The Yellow Wall-Paper and other Stories by Charlotte Perkins Gilman — 2.5/5

Overall, I enjoyed reading it, but cannot really grasp it. Here are my thoughts per story:

The Yellow Wall-Paper - 2/5 I feel gaslit the same way as the protagonist, thinking it was a really scary story about manipulation and how hysteria is a man’s doing, but I feel underwhelmed all over. Maybe revolutionary at the time, but it felt so predictable and tired. Maybe not for me, as this is not an experience that I am familiar with.

The Rocking Chair - 2/5 I do not know about this one as well. It was neither scary nor creepy. All I understood about it is that there is a psychological warfare between the two best friends because of a blonde woman's apparition that they are both attracted to.

Old Water - 4/5 Disturbing as hell, deservedly so. To hell with men who aim to violate you and mask it with what they call love and affection.

Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski — 4.5/5

Despite its length of over 210 pages, this book will lead you through a one hell of an emotional ride.

The story is about Ludwik and Janusz’s love during a tough time in socialist Poland, before the Martial Law period.

Tomas appears to be heavily influenced by James Baldwin’s novel, Giovanni’s Room, as there are numerous references to it throughout the novel. It has the same theme of not just restrained queer love, but also social justice.

People would do anything to fulfill their ambitions, no matter the cost. The path to achieving their goals inevitably leads to consequences, and it’s disheartening to witness it. However, I genuinely couldn’t envision any other choices or outcomes given the circumstances they find themselves in. It’s truly harrowing.

Overall, it’s a very good read. It makes you empathize with Ludwik and, despite his theatrics, you’ll eventually understand his motivations.

In a world where the odds are stacked against you and the system only favors those who assist it, are you prepared to sacrifice your dignity, principles, identity, and right to love?

The Boy In the Dress by David Walliams — 4/5

I saw this book at Biblio last month and thought that the book cover and title is interesting. Later down the road, it made me realize that David Walliams is the lad judge from Britain’s Got Talent.

It’s been a while since I have read a children’s book as an adult, the last being a reread of The Little Prince.

Dennis, a boy struggling to cope with his mother’s divorce, yearns to escape the monotony imposed by the divorce with only football to keep him company.

His journey into the world of fashion began with curiosity when he stumbled upon a Vogue magazine at a nearby shop.

Thanks to Lisa, the most awesome senior he met during his initial detention, he discovers comfort and happiness while wearing a stunning orange sequined dress and a charming pair of high heels.

This children’s book surprisingly tackles several profound topics, including the impact of divorce on children, toxic masculinity, the exploration of gender identity and expression, deep friendship, the challenges of discrimination, and the familial love.

This novel is humorous, light-hearted, and touching, even if you’ve read it as an adult. I highly recommend it for anyone trying to figure out their gender identity and expression. It’s a great introduction to SOGIE.