A book about one of my favorite books, by one of my favorite authors? I had trepidation. But look at this cover and title! What’s inside is absolutelyA book about one of my favorite books, by one of my favorite authors? I had trepidation. But look at this cover and title! What’s inside is absolutely wonderful, babies. It’s about the man, father, writer, and soldier, as well as a thorough study of Slaughterhouse-Five. Writing about the trauma of war can’t have been easy. I’m grateful for the years it took Vonnegut to complete his Dresden story. This is a must read for devout fans. ...more
I’m a pretty enormous chicken shit, but while reading the graphic memoir “Murder Book,” I was finally motivated to pick up this classic. I knew very lI’m a pretty enormous chicken shit, but while reading the graphic memoir “Murder Book,” I was finally motivated to pick up this classic. I knew very little about Bundy. FUCK THAT GUY. WTF. I’m still stunned by the odd circumstances of this story and friendship. Ann Rule is so prolific; I’m curious to read more of her work. Kinda want to read more about Bundy as well, but why?? ...more
Jerome David Salinger, “Jerry” to his friends: writer, soldier, fickle lover, famous recluse. Through extensive research, interviews, and letters, ShiJerome David Salinger, “Jerry” to his friends: writer, soldier, fickle lover, famous recluse. Through extensive research, interviews, and letters, Shields and Salerno plummet deep into Salinger’s life, analyzing his works, and speculating on posthumous publication. Like many artists, he was an incredibly flawed human. This absolutely consumed me. (It’s quite a chunkster, so I switched between print and audio)....more
Significantly less bleak that his first volume which is indicative of life progression. The entries from which sprung recognizable essays were probablSignificantly less bleak that his first volume which is indicative of life progression. The entries from which sprung recognizable essays were probably my favorites; a window to his process. Having Ullman narrate a good chunk of the audio was a bit disconcerting at first. I’m not sure this choice garnered the desired effect, though I got used to it. Still, I would’ve preferred ALL Sedaris, but it’s 5 stars for this mega-fan nonetheless....more
This required a mulling period after completion. Like many fans, Bourdain’s death hit me like no other celebrity’s passing ever had. He was so accessiThis required a mulling period after completion. Like many fans, Bourdain’s death hit me like no other celebrity’s passing ever had. He was so accessible and relatable. If I could host a “famous people dinner party,” he’d be at the top of the list. This oral biography includes numerous stories and voices from his life. It’s a brutally honest and intimate; often beautiful, often sorrowful. ...more
Shocker of the year for me! I was lukewarm on Rooney’s first two novels, but her stunning dialogue keeps me coming back. Yes, more frustrating millennShocker of the year for me! I was lukewarm on Rooney’s first two novels, but her stunning dialogue keeps me coming back. Yes, more frustrating millennials are trying miserably to navigate life, but so what? It feels real. Friends, lovers; no one wants to discuss immediate, personal issues. They’re all terrified of fucking up, but it’s that exact fear that walls them off from everyone, especially themselves. ...more
The solemn study of a livelihood, a family, and a community. Set in the Northern California Redwoods, this 1970s story focuses around Rich and ColleenThe solemn study of a livelihood, a family, and a community. Set in the Northern California Redwoods, this 1970s story focuses around Rich and Colleen, who both want a better life for their son, but have differing opinions concerning the current logging situation. This slow burn thoughtfully addresses ethical and environmental consequences. Such an incredible debut!
cw: graphic descriptions of miscarriage and congenital disorders...more
The thoughtful way Ellis writes about her lifelong friends is precisely the way I feel about mine. The love runs hella deep. My girls and I even have The thoughtful way Ellis writes about her lifelong friends is precisely the way I feel about mine. The love runs hella deep. My girls and I even have “Redneck Riviera” stories. ...more
Recouping from a plethora of ailments, Bragg finds himself inhabiting his momma’s basement in the Alabama mountains. The Braggs, he explains, are a faRecouping from a plethora of ailments, Bragg finds himself inhabiting his momma’s basement in the Alabama mountains. The Braggs, he explains, are a family of dog lovers and stray rescuers. One day, an emaciated Australian Shepherd happens upon their land and stays. He’s a “terrible” dog. Turns out, Speck and Bragg are just what the other needed. Dog love is its own special kind. Loved this! Bragg is solidly one of my favorites....more
The different ways we use language never ceases to amaze. I loved Montell’s “Wordslut” and this as well! Ranging from full-on deadly communal cults toThe different ways we use language never ceases to amaze. I loved Montell’s “Wordslut” and this as well! Ranging from full-on deadly communal cults to fitness groups to MLM, she dissects the phrasing that draws folks in, eliciting importance. Sure, there are some tiny liberties. Not all of these groups are true cults, but do exude cult-like devotion. As weird as it sounds, so much is marketing jargon. Utterly fascinating! ...more
The best part about book clubs is branching out. I’ve never read Schwab - and I hadn’t planned on reading this - but I’m so happy I did! Adeline makesThe best part about book clubs is branching out. I’ve never read Schwab - and I hadn’t planned on reading this - but I’m so happy I did! Adeline makes an iron-clad, high-stakes deal to escape her dismal existence. The full story unfolds among alternating timelines spanning centuries. Real historic figures pop in now and then. It’s incredibly clever. I love, and appreciate, the role art plays. It’s a slow burn, but it needed to be. ...more
Curse words are versatile as shit. McWhorter explores the etymology and evolution of nine of the most commonly spoken nasty words (with a little hat tCurse words are versatile as shit. McWhorter explores the etymology and evolution of nine of the most commonly spoken nasty words (with a little hat tip to “hell” and “damn” which aren’t really bad these days). In addition to knowing his shit, McWhorter is very fucking funny. Perfect audio! And an extremely poignant point? Slurs are the worst current-day obscenities. 100% true. This fascinating study is one of my top reads of the year! ...more
Thank the gods this is not totally oversaturated with bodily functions like The Pisces. Rachel - “a very, very bad Jew” - is stuck in a dangerous selfThank the gods this is not totally oversaturated with bodily functions like The Pisces. Rachel - “a very, very bad Jew” - is stuck in a dangerous self-shame spiral until one day she begrudgingly relinquishes some control. With bits of symbolism, mysticism, and intimacy, Rachel’s true self surfaces. At the root, this is a story about the desire for every kind of love. Broder nailed it. One of my tops of 2021!...more
These raw and delicate stories explore the lives of Black women and girls, their struggles, hopes, desires, and realities. The church community and soThese raw and delicate stories explore the lives of Black women and girls, their struggles, hopes, desires, and realities. The church community and societal expectations always in the periphery, but often the forefront. A freaking phenomenal collection! Philyaw has shaped such beautifully imperfect characters, such realistic stories, I’m totally mind-blown it’s a debut. Cannot wait to see what she does next! And this cover is FIRE....more
After also loving BETTY, McDaniel has secured a spot among my must-read authors! A frustrated attorney snarkily invites the devil to town. And to townAfter also loving BETTY, McDaniel has secured a spot among my must-read authors! A frustrated attorney snarkily invites the devil to town. And to town he comes ... in the form of a 13-year-old boy ostensibly bringing with him the hottest summer in memory. Through subtle magical realism and allegorical characters, McDaniel broaches heavy themes focusing largely on good versus evil. Breathed, Ohio is literally and figuratively melting. A brilliant debut! ...more
Oh, Betty girl, you’ve had such a sorrow-filled existence. This is more than a coming of age, it’s the character study of a poverty-stricken AppalachiOh, Betty girl, you’ve had such a sorrow-filled existence. This is more than a coming of age, it’s the character study of a poverty-stricken Appalachian family. McDaniels renders life to these bodies with lush, poetic, truly beautiful writing. You experience every single line. You feel this family’s suffering; HER family’s suffering. But there’s deep, abiding love, too. Easily one of my top reads of the year. Chills. ...more
When Saigon fell, young Phuc’s family immigrated to Pennsylvania. Casual, and overt, racism occurred daily. Home life was tumultuous and abusive. ThisWhen Saigon fell, young Phuc’s family immigrated to Pennsylvania. Casual, and overt, racism occurred daily. Home life was tumultuous and abusive. This is a story of finding one’s self and one’s circle. After many iterations, Phuc finds solace, and bad-assery, in literature. He draws parallels between famous works and his own life. At the heart is a deep appreciation for teachers and libraries, and quite possibly, even little brothers. ...more
A must-read for Dunces fans! Not just a biography of the man, but one of the incomparable novel itself. There’s much more detail about Toole than I thA must-read for Dunces fans! Not just a biography of the man, but one of the incomparable novel itself. There’s much more detail about Toole than I thought existed, tbh. I loved learning about how his characters likely came to fruition. After Toole’s tragic death, his mother Thelma fought long and hard to publish his masterpiece. And I’m so grateful she did. He posthumously won the Pulitzer in 1981; the year I was born....more
Semi-autobiographical fiction that reads like an epistolary memoir; an earnest letter from son to mother. It’s at once an immigrant story, a war storySemi-autobiographical fiction that reads like an epistolary memoir; an earnest letter from son to mother. It’s at once an immigrant story, a war story, and an ode to transcendent familial love. It’s dark and profoundly sad, but so touching. It’s clear that Vuong is a poet from his intricate, delicate descriptions. May have been a little too raw for me at times, but so is life....more