I had lots of feelings about this book, some of which were:
The blurb on the back of the book is a little misleading, implying that the adventure the mI had lots of feelings about this book, some of which were:
The blurb on the back of the book is a little misleading, implying that the adventure the main character goes on comprises a significant portion of the book. It does not.
The narrator's naked honesty about what a despicable person she was/is is appealing, but her homophobia, fatphobia, and general misanthropy are worrisome. The author shows you where all of that comes from and gives you everything you need to understand why those character traits are necessary to the story, but while you're reading and until she reveals each enlightening morsel of backstory, it's unsettling.
Despite being a mostly mundane account of the day to day actions and thoughts of person who considers herself a nonentity, the author is really successful in maintaining the tension throughout. You know she's building to SOMETHING, and there is a payoff.
I took this recommendation from a coworker and suggested it as a selection for my book club in which we read books that have been adapted for film, and then watch the movie together. Looking forward to seeing the movie Sunday!...more
I picked this book up because it was "a novel of witches in Paris," so of course I did. It then languished on my bookshelf until a friend asked to borI picked this book up because it was "a novel of witches in Paris," so of course I did. It then languished on my bookshelf until a friend asked to borrow a book for her trip to Paris. I gave this to her, caveating that I hadn't read it yet, and she brought it back to me raving about it. I read it immediately after that, and I loved it too. It considers itself a "mystery," but although there is a detective character in it, the mystery really isn't the central story. I found the characters fascinating and the plot twists satisfyingly shocking. I could have done without the "Witches' Song"s. And the love story, tbh....more
Reading this book was a little like watching a wildlife documentary: learning about how nature functions absent human intervention or with human coopeReading this book was a little like watching a wildlife documentary: learning about how nature functions absent human intervention or with human cooperation is fascinating and spiritually nourishing, but inevitably you also learn about new and frustrating ways in which human/corporate disregard for the environment is destroying the planet and our relationship with it. Kimmerer's approach, in part, is to engage in gratitude for the land and to reciprocate nature's gifts by giving back. Much of the book was an exploration of the differences between formal Western science education and Indigenous wisdom, how they contradict and where they overlap, which was fascinating coming from a person who is steeped in both.
One thing that stayed with me is how Indigenous cultures, as explained by Kimmerer, see time in a non-linear way. The stories they tell about their history and about the creation of the world are not meant to be taken as having happened in the past, but as part of a cycle that includes the present day of the listened. Therefore, the stories could refer to something happening now, or they could refer to the future....more
Was unexpectedly handed this book when I attended an author event (the book had come with the ticket) and I immediately started reading it. I've enjoyWas unexpectedly handed this book when I attended an author event (the book had come with the ticket) and I immediately started reading it. I've enjoyed Jamie Loftus' contribution to the Sarah Marshall Podcast Universe, particularly her appearance on stage during the recent You're Wrong About tour, but that book event and the book itself were truly beyond expectations. This is a hilarious, well researched book and I really loved every minute of it, and I thank Loftus for sacrificing her body to nitrates on the altar of hot dog (and meatpacking industry/government corruption) awareness. It was even better reading it after having met two sides of the real Jamie Loftus (her stage presence at You're Wrong About and her own book tour showed us, in my opinion, two completely different Loftuses). Highly recommend if you have the stomach for it....more
I've enjoyed rediscovering Jasper Fforde lately through his one-off novels (I read Early Riser last year) after years of waiting for him to publish a I've enjoyed rediscovering Jasper Fforde lately through his one-off novels (I read Early Riser last year) after years of waiting for him to publish a sequel to Shades of Grey. Like Early Riser, The Constant Rabbit was a bit of a slow read, but the Fforde's obsession with the mundane is of course what I love about him. That and his innovative premises (an unexplained, spontaneous "anthropomorphic event" turning rabbits and other animals into people-shaped versions of their former selves). ...more
Silly mystery with clever world-building on a bed of delightfully mundane, as I've come to expect from one of my favorites. Nate Corddry was my WorthiSilly mystery with clever world-building on a bed of delightfully mundane, as I've come to expect from one of my favorites. Nate Corddry was my Worthing and Morgana Robinson (Pippa from "The Windsors") was my Aurora, mainly for her voice....more
Through listening to the Maintenance Phase podcast, which Aubrey Gordon cohosts, I've become aware not only of the deeply entrenched problem of anti-fThrough listening to the Maintenance Phase podcast, which Aubrey Gordon cohosts, I've become aware not only of the deeply entrenched problem of anti-fat bias and stigma, but also of my own fatphobia. It seems like liberal politics has rallied behind justice for people of color, queer people, and other marginalized folks, but hasn't fully adopted or acknowledged the plight of fat people. This book was an eye-opening read for me, and highly recommend it to anyone who looks in judgment upon fat people and perhaps hasn't interrogated themselves about that yet....more
This is my first time reading Octavia Butler, and I am so glad to know this writer. Kindred is a brilliant combination of compelling story and excelleThis is my first time reading Octavia Butler, and I am so glad to know this writer. Kindred is a brilliant combination of compelling story and excellent writing, which would have made this book an easy read had it not been for subject matter. And an easy read would never have done the story justice. It was a rightfully honest and graphic portrayal of the enslavement of BIPOC people, seen through the rare perspective of a modern-day (well, 1970s) woman of color. My reading of this book happened to coincide with my visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, which provides an in-depth history of the enslavement of Black people in from the origins of the Transatlantic Slave Trade through Reconstruction and up to the present day. That experience was obviously eye-opening for me, and although sadly nothing in Kindred was particularly surprising, racism and subjugation of people of color is certainly something I don't think about enough in my day-to-day life. Kindred creatively and effectively conveys this critical era of American history....more
As usual, I loved this latest collection of personal stories from David Sedaris. There were some slightly irresponsible and blazé takes on COVID and BAs usual, I loved this latest collection of personal stories from David Sedaris. There were some slightly irresponsible and blazé takes on COVID and BLM and #MeToo, and unkind depictions of people based on their appearance, but I'm taking the good with the bad, and I can't deny I love his writing....more
I found myself constantly drawn to this book in a troubling way. It troubled me because the subject matter is so violent and disturbing, but Krakauer'I found myself constantly drawn to this book in a troubling way. It troubled me because the subject matter is so violent and disturbing, but Krakauer's narrative and perspective kept me reading late into the night and reaching for the book when I otherwise wouldn't. Under the Banner of Heaven follows the murder of Brenda and her infant daughter Erica Lafferty at the hands of Brenda's Mormon fundamentalist brothers-in-law, and its aftermath, interspersed with the history of the Mormon religion from its founding to the breakaway of Mormon fundamentalism to the present. I've watched most of Big Love, heard some of the music from the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon, and picked up other details about Mormonism here and there, but this was my first deep dive into the topic. Although Krakauer professes to have written the book out of deep respect and love for the faith, it's a pretty damning account of not just Mormon fundamentalism but also the mainstream Mormon church and its foundational beliefs and concepts.
I found it fascinating, but please know that the book describes, sometimes in graphic detail, acts of violence, rape, incest, child abuse, forced marriage, and other despicable acts of mainly by white men who claim to be doing God's work....more
My second Odyssey-related read this year, despite never having read The Odyssey. This was a great follow-up to Circe, which introduces the character oMy second Odyssey-related read this year, despite never having read The Odyssey. This was a great follow-up to Circe, which introduces the character of Penelope (to someone like me not familiar with the story). No one needs a reminder that Margaret Atwood is a brilliant author, at times laugh-out-loud funny, but it's true here as well. Penelope's recollections of her past from present-day Hades are interspersed with songs and plays performed by the 12 murdered maids, keeping things... light? Not exactly, but clever and classic Atwood....more
Lockwood shares a series of brief observations about social media and the internet ("the portal") gradually interspersed with pieces of a story about Lockwood shares a series of brief observations about social media and the internet ("the portal") gradually interspersed with pieces of a story about a woman (referred to only as "she" or "the woman") and her family. Esoteric at times (like most Booker Prize shortlist selections) but undeniably innovative, astute, and witty....more
Larsen's writing is spare and subtle, describing actions and events but never definitively justifying or explaining them. The story is told from the pLarsen's writing is spare and subtle, describing actions and events but never definitively justifying or explaining them. The story is told from the point of view of a character who you never fully trust and gradually becomes unhinged. I loved the endnotes. Looking forward to watching the Netflix movie with the Page & Popcorn....more
Loved it. Maybe I'd love it more if I were more into Greek mythology, or had read Homer, but even without the background she made it easy to understanLoved it. Maybe I'd love it more if I were more into Greek mythology, or had read Homer, but even without the background she made it easy to understand and enjoy the story and the details. The story is told from Circe's point of view, and much of what happens is told to Circe second-hand, so the reader is insulated from the drama. The result is a story that isn't quite as compelling as the writing was, which is fine because I loved reading her words.
Several friends and strangers saw me reading it and asked if I'd read her other bestseller, The Song of Achilles, which I hadn't, but I certainly intend to.
(view spoiler)[There was one moment in the book that made me think of Angels in America. Athena visits Aiaia after Circe lifts her protection spell and offers Telemachus a life of glory. When he turns it down, Athena, flummoxed, says something like "What do you mean?" It made me think of the scene in Angels in America when the Angel visits and casually mentions the sacred items Prior Walter should have received, and Prior responds that he hasn't received them, and the Angel gets frustrated and a little tongue-tied. It was one of my favorite moments in both. Even before that moment I was envisioning Emma Thompson in the role of Athena.
One quote that I wanted to share on Instagram but felt was too much of a spoiler:
Helios: You have always been the worst of my children. Be sure you do not dishonor me. Circe: I have a better idea. I will do as I please, and when you count your children, leave me out. Give Mother my greetings. (hide spoiler)]...more
Painful and relatable. Maybe don't read in public, or in your parents' living room on Thanksgiving morning. But do read.Painful and relatable. Maybe don't read in public, or in your parents' living room on Thanksgiving morning. But do read....more
Totally forgot to review this after I finished it. I love Mary Roach, and this is one of her best. Perfect balance of humor and grace when tackling toTotally forgot to review this after I finished it. I love Mary Roach, and this is one of her best. Perfect balance of humor and grace when tackling topics that on their face seem a little ridiculous, but are serious problems affecting real people's lives (like managing the elephant population in India, which tends to trample people's houses). It was also a fun trip around the world, which was deeply satisfying to my geography nerd self. Slight trigger warning as the book discusses some harm to animals....more
**spoiler alert** The title evokes something a little more literary than what this book ends up being about, which is purgatory. Although the book is **spoiler alert** The title evokes something a little more literary than what this book ends up being about, which is purgatory. Although the book is written in a light tone and has many funny moments, it's pretty bleak. Our hero, Nora, is given the opportunity to undo regrets in her past and try on lives she might have lived if she'd made different choices. Unfortunately, she's dumped into lives with no memory of what transpired between the critical decision point and the present day, dooming her to failure in each one. The pattern was evident from the start, which made the ending predictable even to me, a reader who usually stays in the moment and doesn't try to solve the mystery prematurely. It seems like an unfair, irrelevant puzzle to drop Nora into a life with no context, forcing her to grope her way through relationships and events, masquerading as a person who knows what's going on, lest everything crumble around her. There was some inconsistent, self-contradictory world-building, going back and forth between a false urgency to choose a life and stick with it because she couldn't go on trying out lives forever, and the opposite.
I liked the book and the characters, and it was fun go with Nora on this adventure, visiting all the places and situations she visited. It was just uneven and confused about itself, with a hackneyed message that you can see coming a mile away....more
Enjoyable as usual. The plot was a bit rambly, but the writing, characters, and dialogue are what keep me reading. The ending is abrupt, more like theEnjoyable as usual. The plot was a bit rambly, but the writing, characters, and dialogue are what keep me reading. The ending is abrupt, more like the end of a chapter than the end of a book, so I assume I'm supposed to go straight into A Compass Error, which happens to be in the same volume as my copy of A Favourite of the Gods. My to-read pile is large, so I think I'll read something else (or a few something elses) first....more
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