Tag Archives: Proud

The Phoenix’s Fault by Cynthia So

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Proud by Juno Dawson & various (9781788950602/Paperback) | LoveReading

Title: The Phoenix’s Fault
Author: Cynthia So
In: Proud (Juno Dawson)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chinese mythology, LGBTQI, Romance
Dates read: 15th August 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Little Tiger
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: An infinite variety of them, as manifold as human hearts.

Synopsis

All those with a phoenix are supposed to present themselves to the Emperor and his dragon. But Chilli Oil and her owner don’t want to do that… they’ve got their heart set on someone else.

Thoughts

There was a great intersection of Chinese mythology in this story. The use of the dragon and phoenix as symbols of marriage and happiness. What I enjoyed most though was the way in which the author was able to use this symbol to show another kind of marriage and happiness.

I desperately was hoping for a happy ending to this story. Considering the collection it was in, I thought it might happen. But, honestly, up until I turned that final page… I just wasn’t sure.

The imagery in this story was brilliantly done. And the way that the mother accepts her daughter… just beautiful. Definitely a short story that I will read again.

<- On the RunAs the Philadelphia Queer Youth Choir Sings Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’… ->

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On the Run by Kay Staples

Book Review, ,
Overview
Proud by Juno Dawson & various (9781788950602/Paperback) | LoveReading

Title: On the Run
Author: Kay Staples
In: Proud (Juno Dawson)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, LGBTQI
Dates read: 30th June 2021
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Little Tiger
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: The next message I’d got from him was at eleven thirty at night, after I’d settled down to sleep because I had college in the morning.

Synopsis

Two teenagers on the run. They thought it’d be a little more glamorous… but reality isn’t always what we expect. It can be better!

Thoughts

This was a seriously cute and sweet story. At the beginning, I was a little uncertain.. I mean two teenagers on the run? You’ve gotta be concerned. But, as the story unfolded… it was just beautiful!

I love how the information and uncertainty of being Nicky unfold as the story unfolds. Its such a cute and sweet tale that makes you… smile. You just keep hoping for the best with these characters and wanting the happily ever after they so obviously need.

What I found surprising about this is that they were not on the run due to their identities. It was a total twist that I wasn’t expecting. And I seriously, deeply enjoyed it!

<- PenguinsThe Phoenix’s Fault ->

Image source: LoveReading4Kids

Penguins by Simon James Green

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Proud by Juno Dawson & various (9781788950602/Paperback) | LoveReading

Title: Penguins
Author: Simon James Green
In: Proud (Juno Dawson)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Humour, LGBTQI
Dates read: 16th April 2021
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Little Tiger
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: It’s a family zoo.

Synopsis

Cam is trying to figure out a way to come out to his family and friends. But then the damn penguins beat him to it…

Thoughts

Oh hot damn. This story is just way too cute! And funny. And just all around adorable. I spent the entirety of this story grinning and smiling. There were just so many wonderful moments throughout that I enjoyed way too much. Even sitting down to write this review, all I can think about it Cam yelling penguins at the end of the tale.

I love that throughout this story, Cam is trying really, really hard to come out to his friends and family. And ultimately finding out that it probably isn’t all that necessary – they already know. And accept him as he is. With no strings attached. It just creates an all-round feel-good tale that will make your heart grow larger and larger.

All in all, I absolutely love the ending of this tale. It was just the cute cherry on top of the cute sundae that left me grinning and clutching my heart in happiness. It was all just beautiful and fun. The most adorable of short stories.

<- Dive BarOn the Run ->

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Dive Bar by Carolyn Bird

Book Review, ,
Overview
Proud by Juno Dawson & various (9781788950602/Paperback) | LoveReading

Title: Dive Bar
Author: Carolyn Bird
In: Proud (Juno Dawson)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: LGBTQI, Poetry
Dates read: 31st March 2021
Pace: Slow
Format: Poem
Publisher: Little Tiger
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: an innuendo in stomach acid

Synopsis

A wonderful, dark and sultry poem.

Thoughts

There is something about poetry that really makes me feel. I’m not sure why, but there is always an extra layer of emotion when I read poetry. And this poem was no exception.

This story felt like shadows, secrets and lust. It felt like dark alleys and quiet corridors. Secret spaces to find yourself, and someone else.

There is something about this poem that felt seriously and wonderfully… comfortable.

<- ProudPenguins ->

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