Preparation for the Next Life | 
so-soI must say this was a hard one to keep picking back up. It‘s a love story between a Chinese immigrant who is here “illegally” and an Iraqi war veteran. Both people struggling with living on the margins in Queens. While their stories were important, the depth and disjointed way the author tells the story was difficult to embrace. Emotionally, it was a lot as well. It‘s a book that should be read. But be prepared for the emotional toll.
pickJust thought of this beautiful novel that would fit today‘s #IntegrateYourShelf prompt. Set in NYC, it‘s the story of an Iraq war veteran struggling to get past his PTSD and an undocumented Uighur immigrant from China just trying to survive. Both are completely unsupported and utterly alone until they find each other. They‘re an unlikely couple with little to give but somehow it‘s more than anyone else cares to do for them. Jaw-dropping writing.
One of my favorite chapters in this book has one of the main characters walking in the dead of night through an unfamiliar Queens neighborhood, just having escaped from danger. You can feel her adrenaline pumping as she scans her surroundings for threats, and normal night scenes are made more sinister in the process #wherethestreetshavenonames #rocktober @BarbaraBB @Cinfhen
Finally get to finish this one at the library today morning. And that view ain't bad either... 👌🏼
Here's another #EclecticPick! Tara Clancy's memoir: The Clancys of Queens (tagged in the comments) came out recently and I can't wait to get my hands on it! She was hilarious at #BRLive and I'm hoping to get the audiobook because she's such a character 😂!
pickThe author proves that he is not merely the son of a famous editor. His novel appeals to all senses, allowing the reader to be in New York and to witness the story of a Chinese immigrant alienated both by her surroundings and culture, and a war veteran being increasingly alienated from himself.
