Madeline

An immersive, inspiring biography

Revisado: 09-25-23

This book centers around the legendary drummer Chick Webb and his inspiring rise as a band leader. However, through this story you get a fascinating glimpse of swing and jazz history.

The author weaves many first hand accounts of life from that era, painting a compelling and immersive picture of the Harlem Renaissance. I thoroughly enjoyed it!!

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Don’t overlook Northanger Abbey!

Revisado: 02-26-23

Jane Austen is a global treasure! Northanger Abbey is one of her less appreciated works but is no less genius than her other masterpieces.

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Dubious Consent, Controlling Behavior

Revisado: 08-10-22

All I can say is if someone in the real world treats you this way: RUN!!!!

Occasionally, moral grey areas can increase tension in a romance novel in an acceptable way. This is not that. This book goes WAY too far. There are too many issues to get into but here are the top three:

1. There is never explicit, verbal consent to any of the physical intimacy that occurs. In some instances new physical contact occurs while the character is in an altered state of mind. While we know what’s going on in the main character’s head, it’s crucial to note that the “love interest” does not have access to this information. Most of the non verbal cues that he may have considered to be consent are also ways women react when they are scared or uncomfortable. And it’s important to note there is no point in the narrative where it’s even hinted he considers consent. This story would be very different if the main character was not attracted to him.

2. Throughout the book the “love interest” attempts to control where the main character can go and who the main character can come into contact with. This is textbook abusive behavior, but is characterized as “romantic jealousy.” He never apologizes or acknowledges this behavior is unhealthy.

3. Unnecessary and unrealistic virginity and loss thereof. It makes absolutely no sense for the main character to be a virgin given her backstory, knowledge of the world, and graphic, specific fantasies about sex. Putting that aside, it makes the lack of consent from point 1 even more chilling. If someone has never experienced a specific physical interaction it’s extra important to get full, clear consent to the specific act beforehand. If I hadn’t already written off the main love interest for the reasons above, the utterly callous way he treats this event would have been enough.

There are so many other issues from stalking to literal kidnapping that I don’t have time to get into. The only reason I gave it two stars instead of one is because I’m a sucker for fantasy set in Greekish worlds. Okay idea for a fantasy novel completely ruined by the issues listed above.

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