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What I'm Reading - Jan & Feb 2021
I'm also reading Shuggie Bain now. It is difficult to read about all the abuse and total lack of support Shuggie and his siblings struggled with.
Sheila wrote: "Tom, I know what you mean both about being modd driven at present and having a gap in Aussie lit. The in person book group for which I read Voss is doing Australian and New Zealand literature at th..."Interesting list, Sheila. Thanks for posting. Our BC read March a few months ago and liked it.
I've read Carey's The Tax Inspector, many years ago, and liked it a lot. Couldn't get into Oscar & Lucinda, though. Kelly Gang has been on my list for some time.
Read Flanagan's Gould's Book of Fish: A Novel in Twelve Fish, when it first came out (couldn't resist those colored plates of fish), and liked it. Been meaning to read more of him.
Not familiar with the rest, but will look up some of these. Janette Turner Hospital has been on my radar for years, as well.
Kiki wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Kiki, as you can imagine I have Shuggie Bain to read, but it will be a bit before I get to it as term has restarted and my studies interupt reading time. I'm not Glaswegian but can ..."
Gina wrote: "I'm also reading Shuggie Bain now. It is difficult to read about all the abuse and total lack of support Shuggie and his siblings struggled with."
Snap! I'm reading Shuggie Bain at the moment too and really enjoying it. I hadn't expected so much about the parents and siblings either, but they, and where and how they live, are sure putting him in context.
Tom wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Tom, I know what you mean both about being modd driven at present and having a gap in Aussie lit. The in person book group for which I read Voss is doing Australian and New Zealand l..."Richard Flanagan is a favourite of mine, both as a novelist and a writer of essays and opinion pieces. One of the best Aussie authors!
How could I not love The Kalahari Typing School for Men, the 4th book in the series of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith? These are always enjoyable and a gentle reminder that life in rural Botswana is a far cry from that of most readers.
4★ Link to my Kalahari Typing School for Men review
Psychedelic dreaming for toddlers, anyone? Alice In Wonderland by words&pictures has some inventive artwork by Cynthia Alonso, including holes in the pages for peeking and for little fingers.
4.5★ Link to my Alice review with illustrations
I finished SHUGGIE BAIN. I have mixed thoughts about it. I love the premise, but the execution left more than one thing to be desired. It's very difficult to connect with the characters and their situation, and it's the fault of the writer, not the reader. I feel so conflicted about it because I so wanted it to be stellar, and it just wasn't.Since THE SURVIVORS isn't available to me in the US yet, I decided to read Robert Jones Jr.'s THE PROPHETS. It's reminiscent of Toni Morrison, who is my favorite author; the writing is very lyrical and dreamy, something I really love.
Edit: Time has allowed me to revise my opinion about SHUGGIE BAIN. I now believe it's a five-star book. I guess I just needed to put some distance between Shuggie and my.
Finished Watership Down, and am in the middle of The Summer Book, both gentle escapes to outdoor environments.
Under the Mercy Trees – Heather Newton – 3.5***
Oh, what a tangled web we weave… There are so many things going on, so many secrets, so many betrayals. We have people consumed by alcohol (and/or drugs), mean-spirited control freaks, unfaithful spouses, guilty consciences, mental (and physical) illness and abject loneliness that comes with keeping all that bottled up. I’m exhausted by the effort required by these characters to hide so much and still co-exist in such tight quarters. This is Newton’s only novel; I wish there were more for me to read.
My full review HERE
I have to apologize to my fellow Zoomers. I recommended the CHICKEN SISTERS by K. J. Dell'Antonia after I had read only 25 pages of so. It turned out to be not that good. I found it to be very predictable, and the writing wasn't that great.It was supposed to a "fun" book, but I didn't find it to be either fun or funny. There aren't many books that make me laugh.
To the person who recommended N.K. Jemison — thank you. Her “How Long Till Black Future Month” is really good.
Oh good, Joan! I think that was me. Sheila Ash likes her writing too and has read more of it than me.
Jane wrote: "I have to apologize to my fellow Zoomers. I recommended the CHICKEN SISTERS by K. J. Dell'Antonia after I had read only 25 pages of so. It turned out to be not that good. I found it to be very pred..."Not many books can make me laugh, either. Comic novels are difficult to find, at least the good ones are. What about Wodehouse? Have you tried him? His Blandings Castle series is funny to me.
Elevation – Stephen King – 4****
This was a delightful novella with an unusual plot device, but that focuses on human kindness and respect. King gives us a lesson on what it means to be a good neighbor, and how to support one another despite our differences. I like the way that they slowly come to know one another and resolve their conflicts. My edition also included a bonus short story, ”Laurie,” about a widower and his new puppy, which was a nice break from King’s well-known horror genre.
My full review HERE
Walter Isaacson’s KISSINGER. Published in 1992, this was Isaacson’s 2nd major book; it followed THE WISE MEN: SIX FRIENDS AND THE WORLD THEY MADE. Kissinger is a fascinating man; this bio was very interesting, well written, and definitely worth my time. And I’m delighted to have finally read it; it’s been sitting on my shelves for years.
Kiki wrote: "I finished SHUGGIE BAIN. I have mixed thoughts about it. I love the premise, but the execution left more than one thing to be desired. It's very difficult to connect with the characters and their s..."I loved it, Kiki! Guess we're all different. 😊
Shuggie Bain, the autobiographical novel by Scottish-born author Douglas Stuart, tells of a loving, queer, little boy who adores his beautiful, alcoholic mum. It is heart-breakingly wonderful! Well-deserved winner of the 2020 Booker Prize.
5★+ Link to my Shuggie Bain review
I've not read any of Jeffery Deaver's work before, so his short story Turning Point was my introduction. Loved it! Finding RDK, the Russian Doll Killer, was cleverly done.
4.5★ Link to my Turning Point review
The Book of Abigail & John1764, Smallpox is sweeping through Boston (pre-vaccine, limited medical care), debate is raging about inoculation as a defense, personal liberty and public health regulations.
In his letters home, John Adams writes about his own experience with an epidemic.
4,977 people in the Boston area were inoculated — 46 died, 1%
699 people were not inoculated but caught smallpox — 124 died, 18%
PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Shuggie Bain, the autobiographical novel by Scottish-born author Douglas Stuart, tells of a loving, queer, little boy who adores his beautiful, alcoholic mum. It i..."A little distance from my reading has me softening to the book, Patty. When I write a review, I will rate it higher.
I've read some really good books in January. I haven't written reviews yet, but here they are:American Dirt by Jeanne Cummins
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
A Burning by Megha Majumdar
Mary Anne wrote: "I've read some really good books in January. I haven't written reviews yet, but here they are:American Dirt by Jeanne Cummins
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
[bo..."
Mary Anne, I like to read more than write reviews, so I have some good ones I've read in January that I haven't reviewed yet, either:
The Heart's Invisible Furies (Dec.-Jan.)
Snow - John Banville
Shuggie Bain
The Prophets - Robert Jones, Jr.
All five stars for me. (I've come to terms with Shuggie, and I've softened a bit.) I would recommend any of those highly, and I want to read the four on your January list.
Kiki wrote: "Mary Anne wrote: "I've read some really good books in January. I haven't written reviews yet, but here they are:American Dirt by Jeanne Cummins
[book:Transcendent Kingdom|48570454..."
Oh good. The Heart's Invisible Furies is up next for me!
I haven’t been able to read complete novels for a long time. I am reading The Tenant of Wildfell Hall . Received my new poetry book by Rose Mary Boehm, The Rain Girl.
Peter Matthiessen’s LOST MAN’S RIVER, narrated by George Guidall. This is the 2nd in the Shadow Country trilogy. I enjoyed it as much as the first (Killing Mister Watson). Good writing with a wonderful sense of character and place and SW Florida history. It’s long with lots of characters and relationships to keep straight so it’s a commitment, even as an audio edition. In this 2nd volume, one of Ed Watson’s sons, now middle-aged, sets out to write a biography of his father as a pioneer of the Everglades and to find out whether he had killed all of the people he’d been rumored to murder. Looking forward to eventually reading the 3rd book.
I finished THE PROPHETS by Robert Jones, Jr.Words simply fail me regarding this book. I think it's definitely a masterpiece, but not everyone is going to like it. It's a difficult read. It's slow to develop its plot. It's stream-of-consciousness, with some magical realism thrown in. It concerns the antebellum slave experience in Mississippi. It is raw and holds nothing back, yet it is gorgeous and lyrical at the same time. It is reminiscent of Toni Morrison, but still, unique. If you can't tolerate dreamy, lyrical, stream-of-consciousness writing, you will not like it. If you love it like I do, you might love the book. I can see it winning many, many awards.
It left me in awe and heartbroken at the same time.
So much to choose from! Buzz Books 2021: Spring/Summer is full of sample chapters of upcoming books, some by established authors and some by those who are also up-and-coming. 
5★ Link to my Buzz Books review with some of my picks
This is designed for little kids, but adults will enjoy seeing how Charles Darwin made the scientific discoveries that changed our understanding of the world. Need I add that every school should have this one?
5★ Link to my review of Charles Darwin with several illustrations from the book
PattyMacDotComma - thanks for leading me to the Darwin book, my Lions Club is setting up a little free library and I’m buying that book to get us started.
Finished reading The Queen's Gambit. It wasn't bad, but I had seen an SNL sketch including one for this midway through, and I kept thinking about it and laughing. It went: "Chess and drugs, and drugs and chess. Girls playing chess, then doing drugs, and playing chess."
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland -and- Through the Looking Glass – Lewis Carroll – 3***
Believe or not, I had never read this classic of children’s literature before. Oh, I knew the basics of the story. I certainly understand why this story is so beloved by so many legions of children. There is absurdity, fun word play, unusual situations, talking animals, and a slew of outlandish characters. Still, I think I just may be too old to really appreciate it. I just couldn’t let my imagination run wild and enjoy it
My full review HERE
Book Concierge, I was too logical as a child to enjoy Alice in Wonderland then (fantasy still isn't a favorite genre of mine)I finished The Summer Book by Tove Janssen https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7... it was pleasant.
On to Girl, Woman, Other for a book group.
N.K.Jemisin’s THE CITY WE BECAME. I knew I wanted to read this book when I read a short story that as I recall was either the prologue to this book or a version of what became the prologue. I enjoyed this book very much. Jemisin and Robin Miles make a great team - inventive and talented writer teaming with artistic and gifted narrator - resulting in a fabulous audio book performance.
Book Concierge wrote: " Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland -and- Through the Looking Glass
– Lewis Carroll – 3***
Believe or not, I had ..."
I loved it as a kid. And continued to love it as an adult for all the sneaky stuff in there that goes right over the heads of children.
Abi Daré’s THE GIRL WITH THE LOUDING VOICE. This debut novel deals with compelled childhood marriage, domestic slavery or indentured servitude, friendship and familial relationships, aspects of Nigerian society and culture, personal drive and ambition, and overcoming adversity. It grabbed me immediately. The plot and characters held my attention. It was a touching story, at times violent and disturbing, always hopeful even if a bit overblown at times. It was beautifully narrated by Adjoa Andoh.
I've been reading Saul Bellows' Herzog for a taste of the 1960's. I'm enjoying the variety of thoughts on the intellectual currents of that pre-Internet but still recognisably modern time, with references to Eisenhower, the Cold War, the role of capitalism and materialism, religion and romanticism, etc. All very stream of consciousness. Perhaps a Ducks Newburyport of the day?
Mary, you bet me to this one. It is on my TBR list
I settled on my Elizabeth George mystery since she has a new one coming out this year. The one I'm reading is THE PUNISHMENT SHE DESERVES. At first, I thought there was too much Isabelle Ardery and not enough Thomas Lynley, but now Lynley and Havers are front and center, and I love it. I love this series of mysteries, and unlike some, I love the later books most.
It's very good, very well crafted and well written, and I have no idea who the murderer is.
February is Black History Month, and I found James Baldwin's long story/novella Letter from a region in my mind online from 'The New Yorker Magazine'. Still relevant and worth remembering.
5★ Link to my review of Letter From a Region...
February is Black History Month. Alexander McCall Smith is a white author who created the wonderful Mma Ramotswe in Botswana and The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. She features in The Cleverness of Ladies, a lovely little novella.
3★ Link to my Cleverness of Ladies
The Odds – Stewart O’Nan – 4****
Subtitle: A Love Story Art and Marian Fowler travel to Niagara Falls for a sort of second honeymoon. Their thirty-year marriage is in shambles, and they’re facing financial ruin, so, of course, they cash in their life’s savings and decide to bet it all at roulette. Oh, I love O’Nan’s writing! He gives two wonderful characters, warts and all. At the end I’m betting on THEM.
My full review HERE
Gopher Golf: A Wordless Picture Book by Karl Beckstrand is exactly that - many pages of pictures. There are enough varied scenes for a little kid to follow as a story and then be encouraged to "tell" a story themselves. Lots of laughs!
3.5★ Link to my Gopher Golf review with several illustrations to give you the idea
Mick Herron, when interviewed about his latest spy thriller, Slough House, recently said "I look at Jackson Lamb and think: My God, did I write that? My mother reads this stuff!" Well, on behalf of mothers and grandmothers everywhere, I say - Keep up the good work! 
5★ Link to my Slough House" review (with a link to the article quoted)
Matt Haig’s THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY, narrated by Carey Mulligan. Not my cup of tea. The premise drew me to it, but I would hardly call this a book of fantasy or science fiction, although it is speculative fiction in a broad sense. More than anything else, for me at least, it was a message book and that wasn’t at all what I was looking for. Pretty early on I figured I knew where it was heading but managed to convince myself it certainly couldn’t be that obvious. Well....it was. And the author took forever to get there. And when he did get there he took another eternity to actually get to the end.
Gina wrote: "I'm reading Apeirogon by Colum McCann and I'm loving it. Turning the pages very quickly."I finished this book last night. I think it's the best book I've read in a year or so. It's the story of Israel and Palestine and the hostilities there. It's told from the point of view of two fathers who have loss their daughters to stray? bullets. I rated it 5*****.
Thanks for posting about The Midnight Library, Mary. I saw this mentioned in a list of new books recently and wondered if it might be something I'd like. I was already a bit doubtful but your comments have confirmed it - I've got plenty of other things on my TBR list that will come first.
One of my rare splurges is a Powell’s Indiespensible book box subscription. It comes about once every two to three months and contains a beautiful, specially bound and signed copy of the main book selection, one or two paper backs of either other books by the same author or ARCs from other authors, and a few locally sourced goodies (chocolate, soaps, bookmarks, etc.). If an upcoming selection doesn’t interest me, I just cancel my subscription for that month. I’ve found some really wonderful new-to-me authors and great books with this subscription.Anyway, currently I’m reading one of the selections from last year, Little Gods by Meng Jin. It’s her first novel and I’m really enjoying it. It’s a sort of backwards immigration story about a young girl who goes back to her mother’s native country of China following her mother’s death.
Sheila wrote: "Tom, I know what you mean both about being modd driven at present and having a gap in Aussie lit. The in person book group for which I read Voss is doing Australian and New Zealand literature at th..."I absolutely loved The Bone People
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Constant Reader
Books mentioned in this topic
Hello Friend We Missed You (other topics)El hacha (other topics)
Hello Friend We Missed You (other topics)
Shuggie Bain (other topics)
Hello Friend We Missed You (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Richard Owain Roberts (other topics)Doug Weller (other topics)
P.J. Tracy (other topics)
C.J. Sansom (other topics)
Yutaka Kobayashi (other topics)
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as you can imagine I have Shuggie Bain to read, but it will be a bit before I get to it as term has restarted and my studies interupt reading time. I'm not Glaswegian but can probably help w..."
Thank you, Sheila. That is very kind of you. I'll call on you, if I need to. So far, the author has put things into context, so it's pretty easy to figure out unfamiliar words, and a lot of the words have been unfamiliar to me.
It's been a little hard for me to get into because of the initial focus on Shuggie's parents. Shuggie just hasn't been that involved yet. It's a very gritty novel, as I suppose you know. There's a lot of abuse in the book, and that abuse takes different forms. Shuggie is just beginning to show up more now, so it's going a little faster. Learning to live with severe dry eye has set me back a little, too. And I had laser surgery in one eye last week, and will have it in the other on Wednesday. Such a simple surgery, but it leaves me seeing floating spots for the rest of the day. Better than a scalpel in the eye, though. I did that four times. Enough.