A new year = a new list. I love the fresh feeling of a new year's book (mini-)reviews, because even though the post starts short, I know that it will continue to grow all year long as I add each new completed book to the stack. It's the ambition that is apparent at the beginning of this post that I love so much. Last year, in 2018, I met my goal of averaging a book a week, finishing at 52 books for the year. It's not the lowest number of books per year that I've had since I first started tracking everything I read in 2008, but it's certainly not the highest. That's how life goes, right? As with many things, it's a bit of a roller coaster. If you're looking for more recommendations, feel free to scroll through my last decade of reading here: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.
All that being said, I'm still going to make an even more ambitious goal for this year-- 80 books. That's about a book and a half every week, and I'm gonna give it a try. I'm also working on Book Riot's 2019 Read Harder Challenge, so you'll see indications of completed tasks in this year's list, too. I don't know what my life would be like without reading, and the act of cataloging what I've read throughout the year brings me joy, in addition to being a fantastic resource for when my memory fails me!
To another year of books that warm my heart, make me think, open new worlds, share different perspectives, and generally keep me going.
Everything's Trash, But It's Okay by Phoebe Robin
I adore ending the year with a comedian's book, and this one did not disappoint. Robinson is as funny here as she was in her first book, and even in the moments when she's tackling serious topics, she keeps it real with some humor. I literally LOLed again and again, and I hope she has plans for a third book!
Me by Elton John
I started this about a week ago, unsure of if I'd finish it or not. I read other stuff in the time in between but I went back to it today and got immersed in the beyond wacky world of Elton John. This memoir was A LOT, as one would imagine, and over 350 pages of EJ's life makes for a wild ride, even just experienced on the other side of the page.
My Real Name is Hanna by Tara Lynn Masih
I gave this book to my daughter at some point in the last year, and she's been recommending it since she read it the first time. This is a harrowing story of four Jewish families surviving in Ukraine during the German occupation of WWII. The lengths they go to are horrific to imagine, yet this YA novel is based on a real group of people who lived in underground caves for over 500 days. This story made me weep and wonder at the power of the human spirit.
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
Okay, I'm not sure what the heck I just read. A dear friend who is a much more sophisticated reader than I am recommended it and I trust that he understood more of what was happening. There was some beautiful writing here, but I'm left a bit bewildered upon finishing it.
Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher
This short epistolary novel consists entirely of letters written by Jay Fitger, a creative writing and literature professor at a small (and declining in status) university. His department is experiencing cutbacks upon cutbacks, and his personal writing career is just about dead-- except for the unending requests for the letters of recommendation which make up the novel. Fitger's letters are always honest, sometimes brutally and ineffectively so, and his personal life seeps into almost every one of them. This makes for a quick and funny read, with more darkness than I initially expected. From the little that I've learned about university politics and procedures, lots here was spot on.
Frankly in Love by David Yoon
Damn! This is a debut author! David Yoon has created a maturely told YA novel that comes in over 300 pages and is incredibly thought-provoking. The protagonist, Frank Li, is a senior in high school struggling with teenage love and relationships under the watchful eye of his parents who are firm in their rules about him only being able to date Korean girls. The delicate aspects of code-switching, stereotypes, and prejudice are explored, but with deeply nuanced perspectives. Frank asks questions that aren't easy to answer, not in this fictional story and not in the real world. Super impressive for a debut, and as the partner of YA author Nicola Yoon, they make a major power couple in the writing world!
Belinda Blinked; 3: The continuing erotic story of sexual activity, dripping action and even bigger business deals as Belinda relentlessly continues to earn her huge bonus. by Rocky Flintstone
Can 5 stars ever mean the worst book ever? Yes, family. Oh, that made no sense? Well, welcome to the world of Belinda Blumenthal. Once again, I've listened to this "book" care of the MY DAD WROTE A PORNO podcast, which is hilariously funny and also exhausting and trying, all at the same time. This was the worst book yet, which might have made it the best season ever, if it weren't for that last blasted chapter/episode. Bloody hell, people. James and Alice wouldn't let Jamie read, then Jamie seemed to forget that he had been reading a chapter, and it took fugging forever to get to the end of the chapter, only to have ZERO revelation of the big mystery that was introduced at the beginning of the chapter/episode. Dear lord. I'm not good with mysteries, and it's going to be painful to keep wanting to know, because if I know Rocky's writing by now-- and after three torturous seasons/books, I most certainly do-- it'll be a damn long time before the answers are revealed. If they ever are. Who the F knows what's in this mad man's mind's eye?
(Anyway, I googled it. It's not going to be revealed until the final chapter of book four. Honestly. I'll still listen, but there was no way I was waiting.)
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
Oh my word, how I loved this book. So freaking weird with characters who were undeniably quirky, and oh, a couple of the kids who catch on fire when they get emotionally worked up. It's a hilarious book with an irreverent narrator, and an overwhelmingly darkly humorous tone. I never wanted this story to end. This is a perfect distraction from the real world kind of read!
Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen McManus
A murder mystery with a true crime obsessed teenaged protagonist - - I remember liking the author's previous novel more, but I might have felt similarly to this read in that I just wasn't patient enough to enjoy it fully. That might be more indicative of my feelings towards this genre in general than the quality of this particular novel, though. But I did read this one quickly, though more so out of a desire to just see it finished.
State of the Union by Nick Hornby
This short novel has a unique structure - - ten chapters, each depicting a conversation between a married couple before they head to marriage counseling. Lucky for them, their therapist's office is across the street from a pub, so they meet for a drink before their appointment. In their conversations, the reader is given insight into their relationship, one that has its ups and downs, but isn't too different than many others. I quite appreciated the acknowledgement of the fragility of a marriage and the realistic dialogue between the main characters-- terse and uncomfortable at times, but always authentic.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
This month's book club book was an interesting experience. Being informed that it was a fantasy, I was expecting something differently fantastical, perhaps. Instead, I was met with an adult fairy tale set in a wintry world both of our reality and not at all. I quite liked this, most especially for the protagonist, but it did take a loooong time to get to the real meat of the story. And, it's not the first time that I belatedly discovered I was reading the first in a series with a book club selection!
Mama Sutra: Love and Lovemaking Advice to My Son by Natasha Ria El-Scari
(RH 2019 Challenge: A self-published book, 24/24)
My social media feed features many black writers and posts intended for black audiences. I saw a recommendation for this book a little while ago, and I was intrigued. I was hoping for some guidance in how to talk with my kids (regardless of gender) about healthy sexual relationships. There was some of that, and there were other parts that were specific to African-American perspectives. Some of it went further than I felt comfortable with, and there was more religious content than appealed to me. I was hesitant about this self-published category for the Read Harder Challenge, and some of my worries were justified, as this book needed significant editing. Overall, I appreciated the author's openness with her son about a wide range of topics regarding sex and relationships.
Lily and the Octopus by Steven RowleyOh, this book. A dear friend placed it in my hands and told me to read. After a lull of not being pulled to read, this book hit me like a tsunami, and I did not want to stop. Lovely, eerie, and tender. Strange as hell, with so much blur between reality and imagination, this is ultimately about the unconditional love we are so fortunate to receive from just the right kind of dog, and the torturous difference in our typical respective lifespans. I cried and cried, all the while as one of the two best doxies ever lay curled into my side.
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
I wish I could say that I understood this beautiful, but utterly confusing, novel. Vuong is a poet, and he has a delicate touch with his language choices in this, his first novel, so that passages would strike me with their intensity and loveliness, even while I was incapable of deciphering the narrative arc.
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
This. Is. Captivating. There's so much story in this slim novel, as one of Woodson's innumerable talents is writing with immense depth in a small number of actual words. Read it for the character studies, for the flipped narrative of some common scripts, for the varied depictions of human connections. Read it because this sentiment expressed by one of the main characters will become achingly familiar: "She felt red at the bone-- like there was something inside of her undone and bleeding." Read it because Jacqueline Woodson is a national treasure.
Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King, Jr.
(RH 2019 Challenge: A book written in prison, 23/24)
I know it's a bit of a stretch to call this a book, as it's one long letter (title) and one sermon (The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life), but I want it included in my reading because of its importance and impact. MLK's perspective on the "white moderate" is as relevant today as it was when he wrote his letter from jail 56 years ago. White people have to concern ourselves with justice and make it a priority to work toward social justice for all.
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
I took a long time to read this, trying to be thoughtful and self-reflective as I read. I definitely saw aspects of myself in here, and lots of my white community reflected, too. This quote aptly sums up what I'm taking away: "I know that I have blind spots and unconscious investments in racism. My investments are reinforced every day in mainstream society. I did not set this system up, but it does unfairly benefit me, I do use it to my advantage, and I am responsible for interrupting it. I need to work hard to change my role in this system, but I can't do it alone. This understanding leads me to gratitude when others help me."
Belinda Blinked; 2: The continuing story of, dripping sex, passion and big business deals. Keep following the sexiest sales girl in business as she earns her huge bonus by removing her silk blouse. by Rocky Flintstone
Yeah. I listened to book two via the podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno. Holy shit, this is the worst writing I've ever witnessed-- as you can see by the title, the author has almost zero understanding of grammar and punctuation, and don't even get me started on literary aspects such as character development, dialogue, plot pacing, and so on. In an attempt to write something sexy and titillating, the author has actually succeeded in creating something that is the exact opposite. But... I listened to every chapter while laughing uproariously, because it may not be sexy, but it is hilarious. The commentary from the podcast folks stepped up its game this round, too, just as Flintstone did with the level of ridiculous in this book. Dear lord. Dare I say it? I can't get enough of this garbage!
George by Alex Gino
When a kid hands you a book and says to read it because it meant something to them, read it. I'm so glad that I did read this middle grade novel, slim in size but with serious emotion by a trans protagonist who is young and sweet and resolute about her identity.
The Heavenly Table by Donald Ray Pollock
Well, I definitely wouldn't have picked this one up on my own, but it's this month's book club selection, so I gave it a go. It was not my favorite, to be honest. I could appreciate the dark humor at times, but some parts were just too much for me- to senselessly violent, too grossly descriptive, too much. I struggled keeping track of the characters at times, even though I knew they'd come together in the end. I was somewhat satisfied with the ending, but mostly I was just glad it was over.
High: Everything You Want to Know About Drugs, Alcohol, and Addiction by David and Nic Sheff
Wow, I've been reading this one for a while! The 11-year-old and I have been reading this aloud, and one or two chapters a night, sporadically, took a long time. We often discussed what we were reading, which was pretty heavy in both information and impact. This wasn't 'enjoyable' reading, but I'm hoping that it served its purpose of supplying the knowledge that leads to healthy choices. This was written by the father and son at the heart of the film BEAUTIFUL BOY, which broke my heart and certainly gives the authors a meaningful place from which to write.
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
(RH 2019 Challenge: A novel by a trans or nonbinary author, 22/24)
At the heart of this YA novel is a nonbinary teen figuring out their identity and seeing a counselor for their anxiety and panic attacks. This novel was deeply affecting, leaving me in tears several times. I don't know how much of the trauma experienced by the protagonist was inspired by the author's own real-life experiences, but I can believe that these are all too common for LGBTQ+ youth, sadly. I'm grateful for this book at this time in my life.
Butterfly Yellow by Thanhhà Lại
Thanhhà Lại's newest novel is deep and painful, but filled with strength and hope. Her YA debut is more explicitly descriptive of a refugee's experience during war than her previous middle grade novels. There's a tenderness and vulnerability to this text, thanks to an incredible protagonist who immediately grabs readers' attention, even as her own tragic story is only shared bit by bit.
Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhhà Lại
Concisely powerful, packing raw, immense emotion into each verse, Lai's debut middle grade novel blew me away. How I didn't read this years ago when I read and reviewed her second book is beyond me, but I'm grateful for the reminder I had to get back to it. This immigrant story through a child's eyes is timeless and important.
Never Caught: The Washingtons' Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar
The first time I heard of Ona Judge very well might have been care of Drunk History. (What a pathetic result of 17 years of formal education.) I heard about Dunbar's upcoming book about Harriet Tubman and then saw this book in my library listings, and I knew I needed to know more about the woman who fled from enslavement in the home if our nation's first president and built a life under the shadow of being caught. There was more speculative language than I had hoped for, for even though Judge did get to tell her story firsthand to two reporters before she passed, I imagine much of the details of her life in bondage and her escape were never shared. Ona Judge Staines didn't back down in the face of terror and injustice, and I only wish we could know even more about her incredible life.
A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza
There is so much I want to say about this book, and yet, I don't know what to write at all. This book made me feel vulnerable, devastated. Yet, it was beautiful. There were aspects that I connected with completely, and other parts with which I had no personal relation at all. One family story, so differently experienced at times by its members, with all their truths being true, even when they contradicted each other. Beautifully written, and though I found much of the first half challenging to follow at times, the effort was entirely worth it. This is the kind of fiction that people need to read to strengthen their compassion and understanding of the human experience. Next time I read this-- because I will return to it again-- I want to read it in paper format, because I think I lost something of its magic by reading it on the Kindle.
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carryrou
(RH 2019 Challenge: A book of nonviolent true crime, 21/24)
Woah. What a bananas story about one woman's quest for greatness, no matter the cost. I wouldn't have picked this one up if it weren't for the Read Harder Challenge's nonviolent true crime category and the recommendation of a fellow challenge-taking friend. If you don't know much about Elizabeth Holmes' attempt at 'changing the world' through her company Theranos, don't worry, this book will lay it all out. Incredible investigatory work.
Belinda Blinked; 1 A modern story sex, erotica, and passion. How the sexiest sales girl in business earns her huge bonus by being the best at removing her high heels. by Rocky Flintstone
I'm considering my time spent listening to the podcast, "My Dad Wrote a Porno", to be the very same thing as listening to this 'book' as an audiobook, just with additional footnotes and commentary. I couldn't bring myself to put this book in the "racy" category, because while yes, it does feature a whole lot of sexual acts, it is in absolutely no way titillating in the least. Nothing is sexy about any single scene in this 'book', as it were. But, it is funny as freaking hell, even without the commentary of the podcasters. I've listened to a chapter at a time as I walk to and from work each day, and I've risked serious personal injury from falling over in laughter with earbuds in. Everything about the podcast is brilliant and clever, and Rocky Flintstone just might be my favorite worst author ever.
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
It's an easy assessment to make that when 400 or so pages of a book are consumed in one day, the book is a good one. This is AMAZING. I hesitate to say anything about its plot beyond what is stated in the blurb - - it picks up the story of Gilead 15 years after the end of its predecessor, and that three women share their stories and how they relate to Gilead. It's fascinating to learn a little more about the formation of Gilead, and also of its eventual downfall, which was briefly discussed in the epilogue of THT. If you are a fan of the first book, or even of the show, you most definitely will want to learn more about these three women. Trust me. (Oh, and be sure to look carefully at the front and back covers of this one. Super clever.)
I Will Not Die an Unlived Life: Reclaiming Purpose and Passion by Dawna Markova
(RH 2019 Challenge: A book published prior to January 1, 2019, with fewer than 100 reviews on Goodreads, 20/24)
I struggle with inspirational nonfiction. I did at times with this one, while at other times I felt moved by the author's words. I kept going back and forth, sometimes nodding along, and other times shaking my head at the tone and generalizations. I was put off by a couple instances of what felt like "othering" of people with whom the author interacted at pivotal moments in her life-- some "magical negro" type characterizations and language. I got some encouragement from this, but I mostly wanted to just finish and move on.
A Thousand Beginnings and Endings edited by Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman
(RH 2019 Challenge: A book of mythology or folklore, 19/24)
Modern takes on East and South Asian folktales and mythologies, this collection gives female-identifying characters louder voices while retaining the magical elements of the genre. This was beautifully entertaining, and I quite enjoyed the authors' notes giving context to their interpretations of old tales and myths, especially as they clearly gave lots of thought to making people feel included and represented more strongly than was traditionally the case. (RH 2019 Challenge: A book of mythology or folklore)
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott, Harmony Becker
(RH 2019 Challenge: A comic by an LGBTQIA creator, 18/24)
Wow, this should be required reading in school from here on out. This was an entire section of American history about which I learned absolutely nothing during my formal education, and I'm sad to say that I learned a lot from this reading. But that is exactly why this is such an important read. Takei tells his story with an immense amount of compassion for his parents, which was heartbreaking to witness. Please put this in your kids' hands.
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
Woah, was this ever difficult to read. I was horrified, again and again, by the terror the author lived through and the impact it had on her and those in her life. A friend said something to the effect of this book negating her whole career in education, which I took to mean that educators aren't necessary if someone could survive and thrive in academia after a complete lack of formal education like this author. But I think it's actually the exact opposite idea. What all my amazing educator friends do is so much more than the formal education part, and that entire combination is what Tara Westover missed out on-- asking questions, learning to trust her own experiences, feeling part of a welcoming community, and on and on and on. Regardless of her immense success in spite of the odds against her, it will never not be devastating that she had to overcome it all.
Critical Literacy across the K-6 Curriculum by Vivian Maria Vasquez
Mind. Blown. I loved reading this book, which was the first official reading for my new job! This presented scenarios of real-life classroom projects undertaken by preschool through elementary school classes, with a focus on utilizing literacy education with a critical lens. These projects held great value to the students as parts of their actual lived experiences, and reading them made me want to go back in time to do some things differently in my own classroom!
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
(RH 2019 Challenge: A children's or middle grade book (not YA) that has won a diversity award since 2009, 17/24)
This was just the most perfect middle grade novel-- interesting main and supporting characters with diverse perspectives, a realistic 6th grade villainous character, a teacher who goes above and beyond. This narrative easily and naturally encourages empathy and must be incredibly supportive for kids with dyslexia and other learning differences. I'm so happy to have read this. Kids with grit make for my very favorite kind of literary characters.
The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea
(RH 2019 Challenge: An #ownvoices book set in Mexico or Central America, 16/24)
Devastating and beautiful. Languorous and intense. This novel told lifetimes of stories over the course of just two days, through memories and the power of a sprinkling of magical realism. A multitude of characters, each with a variety of names and nicknames but hugely distinctive personalities made for an epic that will not quickly be forgotten. The protagonist's experience of facing his own very imminent death was a powerful reminder to be aware in our own lives, and the structure of this large Mexican-American extended family was something to behold. Urrea has the skill to create emotionally evocative novels, and this one was amazing.
Does My Head Look Big in This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah
(RH 2019 Challenge: An #ownvoices book set in Oceania, 15/24)
I'm of mixed feelings about this one. I loved the identity exploration theme, and the insight into a young character figuring out her religious beliefs. But, it did feel shallower at times than other YA lit I've enjoyed, especially in the interactions between the protagonist and her parents.
Indigo by Beverly Jenkins
(RH 2019 Challenge: An historical romance by an AOC, 14/24)
I much preferred the historical fiction aspects of this novel more than the typical romance parts, but I think it was more because of the heaviness of the pre-Civil War setting and the fear I had for the escaped slave protagonist. I quite enjoyed the bits of history sprinkled throughout, and I was intrigued by the story. Thanks to the Read Harder Challenge for pushing me to read a historical romance by an AOC.
Killman Creek by Rachel Caine
After the first book in this series, I couldn't wait to read the second, because that bad guy still needed to get what was coming to him. After reading all evening and into the early morning, I'm satisfied that justice has been served. I think I'm good with this series now, and I'm off suspense thrillers for a while!
Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine
I don't usually read suspense novels. Not because I dislike them, per se, but because I get super worked up. Like, physically affected and unable to do anything but read nonstop. This one, which I read for book club, did exactly that--kept me up at night and wanting to leave regular life behind to find out who the bad guy was and just how rough the protagonist was going to be treated. Damn, he was villainously bad and she went through hell. Found out in the final pages that it's the first in a series, so apparently I'm not done with it yet!
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
I was excited to read Acevedo's latest, this time a YA novel in prose. I enjoyed it, but it didn't have the same magic as THE POET X. Short chapters might keep some kids reading, but I did long for more in-depth scenes. But, I am absolutely sure that this character will speak to many, many kids.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale
I'd never read a novel by Zora Neale Hurston before, only her posthumously published book of interviews, BARRACOON. Admittedly, I have very little knowledge of works from the Harlem Renaissance, and this was an intense and meaningful introduction. This feminist story is powerful, beyond what I can even quite work out on just my first read, and I read it slowly and carefully, wanting to understand as much as I could of the characters and the writer herself. I will definitely need to read more about ZNH and revisit this book soon.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusa
I first read this five years ago, and the second time around was just as moving, if not more. There's so much to love about this novel, from the beauty of the protagonist's adolescent development during one of the darkest periods of human history to the choice of a narrator in a unique position to observe humanity-- Death. I stand by what I said five years ago-- EVERYONE should reads this book.
Magical Negro by Morgan Parker
(RH 2019 Challenge: A collection of poetry published since 2014, 13/24)
I wish I could say that I understood everything that I read in this slim volume of poetry, but I'd be lying. I've never had a ton of success on this front, but I can say that I felt emotions pouring out of many of the poems, so perhaps I understood a little of the author's intent.
A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi
A YA romance between two high schoolers, one a hijab-wearing Muslim girl new to the school and the other a 'boy next door' kind of white guy. Oh, and it's 2002. Yeah. This was better than I expected, because even as it followed a pretty standard romance novel pattern, it had a bit more bite and depth to it due to the character development and the meatier-than-usual issues inherent in the story.
She He They Me: For the Sisters, Misters, and Binary Resisters by Robyn Ryle
AMAZING. Please read this. It's thought-provoking on the personal level and toward how we perceive and treat others. This concept of gender is just so much more than we have been socialized to believe. This book challenges that and puts gender in context with other parts of peoples' identities. The format is interesting-- that of a "choose your own adventure" style book, but with choices based on identity, type of society lived in, personal habits, sexuality, and so on. I wanted to be sure that I read every part, so I attempted (mostly successfully!) to record each path I took with sticky notes, leading me to use up MANY sticky tabs!
Calypso by David Sedaris
I read this last summer and I remember laughing so hard and so loudly that I had to put the book down so I didn't wake the child I was nannying. I was excited when it was chosen for our book club, but I found this time that I didn't laugh out loud as much, even though I was drawn in the same, if not more. This was David Sedaris dark humor at its best, deeply self-reflective and honest even when he knows just how he's presenting himself... which is not always in a positive light. I am here for this dark honesty and I still think this is my fave DS to date.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
(RH 2019 Challenge: A book by or about someone who identifies as neurodiverse, 12/24)
This book came on to my radar several months back, and my impression was that it was a light, romantic-comedy read. Not sure why, maybe it was the fun cover. It turned out to be sorta light, romantic-bordering-on-erotic, and less comedic than the cover might convey. I liked it for all of the above descriptions, and for the #ownvoices aspect of an autistic author writing an autistic protagonist. It followed the formula of romances-- the misunderstandings, the forbidden love that develops, the characters not saying exactly what they want to say leading to even more misunderstandings-- but it was a fun ride to go on.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Somehow, I made it PAST the magical age of 42 and had never read this one. I recognized cultural references to it, but never had the push to pick it up until my cousin scoffed at me so damn hard for not having read it. Basically, I was shamed into borrowing it from the library. I'm super glad I was, because this was ridiculous and funny in ways I couldn't have predicted. The film adaptation is on Netflix, so I think I'm going to give that a go, too, only 14 or so years late.
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
(RH 2019 Challenge: A book in which an animal or inanimate object is a point-of-view character, 11/24)
I believe this was recommended by my daughter last year, but I just didn't get to it. When we saw "a book in which an animal or inanimate object is a point-of-view character" on the Read Harder Challenge, H told me it had to be time for me to finally read this. It was the absolute perfect book to read in one night (it's a pretty short older middle grade novel) while camping with my Girl Scout troop, lying on a bunk in a yurt surrounded by trees blowing in the breeze. The POV character happens to be the titular tree who is wise and compassionate, and Applegate writes as beautifully as ever in this book about friendship, community, and acceptance.
The Great Beanie Baby Bubble: Mass Delusion and the Dark Side of Cute by Zac Bissonnette
(RH 2019 Challenge: A business book, 10/24)
I would never had read this book if it were not for the Read Harder Challenge pushing me to read a 'business book'. But, man oh man, this was actually kinda fascinating. I wasn't part of the BB craze, but I do remember the hype and then its sudden disappearance, and this book gave a lot of context to how it all happened.
Forever by Pete Hamill
(RH 2019 Challenge: A book by a journalist or about journalism, 9/24)
I really needed a distraction last night, so I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to finish this 600+ page novel. I read it over a decade ago, and I remember absolutely loving it. On this read, I found I wasn't as enchanted with it, and even some parts seemed problematic to my 2019 sensibilities. Overall, though, it is an epic tale of immortality, family ties, magic, and hope.
How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Wu
(RH 2019 Challenge: A book by an AOC set in or about space, 8/24)
I read words on 234 pages, but I honestly have very little understanding of any of it. There were moments during this novel when I thought I was starting to grasp some of the concept, but those were disappointingly fleeting. Much of the emotion I understood, though, so it wasn't a complete wash. This was just way beyond my capacity to comprehend.
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Mag
I can't remember when I first read this, but it's likely been 20ish years. I thought I remembered quite liking it, but this time around, all I'm thinking is, "Whaaaaaat?!" I can't say I was particularly charmed by it, and I'm not even sure I could give a plot synopsis, but it filled a couple days' worth of reading, so there's that.
When You Read This by Mary Adkins
(RH 2019 Challenge: An epistolary novel or collection of letters, 7/24)
Call this a thoroughly modern day epistolary novel, since instead of the old-fashioned things called 'letters,' this novel is made up entirely of emails, texts, and blog posts. Adding an additional interesting layer, these correspondences are among a small, recurring cast of characters, but there are occasional emails included from others in the spheres of those main characters to give a sense of what's happening in their lives. Also, some correspondences are drafts, which often tell us more about the reality of a situation than an email that is actually sent. I quite liked this format and the way that it allowed for readers to see many sides of the characters. A unique and contemporary way to tell the story of a life cut short and those that continued afterwards.
When All is Said by Anne Griffin
Oh, my heartstrings. All of them were tugged again and again by this quiet, slow, and wholly character-driven novel. Reflecting on a long life, a man gives five toasts to people he's loved, and through them, readers learn of his successes and his failures, his loves and his losses. His voice was so strong and distinctive, really rounding out his character well with very little current-day interactions or dialogue beyond what he retells in his memories. Just lovely.
Appalachian Elegy: Poetry and Place by bell hooks
I'm not confident in my ability to talk about poetry in the same way that I talk about narrative fiction, but I do know that this particular collection had poems that made me appreciate hooks' word choice and poems that made me feel something, both lighthearted and deeply ashamed. I was drawn especially to the pieces about nature, and while I'm still a relative stranger to most things Appalachia, I am a big fan of the wilderness here.
New Kid by Jerry Craft
This compelling middle grade graphic novel is realistic and full of heart. Microaggressions and biases experienced by African-Americans play out through the eyes of a 12-year-old light-skinned boy starting at a new school that lacks in diversity among its students and staff. Even in its seriousness, it's still a book about a kid, and Craft balances the tone in a way that makes it all feel real and relatable.
Failure is an Option: An Attempted Memoir by H. Jon Benjamin
Not only did I laugh, but as I've been in a real failure mode of my own for a few months now, this was a reassuring humor that was timely and appreciated. Benjamin's writing is best read if you can hear his voice in your head- all silky and smooth and deep, telling these ridiculous stories. If you pick it up, be prepared for some off-the-wall humor and a 'dirty' illustration or two (which are insanely hilarious!).
How to Hold a Grudge: From Resentment to Contentment-- the Power of Grudges to Transform Your Life by Sophie Hannah
Well, this was interesting, and while I find her argument for a particular way to think about and "process" grudges to be intriguing, I can't say that I'm gonna jump on board immediately. But, it was food for thought, and with sparks of humor throughout, this was an entertaining read.
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
(RH 2019 Challenge: An alternate history novel, 6/24)
Well, damn, that was unexpected. An alternative history of the U. S. during the Civil War in which the dead began to rise at Gettysburg. What if instead of fighting each other, the North and South had to fight zombies? Well, no big stretch to posit that blacks and Native Americans would be enslaved in a different way-- as trained fighters. The protagonist is incredibly brave and headstrong and she's got secrets that I probably should have figured out if I had thought more about what I was reading instead of inhaling this book like it was air I needed to survive. Not sure how long this series is supposed to be, but I'm in until the end.
The Museum of Modern Love by Heather Rose
Woah. What a wild ride this unique novel was! A novel based on a few real-life characters and their original projects, this brings performance art, love, loss, and the power of introspection together to make for a story that isn't easy to understand but entirely worth the effort. There is so much to unpack here, and some of it still doesn't make sense to me, but it made me see affirmation in so many of the 'weird' thoughts about myself, life, and others that I thought were unique to my strange brain. And, it's got me reading about and watching videos of the artist Marina Abramović, someone who I'd never heard of before.
From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death by Caitlin Doughty
Read. This. Book. Seriously, this was an incredibly eye-opening piece of nonfiction that reads like a series of interconnected short stories with humor and humility doled out in large doses as the author examines death across many cultures. I was moved and pushed to think beyond my very American background of avoidance of the topic. I'm more confident than ever in my choices for my own post-death treatment, and I'm determined to talk more about this with my family and friends.
Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon
This was a book that challenged me intellectually, culturally, and emotionally. I'm sure that I didn't get everything out of it that Laymon intended, but I tried to understand what I could and I appreciated the challenge. There's a painful rawness here that that was devastating and haunting.
Quotes to remember:
"Our superpower, I was told since I was a child, was perseverance, the ability to survive no matter how much they took from us. I never understood how surviving was our collective superpower when white folk made sure so many of us didn't survive. And those of us who did survive practiced bending so much that breaking seemed inevitable." (p. 107-108)
"But the problem is you hurting yourself by trying to let folk know they hurt you. God gives us five senses for a reason. You hear me? Use them. Stop hunting for distractions. Stop taking your own legs out. It's enough mess out there trying to beat us down without you helping." (p. 114)
"The rest of my teachers maybe did the best they could, but they just needed a lot of help making their best better. There were so many things we needed in those classrooms, in our city, in our state, in our country that our teachers could have provided if they would have gone home and really done their homework. They never once said the words: "economic inequality," "housing discrimination," "sexual violence," "mass incarceration," "homophobia," "empire," "mass eviction," "post traumatic stress disorder," "white supremacy," "patriarchy," "neo-confederacy," "mental health," or "parental abuse," yet every student and teacher at that school lived in a world shaped by those words." (p. 114)
"Folk always assumed black women would recover but never really cared if black women recovered. I knew Grandmama would act like she recovered before thanking Jesus for keeping her alive. She would never publicly reckon with damage done to her insides and outsides at the hands of people who claimed to have her best interest at heart. She would just thank Jesus for getting through the other side of suffering. Thanking Jesus for getting us through situations we should have never been in was one of our family's superpowers." (p. 169-170)
Jack Frost: The End Becomes the Beginning by William Joyce
The 11-year-old and I read this one aloud after having read the previous four several years ago. This fifth and final book in the GUARDIANS OF CHILDHOOD series is wildly creative with possibly the richest language in kidlit you can find. It's difficult if you wait a couple days in between chapters because the story is fairly complex, but the whole series is amazing. My son loved it and I quite enjoyed reading it aloud!
Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
I grabbed the movie off the library shelf the other day when I saw it on display and then remembered that I hadn't actually gotten around to reading the book yet, which is the required order for me. Thankfully, the teen was given the book by his younger sister last year, so I borrowed it and read it in one evening. I liked that it somehow managed to be light and fun in spite of its heavy themes. The characters were realistic and likable, which isn't always easy on either front when writing about teens! I'm looking forward to watching the film adaptation soon while the book is fresh in my head.
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
Oh, Angie Thomas, you are incredible. With this book, just as with THUG, you've brought to life characters full of depth, whose emotions are so real and relatable, regardless of how much the reader's life experiences may be similar or different than the characters'. I was enraptured even when my mama-self wanted to shake Bri. And that was more often here than it was with Starr in THUG. But, Bri's desperation was understandable... and devastating. I listened to an interview with the author on a podcast and she was so damn spot on with the need for books to be mirrors, windows, and sliding doors for readers, and I love that she also knows that her books are helping not-young adults understand so many of the issues that kids are dealing with. Love, love, love.
My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Turned out I didn't need the bookmark I had grabbed when I pulled this book off my reading pile. All I needed was one lazy Friday evening, and this book was voraciously consumed in one sitting. I loved the immediately dark tone of the narrative, and the internal struggles of the narrator provided more than a little "dark and twisty" to an already pretty dark story, somehow even bringing in a bit of humor. There were a turns I wasn't exactly expecting, but I relished all of them. An excellent book to fall into when you have a couple free hours.
Still Me by Jojo Moyes
Oh, Louisa Clark, I truly adore reading about your life and your perspective. You're quirky, but not in that stupid manic-pixie-dream-girl way, just in a way that means you are comfortable (finally!) being you. You're honest and thoughtful, and you feel all the feelings, which I absolutely relate to. Even though I forgot some of the details of your last adventure, I was happy to pick up with you again as you moved to NYC and jumped right into the deep end of a level of society that is as foreign to me as it was to you. Even though the swirly script on the covers of Jojo Moyes' books seem to give off an air of fluffy, "chick-lit" writing, I have found the books I've read to be genuine and sincere, full of realistic and relatable characters who I both cry and cheer for. I enjoyed this one a ton, and I would love to join Louisa again in a few years (hint, hint!).
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
(RH 2019 Challenge: A book by a woman and/or AOC that won a literary award in 2018, 5/24)
I don't even know how to start talking about this book, because I'm still all a mess even thinking about it and I finished in the wee hours of the morning before heading to bed last. The voice here jumps off the page with authenticity, this girl who is caught among the extreme religious beliefs of her mother, her own sexual development, and the reality that she lives in as a well-developed, attractive female in a world that constantly reminds her of her sexuality, as if it's something that she should be blamed for. The thoughts she has are bigger than she knows how to contain, and her writing is her only outlet even if she isn't aware of her talent. This book blew me away, and it needs to be read by everyone.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
While this book doesn't fit into my usual reading genres, as both a romance and a piece of historical fiction, I'm not opposed to reading within those genres and have enjoyed books that have fit either/or in the past. But this one? Eh, I wouldn't necessarily say that this was an enjoyable reading experience. I read it fairly quickly, but it was motivated by a desire to be finished so that I could read something else that I would actually like to be reading. So, my issues?
1. Well, the whole time travel aspect is quite interesting, but Claire's reaction was so muted and accepting that I found it hard to believe that one would drop 200 years into the past and be like, "Alrighty. Guess I piss and shit in bowls now." Her lack of needing much of any adjustment at all was weird to me.
2. I didn't quite understand how quickly and easily Claire dropped her real life and her relationship with her husband in modern day because of feelings for another after such a short period of time. I get that they were separated before because of the war, but they'd just gotten back together, so shouldn't be in a heady, highly-emotional time when it comes to her hubby?
3. The "rapeyness" factor also was disconcerting, and just not something that I wanted to read. I was told this book would be super racy with awesomely stimulating sex scenes, but in the beginning I wasn't impressed (not sure what that says about me), and then everything took a real negative turn for me once Jamie took delight in seeing Claire submissive and a bit of violence got mixed into his sexual enjoyment. Ironic come the ending, right? Sure, his treatment of Claire doesn't quite compare with Jack Randall's treatment of him, but in the end, the concept is the same, and it sullied all the other supposedly "romantic" scenes of them.
4. It was just too damn long and that was the result of the two protagonists having every single challenge under the Scottish sky thrown at them in one book. FFS, this was like several season's worth of GREY'S ANATOMY-level danger and trauma in one damn book of a supposedly crazy-long series. Nope. No, thank you.
5. Overall, I felt like the theme just kept being that the woman makes sacrifices for the man, and his trauma always is carries more weight than hers.
This should make for an interesting book club discussion, because I seem to be about the only one who doesn't ADORE this book. Guess I'll be drinking my wine and daydreaming a bit, huh?
Dark Sky Rising: Reconstruction and the Dawn of Jim Crow by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Tony Bolden
Yes, this book is intended for teen readers, but as I was educated in the U.S. in the 20th century, my detailed knowledge of the Reconstruction era is sadly limited. I learned more from reading this YA nonfiction book than I'm proud to admit, and I was sent it for review, so it was a double win. This book gives adolescent readers more insight into the systemic injustice that prevailed in the aftermath of the Civil War and will hopefully push readers to ask questions and seek even more context.
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
Yeah, this one was weird. Like, super, super freaking weird. But, I couldn't stop reading because I had zero idea of what to expect next. There was nobody likable in this entire novel, and there was very little action, so readers are simply stuck in the head of a narcissistic, spoiled brat of a young woman who seems to be stuck in an early childhood developmental stage. Like I said, not likable in the least. But the entire book was kind of like that proverbial train wreck in that I could not look away even as I was shaking my head in disgust. I think I was intrigued enough to want to check out Moshfegh's previous novel, but perhaps not for a little while. I feel like I need to clean the remnants of this novel out of my psyche first. Oh, and I feel like this is worth noting-- all the while reading this book, I kept falling asleep into deep, troubling dreams, just like this protagonist. Was there some of her drugs crushed into the pages??
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
(RH 2019 Challenge: A cozy mystery, 4/24)
Well, it's perfectly lovely when a book club selection fits exactly into a category on this year's Read Harder Challenge. I did have to GTS to find out what "cozy mystery" meant, but this one in it's shout-outs to old-school British murder mysteries seems to fit the category well. While I went through an Agatha Christie phase in high school, it's been many, many years since I've read an actual mystery novel. This one was unique with its novel-in-a-novel setup, parallel characters, word plays, and call-outs to other mysteries and genre authors, and after I got my footing, I enjoyed the ride very much. Did I have it all figured out? Not really, no. Could I keep track of all the clues and red herrings? Not even a little bit. Did I have fun reading this while riding on airplanes and sitting in airports? Yes, absolutely yes.
Manga Classics: Les Misérables written by Victor Hugo, Story Adaptation by Crystal Silvermoon, English Dialogue Adapted by Stacy King, Art by SunNeko Lee
(RH 2019 Challenge: A book of manga, 3/24)
Red read this a year or so ago, and I wouldn't have picked it up if it weren't for her recommendation and the Book Riot Read Harder Challenge, as I've never read manga before. It definitely took some getting used to, because while I knew that you read from what we would consider the back to the front, I hadn't considered that the actual flow on the page would be different, but it is! Several times I needed to correct myself, but it was worth it. This manga did a beautiful job of telling the majority of Hugo's incredible story, with many details specific to the original that were later changed or omitted for stage and film adaptions. Some parts were shortened or characters not fully sketched out, but that's understandable because the original work is unbelievably long. Thank goodness we didn't have to read a manga-style retelling of the history of convents in France or too many details about Thénardier's time picking items off the dead bodies on the battlefield of Waterloo -- my least favorite parts of the original novel!
Someday by David Levithan
I have been completely enchanted by this series since the first book, and even though the second wasn't my favorite, I was thrilled to get another chance to spend time with these characters. Levithan has created an entirely bizarre storyline with this series-- a person who wakes every day in a different body-- and even though it's difficult to imagine it in reality, the issues that the characters tackle are wholly realistic and universal. The journey of the characters over three books (really, 3 1/2 books, as there was a short prequel, too!) made this seem like the end of the series, and it feels like the right time, even though they could clearly continue to be written about across a lifetime!
We're Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union
I appreciated Union's perspective about code-switching and working in Hollywood as a black actress. She's open about growing up in mostly-white spaces but spending summers in mostly-black spaces and how this affected her self-image and confidence. I had no idea about the trauma she suffered during a robbery in which she was brutally raped, and her telling of it is chilling. Union writes in a way that makes it easy to forget that she's a successful star and not just a person you know. This was serious at times and fun in others--a perfect read for a lazy day.
The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish
Ugh. I so wanted this to be funny, and I expected her stories to play out like how I perceived her personality based on her appearances on talk shows, award shows, etc. Mostly, that was true, but unfortunately, nothing in here was really amusing. Yes, she's has survived some truly terrible abuse and maltreatment in her life, but sadly, she seems completely oblivious to her own insensitive, hurtful, and prejudicial attitudes and comments. I was highly disappointed in this one and do not recommend to anyone, even if she's made you laugh onscreen.
Well, That Escalated Quickly: Memoirs and Mistakes on an Accidental Activist by Franchesca Ramsey
(RH 2019 Challenge: A humor book, 2/24)
Damn, I admire this woman. She speaks to activism and social justice in a way that is inspirational, and she doesn't shy away from honestly admitting her own missteps in this book of essays. Her tone is so nuanced in a way that encourages self-reflection, and I continue to learn from her work. Watch her on MTV'S DECODED and read her words here to learn her story and to possibly discover more of your own.
The Rabbit Back Literature Society by Pasi Ilmari Jääskeläinen and Lola M. Rogers
(RH 2019 Challenge: A translated book written by and/or translated by a woman, 1/24)
This novel was gifted to me by a dear friend whose book club is my favorite night of each and every month, and in his inscription he described it as "amazing and very unique," and I fully concur. What a ride this whole story was! I was confused at times, but pushed through and was grandly rewarded. Unique perhaps is not a strong enough word to describe how genuinely unlike other novels this one is, with its bizarre characters and hints of magic or supernatural elements that go unexplained. I was delighted with it and I'm happy that my friend wanted to share it with me.
Gmorning, Gnight! Little Pep Talks for Me & You written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and illustrated by Jonny Sun
Okay, this is a little book to start off with, but what a lovely collection of thoughts to bask in at the new year. I'm not active on Twitter, and I guess at some point, LMM stopped posting these to FB, too, so only some were familiar to me. Even though this book is short, it should be read leisurely and thoughtfully, for there's a lot of wisdom and solid advice packed into its little frame. I truly feel that living at the same time as LMM and having access to his work and thoughts is like living with our generation's Shakespeare. Genius on all levels.
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