I’m so impressed by this book. It’s a true work of an artist giving everything they have to their craft. The attention to detail and care for every paI’m so impressed by this book. It’s a true work of an artist giving everything they have to their craft. The attention to detail and care for every page of this graphic memoir is quite remarkable. And of course, the stories of the three women that this book charts is moving and carefully rendered.
My only complaint is that I think it got a bit dense and repetitive at times. In the first half, especially, there is a lot of history that is told through large blocks of text, which I was not expecting for a book relying heavily on imagery. And in the latter half of the story, some of the elements felt redundant by that point and some sentiments repeated.
Don’t let that deter you from picking this up. It is incredibly well-crafted and emotional. I can imagine this having a very strong impact on children of immigrants as well, and those who have suffered from a lost history in their family, or a history that keeps people apart rather than pulling them together. ...more
What is there to say that hasn't already been said about this? A wonderful reimagining of an American classic. It straddles adventure and peril in equWhat is there to say that hasn't already been said about this? A wonderful reimagining of an American classic. It straddles adventure and peril in equal measure. Jim's voice is clear and eviscerating. I flew through it and would highly recommend, whether you've read Huck Finn or not!...more
This is definitely a book. Not one that I particularly understood or enjoyed. But curious to discuss at book club. Maybe I’ll come back and update my This is definitely a book. Not one that I particularly understood or enjoyed. But curious to discuss at book club. Maybe I’ll come back and update my review with actual thoughts once we chat. ...more
For fans of Tender is the Flesh and Fever Dream. An atmospheric, reflective story about an epidemic stemming from the appearance of algae in an unnameFor fans of Tender is the Flesh and Fever Dream. An atmospheric, reflective story about an epidemic stemming from the appearance of algae in an unnamed coastal city.
A woman charged with looking after a boy, Mauro, with an insatiable hunger alternates visits between her mother living inland from the diseased areas of their hometown and her ex-husband, Max, who's hospitalized for chronic care due to the indecipherable illness. She reflects on the loss of lives, the loss of livelihood, and the loss of her past and memories. But while the stakes seem high, the story itself is not urgent—it winds and wends like a river toward an inevitable waterfall. Will she make it out of the country as prices for food and the new 'pink slime' supplement go up and up? What will happen to Mauro and Max in their respective situations? How do we hold onto humanity amidst chaos and confusion?
The book has a very strong and clear tone, communicated well through Cleary's flawless translation. The short chapters are followed by unspecific dialogue between two characters—the main character and her ex-husband? And her mother? And her childhood nanny? And her lost friends? It's unclear and adds to the disorienting and mysterious feeling of the book as a whole.
However, I felt overall there was a repetitive nature to the story, despite it only being 220-ish pages, that made it all feel a bit blasé. Even when the world around her feels so stressful, I never felt concerned for her as a character. I don't even know if she felt worried for herself, instead embracing a sort of recklessness that comes with realizing the world around you is forever changed, and so what if you don't survive to see the end?
There were a few passages that really struck me, and I think the author has an interesting point-of-view. While the book overall didn't blow me away, I'd be curious to read more from her and recommend for readers who appreciate more vibes than plot....more
Even stronger of a collection than Olive Kitteridge was in my opinion! That was one of my first Strout reads *years* ago (and perhaps it would grow onEven stronger of a collection than Olive Kitteridge was in my opinion! That was one of my first Strout reads *years* ago (and perhaps it would grow on me with a re-read as others of her books have done), but now that I've read almost all of her books, Olive's story here just hits different.
I loved that this book included familiar characters from books like The Burgess Boys and Amy & Isabelle (the latter of which I have yet to read actually but know about the mother/daughter pair). And within this collection, characters spill over into each others' stories, including Olive, of course, who is prominent throughout.
Strout is just a masterful character writer. These stories are quite sad and hard-hitting at times—filled with infidelity, abuse, troubled relationships, abandonment, loneliness—but of course contain Strout's wonderful ability to offer peace and awe in a quick turn of phrase or revelatory moment for the character. She has so much compassion for her characters who represent so many walks of life. And she's truly created a one of a kind literary fiction world with Shirley Falls and Crosby, Maine.
I'm glad I finally got around to this one as it seems to set up her new novel coming out later this year quite well and bringing together Lucy Barton and Olive's stories with Bob Burgess! Can't wait to get to that one soon....more
I love my local book club because it definitely encourages me to read books I might normally have missed or not picked up on my own. I had seen this bI love my local book club because it definitely encourages me to read books I might normally have missed or not picked up on my own. I had seen this book floating around and even seen it at the library with passing interest, but never taken the leap to pick it up because it's not something that sounds exactly up my alley.
I notoriously HATE animal narrators (at least this one which is one of the worst books I've ever read), and while I like when poets write fiction I prefer prose most of the time over prose poetry. Nevertheless I am committed to my local indie and their monthly selections and read this one—which I'm glad to have finally picked up!
This book is strange, but also not as strange as it might seem? It's told from the point of view of a mountain lion who lives in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, based on the real mountain lion P-22. The story follows the cougar's wanderings and musings about the city, its inhabitants, what it means to be a human or desire to be one, gender, sexuality, and more. It's a free flowing, well written poetic style that I think worked for at least the first half of the story.
I'll avoid spoilers and say for me the pace of the story shifts quite drastically in the second half and that's where it lost me. I didn't feel as interested or connected with the events of the novel, which distracted, for me, from the mind of the character that I thought Hoke developed really well early on.
However, this is such a short book you can definitely read in 1-2 sittings, and potentially even re-read (which I think would be rewarding to see things in a new light after finishing it), that I would still recommend it to people. It's funny, thought-provoking, and while a bit uneven, showcases a strong narrative voice and POV that I think is fresh and exciting in the fiction world. I'll keep an eye out for Hoke's next work!...more
I’m glad I read the short story “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” before reading this. It’s helpful to have some context of the Glass family when pickingI’m glad I read the short story “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” before reading this. It’s helpful to have some context of the Glass family when picking this up.
“Franny” is a short story following the youngest member of the Glass family, Franny, as she struggles to compose herself during a lunch date with her boyfriend, Lane, on a weekend visit she makes to him in 1950s upstate New York.
“Zooey” is a novella following her older brother, the second youngest member of the Glass family, Zachary/Zooey, in the fallout of the events of Franny’s story as they contemplate their unconventional upbringing and education via their two oldest brothers Seymour and Buddy.
Both stories have strong themes of religion, especially how to reach a sort of nirvana, and also reflects on common themes in Salinger’s work include authenticity, creativity, and beauty.
I really enjoyed these stories and appreciated how it gave more insight to the family. It was obviously well written and while at times it felt a bit repetitive it was still engaging, funny, thoughtful and compelling enough to never get boring. ...more
A strange, almost surreal story about a Palestinian woman who comes to NYC and slowly unravels as she considers the cost of being human. She's blockedA strange, almost surreal story about a Palestinian woman who comes to NYC and slowly unravels as she considers the cost of being human. She's blocked from accessing fully the inheritance left to her and lives on an allowance (albeit clearly a healthy sum), while teaching at a all-boys school in the city with some unconventional methods. She also befriends a drifter who pulls her into a scheme to resell Birkin bags on the black market. All of this is told in a wry, uncanny style a la Ottessa Moshfegh.
Sadly, I just didn't quite *get* this novel. I am on board for weird and wacky, and I thought the ideas explored were interesting, but it just never all came together for me in a satisfying way. Some of the thoughts the character has don't make sense to me, and perhaps they don't make sense to her either which shows her devolving character and separation from humanity. But as a reader it was not always enjoyable to feel left in the dark and that the author's intentions were inscrutable.
I think there's definitely a readership for this out there, perhaps those who really love the 'unhinged women' trope and are looking for something from a new perspective, particularly an immigrant POV and that examines wealth and homeland. ...more
The final pages of this book were incredible! And so much leading up to the ending had me tabbing particular passages either because of how incrediblyThe final pages of this book were incredible! And so much leading up to the ending had me tabbing particular passages either because of how incredibly relevant they felt as a millennial or how beautifully written they were or how well they crafted the characters' and their interactions.
I love Chang's writing and her worldview. After having read and LOVED her short story collection last year Tomb Sweeping, which was one of my favorite reads of 2024 and one of my favorite short story collections ever, I was eager to go back and read her debut novel from 2020. And I will say if you like her writing then you will like this book like I did.
This story follows a character who is at a crossroads in life. She's a few years out of college, living with her white boyfriend in San Francisco, and working as a tech reporter in the Silicon Valley. This is 2012, and the book really perfectly captures that time and place so well. Instagram and other major social media sites are still in their early days, and pairing that with a post-grad malaise, the story feels extremely relatable.
The title refers to these small snippets of writing the main character files away called 'Distractions' as she reflects on life, her family, her Asian American identity, technology, relationships, home, etc. The entire book chronicles a year or so as she moves cross country with her boyfriend for his graduate studies in New York, leaving behind their homes and families in California. It's about reckoning with change, conflict and growth in your mid-20s.
I felt that some parts of the story dragged a bit for me. As the character is developing a sense of self and examining her life and choices, she uses historical figures and research that she does for her writing to reflect on these issues. And at times I felt there was just a bit too much referenced in the story to other things; full paragraphs or pages of quotes from historical documents, journals, books, etc. that took me out of the story. I think that bit should have been cut back a bit to give the character more of a developing voice. It definitely slowed the pace of the story.
Like I said, the ending was beautiful and I would definitely recommend this to readers who loved Chang's short stories, or those looking for a book about existential dread in the 21st century from a young person's POV. I can't wait to see what Chang writes next! I'm eagerly following her career....more
Elisa Shua Dusapin delivers another finely drawn portrait of a character in flux, this time sending her to the circus. Following her prize winning EngElisa Shua Dusapin delivers another finely drawn portrait of a character in flux, this time sending her to the circus. Following her prize winning English debut Winter in Sokcho and its follow-up The Pachinko Parlour, Dusapin continues her exploration of loneliness and identity in the port city of Vladivostok as fall turns to winter.
Nathalie, a recent college graduate with an emphasis in clothing design, is commissioned to help a trio of circus performers with their costumes for an upcoming exhibition. She arrives at the circus as it closes for the winter, where Nathalie and the trio, along with Leon the choreographer and manager, will stay on to rehearse and design their new act. The trio is made up of Anton and Nino who have worked together for 15 years, a Russian and German respectively—and Anna, a Ukrainian woman about Nathalie's age that is replacing the previous 'flyer' of their Russian bar act, after an incident occurred leaving Igor, the previous flyer, unable to perform.
(It's worth noting this book was written and published in French in 2020, years before the Russian invasion of Ukraine; so while this story itself never denotes when it takes place, it's easier to imagine Anna's character and behaviors, speaking Russian and living in a Russian city, based on the context in which the story itself was created).
At first, Nathalie feels uncomfortable with such close contact and cohabiting with people she barely knows in a city she hasn't been to in nearly twenty years. But as the cold of winter descends and the characters begin to warm up to each other, she begins to reveal more of her guarded self and learns more about the others in return.
In a way this book reads well with Dusapin's other two novels in a loose sort of trilogy. Where she was in South Korea and Japan before, she triangulates her settings on the Russian coastline and even describes the setting in relation to some of these previous places. Nathalie feels dislocated in a way that her other protagonists have as well. We continue themes of language and identity, communication and the arts, through the ways in which characters speak to one another—both verbally and through shared experiences.
One of the highlights of the novel comes about mid-way through when Anton and Nino convince Nathalie to get on the bar and see what Anna experiences when they perform. From there, a sort of trust is developed as Dusapin explores how people in close proximity, especially those endeavoring to push the boundaries of art and creativity, must collaborate with one another. You see the barriers break down as the characters continue to develop bonds, often unspoken.
I won't lie and say this book hooked me immediately like her previous novels did. However, with each of her books, each time I read it, I immediately go back to the beginning and read it once again. This one was no exception. They are so short, but pack a punch, and while they may seem simple, there's a lot of nuance and layers to the story, the characters, their journeys, that you pick up on while re-reading.
Once I finished my 2nd reading of this, I was convinced by its brilliance, its subtlety and beauty, and that Dusapin is one of my favorite living writers. I cannot see what she does next (and hope that Higgins continues to translate with Luke Bird's excellent cover designs)....more
A memoir told in letters. Emezi ruminates on topics of identity, gender, humanity, fame, love, family and more in these missives to loved ones, heroesA memoir told in letters. Emezi ruminates on topics of identity, gender, humanity, fame, love, family and more in these missives to loved ones, heroes, gods, etc.
I found the candor with which Emezi writes, as they always do, to be admirable, if not a bit opaque at times. Because each letter addresses different people and covers different topics, I found some more interesting than others, and some more vulnerable than others which I appreciated. I think it's an interesting technique/approach to a memoir, but didn't coalesce into a complete narrative like I'd prefer.
I also struggled at times to understand their thinking because they write so beautifully it feels like it overtakes the message. Still, quite enjoyable prose to read, but I think I prefer their fiction. I'm glad I read Freshwater (which is *excellent* btw) before this to get a glimpse of the topics Emezi is interested in, and a bit more about their life through their storytelling....more
This is my first time reading Kim Fu's work but will certainly not be the last. In this collection of 12 stories that are wild and weird and wondrous,This is my first time reading Kim Fu's work but will certainly not be the last. In this collection of 12 stories that are wild and weird and wondrous, Fu explores loneliness, time, intimacy, expectations, sleep, fantasies, and so much more with these compelling premises that keep you guessing with each turn of the page.
The opening story is a prime example of Fu's ability to craft a lot with very little. "Pre-Simulation Consultation XF007867" is told solely in dialogue between two people that uses a technological experiment to raise questions about memory and consciousness.
Many times throughout the collection, Fu begins a story with a surprising opening. Her hooks are never gimmicky though; they do play out and unfurl in even more surprising ways while always retaining the thesis of the story she is writing in a clear, strong way.
I particularly loved how she used each of these stories to explore different aspects of the human psyche. There's a lot about longing in this collection, why we want the things we do, what it means to give ourselves permission to want, what happens when we want for the wrong reasons. Fu just seems to get how weird it can be, at times, to be (a) human and these sometimes wacky but always heartfelt stories demonstrate the singular nature of humanity.
My favorite stories were "Sandman", "Twenty Hours", "June Bugs" and the final story "Do You Remember Candy" but truthfully there wasn't a single story I didn't enjoy.
I only wish that a few had gone a bit deeper or been ever so slightly longer. Once in a while I felt the story cut off *just* before a. breakthrough or satisfying conclusion, which is the nature of short stories sometimes, and I would've happily read more. But I suppose that's not a major complaint because Fu does demonstrate restraint that is often required in the form....more
Another strange and enchanting story from Mona Awad. This time diving into the beauty industry, intergenerational trauma, and grief.
Belle's mother haAnother strange and enchanting story from Mona Awad. This time diving into the beauty industry, intergenerational trauma, and grief.
Belle's mother has recently passed away. She must return from Montreal to San Diego to take care of some things in light of her mother's death. But when she goes home for the first time in years, she gets more than she bargained for. What exactly caused her mother's death? And how can Belle reckon with her childhood, her mother's imposing beauty, and the world that created the image she strives to see in herself, without losing her grip on reality? Only Awad could write the story that unfolds in these pages.
I am biased because I love Mona Awad, and I saw her talk about this book in person on her book tour in La Jolla, California (where this book takes place and where she's written a couple of her books now!). So I have an especially personal connection to this book in particular. While it wasn't my favorite of her books, I still really enjoyed it. The atmosphere, the flashing back and forth seamlessly between the past and present, the overall weirdness that she does so well: she's in as fine of form as ever in Rouge. I also felt this was a deeply personal book for Awad herself. The topics of being mixed race, femininity and beauty, mother/daughter relationships; it all struck me, as well as hearing her speak about the book, as especially relevant.
It's also wacky and fun, even in it's disturbing nature. I mean, Tom Cruise?! Jellyfish?? Mannequins???
My only criticism of this book is that it felt a bit repetitive in the middle. Because not a lot of action happens in this book, it's mostly Belle uncovering memories and reflecting on things from the past, I think it started to feel sort of redundant about halfway through. But the ending more than makes up for it, in my eyes.
Merged review:
Another strange and enchanting story from Mona Awad. This time diving into the beauty industry, intergenerational trauma, and grief.
Belle's mother has recently passed away. She must return from Montreal to San Diego to take care of some things in light of her mother's death. But when she goes home for the first time in years, she gets more than she bargained for. What exactly caused her mother's death? And how can Belle reckon with her childhood, her mother's imposing beauty, and the world that created the image she strives to see in herself, without losing her grip on reality? Only Awad could write the story that unfolds in these pages.
I am biased because I love Mona Awad, and I saw her talk about this book in person on her book tour in La Jolla, California (where this book takes place and where she's written a couple of her books now!). So I have an especially personal connection to this book in particular. While it wasn't my favorite of her books, I still really enjoyed it. The atmosphere, the flashing back and forth seamlessly between the past and present, the overall weirdness that she does so well: she's in as fine of form as ever in Rouge. I also felt this was a deeply personal book for Awad herself. The topics of being mixed race, femininity and beauty, mother/daughter relationships; it all struck me, as well as hearing her speak about the book, as especially relevant.
It's also wacky and fun, even in it's disturbing nature. I mean, Tom Cruise?! Jellyfish?? Mannequins???
My only criticism of this book is that it felt a bit repetitive in the middle. Because not a lot of action happens in this book, it's mostly Belle uncovering memories and reflecting on things from the past, I think it started to feel sort of redundant about halfway through. But the ending more than makes up for it, in my eyes.
Merged review:
Another strange and enchanting story from Mona Awad. This time diving into the beauty industry, intergenerational trauma, and grief.
Belle's mother has recently passed away. She must return from Montreal to San Diego to take care of some things in light of her mother's death. But when she goes home for the first time in years, she gets more than she bargained for. What exactly caused her mother's death? And how can Belle reckon with her childhood, her mother's imposing beauty, and the world that created the image she strives to see in herself, without losing her grip on reality? Only Awad could write the story that unfolds in these pages.
I am biased because I love Mona Awad, and I saw her talk about this book in person on her book tour in La Jolla, California (where this book takes place and where she's written a couple of her books now!). So I have an especially personal connection to this book in particular. While it wasn't my favorite of her books, I still really enjoyed it. The atmosphere, the flashing back and forth seamlessly between the past and present, the overall weirdness that she does so well: she's in as fine of form as ever in Rouge. I also felt this was a deeply personal book for Awad herself. The topics of being mixed race, femininity and beauty, mother/daughter relationships; it all struck me, as well as hearing her speak about the book, as especially relevant.
It's also wacky and fun, even in it's disturbing nature. I mean, Tom Cruise?! Jellyfish?? Mannequins???
My only criticism of this book is that it felt a bit repetitive in the middle. Because not a lot of action happens in this book, it's mostly Belle uncovering memories and reflecting on things from the past, I think it started to feel sort of redundant about halfway through. But the ending more than makes up for it, in my eyes.
Merged review:
Another strange and enchanting story from Mona Awad. This time diving into the beauty industry, intergenerational trauma, and grief.
Belle's mother has recently passed away. She must return from Montreal to San Diego to take care of some things in light of her mother's death. But when she goes home for the first time in years, she gets more than she bargained for. What exactly caused her mother's death? And how can Belle reckon with her childhood, her mother's imposing beauty, and the world that created the image she strives to see in herself, without losing her grip on reality? Only Awad could write the story that unfolds in these pages.
I am biased because I love Mona Awad, and I saw her talk about this book in person on her book tour in La Jolla, California (where this book takes place and where she's written a couple of her books now!). So I have an especially personal connection to this book in particular. While it wasn't my favorite of her books, I still really enjoyed it. The atmosphere, the flashing back and forth seamlessly between the past and present, the overall weirdness that she does so well: she's in as fine of form as ever in Rouge. I also felt this was a deeply personal book for Awad herself. The topics of being mixed race, femininity and beauty, mother/daughter relationships; it all struck me, as well as hearing her speak about the book, as especially relevant.
It's also wacky and fun, even in it's disturbing nature. I mean, Tom Cruise?! Jellyfish?? Mannequins???
My only criticism of this book is that it felt a bit repetitive in the middle. Because not a lot of action happens in this book, it's mostly Belle uncovering memories and reflecting on things from the past, I think it started to feel sort of redundant about halfway through. But the ending more than makes up for it, in my eyes....more
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