Jax's Reviews

I don’t often think of calligraphy and traditional art as the basis for a fun, beautifully rendered fantasy, but Phoenix Extravagant is all of that. Automata and fox spirits roam the streets while subjugated people fight for their freedom, and dragons turn out to be far less monstrous to face than is contending with humanity’s greed. I particularly admire Lee’s ability to navigate the nonbinary gender of his protagonist with a light touch. I haven’t devoured something like this since Uprooted. Don’t miss out! — Jax
 

While this one may not be entirely traditional fantastical fare, Schwab’s latest novel is utterly magical. Addie is given as much time to experience life as she wants but in exchange, she has become forgettable...until hundreds of years later, she meets a man who, against all odds, remembers her name. Immersive and transportive, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue makes you think about what price you would pay to keep what you want, and what deals with devils are worth making. — Jax

What an absolute treat! I was so excited to finally read Bechdel’s seminal work, and even more surprised by how relevant and relatable it is still. I adore the lovably neurotic Mo, who is as concerned by the state of the world in the 1980s as we are now, and the hilarious and diverse cast of her friends. If you’re a fan of Dykes to Watch Out For or are perhaps looking for a supportive and affirming group of queers, you need this collection in your life. — Jax

My favorite thing about graphic novels is how much they can convey within a frame, and in Welcome to the New World, I felt the poignancies, laughter, and desperate desire for home on every page. Meet the Aldabaans, a family fleeing war-torn Syria only to land in the US on the eve of the election in 2016. Now the rest of their family is left behind and the Aldabaans must assimilate and carve out a life as best as they can. A fascinating look at modern immigrant life that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. — Jax

As a knitter I am confident in many techniques, but one that baffles me to no end is colorwork. I need something that teaches me step by step, as most patterns are either too simple or extremely complex and leave me floundering. That’s why I’m so excited about Ostermiller’s new book, which walks you through different color techniques and lovely patterns with which to try them. If you’re ready to take your knitting to the next level, this promises to be the perfect fit. — Jax

Do you find yourself longing to be one of those DIY people who can make anything? Are you a crafter already wanting to branch out? Look no further than this charming book, the perfect inspiration to “Make It!” Fans of the show will enjoy the forward by Nick Offerman and the profiles on past contestants, and anyone interested in crafts will enjoy the various crafting techniques taught here. So get out there and create!

What can I say? I love this queer Chicano chef and this cookbook! Castillo’s fun and delicious recipes are presented alongside stories of his life and family, making the book a joy to cook from. I also appreciated how easy the recipes were to use and how patiently Castillo explains how to do things. If you’ve never cooked Mexican food, this is the perfect primer, and if you’re looking for some playful variations on these flavors, you’re in for a real treat. 

This ambitious book is the perfect starting place for anyone who is curious about spirits south of the border. Each section deals with a different source: agave, sugarcane, and grape. Mix gives the history behind these delicious drinks as well as information on the ethics of buying them, and doesn’t shy away from the less savory aspects of the drinks. While most of her cocktails match her status as world-class bartender, there are a few (hello, caipirinha) that are a simple and elegant, the perfect introduction to these amazing spirits. ¡Salud!

In this new autobiography, the incomparable Jennifer Boylan defines the chapters of her life by the dogs she has owned. She writes of them and herself with overwhelming tenderness, hilariously wry skepticism, and brutally frank honesty. I loved meeting all of her dogs, and through them getting to know the different versions of herself she has experienced. If you’ve never read Boylan before, this is a wonderful introduction, and who doesn’t love a good dog?

Can something painful be funny? Can you really only have one slice of pizza? Can something that feels horrible turn out to be wonderful? Can fish text? Birbiglia asks these questions and more in his honest, funny, and emotionally fraught exploration of parenthood and what it has meant to him and to his wife. Fans of his will appreciate the new stories, as well as poems from his wife, and if you don’t know anything about this awkward sleepwalker, I encourage you to check him out.