Blink. It’s now August. And the only blog I did for July was my June Wrap Up. Where did the time go? It was a busy month. Full of producing videos, taking photos of the community, and I did a little traveling. With six books, 1,572 books, and nine genres, I would say that this month was a great reading month.
Here is the list.
Lapvona
There seems to be a constant when looking up Otessa Moshfegh’s Lapvona, “It’s her biggest departure….” I would love to agree with this; however, with only reading Eileen and My Year of Rest and Relaxation, I don’t feel like I’m qualified to make that statement. I am qualified to say that this novel is a masterpiece in all its pluralities. Moshfegh’s writing is superb, introducing us to a world of morally bankrupt and revolting characters living in medieval times. There are multiple tragedies, a manufactured plague, and gruesome moments that I don’t know will ever leave my being. I do need to warn; however, this novel is not for everyone, and if you’re interested in doing so, look up the trigger warnings first.
Number 59
Rainbow Valley
The seventh novel in the Anne of Green Gables series, Rainbow Valley, focuses more on the lives of Anne’s six children and their interactions with the children of the new Presbyterian minister John Meredith. Because of this, Anne is primarily out of the novel once more despite being the main protagonist throughout most of the series.
Out of the new cast of characters, my favorite would have to be Mary Vance. Mary is a colorful character and reminded me of Anne from previous books. I laughed out loud several times when the stories focused on her. Overall, not my favorite entry in the series, yet still a beautiful book to read.
Number 60
Exit West
Deciding to read this novel was a given when I realized that Sarah Jessica Parker had selected the novel for the ALA Book Club Central’s fall pick for 2017. Like Parker’s previous recommendations, Exit West is a global story with international voices.
The story is fascinating, centering around two refugees escaping their war-torn country. I also think it needs to be said that the synopsis for this novel did not do the story justice and I finished the novel feeling somewhat misled.
Number 61
Just by Looking
Welp. This novel might be the most salacious story I’ve ever read! I’m not complaining; I figured it would be a wild ride when I read the novel’s first line.
Written by Ryan O’Connell, Just by Looking at Him introduces us to Elliot, a young, queer television writer living in Los Angeles, as he embarks on an affair with male escorts. That is until his long-term partner Gus decides it’s time to open their relationship.
I found the novel to be hysterical, engaging, and an accurate representation of queer culture. I also want to note that Elliot gave me Jude vibes from A Little Life. The novel, however, isn’t as depressing. There is also a good amount of discussion around being handicapped and lacking representation within today’s media. That layer of the novel hit the nail on the head, in my opinion.
Number 62
The Only Good Indians
How does one describe The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones? Terrifying. Gruesome. Unsettling. Those are the three words that come to mind.
The Only Good Indians follow four Native American friends who are being hunted down by an entity that wants revenge. The twist is that this vengeful spirit is the spirit of an elk savagely murdered by the men. As a lover of horror movies and books, some aspects reminded me of films like The Grudge and I Know What You Did Last Summer. I found this novel deeply unsettling, beyond gruesome. And while I liked the book, I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it as much as I initially thought.
Also, I need to mention that there are scary scenes involving animals that don’t sit right with my being.
Number 63
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
In full transparency, I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I decided to read Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote. Despite loving classic cinema, I have never watched the film that stars Audrey Hepburn. Yes, I do plan to change that soon.
I found the novel to be delightful and seductive. There’s just something about New York City, martinis, and brownstones. The book takes place in the 1940s and tells the story of an unnamed narrator and his interactions with Holly Golightly.
I see why this novel is a masterpiece. I really do.
Number 64
Books and Mischief 