Another uncomfortable read from the Women‘s Prize list—this was just shortlisted, while I was in the middle of reading it. Nila is the “good girl” who relocates to Berlin with her Afghani family, both parents successful but forced to work in fast food in their new country. Shes miserable and constantly trying to escape her own skin by engaging in damaging behaviors with substances and unhealthy relationships. A rocky coming of age. Good audio.

A very unlikable character selfishly taking the little water resources available in a near future water-stressed South Africa.. and she‘s white and disabled. She uses that for her advantage. This is supposed to echo a broader point—was lost on me. History, family secrets, past coming back to haunt, unanswered questions, repressed memories. I had high hopes because I loved An Island but this just did not strike a cord with me.

March reads
A few Women‘s Prize — total top row, both NF and fiction.

Standouts:
The Searcher - Tana French
Raising Hare - Chloe Dalton

A beloved post-apocalyptic novel set in 2024-27 America, one where the water is scarce and society as we know it has collapsed. It‘s such a trip reading this during the time it is set, knowing it was written over 30 years ago, and realizing how much Butler got right.
These novels always make me wonder how I‘d cope in a fight for survival during a new world order. Not well, I‘m thinking! Loved the connection to nature and “Acorn”—love that name!

It‘s #TransVisibility Day and I listened to the utter delight that is Dylan Mulvaney. She chronicles her time after the Bud Light incident and her journey to become who she was meant to be all along. Dylan came out to her mother at 4 as trans but has only recently transitioned. Her strength and bravery to share her story in order to help others is inspiring. Her upbeat tone and cute stories were entertaining and I could have listened to many more!

“Everybody dies, everything ends—but not now. Not now.”

This book covers the end of the world as we know it, or at least the end of humanity, and how that may come to pass. Chapters feature ways we‘ll go out like pandemics, nuclear weapons, climate change, overpopulation, war, cosmic events and more. Far from depressing, this was a fun look at the way humans have thought about the end of times over many years, through books, movies, etc.

I loved Dalton‘s memoir of her time with a hare. I loved her respect for the wild creature and her earnest determination to both accommodate the hare in her home but keep herself at a distance in order to build trust. I loved the relationship between wild creature and human—something that‘s been written about often in memoirs at the present (Me and Alfie, etc). I‘m not sure this will win the Women‘s Prize (NF), but I wouldn‘t be sad if it did.

This book was tragic, graphic, and triggering on many levels. And the pace was slow…which is not a complaint, that‘s the family‘s lived experience (waiting over 25 years to find justice) which definitely came through in the text. Kathy Sue Engle, the author‘s mother, was brutally murdered after she was taken by two men from a mall in Oklahoma when Kristine was just 11. Growing up without a mother after losing her in the most painful way.

I can see why Tana French has a dedicated following; this book is so good! Read this for the excellent setting and character development, and though there‘s plenty happening, it‘s not as fast-paced and plot-focused as many mysteries are. Cal is an American cop who relocated to Ireland after disillusionment with his life and job. He is busy with physical labor, renovating a cottage when a local kid shows up and a mystery unfolds. Lots of townsfolk.

Dan Slepian is passionate about his work with wrongfully convicted prisoners. This book focuses on JJ, an inmate in Sing Sing, the original “big house” in NY. Slepian is a Dateline producer (love that show!) and through his work has met and advocated for men who have been wronged by the American justice system. Maddening! And definitely a worthwhile read.

I‘m a sucker for a memoir so this #wpnf25 long listed title (as of today, a short listed title!) was definitely going to be something I‘d read. And while I did like this, I‘m confused about what makes it stand out among other memoirs to make the list. Last year‘s How to Say Babylon was evident in its exceptionality. Maybe one of the judges is a huge fan…? Speaking of the short list I‘ve got 2 more to read: Agent Zo and Wild Sea.

Mixed feelings on The Women:
Pro- readable, I learned a bit about the Vietnam War, book club attendees love Kristin Hannah, lots to discuss
Con- melodramatic, over-the-top/too much happens to one individual
So, in all, a mixed bag. I see why Hannah is so popular and I honestly don‘t dislike it, but she‘s not an author I would pick up on my own. Spoiler in comments ⬇️

Loved this story. Human connection through water. Told through 3 perspectives, set on the banks of the River Thames and the Tigris in 2014, 2018 and 1840 (and a bit beyond). My favorite character was King Arthur of the Sewers and Slums. Not one I‘ll soon forget!

I was into this audio at the beginning but I found it to drag on the middle—so much so that I found myself skipping and I NEVER do that. I could have missed something vital, so take this with a grain of salt. I know theater doesn‘t work for me in literature so it‘s my fault. I loved the MC‘s backstory and the set up: Sonia returns to her home to discover so much has changed: grandparents have passed, houses sold. Timely: Palestinian experiences.

The review backlog continues. The Echoes pulled at my heartstrings but didn‘t destroy me like I was prepared for..after reading reviews (and the blurb!) I was hesitant to pick it up for fear of being too sad, but I found plenty of moments of levity here. 3 timelines, 2 settings: different perspectives and locations. Max is still lingering after his death, watching Hannah in the London apartment they shared. Hannah remembers her past in Australia.

Partially set in my neck of the woods, this YA/new adult novel is from the perspective of a HS swimmer who joins the Ohio University college team. OU is in the next county over so that was one of the reasons I picked this up—I loved seeing the college life/town so accurately represented on the page! This is a book about finding oneself, in many ways, but mostly focused on gender identity. Good on audio!

Rained out of a soccer game, waiting it out in the car — never sad about some downtime that I can spend reading 🌧️

Another hit from the #wpnf25 longlist that I would have missed! Wistrich has collected cases involving women who have been convicted of crimes, or victims—some cases both. This is a call to action for change. I thought this was great.

Kari Ferrell was known as the Hipster Grifter in NYC after articles published gave her this moniker after the discovery of some of her scams around 2009. In her new memoir, she recounts the scams she ran on friends and family, from elementary school in Utah (after being adopted from Soith Korea), through young adulthood in Brooklyn. Terrell‘s scams targeted those closest to her. Though I typically love to read about scams, this missed the mark.

I had higher hopes. Interesting beginning, but I found the middle to drag. But that ENDING! Worth it for the end alone, which totally took me by surprise. Now I want to watch the movie.

#WPNF25 longlist
This was a fascinating read about a period of human history I knew little about, the Viking age. I appreciate the way this was organized; chapters were focused on universal human experiences such as “love”, “play”, “beginnings” and “endings”. I found it fascinating to learn how anthropologists have learned about the people living during this time period using artifacts found in bogs, drawings, bones, burials, and more.

February 25 wrap up
I‘ve been on a roll, carrying my momentum from January into February. The entire bottom line (minus the first: Supercommunicators) were graphic novels/photo book, a format I‘m loving these days.
Second row: the only fiction titles!
Favorites:
By the Fire We Carry
I‘m laughing because I‘m crying
Isola
Y2K

Another fine enough listen; this one is a true crime story from Australia…and the title pretty much sums it up! Apparently this is a sensational case everyone knows about there, though it was new to me, as an American. The author speaks to the listener as if we already know what happened so the very beginning of the book pretty much gives up all the events in the first couple of sentences. Well reported court case of a disgusting crime.

This is the first read from our new thriller book club at the library. I thought it was pretty entertaining and the motivations of the “bad guys” made sense. Set in a fictional apartment building in NYC, the “new couple” find themselves in the middle of several mysterious events. There‘s murder and greed, relationship dynamics, new money, questionable neighbors, tarot readings, and sightings. It has it all. Ok, as an escape read.

The characters were believable, the setting was great, plus there‘s a plot. This could very well be classified as a thriller but has interesting and original use of devices to propel the story. In this case, an old-money family becomes involved with a tech start up, which brings up moral conundrums about the use of technology. Not too tech-focused but mostly involved with the perspectives of a pair of friends turned sisters-in-law. Good audio!

Very difficult subject matter. Brittany Means lived through a tumultuous childhood only to find herself in an increasingly dangerous relationship as she came of age. The abuse described in this book is horrific and mostly occurs when Means is a child. I have a hard time recommending this as it‘s just so brutal.

Another moving graphic novel, but this one is fiction. I went in not knowing much about this book and that is definitely the way to experience this one. The illustrations are simple, yet beautiful and the story is moving. I learned about another culture and I was moved to tears. So good!!

A collection of pieces about crimes: these articles go far beyond the typical, salacious facts of murders. These pieces focus on the societal implications of crimes such as the racism that led to the Asian spa shooting, the lack of prosecution of the despicable behavior of the elite, the unforgivable injustice of those sitting behind bars for crimes they did not commit, lynching in the Deep South. Amanda Knox on her treatment in the media. Good!

What could be a saccharine tale in the hands of another author turned into a character study full of wit and quiet wisdom from the pen of Anne Tyler. The premise doesn‘t appeal to me: divorced parents are forced together during three days in June for the wedding of their daughter. But I loved it! Tyler has a way of elevating the mundane into meaningful and potent observations of human nature. I need to read the backlist. Also recommend: duck lamp!

A new graphic novel added to a library in our consortium…sure I‘ll give it a try. The hold comes in and woah, no clue what this was about or the graphic (erotic!) content. This is a witch-burning, demon nightmare/crossover into real life full of sex, murder, sinning and judgement in 1600s England. I appreciated the use of two styles of illustrations, from the two creators. It really added dimension to the work.

I popped into the bookstore while my oldest son was with his tutor. This book jumped out at me and reminded me to check it out at the library. I did read the first few pages there. Is that stealing? I‘m not a bookstore person, at the library, this is encouraged!

A memoir of journalist Emily Witt‘s trips and wild parties often with her love interest/object of obsession Andrew. She describes a few experiences that I found interesting (Ayahuasca, specifically) but mostly it‘s a repetitive journal of the hard partying scene in nyc. The second half of the book included some more of her experiences covering stories for various publications. Less than impressed with this.

Totally unexpected how dark this would get! I read this just knowing Sarah Moss as a British literary fiction author (I‘ve only read Ghost Wall but need to change that!) with no idea what this would be about. From an unhappy childhood with “the jumbly girl” and “the owl”, her parents, to lifelong mental struggles, this was dark but so worthwhile. She wrestles with her own thoughts throughout, “that‘s not how it happened you stupid girl!” More⬇️

I fell into the hype with this. Mostly it‘s what I already knew: find common ground, make connections with people rather than talking “at” them, practice active listening.
I think I mistakenly assumed this would help me crawl out of my introvert shell, but no book is likely to work that miracle! Not a bad book, and definitely one many people should read to help to understand each other better. We need more of that these days.

I forgot to review this. I listened to the audiobook mostly, but needed the physical book to read the ending to find out what I missed/misunderstood listening. But guess what? I still have no clue what actually happened at the end. I don‘t need a neat and tidy ending but I also don‘t love it when I feel like I‘ve missed something. This seems to be purposeful. Still, I enjoyed this propulsive and quick read. I was anxious throughout!

It‘s obvious Yang put time into getting to know the 4 women featured in this book. Her care of the topic and them is evident. However, as a listener of the audiobook I became confused about the 4 different stories as we shifted from one to another. The beginning grabbed me, as did the realities of women‘s experiences in China. Focusing on the work (or lack thereof) for Chinese women and the struggle of the laborers/inequality of classes. #WPNF25

Today is a federal holiday, so I‘m taking the day to rest and read. Here‘s the short stack, plus listening to Sarah Moss‘s memoir “My Good Bright Wolf”.
Banana oatmeal cookies are baking in the oven, there‘s snow outside, the coffee is strong, and the fire is burning.

Again, a famous person‘s memoir that I read without having any idea who the author was prior to reading the book. Neko Case is a singer-songwriter whose early life was defined by her mother‘s lies and raised by her distant father. Obviously, this would have hit harder had I known the artist but I still enjoyed the listen. Some unbelievable choices made by her mother! I‘m going to seek out her songs.

I don‘t know why I read books that I know aren‘t for me. In this case, it was because it‘s a read-alike for the HBO show The Last of Us (loved and can‘t wait for season 2 in April!). The mushroom/mycelium content was cool but I‘m just not into horror and fantasy. A retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher, but nothing really grabbed me. Read this for the atmosphere but not plot/character.

A polar vortex is about to hit the Midwest, just in time for a 91 year old matriarch to fall, requiring her daughter to come care for her from London. The use of the snow storm to represent dementia (from the older mother) and hazy memories (from her daughter) is striking. The two struggle as they navigate hosital/rehab/care facilities and insurance. Family drama is touched upon. I loved this graphic novel memoir! Keep them coming!

“I wrote this book because I believe the American people need to understand that the legacy of colonization is not just a problem for Indigenous peoples but a problem for our democracy.
And, selfishly, I wrote this book because the story lived in my body and I needed it to come out.”

Heartbreaking, maddening, unbelievable what the white man has perpetrated against the Native American people. This should be required reading, in order to understand the systematic way people were removed from land, the way entire ways of life have been destroyed. This begins with a crime and a legal battle over tribal lands and jurisdiction which I felt was a great way to introduce the many and varied ways tribes have been denied rights.

Another graphic novel memoir, which I‘m realizing is my new genre sweet-spot. I loved the way Maurice brought the reader through his childhood, enjoying time with his mother, a looming presence in his life, then coming of age through middle age. The use of color is masterful here. I am also here to explore therapy with my characters so this just ticked alllll the boxes. Deals with sexual repression, Christian conservative family, set in Toronto.

I‘m a sucker for books about con artists. However, when a book is authored by the con artist it makes me wonder how much is true. Tanya is persuasive and well spoken and shares many of her crimes. I guess I have no choice but to take her at world that this is all what really happened. Shares her early days of going after what she wants—Michael Jackson! and later details of prison life, relationships and of course financial crimes.

A Spool of Blue Thread made me a fan. Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant was brilliant. So when Anne Tyler publishes a new book, I read it! Hopefully I‘ll get started this weekend.

I was braced for some tragic and painful writing, which there is some of that, but I was impressed by Youngmi‘s ability to package it all up in a straightforward, and at times even sarcastic tone. She covers her years spent in Korea and growing up her parents‘ home. Then struggles in the US dabbling in substance use which never stuck, then her relationship with Danny, of Mission Chinese and their son‘s birth. Family bonds - culture - I LOVED this!

What do the living owe the dead? How do we deal with victims of mass killings? Families need closure and people deserve to be buried/put to rest with their names in places their loved ones can visit. We are human because we have rituals to honor the dead. All of these topics come up while Hagerty describes her profession of handling bones in Argentina, uncovering mass graves of victims of the genocide there. Sobering work but important.

I loved the perspective of a 102 year old doctor who‘s focused on treating the whole person. Here, she focuses on what matters most in life, essentially how to be happy/content even when facing challenges like grief, illness, the breakdown of a marriage (drags her ex husband and I‘m here for it). I listened to the audio which featured a few clips from Gladys. The main problem for me was the “heal your cancerous tumor by fasting” vibes. Like what?

#WomensPrizeNonfiction25 longlist

I am so pleased the Women‘s Prize has included nonfiction in their awards. I may be more excited about this than the fiction 🤫 This second year is quite the list! I‘ve only read two:
Autocracy Inc
Why Fish Don‘t Exist

I already had By the Fire We Carry checked out so it‘ll be my first read of the others. Looking forward to several here! A few aren‘t published in the US yet.

If you enjoyed The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman, this is the logical next book to read. It‘s difficult not to compare the two, but they are very different books. I really liked both! This one is much more conversational, and features many asides about the author‘s personal experiences. Shade is the same age as me, so this book just HIT! I loved revisiting many moments in the 2000s: teen stars, rap, politics, 9/11, financial crisis, etc.