Pages

Monday 25 June 2018

Review: Ace and Proud: An Asexual Anthology

Ace and Proud: An Asexual Anthology Ace and Proud: An Asexual Anthology by A.K. Andrews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Was a bit gobsmacked to discover this book in a local charity shop in my area of East London - I thought I was the proverbial only Ace in the village (probably I'm to be fair; it's yummy mummy central). Thus, I had to buy it given the absolute dearth of Ace-related stuff available.

Bit disappointed with this collection. I didn't mind the fact that the essays weren't that well written as few of the contributors claim to professional writers. But, it was frustrating that so many of them were teenagers or in their early 20s. I would prefer to read more stories about older Aces - particularly as I am 38 and have only just discovered "asexuality" was even a thing in the last couple of years. I think many older Aces might similarly be new to realising their identity because they never flipping realised it existed.

I might investigate if Purple Cake press, the publishers, have any more anthologies that feature older people.

View all my reviews

Sunday 24 June 2018

Review: Excellent Women

Excellent Women Excellent Women by Barbara Pym
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alexander McCall Smith writes in the introduction that Excellent Women is a book that "on one level, is about very little" but is actually "a great book about a great deal". That is absolutely true. Nothing much happens - the events would probably make for one episode of Corrie, if that - but Pym's observations about people are spot on. The narrator, Mildred Lathbury, immediately recognises that a supposedly kindly, sweet hearted woman is actually a conniving little madam, realises that a man is a bit of a cad despite (to her embarrassment) developing a crush on him, and regularly reflects on her own limitations and failings.

A wonderful book for "excellent" women (or men) - those who have a tendency to be on the side lines being useful to others but are never themselves the star attraction. The only reason I'm not giving it five stars is that the lack of plot does make things drag now and then.

View all my reviews

Tuesday 19 June 2018

Review: The Gender Games: The Problem with Men and Women, from Someone Who Has Been Both

The Gender Games: The Problem with Men and Women, from Someone Who Has Been Both The Gender Games: The Problem with Men and Women, from Someone Who Has Been Both by Juno Dawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A thought-provoking part memoir/part review of what it is to be a "woman" vs. what it is to be a "man" - with a strong, well-reasoned, argument that the whole concept of gender is essentially nonsense and sticking to rigid ideas about male and female gender doesn't benefit anyone (least of all those who don't feel they fit into any binary category).

I don't think this book is going to change any minds to be honest. If you think a man's a man and that's it, then you'll probably always think that (though you're highly unlikely to pick up this book in the first place). But if you want to understand more about why people transition (or question their gender), this provides an valuable insight.

View all my reviews

Friday 15 June 2018

Review: Home Fire

Home Fire Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A modern day retelling of Antigone (a Greek play which, before I read this, I'd never head of to be honest) that provides a powerful insight into how Muslim youths - or any youth for that matter - can become radicalised (and how they can realised, too late, that they've been misled). It also shows the impact of having a "Jihadi" in the family; there is a real sense of damned if you do and damned if you don't. Do you support them? Or do you abandon them to their choice in a bid to protect the rest of the family?

The only thing I didn't like about is the central love story. I found the character of Eammon a little annoying. His actions are naive to say the least and comes across a teenager even though he's meant to be about 24.

View all my reviews