Another skipped travel post! Which means this is, once again, out of order. Which was kind of the “last straw” that contributed to my stopping these posts end of 2019. (When I’d realized I’d skipped a Sept 2019 trip, and wasn’t sure how I wanted to handle things being messed up, amidst personal tragedy and then global pandemic and all the depression and anxiety that brings). Right now, my response is a resigned chuckle, and OF COURSE a trip got skipped again, as I’d JUST finally decided and had the emotional follow-through to start up again. And I wrote about my Dec 2019 trip BEFORE writing about my overnight on the Oregon Coast in November 2019. *le sigh* Ah well. So here it is, out of order again!! But hopefully for the last time…for a bit, anyway.
November 2019, Nichole’s friends have moved down to Wheeler on the Oregon Coast and given her a blanket invitation. And I’m lucky enough to be invited along, too. Not only were these two folks so welcoming in inviting us to share their home (along with their dog, multiple cats, and a parrot!!), but they drove us around for maximum explorations during the Typical Rainy Coastal Pacific Northwest Weather.
We made friends with some Coastal Cows!
Explored the lovely Umbrella Falls.
Misty/rainy visit to The Three Graces
And found stormy weather at Cape Lookout.
Not pictured here were further beach explorations at Manzanita and Manhattan, laughter playing card games, lovely home cooked meals, and a great diner breakfast at the adorable Wanda’s in Nehalem. It was a really nice getaway. It was a safe place to breath and to cry and to explore and to just exist. Not even two full months since my folks had passed, I was grateful for the chance to be in one of my favorite places. And then, a few brief months later, when travel shut down for a bit, I was extra reflective and extra grateful for how lucky I’ve been to have had all these amazing travel adventures.
And so, this is me, trying to get back into rambling about my trips. The thing is, when you have a task that is ignored, it doesn’t just disappear. It only compounds and grows. And I’ve thought lots about how I wanted to address things here: stop blogging entirely, as I kind of viewed my folks as my primary audience and they’ve passed. Just start blogging with current trip and maybe return to past/missing getaways if the mood strikes me. Or start up where I left off. I knew that I wanted to start where I left off, but just didn’t have the proper emotional bandwidth or motivation. Until now, that is. So here we are, May of 2022. And I shall attempt to blather on about the adventures (Grand and Small) I’ve had since winter of 2019. One trip at a time. As the mood and energy remains. Whether or not any family or pals are interested, this was always kind of a fun stream-of-consciousness exercise for myself (as well as providing Proof of Life for worried parents back home). Let’s see what happens, shall we?
Cast your memory back to early Autumn 2019, when My Chemical Romance announces a ONE NIGHT ONLY reunion concert in Los Angeles. (Now, all of the internet is pretty dang sure this is actually gonna be the start of a big world tour). Still, my sister had been an Huge MCR fan back in the day, and she desperately wants to go (as does half of the world, it seems). We both attempt to buy tickets in October, but they sell out in under 5 minutes while we’re still stuck in the virtual tickemaster queue (along with half the globe). Now, the concert promoters have done a pretty dang good job of locking down potential scalpers and ticket resellers, which is nice. So mostly, you either were lucky enough to get a ticket or you weren’t. We were not. Life moves on. Later into the fall, Reagan mentions she’s got a good friend with lots of connections to concert promoters who *might* be able to get Reagan tickets, but would only know for sure at the last minute. This concert is December 20th at Shrine Expo. I agree that, should the IMPOSSIBLE happen and she gets tickets, I’ll be her plus one and fly down last minute (at Christmas time!!!) to go see the show with her.
In early December, I invite Reagan to an event Dec 21st. “No. And you can’t go to that, either, as we might be in Los Angeles then.” Honestly, I’d sort of given up and forgotten but Reagan was holding out hope like this was a real possibility, getting last minute tickets to be one of the 8,000 people to see this show. In fact, Reagan’s in a panic because “what if all the hotels are sold out? What if there are no flights?” I reassure her that we will be able to find lodging at the last minute somewhere in all of Los Angeles. But I also research how canceling a flight/refundable tickets work. We do book our flight (As waiting until the last minute, at Christmas time, can get stupidly expensive) and I’m still sure we’ll be canceling and getting airline credit. Then there’s a week where Reagan’s pal has gotten ONE ticket. And Reagan still wants me to fly down with her and just hang out not attending the show. Gotta be honest, even with recently dead parent guilt and protective instincts, that sure didn’t appeal nor seem a reasonable ask. But I encouraged her to still go and have a blast, if that’s the situation. Happily, a few days later, her friend comes through and we’ve now got two tickets. So, crap, I guess I leave for Los Angeles in a few days. Huh.
I haven’t been at airports a few days before Christmas before. It’s wild and hectic and while lots of people are stressed and in bad moods, several others are trying to be joyous and celebratory. There’s garland and bows and trees everywhere. It’s kind of nice. And Reagan and I continue the airport tradition we’d started in Oct 2019. We bring along the novel we’ve been reading aloud to each other, and we’re those weird people reading a book to each other. Back in October, she was super self-conscious about it, and made us find an extremely isolated corner. It’s December, the airport is packed, and apparently she doesn’t worry about it anymore. It’s no more disruptive to others than having a conversation, we’re just reading already written-text. After reading for about half hour, a woman comes up to us. She’s fascinated by what’s happening, and asks if she could join and listen to our story time. (She lives in Alaska, and their state flies people down to Seattle for many cancer treatments and other medical stuff not available back home, and she’s got time to kill before flying back to Fairbanks). We agree, give her a brief plot synopsis, and then we’re reading “Captain from Castille” to a stranger as well as each other for an hour. It was really lovely (and happily was during some very exciting and fun bits of swashbuckling and intrigue).
This is how we Airport
Afterwards, she thanks us very much. Said it was wonderful to have some story timer and we helped take her mind off of things. Yay! Then it’s time to board the plane, leave the rainy weather and head for some LA sunshine. We survived LAX and their ridiculous rideshare lot shuttle bus, pickup situation and made our slow, traffic heavy way into town.
I’d grabbed us a room at the new Intercontinental downtown (near-ish the event and my sister’s a sucker for TALL buildings). The lobby/check-in is on the 32nd floor, right near the top! Reagan very much approves of the view.
Hotel Room View
(Although we should’ve stayed in a different neighborhood and just had a longer commute to the concert. Turns out the dining options in downtown LA are pretty abysmal. Lots of mediocre chains and expensive hotel eateries. Honestly, the food during our few days was pretty awful and expensive. The worst combination. Our final morning we went exploring to Grand Central Market, and there we had several tasty options. But previously? Blech. Still, skyscraper view.
It’s late at check in (around 7:45pm). We’re starving and the hotel boasts a fancy=pants steakhouse on the top floor. We ask the very friendly front desk if there’s any availability. He says yes, but we have to hurry. Last dining spot is 8:15pm. We take the reservation, head to our room for a quick rinse and to change into cute clothes, then off to dinner. And the view was great. And we are excited about fancy steaks, especially when they bring out their selection of steak knives (this marble slab with 8 different styles of steak knife from around the world). It’s performative and ridiculous and we feel a harbinger of delicious meats. However, it is ALL A LIE!! Our steaks are some of the most disappointing and flavorless cuts of beef either of us has ever had. Like, honestly, we were so baffled at what went wrong. Like, they didn’t season them at all. We each only ate about half. Also, nobody comes by to check on us after the steaks are dropped off. We’re left alone, with our unfinished meat, for almost 30 minutes. I guess we could’ve stood up and tried to hunt someone down to ask, but we didn’t. By the time someone comes back (different than our original waiter), we just want to go to bed (it’s now almost 10pm!!). So yeah, do not recommend. Just, shockingly disappointing.
steak knives of the world
Ah well, we crawl into our beds to sleep. The next morning, we’re off to explore Downtown Los Angeles (because that’s where our hotel is). Underwhelming breakfast at a mediocre place. Then a lovely hour at The Last Bookstore. It’s such a cool and huge institution. We remind ourselves that we’re flying home and try to limit our book purchases to a reasonable amount.
The Last Bookstore
It’s strange, to me, to be in Los Angeles at Christmas time, at the dissonance of the sunshine and palm trees next to the fake ice skating rink and large snowflake ornaments. But interesting to see. Back to the hotel, for swimming, reading poolside, and relaxing.
Then it’s time to get ready for the concert. Honestly, it’s way early to get ready for the concert, but we’re both bad at waiting, and Reagan’s terrified of their being an issue (traffic, issue with security or tickets). So we get dressed and head out.
After picking up our tickets, we’re waiting in line with 8,000 other VERY excited people.
It was amazing. It was like the 90’s never stopped for all of them. The fashion is on point. Everyone is instantly best friends and pinching themselves. Doors open! It’s still gonna be 2 or 3 hours before MCR takes the stage. Reagan’s heading towards the front, but I steer her a little to the side beside a pillar. Yes!! Parking oneself beside a column or other structural post at a general admission concert is the best!!! Not only will it provide something to lean against as the night wears on, but it makes it easy to find your people (after going to restroom or merch table). It also, crucially, provides some protection from crowd surge and crushing and moshing and crowd surfing, etc. A fact we were extra glad about as the night wore on. Because this was one of the most poorly managed crowd security I’ve ever encountered. People were getting hurt, surges were happening. The venue didn’t even really have enough security up front to protect the stage and catch crowd surfers. It was pretty intense in a few moments. Also, the women’s restroom was out of order within one hour (Backed up and flooding the floor and out into the hallway!!!). This is before even the opening act has gone on stage. They just set up one lone “wet floor” sign. Wild.
Still, when the curtain came down, and the band started, everyone lost their mind and had an amazing time.
Reagan just had the biggest smile on her face. The show was darn good.
After, when the lights came back on, so much streaked mascara and discarded feather boas and sweaty pleather. Everyone looked a right mess, but full of good cheer. The ubiquitous individual grill sidewalk hotdog vendors outside the venue are always a welcome sight and smell. Reagan said they tasted great, too.
Our final morning, I convinced her we should walk over to check out Grand Central Market. Lots of tasty food vendors from old school tacos to trendy pop-ups.
We saw the Angel Street funicular car, but decided we didn’t need to stand in line to ride 300 feet up hill. But we watched others ride it while munching on our snacks. Then it’s time to head to LAX. And THAT is how Reagan should know how much I love her, not just that I agreed to this last minute holiday trip with her, but that I was willing to spend time at my least favorite airport ever. Ugh. Still, nothing bad enough happened that I don’t still remember it, two years later. So that’s good. It was an intense little two-night trip. I still can’t quite believe her pal was able to get us tickets. And this trip seemed even more silly, when it was announced that they were doing a world tour, and we could’ve waited to get Seattle tickets. That thought, of course, was from Dec 2019. So when the world shutdown for Covid in March 2020, did have the “well thank goodness she got to go to that concert, as their tour was, obviously, now up in the air.” It was definitely an intense and mostly fun show!
**edit, added Dec 2022. So, one of the issues with taking a 2 year break (emotional toil and pandemic) from writing these updates is that memory is fickle. Distance blurs things. But I just found my phone’s notes I made during the trip! They were mostly prompts for me to expound upon when I wrote the update. Some of them I don’t remember, though, and a few I already covered. So I’m just going to add them here, as is. Enjoy
“Woman at Seatac asking to join us and listen in as we seemed to be really enjoying the novel we were reading aloud to each other.”
“We reapplied our chapstick in unison. It was beautiful. We could be synchronized swimmers.”
“Total Dad Rockers.”
“Hyped audience singing along to chorus of background music “Don’t you want me baby?”
From stage, “You guys wanna hear a song off our first record? It’s pretty stabby!”
After concert, house lights come on to reveal a staggering amount of streaked mascara. So many happy tears from the crowd.
Bonding with dude as we exit the concert. Him: OMG, what is that delicious smell? Me: That, my friend, is the smell of a very smart business person” as we turn to find several women are grilling BACON WRAPPED HOTDOGS right outside. Him: BACON!!!!!!
Two women after the show, emphatically stating “Mikey can still get it! I don’t know what it is, but there’s always something about bass players. It’s like they’re all brooding and intense and shit. Plus, you know they know how to use their hands.”
Another year of pandemic, another year of over 100 books read. Narrowed it down to my favorites, plus some honorable mentions. Please enjoy!
“Gideon the Ninth” by Tamsyn Muir
Gideon has to be my FAVORITE narrator of this year, for sure! She has such a fantastically dry and hilarious and understandably grumpy demeanor, that reading about these events through her eyes was such a delight. I’d heard that this book was wonderful from a few different pals I trusted, yet it sat unread on my shelf for months. I’m so glad I finally picked it up. This is dark comedy adventure. It’s a mix of genres, and feels much more gritty medieval fantasy action than sci fi. But whatever the genre, I enjoyed the ride. (And yet, I hesitate using words like “Enjoy” and “Comedy” in this write-up, because it’s dark times, the stakes are real, and the body count is high. But I still loved the heck out of it). I was intrigued early on (the glimpses of world-building and trying to figure out what was going on were perfectly revealed, keeping me turning pages and breathless for more data). Discussions of power structures and different kingdoms and battles and rules and monsters and religion and swordfighting …it’s just great! Plus, the way that FONT SIZE was used (And happily it worked on kindle, too) for the “terrible teens” was brilliant. These poor melancholic youths (I mean, honestly, being 14 is HARD, no matter the setting) often have their teenage dialogue (their pleas and whines and asides) spelled out in a smaller different font and it just worked perfectly. “Nooooo. Don’t tell her that!!” in tinier letters so perfectly communicated the tone and emotion. It made me chuckle each time. The relationship between Harrow and Gideon is fascinating, too. I loved these characters deeply. And the pages flew by. I’m holding off reading the second book, because I’ve been sitting with this one for over a month and am not done luxuriating in my remembered enjoyment of it yet. The descriptions are so evocative and the wordplay is delightful. I looked up a name pronunciation guide from the author, which helped me with some these multi-syllabic (greek? Latin?) names. It’s just very smart stuff all around.
“Interior Chinatown” by Charles Yu
Phenomenal. One of my favorite books of the year. What I thought was a gimmick isn’t “gimmick-y” at all. Having our narrator frame his life literally in screenplay format was fascinating. It allowed for insight and commentary and layers upon layers of meaning. The narrow prescribed roles offered to Asian Americans trying to get work on TV cop procedurals and movies (working your way up from dishwasher and food delivery guy to featured extra to the dream of playing “Kung Fu Guy”). The ingrained “othering” and exoticism and allowing no space for nuance or growth or the wide breadth of human experiences. The Asian actors are viewed as so interchangeable (and never as Lead material) such that an actor whose character is killed on the show only has to wait a few weeks before being cast as a different Asian stereotype on the same show. Yu’s writing is clever and funny and sly and fast-paced. It’s a true joy to read, with some really strong observations and emotional hits. The scenes within his apartment building and neighbors’ lives provide such achingly heartfelt descriptions and small moments. As the reader you can easily see how this screenplay lens is trying to provide meaning as well as emotional distance/protection from large endemic problems and hurts, as well as the small hurts of this world (aging parents, a search for dignity and comfort, etc). Especially once the narrator is interacting with his daughter and the screenplay formatting changes: very effective!! Plus some real biting insights and social commentary on many different race relations and power dynamics, as well as the ills of TV and Film media. The struggles against the Hollywood tropes of an Asian Actor, and the greater struggles for the Asian American community to be accepted as American, full stop. It’s such a funny and enjoyable story, but also there’s so much more than that, too. The whole way that Yu uses “Black and White” (the in-book cop procedural with black and white police partners) is such keen satire; the observations are razor sharp, often very humorous, but deeply revealing, too. And then there’s the powerful emotional punch of the final courtroom scenes, but told in such an engaging and familiar way (The dramatic crescendos of the Closing Arguments in our legal drama show). Taking the rhythms and patterns of Film and TV to expose some hard truths about our society. Big statements and small human moments, peppered with some truly funny observations, all wrapped in a fascinatingly clever frame. Bravo.
“Black Sun” by Rebecca Roanhorse
Fantastic world-building, incorporating lots of details from the Pre-Columbian Americas, creating a rich set of theologies and cultures and identities. Everything feels very Lived In and Real. Effortless character introductions, that are instantly gripping and leave you convinced of the truths of their complex inner lives and personal histories. All is revealed as the plot moves along at a steady (sometimes intense) pace: no long clunky exposition-heavy paragraphs here (even if I also LOVE books that have those). Just start following along and you’ll learn as you go. Very character focused, as we shift between several different POV narrated chapters, weaving a beautiful tapestry of a tale. Felt fully three -dimensional and immersive. Great details and descriptions. From Kirkus “ A beautifully crafted setting with complex character dynamics and layers of political intrigue? Perfection.”
“Wide Sargasso Sea” by Jean Rhys
Read this for book club. It has such a dreamy, floaty, lyrical quality to it. Such a strong sense of tone and personality and it knows exactly what it wants to be, even if you (as the reader) might take several pages to fall into its rhythms. Learning that Rhys spent so many years writing this, crafting and re-crafting each word and phrase…that makes total sense. It’s the sort of thing that feels, at first glance, deceptively simple. But it’s actually so careful and clever and powerful. While I was reading and mostly enjoying this floaty journey in the beginning, I found myself totally hooked once she entered the convent for schooling. And then once Rochester enters the picture? I was gripped. And quickly became so disappointed and then enraged by him. By all the men in her life, honestly. This is such an infuriating and believable and real story; women being constantly unlistened to, dismissed, ignored, and over-ruled, to the detriment of all involved. Issues of class and race and gender permeate, in this post-emancipation Caribbean setting. And the final third, when we catch up to the events of “Jane Eyre,” was heartbreaking. I’m so glad I read it. It’s totally its own novel, unlike anything else I’ve read: the interior monologue and observations, the hope and then the dashed hopes. You can see several paths, throughout, when a happy ending (or at least, the avoidance of a tragic ending) are very possible. And instead, Rochester’s pride and ego combine with gossip and rum to damn everyone. Definitely made me want to finally read “Jane Eyre” but gonna have to wait a few months for my rage to simmer down, so I can approach that separate novel on its own terms.
“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte
One of those classics I’d never read before (although I’ve watched several film and mini-series adaptations, and even enjoyed the stage musical). I knew I needed several months to get over the visceral negative reactions to Rochester that Wide Sargasso Sea gave me. Then I learned the “Hot and Bothered Podcast” was going to be focusing on Jane Eyre. In their “On Eyre” series, they produced several chapter by chapter responses and analysis and critical thinking and really lively and engaging discussions, exploring the themes of power and desire throughout the novel. “Discussions range from ideas of class and colonialism to sex and gender to religion and repression as Lauren and Vanessa explore the roles of oppression and inequality, empowerment and rebellion in the text and beyond, with some help from experts along the way.” It was fantastic. THIS was basically one of the best English Lit classes. Thoughtful interviews with fascinating experts, and laughter and big emotional responses. It was the BEST way to read this novel, gave me so much more depth and insight and critical thinking and Big Ideas to ponder. 100% recommend reading Jane Eyre along with listening to their chapter by chapter analysis. Truly wonderful. Without some friendly informed podcasters challenging you to think as you read this, this would only have been a good but not great reading experience.
“Skullsworn” by Brian Staveley
What a delightfully fun adventure in a richly imagined world. Follows an assassin priestess in a fantasy realm with strong Southeast Asia vibes. It starts with a dynamic and unusual premise: in order to ascend to the next level in service to the God of Death, she must kill seven specific categories of people in two weeks. One of whom must be a person she loves. Trouble is, she’s not sure she’s ever been in love. So now she’s got 14 days to fall in love and then kill the person. What?!? While all these other action adventure things are happening. Politics and insurrection and crocodiles and poisonous snakes! And it’s full of fun back-and-forth dialogue, and great descriptions/world-building. So you’re following along on these adventures, sort of rooting for her to be able to kindle this romance into love, but also in the back of your mind aware of the consequences and so maybe NOT rooting for it?!? It’s complex and intriguing, and the pages turn. And this is a world full of danger (from the Natural world, from other humans, possibly from the supernatural). The two Witnesses (her guardians/observers during this trial) provide such an enjoyable dynamic (cantankerous grump and sensual bon vivant). This is a prequel from a trilogy I have not read. But my friend convinced me it was a stand-alone story, and she was correct. I loved being immersed in this world and it’s characters. Chuckling to myself over the verbal sparring and cranky observations, gasping and engaged at the twists and turns. I mean, it’s got dark themes but it never felt heavy or dour. It mostly felt fast and enjoyable, even if there’s a high body count. (That whole part about being a priestess of the god of death). Plus, the title is just so Metal!!!
“Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
This was a gorgeous experience. The writing is lovely and evocative. Full of wisdom and deep thoughts and small simple observations and lovely little details and emotions and ecology and Native stories and histories. Both personal and global in its approach. Powerful memoir and scientific treatise, providing illustrative examples for everyone. I enjoyed it more than I’d expected to. It was recommended by the Cannon Beach bookstore. Not all of the chapters were fast-paced enough to be “Beach Reading,” exactly. But I devoured the first third, and then really enjoyed returning to read a chapter or two in between other books. So it was super fun when my bookclub chose this book, as I’d finished it. Many images and thoughts that have been percolating in my brain for months now. Great stuff.
“Ghostland: An American History of Haunted Places” by Colin Dickey
What an unexpectedly entertaining and informative cultural history. Starts off by telling the spooky legends of a place, and then shares the historical facts, which often contrast strongly. Interesting historical details about how some of these legends were intentionally crafted to sell attraction tickets. Or how in many cases, locals had an issue with independent women and crafted stories about them. Or how the House of Seven Gables had a different number of gables, but this was a more evocative title. Ha. Really fascinating interviews with ghost hunters and historians. The author is impressively even-handed and not ever interested in disproving (or proving) ghosts. Instead, he is sharing the documented historical facts, and often sharing the documented history and creation of misinformation over the years. Discusses lots of interesting cultural reasons why some of these legends and stories might have been crafted, and gets into some of the anthropological reasons why we create these legends and what important roles they play in society. I really loved reading the documentation of how different legends changed dramatically over the years, and what historical and cultural shifts might have led to the adoption of new and different ghost legends. Also discussing how different gender and racial politics throughout the centuries have shaped the cultural landscape and created/changed ghost legends. Discusses the importance of these stories in society. Just a fascinating book. I’d been worried it might be too spooky, but it really wasn’t. Fun and interesting stuff.
“The Jasmine Throne” by Tasha Suri
Fantastic South-Asian-Inspired world setting. Wonderful interplay and issues with power dynamics and different religions and the different regions and countries and peoples. Not to mention all of the very realized gender inequalities in this world. There is an underlying simmering rage that feels SO JUSTIFIED. As revolution and struggle is brimming everywhere, from many sources. As women are being burned alive for religious purification. As a strange plant-based plague ravages the land. As intrigue and hidden societies and extremes of poverty and wealth divide people. As a now forbidden religion reveals it still has practitioners. Switching between narrators, unveiling this world and the plot in such careful small details and then in big crashing waves. The writing is superb. The characterizations varied and gorgeous and effective. There are so many fully realized different peoples and places. This is not a happy time or place. But it is a very Important time and place, at the dawning of revolution and great change. It is hard. Things are dire. There is great risk and little hope for reward. Therefore grabbing onto sweetness and hope where one can is even more important. And those who have deadened themselves and tried to be content living safe half-lives for years are asked to awaken, to risk, to feel again. This was gorgeous. “A fiercely and unapologetically feminist tale of endurance and revolution set against a gorgeous, unique magical world” (S. A. Chakraborty). “Suri’s writing always brings me to another world; one full of wonders and terrors, where every detail feels intricately and carefully imagined. The Jasmine Throne is gripping and harrowing from the very start.” —R. F. Kuang
Binti trilogy by Nnedi Okorafor
The first book set up a fascinating world and characters, but was occasionally choppy/truncated in its story telling. The final two were superb. She eschews easy “happily ever after” dynamics, but this is still a very rewarding reading experience. As much as I’ve found myself craving more simplistic and reassuring reading in these tough times, I really appreciate the complexity and indepth story telling here. Things didn’t go as I expected nor as I wanted, but mayhaps they went where they needed to go (or inevitably were going). Good little adventures, with fascinating cultural and family and inter-species dynamics. The second book follows Binti at Space University (not it’s real title) as she continues to deal with the trauma and fall out of the events of the first book. Focusing on growth and PTSD and therapy and self determination and new friends and identity. Binti feels called to return to her people on earth and complete her tribe’s traditional pilgrimage. But going back home isn’t as easy or straightforward as she’d hoped. Lots more secrets and interesting new layers of world-building are revealed. Fractious relations with some of her siblings. The impossible choice of trying to balance familial and cultural expectations with her own desires and skills and calling. Learning to accept oneself and utilize ones power and gifts, despite external pressures. No easy answers, but necessary choices and actions must be taken. Good stuff.
“Memorial” by Bryan Washington
I really really loved this novel. I wasn’t sure I was in the headspace for award-winning Literature (rather than escapist genre fiction) but I found myself instantly engrossed in this novel. There is a powerful sparse-ness to the writing. Sparse seems to imply a lack of something, so maybe that’s the wrong word. Washington expertly uses great restraint in his writing. There is precision in just the few words and details he uses, but they paint such a full picture. This is such a current, real, and moving story. We start by following Benson, who’s partner Mike has just left him (flying home to check on Mike’s father in Osaka, who has cancer). The thing is, Mike’s mother just arrived from Japan to stay with them. And so we follow Benson learning to cohabitate with Mike’s mom, with Mike’s absence looming large. As a reader, you learn Benson and Mike had issues in their relationship and you’re totally on Benson’s side here. Then, 1/3 of the way in, the book switches to Mike in Osaka. And you’re prepared to keep him cast as villain, but turns out people are complex. And Washington’s skill in writing two such clear and distinct and powerful narrative voices really shows. And everything (relationships, family, life, jobs) is complicated and hard. And everyone is just trying their best. And so many people (especially these two men) are so damn terrible at communication (with each other, with their families, with their coworkers). And then the book ends again with Benson’s narration, and everything has so much more depth and less easy answers. And three cheers to the women in this story (the sisters, the friends, the mothers, the coworkers/bar patrons) who continue to offer their presence and guidance and observations and to tell the guys that they should be doing Thing X. It’s not that the advice of others is always accurate or necessary. But that they continue to prod and encourage and ask the guys to examine their feelings and make a choice. These are important people to have in your life. I dunno quite how to write this review. Because I’m not quire sure how Washington created the Magic Trick that is this novel. And just listing it’s ingredients/components doesn’t convey the feeling and tone and strong sense of place and of person crafted with so few words. Tiny interactions at the daycare or a restaurant and the reader immediately knows so much. Again, one big life lesson: Use Your Words! Another would be to read this novel. It was really wonderful. (Although I personally did have to take a break, when we got to describing some of the symptoms of Mike’s dad’s cancer. Again, the descriptions are so restrained and simple, but a few of them recalled personal memories too strongly. But I was able to return a few days later and I’m glad I did).
“Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead” by Olga Tokarczuk
I really loved this hard to characterize novel. Our narrator is such a joy to read. She’s this eccentric older woman who has a truly unique view on life and her surroundings. She spouts things that might sound insane, but I found myself agreeing with her much of the time, sometimes much to my surprise. Even as you start to realize that she’s maybe an unreliable narrator, she is just so dang compelling. Even when she’s endlessly talking about astrology, which does not interest me, I found myself intrigued to learn what Fate and what sense of control she gained from her star charts. I always love learning how others make meaning in their worlds. The descriptions are perfect… often just giving one small detail that perfectly sets the scene. This is a fantastic translation from the Polish (one assumes), as the writing is masterful and a joy and full of so many wonderful little pronouncements and observations. I highlighted so many passages!! She narrates in Capital Nouns so often (speaking of the Deer and Anger and Sadness). Apparently Blake was known for lots of capitalization, too. It’s also a brilliant capital L piece of Literature. So many powerful themes (nature, violence, borders: both national and between people, poetry). The use of Blake’s poetry is fascinating. And the section about the difficulties of translation was amazing, as in the original Polish she gave three different examples of how to translate English poem into Polish and then our translator had to translate those examples back into three different versions of English. Ha. The plot is satisfying. This village is peppered with such oddball characters, described to such great effect by our narrator. And we start to learn she may be the strangest of the strange (yet she makes a lot of sense, a lot of the time. And she’s won the affection and care of many of the village). I was engaged throughout, often tickled and delighted by wording or concepts. I think I may re-read this within the year. This time not needing the “now pay attention” (as the first chapter instructs), but instead just luxuriating in this strange journey. From Kirkus Review. Tokarczuk’s novel is a riot of quirkiness and eccentricity, and the mood of the book, which shifts from droll humor to melancholy to gentle vulnerability, is unclassifiable—and just right.
“How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia” by Mohsin Hamid
There are two potential gimmicks with this book. One, the loose framework of being an instructional guide, self-help type of book. Second (and more worrying to me, initially), is that the entire book is written in second person. At least, I think that’s the proper term. The self help narrator continues to address “You” and tell the reader what you did and what you were thinking, etc. Yet, it works wonderfully. I thought I’d hate it, or at least that it would cause me distance. But I was instantly drawn in, in ways I hadn’t expected. Hamid’s descriptions are vivid and often visceral. His characterizations sometimes sparse, but always telling. You may only get a few details but they give you a strong sense of the whole person. And following “Your” journey in this Pakistan-ish country, from rural farm life, to enterprising young boy, through all the stages of “your” life. It was engaging and interesting and at times unexpected and at times emotionally resonant and powerful. This was such a unique and clever framework, and it is accomplished masterfully. The way BIG reveals are just dropped in as small asides sometimes took my breath away. But, of course, telling about the things “You” are doing, “your” internal monologue wouldn’t be dwelling on a revelation “you” already know, so when “you” have a fleeting thought about Thing X, it is an illuminating moment for the reader. At times caustic and critical, at other times tender, this tells a full story of a life, working within and around broken systems, succeeding and failing at various points. Very well done.
“Planetfall”/”After Atlas” by Emma Newman
Planetfall: This was not the Sci Fi book I was expecting, but I still loved it. AND I loved the second book even more!! The first is really an intense character study, and Ren is fascinating. She’s eminently understandable, her logic is clearly laid out and as the reader, you follow along quite willingly (for the most part). The world-building is wonderful, well thought out but it’s all explained organically as you read along. The story all takes place AFTER when the traditional stories would end. Hundreds of people from a Future Earth have traveled vast distances by spaceship to colonize this planet, all following a Prophet (of sorts), who had a vision with coordinates. Our story starts years and years after landing and establishing their colony. Things seem to be going relatively well, but there are allusions to a Big Dark Secret that could destabilize everything, plus a mysterious stranger. We catch glimpses through memory and flashbacks, as well as Ren’s current clandestine explorations of the mysterious alien “city” living structure (plant? Animal?) next door, imbued with Theological Significance by the colonists. Religion and Culture and Human Relationships and Mental Illness and Secrets and Issues of Control. It’s just all fascinating and some of the reveals had me literally GASPING. Yet they’re almost all VERY believable in-world. The characters are so well developed and feel so grounded in their truths and identities (even minor side characters) that you as reader are able to easily go along for the ride. This world is well established, following its own internal rules, and the character actions and decisions are all so damn understandable. I found myself thinking about this world and these people and their religious beliefs and the seed pods for weeks after finishing.
After Atlas: I loved even more! Story takes place in same Universe(s) but with completely different characters and setting. I was so pleased to see this was set on Future Earth, because I had loved the glimpses of Earth’s future in “Planetfall” and felt so certain the author had this whole world-building completed even though readers only got tiniest glimpse. This world, our world in a believable future, is equal parts fascinating and horrifying (attributes it shares with our current world, if we’re honest). Story telling is dynamic and pages turn. Literal corporate slavery and murky motives. Plus, this is a good old fashioned detective story!! AND there’s religious cult stuff! Compelling. I also love the sheer gall of the author to write a sequel to her Sci Fi planetary exploration novel and set it entirely on Earth with different characters. Ha!
“Unnatural Magic” by C.M. Waggoner
Aw, this was just a lovely thing to read. Following several characters in a magical world. There are so many stories all mashed together (small town girl is extremely smart and magical, but learns that the Boys Club system was never actually interested in allowing her a fair shot, and so she sets off to blaze her own path. Conflicted Troll, fighting against her clan’s expectations and their disregard for her identity choices. Disaffected Officer (youngest son of a bankrupt Lord), dealing with PTSD and trying to find his way in the world. Handsome and tragic young Mage Lord (greatest wizard of a region) dealing with his tragic past and the responsibilities of his position. The world is full of diversity (different races and cultures and species and religions) and lots of interesting and different approaches to gender identity and sexuality (across species and countries and religions). The way that magic works in this world was interesting, too. Basically all spells/magic are created with mathematical equations and parameters. It was fun to be able to see characters working on a practical real-world task to create their spells. The pages flowed well, the dialogue and characters were interesting. And gosh darn it, the side story of Jeckran and Tsira falling for each other was just so dang sweet. Both of them are so concerned about consent and not wanting to ruin their partnership and thinking the other isn’t into them (Use Your Words!!), that it’s just full of lots of longing and blushing and sideways glances and rushing out of the room! The plot moves along at a good clip, with new things being introduced often. There’s even a murder investigation/detective plot for the 2nd half of the book. Now, the criticisms: The world building is bit uneven and unclear at times. I really love when books just drop you into the middle of events and the world’s rules reveal themselves as the plot unfolds. But that wasn’t 100% successful here. There is a LOT of new vocabulary (names for countries and religions and regions, etc) and it wasn’t always clear what exactly each one meant. I mean, as a world-building junkie, I also don’t mind big paragraphs of exposition (and a map at the beginning. And a glossary/cast of characters at the end). This novel could’ve been improved by having some of that. As it was a bit inscrutable, I would just move on…expecting to soon encounter that term again, with more context over what being from that region or religion means…but that didn’t always happen. My other main critique is that the final bit of the book wasn’t as great as what came before. I’m not exactly sure what was lacking (as one would imagine it would be great when all of our characters finally meet up, to work together on the main mystery). But it didn’t touch my heart in the same way as previous parts of the book. Maybe it was too focused on plot and we lost character details. I mean, there’s still fun banter and cute little moments, but I didn’t love the final quarter of the book as much as I’d loved all that came before. Still, it was the perfect thing to read over a few sunny days and put a smile on my face/made me chuckle several times.
“The Cold Millions” by Jess Walter
Bloody fantastic! I don’t know what I was expecting, but this was so much more Fun than I’d have anticipated. Reading about turn-of-the-century Spokane was great. And there’s tons of interesting and important and timely historical information throughout. What I hadn’t expected was what a joy this was to read. Walter is an accomplished writer with a gift for richly creating and describing a cast of fascinating characters. I was gripped within the first few pages, with amazingly wonderful descriptions, and just pitch perfect word choices. We meet a cast of real Capital C Characters throughout this story. Rye and Gig are the heart of this story and are so engaging (orphaned brothers, riding the rails, running from vagrancy laws, joining the “cold millions” trying to find work and earn a dollar, facing violent union busting, brutal police and corrupt businessmen. We also meet a fascinating Vaudeville performer (her act involves removing her bustier while in a cage with a cougar!), private investigators, the amazing Gurley (a true historical figure)…a real firebrand of a teenager and wife, traveling the country helping in multiple labor strikes. Oh yeah, she’s only 19 and pregnant (her age and state of “indecency” only compound the “flaws of her gender” to cause her to be dismissed and ignored by much of the leadership. It’s just, wow. These characters have been rolling around in my brain for a month now. For such intense and sometimes depressing subject matter (made all the more depressing because ALL OF THESE SAME PROBLEMS are still happening now, 110 years later), the book never feels heavy or dour. Instead the writing is sometimes almost effervescent in the way that the sentences just fly along, with clever word choices making you smile, and painting such evocative pictures of these characters. There’s a real spirit of those old timey “Tales of the West” throughout, sharing a fascinating variety of adventures and different life stories. Some heroic and others villainous, and most just human. The overarching plot is engaging, pages fly by. And you just want to protect Rye’s innocent heart (a sentiment shared by many he encounters). A million thank yous to the friend who told me to read this. Truly one of the best books I’ve read this year. And such an important reminder for those who know this history, an opportunity to viscerally connect and expand your historical knowledge, and an even more important glimpse for those unfamiliar with so much of this country’s history. The best kind of historical fiction: engaging, illuminating, gripping.
“The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food: A Cookbook” by Marcus Samuelsson
Sat down and read a cookbook over a few days and it was a delight. The approach and design is wonderful, offering fantastic biographies/interviews with all kinds of wonderful people involved in creating, researching, and celebrating Black chefs. The thought and care that went into this book are not a surprise for anyone who has followed Chef Samuelsson. Lots of great information and discussions, wonderful profiles of people we’ll all want to follow/know more about, as well as so many delicious recipes. There’s such a necessary (and belated) recognition happening in the industry. This book is about a real moment in time, and it’ll totally broaden and excite your home kitchen, too. Cultures, histories, personalities, recipes. I also loved the thematic approach to layout/recipes. It’s not something I’ve seen before in a cookbook, but it makes a lot of sense. Plus, this is also a physically gorgeous book; the design is clever and engaging. And the recipes are delicious.
“Witchmark” series by C.L. Polk
1st book: I was utterly charmed by this Edwardian-ish alternate world with secret magic, yet rooted in very real and tough circumstances. It felt effortless as I turned the pages, yet it avoided feeling trite or inconsequential. In a country similar to Edwardian England, we meet mustachioed bicycle riders in a country just returning from a long and brutal world war. Miles is a soldier doctor, trying to help returning soldiers dealing with a very dark form of shellshock. But it’s also a world of budget cuts and poverty/class struggles. This is not a clean and shiny and bright magical world. It’s rooted in the real, but the reader starts to see bits of secret magic revealing itself. The world-building is wonderful. Our main characters feel fully realized and fleshed out. The plot is exposed in a super satisfying way, interwoven with the world building and character development. We’re plunked into this world, and its rules and meanings are revealed page-by-page in a way that feels just right. (I wish we’d had a better understanding of the character of Grace, however. She felt inscrutable, as friend or foe as each chapter required, but not a lot of internal motives revealed or understood. Still, this was just lovely to read and a very interesting world that I can’t wait to explore more. Always great when a first novel feels so Lived In and fleshed out. Devoured it.
2nd book: Second book was good, not great. I spent a few weeks trying to synthesize exactly Why I didn’t love this one so much, and I’m not sure I’ve found the answer. Maybe that Grace is a complicated character, and she was my least favorite in the first book (where she was given short shrift by the author, making her moral ambiguity just irritating, instead of complicated and interesting). So having Grace as our narrator this time was harder for me. Also, I recognize that the first book was so easy to love because, while the world had shades of grey and complicated choices to be made, Miles is just a shockingly good man. His tenderness (in spite of/because of his extreme PTSD and wartime trauma, and his complicated family life) treating soldiers. His firm moral compass. The way he loves (his friends, his patients, his romantic partner, even his family). And even though that world had definite dark and grim bits, it still felt a bit of a fun romp/adventure, with Miles in the lead, it felt more assured that the good guys would win. And they did. But only one metaphorical battle. And so book 2 is facing the consequences of the extremely necessary choice made at end of book 1. But those consequences have created real hardships for the citizens. And for the country. And for the magicians who control the weather. In this book, we’re facing natural disasters, thorny relations with neighboring countries, class struggles and justified calls for a change to the corrupt systems of power. Plus Grace is having a crisis of conscience and identity and questioning (possibly for the first time) everything she was taught and trained for. So it totally makes sense that she’ll be imperfect and stumble and fall back sometimes. And I generally love a morally ambiguous character and some internal struggles (all wrapped in a FAST PACED plot where things are quickly getting out of hand, and there are dangers and real world consequences everywhere and things are slipping out of control, and can’t a girl ask that dashing young reporter to the Ball amidst all of this?!?) This so easily could’ve been a 5 stars for me. But it wasn’t, quite. Really 3.5 stars, if I’m honest, but I’m going to round up this time. Because I wonder if part of my issues are just that I’m seeking easier and more comforting plot lines right now. So maybe it’s a timing/personal issue, rather than an issue with the book itself.
3rd book: Really interesting and grown-up finish to this trilogy. As this story has unfolded across these three books, layers are peeled back, exposing more atrocities and crimes committed by the corrupt in power. And these books don’t offer the superficial and easy “it all magically got better as soon as the abuses were exposed” ending often shown in these types of stories. Instead, this has very real world implications and cause and effect, even if THIS world does have some magical elements. Especially as this book follows Robin. She’s friggin amazing: a very practical and accomplished nurse, part of the resistance, part of the working class, part of the marginalized classes. Her pragmatism is matched only by her resolve, but also, she’s absolutely committed to reform and restitution. And joins with others who are unwilling to be placated by the “go slowly” and “wait for unity” by the new figurehead of the status quo. There’s a real revolutionary thread, but it’s a very modern and real world revolution (which means it is hard and complicated and those in power don’t play by the rules and there’s corruption and a disaffected populace and division and heartache. But also community and love and tiny joys and powerful changes. Reading the first novel, I hadn’t expected that THIS is where we’d end up. But having read all three, I can’t imagine how we’d have gotten anywhere else. Implications of colonialism and oppression and a cowed (owned?) journalism class. The institutional problems are daunting and vast and feel so true, while also trying to deal with matters of the human heart, and assassination attempts, and impending magical weather disasters and diplomatic politics from neighboring realms. And how to reintegrate an abused jailed populace. Just, fascinating stuff.
“The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps”/ “A Taste of Honey” by Kai Ashante Wilson
Sorcerer: It was such a pleasure to re-read this novella. It’s not an easy read, meaning only that it requires you to pay attention (and not just mindlessly turn pages). Kai Ashante Wilson use such craft in word choice and structure, and it feels so tightly cut down to the core, to the very essence of what this story demanded. But it’s never stingy, providing vibrant striking descriptions. But the lack of “filler” and the structure (there are flashbacks that are not Boldly announced. Sometimes conversations are not separated with quotation marks/line breaks. Also Demane’s rich internal life and observations are oft interwoven with what’s happening around him) mean that a reader should not skim this book, but should instead actually read it, revelling in the words, learning about the cultures and religions of this world, and feeling all the emotions. It’s been 3 years since I last read it, and it was such an absolute joy to rediscover these characters and this style of writing and the sly glimpses of rich rich world-building.
Taste of Honey:Just lovely. Much easier to read and immediately digest compared to “Sorcerer of the Wildeeps,” so if you found it harder to get into that story, perhaps try this work instead. I was actually a bit sad at the omission of some of that, because I adored the experience of Wildeeps, and re-read it before starting this. (excuse me as I shed a tear because I didn’t get footnotes in my fiction this time) It’s not that THIS beautiful story isn’t complex, actually, and if it was all I had read of Wilson’s work, I’d have been Blown Away! It is just easier to follow, requiring less care and attention from the reader in order to follow the plot and find the meanings. That’s not a bad thing, it’s just a different experience.. And if it gets more people reading Wilson’s work, even better! And you don’t need to have read Wildeeps to read this story at all. This is not a sequel. Only that it is set in the same world. And what a JOY this world is to explore!! It is so richly imagined and lush, but Wilson’s writing always has such care and precision. Instead of the standard paragraphs stuffed full of world-building description, he’ll present a sly sentence, focusing on one small detail, and that detail illuminates so much about this world. So refreshing to read something outside the standard Fantasy World of Alternate Medieval Europe. This is instead a rich Alternate African setting. There are occasional god-like beings who wander among the people. Physics and Mathematics are considered “women’s work.” It was amazing watching the world glimpsed in Wildeeps become even further fleshed out here. In Wildeeps we followed soldiers protecting a caravan traveling across the continent to one of the shining Cities, facing dangerous magics and creatures in the wilds. Amazing glimpses of different cultures and social mores, stopping at big trading stations along the route. “A Taste of Honey” takes place in one of those destination Shining cities, Royal Seat of the area and following Aquib (assistant keeper at the Royal Menagerie). Here we are also first introduced to a pseudo-Roman Empire, that has sent a delegation. And you watch the different cultures, norms, beliefs, and languages interact, too. Gosh, it’s just a lovely story. And it flashes forward and backward along the timeline. However in this book, Wilson makes it very clear where the reader is on the timeline. And as he states the ending at the beginning of the story, it is fascinating and tragic and powerful to watch how things play out leading up to “the event” (no spoilers). But also there are many Flash Forwards, showing life 10, 30, 50 years later, too. There is such a depth of feeling and experience here. I didn’t feel compelled to re-read it immediately (as I did with Wildeeps) but I’ll definitely return to it within the year. This time to luxuriate in his prose and small but oh-so-evocative character details. In how he so precisely provides deep insight into cultural beliefs and world building with just the smallest observation or phrase. It’s so damn smart. (The interaction, early on, where you learn that the Olurans are not quite as good at the others’ language as they think. And then watching that play out throughout the book, characters swollen with self-importance continuing the common incorrect phrases (Latin is tough), and the Empire’s soldiers too polite or savvy to mention it. This tiny interesting detail early on then pays such rewarding dividends as the story continues. So good). Also, just reading at a surface level, it’s a lovely and powerful and heart-aching story. We need more voices like this in the world.
“The Empress of Salt and Fortune” by Nghi Vo
This was such a delicate and sly little thing. I first attempted reading it a few months ago, but after a few pages I could tell it wasn’t the time yet. Returned to it recently, in a more settled headspace, and I instantly sunk into it’s lovely words. It manages to provide a depth of emotions and character development with precision (as good novellas must, because of their shorter size). Yet the descriptions and writing were full of lush, rich detail. The rhythms of the story were so pleasing, and the subtle subtle subtle ways that Big things were revealed… masterfully done. I don’t think I’ve read what feels like a story of injustice and big rebellion wrapped in such a deceptively sedate slow package before. Wonderful.
“Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” by Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi
So good. And the audiobook is wonderful listening. Powerful, timely, this “not a history book” speaks so well about information that was often missed (at least, definitely under-represented) in many of our schoolbooks. Centuries of important information, told in an engaging and powerful way. Plus, dividing people up into the three categories was a very clever and useful tool: Segregationists are the haters, Assimilationists and the likers, and Anti-Racists the Ride or Die lovers. For those new to this information, or those of us who can always use a refresher, it’s a great read/listen.
Sirantha Jax series: Endgame by Ann Aguirre
Oh, I’m so glad this series concluded well (I’d been pretty dissatisfied in the 5th book, so hooray for the 6th book getting back on course). Overall these were a great way to pass the time. Plot heavy, fun and interesting character details, good dialogue and adventure. I will say, this is one of the more grim and difficult plots in the series, as one would expect, because our gang is involved in a many months (years?) long insurrection/rebellion of a planet’s enslaved population. Guerilla warfare, needing the better-armed better-funded slavers and colonizers to decide the cost of continued enslavement/control of the planet is not worth it. Some dark choices are made. This series never shied away from having Real Stakes (even during the lighter “Band-of-Space-Pirates on an Adventure” stories at the beginning of the series), which I really appreciated. Deaths weren’t just faceless storm troopers. But in this book, we’re no longer fighting a war against all-killing unsympathetic devouring monsters (as in a previous installment). These are humans versus hominids (humanoids?). And losses and deaths are real and dark. Atrocities are committed. Plus all the gross inhumane acts done to enslaved persons. Rebellion fighters trying their best, often in impossible situations. Rebellion fighters not trying their best, being real and affected by emotions and rage and guilt and vengeance and despair. Sometimes motives are pure and sometimes they are murky! I appreciated the real look at what these situations do to people. But also, it’s still mostly wrapped in a semi-shiny, fun, Sci Fi world, so it’s not like reading stories set in Earth’s history, ya know? It didn’t leave me hopeless or depressed. And there are some really interesting hurdles among interpersonal relationships, too. As well as some choices that really examine the nature of Self and Identity (going deep under cover with extreme body mod/surgery to change ones face and body. What that does to your own identity and to those who know you. Which is also continuing themes explored in previous works, about seeing and interacting with non-hominid alien beings, and distinctions between surface and internal selves). So yeah, Aguirre continues to surprise me (in good ways), while providing a very readable adventure.
“Silver in the Wood” by Emily Tesh
Gorgeous little novella, incorporating The Green Man mythology into a really fascinating story, well-told. Lovely descriptions and emotions and a good story arc. Could totally see this growing into a series, but am also quite content with it as a solo journey.
Honorable Mentions:
“A Dark and Starless Forest” by Sarah Hollowell
This was NOT what I was expecting. I was expecting engaging witch-y fantasy adventure. This story was filled with much more real world darkness (parental abuse and mind-games, some real Cult stuff going on) as well as way creepier fantasy horror stuff. Now, the horror parts may not be everyone’s Super Scary Things, but they hit ALL MY BUTTONS and I ended up having to stay up until 4am to finish reading the darn thing because I was too freaked out. In my opinion, I’d like an upfront warning about LITTLE KID GHOSTS, especially if they are jittery and glitchy and have messed up faces and their audible speech doesn’t line up with their mouth moving…. *shudder* Overall, this was a very good and interesting story, that went to super unexpected places, but was ultimately a satisfying read. However, it’s also messy and clunky at times. Especially in the initial set up and exposition and meeting all 9 of the adopted siblings. It’s awesome for representation of a wide variety of races and backgrounds and gender identities and different body sizes and different ways of being human. And SUPER refreshing to read a Fat character whose narrative (internal or external) is not consumed with her fatness. She’s just a person who happens to be fat, and deals with the full scope of person things. So that’s rad, and nice to have a larger person on the cover of a YA book. The characters face some real Capital S “Stakes” throughout this, there are no easy answers and lots of pain and uncertainty. And I really appreciated how the siblings all worked together yet had very believable differences and squabbles, and their interactions with their guardian also felt super real. The rules and way that Magic populates this world is fascinating. But there were times when the writing and character exposition and plot unfolding was awkward and clunky. First novel problems. Still, overall, glad I read it. Even if the ghost girl gave me the willies!! Just know it’s dark and violent and scary. Man, my junior high self would’ve been OBSESSED with this book.
“Less” by Andrew Sean Greer
I was definitely NOT sure about this novel for the first few chapters. It felt just so calculated, a sharp skewering of writers and publishing, winking at the reader in an elite/judgy way. The Pulitzer Prize win felt like a prize for reflecting an industry and a group back to themselves, and we humans SO love that. (In-group lampoonings are often beloved by the in-group). I wasn’t sure I was going to care about this story or these people. But I started to see beyond Less and see what the narrator was actually revealing. Plus the lovely metaphors and the secretly beautiful phrases and descriptions. Then the heart of this novel snuck up on me. The author is very skilled, and I’m glad I didn’t discount this. Because at its surface, Arthur Less is just a very uninteresting Eeyore character. The later mentions of the novel within the novel (and how readers just aren’t that interested in hearing the sad thougths of a white guy in his 50’s wandering SF, even if he is gay) are very illuminating and well done. It’s also a very funny novel, but in a sly way. Less’s spoken dialogue is often super sharp and hilarious, but seeing his sad sack inner thoughts could dampen that, if you’re not paying attention. And that also explains the seeming-disconnect between how most people treat him (fondly, seeming to enjoy his company, laughing and wanting to have conversation with him) and how he is feeling/observing the world around him. Once you realize what’s happening with the narration and realize there are at least two stories happening here (Less’s inner thoughts and Less’s actual actions/words in the world), it becomes way more enjoyable. I can definitely see how some readers couldn’t shake the doldrums to be able to enjoy this story. But boy, I sure ended up having a blast reading this. So glad I stuck past those first few chapters, when I was sure I knew what this story was, and didn’t think I cared for another self-congratulatory NYC publishing in-group exploration. And then this turned into the most interesting travel memoir, too, as Less agrees to a series of literary events and freelance gigs that will take him around the world (thereby missing the wedding of his former lover, and avoiding his 50th birthday at home). Lots of explorations of love and heartache and aging. About art and writing and sense of self and worth and how one should live ones life. There are some impressive observational skills (of the human condition, of the human heart, of the different countries visited…or more accurately, of the experience of being a traveler in those countries). From its beginning, I definitely didn’t predict that this novel would end up being so tender and such a fan of love. And the discussion that, just because a relationship ends after 20 years Does Not Mean that said relationship was a failure. Other collaborations of 20 years would be considered a triumph. You definitely need to be in the proper headspace for this novel, and be willing to give it a few chapters and to look between the lines, figure out what’s happening with the narration, and start piecing things together. But I ended up finding this novel a delight. And now, here are two of the many descriptions I highlighted: “He kisses—how do I explain it? Like someone in love. Like he has nothing to lose. Like someone who has just learned a foreign language and can use only the present tense and only the second person. Only now, only you.”
“Strange to be almost fifty, no? I feel like I just understood how to be young.” “Yes! It’s like the last day in a foreign country. You finally figure out where to get coffee, and drinks, and a good steak. And then you have to leave. And you won’t ever be back.”
“Midnight Robber” by Nalo Hopkinson
The content warning that our book club wished we’d known ahead of time: sexual violence, rape of a child, pregnancies as a consequence of rape. So, yeah. Be warned. That said, this was a very powerful and fascinating story. This Afro-Caribbean colonized future planet is so amazingly well realized, and the way that Hopkinson unveils the world-building is super satisfying. An extremely successful “drop the reader into the action” approach, without paragraphs of exposition. Yet you are very quickly exposed to and learning about how this world works. Truly fascinating and engaging. Seeing this imagined future and how different pieces of culture and folklore have traveled through the generations. The role of the Nanny (implanted neural network) is handled in such a unique way, as well as the off-shoot group of “extremists/weirdos” who preach the importance of making objects by hand and eschewing technology. And just as you’re starting to settle into this new world, our lead Tan-Tan is shunted off to a whole other planet. A prison exile planet, where we get to learn even more interesting and new world building. I LOVE learning about created cultures, and the douen were some of the most interesting alien creatures/cultures I’ve read about. I loved it! And I loved how different facets of knowledge and understanding unfold throughout. These characters will make your heart ache!!! Tan-Tan is a narrator I won’t soon forget. She’s also beautifully and believably flawed, too. I feel like we often don’t allow our female characters to be imperfect, but this felt so damn real and relatable and my heart just hurt for her and understood her and hoped for her. As one would expect, a prison exile planet is a harsh environment (not only the lack of resources and human comforts, but also the different aliens and creatures who are a threat). But as always proves the case, the biggest monsters are fellow humans, darn it. This book is written in a stylized patois, and at times I found it a little difficult to get started (but in those times, I’d read it aloud, focusing on the sound of the words and then the meaning generally revealed itself and I’d find myself slipping into its hypnotic rhythms. Definitely added to the sense of immersion and strong sense of place on these future planets). A friend listened to the audio book but also struggled to comprehend/follow sometimes. The BEST approach was in one pal who listened to the audio book WHILE reading along with the text, for a truly textured experience. Still, I was able to sink into these words and their meanings relatively quickly. I don’t have extensive knowledge of Afro-Carribean myths and culture, and so I’m sure I missed several of the allusions and symbolism (apparently the doeun are party modeled after creatures from folklore), but I still loved and was able to fully enjoy this.
“Educated” by Tara Westover
Intense! Pages turn very quickly. Westover is a dynamic and evocative writer and this story is fascinating and often unbelievable. A lot of the childhood scrapes and misadventures and injuries had me wanting to do the reading equivelent of watching a horror movie through my fingers. But then things start to take a much more disturbing turn. It’s a very raw retelling of her abuse, and the extreme mental turmoil and doubt and gaslighting and f*cked up power dynamics. How hard it is to escape. Deprogramming is a journey. And how gut-wrenching it is when one is faced with losing part of their family for telling the truth. The people here are so fascinating, presented with so many angles and emotions and beliefs and foibles and tenderness and blindness and powerlessness and corruption and delusion and grandeur and pain and love. The complexities are laid bare and it’s fascinating. (I was relieved to not see the abuses include sexual abuse on the page, just because there were already enough horrors to read about. But boy, it is hinted at. Installing a lock on a bedroom door sure seems like an attempt at protecting from certain attacks, right?). Westover is frank and honest throughout, shockingly so at times. And I really appreciated her honesty about certain incidents where there are different memories between the siblings. Fascinating.
“The Crimson Crown” Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima
What a satisfying conclusion to this four book series. Continues to raise the stakes and the pages continue to fly by. Fast paced, engaging, adventure. And the fact that it’s all 17 year olds in these vital positions of trying to save each other and their kingdom?!? Sometimes that part of YA books is off-putting for me, but I found this worked well. The world building and characters felt real. The circumstances that have led us here were believable. And it continues to have ample foreshadowing so the reader can feel super smart, having guessed at many of the “big reveals,” but still has enough surprises to keep things interesting. This was a great four-book escape.
“I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” by Erika L Sanchez
Worthy addition to the coming-of-age genre. At the opening, Julia’s older sister (the “sainted” Olga) is killed by a semi truck. Teenage Julia has always struggled to fit into her family and to connect to her parents. This grief sends each family member into their own tailspin, and none of it seems to be going well. Julia’s narrative voice is fresh and honest and snarky and brutal at times. Felt very real. Upfront about her struggles through depression and mental health. Searching for identity and meaning and sense of self, while also getting her first boyfriend and dealing with high school and college applications. Spending time with her extended family in Mexico. Trying to uncover the mysterious clues she found in Olga’s bedroom, even though nobody else seems interested in pursuing them. Quick read, full of emotions and big questions and struggle and laughs and love and heartache. Hits all the marks.
“An Ember in the Ashes” by Sabaa Tahir
Found on my mom’s shelf. This was such a compelling story, that kept the pages turning and was a very satisfying read. The world-building is great. Much of the publicity talks about how this world is modeled after Ancient Rome, and there’s definitely aspects of that, and themes of imperialism and oppression and caste systems abound. But I found that description misleading as soon as we started following some of the soldier characters. That may be a loose framework, but the small fantastical elements the author has woven throughout are rich and surprising and sometimes so deeply unsettling. The entire concept of the Mask soldiers is so creepy and powerful. From the outside, they are so effectively removed from their humanity, as well as being imbued with such power and fear. Yet this story also contains some really well-rounded side characters, and that includes the soldiers, too. This world and story could so easily have been told on the surface level, and it’s plot adventures would’ve carried it along well enough. So it was such a nice surprise to see some real depth and emotion, too. Also, heads up, this world is stunningly brutal at times. (While it’s YA fantasy, it doesn’t shy away from dark truths). I mean, it begins with action and death, and that continues. But also, it gets worse as pages go by. Or maybe it’s just that it took me a bit to get into this book. I found the story fine, but it took me a bit to start caring/understanding the characters. So I’m not sure if later cruelties are worse or it’s just that I was more invested. I don’t want to give the wrong idea with this warning. It’s not Torture-Porn or Horror. But this world of martial law and underclasses and slavery has brutality and threat of sexual assault in it, and this book doesn’t shy away from that. And then, partway through this story, things shift again. Or new layers are revealed. The introduction of the augurs and mystical elements take things in new directions. And the physical/mental harms and body counts rise. But the struggles feel justified and the story compelling. I really enjoyed this journey and am looking forward to the next book.
“Sweep of the Blade” by Ilona Andrews
This series is just plain fun. In this 4th book, the pages turn, dialogue is snappy, lots of adventure and the stakes keep being raised. I actually enjoyed this much more than the first three, as it follows Dinah’s sister’s adventures on the Vampire Planet (Remember in this world that all supernatural beings exist, but they’re all aliens. Werewolves come from werewolf planet, Vampires from Vampire Planet, etc) and I liked this world and adventures more than the Earthbound “we can’t let normal humans know about the aliens” plots of the first three books. Super skilled bad-ass heroine, who is constantly being overlooked and undervalued (but never by the male lead!!! which was quite refreshing), so there are many many satisfying comeuppances. Also, so nice NOT to be dealing with a brooding and wounded male love interest (an over-used trope). In this case, it’s our heroine who is sorting through some serious baggage, but never in a way that’s too deep or too much of a bummer. This book knows exactly what it is trying to be, and it delivers.
“The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry” by C. M. Waggoner
Well, darn. I am so conflicted in how to rate this book. The first half was 100% one of the most fun things I’ve read in months. I was instantly gripped by the way the author plays with language. Our narrator’s pseudo-cockney slang and insane loquaciousness is super charming. I ended up reading some of it aloud, just to play with the words. Our hard-drinking petty thief finds herself hired as part of a bodyguard contingent for a Nobleman’s daughter. And the adventure is a rollicking good time. Pages turn at a brisk pace, it’s interesting and fun. While this is another book set in the same world as “Unnatural Magic,” it’s not really a sequel. It’s in a different country with entirely different characters (one of whom is the now adult daughter of the of a couple from the first book. So there are minor mentions of her parents, but nothing that would require you to have read the first book). Also, it feels ENTIRELY different from the first book, in tone and approach and subject matter and plotting and characters. The first book told many characters’ stories, and dealt with issues of prejudice and gender inequity and politics and warfare and magic and trust and love and really fascinating religious and gender structures. This book is truly only Delly’s story. She is our narrator, and it is her experience that frames everything. And it’s much more about class and economic differences and issues therein. However I noticed that the world-building isn’t repeated in this book, so new readers to this world will know the pseudo-Victorian landscape and social rules, but they won’t really have any framework for the larger religious, magic, and householding rules explained in book one. Although those aren’t really necessary for understanding this plot, and they don’t overly concern Delly so they’re not really observed or discussed. But I wonder if that lack of familiarity might make some of the descriptions and plot feel less Full then what I experienced (because I’d read the first book). However, the first book is so different in every way that not everyone who would like one of these books would necessarily like the other. Regardless, my real complaints and worries with this book is that it completely LOSES MOMENTUM halfway through. The adventure grinds to a halt, and seems to be replaced with a mystery and investigation (which would be great). But the answer is found pretty quickly, and instead there are chapters and chapters of essentially Waiting Around. The plot to ingratiate themselves with a local crime ring requires concocting their own better version of the new street drug. And so we spend over a hundred pages building a lab and running tests and there just is no momentum for any of it. It drags extra hard because during these weeks of waiting, Delly is having huge doubts about her burgeoning relationship and whether she could (or even Should) try to live with someone from the upper class. Some very understandable worries and real life problems, but it is just a LOT of pages of worry and no actual communication and it is kind of a slog. (Even the strange necromancied mouse who talks in sound effects isn’t enough to make this middle section a joy to read). The novel ends alright, and I’m definitely still glad I read it. I’m just so sad that it couldn’t maintain it’s vibrancy, and that the page-turning slowed way down. It’s not that Delly’s thoughts or internal journey weren’t valid, just that they were not presented in an interesting or engaging way. I dunno, but it just missed the mark somehow. At page 120 I was ready to crow about this book from the rooftops. But by the time I finished it, I’m left with this 3.5 star experience (because the first half was 5 stars and the second half is 2 stars). Ah well, this is definitely still an author to watch. Both of their books have such great promise and a lot to recommend them. And as they keep writing, I’m sure some of the rough edges and problems will get smoothed out.
“American Street” by Ibi Zoboi
Fabiola is such an earnest and poignant narrator. As a teenager, leaving Haiti for Detroit, her mother is detained by ICE, forcing her to navigate alone this new world with her Aunt and cousins. The emotions are raw and true, as the struggles are big and small. It’s hard enough finding your identity and sense of self in high school, but doing it with all the big cultural changes and without her mother’s guidance, in a household where she’s mostly left to fend for herself. It all felt so real: the world is big and messy and complicated and we’re all just doing our best, and it’s difficult trying to parse out cultural understandings and hidden meanings and societal rules. Made more complicated as she’s trying to define who she is as she enters adulthood, who she wants to be in this new city, and how not to lose too much of her history and self in the process. Add in a tender burgeoning romance, questions of who can and cannot be trusted, issues of abuse and secrets, and it is all a LOT to deal with. I loved the continued exploration and integration of her faith and beliefs…the use of Papa Legba was particularly powerful. This novel is very grounded in the real world, and doesn’t offer Disney Fairytale magical endings. But it’s true and heartfelt and affecting. Plus, this cover is just stunningly beautiful.
“Float Plan” by Trish Doller
I sure do love a travel story, and after 14+ months of closed borders, it was wonderful to be sailing the Caribbean. I personally have no desire for a long sailboat voyage, but I’ve sure read some wonderful books about them (“An Embarrassment of Mangoes” is a wonderful travel memoir example). And this was lovely. It’s an examination of grief and healing. Anna’s fiance died of suicide almost a year ago, and she’s been in deep depression and adrift since then, understandably. Before Ben died, they’d been talking of taking this big sailing adventure. Rather spontaneously, Anna quits her job and heads out on the boat to take the journey they were denied. However, Ben was the sailor in their relationship and Anna is a bit of a mess (emotionally, mentally, physically, and where sailing skills are required). So she determines she must hire a sailor to help complete the journey. Enter Keane, an Irish gent working through his own challenges. Once a top ranked competitive sailor, the loss of his leg has led him to be viewed as a risk by most crews. And so, it’s two people going on an adventure, each working up the courage to face what they’re sailing away from, and trying their own ways to work through their individual losses. It’s not really a spoiler to say that things get a bit romantic between them, but I appreciated that this journey was about them as individuals and wary friendship for most of the book. It felt more natural (even if Keane is almost magical in his skills and knowledge…not only an expert sailor, but he seems to have beloved friendships with the locals on all the islands, allowing for wonderful interactions throughout the journey). I appreciated very much the frank discussions of his different types of prosthesis legs and the extra care/attention necessary. It was real and refreshing, neither ignored nor used as his Defining Characteristic! Just nice to see this representation. My practical self occasionally questioned the finances of this trip (their decided lack of funds is a constant plot point, but does require a few Kindness of Strangers/Deus ex Machina to help save the day). A very pleasant read.
“Polaris Rising” series by Jessie Mihalik
Loved the first book the best. It’s a rollicking good time. Page-turning adventures with a kick ass Space princess, in hiding and on the run. Mercenaries and inter-planetary politics and intense contract negotiations and deceit. Prison breakouts and endearing criminals and romantic tension and fights and chases (on foot and in space). I think I read this in like two days. Had a smile on my face most of the time. There is not enough depth of character development, world-building, nor writing craft to justify repeat readings. But there’s snark, and fast-paced dialogue, and sexy times, and our group of scrappy pals against impossible odds. This book knows exactly what it is trying to be and it succeeds. A delightful journey. The second book was perfectly fine, but I didn’t love it as much. Then I read the third/final book. When the real world is this turbulent, there is something so comforting about reading a series. I knew exactly what to expect after the first two books. The world-building was already established. I knew the good guys would ultimately win the day. Those are things that, in the past, didn’t always appeal to me. But for the last two years, the familiarity and safety are appealing. And it’s just silly action fun. Fast-paced, higher stakes, bad guys continue to do more bad things, scrappy group of good guy super soldiers continue to win the day against impossible odds. These are strong-willed and very smart heroines, often working through some trust and communication issues. But it’s all banter and quick reveals and page turning. Nothing earth-shattering, but a perfectly entertaining adventure and a relatively satisfying conclusion to a decent adventure trilogy.
“Garnet Hill” by Denise Mina
Very good mystery investigation. Unusual lead, thrust into a tough situation. She’s fascinatingly complicated, and the whole situation is such a mess, and the institutions that are supposed to protect and serve (police, hospitals, doctors) have all failed her (& everyone involved). The pacing is great. The setting of Glasgow is very well realized. Some of the slang I didn’t know, of course. Most I could get from context, but a few times I had to Google when it clearly affected the plot. Characters are all really interesting and feel very real and unique. Also, heads up, it deals with some dark grim themes (sexual abuse, incest, betrayal of trust). The characters often make infuriating choices, but it’s always explained and you can see how/why they think their chosen course of action is the proper one (even though you’re screaming at them to make a different choice. And maybe drink a little less. But the alcoholism also totally is understandable, just a bummer too, in a series of bummers). But it ends in a satisfying way, which didn’t feel guaranteed while reading it. It’s gritty, but not in a celebratory/titillating way (sometimes “gritty” mysteries feel like suffering and hardship is supposed to be titillating). It’s presenting a true version of life that is hard, and people who are let down by (or outright abused by) the system and their circumstances. These characters have been stuck in my brain for two weeks since I finished this. First heard about the author on the Graham Norton talk show. Looked her up and this was a recommended starting place. I’ll definitely read the next one.
The trip blog post that was skipped. Coming to grips with things being out of order. Baby steps of returning to life patterns from “The Before Times” and creating new patterns and behaviors. As Covid19 vaccination rates increase, as June in Seattle gives us so many hours of glorious daylight, as we’re slowly feeling hopeful, I decided it’s time to return to this silly blog. Because end of 2019 I discovered that I had MISSED documenting a weekend trip from Sept 2019. It should’ve been posted Before the Vegas Birthday in October. But everything was still topsy turvy as my personal world had shifted on its access (with my parents both dying in September), and I was undecided how I wanted to “fix” things on the blog. And then we entered Season One of Covid. (A show that we truly thought would only have one season, rather than 5 seasons and a movie! SARS-CoV–2 was going after that syndication money!). And so, here I am, a year and a half later, going to write up a re-cap and post it. I’m sort of excited about it. Not sure who, other than my parents and a few pals, ever read these. But that’s okay. This has always been more for my own enjoyment. This website started as a cool replacement for the stream-of-consciousness email updates I’d send to family/friends. But as home life got more and more demanding, they morphed into rambling re-caps sent weeks (months) after I got back. Although a June 2021 update on a September 2019 trip is definitely the LONGEST gap between travel and writing. We’ll see what I remember, eh?
August 2019 was a pretty brutal month. Not only was I still the primary caregiver for two terminally ill family members while also working 2 people’s jobs running a company, but a late night emergency room visit brought some unwelcome medical news for my own self. I had kidney stones, and it was big enough that I might need surgery. The doctor was hopeful I’d be able to pass it on my own, but was uncertain. She gave me some dire warnings and a bunch of prescriptions for what the future might bring. Plus, my elderly cat (who I had had since University) had a stroke. Poor thing started stumbling around in circles, very disoriented. Pressing her head against the wall. Falling into her water dish and leaving little wet kitty pawprints in circles. After some recumbent care, it was determined that it was her time. Everything sucked pretty hard.
Enter my college roommate Christine. I am forever grateful for the amazing people in my life. Truly, I am so lucky in my community of genuinely kind, funny, smart, caring people. Christine’s a doctor, saw my post about the kidney stones, called me right away and asked to come over. She herself had kidney stones a few years previous. She arrived with hugs, laughter, some herbal tinctures and apple cider vinegar. Lots of support and advice. And mostly, she just listened for an hour, sat on the couch, as I shared my worries and my woes and my sadness. Dead cat, kidney stones, helping my parents, and running the business. “Sounds like you need a getaway,” she says. I agree, but am not sure practically how that would work. She invites me along on this September weekend to Suncadia (mountain resort in Washington). “Let’s spend two nights, just relaxing, wandering the woods, breathing deeply, reading books, eating good food.” It sounded perfect! It was a bit of a scamble on my end, but I scheduled other family able to help out for that weekend (and a dear pal to take care of my dog) so I can get away. And then my dad unexpectedly passed away. *record scratch noise* We have the Irish Catholic version of Sitting Shiva, as family and loved ones visit over those first two days. I effectively move in with my mom, staying at the house as caregiver while we are all shell-shocked, making necessary plans, and trying to imagine the future.
It’s determined that I can and also Should still do my getaway to the mountains (I haven’t slept in my own bed for 10 days. And what was initially a “sorry about your dead cat/kidney stones trip” now has even more weight on it). So leaving mom in the capable care of my older sister, Christine drives us into the Cascade Mountains. And Christine was a wonderful companion: comfortable and supportive when I wanted to talk about it, and also perfectly respectful and fine when I wanted to talk about anything but “it,” or when we just sat in silence. Plus she’s got excellent DJ skills, so we were often surrounded by great tunes! Mexican food and margaritas en route.
Arriving late night to our cute room. The morning offers sweeping views of the forest.
A big breakfast with lots of Christine’s friends. Great rambling walks through the area. Nice swimming pool (with water slides!). Reading in lounge chairs (with umbrellas so I can hide my vampire-like delicate skin from the sunshine). Heading into town for some very good BBQ.
And distillery tastings. Good conversations.
Relaxing in the hotel room. Lots of tears. Finally being ready to write that strange social media post, announcing your lost loved one. More outdoor explorations. Getting dressed up for Christine’s work banquet. Finding out one of the other doctors (who has attended this before) snuck a BOTTLE of wine in her purse into the event. Keep in mind, wine was being provided for free. But she tells us, “It’s not very good wine.” I laugh. And after Tasting the Free Wine, I have to agree. Rough stuff! So we were all super grateful to get to share a delicious glass with our meal.
There’s something magical about those people in your life who have known you for a very long time. There’s a Short Hand to your interactions. Even if you don’t interact frequently, when you do hang out, it feels like no time has passed. A very amazing thing. It’s a magic trick for which I’m forever grateful. And there’s an ease in conversating about Big Things, because they know all the backstory. They were there for so many of your formative experiences. They know your family. They’ve watched and cheered at your triumphs and cried with you over your losses.
It was truly such a blessing to have had this trip already scheduled (because there’s no way I would’ve considered booking it otherwise, with that timing). But it was perfect. Denial (or maybe more accurately, Compartmentalization) has always been one of my favorite coping skills. And I’m very good at triage during crisis-mode. But having this forced change of scenery. Having a space where the overwhelming grief and ramifications might not be at the Forefront of every waking moment. Moments to breath. Safe spaces where I can just feel my feelings, where I’m not responsible for caretaking, where I don’t have to be on hyper-alert. It was just a wonderful 48 hours. Thank you, Cascade Mountains. Thank you, Margaritas and BBQ. Thank you, reading poolside. Thank you, my family. Thank you, my friend. As the silly Roslyn Café sign says, this weekend provided an emotional Oasis.
Holy crap! I’ve been using reading (especially gripping, escapist fiction) as a mental escape, self-care, and coping strategy the last few years, and that really ramped up in covid-19 stay-at-home pandemic times. I knew having 9 months of evenings at home (unusual for me) had increased my number of books read, but it wasn’t until I started compiling this list that I saw just how much. My reading number basically doubled. Most years it’s between 50-80 books. This year I read 136 books!!! Holy crap! Now, several were novellas, a few YA, and there’s always 4-6 children’s books (as I’ve got to make sure the book gifts for kiddos in my life are worthwhile). But still, dang! So I expect this list of my favorite books will also be longer than normal. You’re welcome.
“Gods of Jade and Shadow” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Fascinating. The writing is affecting, with a strong flavor and sense of place. The details were sometimes small but I always had firm visions of what was happening. Cassiopeia is a wonderful character, and watching her journey was a joy. The interplay and interactions with the gods and the mortal world was well done. Often surprising in their responses, but the responses always felt true. And the chapters from her cousin’s perspective were very powerful. Seeing his incensed male rage and unrecognized privilege. The knots he’d twist himself into when convincing himself he was a good person, wronged by the world because a woman dared to defy him (or just dared to begrudgingly do his bidding).
“The Intuitionist” by Colson Whitehead
Wow. I really loved this strange story. It took me a little bit to get into it. I quickly realized this was a “full attention” novel, so by giving myself the dedicated space to start reading it and pay attention, then I found myself gliding in between these sentences and parsing out this world, that is at once our world but also slightly not. But not because we can’t see ourselves in this world, the characters and plots and society are all too real and all too familiar. It’s just…all about elevator maintenance inspectors. Like, so so much about elevators. And this wild concept of “intuitionists” and theoretical elevators. Deep thoughts about the power and promise of verticality. It’s wild. There are some gritty noir elements. And it gets under your skin. You find yourself dreaming about these concepts. The power dynamics, the racial politics, the societal issues…these are all things of our world. And by putting this strange elevator framework around it, it’s like a magnifying glass. Also, just as a novel, it’s a gripping plot, with dark secrets and surprising moments of laughter. This is High Concept in capital letters. But it’s also a deftly plotted quest, peopled with fascinating characters and so much philosophical discussions intertwined with discussions of elevators. Leaves you thinking so many thoughts, both big and small. Loved it.
“Red, White, and Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston
Ah, this was pretty dang close to perfect. And exactly what my soul needed in the dark weeks after the holidays. It was such a necessary bright spot in January 2020. I was skeptical (as I’m not often a fan of modern romances) but enough people I trusted told me to give it a try. I’m so glad I did. It’s so charming and sweet and full of enough West Wing style political wonkery to keep you totally engaged. It’s fast paced. I want to live in this near-reality to ours, where the world is still tough and it’s still a struggle to do the right thing, but there’s just a bit more hope and possibility. Plus the two leads are adorably awkward and sweet. I’m going to post the Third Place Books staff review that finally had me purchase the book “This is not your great aunt’s romance novel; this is as if Queer Eye did a makeover on the 2016 Presidential Election and the result is tender, funny, suspenseful, political, and super hot. I haven’t read a romance in decades, so I wasn’t sure I’d finish this book, much less stay up until 1 am to do it. I expected to blush, but I didn’t expect that I’d also laugh out loud, cry, and at the end, feel more hopeful than I have in months. Give it a try.” (Notes from Jan 2021…I don’t remember that the intimate scenes were blush-worthy, but everyone has their own expectations and reactions, of course. And it’s been a year, so maybe things were steamier than I remember. Who knows)
“Jude the Obscure” by Thomas Hardy
Oh man, I do thoroughly enjoy Hardy’s writing. The observations and descriptions are so so good. This story is so melodramatic and so sad at times. But then at other times I’m laughing. It was fun to finally read (listen) to it. I listened along with the “Obscure” podcast wherein Michael Ian Black read the book and commented as he went. It was a delightful way to explore this novel, and so wonderful to have a friend along for the ride, sharing the laughter and the heartache. And sharing Black’s dry humor and observations while listening to him read me this story *chef’s kiss* A wonderful way to listen to this classic Literature. Such a strong sense of place and insight into the daily lives during this time period.
“Lab Girl” by Hope Jahren
Fantastic. When a pal was trying to convince my skeptical self that this was actually a totally engrossing read, she said to me, “in between the memoir/autobiography of her lab work, she includes chapters about Trees!!” I just gave my pal a blank stare. That sure didn’t sound like it would be engaging, but boy was I wrong. Jahren is an amazingly accomplished writer. Her sentences sing, her descriptions are so vibrant, there are so many emotions and true Human moments, there’s such love for her work as well as fascinating and heartaching shared stories of just how brutal/difficult the life of a research scientist can be (always grubbing for new grants, chasing the dollars, trying to revitalize ancient equipment). Yet her passion for growing things just leaps off the page, and I found myself caring So. Damn. Much. Plus, parts of this are friggin’ hilarious. Some truly wild anecdotes. Some truly touching moments. She is so frank and honest about herself and her foibles and her lifelong struggles with mental illness throughout. Shockingly honest. It’s just powerful, yet it’s also a totally pleasant and engaging read. Thank you to my friends for making me give this book a shot. Had Jahren not found such a passion for her scientific work, she’d have had an accomplished career as a writer, so it was such a blessing to have these gifted words to tell her story.
“Penric’s Demon” series by Lois McMaster Bujold
I’ve enjoyed almost everything Bujold writes, and this is no exception. Plus, having novella length adventures was such a joy in the hot mess that was early months of the pandemic. With all the stress and uncertainty, focus proved difficult. Yet committing to these shorter stories felt less daunting. Plus, they’re such delightful page turning adventures, that I was instantly gripped. It’s such a novel and charming concept. Pen is a fantastic character and his respectful treatment of the multi-lived demon trying to possess him leads to such a wonderful partnership. I devoured the entire series.
“The Queen of Nothing” by Holly Black
Thoroughly satisfying conclusion to a good trilogy. I appreciated this take on the Faerie, full of menace and danger to mortals. These Fae are not easy sparkly magic beings. Something Wicked this way comes. The rules are harsh and strict, but also unfailingly enforced (until they’re not). There’s always menace and it’s often really awful. Our heroine is ridiculously resilient. Like, shockingly so (she even shocks the Fae). Dude. I cringed often at her disregard for physical harm in the pursuit of her goals. Lots of deception and trickery and it’s hard, but also really satisfying, and reads easily.
“Once Upon a River” by Diane Setterfield
Like the eponymous River, this novel is a really lovely, sweeping, meandering, inexorable, implacable, shimmering, and reflective experience. (Am I stretching a metaphor? Quite possibly). But this was just great. The scope is at once quite large but also hyper local, focusing on how this lost and presumed drowned little girl and how this river connects everyone in the area. It’s full of amazing details and character observations. Some truly sad moments but also some great laughs. Good mysteries, too. Discussions of love and family and faith and loyalty. And how to scrape by and eke out a life. How we are all interconnected. Some of the truly best/most impressive characters, even when faced with the worst villainy. And some truly arch villians. And people caught in between. Honestly, reminded me of Thomas Hardy, a bit. I listened to the audiobook and it was a wonderful journey. Strong themes and metaphors. Powerful and very well written.
“Network Effect” by Martha Wells
The worst part about reading the Murderbot novellas? How quickly the stories ended. The best part about reading the Muderbot novellas? Everything else. So it was such a joy to have a NOVEL sized addition to this series!! I love these characters so so much. And I’m so glad my sister recommended I re-read the 4 novellas before starting this. One, because re-reading them made for a fantastically fun week. And two, because this novel makes several references and continuations that I’d have missed/not fully appreciated. The PACING is always wonderful, page turning with tiny breaks just when you need them. This snide and snarky SecUnit is such a wonderful narrator. The stories continue to be such a joy. (I’m normally NOT interested in the tech-heavy types of SciFi, but in this world the tech itself has consciousness, and is used in such surprising and effective ways. And it makes for such a unique and wonderful adventure. Fascinating narrators and exploring the different consciousnesses from the different types of AI is a true delight, too. Such delicious snark). Note from Jan 2021. Apparently there’s a short story “Home” from Dr Mensah’s perspective that I haven’t read yet. Now I’m so excited to spend more time in this world, but I wonder how I’ll connect to a different narrator, as Murderbot’s voice is so iconic!
“The Western Wind” by Samantha Harvey
I was so surprised by this novel. It’s a mystery, set in a small village in 1490’s England. It’s told in reverse order (starting 4 days after the murder, and slowly moving back in time, day by day). It’s an unusual and unusually effective structure. As we’re slowly finding out the instigating spark of events we already saw play out the chapter previous. It could’ve been tedious or infuriating, but instead it was so damn compelling. And this book is so evocative. The way that it makes medieval England come to life. The writing and the characters are so real and lived in. You’re almost sure you can smell the muck and damp and feel the poverty and hardship but also celebrate the small joys. Our narrator, the village priest, is a fascinating character. I found him incredibly sympathetic and appreciated his frankness (dealing with the often tedious confessions and needs of his wayward flock), even as it’s becoming more clear that he’s maybe not the most reliable of narrators. This is a world with few clearly all Good or all Evil characters. But there sure are plenty of deplorable actors, and few saints, and mostly folks trying their best to be good, or to at least find some joy and comfort. The visiting Dean/supervisor is such a great menacing presence and throws Fr Reve into such circles of doubt and worry. This whole thing was unlike most things I’ve read before. That structure of going back in time to find out “who done it”… it has just stuck in my brain. SPOILER/DISCLOSURE: While we do find out the who, how, and why, the novel does end with a different cliffhanger decision unmade. Which way will Reve proceed? It’s intriguing but also normally the type of ending that would have me screaming and tossing a book across the room. (I’ve still got residual rage from when my 13 year old self read “The Lady or the Tiger.” You’re the artist: Make a damn choice!). And yet, in this case, I found it endlessly effective and intriguing to leave the reader hanging and to make ones own conclusions about which choice will be made. But I did want to disclose that, so you’ll be forewarned.
“Of Poetry and Protest: From Emmett Till to Trayvon Martin” by Michael Warr
This is a flipping gorgeous book. It’s large coffee table sized, but paperback and feels fantastic to hold. So much care went into the creation and curation of this collection of poems. There are beautiful and evocative headshots of each poet, photos full of life and movement and personality. And this giant full paged photo precedes each poem, accompanied by a mini autobiography, where each poet recounts their life’s history with reading and writing. Sometimes I found the artist’s statements move moving and beautiful than the poems that followed. It’s really powerful. Themes emerge. Humanity is displayed on every page. Raw and joyful and angry and sorrowing and celebrating and fighting back and offering succor. The poems are often great, and so varied in style and themes. It’s a really wonderful collection.
“Bonds of Brass” by Emily Skrutskie
This was a delight. Page-turning space action. Fun and quirky characters. Exciting settings. And so much pining between the best pals. Just lovely. Any action-based space resistance plot will inevitably have Star Wars comparisons, as does this, and I can see how many readers inserted Finn and Poe into these roles. But I also appreciate that these characters were their own men (not just SlashFic two dimensional stand-ins). I really liked watching these characters unfold and show hidden depths. Yes, it’s mostly exciting plot adventure after adventure, but some moments of real depth and heart shine through, too. And it’s maybe not the most accomplished of writing. It’s perfectly serviceable but sometimes read more like a great movie script rather than a Novel. Less about the crafting of beautiful sentences, and more about painting a scene and letting action unfold. So it’s a fun adventure but unlikely to warrant a re-read. Also, argh!!! I want to know what happens next so so badly. This is the first in a trilogy and things end on a tense note! And the second book isn’t even written yet (spring 2021!!). Waiting is so hard. If I’d realized it was first in an incomplete trilogy, I might have waited to read it. Still, I’m so glad that I did. Stuck in one room of my house, keeping an injured dog company while he is on restricted movement for two weeks, it was wonderful to just spend a day reading an entire book. It’d been awhile since I did that. And this was a great brain vacation.
“The Toll” by Neal Shusterman
This was fantastic. just, woah. The first book was a perfectly good story with really intriguing world set-up and characters. Then the second book was so much more impressive. And this third book delivers on promises I didn’t even know were being made. It gets so meta, and thought-provoking, while still delivering a very enjoyable plot-based adventure. The continued discussions of AI and morality are very interesting. Issues of unchecked power (who watches the watchmen) and examples of people ignoring truly terrible actions because they don’t want to get involved. Or going along with bad acts for political expediency. And my theological studying heart was so excited when the Tonist Scriptures were presented, followed by some initial historical scriptural analysis (from maybe 100 years after the events of this book) and then later further-into-the-future scriptural analysis of THAT previous analysis. For a book that plays with timelines and is already set a few hundred years in our future, this was still such a surprise. What a brilliant way to add some further world-building. As we’re seeing events in real time, Schusterman has also imagined several moments in the future (how current events become changed before being written as scripture 100 years later. And then how those sacred texts are interpreted several hundred years later. And then how those interpretations are again re-examined and changed several hundred years after that! *Mind blown* For realz!!). It’s wonderful. And the chapter playing with the Requiem format?!? *chef’s kiss* Just a joy to read. Plus the actual plot is a good adventure, too. Loved the character of Jerico. Was initially a little worried that Jeri’s character would be treated too flippantly. But ended up quite liking that journey and presentation. And I’ve always appreciated that these are imperfect humans (as all humans are). With weaknesses and faults. Watching people struggle to still do good, sometimes failing or giving up (a frustrating but true choice by many). And watching other people be so power hungry and dangerous, but self delusional and convinced of their own rightness. The parallels to post-2016 politics are huge. Really a great adventure through these three books, but also providing so much fodder for big ideas and ponderables. Impressed. One can read these three books just on their surface and have a perfectly good time. But the opportunity for reflection and deeper thoughts is a wonderful bonus.
“A War in Crimson Embers” by Alex Marshall
What a delightfully entertaining meaty treat. This trilogy was fantastic, and this 3rd book delivered on the promise of the premise. Epic in scope and in action. Darkly witty observations, great dialogue, and amazing descriptions of a fascinating and varied world. It’s been great fun following this huge journey of quests and war and revenge and religion and attempts at brokered peace, and vastly different fully realized cultures and ways of thinking. The descriptions in general are fantastic and often visceral, particularly of Jex Toth (a newly risen demonic realm full of insectoid creatures and caves that seem to be made out of living flesh *shudder*). But it’s the characters that really make this journey sing. They are each so unique and different and entertaining and heartbreaking and human (with all our shades of grey). It was such a delight. Zosia as a woman in her 60’s and leader of the rebellion is such an often un-seen character in Fantasy. And she’s such an entertaining and understandably cynical crank. All of these characters won my heart, and represented so many different ideas. Maroto’s journey in particular was my favorite (watching someone struggle through addictions, looking for redemption, his heart and emotions so huge but continuing to be wrong-footed all the time, often with the best of intentions. Yet not giving up. And making more friends/helping more than he could recognize). As soon as I typed that Maroto’s journey was my favorite, my brain started arguing “What about Keun-ju? Sullen? Purna?” Richly layered characters abound. Written in that multi-character narration style where each chapter follows a different journey. But you have to read them in order (I just recently learned my sister sometimes in these types of books will SKIP AHEAD to follow a cliffhanger chapter ending) because they sometimes overlap and interweave in fascinating ways. The Black Pope’s visit to Jex Toth wouldn’t have been nearly so effective if we hadn’t previously seen this same land through Maroto’s eyes, for example. These are those giant fantasy type books that I don’t often pick up anymore, because of intimidating page count. But I’m so glad the staff at my local bookstore had me start this series last year. Great adventures and a satisfying ending. This world and these characters will stay in my brain for a long time. And I can easily find myself re-reading this trilogy in a few years. Definitely should hold up well to re-reading, like the best fantasy adventures can do.
“New Kid” by Jerry Craft
Really really great. Truths and reality shared with humor and emotions. Super approachable and so readable. Lots of poignant moments. And doesn’t provide easy pat answers or a fake happy ending where all the unconscious bias and prejudiced systems and racist actions are magically erased. (One memorable moment: when Jordan notices white teachers consistently calling the few black students by the wrong name, one of the few black faculty tried to console Jordan, saying that it’s just because they’re new. And then that teacher is mistakenly called Coach by a white teacher. Even though he’s taught there for 14 years). Real world middle school injustices, and embarrassing parents, and cafeteria politics abound, as well as navigating race and priviledge. It’s a very fast read and it’s a very powerful story. Deserving of all the praise it’s gotten. Excellent springboard for discussing all kinds of things that affect middle schoolers. And the artwork is engaging and creative and inviting.
“The Brave” by James Bird
One of the most fascinating narrators I’ve read in a long time. Collin has such a unique voice and reading his thoughts and observations are a joy. He’s a deep thinker and a deeper feeler, working through his emotions as he is growing up. The treatment of his OCD ticks is really interesting, and I LOVED when he addressed the readers directly in the first few chapters. Really intriguing approach. I appreciated that the other characters, even tertiary adults, are complex and three dimensional. And was very impressed at Collin being able to see adults’ struggles and appreciate the things they are working through as well. This is a book about love and magic and family and it is very sweet and powerful. I admit I had to stop about halfway through to research a bit more about the author. And was reassured to see he was Native/Ojibwe. I was having a bit of hard time with Collin’s learning experiences on the reservation. Collin’s broad stroke generalizations about “being Native American” made sense for his character, and I really loved his mom and her approach/responses. But I wasn’t seeing some more nuanced understandings as much as I’d hoped from Collin as time passed. The continued sense of exoticism and Other-ing and presenting things as “how all Native Americans think” was making me a bit uncomfortable. It was a bit reassuring to learn that Bird is Ojibwe himself. And perhap because this is a YA book, a goal of instilling Native pride may have been more important than showing that, too. Not every book can do ALL the things, nor should it attempt to. Overall, this was a really lovely and complicated story that is very easy to read, almost deceptively easy as big ideas are effortlessly a part of the narrative. So glad my friend made me read this.
“The Demon King” series by Cinda Williams Chima
This was exactly what I was looking to read right now. (Recommendation from my sister). Very enjoyable, easy to read, long enough to sink your teeth in and play awhile, but not so long that it’s intimidating. There’s some character development (but not so much the reader is swimming in shades of grey and moral complexity). I generally love books with grey areas and challenging ideas and deep dives and intensive world-building. But right now, it was so pleasant to just read along in a nice young adult fantasy world, knowing pretty dang clearly who the Bad Guys are and who the Good Guys are. It’s got a decent amount of foreshadowing, so that the reader can feel smugly satisfied at having guessed most things before they come to pass (and before the characters figure it out), but there are still a few twists and surprises to keep your interest. I appreciated the way many of the adult characters interacted with our teenage leads. Asking probing questions and encouraging them to think for themselves/reach their own conclusions. And in later books, our teenage leads find themselves at the helm of some real world/high stakes situations and choices. I was slightly uncomfortable at the Indigenous-inspired Clan people. I’m not sure of the author’s background. Still, the pacing is great as plot lines meet up and interact in ways expected and unexpected. Also so much action. Pages turn. Constant tension on a short time frame (in books 3 & 4, especially). It’s a very satisfying adventure.
“The Memory Police” by Yoko Ogawa
This is such a lovely, quiet, and desperately sad novel. It’s an exploration of loss and grief, of identity and memory. Themes of power and control, and of quietly accepting that totalitarian control until one is literally dependent upon it/loses any sense of identity without it (The novel within this novel, about the Typist who loses her voice, is super powerful and so unsettling). The idea of the disappearances is such a shocking concept, and the totalitarian overtones of the Memory Police, enforcing the destruction of “disappeared” objects and arresting/disappearing non-compliant people, are a chilling presence. And yet, there’s such passivity in our lead, and indeed, in almost the entire populace. People shake their heads and mumble as new objects are disappeared, but they quickly learn to adjust and never question or fight back. There is such care and loving appreciation in the smallest of pleasures (a honeyed pancake, finding fresh celery at the market, a music box), and focus on small daily tasks. But asking the Big questions and trying to look for Big actions or change seems beyond everyone. Our lead once marches to the Memory Police headquarters to make inquiries, but that one big attempt is enough to cement her impression that nothing can be done. Character R, who retains his memory and must go into hiding, has such a heartbreaking quiet struggle as he tries to re-ignite memories in his friends. Not only are his friends unable to remember, but R cannot even really ignite any passion or action or drive in them to TRY to remember. They go through the exercises to make R happy, but that’s it. The occasionally spoken worry (about what will happen to people when everything is disappeared) is so pervasive, and yet perhaps because it is Such a big idea and people feel so powerless, there’s no struggle against it. This isn’t an action packed dystopian novel where our heroes attempt revolution. This is the frog being slowly boiled to death, with incremental heat increases, and still barely any resistance or pushback. Even when the disappearance of calendars forces the island into perpetual winter. Even as scarcity reigns. Even as (spoiler) actual body parts are disappeared. The lack of response is what’s most shocking and powerful. The translation of this Japanese novel is masterful, there’s such a sense of place and character. The language is so precise, and grows more sparse as disappearances continue. Really quietly powerful stuff. Beautiful and achingly sad.
“Grimspace” series by Ann Aguirre
This series is just so much dang fun. Fast paced, drops you in the middle of the action, snappy dialogue. A cast of interesting characters. Lots of sarcasm and banter, but there’s heart and hurt and emotions, too. High stakes and low stakes. A rollicking good time adventure, engaging and had me caring about the characters. Probably helped that in the first scene, Jax reminded me of Ripley from Aliens, so some extra nostalgia affection there. As the books continue, our poor gang of adventurers and former mercenaries can’t ever seem to catch a break or catch their breath. But it does keep the pages turning. I appreciate the snappy dialogue and hijinx, as well as the glimpses of darkness and real consequences. It’s interesting dynamic when our hero suffers from mind-game manipulation-induced paranoia, but also sometimes everyone IS out to get her. And the author introduces some clever (yet still believable) ways to keep adding difficulty and conflict. We can’t have everything too easy for our team, now can we? I’m seriously asking, because it sure would be nice if they could catch a break… instead of grasping a small break out of the jaws of defeat each time. I mean, intellectually I know I probably wouldn’t enjoy stories as much if there wasn’t conflict. But I definitely was feeling like this team should’ve gotten a month vacation before heading back into the shit after second book. It could’ve happened off screen/off page as it were. But just knowing they had some down time would’ve been nice. Ah well). Books 3 and 4 each take things in a new but interesting direction, too. Adding some political wrangling in book 3 and warfare plots in book 4. Very satisfying yet easy to read adventures. (note from Jan 2021. I did not enjoy the 5th book. It was frustrating, as suddenly characters and choices didn’t feel authentic anymore, and I wasn’t engaged. There are only 6 books total, so here’s hoping the final book is good. But I endorse the first 4 books, at least).
“When Stars Are Scattered” by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson
Powerful, lovely, sad, and hopeful. Graphic novel about being in a refugee camp for years and years. Small human moments. Made me cry. Made me smile.
“A Year in Provence” by Peter Mayle
This was such a cozy experience. The pacing is just a lovely wander. Approaching month 10 of pandemic, escaping to Provence was the vacation I needed. I’d read this 15-20 yr ago, and it holds up beautifully. There’s something so refreshing in this travel memoir from the 80’s as he’s contrasting the busy “Modern” life in London vs the slow priorities of their new life in provence, I kept thinking just how quickly modern tech has changed since this was written. Decrying an answering machine feels so quaint. But I still get the sense that the focus and priorities of this region won’t have changed too much, even with smart phones and social media. At least, I hope not. The focus on eating well, drinking well, conversation and shared drinks with neighbors, walking the woods with your dogs, a full day spent seeking the perfect ingredient for your meal. These really feel like our current pandemic joys, too. I mean, we can’t host dinner parties. But fix-it tasks around the house, gardening, meal planning, good wine, walking in nature, these have become the highlights of my pandemic experience. His descriptions of the colorful characters in town, of brash tourists and shady contractors: they’re engaging and delightful. Although I wondered how this book was received. As they lived there for decades after this was published, were some neighbors suffering hurt feelings? I hope not. In any case, it was so nice to just read the next 20-30 minute chapter (one per month of the eponymous Year) to see what joys and tribulations the next month would bring. Wonderful armchair travel.
“Spoiler Alert” by Olivia Dade
Very sweet. As the book opens, April is already embarking on some big life choices, with a new job in her field and deciding to be more open about her life. And she’s confident and earnest yet real, with those all too human chinks in the armor. Marcus is more complicated than one would initially guess, and the metaphor with April being a geologist (thus loving looking for hidden depths) works surprisingly well, while also being super cheesey. They don’t NEED each other in order to be whole, or make changes (they both have full lives and a strong sense of self already). They complement each other and help each other sort through issues (with good emotional intelligence, actively listening, great communication). I also appreciated the way author set up the 3rd act “Issue” that would come between them (before they inevitably get back together). So often in these RomCom books, it is a misunderstanding that is so infuriatingly stupid (or that could be easily cleared up with one very short convo). It was refreshing to have “the problem” be understandable without offering a super easy fix, and still following the character’s internal logic. Also, the interstitials are a true joy, as the author includes sections of scripts from past movies and selections of the Fan Fiction stories the characters write and read. There is some really sharp and hilarious satire about the film industry. I chuckled, often. Coming up with pun-filled titles and terrible plots for some of Marcus’s previous movies must’ve been a great joy. And the Fic glimpses are funny and/or great plot devices. Everyone felt like a real person, with complex emotions and real lives. It was so refreshing. One quibble was just that reading the internet dialogue (with all the long usernames) is awkward. Not sure how to get around that. Appreciated that she gave the main characters pronounceable acronyms right away. But those group discussions are necessarily clunky on the page. Ah well. Translating online communities to novels always seems a bit awkward. “The journey to self-acceptance is never easy, and Dade doesn’t shy away from that, but she makes it just as beautiful and gentle as the love that blooms between Marcus and April” -Kirkus Review
“Binti” by Nnedi Okorafor
What a wonderful story. Imaginative world. Our heroine has such a strong voice and sense of self. The introduction of other cultures and alien species is fascinating. I always appreciate when an author respects her audience, doesn’t provide much hand-holding; instead allowing the world-building and exposition to be discerned as the action unfolds. That said, I did find myself a little confused/lost a few times, but I trusted and was able to get back on board. There is a LOT of new concepts and worlds and vocabulary and ideas packed into this novella. It didn’t go where I expected, but it ended exactly where it needed to go.
“Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” by Lori Gottlieb
I never would’ve picked this up, if it hadn’t been a bookclub selection. But I’m so glad I did. I loved this. Lori Gottlieb is an accomplished writer, her prose flows easily, with some excellent descriptions and observations. And the structure of this book is so so clever. The combination of patient case studies along with her own life/mental health journey is very effective. She cleverly begins with a patient who is a huge narcissistic asshole and then follows with some juicy personal gossip. But then she starts peeling back layers, revealing hidden depths and unguessed at complexity. This parallels with how she explains treatment goes (presenting issue, getting to know someone, deeper issues, working through emotions and revelation and growth, ending in a much more complex picture that often is unrelated to the presenting issue). Also, it is peppered with so many deep thoughts and observations and prompts, I’d find myself pondering and engaging in some self examination. And there’s so much humanity on the page… she chose/amalgamated these case studies well, to give the reader a broad spectrum of experiences and issues and consequences and blind spots. It was fun and easy to read but also can lead to growth and big ideas. I feel like I better understand what therapy is, how it works, and it’s goals (at least according to her). Very helpful.
“The Empress of Salt and Fortune” by Nghi Vo
This was such a delicate and sly little thing. I first attempted reading it a few months ago, but after a few pages I could tell it wasn’t the time yet (I wasn’t in the proper mindset, nor willing to give it the attention it needed). Returned to it recently, in a more settled headspace, and I instantly sunk into it’s lovely words. It manages to provide a depth of emotions and character development with precision (as good novellas must, because of their shorter size). Yet the descriptions and writing were full of lush, rich detail. The rhythms of the story were so pleasing, and the subtle subtle ways that Big things were revealed… masterfully done. I don’t think I’ve read what feels like a story of Injustice and Big Rebellion wrapped in such a deceptively sedate slow package before. Wonderful. The importance and meaning hidden in seemingly innocuous objects, the importance of recording everything…just a fascinating world and way to let a story unfold.
“Bad Indians” by Deborah A. Miranda
Found this through Powell’s Books’ list to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Really really loved the mixed media approach. The combination of narrative, news articles, personal memoir, poetry, history, thought experiments…it was a fascinating way to compile a book. And mirrored the scattered way I love to absorb information. Important and powerful and heartbreaking and rage-inducing. I wish it had a deeper bibliography and a suggestion of further resources, though. A lot of this information (historical and her family’s history) is devastating. That’s a place where the mixed format was a true blessing and really made this easier to read and finish. By breaking things up in both format and subject, it was more digestible chunks, allowing you to stop reading at relatively steady intervals, taking a break to think, to cry, to plan, to research, to make resolutions. I also was impressed at how Miranda found ways to offer hope. Some clear -eyed appreciation of reality, but recognizing how broken things can sometimes be recreated into something new. Powerful metaphors and some concrete actions. Very important and touching book.
“The Thirteenth Tale” by Diane Setterfield
What an unexpectedly gripping story. I’d found this on some recommended list months ago. When my library hold became available, I was a bit concerned whether it would hold my attention. Been reading mostly escapist fiction right now, so capital L Literature books (which I normally love) are not always the right fit for my pandemic brain. But I was hooked within the first two chapters. Just enough of a mystery to keep the pages turning, plus I really liked the writing, and intriguing characters. The story starts off quite small in scope. But the richness is revealed slowly, adding delicious layers to the experience. Totally shares some Gothic Novel vibes, and in fact is often referencing other famous literary works of the genre (Jane Eyre, Woman in White, Wuthering Heights, Turn of the Screw). Hilarious moment when the governess scoffs at Henry James’ ghost story: clearly the man never knew any children or governesses. Ha! Themes of identity and loss and dark secrets and siblings/twins. But it never felt like a downer/super depressing. I had some very vivid creepy dreams a few times. The gothic novel atmosphere is done very sparingly, yet I’d find myself with the shivers, or wanting to turn on a bedroom light. This one will stick in my brain for a bit, for sure. The author is fantastic at crafting characters, and I’ve always enjoyed the “story within a story” format. (And I didn’t realize that I’d read and loved another novel by this same author earlier in the year until I was compiling this list. “Once Upon a River” is very different in tone and scope, but also a masterfully told story full of richly described characters and surprisingly interwoven narrative.
—— honorable mentions—–
“Spinning Silver” by Naomi Novik
I quite liked this but did not LOVE it. (I loved author’s previous book “Uprooted”). Fascinating setting, complex characters, no easy answers. A very real world brutality in this reimagined fairy tale. And maybe that was my issue with it. I’ve been reading so much escapist fiction as self-care in this time of global pandemic. And so the real world, real human brutality towards others (from child abuse to pogroms), it was really darkly powerful (but not a fun escape). Had I read this in a different headspace, I know I would’ve loved it. The story unfolds in such an interesting way. The author’s descriptions are great, and gives little glimpses as we are figuring things out along with the main character.
“Pet” by Akwaeke Emezi
When I first started reading it, the world felt too silly and oversimplified, and I was skeptical. But the richness started to show itself. And the use of oversimplification is intentional and powerful. Variety of big topics (gender issues, the role of communication and sign language, who are the real monsters, the dangers of blindspots when you convince yourself that bad things couldn’t happen in your neighborhood, coming of age, art and identity). And it’s an interesting journey.
“The Liar’s Daughter” by Megan Cooley Peterson
Read this through Audible offering free books during the “shelter in place” pandemic orders. Not sure I’d have picked it up otherwise. But it was a fascinating listen. Gosh, I wish there was a way to read this without knowing the plot…it would’ve been even better, as the story unfolds (jumping between “before” and “after” sections). Our narrator is really interesting and seeing her process the world and new information is gripping. Lots of emotion, and some good tension, too. But don’t read the description if you can avoid it. Knowing it’s about a girl taken out of a cult is enough. Let the rest of her journey unfold through the narrative.
“The Penderwicks” by Jeanne Birdsall
Just a lovely middle grade reader. Characters feel real but also intriguingly larger than life in some of their quirks and adventures. It’s all mostly low stakes (but the type of low stakes that feel like THE END OF THE WORLD when you are a kid). Made me chuckle. Made me care. And such a wonderful escape during the summer of 2020.
“The Last Day” by Andrew Hunter Murray
Fascinating premise for apocalyptic fiction. The earth’s rotation has slowed down, leaving most of the earth in either endless frigid shadow or blazing sun. There’s only a thin strip of the earth that’s in a more habitable climate for humanity. England happens to be in this section, but things are not going well for the creatures of the Earth, as one might expect. Enter our heroine, who is reluctantly dragged into some thriller intrigue stuff (shady government dealings, murder, coverups, secrets, roving gangs). Ya know, all the things one might expect. Very intriguing new setting for this type of story. The body count is high, the stakes are real, successes (when they happen) are not happy or even really offering much respite. They were hard earned and don’t always seem worth the cost. But what other options are there? It’s grim, but interesting, and the pages move along at a good pace. But unlike Young Adult Dystopian, there didn’t seem to be as much hope scattered among the hardship. It’s just hard, with a few brief bright spots, but felt much more realistic. It was a good journey (But it’s not “escapist” in these dark covid times, at least, it’s not a “the good guys win and everything is made right again” type of story).
“Clean Sweep” series by Ilona Andrews
The premise is a fun new twist on paranormal fantasy. In this case, all the supernatural beings are actually aliens (there’s a werewolf planet, vampire planets, etc). And special Inns are used as galactic waystations and neutral ground for traveling fantastical beasts. And when the Inn is on Earth (which doesn’t know about all the aliens yet) offworld visitors have to work to preserve the secret. And then adventures and hijinx happen to our innkeeper as she’s trying to run her business. Perfectly fun page-turning distraction. They get a bit more complicated and offer more satisfying adventures in books 2 and 3. The stakes keep increasing steadily as the plot unfolds (& it’s mostly only plot, peppered with bantering dialogue and with very little character development), so one keeps turning the pages to see what happens next. Unfortunately these were published online chapter-by-chapter, reacting to fan comments and input. Cute way to interact with your fan base, I guess, but they would be tighter and better books if they weren’t written/published online chapter by chapter and then compiled together. Instead, if they had the time to go back and edit and make changes and insert foreshadowing for plot twists and character traits only discovered later in the writing process, then it would be a better book. Also, it would be less repetitive. You’ll find yourself reading essentially the same paragraph recap several times. Like, a lot!
“The Etymologicon: A Circular Stroll through the Hidden Connections of the English Language” by Mark Forsyth
A fun word history journey, flowing from one concept to the next, tracing shared origins and surprisingly not-shared origins. Some dry humor and some clunker, low-hanging fruit jokes too. Lots of interesting little tidbits. Doesn’t provide much detail for each word explored, but they’re presented in satisfying little circular word journeys. I listened to the audio, and the narrator was bland bland bland. Definitely did not add to the experience (found myself wondering if it was text-to-talk program, almost). And definitely something that needs to be read in short 20 min bursts. Need some time to absorb and then do other things. Listening for long stretches and it started to all blend together. But fun little audio companion while driving for errands or walking the dog. Full of lots of “oh, isn’t that interesting” moments.
“The Leavers” by Lisa Ko
Maybe because the Themes and Story feel so important (immigration policies, separated families, interracial adoption, family, abandonment), I found myself having a hard time writing a review. But I’ve decided I’m just here to say my thoughts. This was full of really interesting characters. And so many little memorable moments and interactions. I keep thinking about all of it, two weeks after having finished it. And I’m really so impressed with Polly as a character. She’s got so many depths and dreams and such survival and drive and she is flawed and she wants to follow her own dreams but she’s also so sad and often powerless. A total survivor. A character I’ll be thinking about for a long time. I appreciated seeing such intriguing nuance on the page. Felt very real.
“The Raven Tower” by Ann Leckie
I loved Ann Leckie’s “Ancillary Justice” series and was excited to see her take on the fantasy genre. And I was conflicted about the experience. She continues to write stories with fascinating/unusual narrators/points of view. In this case, there’s a lot of POV from an Ancient Stone God Spirit. And our main narrator is also interesting. But while many in book club loved this, I didn’t fall in love while reading the book. I always thought it was an interesting story well told, but I wasn’t emotionally gripped. Still, I found myself thinking about these characters and this world for MONTHS after I finished it. So there’s obviously something powerful here. Thus, this makes the “honorable mentions” list.
“Ghostly Echoes” by William Ritter
Gah!!! Cliffhanger ending. Oh dear. I was thinking there seemed a lot to wrap up in the final pages. But apparently that’s because it wasn’t going to be wrapped up!!! At least the next (and final) book is already published. This Jackaby series has been fun, but not great. Following the wonderfully plucky Abigail Rook, an independent woman who went to find her own life and own adventures, against the strictures of her mother and society in the late 1800’s. And finds herself working with a quirky supernatural detective, and learning all about the supernatural beasts and magics that surround them. Full of delightful little details and hilarious asides. Snappy dialogue. Fun characters. The first two books were more stand alone detective mysteries, and not quite as strong as this one (they’re definitely 3 out of 5 stars, whereas this book was a 4 out 5). This one saw lots of threads start coming together into an over-arching evil supernatural plot. But I really had expected there to be a bit more resolution by the end. Instead we’re left with bigger (& interesting) questions. Thanks to my lovely local bookstore (Elliot Bay) for recommending I start reading these.
This year featured a lot more escapist fiction as personal and national and international news was rough! That said, I still read some really amazing “Literature” novels, and some of the more escapist fiction was fantastic as well. My record keeping was more sporadic. I logged about 70 books this year, but a lot of that was after the fact, scrolling through kindle and my physical bookshelves, so I know some of my read books are missing from my master list. Aw well. Now here are the best things I read this last year:
“Circe” by Madeline Miller
Hoo boy! Favorite book of the year! The lush lyrical descriptions couple with really skilled observations of the world of the gods and mortals. Characters are fascinating and deep. So many layers. It’s so smart and so good. And watching Circe’s personal journey, from innocent nymph just begging for any scraps of attention, into bad-ass “shoot first, ask questions later” witch queen of her island, is amazing! The moment when Hermes’ jokes about how easy it is to sexually assault nymphs (“they’re so very bad at running away”), and Circe hears this clarion bell and snaps. And you start to see her gaining confidence and power, and then you can see the righteous indignation fester and grow. Really interesting stuff. Gorgeous new perspective on her story, and all the Greek myths. Plus all the bits about her famous siblings, too. I hadn’t realized she was related to so many of the other gods and myths. Her relationship with her sister was particularly interesting. Loved every page of it. The sentences are crafted beautifully. The characters unfold and grow so organically and with such sly care. It’s not stated outright, but instead you watch a person start to notice more and change their perspective, the way real people do. Realizing previous narration wasn’t always so reliable because her younger more naive self hadn’t yet had her eyes opened to the truths around her. Very effective and very powerful stuff.
“An Excess Male” by Maggie Shen King
This was really good. Fascinating near-future world. Issues of police state surveillance and overpopulation and the consequences of culture and “one child policy” in a future China, trying to deal with so many men without potential Chinese brides. (The solution being a regimented polyandry system). The details are unveiled in such an organic and clever way. There isn’t a chunky “three paragraphs of exposition” beginning. The story just unfolds, and as you’re watching these people’s lives, you start learning more and more about their world. It’s chilling, and fascinating, and compelling. I had such strange dreams while reading this. Characters are complex and intriguing. Even the basic domestic situations are engaging, and then there are some much higher stakes issues, too. Seeing the ripples and inter-connectedness as the story continues…definitely a fascinating page turner.
“Hazard” by Devon Monk
This is just plain silly fun. My sister made me read it, even though it’s ostensibly about hockey and I don’t like hockey. No regrets! It follows an aspiring hockey player who is also a wizard in a world where paranormal people (werewolves, shapeshifters, etc) are not allowed in the NHL. Funny dialogue. Fast pacing. A great way to spend a few nights.
“Hawkeye 2012-2015” by Matt Fraction and David Aja
This giant hardbound collection of this Hawkeye series is so so good. Really clever storytelling. Some innovative and totally surprising options (one entire arc is told from the dog’s point of view, another in ASL without translation, after a character has a hearing injury). Dynamic and unique illustrations. While I’m a fan of graphic novels, many of the traditional big name Superhero arcs don’t grab me (I bailed after trying several issues of the newer Batwoman, Jane Foster as Thor, Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Black Panther). But this, this I really loved it. Very satisfying journey.
“Confessions of the Fox” by Jordy Rosenberg
Fantastic. Retelling of the Gentleman Jack and Bess stories. And it just presents layers of story upon story, as we meet the college professor who has found this historic manuscript and is working to define its authenticity or not. Footnotes in fiction!! Be still my beating heart. (God, it’s just my favorite thing, as it mirrors the way I think). And these footnotes get out of control, sometimes going for literal pages and telling totally different stories. Some super arch condemnations of the modern University system (the back and forth with new administration and corporate deals to maximize profits are priceless and too real and too depressing because they’re too too real). Full of tons of great history, too. Some of the footnotes are not stories and anecdotes, but instead actual footnotes, referencing scholarly works and historical texts to provide amazing context to the roles of gender and race in the England of the 1600s. Enjoyed every moment of it. So clever and emotional and with big ideas, in such a fun package.
“Call Me By Your Name” by Andre Aciman
Rare case where I think SEEING THE MOVIE FIRST is way better. The film is so languid and beautiful and emotional. Not surprising that the novel was also gorgeous. And reading this after the film is such a joy, getting to dive deeper into this story. (I know I would not have enjoyed the novel nearly as much, if I hadn’t seen the movie first. Also then, the novel is such a treat, as it continues the story beyond the film’s ending). Also, don’t actually read the novel…instead listen to the audio book read by Armie Hammer. You can get it from your library. It’s honestly so powerful (see the link at the bottom of this paragraph). The novel is full of such longing and lovely descriptions. It’s also dripping with lustful teenage angst, and gorgeous italian countryside. The way Elio will wax rhapsodic about the site of an elbow, or a billowy shirt. Those teenage hormones! (honestly, I’d find myself scrambling to hit pause on the audiobook when my housemate would come home. Even the most tame of descriptions were so full of sexual longing that they felt super scandalous!!) Paints such vivid pictures with words. Add to that the vocal talents of Hammer and his voice/performance is amazing for this. While I do not generally find Armie Hammer attractive (although I thought he did a fantastic job in this film), his narrative performance is super powerful and affecting. His narration of the audio book is perfect! Vulture wrote this thirsty article about Hammer’s voice in the audio book, and if this won’t convince you, nothing will. https://www.vulture.com/2017/09/just-20-descriptions-of-armie-hammers-voice.html
Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer.
Start with “Cinder.” There were 4 books total, I think. Great fun and clever retelling of fairy tales, in a modern Sci Fi world. The plots are engaging, and interweave in a satisfying way across all the novels. The characters are mostly three dimensional. It’s a satisfying good guys vs bad guys fantasy arc. Not too complicated, but with enough heart and clever twists to make them very satisfying. Some very sweet moments. Super clever in the ways that different aspects of the Fairy Tale stories are represented (Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Rapunzel). I don’t want to give any spoilers (they are more Easter Eggs, than spoilers) but I’d find myself realizing, after the scene, “Oh! That’s kind of like plot point X from the fairy tale story. What a fun twist/reinterpretation”)
“Amateur: A True Story About What Makes a Man” by Thomas Page McBee
Powerful stuff. Compelling non-fiction about a trans man training to fight in a boxing match at Madison Square Garden. But it’s about SO MUCH MORE. Honestly, I hate boxing but I loved this book. It’s uncompromising and surprising. It’s thoughtful. It asks big questions. It provides some fascinating insight into all aspects of gender in our society, and violence, and complicated relationships with family, friends, and partners. I found myself highlighting so many passages. BIG QUESTIONS are asked. Shocking revelations. Surprising and un-surprising outcomes. There’s so much humanity here, and so much ABOUT humanity here. Also, it’s a pure delight to read. The writing is crafted beautifully. These are strong lovely sentences that are also providing big ideas.
“Dread Nation” by Justina Ireland
This was great. I keep thinking that zombies are played out and I’m over them, but people continue to create new and interesting takes on the genre. In this, it is zombies during the Civil War, and the complicated social and racial dynamics during a battle against the undead. Good character development in this alternate history.
“Amal Unbound” by Aisha Saeed
This was a simple and powerful story. A spirited 12 yr old girl lives in rural Pakistan, studying poetry with dreams of University. Her life takes a sudden and terrifying turn when, out of spite, she is forced to basically become an indentured servant to the local powerful landlord family. It’s recommended for ages 10 and up, and is so smart and powerful, with lots of real world suspense for our intrepid hero.
“All the President’s Men” by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
A choice by my bookclub. I’d seen the movie and learned about this in history class, of course, but I was surprised how engaging the book was. It’s not flashy or sensationalist, and it unveils its narrative in a methodical way. But I found myself very interested and engaged throughout. Keeping track of all the names was a bit cumbersome, but still. Good reporting. And super fascinating reading this in Jan 2019. Parallels to modern events are pretty striking. Worth reading.
“The Queen of Blood” by Sarah Beth Durst
Recommended by the staff at Third Place Books. The back of the paperback has a terrible description, but I trusted the staff enough to try it. Glad I did. Fascinating world-building, with an interesting new take on worlds of magic and magical schools. Here the ever present spirits are violent, wanting nothing more than to rend and destroy humans, and it’s only through the queen’s magic (chosen from the school candidates) that their bloodlust is held at bay. Our lead is such a quiet focused child. She’s not “the chosen one” and she has to work so much harder at learning her craft. I found it very compelling and satisfying. Not as dark as some of the grittier fantasy, but with lots more darkness than I’d been expecting. Appreciated it.
“A Crown for Cold Silver” by Alex Marshall
This is some fun, fast paced, epic fantasy battle and world building. Honestly, it seems to be all battles and politics, all the time. Lots of narrators. Complex worlds and politics and plots. Really excellent characters. Truly fascinating. Such a wide variety of peoples and ideas. Dealing with the fallout and the “next” war, after the previous BIG war revolution was won 20 years before this book begins. The storytelling is very accomplished. Things unfold at a great pace, with those irritating cliffhangers at the end of the chapters and then suddenly you’re following a new character. Vengeance. Justice. The realities of battling with giant fantasy armies and the realities/fall out of what happens after (it’s ugly, it’s exhausting, it’s confusing and hard and complicated. There are no easy “happily ever afters” here). Really engrossing stuff. If you’re looking to escape on an epic fantasy for several hundred pages, this will do that for you!
“Thunderhead” by Neil Shusterman
I loved “Scythe” so was excited to read the sequel. This was very entertaining. I enjoyed the continued world building, and the multiple perspectives. The Thunderhead “thought pieces” in between each chapter were very fascinating. Good stuff. Intrigued to see where this story continues. While I appreciated the lack of hand-holding of its readers, it had been awhile since I read the first novel, and the author didn’t spend ANY time re-establishing anything, so it took me a little bit to remember/catch up. If it’s been awhile since you read Scythe, you may need to pop online to read a synopsis first.
“This is How You Lose the Time War” by by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone This book was powerful and fun and surprising and lyrical. There’s mystery and danger and emotions (never before has meeting up for a cup of tea felt so clandestine and scandalous). The world building unfolds in such gorgeous and unexpected ways. This is the unlikely correspondence between two time assassins on opposite sides of an ongoing battle across space and time. There are some big ideas, and very small but so important relatable issues. Great big thoughts about timelines and multiverse. Great big thoughts about emotions and love and war. It was truly lovely. I believe everyone in book club loved this novel. Here are two raves about it:”This book has it all: treachery and love, lyricism and gritty action, existential crisis and space-opera scope, not to mention time traveling superagents. Gladstone’s and El-Mohtar’s debut collaboration is a fireworks display from two very talented storytellers.” – Madeline Miller, award-winning author of Circe. “Poetry, disguised as genre fiction. I read several sections out loud — this is prose that wants to be more than read. It wants to be heard and tasted.” – Kelly Sue DeConnick, author of Captain Marvel
————————————–Honorable Mentions———————————————–
“Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder” by Caroline Fraser
Read this for my book club. It was FASCINATING and so well researched and full of details. But boy is it ever LONG!! It reads along at a good pace, but when my kindle told me estimated reading time was 18 hours, I couldn’t quite believe it. Yikes! Rose Lane, her daughter, is often the worst ever (but maybe she’s more complicated than straight villain). Fascinating. Especially to see all the fictionalized ideals of this life, ignoring the fact that no matter the hardwork or “bootstrap” mentality, this type of life and farming wasn’t really possible to be successful for the vast majority of people. Total scam, romanticized and continues to be sold as this perfect ideal when it never worked in the first place. And the author has done so much research to share so many stories about the real Laura Ingalls Wilder and her complicated COMPLICATED daughter. Wild stuff. This isn’t for everyone, but if you enjoyed these books or show, then you’ll want this deep fascinating dive into the real stories of Little House on the Prairie.
“Carry On” by Rainbow Rowell
I loved “Fan Girl” by Rainbow Rowell so much. Heartaching, made me cry, fantastic stuff. Then a few years later she actually wrote the fictionalized Wizarding School books mentioned in the “Fan Girl” novel in this story, “Carry On,” which I read in 2017 and quite enjoyed. But she’s just come out with a sequel to “Carry On” and I honestly couldn’t remember much about Carry On, so I decided to re-read it before starting the sequel. Glad I did. Perfectly pleasant way to pass the time. If you enjoy the Harry Potter world, this is a fun new take. (I find it more satisfying if you’ve read Fan Girl, but this is a stand alone novel) Update from Jan 2021: I remember that I also enjoyed the sequel “Wayward Son.” It’s more complicated and doesn’t offer as clean a “happily ever after,” but really appreciated the effort to tell the “what happens next” story.
“Amberlough” by Lara Elena Donnelly
Pretty decent and interesting noir story, set in alternate world with a strong 1920’s styling. Took me a bit to get into it, because there’s a lot of politics and details/exposition initially. But once I sussed out what was going on, it’s a steadily paced runaway train to inevitable disaster. Shades of grey and complexity in all our characters. No clear heroes. No good choices to be made. A tragedy of circumstances and some of their own making. Intrigued to read more in this world.
Over 80 books this year, and most have been satisfying (helped along as I’ve been using escapist fiction as “self care,” an effective way to distract my brain. That means lots of fantasy, sci fi & authors I know I already love or continuing series, etc). It was also a year in which I discovered some new authors/series that I love to pieces (Murderbot, Behind the Throne, Chronicles of St Mary’s).
“The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps” by Kai Ashante Wilson Gorgeous, powerful, beautiful. I read it twice in a row. (Novella length). Plays with language and culture and vocabulary and time and narrative style. Takes some focus to start reading but the rewards are immeasurable. Such flavors and world building, often revealed with the smallest of hints and descriptions, but it’s amazing. And it’s short enough that reading it twice is easy, as well as a joy and very rewarding. The first time you read it, part of your energy is spent on following the plot and non-linear story, putting things in the proper order. So the second read is pure passion, luxuriating in the words and worlds and emotions. We need more voices like this in fantasy. Amazing. Plus, FOOTNOTES IN FICTION!! Be still my beating heart. (Discovered this randomly when James McAvoy recommended it on his instagram. I was skeptical, as I’ve no clue if I agree with McAvoy’s literature tastes, but a quick search online about the book confirmed it was something I had to read). It’s so hard to describe, I think I’ll put some of the quotes about it here. “The unruly lovechild of Shakespeare, Baldwin, George RR Martin and Ghostface Killah — this was a book I could not put down.” – Daniel José Older. “Wilson is doing something both very new and very old here: he’s tossing aside the traditional forms of sword and sorcery in favor of other, older forms, and gluing it all together with a love letter to black masculinity. The result is powerful and strange and painful in all the right ways.” –N.K. Jemisin. “Seamlessly knots magic and science in a wholly organic way… it will catch you by the throat and hold you fast until the last searing word.” – Alyssa Wong. “At its heart, this book is a beautiful yet brutal fairy tale about gods and monsters, loneliness and love. At 208 pages, the journey may not seem far but it will stay with you for a long time afterwards.” -Michaela Gray. “This rich, delicately crafted world is stocked with vibrant characters… and supports a powerful story told in a delightful series of wrenching moments.” –Publishers Weekly Starred Review.
“The Lost City of the Monkey God” by Douglas J. Preston DEVOURED this book. I’m a huge fan of travel memoirs in general, and this one is one of the best. Travel memoir and a mysterious disease, too! Immediately engaging narrative voice, fascinating, great pacing (often a problem in these books), I found all of the historical background and anecdotes and data almost more interesting than the actual exploration (which never happens!). So much information and I wanted to quote/share all of it with my pals. Well done. Just, woah!
“The Fifth Season” by N.K. Jemisin I don’t even know where to begin. If you haven’t heard of this trilogy, know this: all three books won the Hugo Award. That’s a full sweep: three years in a row of Jemisin having written the best book, and shows that each one kept getting better. First time that’s ever happened in Hugo Awards history! Intricate and extraordinary. Beautiful storytelling. Powerful characters. Fascinating worlds. Honestly, I loved her “hundred thousand kingdoms” trilogy so much, that it was such an unbelievable surprise to see an author accomplish even greater heights at world building, and at super memorable, complex, and heart-breaking characters. The reader is instantly engaged, even before you’ve entirely figured out what’s happening. Beyond wonderful. Moments that will stay in my brain forever. But also, it’s just fun to read, too! I think I’ll, once again, include some quotes from reviewers. “Astounding… Jemisin maintains a gripping voice and an emotional core that not only carries the story through its complicated setting, but sets things up for even more staggering revelations to come.”―NPR Books. “Jemisin’s graceful prose and gritty setting provide the perfect backdrop for this fascinating tale of determined characters fighting to save a doomed world.”―Publishers Weekly (Starred Review). And here’s a link to her speech accepting the third/final award for this trilogy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lFybhRxoVM
“Tigerman” by Nick Harkaway Harkaway’s book “Angelmaker” is still one of my favorite books ever, so I was really looking forward to this. But it sat on my shelf for two years after an aborted start awhile ago. I found this one initially harder to get into. However, once I felt myself slipping into this world and writing style, I was hooked. Gorgeous descriptions. His sentences and use of words are wonderful. Truly memorable characters, who are unique and layered and fascinating. The entire concept of the novel feels so timely, and sad, but it’s also really heart-warming and inspiring, too. Nothing is too pat or easy of a solution, but it was a truly lovely book to read and world to visit. Set on a fictional island, former british colony, that is set to be destroyed/nuked out of existence by the UN (because the island’s volcano has been leaching some toxic gasses). Deals with issues of global politics and sovereignty, and environmental science, and forgotten peoples, and what happens to an island community that’s literally facing a death sentence? With the nuclear bomb timeline, most are choosing to relocate, but what happens to a community with a firm end date? How to maintain law and order and inspire hope in the time before everyone evacuates? Who uses this as an opportunity to cause harm? Which governments choose to look the other way? Who will stand up for what’s right?
“Behind the Throne” by K.B. Wagers Loved it! Great pacing, great characters, fascinating world-building, but doesn’t bog you down in details at all. Reveals the complexities easily as the plot advances. Just great fun stuff. Reluctant leader is always a fun dynamic to explore. And this former gunrunner forced to return to try to help rule her Empire is just a wonderful narrator. I quickly consumed the entire trilogy. Entertaining and engaging stuff. Characters you care about, real stakes, great action. (warning: don’t read the 4th book yet. The first three are a complete arc. The 4th ends in a stupid cliffhanger. Argh!)
“Just One Damned Thing After Another” by Jodi Taylor HOW DID NONE OF YOU NOT TELL ME ABOUT THESE BOOKS?!?! Pure joy. So much fun reading about these historians using time travel to be really good at history. Great action adventure!! Hilarious situations. Funny fast dialogue, ridiculous situations, some history lessons (sort of) snuck in there. I devoured about 3 of them in a month. “The Chronicles of St Mary’s” series is wonderful. They’re just delightful. And there’s 8 or 9 books too, so lots of chances to return to this world. I’ve now read 6 of them and all have been enjoyable.
“Locked in” by John Scalzi This was fantastic. Great world building and characters. Fascinating idea. Good pacing and good action. Fun new way to have a police procedural. And definitely has room for more explorations in this world. The sequel was also good, but I found this one a bit more compelling. Enjoyable exploring this near-future world where a disease has caused a small but significant percentage of people to be “locked in” with active minds but paralyzed bodies. Government built a complicated online world, as well as robots they can control to walk around the real world, and it’s just very interesting. Plus, it’s got a decent mystery/FBI case to solve, too.
“Velvet” by Ed Brubaker This is great graphic novel. What if the Moneypenny secretary character is secretly the best super spy? It’s slick and sexy, the graphics are lovely, fun cold war spy stuff. And wonderful to have this noir-light spy story starring a middle aged woman. Not quite as dark/noir as Brubaker’s Criminal series, but the man’s got strong writing themes that still come through, and I found this more enjoyable (probably because it’s not quite as dark or gritty as Criminal).
“Love Letters to Melville” by Jaime Zuckerman Gorgeous book of poems I found at the Brooklyn Poetry shop. Evocative. Powerful. Emotional. They are actually, as the title implies, a series of poems and letters addressed to Melville. Almost enough to make me want to read Moby Dick. Almost…
“The Colossus of Maroussi” by Henry Miller Guys, this Henry Miller guy is really good at words and stuff. Ha. Honestly, the writing in this is so rich and gorgeous and sometimes playful and always descriptive and good. I read this as inspiration for my trip to Greece. Miller’s travelogue from his pre-WWII Grecian travels is wonderful. He’s such a grumpy misanthrope most of the time, but he writes beautifully and evocatively and powerfully while he’s constantly complaining about other people and heat and travel delays, etc. And when he finds something he loves (a new friend, an amazing meal, a great vista), the words just sing. But his writing is also engaging and powerful when he finds something he hates. I had this on my kindle and I feel like I highlighted 80% of it. For real, it’s gorgeous stuff. His characterizations of other people and cultures is often problematic and he is often unlikable, too. But there’s a reason this book continues in popularity and publishing. With a healthy grain of salt, it’s a really wonderful thing to read, to let his sentences slide through your mind and your soul, you can almost taste the food, smell the smells, etc.
“All Systems Red” by Martha Wells MURDERBOT!! It’s a series of four novellas. My sister told me to read them. I hesitated, despite the awards they’d won, because of the shorter lengths. But I’m so glad I did. I love Murderbot so much! Super interesting. Very unique idea and great characters. Following an AI bot who has hacked its control module, but uses its autonomy to binge watch tv shows instead, and gets really irritated when it has to pretend to still be under control when it’s asked to do its job. And the stories progress and become more layered and nuanced. They’re fast paced and really wonderful world building. And I think they get even better and more interesting as they go along. Wonderful snark and action, too. The praise and awards are well deserved.
“An Absolutely Remarkable Thing” by Hank Green This was great. Better than I expected and a totally different plot experience than I’d expected. Fun solving the mystery and seeing the twists/turns. Felt very current. It moves along well, very easy to read, unfolds the plot in an engaging way. And there are definitely some bigger ideas discussed (what happens when one has unexpected viral success online. How to navigate that world, how that changes your relationships and your life, and what to do about it. As well as an intriguing mystery as the central plot).
–honorable mentions and some guilty pleasure books– “Truly Devious” by Maureen Johnson ARGH!! So frustrating. I hadn’t realized that this was the 1st in an unwritten series. And so having a mystery novel with a cliffhanger is NOT a satisfying reading experience. I like Maureen Johnson, and she writes fun believable characters and interesting situations. The narrative style swapping between the historical crime and present day is very interesting, as is the fictional school setting. So I was REALLY enjoying this. But I wish I’d known the book trilogy wasn’t complete…I’d have waited until they were all written. Next one doesn’t come out until Jan 2019. I’ll likely have forgotten all the details by then. Oh well. So instead of reading this until she’s published all three books, I’d recommend her Name of the Star series (Modern setting, Jack the Ripper’s ghost, fun stuff). Update from Jan 2021. All three books are now available. As predicted, I’ll need to re-read the first one, but I imagine it will be a satisfying mystery arc (at least, that was the case with the Name of the Star trilogy
“Mission Improper” by Bec McMaster For fun action fantasy books with the occasional steamy romance scene, set in a world with vampires and werewolves in a Steampunk version of Victorian England, I recommend this “Blueblood Conspiracy” series. The previous “London Steampunk” series set in this same world is only perfectly adequate, but not great. Those had some decent moments and plot, but they were mostly forgettable, the writing wasn’t always great, and the characters didn’t have the greatest of depth or arcs (they definitely improved as that series progressed). Also the first in that Victorian steampunk series, the hero is Cockney and she writes the accent and I just couldn’t get Eliza Doolittle’s dad out of my mind. Total turn off. I ended up deciding it was a heavy Northern accent and casting Sean Bean, which helped a bit. *laughs*). But this “Bluebood Conspiracy” spin-off series, expanding upon that same world, is much more compelling. And I don’t think you have to have read the first series to understand. Maybe I’m just a bigger sucker for the world of spies, rogues, and femme fatales, so I liked this Blueblood Conspiracy series more. I found these spy stories set in a fantasy world compelling page turners. Actually, I think the writing and character development is stronger, too. The world-building is more established. And the stories/plots are better crafted. It was a really satisfying journey through these 5 books. The titles are all terrible James Bond/Spy title spoofs that are a bit embarrassing to say out loud. But I quite enjoyed them as escapist adventures. Reminded me of Ilona Andrews “Magic Bites” series, for entertaining fast paced adventure and intrigue in a world with magic and shapeshifters. Entertaining fluff. Perfectly fun and not too complicated. Definitely what my brain needed this year. Unless you’re a completist, you don’t have to read the original London Steampunk series to read/enjoy this spin-off (Even if the Sound of Music tells us starting at the very beginning is a very good place to start. Maria is NOT the boss of you). I mean, some of those characters make cameo appearances, but these 5 books stand on their own, and should provide you with the backstory you need. (And as I found that London Steampunk series just mediocre, I fear starting there might prove a deterrent from reading this more fun series. Instead, if you find yourself loving this series, then maybe read the London Steampunk as a prequel series, afterwards).
“The Lawrence Brown Affair” by Cat Sebastien Cat Sebastien has written a series of very good historical romances. Dialogue is fun, the pacing is great, and they move along quickly. This was my favorite of the three books: having an agoraphobic inventor as a character was a novel idea. All authors writing M/M historical romance sometimes have to twist themselves a bit to allow for these stories in the historical world, and the common romance trope of having a series follow a set of relatives starts to get a bit stretched (really? All of the brothers are gay? What are the odds?). But it’s a quite fun read.
“Magic Triumphs” by Ilona Andrews Finally ending the Kate Daniels series, and it’s a satisfying conclusion. These are fun, page turning, silly urban fantasy. Enjoyable fluff with fast dialogue and a fun fantasy world (and they definitely got better as the series progresses).
“Dark Matter” by Blake Crouch Plot moved at a great pace, with some interesting concepts, and kept the pages turning. It has neither the depth of character nor craft of writing to become a classic, but like other “page turning, fun to read one time” popular thrillers (like Gone Girl) it’s definitely an engaging summer read.
“Diplomatic Immunity” by Lois McMaster Bujold The Vorkosigan series continues to be a great reliable “go to” when I need something with clever dialogue, fast paced, with characters I love. And they’ve been around long enough, finding the next one at a used bookstore is pretty easy. I’m approaching the end of them, so am more slowly pacing myself, as I don’t want Miles’ adventures to end.
“Magic’s Pawn” by Mercedes Lackey Oh man, I was obsessed with these books in junior high. It was great fun to re-visit (Our book club challenged everyone to re-read a beloved book from their childhood and see how it’s changed). They held up way better than I’d expected. Still great fun and good characters and world building. I mean, they’re not amazing and some of the ideas feel outdated, but it was still a decent fun world to revisit and a nice way to pass the time/block out the ugly in the real world. Tragically sad romantic lead plus you get a magical telepathic horse as your best friend/companion?!? *Insert sound of my 13 year old self swooning*
This was a year in which I re-read some treasured books of yesteryear, along with reading new stuff. I haven’t done much re-reading in the last 10 years, mostly because I can be overwhelmed by the vast amount of amazing books waiting to be read. But it was such a joy to return to beloved stories, a real balm to the soul, offering new delights and wonders. Of the 60 books I read this year, here are my favorites:
“The Thief” series by Megan Whalen Turner I just realized a 5th book in this series came out (“Thick as Thieves”), so I read that, and then found myself re-reading the entire series, which was such a joy. Her phrasing is economical and tight; she’s never stingy with an adjective but neither is she superfluous. Pacing is steady and then pages turn very quickly. Plot is revealed in new and exciting ways. Great surprises and twists and turns, with adventure and humor and heart.The books stand alone, but are so much richer if you have read the previous books, giving you a more fleshed out world and characters. Fictional historical setting, following small kingdoms in ancient Greece-like islands (although with some shades of the Byzantine Empire), these are a true joy to read. I became so emotionally invested in these characters and their world. There’s a new narrator each book, and it’s masterfully done. These can appear simple on the surface, but they are so well-crafted. A true joy as surprises are revealed.
“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas Might be my favorite book of the year. Our narrator Starr has such a clear voice as she tries to navigate the world, code-switching between her mostly white private school and her neighborhood, sharing her funny observations and joys and her confusion and pain and uncertainty, too. This book made me cry often, my heart aching for these complex true people and situations that don’t offer an easy solution. But Starr has an amazing support network and grows into herself and her voice. It’s powerful and beautiful and heart-rending and thought-provoking and enjoyable and something everyone should read. Everyone. (Also, I didn’t know anything about the plot when I grabbed this book to bring with me to jury duty. So then I was the weird quietly crying lady in the corner. Awkward)
“Not a Hazardous Sport” by Nigel Barley Found this when I was looking for travel memoirs related to Bali and Indonesia. I do so love a travel memoir, and reading about a place I’m about to travel to is wonderful. I found this to be a pretty entertaining read. I was a bit nervous about it’s age, as the field of anthropology 30 or 40 years ago wasn’t as culturally sensitive as one could hope, and so reading older anthropology memoirs can sometimes be awful. But this was actually okay, and there were only a few moments that had me raising my eyebrow or cringing. Funny narrative tone. Good stories. Memorable characters and the narrator often acknowledges himself as the butt of the joke, rather than mocking the “other-ness” of the folks he meets.
“How to be Both” by Ali Smith This was wonderful. It’s told in two parts, one narrated by the ghost of a real Renaissance painter, and one narrated by a young modern teenager. In a whimsical (and effective) author/publisher choice, the book is printed in TWO different versions. In half the versions, the girl’s story is told first. In the other half, the painter’s story is told first. And I love that people seem to have a fondness/loyalty to whichever order their version was. Mine was Painter first, then Girl. Although I can see that it’s probably a slightly easier read with Girl first. At least, you have to pay more attention with Painter version if you don’t know the Girl backstory yet (the Painter narrative, being told by a ghost observing the girl and remembering their own life, is told with moments of confusion and floating timeline). But I loved it in this version. And I think having to pay attention can be a powerful important thing in a book and leads to a much more rewarding experience. And I personally didn’t find it hard to follow. But reading reviews online, some folks had a harder time with painter first. So I guess, if your novel is published that way and you’re worried about it, you could easily read the 2nd half first. Beautiful and fun and intriguing use of words and language. Evocative descriptions. Characters that are true and engender lots of emotional response in the reader. Funny and sad and lovely. Great stuff. Interesting discussions of art and gender and life and loss and love. Big themes, told in gorgeous prose and with sometimes sparing details. Powerful small moments. Truly wonderful.
“The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms” by NK Jemisin Devoured this book in a day. It was such an engaging and fun read, full of lovely writing but with a very easy flow. Fascinating fantasy world-building. Great characters. I haven’t spent an entire day focused on reading one book in awhile. It was kind of the best Saturday ever. I’d have to take some breaks to walk the dog and stretch my body, but so good. Immersive fantasy world with an intriguing history and culture and religions. Very good stuff.
“The Water Knife” by Paolo Bacigalupi Soooo good! Characters and descriptions are powerful and interesting and it’s solidly great. A very believable near-future. Clean drinking water is becoming scarce and this near-future US is struggling, with water-refugees from desert states (like Texas and Arizona) roaming the country, seeking survival. And tall tales about the mossy rain-soaked pacific northwest are shared in shantytowns across the southwest. Chilling at moments. But very exciting and fast-paced plots. Enforcers and gang lords and corporate overlords (Warlords?) and the small regular people trying to survive. Plucky journalist and damaged people meet in unexpected ways. Some ridiculous OVER THE TOP action hero tropes (in that folks are surviving/enduring pretty intense injuries) but it’s great stuff. Very entertaining action story with some interesting themes and ideas. I’ve liked all of Bacigalupi’s works I’ve read, and found this to be a more approachable/easier read than “The Windup Girl” and so totally different from the also excellent “Ship breaker.”
“Landline” and “Carry On” by Rainbow Rowell Oh, Rainbow Rowell continues to write compelling evocative characters with very real emotions and geniune-sounding dialogue that tugs on my heart strings. “Landline” is a rare NOT young adult novel from her, and it’s very very good. A couple struggling with their marriage and their lives, asking if love is “enough”? Can they find a way to stay together? What are the ramifications for their young girls if they divorce? It plays with the timeline in unexpected ways and was really great. It doesn’t offer any easy answers, keeping the story real and powerful, and unveiling some moving truths of life and career and family. “Carry On” was born out of “Fan Girl” (an earlier Rainbow Rowell novel, and probably my favorite of hers. Well, maybe I love “Eleanor and Park” more. Maybe they’re tied in my affections). The narrator of “Fan Girl” writes fan fiction about the Simon Snow books (a fantasy world, much like Harry Potter, that the author created for Fan Girl). And in “Carry On,” Ms Rowell WRITES those actual Simon Snow stories. It’s kind of meta in its creation/existence, but it totally works and is a supremely satisfying ‘boy wizard’ story on its own. While “Carry On” could be read as a stand alone fantasy story, I think it’s MUCH better/richer if you’ve read “Fan Girl” first. For real. Do it! (Also because Fan Girl is a really amazing story, with a narrator dealing with family and her fears of mental illness and being broken and finding her way through college and she spoke to my heart)
“Parable of the Talents” by Octavia Butler Hot off the presses!! (sarcasm because everyone knows this) Octavia Butler is an amazing author!! One of the best ever. There’s a reason her name is mentioned so often and with such reverence. I read “Parable of the Sower” a few years ago and loved it very much. But this sequel is EVEN BETTER. Read it on my kindle and found myself highlighting almost every single paragraph. It’s gorgeous. It’s powerful. Evocative language and heart-rending situations. Complex characters. The discussions of religion are so prescient and moving. And it is fricking TERRIFYING how much this story of post-apocalyptic United States, published in 1998, mimics the USA in 2017. Shockingly upsettingly prescient. Holy crap!! Bone-chilling. But perhaps there is some hope in the teachings of Earthseed. EVERYONE MUST READ THIS (but read Parable of the Sower first).
“Frog” by Mo Yan This was one of our book club choices. And I wavered on whether to include it in this list, as it was hard for me to become fully engaged (partly my lack of knowledge about this history of China and the many cultural references, partly writing style or translation?). The dispassionate telling of traumatic events seems intentional (whether character choices or different cultural approach, I’m not sure) but my very “Western” brain took awhile to submerge myself into the story. And yet, it’s full of some really memorable characters and moments, and it’s a fascinating story. I find myself thinking of it often, and I’m glad to have read it. Definitely a distinct narrative voice and a viewpoint I often don’t read about.
“Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too” by Jomny Sun This is a weirdly perfect little book. It’s quirky and sweet and sad and hilarious and full of touching little cartoons and misspellings. More graphic novel in presentation. But strangely powerful and the images and ideas have lingered in my consciousness.
“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot The story is even more fascinating than you’ve heard. Skloot describes these people with compassion and humanity, pointing out her own flaws and uncertainty and her role in this story, and her struggles with how to report this story without furthering the exploitation of this family. In a less deft hand this could’ve been really rough reading. The subject matter is upsetting enough, thank you very much. Compelling non-fiction, offering some great scientific information and history, and showing all of the questions for which we are still seeking answers. Questions of ownership and autonomy and medical research and greater good vs financial remuneration and how murky these waters quickly become when billions of dollars are on the line.
“Ancillary Sword” & “Ancillary Mercy” by Ann Leckie I loved this book and series. Characters are amazing. Themes are strong and presented in organic and surprising ways. Space Opera is where my love of Sci Fi really shines! This series is not really about tech/robots (thank goodness), but cultures and politics. Fascinating characters and unique narrators and big ideas, and so many evocative powerful small details. It’s a joy watching this story unfold. Surprising and fun! Agitating and sometimes challenging with questions of identity and gender and social strata and community, but it’s such great fun and a relatively easy read. Plus most of the action takes place on worlds (not on space ships!) And so much tea drinking *laughs * The cultures created, the social groups and strata are fantastically real and complex. World building and character building at its finest.
“Beat the Reaper” and “Wild Thing” by Josh Bazell Hot damn, “Beat the Reaper” is a fun wild ride!! I first read it years ago, and remember saying “Oh my god” multiple times, out loud to myself, in the final scenes. Plus I’m such a sucker for footnotes in fiction!! And the sarcastic narrative voice is so great. Mobster thriller in the world of medicine, it’s just a great way to spend a few nights. I re-read this because my bookclub had us read “Wild Thing” (which continues the story). “Wild Thing” was also fun (it not only has footnotes in fiction but also has about 25 pages of end notes, too!!!). Although I think “Beat the Reaper” 10/10 and “Wild Thing” is 7/10.
“Scalped” by Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera Gritty and evocative and fascinating graphic novel series. Almost noir, following crime and undercover investigators and complex relationships on and off the a fictional Reservation in South Dakota. It’s not easy and it’s very violent and ugly at times. But Jason Aaron writes complex characters, all with baggage and damage, but all maintain their humanity (even those often written-off by society, whether because of addiction or past choices, etc). R. M. Guéra illustrations are dynamic and powerful and unsettling. Issue #6 or #7 was my absolute favorite, as it was all short stories and vignettes, sharing character backstory and folklore. Lovely rich textures. I cared more for the setting and world than for the plot, if I’m honest.
Vorkosigan series Lois McMaster Bujold In a year this chaotic with such voices screeching their hate at top volume, my heart and soul can get overwhelmed. And Lois McMaster Bujold is such a powerful “port in the storm.” I’m still making my way through the Vorkosigan series. I pick up missing books at used bookstores over the years, and I parse them out, like good medicine, as needed. I read three more this year. The story of Miles Vorkosigan and his world continues to be wonderful and complex and page-turning fun, full of plot and politics and high adventure. But several of the stories were small in scale and scope this time, yet none the less powerful or meaningful. It’s so worth reading all of these. (Her Curse of Chalion books, which are more fantasy-based, are also wonderful). These books are balms, ways to stay up way too late reading and caring and feeling and occasionally crying for these characters, with lots of laughter and smiles and gasps, too.
“Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly This story and history is really interesting and Shetterly has done the world a great service in all of her massive research and interviews and compilation of a rarely told story. That said, the reading experience isn’t super engaging. It feels like a series of facts and events, but there’s no strong cohesive through line. I feel like you could read the chapters/sections completely out of order and be almost totally fine. She obviously had so much history and she wanted to share so much (and as it’s available nowhere else, that’s a good instinct!!). I don’t know if it needed a stronger editor or something, but I found reading it to feel like homework sometimes. And also, I could pick up and put it down without feeling like I’d lost anything. At times there is extensive technical discussions (which are necessary in order to explain the roles being performed at NASA) and at other times I felt like important details were left out. Still, I learned a lot and I’m glad I read it. But, unlike most book/movie combinations, I was actually really glad I’d seen the movie first. It was fascinating to see all the changes the film made to make a better narrative story, but also, having some emotional connection to these women from the film, it helped insert some heart into the reading of this.
“Good Omens” by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett It was very pleasant to re-visit this book. It’s very fun, full of word play and silliness; the quirky characters and wordplay for which both of these authors are known. It’s not perfect and I’m not sure it’s worthy of the evangelism some bestow upon it, but it’s a very fun story.
This was a really great year, finding myself wanting to list over half of the 66 books I read this year. But I’ll try to keep it manageable and just list the best of the best.
“The Wake” by Paul Kingsnorth. Author has created his own language based upon Old English, but with changes to make it more intelligible to modern readers, in this story of 1066 England. It takes a bit of effort to get started. Basically, you have to give it your full attention and focus on it for the first 30 pages or so, until your brain gets into the rhythm of it. I also found that reading aloud was very helpful. It was SO MUCH FUN! The language is amazing. There is such personality and character and absolutely immerses you in this world. The language is visceral and immediate (with a much smaller vocabulary and with adjectives of the world of 1066. Things are fire and meat and ash and tangible. The language flavors and builds the world it’s describing. Our narrator is delightfully misanthropic and arrogant and a huge hypocrite and kind of a terrible person, but there’s a part of him that’s endearing, and even when he’s being awful (most of the time), I still very much enjoyed reading it. Just…wow. BE SURE TO READ the partial glossary in the back, and the note on language because it has some crucial pronunciation guides (how “c” is always a hard “k” sound and how “g” can be a hard g, or like “y” at the end of “day.”)
“Station Eleven” by Emily St John Mandel This was lovely post-apocalyptic tale of a traveling theatre troupe. Storytelling unfolded in compelling way, with a nice structure moving between times and settings and characters, adding layers and revealing deeper meaning. And a more beautiful hopeful bent than lots of post-apocalyptic stories. I mean, it’s still a major bummer, but our inner humanity shines through in moments. And I loved the role that theatre and music play, as integral to the human experience and to our rebuilding of society.
“Shrill” by Lind West So good. Funny, moving, real, important, powerful, made me laugh a lot, made me cry occasionally. Amazing collection of memoirs, stories, personal essays. Whether you’re already familiar with Ms. West’s writings or not, this is a really wonderful read.
“The Only Kayak: A Journey into the Heart of Alaska” by Kim Heacox Jaw-droppingly beautiful writing. The prose is powerful and clear and gorgeous and I was reading it on kindle and found myself highlighting whole pages, just line after line of beauty. And it tells a really wonderful story about a man’s connection to place. How much he loves Glacier Bay is obvious, and I found myself longing for this land as well. His retelling of history and factoids is engaging, the writing is always inviting. Thank you to my book club for making me read this. Wonderful!
“Ancillary Justice” by Ann Leckie I forgot how much I love the “Space Opera” subgenre of sci-fi. While heavy descriptions of robots and tech and spaceships leave me bored, I LOVE political intrigue and the anthropological discovering of different worlds/cultures and societies. This was fantastic. A VERY unique narrative voice, as our narrator was once part of a hive-mind ship (stay with me, now) and so approaches things and thinks in ways colored by that multi-consciousness history. It’s really fascinating. Also, her native langue and culture had no concept of gender, so everyone in the book is referred to as she/her. And you watch our narrator really struggle with mis-gendering people and their varying degrees of annoyance/hostility. It was unique way to experience this world and very effective. Great storytelling, too, as narration jumps between timelines and plot is revealed in fun ways. Author is good at providing small details that provide a strong response. (1st in a series of three books. I’ve heard the 2nd/3rd are really more like one long sequel). I made my book club read this and almost everyone enjoyed it (even the person who doesn’t like sci fi novels at all, she found moments to love). (Update from Jan 2021. The 2nd/3rd books are also fantastic, but best to read them together/back to back. The story continues to be revealed in surprising ways. Clever, smart, great fun).
“The Last One” by Alexandra Oliva Thank you, Queen Anne Bookstore, for the recommendation. I do love a dystopian survival novel. A “Survivor” style reality TV show is filming when some type of a world-ending event takes place, but our contestants believe what they’re seeing is all part of the show. Provocative and sophisticated, makes you think about the role of media in determining our perception of reality and how easily the human mind is manipulated. Really fresh take on one of my favorite genres.
“The Bookseller” by Mark Pryor Mystery novel. Fast paced. Narrator is retired FBI, current security at US embassy in Paris. Investigating disappearance of a friend, one of the booksellers along the Seine. Just a fun, solid mystery novel.
“Stilleto” by Daniel O’Malley Sequel to “Rook,” And I loved it even more than the first. Switching between multiple narrators was lovely and we met so many great new characters and learned so much more about this world. Dealing with the Grafters was great. Also, it is LONG! But never felt long to read. Still, 600 pages!! This was wonderful and so much fun. Funny and fast paced, interesting world building, in a secret government agency tasked with controlling magic in modern Britain (with a modern populace who doesn’t know magic exists).
“The Golem and the Jinni” by Helen Wecke Not what I expected, in a good way. It was a book club choice. I’d expected more traditional fluff and fantasy. Instead it’s a lovely layered historical epic with tiny bits of magic that feel very grounded and real. The characterizations are rich and beautiful and flawed and very real, again. It’s also LONG! It never felt slow while reading it but it did take me much longer to finish than books generally do for me. But it’s a wonderfully evocative travel through different immigrant communities in turn-of-the-century New York City. Worth reading. Characters that stay with you.
“Scalped” by Jason Aaron and R. M. Guera Graphic novel series. It’s gritty and violent and dark, a crime/western series. It’s sometimes darker than my heart/soul wants to read, but at other times, it’s perfect. And #6 in the collected books is truly amazing compilation of powerful short stories, beautifully illustrated (Even when the stories told are full of murder and sadness and drugs and corruption and never-ending poverty and despair).
“Bitter Angels” by C.L. Anderson Thanks to Elliot Bay Bookstore for reminding me that I do sometimes enjoy sci fi stories. It’s a stand alone story. Great world building. Lots of politics and things to uncover. Double crossing and government secrets and a murder mystery, too. The writing is very good, too, in a world that’s often gritty with believably flawed characters. And fun to have an older female lead, retired from service with three adult children, re-enlisting to investigate a colleague’s murder. Implications of what happens to humanity when our life spans are increased to several centuries, too.
“Sorcerer to the Crown” by Zen Cho Soooo good. 1800’s London, there is a royal thaumaturgy society in a world that has some magic. Fascinating characters, plot is revealed in interesting ways. Made me smile and laugh often. Just a really great novel with some fantasy elements. (Update from Jan 2021. My bookclub had us read this in Sept 2020. I’d retained almost none of the plot, so it was fun to discover this world all over again)
“The Gospel of Loki” by Joanne Harris So, the woman who wrote “Chocolat” now writes this first-person narrative about the rise and fall of Loki. It’s entertaining, Our narrator is as irreverent as you’d expect from the Trickster God as he tries to set the record straight about all of his activities in Norse mythology. Turns out I don’t actually know very many details of the Norse myths, but this sure filled in a lot of those gaps in my knowledge. Wasn’t as 100% wonderful as I hoped it would be…after awhile it begins to feel one-note/repetitive. Still, it was entertaining.
Shoot. Forgot to compile my list in January. Let’s see how much I remember about my favorite reads of 2015:
“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Sáenz This is a gorgeous gorgeous book. The economy of phrasing makes it all the more impressive how profound and big these ideas are, presented in such heart-aching simplicity. It’s truly great. It’s perfect. The language is so gorgeous and precise and sparing and the perfect words are chosen. Your heart will ache. Your mind will be engaged. It’s just lovely. I read it twice in one month (it’s a quick read). And I’ve just learned Lin-Manuel Miranda (of Hamilton fame) narrates the audio book, so I’m considering giving that a listen. “Lafayette in These Somewhat United States” by Sarah Vowell Vowell’s books are always entertaining and informative. The timing of this one with the Hamilton musical phenomenon is probably a huge blessing for her sales. It’s a great look back at this influential french revolutionary, during the American Revolution, and his triumphant trip to the US 30 years after the revolution, representing one of the only things our country could agree upon. “Kindred” by Octavia Butler Oof. This is a very good and sometimes challenging novel (not challenging to read, but in the ideas presented). A pal recommended it, and somehow I got the wrong impression (I knew time travel of a modern black woman back in history, so I knew things would be tough) but hadn’t known Dana was powerless over her time traveling in these situations. The relationships (especially between her and Rufus) are fascinating and fully realized. It’s a page-turner and really really good. Also, how had I never read any Octavia Butler before now?!? Glad that was rectified. “The Thief” by Megan Whalen Turner This series is great. Narrative voice is clear and intriguing and the writing style is slightly different and captivating. Unexpected turns, very economical writing voice. Well done. Fully-fleshed, interesting, unique characters. Later in the series you get into some lovely complex political intrigues and wars and treaties and strategy. “The Rook” by Daniel O’Malley Great fun. Action with fantasy elements. Modern britain. Our protagonist has amnesia and is finding notes she left herself. Also, surprise, she works in a secret part of the British government that deals with supernatural creatures. And there’s danger and spies and someone is out to get her. “Dandelion Wine” by Ray Bradberry This was gorgeous and just about perfect. Lovely little vignettes. Powerful images. Truly capturing the zeitgeist of this 12 year old boy’s summer in 1928. Definitely has a poet’s soul. Found myself underlining on almost every page. Beautiful. “Bitch Planet” by Kelly Sue DeConnick & Valentine De Landro This graphic novel series is EVERYTHING! It’s powerful and clever and rings so true. While normally I prefer to read graphic novels once they’re collected in the larger volumes, for this one it’s best to read them individually. Each issue includes a wonderful essay at the end as well as some wonderful letters. And that material has been left out of the collected volume due to publishing costs. Which is a shame and really diminishes the power of this world building, by removing the essays that directly discuss the parallels between this world and our real world right now, today. If I were a person who got tattoos, I’d 100% have a “Non Compliant” tattoo already. Keep up the great and important work, ladies!! “Fan Girl” by Rainbow Rowell This was perfect. Funny, engaging, great characterization and clever descriptions. Good world building. Felt very real. And halfway through it made me cry so hard i gave myself a headache. But it was so so great. It’s just life and relationships and your passions and going to college and family problems, and it was beautiful and captivating and felt so true. My heart was very invested. “Them: Adventures with Extremists” by Jon Ronston An entertaining, sometimes upsetting, sometimes informative collection of interviews and experiences had by British humorist John Ronston, conspiracy theories, the KKK, Ruby Ridge survivors, Jihad training camps, and Bohemian Grove. Ronston feels fair in his reporting, showing humanity and presenting events for the reader. “The Name of the Star” by Maureen Johnson Really good. I’ve always loved Maureen Johnson as a person on social media and videos, but most of her books have never struck a great chord with me. My junior high aged niece loves them but I always thought most of them were just fine. (Although “Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes” is the perfect YA) But this, this I quite liked. There was the perfect amount of spooky menace combined with some charming anecdotes. Good story. Interesting concept. American transfer student in modern London. Jack the Ripper style murders are happening. Is Jack’s ghost back? There’s a series of 3, and they’re all good, but I found this first book to be the strongest. And this one can be “stand alone.” The second book ends on a cliff hanger. “Thirty-Three Teeth” by Colin Cotterill Fun and unique, following 72 yr old doctor in Laos, forced into being the National Coroner by Communist Party leaders in the late 1970’s. Investigating series of strange deaths and animal attacks. Quirky and fresh, with some great humor, too. “Saga” by Fiona Staples & Brian K. Vaughan This graphic novel series is gorgeous drawings and a great story. Very imaginative, with Vaughan’s characteristic smart writing. “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Victor Frankl It was good to revisit this book after first reading it in high school. Still very affecting and important, and Frankl’s often dispassionate narrative style is more powerful than an emotion-choked retelling would be. Big ideas. True horrors of the holocaust. And powerful important discussions about meaning-making as a human when there can be this much suffering around us. “Dust” by Hugh Howey Satisfying conclusion to the “Wool” trilogy. I love Howey’s world building and character development.
