I have a lot of feelings about this book. Sorry?

There’s a famous quote by César A. Cruz that can best sum up how this book made me feel. “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”

Critiques: I feel like the dialogue in this book is awkward at times. Like, a lot of my friends are very similar to the characters in these books, but we just don’t speak this way. I’m essentially the narrators age and occupation too. I couldn’t tell if that was a purposeful choice, since it’s a recollection.

I also feel like some of the trauma told in this work isn’t necessarily the authors to tell? but I also feel like it’s unavoidable. A lot of it is theirs of course, though! And the book brings up great points. Idk. I am conflicted on this note. I don’t think it’s harmful or anything, but it just made me question how authors can and should write marginalized identities outside of our own. (Carefully, of course)!

Compliments: this was an extremely thought provoking novel. It really made me grapple with subjects I hadn’t before.

Like, why do we teach To Kill a Mockingbird to children? I know that sounds stupid, but I genuinely never considered that it might just be exactly what everything else is… propaganda.

It also made me consider what political system I’d prefer, and what I think would be the best thing for the USA. I’ve always considered myself some sort of leftist, but this story made me question whether that’s true. Could I do what these characters did? I think if I did, I would be more of a Shayna, and not at all a Red, or a Gestas. I might even be a Maddie. And is that okay? Do I want to be fearful, careful? I stayed up all night pondering these.

It was interesting to see socialism v. communism v. anarchy v. fascism all come out to play and work both for and against one another, and I liked that I’m still not sure what the authors preference is, though it’s clear they aren’t a fan of neoliberalism or Catholicism! (LOL)

I don’t know who this book is for. I don’t know who would enjoy it, but I think most would be intrigued by it, and many would learn something. I am glad I read it! And I’m happy about the Trans Rights Readathon.

It was nice to branch out and try a (sort of) new genre. I read books by trans authors, and I read sci-fi, but I don’t think I’ve ever read a queer political dystopian punk environmental sci-fi before.

Overall, I’d describe this book as an addicting, thought provoking piece of literature that ripped my heart out of my chest. Oof, that ending. Thank you for the ARC!