So, earlier today, we wrapped up the book review contest. I got some lovely reviews, and was very happy with the winner. But one thing bothered me. While the contest submissions included book by men of color and by women, there wasn't a single work by a woman of color. There wasn't a single work by a trans or non binary person.
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If this had happened 15 years ago, I would have shrugged. But I specified books from this decade, and this decade in SFF has seen tremendous work by women of color and trans people (including trans people of color). N.K. Jemisin, Sofia Samatar, Aliette de Bodard, Zen Cho, JY Yang, Rivers Solomon, Nnedi Okorafor, Charlie Jane Anders, Yoon Ha Lee, Karen Lord, Marjorie Liu, Alex Wells, Bogi Takács, A. Merc Rustad, Jeannette Ng, Amal El-Mohtar, Vina Jie-Min Prasad, Fonda Lee, and many others aren't just a part of science fiction and fantasy now, they're doing some of the very best work out there.
So this contest is going to be about them. And since I expect some of you may need the time to pick up and read one of these authors, this is a two week contest. Also, I am now allowing short fiction, in an attempt to make things easier.
If you list 5 works you like in the comments , I will recommend a specific work by an author who is a woman of color, a trans person, or both. But feel absolutely free to pick up a book or story of your choosing, as long as they fit the contest rules.
The contest prize will, once again, be 10 SBD. With 5 SBD possibly going to a strong second place.
The Rules
- The review must be in a post on the Steem blockchain, and must include a link to the book. Goodreads or any online store.
- The book must no older than 2010.
- The book must be science fiction or fantasy, though I support a broad definition of those.
- It must be a book you liked or loved. Not here for book hate.
- Can be either YA or for adults.
- You have two weeks to post the review.
- You have to comment on this post with a link to the review.
- The author must be a woman of color, a trans person, or both.
Here's my entry!
Book Review: Walking on Water by Matthew J. Metzger
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Ooh ooh I am intrigued! Could you suggest one based on some of my favorites?
• The Signature of All Things, Elizabeth Gilbert
• The Time In-Between, Maria Duñez
• Stardust, Neil Gaiman
• Uglies, Pretties, Specials... Series by Scott Westerfield (YA)
• The Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern
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That's a very eclectic list, which I like! Definitely leans more towards the fantasy side, though the Westerfeld books are dystopian sf. I'm going to go with ALL THE BIRDS IN THE SKY by Charlie Jane Anders. Charlie Jane is an amazing writer, who won the Nebula and the Locus awards for this book.
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You just laid down the hammer. I am so excited to read this, I would've never found this book without you. ☕️🤓 Here we gooooo!
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Signed, sealed, and delivered (on the blockchain). 🤓
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Now this does sound fun! :D my favorite type of genre is something that makes me believe the impossible is possible, eg a supernatural thriller type book (if it involves fairies or fae folk, like herbert magic cottage, even better!) :) can you suggest a read for me?
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I have the perfect one, and it's a short story: The Faerie Tree by Kathleen Kayembe.
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Wow! It was the perfect choice for me! thank you :) Here is my review already lol I love a good read! https://steemit.com/contest/@beautifulbullies/review-on-short-story-the-faerie-tree-by-author-kathleen-kayembe
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Brilliant thank you! :) I will download it tonight!
Edit: I love the name already ;)
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Would The Reader by Traci Chee fit the requirements? https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25064648-the-reader
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Absolutely!
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I will participate another time, love how you have put this together. And congratulations to the winner of the contest.
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This is a wonderful contest which provides lots of opportunities to show up your talent as well as earn. I will like to participate next time
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I hope you participate this time. You have two weeks!
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Two weeks is plenty of time. I will surely participate.
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Let's do this.
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I am SO CLOSE to finishing my book. Does this contest end on Friday or Saturday?
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Saturday at 7:51 pm utc. Very few entries so far!
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