Does listening to audiobooks count as reading? Here it does. Let’s discuss your favorite reads — or listens.
There’s no celebrity gossip or score settling, but we do get an interesting behind-the-scenes view of her time on “Saturday Night Live,” and how she created iconic characters like Mary Catherine Gallagher, Sally O’Malley, Circe Nightshade and Miss Colleen. It was a great nostalgia trip.
Expectation: A science fiction bro-fest with predictable and outlandish plots.
Reality: More political and emotional than anticipated, it reminded me of a 1980s action film — over-the-top and ridiculous but a ton of fun.
Expectation: A romance novel rooted in the world of tech and gaming.
Reality: Nuanced and gorgeous writing, paired with a genre-melding plot made this one of the most immersive and surprising stories I’ve read all year.
Expectation: A dramedy about wanting to hold on to your younger days in the twilight years.
Reality: A unique style of storytelling somewhat masks the affecting exploration of mortality, memory and caring for aging parents.
Expectation: A darkly comedic take on acknowledging your own shortcomings.
Reality: Recursive and mediocre. None of the characters are particularly likeable, which made reading this feel like a chore.
Expectation: A quasi-scifi family drama about carrying the weight of your family’s hopes and dreams.
Reality: A strong first half was ruined by a mid-point plot twist that rendered the rest of the novel far less interesting.
Expectation: A layered, nuanced and tense story of life and death.
Reality: Bogged down by too many characters and writing flourishes, it still packs an emotional punch in the end, but some readers (like my husband) will have given up by then.
Expectation: A big-hearted family drama.
Reality: More depressing than hopeful, you want to root for the Padilla family, but sometimes they make it difficult.
Arranged by theme or poses (i.e. military, beach, picnic, kissing, etc.), Nini and Treadwell show us that for as much as times have changed, very little has in the ways we show affection – subtle touches, warm embraces, lazy days snuggled together or candid captures of two people at their most vulnerable and pure.
Expectation: I expected a light story about celebrating the future while acknowledging the past.
Reality: A moving portrayal of the transgender experience, but the book-in-verse format didn’t translate well as an audiobook.
Expectation: An unnecessary sequel to a book I enjoyed but didn’t really remember.
Reality: Unnecessary and predictable, sure, but it’s filled with humor and heart that makes it 100 percent escapist fun.
Expectation: A breezy graphic novel full of the typical young adult trappings.
Reality: Not a graphic novel and not breezy. The epistolary structure makes it a quick read, but there are multiple chaotic and disturbing plots (see trigger warnings).
While Perry provides commentary on the benefits and detriments of the subjects in the context of shaping public perception of LGBTQIA+ people during the aughts - and her own queerness - most of the essays felt like a Vulture-esque recap of plots and characters.
DiMarco’s Hollywood experiences are secondary to the true intent of the book – the “love letter to a way of life” – which provide a fascinating entry point into learning about the intersectionality of Deafness and queerness, historical and ongoing biases and the resiliency and pride of this community.
Expectation: A story of regret, but ultimately, absolution.
Reality: A profoundly moving and utterly devastating reflection on life and your missteps.
Expectation: Given the setting, time period and queer themes, an unofficial sequel to Douglas Stuart’s debut “Shuggie Bain.”
Reality: Better paced than “Shuggie Bain,” a truly shocking plot twist about halfway through made this somewhat of a thriller, and Stuart allowed his characters to find a little happiness – a nice change of pace.
Some of the beliefs and opinions shared in “Real Queer America,” may be difficult for blue state or big city gays to fully understand. However, if you’ve been to the only queer space in a town where everyone congregates because there are no niche options, then you’ve experienced the queer community building Allen celebrates here.
Expectation: Stodgy and stiff British literature from a bygone era.
Reality: Remarkably relatable for queer readers, there are elements that still feel dated, but the overall experience is rewarding.
I found Maia Kobabe’s exploration of gender, sexuality and pronouns to be informative and well done.
Expectation: High-brow gay fiction with tear-inducing scenarios and redemption.
Reality: Well-written and engaging, but the last act will make or break this story for readers. I’m still on the fence about it.
