YABookgate

[Flexo]

And it's really tired and boring to the point where they just have to signal their identities and that's all the book seems to be about now "Oh this slice of life is LGBTQWTF and black! Give me virtue points!"

(Thank you @SteelPlatedHeart for finding that comic)

 

[UnsufficentBoobage]

For a long time, Chambers didn’t think “it was a real book,” she says. “I was like, no one is going to want to read this. It’s not a real story. There are no planets blowing up.” The tension, in other words, was internal. It came from the characters

I am going to beat this bitch to death with Vance's Moon Moth.

 

[Imago]

Bitch, that ain't unique. There are plenty of sci fi stories that don't have big, interplanetary battles and explosions. There are a lot of futuristic slice of life works. You aren't a pioneer just because you didn't destroy the home world.

These people are 'media fans'. they got into science fiction through movies, video games and TV shows. They have no exposure to the broader science fiction cannon beyond what was assigned as school. It's easy to feel like a pioneer when you ignore everything that came before you.

Becky Chambers obviously watched a lot of Firefly growing up, the way Lindsay Ellis watched a lot of Transformers.

 

[Boston Brand]

This article showed up in my feed:

Is Becky Chambers the Ultimate Hope for Science Fiction?

Her gentle, heartwarming stories seek to soothe our troubled souls. They also aim to blow up the entire genre.

www.wired.com

Has anyone heard of her? And what are your thoughts?

Her books sound frightfully dull like the ideals of wokeness made into a story, where theres no plot because it might send someone into a panic attack theres no conflict because someone might be offended just a nagging tension, thats what i imagine being woke is like.

Not only have I heard of her, I've met her several times.

As far as the current crop of talentless LGBT wokies writing glorified fanfics go, she's on the better end if it as a person, but tragically, her writing is, as several of you have already discovered, lousy. Literally indistinguishable from dozens of other twee, quirky spec fiction works by Tumblr refugees whose most interesting characteristic is how they've got more queers than the Castro District.

I mean, NK Jemison is an egotistical cunt, whose books I loathe, but at least there is a definitive personality and style to her work.

Pick a random page from Becky Chambers, Arkady Martine, Tamsyn Muir, Seanan McGuire, Charlie Jane Anders, Alix E. Harrow, or any other of that crowd, and put a gun from my head and demand me to tell you which wrote it, I'd be a dead man.

The fact half those names are probably new to you lot shows just how very little having the entire spec fiction publishing industry carry water for them actually does.

 

[trekkor]

This article showed up in my feed:

Is Becky Chambers the Ultimate Hope for Science Fiction?

Her gentle, heartwarming stories seek to soothe our troubled souls. They also aim to blow up the entire genre.

www.wired.com

Has anyone heard of her? And what are your thoughts?

Her books sound frightfully dull like the ideals of wokeness made into a story, where theres no plot because it might send someone into a panic attack theres no conflict because someone might be offended just a nagging tension, thats what i imagine being woke is like.

I've read her book "To be Taught, if Fortunate", because I thought the synopsis was interesting enough and had a neat idea to it (tl;dr astronauts whose DNA gets changed during their decades long cyrosleep while the ship goes from planet to planet, making them able to adapt to those places without the need for spacesuits). Frankly, it was pretty dull and far too short for its potential. I expected some more info and exploration of the changing times on Earth while these people have been gone for centuries, but it's mostly people having ~deep~ convos about like, life and all. No interesting characters, tries to be a little bit more hard sci-fi but not in a interesting way like Arthur C. Clarke was great at and frankly, I didn't get much emotional satisfaction out of it. I can't even remember if the ending of them getting a message about Earth being destroyed by nukes or whatever was something that actually happened in the book or I'm mixing it up with something else.

I've been tempted at times to pick up another one of her books I've seen sold here, but then I remember how boring my first read of her was. And she's not an author like Bradbury (I hate Fahrenheit 451) or Philip K. Dick (I find him hard to get into) who I was willing to give another shot since the potential to find a story I actually liked was there (The Illustrated Man by Bradbury was the first one of his that clicked with me, same with A Maze of Death for Dick).

 

[Krokodil Overdose]

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The fuck is this shit?

Comfort food for people who think a can of frosting is the same as a cake.

Only exception I've seen is a guy who had a "miscellaneous" pail for bolts and such of such odd sizes there weren't enough to warrant their own separate box/slot/etc.

Also proper sorting is a big help to teamwork environments. It's a poor use of time to have a project held up because one of your members is digging around to find a part.

In production, having a few batches of bolts/nuts/whatever set out is normal, because if what you're assembling falls into standardized patterns (and it should) the having X units of bolt A, Y units of bolt B, etc set aside so you can grab and go when that design comes up. But that doesn't sound like what she's talking about.

What I would pay to have these writers work one shift at McDonald's.

Id prefer a shift at a foundry, or something else where there's life and limb consequences for fucking up. Demonstrate that there are worse things than cancellation.

 

[Kendall Motor Oil]

American Booksellers Association on Twitter: "ABA’s antiracism worksh…

archived 29 Sep 2021 06:55:23 UTC

archive.is

 

[LurkNoMore]

The quote tweets are interesting...



I guess targeting your prime customer base with racial animus isn't as profitable as it once was.

 

[Gaz Norfman]

“Whew! Looks like the racists are real mad at this one! Gonna go ahead and mute the replies and go to bed!” —the ABA, probably

 

[Mossad Facade]

Why does it seem that majority of the people who push these shitty YA novels are the only types to read it. Hot take here but I'm positive that majority of teenagers would rather read Moby Dick or Gatsby that the constant shit churned out by these women.

 

[The Husbando Collector]

Why does it seem that majority of the people who push these shitty YA novels are the only types to read it. Hot take here but I'm positive that majority of teenagers would rather read Moby Dick or Gatsby that the constant shit churned out by these women.

I can confirm that they do and also would rather read the older YA circa before 2014 when even if it was garbage, it was at least fun escapist junk food reading that you can turn your mind off and enjoy.

Source: younger cousins

 

[Elwood P. Dowd]

Why does it seem that majority of the people who push these shitty YA novels are the only types to read it. Hot take here but I'm positive that majority of teenagers would rather read Moby Dick or Gatsby that the constant shit churned out by these women.

The three books in the Illuminae Files were flat out one of the most fun series' I think I've ever read, despite the invevitable meander into gurl-power and some rather pedestrian romances. I honestly can't speak to the science of it, but at my superficial level of understanding was at least as believable in a work of fiction as that of most adult books. The third book did lose the thread a bit, but only in minor ways. Excellent audiobooks, too.

The novella/prequel is a step down, but still a lot more entertaining than any of the dreck you'll see posted here.

Meaning, I guess, I think it can be done well. It just rarely is.

 

[Midge Shelby1919]

Why does it seem that majority of the people who push these shitty YA novels are the only types to read it. Hot take here but I'm positive that majority of teenagers would rather read Moby Dick or Gatsby that the constant shit churned out by these women.

Reminded me of this terrible scene from this terrible movie

- YouTube

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youtu.be

I think these authors really want it to be true, probably because they only have the most superficial understanding of classic literature. Meanwhile, their target audience is a lot more intelligent than they’re given credit for.

 

[Mossad Facade]

Reminded me of this terrible scene from this terrible movie

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

I think these authors really want it to be true, probably because they only have the most superficial understanding of classic literature. Meanwhile, their target audience is a lot more intelligent than they’re given credit for.

I haven't seen that movie but wow that scene makes me upset; such a play on stereotypes. Duh evil white frat boy interrupting and talking down to that poor POC woman. Fuck off. When I was in high school, our english teacher opted to make us read some book on racial identity (Jim Crow I think) over Gatsby and I remember many students being PISSED, many of them being non white.

 

[The Husbando Collector]

Reminded me of this terrible scene from this terrible movie

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

I think these authors really want it to be true, probably because they only have the most superficial understanding of classic literature. Meanwhile, their target audience is a lot more intelligent than they’re given credit for.

it is, because while teens are impulsive and make stupid decisions, they have an uncanny insight when they know theyre being talked down to by some bitter woman child more immature than them. they know that theres a reason why these books stand the test of time while YA is just forgetable, consooming disposable shit that just jumps on trends. teens deserve more credit than theyre given by karens and twittertards.

 

[Boston Brand]

Why does it seem that majority of the people who push these shitty YA novels are the only types to read it. Hot take here but I'm positive that majority of teenagers would rather read Moby Dick or Gatsby that the constant shit churned out by these women.

Because "novels for lonely women reaching middle age with bad die-jobs and cats" is a bit of a mouthful for marketing purposes.

 

[augment]

Maybe this is the next fad the major publishers will try to push. It isn't as if YA dystopian books are selling like they were back in 2014.

 

[Elwood P. Dowd]

Its from Buzzfeed, so you know it is going to be special. Oddly, every book on this list looks to me to be YA, or at most New Adult (NA) but they don't seem to be using the term anywhere.

16 Amazing Books With Dynamic Asexual Characters That You'll Love And Be Inspired By

Asexual Characters In Books

archived 15 Oct 2021 20:55:16 UTC

archive.md

Aces FTW.

Malvika Padin
by Malvika Padin
BuzzFeed Contributor

Be one of the first to comment
Many segments of the LGBTQIA+ community have begun finding more representation in literature in recent times. However, one section who have consistently lacked visibility are those on the asexual spectrum.
We can’t have that, can we? So here are 17 books with asexual characters to help you explore and celebrate the variety of aro-ace identities.

1. Sea Foam and Silence by Lynn E. O’Connacht
The book cover of Sea Foam And Silence has a woman with orange hair holding a sea shell.
Amazon / Via amazon.co.uk
A retelling in verse of "The Little Mermaid" that moves away from the mute mermaid romance, Sea Foam and Silence by Lynn E. O’Connacht deconstructs the original fairy tale with more representation as it portrays its main characters on the asexual and aromantic spectrum. If you like this fairy-tale verse, also check out The Ice Princess’s Fair Illusion for an asexual retelling of King Thrushbeard.

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2. Fourth World by Lyssa Chiavari
The book cover of Fourth World has a man and woman facing towards a burning ball that resembles a planet.
Amazon / Via amazon.co.uk
Featuring not one, but two asexual protagonists, Fourth World by Lyssa Chiavari demonstrates the spectrum from demisexual Isaak to sex-repulsed and asexual Nadin as it tackles the prejudices and perceptions of society. With multiple characters on the asexual spectrum, the book allows us to explore and embrace different experiences. CW: Aphobia/Amisia (partially called out)

3. Beyond the Black Door by A.M. Strickland
The black book cover of Beyond The Black Door with a picture of spiral staircase with a woman dressed in a red gown. The author's name is in red print.
Amazon / Via amazon.co.uk
This dark fantasy tale features a biromantic asexual main character who has the ability to visit other people’s souls as they sleep. A great choice for fantasy lovers, where sexuality isn’t central to the plot and is simply part of the main character’s identity, Beyond the Black Door is a twisted tale of grief and disastrous consequences. Content warnings: attempted self-harm, emotional abuse.

4. Perfect Rhythm by Jae
The book cover of Perfect Rhythm has a woman in chequered shirt with a guitar in a wheat field
Amazon / Via amazon.com
Perfect Rhythm from Jae is a down-to-earth romance that follows former pop star Leontyne Blake who meets asexual nurse Holly Drummund when she returns to her childhood home. The book offers a realistic look at romance when both parties have different expectations from the relationship.

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5. Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann
The white book cover of Let's Talk About Love has a black woman dancing in a white dress.
Amazon / Via amazon.com
Exploring what romance looks like for an asexual character, Claire Kann’s Let’s Talk About Love is a college-centric story of Alice, our asexual protagonist who is faced with an unexpected attraction to Takumi, a new guy at her library job. The quirky main character must then decide whether to pursue a relationship or remain friends with the object of her affections.

6. Not Your Backup by C.B. Lee
The book cover of Not Your Backup is a cartoon illustration of a young girl running with yellow text.
Amazon / Via amazon.co.uk
The third book in C.B Lee’s Sidekick Squad series, Not Your Backup focuses on Emma Robledo, the Latinx mastermind who goes up against a corrupt superhero league. The action-packed book finds the main character figure out where she fits on the aro-ace spectrum and is a coming-of-age story within a superhero plot.

7. Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp
A light blue book cover with black and blue text and a small red glove in the background
Goodreads / Via goodreads.com
An exploration of asexuality that’s quietly in the background of the main character, Corey’s story as she tries to discover what caused her best friend’s death, Before I Let Go from Marieke Nijkamp narrates a relatable tale of figuring out one’s sexuality while breaking down the idea that gender and sexuality need to have clear boundaries. CW: Suicide, parental neglect, emotional abuse, attempted murder.

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8. Chameleon Moon by RoAna Sylver
The colorful book cover for Chameleon Moon with a woman with pink hair and a pink dress, a green elf-like creature and a red ball of fire in the background
Amazon / Via amazon.com
Chameleon Moon is a dystopian novel from RoAna Sylver that follows Regan, an asexual amnesic young man with lizard scales who encounters singer Evelyn Calliope in the quarantined city of Parole. As the pair work together against conspiracies that surround them, the tale unfolds unexpectedly as one with much-needed hope.

9. The Bone People by Keri Hulme
A black book cover with a yellow glowing light in the centre with three hands reaching out towards it.
Amazon / Via amazon.co.uk
Keri Hulme’s Booker Prize–winning 1984 novel, The Bone People is one of the few examples of asexuality in adult and literary fiction. Centered around reclusive artist Kerewin Holmes, who is white and Maori, as well as asexual, the novel reflects characteristics of the author herself as it brings representation suited to the time alive on its pages. Content warnings: child abuse.

10. Radio Silence by Alice Oseman
A woman with rainbow lights reflecting across her face with the text Radio Silence in white across the cover
Queer Books For Teens / Via queerbooksforteens.com
Swerving smoothly away from stereotyping anyone on the asexual spectrum, Alice Oseman’s Radio Silence explores the friendship between bisexual Frances and demisexual Aled. With subtle but effective portrayal of demisexuality, the book lets romance take the backseat as it gives us a unique glimpse on the importance of friendships and how they are no less worthy than romantic relationships — a sentiment many asexual and aromantic readers would relate with. CW: suicide ideation, depression, emotional abuse, and animal cruelty.

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11. City of Strife by Claudie Arseneault
The book cover for City of Strife with illustrations of architecture with a dragon head motif in the foreground
Amazon / Via amazon.co.uk
A fantasy novel stocked with queerness and political intrigue, City of Strife is one among Claudie Arseneault’s catalog of ace and queer representation. The first book in a trilogy featuring characters of various orientation, it covers the spectrum, opening casual discussions and acceptance of queer identities with Arseneault’s trademark combination of idealism, hope, and practicality. CW: abuse (verbal, physical), violence, fire/burns, torture, racism, mind control.

12. We Awaken by Calista Lynne
The book cover for We Awaken has a variety of blue and purple flowers on the left-hand side with plain white and text on the right-hand side.
Amazon / Via amazon.co.uk
Calista Lynne explores what it means to be asexual teenagers in We Awaken, a sci-fi romance between Ashlinn, the creator of good dreams, and young dancer Victoria Dinham. Though the story is mostly centered around Ashlinn’s time as a human and how not having her around to create pleasant fantasies impacts the world, the affections of these two young women give the narrative some heart.

13. Thaw by Elyse Springer
The book cover for Thaw illustratres an open book on green grass with a city scenery in the background.
Amazon / Via amazon.co.uk
The second installment from Springer’s Seasons of Love series, Thaw follows the romance between asexual librarian Abigail and supermodel Gabrielle when they meet on the dance floor, breaking down the fear and stigma attached to coming out as asexual to someone you are in a relationship with.

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14. The Second Mango by Shira Glassman
A cartoon of two women sitting on a dragon with green grass and blue skies around them
Amazon / Via amazon.com
One for epic fantasy lovers, the first book of the Mangoverse series from Shira Glassman, The Second Mango, centers around a demisexual Jewish warrior woman and her journey around the world to help a Jewish lesbian queen find a wife. Another tale where sexuality is given power and acceptance without making it a huge part of the plot.

15. His Quiet Agent by Ada Maria Soto
A serious looking man in a black suit is in the foreground of His Quiet Agent's book cover while a smiling man in a white button down shirt is the in background
Amazon / Via amazon.com
A simple love story that brings the asexual spectrum into its folds, His Quiet Agent follows demisexual secret agent cubicle worker Arthur Drams, who is told to make more friends in order to move up in the agency. Drams ends up befriending reclusive Agent Martin Drove, but finds himself risking his career once romantic feelings develop.

16. The Cybernetic Tea Shop by Meredith Katz
A steaming cup of tea with two gears resting on the ceramic cup
Amazon / Via amazon.co.uk
This charming, quiet sci-fi novella takes the trope of asexual characters as robots following asexual AI programmer Clara, who hits it off with a fully sentient robot Sal. The story of The Cybernetic Tea Shop unfolds as the pair learn more about each other and themselves.

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Quite a few of the book covers look awful. They're in that hideous WEBP format, which means I have to snip them, which means I'm not going to bother, except for the top 3, in my opinion.

 

[mindlessobserver]

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Any white woman who attends this has to be a masochist

 

[The Husbando Collector]

Any white woman who attends this has to be a masochist

or to score extra woke points. don't underestimate woke white women and the lengths theyll go to to earn saint status among this crap covered bucket of crabs.