Fallout (Lois Lane #1) by Gwenda Bond
I rated this book as five stars on Goodreads not so much on its artistry or its technical mastery, but simply because I personally found it such a delight to read. I can't promise anyone else will love it as much as I did. It mashed my buttons in all the right ways.
I love Bond's Lois. While I don't believe teenagers, or anyone, needs to read literature that is "edifying" or "good for them" somehow (Trash can be fun!), I'm nonetheless happy that teen readers have a hero like Lois Lane. Her courage, tenacity, and sense of justice were all fantastic.
With the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and watching people react to Rey, the concept of the Mary Sue has been on my mind. I used to say that while I objected to people using the term to be sexist (and I always maintained that a canon Mary Sue was a contradiction in terms), I still found the term valuable. But while I still dislike fanfic OCs who warp the fictional world and make everything about them, dragging everyone else out of alignment and character, I have to admit that the term Mary Sue is completely useless now, and nothing but a slam against any female character who isn't small and quiet enough for patriarchal tastes.
This became relevant to me as I read Fallout. Because I have no doubt that they people calling Rey a Mary Sue would do the same to Lois. She's brave! And smart! And doesn't fear getting into trouble! And it's great.
Fallout confronts topical issues like bullying and online harassment. There's a sci-fi twist, but I felt like Bond got it, and tapped into the fears both teenagers and adults have of authority figures who are supposed to help, but can't be bothered to care.
I only nearly avoided getting myself into a fight over on Goodreads, when I saw someone left a negative review because the book didn't have Superman in it. (I restrained myself and didn't say anything.) This is just stupid, because Clark Kent is all over this book. Is it really important that he have a big "S" on his chest? But I'm more disgusted at the idea that Lois only has worth as a character if she's Superman's appendage.
I found Fallout very satisfying as a longtime Lois/Clark shipper, and if I hadn't shipped them before, the book probably would have converted me. I loved their interactions, and I loved the way it was made clear that Lois was just as much a hero as Clark. This is the story of Lois Lane, hero.
I can't wait for Bond's next Lois Lane book.
This entry was originally posted at http://veleda-k.dreamwidth.org/448074.html. Please consider commenting there.
I love Bond's Lois. While I don't believe teenagers, or anyone, needs to read literature that is "edifying" or "good for them" somehow (Trash can be fun!), I'm nonetheless happy that teen readers have a hero like Lois Lane. Her courage, tenacity, and sense of justice were all fantastic.
With the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and watching people react to Rey, the concept of the Mary Sue has been on my mind. I used to say that while I objected to people using the term to be sexist (and I always maintained that a canon Mary Sue was a contradiction in terms), I still found the term valuable. But while I still dislike fanfic OCs who warp the fictional world and make everything about them, dragging everyone else out of alignment and character, I have to admit that the term Mary Sue is completely useless now, and nothing but a slam against any female character who isn't small and quiet enough for patriarchal tastes.
This became relevant to me as I read Fallout. Because I have no doubt that they people calling Rey a Mary Sue would do the same to Lois. She's brave! And smart! And doesn't fear getting into trouble! And it's great.
Fallout confronts topical issues like bullying and online harassment. There's a sci-fi twist, but I felt like Bond got it, and tapped into the fears both teenagers and adults have of authority figures who are supposed to help, but can't be bothered to care.
I only nearly avoided getting myself into a fight over on Goodreads, when I saw someone left a negative review because the book didn't have Superman in it. (I restrained myself and didn't say anything.) This is just stupid, because Clark Kent is all over this book. Is it really important that he have a big "S" on his chest? But I'm more disgusted at the idea that Lois only has worth as a character if she's Superman's appendage.
I found Fallout very satisfying as a longtime Lois/Clark shipper, and if I hadn't shipped them before, the book probably would have converted me. I loved their interactions, and I loved the way it was made clear that Lois was just as much a hero as Clark. This is the story of Lois Lane, hero.
I can't wait for Bond's next Lois Lane book.
This entry was originally posted at http://veleda-k.dreamwidth.org/448074.html. Please consider commenting there.