Review dump!

I just realized that I've got a list of thirteen books that I have read but haven't reviewed here on my LJ.

Part of me sort of wants to give up, because I'm not sure my reviews are that good or that helpful to anyone, and when I read my old ones, they're sort of rambling and not that coherent. In fact, I've noticed that I have a rather non-linear style of thinking, especially on the sentence level.

It's just how my brain works. It's also why I have to line edit so viciously before I send anything off.

Yet part of me would at least like to keep some sort of record of the things, especially since I really want to make sure I record the CoC/GLBT/Gender scores for these books. So, to that end, I've decided on doing thirteen really quick and dirty reviews of the books I've read.

Note about scoring: For each category the ratings go from 1 (the worst ever) to 10 (the best ever). But those categories which get a 0, indicate a book that does not deal with the topic and has no characters in that category (for instance, a book with no GLBT characters or a book with no female characters).

I will do my best to briefly explain why I personally gave the books those ratings. I don't expect everyone (or anyone!) will agree with my ratings, and I won't hold it against anyone if they wish to disagree with my scoring. In fact, I welcome discussion of any of these books and why they are better or worse than I've rated them!

( Thirteen brief reviews, complete with CoC/GLBT/Gender scoring for those playing the home game. Also: expect spoilers! )

I will not be participating in any silences

I'm nervous about this topic, because I really feel that I should do like 100000 years worth of listening and learning before I speak, but I felt that I needed to be sure that I stood up and said that I'm not quitting this topic, because I don't want anyone to think I'm participating in Elizabeth Bear's Two Months of Useless Silence or that I agree with it.

Let me be clear:

Yes, I'm talking about this post from Elizabeth Bear and a lot of the events surrounding it. And I do not agree with her at all. I think she was wrong in what she said.

( Under the cut tag for length. I would ask respect and thoughtfulness on this topic, and as always, I has a banstick, and I uses it. )

I just want to make sure that people know, above all else, that I won't tolerate racism here or in myself. I want people to know that I'm going to listen, and that I'm going to try my best. I want people to know that they can come to me and say if something is hurting them that I'm doing or saying, and that I will do everything in my power to make it right.

As with this same topic posted about in other journals I have, I would ask three favors:

1) If you're coming to disagree with me about something I've made it perfectly clear that I'm not backing down from, do us both a favor and just don't waste my time. Questions are fine, and even debate on the smaller issues or debate on how best to achieve the goals I want achieved are fine.

2) If you're going to comment, debate, or discuss with other people, please don't just be polite. Be thoughtful. REALLY think about what they're saying and what you're going to say. Consider what it is you want and why you're making that comment in the first place and whether it has any potential to be productive.

3) No cookies. Please. I'm on a cookie free diet. If you want to say you agree with me, I guess that's okay - but honestly? If you want to go give someone kudoes and brownies and goodies, go find the people who have been enduring harassment and ugliness to speak out and give them your support.