August '21 wrap-up

I can’t believe August is over! I had a really good (and varied) reading month as I'm trying to read the Women’s Prize shortlist and also wanted to read a little for Women In Translation month.

This month I read:

Parable of the Sower - Octavia Butler

This was my second Butler novel and although I didn’t like it as much as Kindred, I was absolutely captivated and definitely want to pick up Parable of the Talents and continue reading my way through the rest of her works.

The Dutch House - Ann Patchett

I listened to the audiobook of this (yay Tom Hanks!) and I actually think, although it was a little slow in places, it was all the better for it. The whole book is so atmospheric and the imagery is conjured so vividly that hearing his voice emote the text definitely added to my experience. It’s not a new favourite, but I was raptured by the dynamics of the family and found it very moving.

Between the World and Me - Ta-Nehisi Coates

This is one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read - it’s a beautifully written blend of personal experiences, historical context and critical theory. Coates’ writing has been compared to James Baldwin (and with this memoir addressed as a letter to his son, I can see the comparison even more clearly). I especially enjoyed how he discusses the power of knowledge as a form of armour - it reminded me of Kiese Laymon’s discussion of words in his memoir Heavy.

Little Eyes - Samanta Schweblin (trans. Megan McDowell)

This novel sucked me in from the blurb, and I hadn’t seen anyone else discuss or even read another review. I'm glad I went in so blindly, because I was immediately hooked and couldn’t put the book down. I loved the huge variation of POVs and the wealth of plot this allowed for. I felt uneasy and yet couldn’t look away. A clever and thought-provoking book I'm glad I picked up.

Unsettled Ground - Claire Fuller

This is a beautiful and dark tale of some unlikely and overlooked protagonists. I really enjoyed the nature writing and the vivid atmosphere in the book, and though the plot was interesting, I found the “reveals” a little predictable. I really enjoyed the experience of reading this but afterwards was left wanting a little more.

I Who Have Never Known Men - Jacqueline Harpman (trans. Ros Schwartz)

I can’t believe I'd never read this book! I'm a huge fan of dystopian literature, and I can absolutely see the traces of this foundational feminist speculative story in so many more recent works I’ve read. I loved this book!

No One Is Talking About This - Patricia Lockwood

This is one I'd read SO many reviews of and had seen so many people’s opinions on Instagram and I really think I'd set myself up to fail by seeing so many people’s mixed or negative reviews, but I found myself really enjoying this book. The writing is brave and beautiful, and I raced through breathlessly to the emotional conclusion.

ALSO THIS MONTH:

I’ve re-entered a James Blake phase (did someone say summertime sadness?) and I cannot stop listening to him.

On repeat at the moment are Barefoot In The Park with ROSALÍA and Are You Even Real?

I absolutely loved watching Feel Good on Netflix, an amazing show by Canadian comedian (tripped up on that a few times trying to recommend this to friends) Mae Martin. It’s hilarious and emotional and I would highly recommend it.