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Wow! Plot twists and immersive writing

Revisado: 10-25-24

I really liked the shifting perspectives between the chapters. The Black Library could have easily chosen to do these two intertwined stories as separate works but I’m glad they didn’t.

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Putting words to things I never knew how to say

Revisado: 08-23-24

Thank you for writing this, and for narrating it. Your story reflects those of countless others, myself included. I didn’t have the words for some aspects of my journey but your book has inspired me to find them.

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I couldn’t put it down. Fantastic.

Revisado: 03-17-24

Everything about this book is wonderful. The world building, the character depth, all of it is just excellent. There should be more books like this one.

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Quest for identity ignites the spark of rebellion

Revisado: 02-22-24

In the heart of darkness, a quest for identity ignites the spark of rebellion.
I first read this book in middle school. Re-reading it as an adult was just as enrapturing. Immediately upon finishing, I acquired the sequel. I was not disappointed.
First, let's talk about the original... The House of the Scorpion, by Nancy Farmer. A summary first, spoilers incoming.
The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer is a young adult dystopian novel that explores themes of identity, freedom, and what it means to be human. The story is set in a futuristic world where drug lords rule lands outside the control of normal governments. The protagonist, Matteo Alacrán, is a clone of El Patrón, the powerful ruler of Opium, a country located between the United States and what was once Mexico. Raised in this opulent yet oppressive realm, Matt must navigate a treacherous path between survival and the pursuit of a destiny beyond the shadows of his origins.
With every page, embark on an unforgettable journey through a world where being human is both a gift and a curse. "House of the Scorpion" is not just a story—it's a profound exploration of what it means to live, love, and fight for the essence of one's soul. Perfect for fans of thought-provoking science fiction and stories that resonate with deep ethical dilemmas, this novel will leave you questioning the very nature of existence. Uncover the mystery, embrace the adventure, and witness the transformation of a boy who dares to defy his fate.
Final warning: SPOILERS AHEAD!
Matteo is initially raised in isolation but gradually learns the truth about his existence. Unlike other clones who are used for organ harvesting and are kept in a brain-dead state, Matt is treated as a human because El Patrón finds amusement in raising him as such. However, Matt's life is far from easy, as he faces discrimination and hatred from those around him who see him as nothing more than an animal or a tool to be used.
As Matt grows, he discovers the dark secrets of El Patrón's empire and the horrific exploitation of people in Opium. With the help of a few friends and allies, including Celia, a cook who becomes a mother figure, and Tam Lin, a bodyguard who teaches him about ethics and integrity, Matt embarks on a quest for freedom. He struggles with his identity, the morality of his existence, and the realization that he might share the same fate as El Patrón unless he can escape.
The novel delves into complex issues such as the ethics of cloning, the value of individual life, social inequality, and the fight against oppression. Matt's journey is one of self-discovery, as he seeks to understand who he is beyond the circumstances of his creation and to carve out a place for himself in a world that sees him as less than human.
The House of the Scorpion is a compelling narrative that combines elements of science fiction with a deep emotional core, challenging readers to consider questions of identity, morality, and the essence of humanity.
As a kid, this one was an absolute favorite. As an adult, all the wonder and pensiveness I felt during the original read-through washed over me all over again. This riveting young adult dystopian novel that challenged my perceptions of identity, freedom, and humanity itself.
And, despite being written a decade after the original, the sequel follows it seamlessly.

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I LOVED IT. Garak is babey!

Revisado: 02-22-24

Time to talk about one of my most favorite series of all time: Star Trek. I grew up on TOS (Spock was my favorite) and a friend who used to work with me at Sheri's introduced me to Discovery. Then, in 2020 my partners at the time convinced me to watch TNG. Needless to say, it helped me get through that first year of the pandemic, and inspired the science fiction novel I've been working on ever since, which I'm slowly but surely taking the time to make into what I hope is my best work yet. I have seen every movie at least once, and rewatched several of my favorite episodes of the various series -- including finishing Picard earlier this year.

The three series I have yet to watch are Enterprise, Strange New Worlds, and, shockingly, Deep Space Nine. I'll be honest, I've heard from more than one person that Deep Space Nine is too depressing, too dark, too dramatic, and I let that put me off from watching it for many, many years. But then I read this book, "A Stitch in Time" by Andrew J. Robinson -- the very same who plays the main character of the book, Elim Garak, in Deep Space Nine. And, lucky for me, he released an audio book version of "A Stitch in Time" this September! Which means I got to listen to this book that's been on my wishlist for ages.

And it was gripping. Gripping enough to move Deep Space Nine up on my list of things to watch, and now I'm working my way through it. So, without further ado, let's get into the complex masterpiece that is "A Stitch in Time."

The book was published in 2000, and is noteworthy for providing a look into the background and psyche the enigmatic Cardassian tailor and spy -- and what better person to do that than the man who spent seven seasons inside the mind and mask of Elim Garak? The story is presented in the form of a long letter from Garak to Dr. Julian Bashir, his clsoest friend in Deep Space Nine, following the end of the series. Through this narrative device, the book delves into Garak's past, detailing his childhood and early life on Cardassia, his time in the Obsidian Order (the feared Cardassian secret police and seemingly also interplanetary espionage group), and the circumstances that led to his exile on Deep Space Nine.

The plot also encompasses Garak's return to Cardassia after the Dominion War, a catastrophic conflict that left Cardassia in ruins. Garak finds himself in a key position to help rebuild his home world, struggling with his past deeds, his hopes for Cardassia's future, and the complex emotions about his identity and place in the universe. The book explores themes of redemption, identity, and the costs of war and espionage, set against the backdrop of the richly detailed culture and society of Cardassia. And while it doesn't explicitly delve into the topic of queerness and neurodivergence, there are aspects of the story and Elim Garak himself that readers from these communities are likely to find relatable of symbolic.

For example, Elim's character throughout Deep Space Nine is marked by ambiguity, particularly regarding his past, his true profession, and even his moral compass. This has been his life since childhood, as it was necessary for him to survive and remain under the radar. Similarly, his close relationship with Dr. Bashir is layered and has been interpreted by some fans as having some sort of unspoken romantic undertone, though not addressed in either the series or the book. Relationships for queer and neurodivergent people -- and neuroqueer individuals, such as myself, or those of us who grow up in high control environments -- often take on an ambiguous form. I do want to touch on his description of both male and female figures as attractive and sensual throughout the book, hinting, to me at least, at this character's beautiful bisexuality/biromanticism.

Additionally, Elim is an outsider on Deep Space Nine (and literally everywhere else he goes in his earlier life due to his socioeconomic status and his career). As a Cardassian living among many who are inherently distrustful of him due to political and cultural tensions, Elim feels othered. This feeling is not unfamiliar to many of us in the queer and neurodiverse communities, as marginalization and demonization by mainstream society has been the norm for centuries in Western culture. I was pleased to see the concept of masking and the hidden self used throughout the book. Elim uses his mask and views the masks of others in a complex and dynamic way -- not just for deception and espionage, but for safety and fitting in, an experience so many of us can identify with. Elim's story is also one of resilience. Despite his exile and the prejudices he faces, he learns, adapts, survives, and continues to find and follow his path. This resilience can be particularly resonant for marginalized and othered communities, who must often navigate societal barriers and biases while forging our paths and pursuing joyful lives.

One thing I really enjoyed was how deeply it delved into Elim's backstory and his training at the Bamarren Institute. The training he receives is shown to be extremely rigorous and demanding, designed to produce agents skilled not just in traditional espionage tactics like surveillance, subterfuge, and interrogation, but also in deep psychological manipulation and resilience. Topics like indoctrination, loyalty, physical and psychological conditioning, isolation, paranoia, skills, and craftsmanship, all remain recurring themes in his life that he carries forward not just from his intense childhood but especially from his training at the institute. Over time, his views on these change and evolve, and we get to witness that through "A Stitch in Time."

The book also covers the poignant topic of person-to-person connection. Elim has very few genuine and valuable connections in his life, but the ones he does have, he cherishes. One of them he cherishes so much it leads to his detriment. Elim seems to value relationships that are highly intellectually engaging, but admits to what seems like an aspect of spirituality in his deepest connections as well. Throughout the book, there are themes of longing, unfulfilled potential, and the compromises we are willing to (or sometimes forced to) make in order to achieve the things we want in life. Elim has a genuine desire for closeness, but all his training and life experiences have directed him to rail hard against that -- and, it appears much of Cardassian society lives that way under their authoritarian regime.

"A Stitch in Time" is more than just a continuation of the Deep Space Nine narrative. It is a character study that expands and deepens the portrayal of one of the series' most compelling and enigmatic characters, who is also undoubtedly queer-coded and ND-coded. This fantastic book offers insights that were only hinted at in the show itself, and I have found myself tremendously won over to the Deep Space Nine side of the franchise, and to learning more about the Cardassians and other species within the Star Trek universe.

10/10, highly recommend. It took me about one week to get through this audio book.

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Analyzing the roots of Christian White Nationalism

Revisado: 02-22-24

While driving cross country 1,300+ miles, I listened to lots of fulfilling music and illuminating audiobooks. The previous four months were filled to the brim with activities and schooling such that I had not had time to indulge in one of my favorite pastimes: listening to audiobooks. Obviously, as I hear of new and interesting titles, I add them to my library, so I've got quite an impressive "TBR" stack. First up on the list for nonfiction books (which is the flavor I'm into right now) was "Jesus and John Wayne" by Kristin Kobes Du Mez.

Needless to say, as a deconstructed evangelical, I was beyond eager to get my ears wrapped around this one. After having read it this once, I am positive I'll return to it in a few months and make annotations. It was an informative and highly useful foray into the deep roots and pervasive impacts of White Christian Nationalism on US American society.

The author highlights key insights into the cultural heritage of this particular brand of Christianity, of which I was a part for much of my young life. Though sometimes repetitive, her in-depth analyses are invaluable in understanding the modern Christian perspective. The cultural landmarks she brings to the table help to explain the propensity for modern Christians to wind up as part of the domestic violent extremist groups which have recently come into the foreground of US American political strife.

Even after having grown up in that culture, I was oblivious to the logical pitfalls and deep-seated influences inherent to it. This book helped me pull together threads Christian culture had started weaving together for me early on in my youth, and through this process, I was able to identify key players and concepts which helped program me during my youth in preparation for furthering the Christian white nationalist legacy of my parents' generation.

What follows is the review I gave for this book:

Analyzing the Roots of White Christian Nationalism
Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation" is a book by historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez. Published in 2020, it examines the connection between American evangelicalism and concepts of masculinity, focusing on the figure of John Wayne as a symbol of rugged, assertive, and often aggressive manhood.

Du Mez argues that white evangelical culture in America has embraced a specific model of masculinity, one that emphasizes dominance, militarism, and patriarchy. This model has been linked to political conservatism and has influenced the way evangelicals have approached issues ranging from family life to foreign policy.

The book traces the history of this connection, from the post-World War II era through the rise of the Religious Right, to the election of Donald Trump. Du Mez demonstrates how this concept of masculinity has been promoted by evangelical leaders, media, and institutions, shaping political allegiances and impacting broader American culture.

Throughout the book, the author explores the contradiction between the values of humility, compassion, and love that are central to the Christian faith, and the aggressive, dominant masculinity that has been embraced by many evangelical communities. She argues that this disconnect has had profound political and societal consequences, contributing to polarization and conflict within the United States.

"Jesus and John Wayne" is not just a critique of evangelical culture but also a call for reflection and change, urging readers to recognize the complexities and contradictions within American Christianity and to strive for a more authentic and responsible expression of faith.

If you're like me, and the pandemic of Christian White Nationalism is a special interest of yours, and maybe you even have the desire to counteract its effects in US American society and the world at large, you will find this book deeply fulfilling.

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Deconstructing? Add this to your list.

Revisado: 02-22-24

While I have been unpacking and getting settled into the new place, I've been listening to audio books! The first one on my list was Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism, by psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton. As evidenced by the title, this books is about thought reform -- specifically in China's re-education centers. It focuses on Western and Chinese individuals who endured China's intense thought reform programs surrounding the Korean war.

This book initially interested me because for the past few years I've been learning about the impacts of magical thinking, brain washing, and cults on the human mind -- thanks in no small part to the role of Donald Trump (and his accompanying administration) in bringing forward the more extreme aspects of USA society. Lifton's work is referenced by many of the resources I found. Interestingly enough, Lifton's name is invoked even by prominent members of high control groups, hyper-zealous religions, and political cults.

One of Lifton's key points is "totalism," which governs a person's understanding of reality and their behavior in relation to that understanding. It was a difficult concept for me to grasp, but I understand now that "totalism" relates to the degree to which a person's mentality believes in "black and white" concepts. Totalism also encompasses the ideologies that demand absolute commitment and are often enforced by coercion, manipulation, and social pressure. These environments aim to reshape the individual's identity to align with a particular set of ideals or the party doctrine, suppressing all forms of dissent through overt and subversive means.

The historical context and research methodology of this book are important to understanding what and how Dr. Lifton is studying in his personal interviews with the test subjects. He begins by contextualizing the political and cultural upheavals in post-revolutionary Communist China, where the government initiated massive thought reform programs. He describes his methodology, which involved intensive interviews with former POWs and other detainees who experienced the thought reform process.

The eight criteria for thought reform that he lists out are milieu control, mystical manipulation, the demand for purity, the cult of confession, the "Sacred science", loading the language, doctrine over person, and dispensing of existence. I found it interesting that some of these aspects cross over with propaganda methods. ropaganda involves the manipulation of information, emotions, and beliefs to achieve a specific goal or influence a population's thought patterns. It often utilizes psychological techniques to sway public opinion and consolidate power. In light of recent events, I would like to take a brief moment to deviate from the book review to discuss this pertinent topic.

From controlling the information environment (by, for example, censoring dissenting opinions or spreading disinformation), to creating a manufactured sense of destiny or inevitability around certain events or leaders, to us-versus-them dynamics, to loaded language that discourages nuanced conversation, propaganda is rife with thought control methods. By promoting ideology over the value of individual experiences or perspectives, and by dehumanizing those with dissenting opinions or who exist as a part of a marginalized group, propaganda can justify poor treatment, exclusion, or aggression toward others.

It is important to remain vigilant and pay attention to media and other content that brings out those feelings within us. Throughout history, various regimes and organizations have used propaganda in ways that incorporate many of these elements of thought reform, seeking not just to persuade but to control the thoughts and loyalties of populations. Recognizing these tactics is key to maintaining the critical thinking necessary for a free and open society.

Dr. Lifton touches on psychological effects of and coping mechanisms for thought reform. Through his individual case studies, he analyzes the psychological consequences of exposure to intense and prolonged indoctrination processes and the coping mechanisms the survivors developed. These ranged from internal resistance and symbolic defiance to more profound forms of compliance where the individual began to believe in the imposed ideology (what lifton calls "ideological totalism"). He also addresses the truths and lies each individual told themselves about themselves and their situations in order to survive.

While focusing on the experiences in China, Lifton also discusses the relevance of his findings to other instances of totalism, including religious extremism, cults, and political movements. He warns of the dangers posed by totalist ideologies and the susceptibility of individuals to psychological manipulation, emphasizing the need for awareness and psychological resilience.

Ultimately, his book underscores the importance of preserving the human capacity for critical thinking and autonomy in the face of ideological totalism. He advocates for psychological and societal awareness and safeguards to protect individuals and communities from the dangers of thought reform. His book remains a critical work for understanding the dynamics of coercive persuasion and ideological manipulation. Its insights are not only historical but also relevant for contemporary discussion s about political and religious extremism, cult behaviors, and the psychology of compliance and resistance.

Its 100% worth the read, though avid fiction readers may find it a bit long and dry, but for those who are interested in exploring the psychological aspects of cults, propaganda, and social dynamics, this is a must-read.

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A life-changing book every woman and transgender individual should read.

Revisado: 02-21-24

Wow. As a white, non-binary person who was designated female at birth and raised in strict purity culture, this book was eye opening. I will be reading it again. And probably again after that. I’ll be getting a digital copy so I can take notes and highlight as I listen.
VanCort’s book touches on a range of essential topics for those of us who never learned the language of dominant-coded behavior. It also dives deep into the topics of systemic sexism, systemic racism, and allyship. The goal of this book is not just to teach the audience how to make themselves heard, but how to empower others to be heard as well.
As a non-binary person, I was not initially sure if this book was meant for me. However, as the book continues, the author does use the words “all genders” more frequently. Because I understand the nuance of gender, gendered spaces, and how people in Western society are generally either socialized “boy” or “girl,” I felt comfortable reading this book. Dysphoric transmascs and non-binary individuals who want to learn how to speak for themselves or use their voices to empower others should be forewarned that, as per the title, the intended audience is still -women- and the verbiage of the book reflects this.
I especially appreciated VanCort’s frank and informed discussion on racism. She used the voices and input from her BIPOC students, colleagues, and friends to call out the racism inherent to the white audience, myself included, and remind white readers that being a white woman (or white transgender individual) is not the same as being a BIPOC woman (or BIPOC transgender individual). This book would not have been complete without this section, and its discussion about allyship is genuine and informative.
VanCort’s audiobook is well produced. Her performance is on par with most high-production narrations, and the recording even includes the voices of four of her BIPOC students.
Ultimately, this book covered a lot of good basic jumping-off points which I hope VanCort will expand into more in-depth topic-specific books of their own. I also hope to see more from VanCort targeted toward the transgender community in the future.

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A must read for any mental health professional.

Revisado: 08-02-23

This book offers a concise and detailed dive into what every person should know about autism and its social and personal implications. The eugenicist history of autism diagnoses still informs today’s mental health and societal approach to neurodivergence. Racism, ableism, heteronormativity, capitalism, and puritan values are great hindrances to society’s appreciation of the beauty and complexities of autistic lives. All these pressures, and more, force a mask onto autistics. Alongside the general historical and social contexts of autism, this book discusses how autists might approach replacing our masking tendencies with more fulfilling choices that support our personal values and wellbeing. This book does not offer a one-size-fits-all approach, and acknowledges the often dangerous complications experienced by black and brown autistics (and multiply marginalized autistics), who wish to unmask. It uses science, statistics, and evidence-based information to support its positions. It should be required reading for every mental health professional, law enforcement authority, teacher, boss, and parent. It is a phenomenal and eye opening aid for any neurodivergent individual, especially those who suspect they may be autistic. If you are considering reading this book or gifting it to someone, it is this reviewer’s opinion that your purchase will not leave you disappointed.

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Illuminating

Revisado: 04-07-23

An excellent read that delves into high demand groups and their leaders, not just Donald Trump. At the end Hassan proposes safeguards we as a society could use against high demand groups. The book also provides advice for friends and family of people who have been sucked into cults, as well as individuals who are ready to evaluate whether they are a part of one. I will be picking up more of Hassan’s books and similar literature.

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