bookshelves: to-read
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bookshelves: currently-reading
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bookshelves: bildungsroman, child-narrator, culture, generational--epic-, identity, literary, love, parents-affecting-children, reviewed, sex, women
Cal was an extremely interesting narrator. I loved the way this novel ebbed and flowed - the author did an excellent job of revealing details at exactly the right time, whether they came chronologically or not. The topic was unique and sucked me in. The other amazing thing was that Cal's point of view managed to be both a male and female perspective. Right after I finished this book, I picked up the New Yorker and read an article about a South African runner who is a hermaphrodite and having read "Middlesex" definitely lent a sensitivity to my reaction to this runner. Having spent two weeks in the head of someone so similar made the article an extra-interesting read. I loved the events of this novel, from Desdemona's silkworm shed in Turkey to her mock-courtship with Lefty on the boat, and from Callie's relationship with 'the object' to her transformation to Cal as she made her way across the country.
Themes: gender, identity, coming of age, Greek culture, immigration, sex, family, secrets, Detroit
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bookshelves: bio-auto-bio, books-about-books, culture, history, identity, non-fiction, parents-affecting-children, politics, religion, reviewed, women, world-lit
I love Azar's ability (and depth of insight into herself) to show what each of her parents have helped her gain and lose in her life, regardless of how things felt for her as a child. I also thoroughly enjoyed how literature has affected her life. The story here is more or less in order, but Azar does a good job of giving insights at the right time, whether their in chronological order or not. This is the second time recently that I've read about Iran that describes the censorship and lack of creative freedom there as actually improving the quality of and in interest in art of all kinds. It's as though artists have to be even more creative and sneaky to get their message across and, of course, whatever is forbidden is always more enticing. Definitely a beautiful and brave memoir.
Themes: Iran, history, religion, family, parents affecting children, relationships, women, literature
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bookshelves: to-read
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bookshelves: bio-auto-bio, culture, first-reads, food, literary, magical-realism, politics, reviewed, tar-review
I thoroughly enjoyed the first half, where each story seemed to feature the same narrator and everything seemed at least semi-autobiographical. "The Nonexistence of Adelaide Bauer" and "The Wedding" were my favorites in this section. As I moved into the second half, I loved "Milk, or How I Became an American Citizen" but through the next few stories I found myself drifting away a little bit. The lovely narrator disappeared in "Sawdust Power" and "The Random Bus" was only saved from being too cutesy because it was short. I didn't care at all for "The Vanished and the Sisters." Ultimately though, I liked the flow of this book. With the next story, the new delve into surrealism and a little bit of magical realism hooked me. Looking back on the book as a whole, I think it worked. The change in style may not have been gradual enough for me, but it was authentic. I loved the line, "Happiness is when you don't vomit," and the moment when the orphan discovers she has "bouncing breasts!" made me laugh out loud.
Themes: magical realism, Ukraine, communism, family, immigration, human quirkiness, food
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Bucket
took the never-ending book quiz.
| questions answered: | 8854 |
| correct: | 4608 (52.0%) |
| skipped: | 21 |
| best streak: | 92 |
| questions added: | 2 |
bookshelves: to-read
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bookshelves: to-read
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