I did the return two books, borrow two books thing at the library. I always check the poetry section to see if they‘ve got anything from the years I‘m still missing from my personal challenge where I read a book from every year I‘ve been alive, and this branch had Di Brandt‘s 1987 collection. The tagged book came from the shelf beside it, because I can‘t resist a tiny memoir.
pickI am not sure how to review this book that I finished reading a few days ago. The first half for me was meandering and a bit irritating. Then once I realised what was happening, I became more engaged and was propelled forward. Then it ended. I‘m not sure I “buy” the relationship. An unnerving, clever and different read.
pickOne of the best books I‘ve read this year. The Netherlands, WW2, the persecution of Jews in Europe, all the collaborators. And a great conclusion.
Went to see the amazing Yael van der Wouden this evening.
She is a huge Miranda July fan for all you All Fours enthusiasts!
The pictures of me are all terribly unflattering, but here we are 😄
A few treats this weekend from Waterstones. My daughter and I adore Legami pens and stationery.
pickI know this book was on many best of lists but it was only a soft pick for me. I felt the underlying themes of memory of the events of WW2 and the Holocaust and personal complicity were important and well done. I also enjoyed the exploration of LGBTQ relationships in mid-20th century Europe. However, I felt some of the interactions were just… not real? Something just felt off. A soft pick.
I don‘t want to wish the month of July away, but I‘m also excited to see which books make the list. I‘m sure there will be a few gems, like last year‘s tagged book. Excuse me while I go down the YouTube rabbit hole hearing what others think will make the Longlist….
#MadeInUSA a nation made of diversity, is in our history….…diversein culture, race, sexual diversity…colors…opinions…but I hope will continue offering us love..respect…acceptance…safety…with free expression…the land that we used to know…of opportunities, made in USA ❤️Love the speech I have A Dream…To be proud that our diversity make us stronger if we are united.
#JulyJazz @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs
pickI didn't read much of the blurb around this and so went in almost blind.
I found the story line very readable, it kept me guessing and imagining all the way through. I liked how self punishing Isa could be, her determination to simply not have fun yet her curiosity about those that do.
The brothers are really rounded characters and I liked the small amount of background we learnt. Eva was awesome! The history was unknown to me and very sad.
so-so#UnpopularOpinion
I appreciated what the author is trying to do here but for me she wasn‘t successful. I didn‘t buy the central relationship - there was too little to show how they came to care for one another. It‘s a trope I rarely enjoy or find convincing so maybe it‘s just me. The writing is good and the background story is really important. I‘m extra critical when I think a book could be truly great but misses the mark, so only a so-so.
