country"?

"Lovecraft Country" delves into the legacy of racism in America by using horror and monsters as metaphors. While the concept is great, it raises concerns about potential pretentiousness. The story, however, tackles powerful themes and provides social commentary, making it captivating.

Q: How does "Spinning Silver" showcase empowered female characters?

"Spinning Silver" centers around Miryem, Wanda, and Irina, three women in a society that undervalues them. They band together to take on oppressive forces, using their agency and strength to reclaim their lives and change their fate. It showcases female empowerment and solidarity.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "The Kiss Quotient" by Helen Hoang is an #ownvoices romance about Stella, who hires a male escort to teach her about dating and sex, but they unexpectedly click.

• "Major Crush" by Jennifer Echols is a YA romance set in a high school marching band, exploring Virginia's journey as the first female co-drum major and her complicated relationship with Drew.

• "The Trouble" by Daria Defore is a queer "romance" featuring an aromantic protagonist, Danny, who navigates the music industry and falls for his TA, Jiyoon.

• "I'm Still Here" by Austin Channing Brown is a nonfiction exploration of racism and privilege, discussing the author's experiences in a religious nonprofit organization.

• "Sparkwood" by Daria Defore is a queer paranormal mystery about Finn investigating his twin brother's death and the involvement of faeries.

• "Whichwood" by Tahereh Mafi follows Laylee, the last moredeshoor, as she learns the transformative power of friendship while working with the dead.

• "Lovecraft Country" by Matt Ruff is a creepy pulp horror story with interconnected tales addressing racism in America, featuring an all-Black cast.

• "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" trilogy by Jenny Han explores first love, family, and finding oneself through the perspective of Lara Jean.

• "Spinning Silver" by Naomi Novik is a fantasy retelling of Rumpelstiltskin featuring three strong female characters who band together to overthrow oppressive forces.

• "Corazón" by Yesika Selgado is a poetry collection exploring love, self-acceptance, and empowerment as a Latinx woman.