I'm going to be quite honest. I'm not really sure what to make of this one, but this oddly felt like an accurate representation of the millennial expeI'm going to be quite honest. I'm not really sure what to make of this one, but this oddly felt like an accurate representation of the millennial experience. CW: harming of an animal, disordered eating, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt.
Worry is the debut novel of Alexandra Tanner and examines the experience of two sisters forced to live together as the world goes through severe social, economic, and political changes. Jules is internet obsessed and stalks the experiences of what seems like #tradlife moms via Instagram while her sister Poppy is attempting to pull her life together after a suicide attempt the previous year. What follows is a serious of mishaps that were both funny, but extremely realistic in nature.
What Worked: This book was fucking hilarious. I'm not sure if that was Tanner's intention, but there were moments where I found myself laughing out loud. From the wild things said by their mother to the clearly oblivious behavior from their father, Poppy and Jules never seemed to be able to catch a break. Surprisingly, Tanner made these tough moments both funny and relatable. I don't know if there has been a book that has captured the experience of millennials so well. From social commentary to political commentary, Jules and Poppy cover a lot of topics that would be closely connected/impactful to readers in my generation. Don't get me wrong, there were some deeply troubling and sad moments; however, Tanner seemed to be able to find a balance between the two. I may not have always understood the intention of the novel, but for some reason I always felt connected to it.
What Didn't Work: There isn't a plot so as a result it doesn't feel as though there is much going on. Granted the character development is amazing; however, as a plot driven reader, it would foolish of me not to point this out. Secondly, WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT ENDING?!? While I don't necessarily classify that as animal abuse because dogs do engage in combative behavior, I do think that it was a little dark and unusually cruel to include that scene without context or further explanation. It felt as though it was thrown in for shock value and I didn't appreciate that.
Overall, this was a solid debut. It won't be a favorite for the year, but I do appreciate what Tanner was attempting to accomplish with Poppy and Jules as characters....more
Not going to lie. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book, but Lescure did some interesting things with a reverse immigration story that tacNot going to lie. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book, but Lescure did some interesting things with a reverse immigration story that tackles the implications of American expats in China. CW: underage alcohol consumption, sexual assault, emotional abuse, grooming, suicidal ideation, suicide, loss of a child, parental neglect
River East, River West is told in dual perspective following two different timelines of the main characters Alva, Lu Fang, and Sloan. Beginning in 2007, readers meet Sloan's daughter Alva who desires to leave China for the United States, but settles on attending the American School in Shanghai after Sloan marries their Chinese landlord Lu Fang. What follows is an interesting insight to race, class, culture and what it means to feel "in between" different aspects of one's identity.
What Worked: Lescure is a gifted storyteller. Alva, Lu Fang, and Sloan are difficult characters to like. In fact, there were specific moments where I couldn't stand any of them; however, I never lost interest in trying to figure out what was happening next. Through them, readers learn so much about the impact of American expats in China. The way White Americans would flock to the country in order to re-define their identities socially, politically, and economically, utilizing their whiteness as a means of advancement was beautifully crafted into the characterization of Sloan. Through the dual narrative perspective of Lu Fang and Alva, readers learn more about her intentions with and treatment of the Chinese as a way to boost her own ego and position in society. In the same respect, Lescure develops the character of Lu Fang against the backdrop of cultural and economic changes in China. Dissatisfied with the results of his life, he makes decision that cause waves of unexpected upheaval. Through Lu Fang and Sloan's character development, comes the development of Alva's coming of age story both heartbreaking and devastating, but a clear picture of what it feels like to be caught between two worlds.
What Didn't Work: I did not like the characters. Alva was more bearable because her narrative felt like more of a coming of age story typical of a teenager sharing her experiences. However, Lu Fang and Sloan gave me a run for my money. There were moments where I felt for them, but others where they both disgusted me.
Overall, this was an interesting debut. I would definitely check out the content warnings, but this idea of reverse immigration worked for me....more
I've been reading more adult releases this year and this one was on my radar. While it wasn't the best book, I found the characters to be intriguing.
YI've been reading more adult releases this year and this one was on my radar. While it wasn't the best book, I found the characters to be intriguing.
You Only Call When You're in Trouble follows family members Tom, Cecily, and Dorothy. Tom has been a support system for Cecily and Dorothy for years and desperately wants to be able to do something for himself. Just when he's in a place where he can focus on his major architectural project, he finds out that Cecily is under Title IX investigation with her university and Dorothy suddenly wants to reveal to Cecily the true identity of her father.
What Worked: I love a book about family mess, and this definitely has plenty of it. From the relationship that Tom has with his sister and niece to the dynamics they all share with their friends, the reveals in this book left my jaw unhinged. I also think that McCauley did a wonderful job addressing the complexity of academia. Cecily is under a Title IX investigation for an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student. The investigation is, in a lot of ways flawed, but pushes Cecily to recognize what would most benefit her in her career. There were also some hilarious moments. I'm not sure if that was the intention of McCauley, but there were moments where I found myself chuckling at the characters especially those that included Dorothy.
What Didn't Work: Like other reviewers have stated before me, I felt like there was a gap in character development. While a lot of the personality traits that we find in each character are realistic, I feel like there were some full circle moments that were missing. The book also has some pacing issues. While I was ultimately intrigued by Cecily's narrative, Tom and Dorothy fell apart for me as I got closer to the end of the novel. It's almost as if the reveal of Cecily's father slowed down the potential development of them as characters. The dynamic between Cecily and Tom is endearing and I loved how much he cared for his niece; however, he's a piece of work and is probably the least likable character out of the three of them.
Overall, a solid read and I'll be checking out more from McCauley in the future....more
A random pick up as I attempt to dive a little more into adult literature. This was an intriguing read though it could have used a little more charactA random pick up as I attempt to dive a little more into adult literature. This was an intriguing read though it could have used a little more character development. CW: discussions of multiple miscarriages, infidelity, child abuse (both verbal and physical) 3.5 Stars
Goldenseal is an interesting mix of literary fiction and historical fiction that focuses on the relationship between two characters Edith and Lacey who were once close friends. At the beginning of the novel, readers meet them after the reunite after 40 years of no contact. As they meet, the story of the great betrayal of their friendship is revealed through a series of flashbacks and a single conversation that takes place in a hotel.
What Worked: Hummel did an excellent job reiterating the idea that friendship break ups are just as difficult as romantic break ups. Edith and Lacey have a complicated relationship; however, it is clear that the two shared so much love between each other. Hummel writes in a way that is intriguing and easy to follow tying in cultural and historical events that have had a major impact on the characters. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it didn't bother me that the two characters never leave the hotel during the course of their conversation. The hotel plays such a significant role in their relationship and the course of the story that it almost felt necessary for it to be the central location. Additionally, the flashbacks provide the opportunity for the characters to interact with other locations. This book is MESSY. Neither character is guilt free for the demise of their friendship; however, when the reveals begin to happen my jaw was literally on the floor.
What Didn't Work: This is a character driven story which typically doesn't work for me. That's not an issue with the author or the book, it's more of a me problem. However, I think that Hummel was heavy handed in the character development of Lacey and less so with Edith. Unfortunately, we only get brief glimpses of her childhood whereas we learn the intricate details of Lacey's childhood. Because of this, it felt uneven and left me struggling to connect with Edith. Granted, both characters make major mistakes that puts their friendship on the line; however, I felt more sympathy for Lacey because I "knew" her more than Edith. I'm not sure if that was the intent of Hummel; however, it does change the tone of the book. There were also parts of this book that were slow. Although I finished it fairly quickly, I found myself less engaged with certain sections than others.
Overall, this was a solid read and it'll be an interesting read for those into books that explore friendship breakups....more
I'm not really sure what to make of this read. It's so different in a way that I almost don't have the words to describe it.
The Fetishist follows the I'm not really sure what to make of this read. It's so different in a way that I almost don't have the words to describe it.
The Fetishist follows the perspective of several characters including Daniel, Kyoko, and Alma each with separate lives, but seemingly intertwined. As readers follow these characters through the past and the present, Min addresses the fetishization of Asian women which is deemed as "yellow fever" by characters in the book. What follows is an interesting look at the lives of these three characters as they attempt to cope with the decisions and actions made by Daniel.
What Worked: This book was entertaining, heartbreaking, and eye opening. I had no previous knowledge of Min as an author, but I'm really interested in checking out more of her previous book as this one was published posthumously. The plot of this book did a lot, but in a positive way. There are various conversations about the fetishization of Asian women by White men and how that is closely related to colonialism; there is a revenge plot in which Kyoko wants to seek retribution for how Daniel treated her mother; and there is a plot that focuses on the emotional and mental well-being of Alma as it is connected to Daniel. All of these plot point intersect in an unexpected way and made me feel so greatly for Alma and Kyoko. Surprisingly, this book was also funny. There were moments, especially those during Kyoko's narrative, that made me smile which was interesting considering this is a book that confronts some pretty tough topics. I appreciated that each of the characters is flawed in their own ways. It makes them feel surprisingly human.
What Didn't Work: I think that this one wrapped up too neatly for me in the end, but that's simply because I wanted to see a specific character suffer more. However, I do recognize that it wasn't my pain that needed to be avenged (this is why I strongly connected with Kyoko).
Overall, this was a great book. A very unexpected read for the beginning of the year, but I'm definitely glad I gave it a chance. Sending so much love to Min's family for their loss. It couldn't have been easy to publish this in her absence....more
If there is one thing Allende will do for me, it’s breaking my heart. I’m not sure what I expected going into this novel, but it was a wonderful, impaIf there is one thing Allende will do for me, it’s breaking my heart. I’m not sure what I expected going into this novel, but it was a wonderful, impactful brilliantly told story about the human experience. CW: murder, rape, descriptions of rape, racism, antisemitism, domestic violence, torture, brutal historical events i.e. Kristallnacht and the El Mozote Massacre
The Wind Knows My Name is told across several narratives and time periods. Readers follow main characters Samuel, Laticia, Selena, and Anita through the tragic experiences that they experience as children and their lasting impact on them as adults. Part of this book explores human loss and grief and the other part explores the inhumane policies that prevent people from finding safe havens in places like the United States. While this book is tragic in many ways, it does speak to human resilience and the importance of found family.
What Worked: I absolutely adore Allende’s writing. This is the third novel that I’ve read by her and her ability to pull me head first into the pages of her stories never ceases to amaze me. There are also some great explorations of the history of human tragedy in this book. As always, Allende does a great job weaving in real historical events that affect and mold characters throughout the story. In this particular novel, readers learn more about WWII through Samuel’s perspective, the El Mozote massacre through Laticia, and the dangers of human trafficking as well as inhumane border policies through Selena and Anita. While I was unclear of how their stories would connect, Allende did a great job of driving them closer together through the theme of human loss and tragedy. Each has lost something or someone meaningful to them and they spend a great portion of the novel attempting to not only work through their grief, but accept their circumstances. Regardless of the tragedy that they face, Allende doesn’t leave readers or her characters without a sense of hope. The importance of found family and community in this book is the silver lining to everyone’s dark and stormy experiences. Their development as characters is beautiful, yet real. They make mistakes, have regrets, break societal expectations, engage in great acts of betrayal, are betrayed, treated in the most inhumane manner and yet each one of them eventually learns how to trust and love through it all. Allende writes with great emotion and easily exhibits it through the lens of her characters. These are people that will stick with me for a while. Even though they are not real, they represent those who have experienced and continue to experience these things. It makes me reflect on the privilege I’ve had of never dealing with half of the human tragedy that some see every single day.
If you’ve never read a book by Allende, I implore you to check something out by her and soon. There isn’t a book by her that I’ve disliked. Overall, this was a solid read and I’m excited to dive into more of her works soon....more
This was a pleasant surprise! I've been seeing a few of my mutuals pick this one up and I decided to dive into this and was not disappointed. With greThis was a pleasant surprise! I've been seeing a few of my mutuals pick this one up and I decided to dive into this and was not disappointed. With great storytelling and interesting, dynamic characters, I had a great time this book. CW: misogyny, disordered eating, slut shaming, descriptions of violence, character who uses position of power to entice younger women.
The God of Good Looks follows main character Bianca who meets an untimely social downfall after her affair with a married government minister goes public. In an attempt to get her career back on track, Bianca makes the decision to work with Obadiah Courtland on his small magazine. What she gains in return is unexpected relationships as well as a fresh new sense of self and confidence that benefits her in more way than one.
What Worked: The writing was STUNNING. Out of all the books that I've read, I can honestly state that there aren't many that instantaneously grab my attention through the author's writing. McIvor beautifully captures the double standard that is often passed off on women who are involved in affairs. Bianca takes all of the responsibility for the affair and is both shamed and shunned by most of the community. However, the minister is able to maintain his relationships, standing in society, as well as his career even though he is well known for using his political power and influence to enter into relationships with younger woman. McIvor gave power to Bianca, a power that she acknowledges comes with association with wealth and privilege. It was a joy and honor reading the journey that Bianca embarks on after becoming employed by Obadiah. There is a new beauty and confidence that she gains after being torn down by society and those around her. And let me tell you, that final stand off between her and the minister was freaking ICONIC. She read that man for filth and played every card to her favor. And let's talk about Obadiah! I absolutely adored him. He was rash and quick at the mouth, but honest in a way that reminded me of my Caribbean family. I was blown away by the chemistry that he shared with Bianca. I honestly wasn't expecting that to happen and it felt so natural, so organic. The utilization of a dual narrative worked perfectly with both characters allowing readers to see them change and grow layer by layer.
What Didn't Work: Not a thing. This was a truly beautiful book.
Overall, this was a great read. A beautiful and monumental debut. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author in the future....more
Whew child. Some of these reviews are doing exactly what Kuang was pointing out through Yellowface. It’s interesting to watch it happen in real time. Whew child. Some of these reviews are doing exactly what Kuang was pointing out through Yellowface. It’s interesting to watch it happen in real time. While I don’t have extensive knowledge of her work, I think what Kuang is doing in this book is actually quite brilliant.
At the most basic of levels, Yellowface is a mash of various genres that follows the passive aggressive “friendship” of Athena and June, two authors in the publishing industry with very different levels of success. Athena has received her big break while June has remained a struggling author. In an absurd (truly absurd if I’m being quite honest haha) turn of events, Athena chokes while engaging in a pancake eating contest with June. After her death, June makes the decision to steal one of her manuscripts and pass it off as her own. What follows next is chaotic descent into the world of publishing and the book community.
What Worked: SO MUCH OF THIS BOOOK WORKED! I’ve seen the countless criticisms of Kuang inserting herself too much into this book as well as the criticisms that indicate that there isn’t much to be gained from reading this book. I wholeheartedly disagree. Oh, my friends, there is much to be gained. Neither of the characters is likeable and that is INTENTIONAL. This isn’t a way to illustrate that everyone in publishing is selfish, but a means to question how much the reader falls into the trap of engaging with the model minority myth. The expectation that Athena is supposed to be likeable is deeply woven in the sociological phenomena that stereotypes many Asian communities as successful, smart, likeable, diligent, docile, etc and the idea that Athena doesn’t fit into that role has made some readers feel uncomfortable whether it is consciously or subconsciously.
Kuang’s evaluation of the publishing industry is layered and forces both publishing and the bookish community to do some reevaluation. What she singlehandedly captures in this book has been the biggest criticism that many of us have been vocal about since 2020. Publishing used the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement to claim to want more diversity and has in some ways published more diverse books; however, have we really paid attention to what those stories have centered? Trauma versus joy. So many of these stories have been centered on generational trauma, books that are used to educate and make the White masses feel better about not knowing much about diverse experiences prior to 2020. Marginalized voices in publishing are “permitted” to be a part of the community as long we play the roles that we are supposed to play. Once we begin to infiltrate the industry too much, those same people with “BLM” in their twitter bios, the same people who claim to be liberal do the same damn mental gymnastics June did to excuse her behavior. The system was designed for June to do what she did and the moment that marginalized communities “steal” the shine, it’s okay to push back because as June believes she’s the true minority and oppressed person in all of this. Don’t believe me, you should check out the TikTok made by an author who claims that white writers now get turned down because all agents want are BIPOC writers. Or better yet, just listen to foolishness that was uttered from James Patterson who had the audacity to state the White men are the truly oppressed writers in the industry.
And let’s take this a step further and look at how Kuang illustrated the danger that publishing has ultimately created with it’s use of terms like #ownvoices. Athena wasn’t ever allowed to write outside of trauma. She’s pigeonholed into only writing one thing. And honestly, I’m sure that happens more than we would like to believe. Authors who want to explore something outside of their “assigned” roles either get turned down or the marketing is trash. It delves deeper into the question of who is allowed to tell what story? Was Athena any better of a fit to tell the story of Chinese laborers of WWI than June? Is research enough to tell something outside of one’s lived experience? These are things to think about and something that we are confronted with every day in this community. Think about books like American Dirt and Memoirs of a Geisha.
This book is both absurd and unhinged because so is publishing and the book community. And I’ve been involved in all of it for so many years. Kuang told ya’ll to kiss her ass with this book. She is behaving in the complete opposite manner that is “expected” of her as young, thin, conventionally beautiful Asian woman. And the fact that she owns that shit makes so many people feel uncomfortable. And quite frankly I applaud her for that. BIPOC writers and creators are tired of the expectation that we are supposed to behave, create, write, and provide educational pieces in way that makes others feel comfortable. We’re supposed to applaud White people for the amazing work they’ve done in “allowing” us to enter the spaces and “give” us the opportunity to tell “our stories.” It’s laughable at this point and while ya’ll give Kuang these 1 and 2 star reviews, she’s going to be laughing her pretty, thin, and educated ass all the way to the damn bank....more
I've been working on a project reading translated books from all over the world. My first country of choice was Venezuela. I developed an entire videoI've been working on a project reading translated books from all over the world. My first country of choice was Venezuela. I developed an entire video discussing not only this book, but also the history and culture of Venezuela and learned so much through the experience. If you're interested in checking that content as well as my review of this book definitely check out that reading vlog here: https://youtu.be/GkWyaW82u0o?si=oo9UP......more
Such a poignant, well-written, and captivating novel from Baldwin that captures so many different intersections of the Black experieAnd another one...
Such a poignant, well-written, and captivating novel from Baldwin that captures so many different intersections of the Black experience. As someone who is slowly working through their own relationship with religion, I have must commend Baldwin on the emotions that stirred while reading this. I'm currently working through reading all of Baldwins' works with Erica and Josh. If you're interested in hearing my more in-depth views of this book, be sure to check out our live show discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/live/jVYuqkqO......more
Celeste Ng is such a gifted writer. There's such a grace to the stories that she creates that keep readers intrigued from being to end. 4.5 Stars
What'Celeste Ng is such a gifted writer. There's such a grace to the stories that she creates that keep readers intrigued from being to end. 4.5 Stars
What's so funny about my experience in reading Celeste Ng is that she is a writer that heavily focuses on character development. I'm not usually a reader that enjoys character development over plot development; however, Celeste Ng is so gifted in her writing that I'm drawn into how her characters develop throughout the course of the story. Little Fires Everywhere, in my opinion, is an intricate look that motherhood. The methods and beliefs that each mother has in this book ultimately impacts the entire cast of characters making for a intense ending. It is also a story about perceptions and maintaining a certain façade for the public. The story itself focuses on Mia and Elena, two mothers who are vastly different in their background and the way in which they raise their children. Mia and her daughter Peal are nomadic in a lot of ways moving from town to town under the guise of focusing on Mia's artistic career. They eventually end up in Shaker Heights, a planned suburb from Ohio and come into contact with the Richardson family. What unfolds from their interactions is nothing short of devastating.
This book is more than just the analysis of the characters and their interactions with each other. Celeste Ng seems to give us insight to the complex role that is motherhood and the intricate ways that we perceive each other. Elena and Mia both believe that they have a grasp on being effective parents. I have seen reviews where people believe that Mia was illustrated in a more positive light than Elena; however, I saw faults in Mia as a character as well. Ng's implied intention seems to be that none of these characters are perfect. What they present to the world may be different; however, at their core they are not and the actions the actions that readers may perceive as "right/wrong" are not as black and white as they seem. This is especially apparent in the interweaving of the adoption case. Mothers, whether biological or adoptive, do what they feel is in the best interest of their children regardless of whether people on "the outside" see it as truly being in the best interest of said child. What is apparently clear from this book is that every decision that we make as caregivers impacts the children we care for sometimes in visible ways and sometimes in ways that are more subtle.
It's particularly easy to go into this book thinking that there is going to be a character that is explicitly right or wrong; however, it isn't that simply. The Richardson are perfect on the outside and Warren family appears that have absolutely nothing in their lives together. Looks and perceptions of people on the outside are exactly that. There is always more to people than what they show. Celeste Ng captured this perfectly. She slowly reveals the layers of each of these characters illustrating the complexity making the 3 dimensional/life like. I'm not sure if it was her intention; however, I really connected with some of the things readers were exposed to regarding motherhood. As a mother, I can admit that it's not easy. Every day you attempt to do the right thing and you believe that you are, but somewhere along the line we make mistakes and it's not so black and white as you presumed. Overall, I thought that it was a great book. I'm currently watching the TV show and it's just as good. Can't wait to see what Celeste Ng will do in the future. ...more
That ending. Honestly, I didn’t expect that and I listened to the last 20 minutes of this book twice to make sure I understood what the author was insThat ending. Honestly, I didn’t expect that and I listened to the last 20 minutes of this book twice to make sure I understood what the author was insinuating. Brilliantly done and I’m glad this was my last read of January
2021 is the year of translated works. I read quite a bit of manga which is technically translated; however, my ultimate goal is to broaden my horizons in relationship to translations. Ghachar Ghochar wasn’t on my radar. I randomly found the audiobook and made the decision to give it a try after reading the synopsis. The most interesting aspect of this reading experience is that the most defining moments of this book don’t come until the end meaning readers won’t grasp the true nature of the book until the last few pages. Set in Bangalore, Ghachar Ghochar opens with a young man sitting at coffee shop describing the setting of the coffee shop and those around him. Eventually he switches the narrative to a story focused on how his family went from poverty to acquiring massive wealth. This book isn’t so much about plot as it is about character study. Readers spend the entirety of the book watching a close knit family alter and change in very complex and intriguing ways after acquiring money. From small things such as less family meals to more complex situations like failed marriages, it’s fascinating to see the evolution of who they were to who they have become. As a reader, spectator, it’s easy to see how horrid the family becomes but they become so immersed in their new found wealth that they can’t see the changes within themselves. It’s only through the arrival of the narrator’s wife that their way of life becomes challenged. This is probably the first translated book that I’ve read from India and it won’t be my last. The following quote ties the meaning this book together beautifully: “it’s not we who control money, it’s the money that controls us. When there’s only a little, it behaves meekly; when it grows, it becomes brash and has its way with us.” With great exploration of Indian culture and family dynamics, Ghachar Ghochar is dynamic and interesting read that I highly recommend. ...more
Okay so let me start by saying that although I marked today as my finish date I actually finished this book a few days ago, but I needed time to colleOkay so let me start by saying that although I marked today as my finish date I actually finished this book a few days ago, but I needed time to collect my thoughts. And I'm happy to say that this is my first translated work of the year! : )
Just so you know...this book is incredibly slow in the beginning; however, I believe that's exactly what makes it beautiful and fun to read. You actually get to know the characters and grow with them and it makes the story even more engaging. I read this book for a book club that we have at work and while most of the ladies in the group strongly disliked the novel I thoroughly enjoy. What is most amazing is that the author doesn't "baby" or hold the reader by their hand. She throws you right into the book throwing names around giving the reader the opportunity to eventually catch on and become acclimated to the characters and their environment. I absolutely loved that because at the end of the day I felt challenged and it proved that the author had confidence in me as a reader.
What is probably most difficult about this book is the simple fact that some of the characters don't have any redeemable characteristics. Lila was definitely hard for me to relate and because I saw her from the eyes of Elena I never truly understood her because Elena never really truly understood her. I think that this book would have been a completely different experience if it was written from the perspective of Lila.
Overall, I would definitely say that I enjoyed it and I enjoyed reading about the life of the young girls while they grew up in Italy. I definitely will be doing a full length review of this simply because I need to express all my thoughts and views on this brilliant novel. ...more
This book was so different than what I'm used to reading, but in a good way. I think I expected a certain ending, but it made so much sense when that This book was so different than what I'm used to reading, but in a good way. I think I expected a certain ending, but it made so much sense when that ending didn't come true. A lot of heavy issues are also addressed in this novel especially the role that men and women play in society. I think that this was more about understanding how a society was supposed to be blamed for the death of an individual rather than just the two people who committed the actual murder. I really liked it and could appreciate what the author was attempting to do even if I had to go back and read several different passages. I will be doing a full review soon as this is a part of my Around the World reading challenge. ...more