queer secondary characters

Surviving is an act of resistance!

Beasts of Carnaval by Rosália Rodrigo

July 31, 2025 by LB Leave a Comment

This book fulfills the “border” square on CBR17 bingo; Sofia exists on the border of conquered and conqueror, and explores the complexities of her mixed heritage. As soon as I saw the cover for Beasts of Carnaval, I knew I wanted to read it, and the synopsis just cemented it for me. I love stories that are about resistance and revolution and proving that the colonizers and oppressors won’t be the last ones standing. And this delivers so beautifully! Sofia’s twin brother, Sol, vanished to […]

A firestorm of a story!

The Story of my Anger by Jasminne Mendez

July 8, 2025 by LB Leave a Comment

The Story of my Anger counts for the “school” square on CBR17 Bingo. I was immediately drawn to The Story of My Anger because Yuli’s pose on the cover is so defiant and powerful, and I knew I wanted to read her story. Told in verse, this book follows Yuli and her group of friends who are trying to prevent the books that have allowed them to be seen in curriculum from being banned. Especially in today’s sociopolitical landscape and how many books are being […]

Diabetes and demon summoning, oh my!

Mixing Magics by Clare Edge

June 10, 2025 by LB 1 Comment

I was semi-recently diagnosed as T2 diabetic, so as soon as I saw Ber’s story I knew I needed to get my hands on it, even as my experiences are different from hers (and not just because she accidentally summons demons with her finger sticks lol), and I loved Accidental Demons so much. I’m so glad I was able to read Mixing Magics early and now have the opportunity to scream at everyone to pick it up. Mixing Magics picks up about a month after […]

A fun, political YA duology

A Bright Heart by Kate Chenli

A Fiery Spirit by Kate Chenli

January 26, 2025 by LB 3 Comments

When I read the Iron Widow duology, I saw A Bright Heart in the recommended books, and was immediately drawn to the cover. Luckily my library had the audiobook and I was able to start it without too much of a wait. A Bright Heart opens after Mingshin has been tortured for treason against the king she helped get on the throne, her beloved Ren who promised she would be Queen if she funded his endeavors. She is finally shown his true colors when he […]

beereadsbooks
on Well, it made me learn some history about alcohol
I can empathize with your description of your suspicions and then finding out it was Christian fiction - I feel...
Tracy
on Stephanie Plum Step Aside
Hey, look at that! I've apparently commented on this post before.
Tracy
on Stephanie Plum Step Aside
I think I outgrew Stephanie Plum, but this sounds great.
elderberrywine
on Early Jazz 101
Yeah, it’s a great look at early jazz. Poor guy, but he was definitely not the only one.
Halbs
on Early Jazz 101
Oh, I can't wait to read this one! I love good music writing.

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