down with cis

  • Thallo [she/her]
    ·
    7 months ago

    Reading circle time!

    I've read a few things that were recommended here that I'd like to talk about.

    First, is "Us" by Sara Soler recommended by @ashinadash@hexbear.net

    synopsis and thoughts

    "Us" is a biographical graphic novel written from the perspective of Sara Soler as her wife, Alex, comes out to her as a trans woman. Most of the story covers Alex's transition. The graphic novel covers some of the obstacles of transition, but it's an overwhelmingly positive and loving work. The art is also super cute and colorful.

    I'm so glad that it was recommended because this is like, MY story. A lot of the very specific details of Alex and Sara really line up with my wife and me beyond the general trans experience. When my friends ask what I'm going through and how I feel, I'll definitely recommend this graphic novel to them.

    For people who have been trans for a while, I think that everything in the book is pretty well-trodden territory. The book is largely didactic insofar as it's really meant to be explanatory about queerness in general both for cis people and queer people. So, you might not find it terribly intriguing. However, if you want to read something sweet and affirming, it might just remind you of the excitement of those early years and the people around you who you found to love and support you.

    .

    The next one is a manga called "She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat" which was recommended by @Cromalin@hexbear.net

    synopsis and thoughts

    The manga follows Nomoto and Kasuga, two adult women who live on their own in the same apartment building. Nomoto is a food instagrammer who posts pictures of the food she cooks; however, she's not a big eater. She dreams of cooking more, but she has nobody to feed. One day, she meets Kasuga as she's heading home only to find that Kasuga has a voracious appetite. Nomoto eventually works up the courage to ask Kasuga to eat with her. Over the course of the story, the two women share meals together as their friendship grows... Perhaps into something more?

    I was really surprised by this manga. I typically don't like slice of life stories, but I'm realizing that I actually just don't like school stories because, unsurprisingly, I don't relate to them at all. Reading a story about two grown women with 9-5 jobs just being nice to each other is honestly just good for the soul. I find myself really rooting for the two of them. I'm starting the 4th volume now, and I definitely recommend it if you want to read something light and chill

    • Cromalin [she/her]M
      ·
      edit-2
      6 months ago

      glad you liked it! it is remarkably pleasant reading about adults having nice times together and growing closer

      i hadn't seen the 4th volume was out, i need to chase that down!