A sad book, difficult subject matter. Full of so much humanity leading up to moment of so much dehumanizing. This was one of two books in the month's #boxwalla book box.

This book somehow felt dense and light at the same time. Tommy Orange called it, "funny, irreverent, profound." And that sums it up pretty well.

I'm rounding up to give this a rare ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. The only fault is maybe at times it was a little sentimental. But it was so intently focused in parts, so enormous at other times. The story was entertaining all the way through and some great lessons about empathy, perspective, and more.

I'm sure there's a simple psychology to it but I'm not that into horror unless in stressed out. So with covid came this book. It was alright. I mostly hoped that after 400 pages, the characters felt deeper and more filled out.

It feels like so much of this novella is wrapped up in these three sentences. This book has been a real pleasant surprise and I'm sad it's coming to an end.

I 100% bought this book for it's cover. The bookshop was closing and the staff was very politely rushing me so it was pretty much all I had time for discerning. So far it's turned out to be a great novella. I just wish it was longer.

After having a few days to sit with it, I think the book is better than I initially judged it to be. Though some of the characters aren't the most likable, be they are very thoughtful written. Really, in retrospect, the whole novel seems very thoughtfully and carefully written, leaving me with a lot to think about afterwards.

A new (and somehow fitting) bookmark for my new book. So far I can't tell if the book is poorly written or just weird. I enjoy weird and am pulling for that. The narrator feels unreliable, but definitely not in a Gone Girl kind of way and I think it's weirding me out a bit.

About halfway through this one and can already say: what a talented writer! I'm going to save the rest for after I finish it.

So I'm only about halfway through, and it's only February but I'm pretty sure this will be one of the best books I read this year. It really feels like it should be required reading. So I already bought The Door also by Szabo in anticipation of wanting to read more by her.

The whole family had been sick and I needed a book to pass the hours. At times bleak and agoraphobic in space and time, it goes to some very (predictably) uncomfortable places. Still a very compelling read.

It's still pretty early in the year but quite a bit of 2020 reading so far has taken place and/or by writers from Eastern Europe/Russia. Not sure if this is intentional. And now I start this tome.

This was a bit challenging, a bit unpleasant at times. The Last Wolf, for example, is written in a single sentence which is exhausting and keeps a quick pace that doesn't let up. Still, the writing was just objectively very good. The book is small and short, but has the depth of a much larger book.

My favorite bookshop is now next door to the super relaxing Black Crow Coffee. I picked up this little novel today and began it with a cup. If you're ever in St. Pete, FL, these neighbors make for a great afternoon.

I went on a blind date with a book at my favorite bookstore, Tombolo and got this. Definitely not a book I would have gotten on my own, but entertaining all the same. Nothing like a local indie book shop.

Currently in my reading rotation. Adrienne Rich was one of the first poets I began to read in highschool outside of school assignments after a friend's gifted me Diving into the Wreck. She's one of the reasons (the gifter as well as the poet) I read poetry to this day. It's good to be back.

This has been that rare kind of book I actually avoid picking up to read because I don't want it to end.

The latest #boxwalla book box is in. I love these bookmarks and gave a couple away already. I'm pretty excited about these books too. I have to say it, but I think I may officially be giving up #botm for Boxwalla.

Admittedly, about 80% of the reason I got this book is because it looks so cute. It's small (hand for comparison) and hard cover. Anyhow, the book seems very good so far. There's a lot to choose from in the series, though, if this one isn't for you.

Sick at home 🤢 and starting what will probably be my last ebook of the year.

Though I think there wasn't a single likable character in the book, I have to admit it was very well written. It describes an age group and relationships very well. I understand it was about The Lost generation but it was also so #millennials.

A definition of #privilege.

I feel like I come across a lot of great books but very little really great writing. It surprises me everytime I do. I'm very early in this book but already the words are such a pleasure.

In a weird way, I think the hype surrounding this book made me putting off reading it. I can't tell if it was hipster snobbishness or pleasure delaying. I feel like the dichotomy between the "perfect" suburb mom and the artsy rebel belongs back in the 90s but otherwise it's an incredibly easy read that's deeply felt.

I don't know whether to be embarrassed by it or not, but I've never read Hemingway before. I figured this would be a good one to start with? Impression so far: young people haven't changed much.

Having recently finished Jane Eyre I thought this would be good to start. Also Rhys is the only author in my modernist ideal bookshelf print I haven't read yet, so I thought it's about time (a picture of that another time).

Finally getting around to this classic, free to read on Amazon Prime Reading.

A pleasant, very interesting historical fiction read. I could've read much more.

Newest in my #poetry shelf. Not a huge fan of the very-little-to-no punctuation, but otherwise very good so far.

It's finally getting cool enough down here to begin reading my #botm outside. An enjoyable read on a pleasant day.

I was in a rough mood this week so was looking for an easy read e-book can enjoy in the dark then fall asleep to. So far so good.

Put my current read down to begin my official labor day/hurricane read. Thankfully for us, Dorian seems to be taking a turn away from us, but I still plan on reading all day.

The new #boxwallabook box is in and it is better than last time! I feel like this box subscription totally aligns with my taste. I've been wanting this edition of Pessoa's Book of Disquiet and I totally love Natalia Ginzburg.

I finally got around to this one. I read, I think on LitHub, that Jeff Vandermeer recommended this as a beach read and it got me to finally start it. Now that I've read it, it totally makes sense. Kudos is somehow an effortless read without sacrificing it's depth. Great writing.

A work-related book this time, but a pleasure to read. A fascinating look at exhibition-making and interesting directions it can go in.

My first Women in Translation Month read this year. This book feels so much like a bad dream, eerie in the best way. There's a lot to unpack in what is certainly rich symbolism. A very interesting short read. #womenintranslation #witmonth

I really enjoy science and travel writing. The feminist perspective of this book, though, made it especially refreshing. The voice is convincing and enjoyable to read, though I feel like we listened to all the same Radiolab episodes.

Touché

Finally got around to and finished this #botm. A very, very easy and enjoyable read. She has a real knack for dialogue.

I'm officially a #botm bff starting this month! I'm unreasonably excited about this tote. Also, I wasn't terribly moved by this month's picks so went with a past members' favorite. I wonder if I'll regret not getting Gods of Jade and Shadow.

A challenging book to be sure, but Lispector's language is so rewarding. She writes as if she doesn't want to repeat any sentence she's ever heard, as if she doesn't know any cliches. The metaphors and descriptions are jarring but right on. Not an easy read but it was definitely worth it for me. It was the most different feeling writing I've read in a while.

Went back to Malvern Books to pick this one up. A not bad dark tale of a novella. Sort of a weird gnostic Gothic story. I gave it a pick because of the very cool early 20th century illustrations that are included.

Stopped by Malvern books while here in Austin, TX, and I love this shop! So well curated and full of indie and under appreciated presses and authors. If you're looking for an interesting and unexpected read, stop in here and ask the staff for some help. Picked up two books (both staff suggestions) and I hope to stop by again before we leave.

Just got my first #boxwalla book box and I feel like these picks are totally perfect for me. Hopefully, I still feel that way after I read them but I'm pretty confident.

Finally getting to last month's #botm. In the background is one sculpture from Sheryl Oring's installation, Writer's Block, created in reference to the Bebalplatz book burning on May 10, 1933. Spending a lot of time with this art, deinstalling it this week, and The Flight Portfolio has meant a lot of time thinking about war, art, and censorship.

I had jury duty today. I'm so glad I remembered to bring this book. It felt so far from the courthouse and the long waits.

Another (at times) heartbreaking #poetry read. Really enjoying this one so far.

Heading to Austin for a bit next month. Any bookstores I should be sure to visit?

You can find my whole review on Goodreads, but basically...I find the theme very, very important and relevant, but it was approached so heavy handedly that the craft really suffered for it. The dialogue especially lacked any nuance and subtly to the point that it was distracting. I really needed this book and I'm sorry it couldn't find it's way to me.

My daughter is sick and I keep checking in on her as she is getting to sleep and this paragraph comes up.