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strawberryvee's review against another edition
5.0
I instantly fell in love with both Abbey and Janet, two girls from very different worlds who actually aren't that different.
At times, the book was a little slow but overall the pacing was really good with twists that made me have to put the book down for a few seconds just so that I could take it in!
I was hooked from page one, Robin Talley has created such an engaging story and has been able to do it across two completely different time periods with a range of various different characters.
FULL REVIEW ON MY BLOG - https://neverlandvicki.blogspot.com/2019/01/pulp-bookreview.html
At times, the book was a little slow but overall the pacing was really good with twists that made me have to put the book down for a few seconds just so that I could take it in!
I was hooked from page one, Robin Talley has created such an engaging story and has been able to do it across two completely different time periods with a range of various different characters.
FULL REVIEW ON MY BLOG - https://neverlandvicki.blogspot.com/2019/01/pulp-bookreview.html
sincerelyhadley's review against another edition
4.0
This book has perfectly encapsulated what it's like to come out and what it's like to be lgbt. Even with the different frames of time, some of those reactions are still ones you will get today in present time, sadly. Robin's gift in wrapping this in a neat little 416 page package, is one I can never thank her enough for. What she has done allows so many young (and older) people who have yet to come out to not feel so alone and feel validated. Even those who have come out already, such as myself, are allowed a comfort in knowing they are not alone in their experience.
There was a line in the book that really hit home fore and I think hits home for a lot of queer youth: It was time I put away my foolish past and became what everyone had always told me I was meant to be: some man’s wife.
That was always my biggest fear growing up. My biggest battle. I never thought I would have the pleasure of loving a woman (PS, I have had that pleasure) and I never thought I would get to be happy. Because how could I be happy with a man?
Fictional or not, it's just a reminder that this is something that goes on in the lives of others and together we will all get through it.
Thank you, Robin.
There was a line in the book that really hit home fore and I think hits home for a lot of queer youth: It was time I put away my foolish past and became what everyone had always told me I was meant to be: some man’s wife.
That was always my biggest fear growing up. My biggest battle. I never thought I would have the pleasure of loving a woman (PS, I have had that pleasure) and I never thought I would get to be happy. Because how could I be happy with a man?
Fictional or not, it's just a reminder that this is something that goes on in the lives of others and together we will all get through it.
Thank you, Robin.
hannahinpages's review against another edition
2.0
I have a bunch of complicated feelings about Pulp.
Ultimately, though, I wish this had been historical fiction. Lesbian historical fiction practically doesn't exist and would've worked so much better for this story. Janet's story was miles more compelling than Abby's, and she was more personable.
My biggest issue with Pulp was how boring it was. It's the definition of a snoozefest. Slow-moving, character-driven plots are something I can get behind and love with my whole heart, but to pull it off, your characters have to be impeccable, and Pulp's cast is mostly bland and two-dimensional.
I did somewhat like the ending, though, even if it was a bit predictable.
Ultimately, though, I wish this had been historical fiction. Lesbian historical fiction practically doesn't exist and would've worked so much better for this story. Janet's story was miles more compelling than Abby's, and she was more personable.
My biggest issue with Pulp was how boring it was. It's the definition of a snoozefest. Slow-moving, character-driven plots are something I can get behind and love with my whole heart, but to pull it off, your characters have to be impeccable, and Pulp's cast is mostly bland and two-dimensional.
I did somewhat like the ending, though, even if it was a bit predictable.
muren28's review against another edition
4.0
this was cute and I did enjoy it but I had a few issues with it - the middle seemed to lag more than a bit and then the end seemed rushed almost. I also don't think that a white author should use some of the words she decided to use.
karensareadsatnight's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mairelon's review against another edition
3.0
Read this review on my blog
Pulp by Robin Talley
3.5 out of 5 stars
Out 13th November 2018
Pre-order it here!
--
**I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss in return for a review**
It’s 1955 and Janet Jones is biding her time before college starts waiting tables and hanging out with her best friend, Marie. Janet knows exactly what her future holds – college, and then settling down with a nice man and starting a family. She is, after all, the good catholic daughter of a politician. It’s what’s expected. Except is isn’t what Janet wants. Janet wants to know why she thinks of Marie all the time. Janet wants to know why the thought of marrying a man and starting a family fills her with dread. After a chance encounter at a bus station with a salacious pulp novel, Janet finally has a better idea.
It’s 2017 and out-and-proud Abby is just trying to get through her last year at high school, but nothing is going right. Her president is sending the country down the hole, her parents seem to have forgotten she exists, and her ex-girlfriend seems oblivious to the fact that Abby is still in love with her. The only thing getting Abby through this mess is her discovery of a 50’s lesbian romance novel called Women of the Twilight Realm. Despite its success, author Marion Love mysteriously disappeared and never wrote again. Abby knows there has to be more to Marion’s story, and she sets out to discover the truth.
Told through dual perspectives, Pulp explores life as a young lesbian in two very different eras, and the challenges young women faced in the quest to live authentically.
Janet's story was the most affecting for me. Set against the backdrop of the Lavender Scare, it was incredibly suspenseful and I spent the whole time waiting for the other shoe to drop. Like Abby, people love the 50's for it's style and aesthetic, but I, at least, didn't really understand the culture of fear, distrust and hate permeating throughout. Of course I've read The Crucible and of course I knew about McCarthyism and Jim Crow and the likes but I don't think I really understood the affect it had on a personal scale until I lived it through Janet's eyes. Despite being so far removed from life now, Janet's experiences and reactions felt so realistic and relatable. Her story was scary and heart-wrenching and beautiful and I loved every page.
I didn't have the same connection with Abby's story, though I appreciated it for it's contrast with the 1955 story line. Where Janet's short hair and penchant for pants were small rebellions for her time, Abby and her brigade of LGBTQI+ identifying friends habitually attended protests and rallies to fight for a better life in very overt ways. Abby is romantic and obsessive and dramatic, and I suppose all that is part of being a teenager. I didn't find Abby a particularly likeable character, but that fault is probably with me. I'm out of touch. Kids these days, you know? I think my biggest problem with Abby and her story is everything about it felt very didactic. This isn't inherently a bad thing, but I found myself rolling my eyes at her and her friends, and there was at least one instance that felt like it was lifted from one of those fake Tumblr stories. Though I did appreciate the modern story providing a break from Janet's often very intense chapters.
I think my favourite thing by far in this book was reading descriptions of some of the early pulp novels explored in the story. My favourite being Satan was a Lesbian. While they have cringy titles, covers and tag lines by today's standards, Pulp shows that their impact on past generations shouldn't be erased.
Pulp doesn't fit in with my regular fantasy and science fiction reads, and I don't tend to enjoy dual perspective/dual era novels. But that doesn't matter - I'm not the target audience for this book. My workplace is looking to add some titles to the LGBTQI+ shelves, and since we have limited space and budget for new books we try to make sure every one is a valuable addition to the collection. I already know it's going to be a popular one with the students. While not universal, I'm sure Abby and Janet's experiences, fears and dreams will strike a cord with a number of young girls and women and I appreciate the book for that. Overall I found this book really engaging and informative and I look forward to our work's copy hitting the shelves!
Pulp by Robin Talley
3.5 out of 5 stars
Out 13th November 2018
Pre-order it here!
--
**I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss in return for a review**
It’s 1955 and Janet Jones is biding her time before college starts waiting tables and hanging out with her best friend, Marie. Janet knows exactly what her future holds – college, and then settling down with a nice man and starting a family. She is, after all, the good catholic daughter of a politician. It’s what’s expected. Except is isn’t what Janet wants. Janet wants to know why she thinks of Marie all the time. Janet wants to know why the thought of marrying a man and starting a family fills her with dread. After a chance encounter at a bus station with a salacious pulp novel, Janet finally has a better idea.
It’s 2017 and out-and-proud Abby is just trying to get through her last year at high school, but nothing is going right. Her president is sending the country down the hole, her parents seem to have forgotten she exists, and her ex-girlfriend seems oblivious to the fact that Abby is still in love with her. The only thing getting Abby through this mess is her discovery of a 50’s lesbian romance novel called Women of the Twilight Realm. Despite its success, author Marion Love mysteriously disappeared and never wrote again. Abby knows there has to be more to Marion’s story, and she sets out to discover the truth.
Told through dual perspectives, Pulp explores life as a young lesbian in two very different eras, and the challenges young women faced in the quest to live authentically.
Janet's story was the most affecting for me. Set against the backdrop of the Lavender Scare, it was incredibly suspenseful and I spent the whole time waiting for the other shoe to drop. Like Abby, people love the 50's for it's style and aesthetic, but I, at least, didn't really understand the culture of fear, distrust and hate permeating throughout. Of course I've read The Crucible and of course I knew about McCarthyism and Jim Crow and the likes but I don't think I really understood the affect it had on a personal scale until I lived it through Janet's eyes. Despite being so far removed from life now, Janet's experiences and reactions felt so realistic and relatable. Her story was scary and heart-wrenching and beautiful and I loved every page.
I didn't have the same connection with Abby's story, though I appreciated it for it's contrast with the 1955 story line. Where Janet's short hair and penchant for pants were small rebellions for her time, Abby and her brigade of LGBTQI+ identifying friends habitually attended protests and rallies to fight for a better life in very overt ways. Abby is romantic and obsessive and dramatic, and I suppose all that is part of being a teenager. I didn't find Abby a particularly likeable character, but that fault is probably with me. I'm out of touch. Kids these days, you know? I think my biggest problem with Abby and her story is everything about it felt very didactic. This isn't inherently a bad thing, but I found myself rolling my eyes at her and her friends, and there was at least one instance that felt like it was lifted from one of those fake Tumblr stories. Though I did appreciate the modern story providing a break from Janet's often very intense chapters.
I think my favourite thing by far in this book was reading descriptions of some of the early pulp novels explored in the story. My favourite being Satan was a Lesbian. While they have cringy titles, covers and tag lines by today's standards, Pulp shows that their impact on past generations shouldn't be erased.
Pulp doesn't fit in with my regular fantasy and science fiction reads, and I don't tend to enjoy dual perspective/dual era novels. But that doesn't matter - I'm not the target audience for this book. My workplace is looking to add some titles to the LGBTQI+ shelves, and since we have limited space and budget for new books we try to make sure every one is a valuable addition to the collection. I already know it's going to be a popular one with the students. While not universal, I'm sure Abby and Janet's experiences, fears and dreams will strike a cord with a number of young girls and women and I appreciate the book for that. Overall I found this book really engaging and informative and I look forward to our work's copy hitting the shelves!
blesstherainss's review against another edition
5.0
Just as Abby Zimet and Janet Jones said, there are simply some books that speak to you, written just for you. “Pulp” was written for me, I know that for a fact.
I am an incoming-junior in high school, and I share the same name as the protagonist. This led me to pick up the book in the first place, because what else would one expect to do with a book about a high school lesbian that has the same name as you, is obsessed with reading, and is still heartbroken over her (bisexual) ex-girlfriend besides by a copy for you and then lend it to all of your friends? I half suspected Mrs. Talley was spying on me for god’s sake!
There were many difficult topics discussed in the novel, but of course, Talley cleverly crafts the story to do more than just educate on topics like the Lavender Scare (which she did a wonderful job researching). Maybe I have a slight bias because I really do share eerily similar experiences to Abby, but I was able to put myself into her shoes and feel every emotion she felt as I read.
“Pulp” is not just another ‘cute’ book about two white, gay boys that fall in love and is written by a straight girl for straight girls. No, it is for young lesbians—heartbroken or otherwise—who have been craving to find a voice similar to their own. To show them that there is nothing wrong with the way they are despite society screaming otherwise. For girls like me, who feel just a little bit lost and alone right now.
I definitely recommend, even if you are not a lesbian or apart of the LGBT community, because this book might be one of my favorites.
And to Mrs. Robin Talley, thank you again for another wonderful read. <3
I am an incoming-junior in high school, and I share the same name as the protagonist. This led me to pick up the book in the first place, because what else would one expect to do with a book about a high school lesbian that has the same name as you, is obsessed with reading, and is still heartbroken over her (bisexual) ex-girlfriend besides by a copy for you and then lend it to all of your friends? I half suspected Mrs. Talley was spying on me for god’s sake!
There were many difficult topics discussed in the novel, but of course, Talley cleverly crafts the story to do more than just educate on topics like the Lavender Scare (which she did a wonderful job researching). Maybe I have a slight bias because I really do share eerily similar experiences to Abby, but I was able to put myself into her shoes and feel every emotion she felt as I read.
“Pulp” is not just another ‘cute’ book about two white, gay boys that fall in love and is written by a straight girl for straight girls. No, it is for young lesbians—heartbroken or otherwise—who have been craving to find a voice similar to their own. To show them that there is nothing wrong with the way they are despite society screaming otherwise. For girls like me, who feel just a little bit lost and alone right now.
I definitely recommend, even if you are not a lesbian or apart of the LGBT community, because this book might be one of my favorites.
And to Mrs. Robin Talley, thank you again for another wonderful read. <3
tooawkward2dance's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kategallo's review against another edition
3.0
It breaks my heart to give this only three stars. This book provided me with such valuable information about lesbianism and love in the 1950s-1960s, from the terror of McCarthyism, the paranoia of being discovered, but also the camaraderie between queer women who fought for their lives to exist. It taught me about forgotten, terrible things such as the Lavender Scare, and brought to life the world of lesbian pulp fiction and the intricacies of the genre.
The book is split into two perspectives - Janet's, a girl living in the mid-20th century under the oppressive, homophobic regime in America; and Abby, a modern-day lesbian who embarks on a journey to cope with the world around her. Both of these girls find comfort in the discovery of lesbian fiction, and it drives them towards essential discoveries in their personal lives. Janet's perspective is achingly beautiful. My heart ached for the terror she felt, and the hopelessness surrounding every action she made.
However, I really struggled with Abby's perspective. I found her really... irritating? And that her side of the story was messy and underdeveloped. Her actions were childish and didn't feel explained. Her obsession with discovering Marian Love lacked reason, and at often times was dehumanising a woman who had suffered a lot. I think there just wasn't a strong enough justification for her actions. I'm never one to want homophobia in my book, but if Abby was closeted, or if there was more of a build-up of familial tension, then maybe her actions would have been justified. Instead, she appeared to be a bad friend who made rash decisions, and idealised a book and a person in ways that were reductive and detracted from other parts of her story. At the same time, I don't think either perspective could have held its own as an individual story. They just weren't strong enough in plot or progression.
So, this was a Struggle to rate because it is Really well researched, and has a lot of beautiful chapters and revelations, particularly from Janet's perspective, but the book itself could have benefitted from some additional planning and justifications.
The book is split into two perspectives - Janet's, a girl living in the mid-20th century under the oppressive, homophobic regime in America; and Abby, a modern-day lesbian who embarks on a journey to cope with the world around her. Both of these girls find comfort in the discovery of lesbian fiction, and it drives them towards essential discoveries in their personal lives. Janet's perspective is achingly beautiful. My heart ached for the terror she felt, and the hopelessness surrounding every action she made.
However, I really struggled with Abby's perspective. I found her really... irritating? And that her side of the story was messy and underdeveloped. Her actions were childish and didn't feel explained. Her obsession with discovering Marian Love lacked reason, and at often times was dehumanising a woman who had suffered a lot. I think there just wasn't a strong enough justification for her actions. I'm never one to want homophobia in my book, but if Abby was closeted, or if there was more of a build-up of familial tension, then maybe her actions would have been justified. Instead, she appeared to be a bad friend who made rash decisions, and idealised a book and a person in ways that were reductive and detracted from other parts of her story. At the same time, I don't think either perspective could have held its own as an individual story. They just weren't strong enough in plot or progression.
So, this was a Struggle to rate because it is Really well researched, and has a lot of beautiful chapters and revelations, particularly from Janet's perspective, but the book itself could have benefitted from some additional planning and justifications.
marieke_k's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
reflective
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5