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I know there's not that much up yet, but it's still fun, right?
First, I have to rec Recognize Myself by![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
hector_rashbaum. Okay, so I did art for this story, and if I hadn't, I probably never would have read it, because it really, really isn't my scene (Ryan/ftmJon). I don't like either of those guys particularly well, and I am always hesitant of reading fics that deal with trans issues, because so often they're handled really poorly. Well, let's just say I'm glad I decided to do some more art this year. This fic was really terrific, guys. Jon just breaks my heart in this, and as I was reading it, I was like, man, if this is what he actually went through irl, I'd be a lot more sympathetic towards him, because there's so much internalised misogyny and self-hatred that's almost difficult to read, but handled really well, and Ryan is such a beautiful character here, trying SO HARD to get everything right, and be supportive, and never giving up, and yeah. So if you saw the summary and weren't sure, let me tell you, it is very worth your time. (Also, you should check out my art while you're over there :D)
MJ's Not the Only One With a Man in the Mirror bydesert_neon. Frank/Gerard, Gerard/Bert, Bert/Quinn Sliding Doors AU that is really delightful. I love that the author doesn't do a direct rip-off of the movie, but manages to create an awesome universe of her very own that resembles the movie only in the most general ways. The two parallel universes are handled really well, so things never get confusing, and the pacing is awesome, with the passage of time in each 'verse moving along smoothly. Great characterisation, and it manages to be really heart-breaking and happy-making, at the same time. And somehow she managed to write Bert that I didn't absolutely despise him, even though he was a cheating asshole, just because she writes such wonderfully complex characters. Check out the bonus material for this one, too. Awesome stuff!
Away With the Boys in the Band. aag!Mikey/various (Otter, Gabe, Pete, Alicia). I was curious about it. I'm not a fan of AAG! but some people can write it well, and mostly I wanted to see if it was badfic or not (because I almost signed up to do art for it +curiosity). I ended up enjoying it. It still isn't my bag, and I probably won't reread, but for those of you who do enjoy AAG, or if you just want to see a really interesting, moving, and lovely fic that deals with a lot of issues surrounding sexism (particularly in the music industry), then I'd recommend this one. I really do love the way the author dealt with Mikey's various partners and their different attitudes towards women/sex. It's a difficult balance to find what's acceptable and what's not re: men's thoughts of female sexuality, and I liked the way the author handled it. Anyway, good read. V. long though, follows the same general timeline as band!MCR.
Next up I'm gonna read the My Chem one that looks like Gee has amnesia? IDK, it seems like it could be good/interesting. Then the Brencer space fic. So, anyone have any recs for me? Knowing that unless it is the most excellent writing you've ever seen IN YOUR LIFE I have no desire to read AAG, and that I'm pretty much done forever w/Ryden.
First, I have to rec Recognize Myself by
hector_rashbaum. Okay, so I did art for this story, and if I hadn't, I probably never would have read it, because it really, really isn't my scene (Ryan/ftmJon). I don't like either of those guys particularly well, and I am always hesitant of reading fics that deal with trans issues, because so often they're handled really poorly. Well, let's just say I'm glad I decided to do some more art this year. This fic was really terrific, guys. Jon just breaks my heart in this, and as I was reading it, I was like, man, if this is what he actually went through irl, I'd be a lot more sympathetic towards him, because there's so much internalised misogyny and self-hatred that's almost difficult to read, but handled really well, and Ryan is such a beautiful character here, trying SO HARD to get everything right, and be supportive, and never giving up, and yeah. So if you saw the summary and weren't sure, let me tell you, it is very worth your time. (Also, you should check out my art while you're over there :D)MJ's Not the Only One With a Man in the Mirror by
desert_neon. Frank/Gerard, Gerard/Bert, Bert/Quinn Sliding Doors AU that is really delightful. I love that the author doesn't do a direct rip-off of the movie, but manages to create an awesome universe of her very own that resembles the movie only in the most general ways. The two parallel universes are handled really well, so things never get confusing, and the pacing is awesome, with the passage of time in each 'verse moving along smoothly. Great characterisation, and it manages to be really heart-breaking and happy-making, at the same time. And somehow she managed to write Bert that I didn't absolutely despise him, even though he was a cheating asshole, just because she writes such wonderfully complex characters. Check out the bonus material for this one, too. Awesome stuff!Away With the Boys in the Band. aag!Mikey/various (Otter, Gabe, Pete, Alicia). I was curious about it. I'm not a fan of AAG! but some people can write it well, and mostly I wanted to see if it was badfic or not (because I almost signed up to do art for it +curiosity). I ended up enjoying it. It still isn't my bag, and I probably won't reread, but for those of you who do enjoy AAG, or if you just want to see a really interesting, moving, and lovely fic that deals with a lot of issues surrounding sexism (particularly in the music industry), then I'd recommend this one. I really do love the way the author dealt with Mikey's various partners and their different attitudes towards women/sex. It's a difficult balance to find what's acceptable and what's not re: men's thoughts of female sexuality, and I liked the way the author handled it. Anyway, good read. V. long though, follows the same general timeline as band!MCR.
Next up I'm gonna read the My Chem one that looks like Gee has amnesia? IDK, it seems like it could be good/interesting. Then the Brencer space fic. So, anyone have any recs for me? Knowing that unless it is the most excellent writing you've ever seen IN YOUR LIFE I have no desire to read AAG, and that I'm pretty much done forever w/Ryden.
