Really tragic book. Important themes about racism and trauma. I appreciated the representation and messages related to the romance between a Latina giReally tragic book. Important themes about racism and trauma. I appreciated the representation and messages related to the romance between a Latina girl and a Black boy in the late 1930’s. But the book is very heavy and contains graphic depictions of childhood sexual abuse and physical beatings/racist violence so be warned.
The main reason I’m giving this book three stars is because unfortunately I didn’t find the characters’ voices very distinct from one another. So that made it hard for me to differentiate between them and stay invested in an immersed way. But I can see why others rated this book highly!...more
A novel that takes place in 1950s Bombay about twin sisters Jaya and Kamlesh, this book explores intriguing themes related to gendered oppression, BriA novel that takes place in 1950s Bombay about twin sisters Jaya and Kamlesh, this book explores intriguing themes related to gendered oppression, British colonialism, and pursuing art as a career and lifestyle. Those who enjoys stories about sisters coming of age may especially like Inside the Mirror. I found the writing style a bit dry and the tone one-note which made it hard for me to feel invested in the story, though I can see why others appreciate this book....more
Unfortunately just couldn’t get into this book mostly because of the writing style. I think The Evening Hero touches on important topics such as the KUnfortunately just couldn’t get into this book mostly because of the writing style. I think The Evening Hero touches on important topics such as the Korean War, the for-profit health care system in the United States, and immigration and what we owe ourselves and each other. Some may describe the affect of the novel as darkly comedic. For me, the prose was too dry for me to feel immersed or invested. Onto the next book!...more
Oh wow, I loved this book. My Last Innocent Year takes place in the winter of 1998 and follows Isabel Rosen, a senior at the prestigious, wea4.5 stars
Oh wow, I loved this book. My Last Innocent Year takes place in the winter of 1998 and follows Isabel Rosen, a senior at the prestigious, wealthy, and elite Wilder College located in New Hampshire. Isabel comes from a working-class Jewish family that owns a Lower East Side appetizing store. Her senior year starts out tumultuously when Isabel is sexually assaulted by Zev, one of the only other Jewish students on campus. The emotional upheaval in Isabel’s life escalates when she meets R.H. Connelly, a once-famous poet and non-tenure-track professor who’s teaching Isabel’s competitive writing seminar this semester. Their affair sets the shaky foundation for a series of events that transcends Isabel’s individual life and speaks to the broader landscape of gender and power of that era – and I’d venture to say, our current era as well.
I first want to applaud the writing in this book. Daisy Alpert Florin’s prose was so, so good, and so readable. I feel like she captured the atmosphere of a wealthy liberal arts college so well, as well as that period in your early 20’s where everything feels so intense and important. I found myself immersed in Isabel’s perspective in a way I haven’t felt since I read Ghosts by Dolly Alderton in February (though the two books are very different.) I was enraptured; I stayed up last night finishing the book and only got three hours of quality sleep, though it was worth it (the sleep thing may have also had to do with me drinking a Sprite right before going to bed but, whatever.) The scenes, the dialogue, Isabel’s internal reflection and the retrospective narration – I loved it.
I also appreciated the subtle yet prominent commentary about men’s mistreatment of women and the (white) feminism of the late 90’s. I thought Florin captured Isabel’s initial reactions and timidity around men so well, even when we as readers may be screaming and sighing in disdain as we witness what unfolds. Thanks to Florin’s high quality prose, the messages didn’t come across in a heavy-handed or distracting way. I also liked how Florin captured the shades of grey in certain relationships and situations, though of course not in a way that condones sexual assault or patriarchal violence. There were some elements related to female friendship that I liked and wished could have been more developed, but I didn’t feel annoyed about this enough to rate this book lower.
Finally, I loved Isabel’s growth arc. I appreciated the subtleness of it, how we see her develop some confidence though not in a particularly easy or linear fashion. This style of characterization felt keenly realistic to me, like how many of us learn about ourselves little by little as life unfolds, in a journey that doesn’t stop.
I’m rounding this one up to five stars because it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year. I also liked the very implicit, maybe-not-even-there-but-I-read-it-as critique of Zionism/those who support it. Ugh, I want more people to read this book so I can discuss it with folks, especially Isabel’s relationship with Connelly which was wild (also he turned out to be such a… well… I’ll let you read it and draw your own conclusion.) I’m hoping for more books of this quality in 2024!...more
Powerful novel about a Palestinian woman searching for a better life for herself and navigating Israeli occupation. I appreciated Susan Abulhawa’s honPowerful novel about a Palestinian woman searching for a better life for herself and navigating Israeli occupation. I appreciated Susan Abulhawa’s honest descriptions of our protagonist Nahr’s struggles, such as the sexism and poverty she faces as well as the uprooting of her life due to imperial violence (including that of the United States). At the same time, Abulhawa portrays her agency and her strong commitment both to herself and to her loved ones. A book that inspires reflection about individual choice and resistance amidst broader systems of oppression, as well as anger and motivation to fight injustices including colonialism and patriarchy....more
An important book about a teenage girl who aspires to be a doctor, whose dreams get caught in the crossfires of the Sri Lankan Civil War. V.V. GaneshaAn important book about a teenage girl who aspires to be a doctor, whose dreams get caught in the crossfires of the Sri Lankan Civil War. V.V. Ganeshananthan does a great job of portraying the devastating and horrifying mistreatment of the Tamils in this context. I also thought she effectively showed the unfairness of when our individual desires clash with dire situations outside of our control. Unfortunately I found the writing style a bit dry and stilted, which lowered my enjoyment of the book even though I recognize its necessity....more
A slight novel with spare prose that describes the impact of the Korean war through the generations. I appreciated this book’s emphasis on how war, coA slight novel with spare prose that describes the impact of the Korean war through the generations. I appreciated this book’s emphasis on how war, colonialism, and intergenerational trauma affect relationships. Unfortunately, I found the prose a bit dry and the voices of the characters hard to differentiate from one another, which made it hard to feel invested n these characters and their stories....more
Wanted to get into this one but couldn’t, sad to say it’s my third two-star review in a row. I think within The House of Doors lies some interesting tWanted to get into this one but couldn’t, sad to say it’s my third two-star review in a row. I think within The House of Doors lies some interesting themes related to the secrets we keep in our relationships as well as how power dynamics related to gender, race, and sexual orientation affect our relationships. Unfortunately I struggled to feel invested in the story and the characters though. One, the writing style felt both flowery and dull – like it came across as both intellectualized and distanced, while still trying to convey emotion, and it didn’t work for me. The characters also felt flat and unintriguing. We’ll see what my book club thinks of this one....more
A novel that addresses themes of nationalism, discrimination, and how forces outside of ourselves affect our relationships with one another. I thoughtA novel that addresses themes of nationalism, discrimination, and how forces outside of ourselves affect our relationships with one another. I thought Rahad Abir did a great job of showing the repercussions of the Partition of British India. Unfortunately I found the writing itself a bit dry at times and some of the characters difficult to connect to as a result, though I felt the gravity of their circumstances on an intellectual level for sure....more
I appreciate that this book sheds light on issues of poverty, trauma, and addiction. Unfortunately, I found the writing style so, so boring. I didn’t I appreciate that this book sheds light on issues of poverty, trauma, and addiction. Unfortunately, I found the writing style so, so boring. I didn’t find the main character’s voice believable at all which made the story drag. A lot of events happened in this book though because the main character’s voice felt forced and/or fake, I couldn’t bring myself to care about what happened. Looking forward to a more satisfying read!...more
I liked how this novel portrayed three generations of complex, flawed, and strong Vietnamese women. Thao Thai highlights the effects of inter3.5 stars
I liked how this novel portrayed three generations of complex, flawed, and strong Vietnamese women. Thao Thai highlights the effects of intergenerational trauma as well as how compassion and care can be passed down through families as well. I for the most part also appreciated the portrayal of patriarchy and how Thai highlighted that the different men in this novel either fully participated in sexism and misogyny or did small yet meaningful actions to support the women in their lives.
On the more negative side, I felt that the quality of the prose didn’t fully support the ambitious themes of the novel. Sometimes the writing felt dry or the similes or metaphors came across as forced. I also didn’t love the one passage where one of the Vietnamese women basically thinks that a white man thinking of her as fragile or doll-like is similar to her making assumptions about him because he’s a white man; there’s a huge power imbalance between white people making stereotypes about Asian people and Asian people generalizing about white people. I think where Thai left Ann’s character was a smart and empowering choice, though the inclusion of Noah’s character – and the space devoted to him – felt unnecessary....more
I think this book is important for highlighting the racism Japanese Americans faced historically in the United States. One compelling theme is the pusI think this book is important for highlighting the racism Japanese Americans faced historically in the United States. One compelling theme is the push and pull between assimilating to mainstream American culture and resisting such pressures. I liked that John Okada was honest and angry in his writing about racism, especially given that the main character in this novel spent two years in a Japanese internment camp. I didn’t find the writing style of No-No Boy super engaging, though I appreciate the novel for its historical significance in regard to Japanese American/Asian American literature.
Also, note that there’s some fatphobia, glorification of whiteness (e.g., saying that an Asian woman’s legs were “strong and shapely like a white woman’s,” which, yikes), and anti-Blackness (e.g., use of the n word) in this novel. These issues didn’t heavily influence my rating, though I feel like it’s important to name these things even if people might feel like they’re a product of the time in which this novel was written....more
Sweet and thoughtful young-adult novel about three generations of boys within the same Iranian family. It’s ironic that the Goodreads description saysSweet and thoughtful young-adult novel about three generations of boys within the same Iranian family. It’s ironic that the Goodreads description says that this book is perfect for fans of Last Night at the Telegraph Club because I found Only This Beautiful Moment far superior. While Last Night at the Telegraph Club plays into stereotypes about Asian families and culture being backwards, this novel does an excellent job of questioning white, western, orientalist views of queerness in the East (in this book’s case Iran specifically). Abdi Nazemian’s writing flows smoothly and he captures poignant family and community dynamics (e.g., learning about your roots, recognizing family member’s flaws, etc.) well. There are sad and dark themes in this book like homophobia and racism though Nazemian keeps the atmosphere of the story from getting too dark. This novel did make me feel grateful for my queer elders of color who’ve come before me and have made things better for me, even if there’s still a ton of work to do....more
Unfortunately I found this novel boring. I don’t have much to say – the characters felt uninspired, the writing dull, and the plot/frame device of a nUnfortunately I found this novel boring. I don’t have much to say – the characters felt uninspired, the writing dull, and the plot/frame device of a novel within a novel too clunky for my taste. Check out other negative reviews for extended takes. I’m moving on as quickly as I can to my next read....more
I appreciated the themes of The Thirty Names of Night related to trans representation, immigrant family dynamics, and queer lineage throughout generatI appreciated the themes of The Thirty Names of Night related to trans representation, immigrant family dynamics, and queer lineage throughout generations. Unfortunately, the book’s execution didn’t wow me. I found the lyrical writing style too nonspecific such that I had difficulty keeping up with the plot, and the dual narrative and the multiple character names confused me. Glad this one is resonating with some folks, though!...more
A beautiful young-adult novel about a nineteen-year-old Syrian woman volunteering at a hospital in Homs, navigating the violence of a tyrannical regimA beautiful young-adult novel about a nineteen-year-old Syrian woman volunteering at a hospital in Homs, navigating the violence of a tyrannical regime while planning her escape. Zoulfa Katouh did a great job of imbuing As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow with a message of hope without downplaying the atrocities the characters witness and experience. Our protagonist, Salama, is three-dimensional, human in how she faces deep internal conflicts, and has a narrative voice that feels both honest and engaging. I appreciated how Katouh portrays Salama’s post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a way that readers of all ages can understand and feel the impact of. The romance in the novel is well-plotted and avoided insta-love tropes; the characters’ getting pulled between the should I stay in Syria or should I go for the sake of safety felt heart wrenching. Big props to Katouh for this debut!...more
A subtle and moving novel about a young Lebanese woman who flees from war-torn Beirut and finds herself in Quebec, Canada as a single mother. Given thA subtle and moving novel about a young Lebanese woman who flees from war-torn Beirut and finds herself in Quebec, Canada as a single mother. Given that no one in Quebec wants to hire her as a French teacher, she takes a job as a hotline operator at a weight-loss center. After work, at home, she tries to care for her son while they both acclimate to a new country.
Dimitri Nasrallah does a great job of portraying how Muna, our protagonist, takes every effort possible to secure a life for herself and her son Omar. His prose is quiet yet powerful and highlights the pressures Muna face to assimilate to Canadian culture. He also portrays the impact of grief and loss on Muna as she tries to keep everything in her life together for herself and Omar. I found Muna such a resonant protagonist; I’m the son of Vietnamese immigrants to the US so it made me reflect with nuance on my parents’ journey, and I imagine it may pull thoughtful and similar reactions to those with related life experiences. What shines brightest in this book is Muna’s determination to put one step forward and to advance her station in life even when she’s been cruelly knocked down again and again. Hotline is a novel that prioritizes its main character’s growth and resilience over shocking plot events or big dramatic scenes....more
In New to Liberty, I think DeMisty Bellinger did a great job of showing the misogynoir faced by Black women. However, similar to what Marina wrote in In New to Liberty, I think DeMisty Bellinger did a great job of showing the misogynoir faced by Black women. However, similar to what Marina wrote in her review, I did not find the writing compelling. I felt like the prose tried to capture big emotions but its clunkiness, especially the dialogue, distracted me and took me out of the narrative. I also felt a little put off by some of the characters’ romantic relationships with white people. Sure, interracial relationships have happened and do happen, though I don’t love glorifying white people, especially white men, simply because they display basic human decency and kindness (this manifested the most in the second of the three stories for me). Basic human decency and kindness should be the bare minimum....more
I think this book made some meaningful points about the nuances of familial relationships, the intergenerational pain of racism and inequity, and the I think this book made some meaningful points about the nuances of familial relationships, the intergenerational pain of racism and inequity, and the perceived death of small town America. Unfortunately I just couldn’t grasp the plot solidly enough to enjoy reading The Plague of Doves. There were too many characters for me to keep track of and all the chapters felt like unconnected short stories. People seem to like and resonate with Louise Erdrich’s work so maybe I’ll try another one of her novels someday....more
An unusual literary thriller that starts out with a series of grotesque murders in a rural Mississippi town. The murders follow a pattern of white vicAn unusual literary thriller that starts out with a series of grotesque murders in a rural Mississippi town. The murders follow a pattern of white victims, though at each crime scene the townsfolk and detectives also find a dead Black man’s body, who resembles Emmett Till.
I think this novel does an effective job of addressing the racist history of lynching within the United States. I didn’t love it primarily because it felt plot-driven instead of character-driven, so we follow a lot of events as they unfold but don’t get too much interiority from the characters. It was interesting! The book includes relevant and biting satirical elements, and even if I found the writing dry I appreciate and support the overall message of The Trees....more
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