Author Archives: CaseytheCanadianLesbrarian

About CaseytheCanadianLesbrarian

Known in some internet circles as Casey the Canadian Lesbrarian, Casey Stepaniuk is a writer and librarian who holds an MA in English literature. She lives and works in the unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations (Vancouver, BC). Topics and activities dear to her heart include cats, bisexuality, libraries, queer (Canadian) literature, running, and drinking tea. She runs the website Casey the Canadian Lesbrarian, where you can find reviews of LGBTQ2IA+ Canadian books, archives of the book advice column Ask Your Friendly Neighbourhood Lesbrarian, and some other queer, bookish stuff. She also writes for Autostraddle, Book Riot and Inside Vancouver. Find her on Twitter: @canlesbrarian. Some of her old reviews, especially the non-Canadian variety, can be found at the Lesbrary.

“Queer and Desperate Poetry,” “Never … An Uncomplicated Story”: A Review of Amber Dawn’s Exquisite New Book of Poetry, MY ART IS KILLING ME

Posted on May 26, 2020

Amber Dawn’s latest and second collection of poetry, My Art is Killing Me and Other Poems, is an exquisite, hard-hitting book. At times devastating, My Art is Killing Me is not without its moments of humour and light. Amber Dawn … Continue reading →

Posted in Amber Dawn, Canadian, femme, Poetry, Queer, Sex Work, Vancouver | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Longterm Lesbian Relationships, Fraught Friendships, Interrogation of Mainstream White Discourse on Queer Identity, and More!: A Review of Shani Mootoo’s Novel POLAR VORTEX

Posted on May 13, 2020

Polar Vortex is multi-talented writer and artist Shani Mootoo’s latest book, her first in six years. I didn’t think I had a fixed idea of what I was expecting in this novel, but this strange, dark, and thought provoking novel … Continue reading →

Posted in Canadian, Fiction, Lesbian, Queer, Shani Mootoo, South Asian, Toronto | 2 Comments

Gorgeous, Fiery Words and Skillful, Clever Use of Poetic Devices Equal Only to Each Other: A Review of Jillian Christmas’s Poetry Collection THE GOSPEL OF BREAKING

Posted on May 12, 2020

There were many times when I gasped out loud and just sat in awe as I was reading Jillian Christmas’s debut poetry collection The Gospel of Breaking. The poems are alternately sad, sexy, funny, and angry; I found myself—very willingly—riding … Continue reading →

Posted in Black, Canadian, Caribbean, Poetry, Queer | 1 Comment

Interview with a Queer Reader: Leora Spitzer talks Queer Jewish Books, Queer Fanfiction, and Still Looking for a Book that is “Yours”

Posted on April 29, 2020

Guess what … interview with a queer reader is back! I owe today’s interviewee Leora a HUGE apology as her amazingly interesting and thoughtful responses to my queer reader questions have been sitting in my email inbox for literally years. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bisexual, Fantasy, Fiction, Interview with a Queer Reader, Ivan E. Coyote, Jewish, Non-Canadian, Queer | 1 Comment

For the Fans: A Review of HIGH SCHOOL by Sara Quin and Tegan Quin

Posted on April 21, 2020

There is some art that you discover early, perhaps at an age too young to truly appreciate it. That art continues to resonate throughout your life as your appreciation grows. Then there’s art that defines a period in your life. … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta, Canadian, Coming-of-age, Lesbian, memoir, Non-Fiction, Queer | Leave a comment

An Incredible Piece of Art and My Favourite Book of 2020 So Far: A Review of THE SUBTWEET by Vivek Shraya

Posted on April 17, 2020

After I finished reading Vivek Shraya’s latest novel The Subtweet, I sat on it for a few weeks before posting anything on social media. I delayed writing about it because I was so overcome with the feeling that my words … Continue reading →

Posted in Canadian, Fiction, Postcolonial, Queer, South Asian, Toronto, Trans, Trans Feminine, Transgender | 3 Comments

Literary Queer Comfort Food for Tough Times: A Review of REBENT SINNER by Ivan Coyote

Posted on March 31, 2020

In the hellish past (literal) week and (figurative) year, I have been yearning for some literary queer comfort food. A new(ish) Ivan Coyote book is the perfect antidote! I actually read Rebent Sinner in late 2019, when it had been … Continue reading →

Posted in Butch, Canadian, Ivan E. Coyote, Non-Fiction, Queer, Trans, Trans Masculine, Transgender, Vancouver | 6 Comments