The Thirty Names of Night: A Novel | 
pickProbably one of the most beautifully written books I‘ve ever read. This book covers so many topics, ornithology, grief, identity, immigration, belonging, and it doesn‘t gloss over any of them. They‘re all handled and discussed beautifully. 10/10
Thanks for the recommendation @kera_11 . I‘ll probably give this back at some point.
pickFinn says, “Read this book. It‘s got so many birds in it!” — I couldn‘t resist adding a cat photo to this post. Honestly, this was a treasure of a read. The split narrative reminded me of a tapestry and the way the ornithological symbolism was woven throughout was lovely. There was so much depth to this novel that I know it will end up being a reread for me, maybe even later this year.
I‘ve been having a slow start to my reading month, and this book is part of the reason. Don‘t get me wrong. I‘m thoroughly enjoying it so far. However, it‘s got this narrative style that just makes me slow down, wanting to savor it. In addition, it‘s been hard to get into anything else because this story is just inhabiting my mind. I have about 60 pages left so I‘m going to try to finish this today.
Laila Z is a Syrian-American artist who paints birds and though she disappeared sixty years ago, a closeted trans boy who doesn‘t yet know his name, found evidence that Laila saw the same unidentified bird his mom did, and was trying to prove existed before she died. following his mom‘s ghost, he goes on a journey to find himself, his name, validate his mom‘s work and find how Laila is connected to not only his mother, but his grandmother.
Choices, choices…
pickAlternating storylines in two timeframes, both told in 2nd person diary format, about three generations of Syrian Americans. Queer artists and ornithologists. This epic tale endeared itself to me more and more as I listened to the #audiobook read by Samy Figaredo and Lameece Issaq. Stonewall award + Lambda Transgender Fiction award. #Trans #LGBTQ
Even memory begins to cut if you hold onto it too tight.
Lambda Literary Award finalist! I‘m so intrigued and I can‘t wait to dive in!!
pickA rich & complicated book with a lot going on. A colorful & intimate exploration of sexuality & community. Sometimes a heart-wrenching read, but also a necessarily slow one. The writing is lyrical & beautiful, displaying emotion in a very moving way, but there are moments where it can be convoluted & confusing. My own naivety likely made things more difficult. A second read would likely result in a higher rating. It's just so very much to process.
pickI tried to start this a few weeks ago, but with the insanity of holiday work it was too complicated. I almost bailed altogether, but decided to throw it in my Bookspin mix and try to get back to it. It was drawn for my #doublespin, and I‘m so glad.
At first I was confused about the two POV characters, and the lyrical prose was off putting. Then as both characters began to bloom, I was obsessed with getting the rest of the story.
Beautiful 🤩
My next #FantasticStrangelings book club read came today! Hooray for #bookmail! I love the bookmark they included this time. Jenny Lawson‘s adorable dog Dorothy Barker is pictured on the reverse, along with a list of all the books the club read this year.
This book sounds great, I can‘t wait to dive in. And I love the cover!
pickThis wasn‘t an easy read, there‘s a lot going on and unfortunately I rushed through, when I probably should‘ve taken my time to get lost in the evocative dreamy prose. A woman of Syrian descent is both mourning the loss of her mother, an ornithologist, and of herself as she sheds her old skin to make room as a new fledgling. As her NY neighborhood is transforming a mysterious phenomenon is also occurring , birds dropping from the sky👇🏽
#ARC #NetGalley #DoubleSpin It‘s good but I‘ve seen mixed reviews so keeping my expectations low. Gorgeous prose. Hoping to complete before the month ends 🤞🏽( which is about 12 hours from now) 😜
Thanks for the tag @Coleen_Nieto
1. Im not a big fan of autumn but enjoy the leaves changing
2. I just finished the Searcher by Tana French had some good descriptions of fall scenes
3. Tagged book and just got anxious people ebook waiting for me to start!
#wondeouswednesday @SaturnDoo @Bookwormjillk @robinb @BookishBelle @Eggs
The author is a Trans Arab American man, and this is an #ownVoices read.
And what a gorgeous cover. The story is if a Trans man after his mother (an ornithologist) dies, and during his transition. Where "The only time he feels truly free is when he slips out at night to paint murals on buildings in the once-thriving Manhattan neighborhood known as Little Syria"
