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Constant Reader
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What I'm Reading - Nov.- Dec. 2020
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Mary Anne
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Nov 01, 2020 08:30AM
It's November! Time for a new thread.
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I just finished Tough Love: My Story of the Things Worth Fighting For by Susan Rice. She is quite brilliant and an excellent writer. The book is chocked full of details, maybe too detailed. But if you are a foreign policy wonk, you will really like this book.Regarding Benghazi, the blunder that got hung around her neck: Rice really "took one for the team". She was the first person from the administration to go on the Sunday news shows, read the CIA's talking points about what was known at the time, and was blamed because she was the messenger with the bad news.
I gave this book 4****
Thanks for your comments on this book, Mary Anne. A friend of mine also liked it. I was especially interested in Rice's involvement in the Benghazi story. The tragic Benghazi incident was something that Congressional Republicans just wouldn't let die. You would have thought the Democrats organized the attack!
The First Stone: Some Questions About Sex and Power is by one of my favourite Aussie authors, Helen Garner. Men AND women; men VS women? This 25th anniversary edition includes other writings about Garner and the lively controversy over the indecent assault scandal.
5★ My review of The First Stone
Thanks to other GR readers for sharing this - I love short stories! Here's my take on Death By Scrabble by Charlie Fish. Good fun and very, very short.
4★ My "Death by Scrabble" review with a link to the story
This is another cute cartoon biography for kids of Steve Jobs by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara. All libraries should have collections of this Little People BIG DREAMS series to inspire kids' curiosity. I always learn something from them and end up looking for more details!
4★ My review of "Steve Jobs"
The Kopp Sisters are as entertaining as ever in Amy Stewart's third in this historical mystery series, Miss Kopp's Midnight Confessions. New Jersey just before America's entry into World War One makes a great setting.
4★ My review of "Miss Kopp's Midnight Confessions"
I’m finishing up Becoming by Michelle Obama. It’s inconsistent, and overall I’m pretty disappointed with it. There are a few interesting moments and insights, and if it were just those, I’d be enjoying it. But they’re glittering specks among a lot of filler that isn’t really worth the time. Reading it for a book club, so I’ll finish it, but I can’t recommend it.I’m also reading The Honourable Schoolboy, the sequel to Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. All I can say so far is that it’s not hard to see why people keep reading and recommending the latter but not the former. I’m pretty sure Smiley’s People will restore my faith, and frankly even a mediocre spy novel is still a bit of fun to read.
The one thing I’m reading right now that I’m really enjoying is Showdown: Thurgood Marshall and the Supreme Court Nomination That Changed America. Recommended by my daughter, who reads biographies voraciously. She’s right about this one; it’s a great read.
spoko wrote: "I’m finishing up Becoming by Michelle Obama. It’s inconsistent, and overall I’m pretty disappointed with it. There are a few interesting moments and insights, and if it were just th..."I enjoyed Michelle Obama's book, but I did start listening to the audio that she reads herself before I switched back and forth to reading, depending what I was doing. I think her tone and her obvious passion for some issues would have been clearer with the audio perhaps than with the words on the page, although I thought the writing was fine. It was very much her story, not his, and only partly theirs.
Lara Hawthorne has produced the loveliest Christmas book I've seen in a long time. The Twelve Days of Christmas is beautiful and has a lot of interesting details kids (and grown-ups) will love. Great gift!
5★ My review of The 12 Days of Christmas
On a different note, The Night Whistler by Greg Woodland is an Aussie rural crime story that features a young boy who refuses to give up and a disgracefully demoted detective who believes him.
3.5★ My review of The Night Whistler
Thirteen Moons – Charles Frazier – 5*****
Frazier’s sophomore effort returns to the rural Carolina landscape, covering nearly a century from the 1820s to the very beginning of the 20th century. The tale is told by Will Cooper, who as a twelve-year-old orphan was sent into the wilderness as a “bound boy.” It’s a marvelous story, and beautifully told. Will’s life is full of adventure and opportunities, as well as peril and mistakes. Frazier puts the reader into an America that is long gone but vividly portrayed. On finishing, I find that I want to start again at the beginning, savoring every word.
My full review HERE
PattyMacDotComma wrote: “I think her tone and her obvious passion for some issues would have been clearer with the audio perhaps than with the words on the page, although I thought the writing was fine.”I’ve only been listening to the audiobook. I am normally a bit hesitant about writers reading their own books (the scars from Jill Lepore’s These Truths are going to take a long time to heal, for instance). But Obama has a nice voice and is a solid reader, and you’re right—she’s able to add tone & color in just the right places, since it’s her story.
PattyMacDotComma wrote: “It was very much her story, not his, and only partly theirs.”
Here I have to disagree, and I think this is one of the things that really bothers me about the book. The beginning is her story, to be sure, and it’s interesting. But from the moment Barack walked into the narrative, it seems to me it has mostly become a book about what it’s like to live in Barack Obama’s shadow.
I’m sure that’s difficult to avoid—he’s a once-in-a-generation personality, and anyone who’s spent any time in his orbit has definitely spent some time in his shadow. But that aspect of the book is just not so compelling. It does have its moments (the scene of her & Malea desperately trying to sneak out of the White House, for just a momentary glimpse of the lights, is one that will stick with me). But it’s not enough to really sustain the book, for me.
I will probably finish the book today or tomorrow, and I haven’t actively disliked it. But a couple of years from now, when I stumble across it in my reading history, I’m certain I will have forgotten that I ever read it.
Zikoro by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a lovely well written short story, albeit with a sudden ending, about the renewal of the mother daughter bond catalysed by the birth of a grandson and the rejection by the child's father.
Sheila,I really like Adichie. Where did you find this short story?
Thanks, Sheila. I just bought it at the U.S. Amazon site for $1.99 It is available for free for those who pay for a Kindle Unlimited membership or have a full Prime membership.I'm looking forward to reading it.
Ann, do let me know what you think of it
Just started to read/listen to Little Eyes by Samantha Schweblin, an Argentinan author I’ve had on my TBR list for ages, she’s had multiple books shortlisted/ long listed for the International Booker. Through a tech device called a kentuki which is a ‘pet’ camera which someone keeps and in which some else is the dweller, the voyeur , allowing the dweller to experience another place, a bit like the doors in East West. I’m about 1/3 through and it is absolutely intriguing and riveting.
Ibram X. Kendi’s STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America. This is an important book. I will think about it for a long time. It is not a comfortable book to read. For me, “racism” and “racist” are loaded words that I think of as ugly and hate-filled. It is a challenge to consider that some of the beliefs and opinions I’ve had are racist ideas. It is difficult to realize that my inclination to compromise in order to resolve conflict is a form of assimilationist thinking, which has done little or nothing to reduce racism in our country and often winds up further entrenching racist ideas. On the other hand, confronting one’s own beliefs and seeing them from another perspective is necessary to grow and change. And that’s what we need to do if we are going to move forward to a reconciliation with our country’s history of racism and a future of true equality for all.
I'm reading RED LIGHT THERAPY by Ari Whitten. It's probably not going to be a popular book here. I recently bought a red/NIR panel to promote anti-aging of the skin, retention of hair thickness (the red light prevents miniaturization of the hair follicles), and the beginning of joint pain. Red/NIR light has many other uses, and this book tells you all about those uses, the best panels, and the dosages, etc.
I have to travel a lot, when there's not a pandemic going on, and, in my profession, we are encouraged to do all we can to keep our appearance up as well as our voice. I find red/NIR light therapy is helping me a lot, along with other things. I also am greatly relieved it's curing the beginning of joint pain in my knees. I like to hike and cycle and don't want to be inhibited by pain.
I don't usually read books like this; I am more of a fiction reader. I did feel this book was necessary, though, because misuse of a red/NIR panel can make a problem worse rather than better.
I hope to return to fiction reading in a day or two. :)
Sounds intriguing. I've never heard of this.
I’ve not heard of red light therapy, either. Sounds interesting but maybe a bit late for me - lol.I’ve just started reading A Long Long Way by a favorite Irish author, Sebastian Barry. The time period is WWI and the narrative follows a young Dubliner, Willie Dunne, into the trenches. Willie is a very sympathetic character but I have to say I haven’t yet settled into the rhythm of Barry’s writing in this one.
Hi Gina and Donna,Red light therapy isn't just for the young or middle-aged. If anyone is suffering any degree of joint pain, red light therapy will help ease the pain. It can also aid in heart and brain health and cure hypothyroidism, though I've not tried it for that yet. (I have no financial interest in this! LOL)
If anyone wants to learn more, you can do so here: https://www.theenergyblueprint.com/re...
If links aren't allowed, please excuse me and let me know. I don't want to break any rules, and this is not meant to be marketing in any way. Just information. Please don't take it as marketing. As I said, I have nothing to do with the industry or even the book beyond reading it. I apologize if anyone finds it offensive.
Although I'm not sure when we'll read it, I'm reading HAMNET. (I need to get a jump on the books anyway. I'm not the fastest reader.) I love Shakespeare and anything to do with him and his family. So far, the book is beautiful, but sad. I'll save any further comments for our discussion.
Thanks for the info about the Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie story, Sheila and Ann. I do have a Prime membership this year for the first time so I just got the story for no extra charge.
Barbara, same here. I haven’t read it yet but it’s waiting for me in my kindle library.
Tonight I finished N. K. Jemisin’s THE OBELISK GATE. She has created a complex world with an expansive plot and fascinating characters. The underlying science, technology, sociology, and philosophy offer much to wonder at and ponder. When I finished this 2nd volume of the Broken Earth trilogy I found myself thinking of J. R. R. Tolkien’s work; I am in awe of Jemisin’s talent. Robin Miles’s narration is, as I’ve come to expect, excellent.
Re Adichie she just got voted the winners of winners for the Women’s prize for fiction https://www.theguardian.com/books/202...Mary, so much on the same page re your comments about the quality of N K Jemisin, inventive, unique world builder. Must get round to reading another of her series soon.
Sheila wrote: "Re Adichie she just got voted the winners of winners for the Women’s prize for fiction https://www.theguardian.com/books/202......"That's terrific news, Sheila! Half of a Yellow Sun was a great book. I added your Guardian link to my review, and I'll add a link here to the actual review since I included some maps and other info if anyone is interested.
Link to my "Half of a Yellow Sun" review
Moonflower Murders by Anthony Horowitz is similar to Magpie Murders, which I loved. This one is also clever and complex.
3.5★ Link to my Moonflower review
Patty, I took a quick breeze through your review. I grew up with Biafra in my lifetime so had the advantage of knowing the colonial and post colonial geography when I read this book. I’ll give you one stat which astounds many people, namely that 1 in 6 people of the African continent live in Nigeria. Nigeria has a huge book industry, one of the largest diaspora, and a thriving cinema Nollywood. There are some very good Nigeria writers Try Chigozie Obioma, Nnedi Okorafor. Enjoy
Eudora Welty’s THE OPTIMIST’S DAUGHTER. I read this book because my mother enjoyed EW’s works and I’d never read any. I’m not very enthusiastic about this short novel. It felt sometimes as if EW were preaching at her readers, making a didactic point with lecture rather than actions, having her characters hit you over the head with the message to ensure you wouldn’t miss it. And just when I would get to a point of not liking the book at all, there would be a beautiful turn of phrase or a startlingly perfect image and I would keep reading.
Sheila wrote: "Patty, I took a quick breeze through your review. I grew up with Biafra in my lifetime so had the advantage of knowing the colonial and post colonial geography when I read this book. I’ll give you ..."Sheila, it always amuses and amazes me that so many people (usually Americans, in my experience) refer to Africa as if it were a single, homogenous country. I think since the EU was formed, there are those who think the same way about Europe.
They would probably be the same people who if they lived in the United States would identify their state or their part of the country as 'special'. Texas is not New York is not California is not Montana! Just as Germany is not Spain and -- well, you get the idea.
I know the English are proud of their own counties, but at least they are aware of the others!
Mary wrote: "Eudora Welty’s THE OPTIMIST’S DAUGHTER. I read this book because my mother enjoyed EW’s works and I’d never read any. I’m not very enthusiastic about this short novel. It felt sometimes as if EW we..."Mary, I thought you might be interested in reading our old discussion of The Optimist's Daughter from several years ago. http://www.constantreader.com/discuss...
Sherry, thank you so much! That was a fabulous discussion thread.
I reread that discussion, too, Sherry. My, we really used to go at it, didn’t we?
PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Patty, I took a quick breeze through your review. I grew up with Biafra in my lifetime so had the advantage of knowing the colonial and post colonial geography when I read this book...."People who think of Europe as one country have never traveled in Europe before the Euro. LOL It's a real job figuring out how many Italian lira you will need, how many Spanish pesos, how many French francs, etc., and then knowing enough of all the languages to get by, what customs are prevalent in each country and on and on. In the past, I made some real mistakes traveling in Europe. I can laugh about them now, but then, they were upsetting.
Your review is intriguing. I have not read the book, but I love books set in Africa. I love Africa, though I know more about East Africa than West Africa, and one of my best times was spent in South Africa. Such a sad history, though.
I'm going to check out the book. Thank you again.
Patty, just so you are aware I’m Scottish not English, although I live in England. A very important distinction for us Scots. :)
Just finished listening to C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters, which was a blast. There are several recordings; this one was read by John Cleese, who was perfect for it. Really thoughtful, insightful, biting satire. I absolutely see myself returning to it, possibly on a regular basis.
Spoko, I would love to hear The Screwtape Letters read by John Cleese. A long time ago, before Constant Reader was on goodreads, we read The Screwtape Letters and Twain’s Letters From the Earth together. I’ve never forgotten it. I tried to dig up the old discussion for you but was unsuccessful.
Sheila wrote: "Patty, just so you are aware I’m Scottish not English, although I live in England. A very important distinction for us Scots. :)"Ha! The "English" reference wasn't aimed at you, Sheila! I was thinking more along the lines of novels and television programs where regional accents (Yorkshire, Cornwall) can be so strong that people may have difficulty understanding some of the 'local language'. American regional accents can be quite pronounced too (New York vs the deep southern drawl). We are all so tribal, really, aren't we? Incidentally, I'm from a Scots background, too - among a couple of other things. :) We won't get into the Highland-Lowland thing, though, eh?
Olav Audunssøn: I. Vows takes place in Norway in the 1200s. This translated edition was released just this month. Author Sigrid Undset won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1928. This has all the feuds, arranged marriages, hard times, difficult romancing you'd expect from such a cold place so very long ago, but I think some of her other writing must have been what earned her the Nobel.
3★ Link to my review of Olav Audunssøn
At the almost constant urging of a friend, I read LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE by Celeste Ng. I certainly do not recommend it.The book is aptly titled, though, because the author seemed to want to cover just about every social and family issue in existence. Consequently, I found the book to have no focus. It just roamed. The characters are very sketchily drawn, and the plot comes down to a series of improbable events that ultimately encapsulate an "us" versus "them" theme.
If you like Joyce Carol Oates (I can't stand her books), you might like this, but it really is poorly written. It is very clear the author wants the reader to like one character and her lifestyle and dislike another and her lifestyle. Too much authorial intrusion. I wish she'd let us make up our own minds.
There is also the matter of the constantly changing viewpoints. I actually prefer multiple viewpoints in a book, and it's fine with me if they change chapter by chapter. Ng, however, changes viewpoints within a paragraph. It made the book very difficult to follow and the shallow characters even more difficult to get to know (a hopeless task anyway).
Ultimately, this is a very silly book about some very serious subjects. It's written in such a juvenile style that I thought it could pass for a YA book, though it is aimed at adults.
If you value your time, avoid this nonsense. (The many, many problems presented weren't nonsense; the way the author presented them was.)
I just started my Sunday morning wth Brick House 3 by author Keith Thomas Walker and a legal thriller named Easy Money by author Pamela Samuels Young.
Barbara wrote: "Spoko, I would love to hear The Screwtape Letters read by John Cleese. A long time ago, before Constant Reader was on goodreads, we read The Screwtape Letters and Twain’s Letters From the Earth tog..."I was actually an inconsistent CR participant in those days, but I wasn't part of that discussion. This would certainly be good in combination with Mark Twain, though; I imagine that was an interesting pairing.
I'm entering a period of lighter reading, yay! Am about halfway through Colin Jost's A Very Punchable Face, and he's sweet and funny. Also just starting The Lager Queen of Minnesota for a book club. Finished My Year of Meats for another book club, a book that was well done, but would have been better to have been read when it was published many years ago, and before I read Ozeki's later work, A Tale for the Time Being, which I kind of loved for its clever inclusion of quantum physics and pacific northwest environment into an interesting story.
A Discovery Of Witches – Deborah Harkness – 4****
Book one of the All Souls Trilogy introduces the reader to Diana Bishop, descended from a long line of powerful witches, but uninterested in learning to use her magic skills, and Matthew Clairmont, who is a renowned vampire. It’s a combination of fantasy, romance, suspense, mystery, and historical fiction. I was engaged from page one and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
My full review HERE
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