This was one of the best books I've read this year. "Girl Mans Up" by ME Girard. Pen is such a vivid, believable character. She refuses to accept any labels and can't understand why people insist on trying to fit her into their limited categories. She's figuring out who she is, not just in terms of gender identity, but also in relation to her friends, her parents, her brother. Her best friend Colby is a bit of an asshole, but she's loyal to him because he accepts her just as she is. Or that's how it seems at first. But as Pen becomes gradually more confident in herself, she has to turn her disconcertingly honest gaze on the people around her, and decide who they are.
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I'm a writer of Fantasy and Science Fiction, living in Cape Town, South Africa.
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zumbador reviewed Girl Mans Up by M-E Girard

M-E Girard: Girl Mans Up
All Pen wants is to be the kind of girl she’s always been. So why …
Review of 'Girl Mans Up' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
zumbador rated Wizards of Once: 5 stars
zumbador rated The Wheel on the School: 5 stars

The Wheel on the School by Meindert DeJong
Six students in a tiny Dutch sea town engage practically the whole population in an effort to attract storks to …
zumbador rated I Was Born for This: 3 stars
zumbador reviewed Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Review of 'Piranesi' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
"The Beauty of the House is Immeasurable, its Kindness Infinite".
My brother gave me this beautiful copy of Piranesi for my birthday. I only just read it. It's one of the most remarkable books I've ever read. It's deeply influenced by the Narnia books, especially The Magicians Nephew, and the etchings of the artists Piranesi. Both of those things have been very important to me, especially when I was a student.
This is a gentle, serious, kind story. Full of dreamlike, surreal, vivid moments. Just beautiful. Thank you Andries for this gift. ❤️
zumbador rated Page: (Protector of the Small #2): 5 stars

Page: (Protector of the Small #2) by Tamora Pierce (Protector of the small (2))
Keladry of Mindelan continues her training to become a squire with the aid of a new maid, the support of …
zumbador rated Lady Knight: 5 stars

Lady Knight by Tamora Pierce (Protector of the small)
When she becomes a knight, eighteen-year-old Kel hoped to be given a combat post, but instead she finds herself named …

Squire by Tamora Pierce (Protector of the small)
After becoming a squire to Lord Raoul, commander of the King's Own, Kel of Mindelan, must face a terrifying test …
zumbador rated First Test: 5 stars

First Test by Tamora Pierce (Protector of the Small, #1)
When Alanna became the King's Champion, it was decided that girls would henceforth be allowed to train for the knighthood. …
zumbador rated Welcome To Rosie Hopkins Sweetshop Of Dreams: 1 star
zumbador rated Conventionally Yours: 5 stars

Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert
When two "big name fans" go head-to-head at a convention, love isn't the only thing at stake.
Charming, charismatic, and …
zumbador rated Between sisters: 4 stars

Between sisters by Cathy Kelly
Meet the women of Delaney Square ... Cassie has spent her married life doing everything right - making sure her …
zumbador rated Once and for all: 3 stars

Once and for all by Sarah Dessen
Louna has seen every sort of wedding: on the beach, at historic mansions, in fancy hotels and clubs. When Louna …