2020 Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book by a trans or non-binary author

The Trans Space Octopus Congregation: Stories by Bogi Takács

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I totally picked up this book because of the title... that and it would fulfill a category in a reading challenge. I really wish I could say I liked it. I didn't hate it, but I certainly did not like it.

This is a collection of short stories by the author. They seem to have a central theme of gender, body shape and form and a look at power exchange relationships. None of that bothered me. What did was that it felt like every single story just ended. Not even a soft conclusion. Just stop.

I can't say I'd recommend this book but I would not dissuade someone if they wanted to read it. And honestly... it's got a cool title.



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bad news today

I had been noticing that Lily Rose was looking like she was losing weight. But as she's not quite 3 I assumed it was a visual thing due to a growth spurt. I had also noticed her sounding like she was coughing up hairballs a lot.

Then last night I saw discoloration in both her eyes. So today I called the vet and got her in. The news is not good. She was diagnosed as Dry Type FIP. which is almost always terminal. There is a treatment that has not yet been officially approved in the US because just before it was going to, COvID-19 hit and FIP is a coronavirus. So they changed directions for human trials not feline.

It's possible to get the treatment but it's going to cost at least $3,000 USD and I'm out of work thanks to COVID-19.

I'm devastated. But a friend set up a go fund me to help me. We shall see.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-tina-ekat-save-lily

2020 Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book with a 3 word title

One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


really a 3.75 just not quite a 4 for me.

Bea is a fashion and beauty blogger. Which is not unusual for Los Angeles. But what is unusual is that she is plus sized and proud. One night while watching Main Squeeze (the equivalent of the Bachlorette) she gets annoyed at the lack of diversity on the show - shape, age, race, all of it. And after too much wine takes to her blog to rant about this lack.

So the producers invite her to come on the show and be the one that the contestants vie to woo her. See it as a way to promote her blog and get new sponsors, she agrees - especially after getting her heart broken by a long time friend/crush. Vowing to not fall in love, she enters the world of reality.

Things quickly go bad (starting with the premiere episode) and Bea needs to figure out what she wants and how to deal with her own insecurities to maybe find love (both of herself and another).

*****

I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this book. It may help that I have never watched an episode of the Bachelorete or the Bachelor. Many of the insecurities that Bea has to overcome are things that I have heard my own brain say to me.

There were bits that made me roll my eyes but for a contemporary romance with characters almost 20 years younger than me, it was a fun read.



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