FEBRUARY FAVS
Hello!
Every day I get online and the urge to go OFF about countless things is strong. I spend way too much time typing out my thoughts, only to realize I don’t actually have the energy to engage with folks who insist on misinterpreting what I’ve said and jump into the comments with exactly how my post doesn’t apply to them, so I delete it and stand around stewing about it all day. Which is not a great use of my time.
And since I’ve been reading some PHENOMENAL books lately, I figured I should rave about those instead. And I made a graphic!
THE SCAMMER by Tiffany D. Jackson - I was seeing a lot about this online, mostly re: how infuriating the characters were, and my curiosity demanded that I find out for myself. Wow. First of all, as someone who grew up in a super religious/conservative community, the character decisions were infuriating, but mostly because I can see exactly how they were so easily manipulated. So many times I wanted to shout, “Why do you keep listening to this jerk?!” and yet I KNOW WHY. I know how! I watched it play out my entire life. The gaslighting, the pressure, the inviting presence that pulls you in and twists the narrative so you feel crazy when your instincts kick in. And the best part about this book was the twist. There was one that I guessed correctly, and then BAM there was another one I didn’t see coming. I couldn’t put this down.
THE MIGHTY RED by Louise Erdrich - I’ve seen Louise Erdrich’s name since I can remember, and I’m honestly furious I haven’t read her work until now. Especially because I think teenage me would have been highly influenced by her writing in the best way, both as a writer and as a human. For the first time in quite some time, I felt like I was reading a book where the characters were just real people in a real place and these things were really happening. Her writing is superb. I felt so grounded in the world and empathetic towards the characters and their situations. It was so refreshing to see the way they’re all forced to navigate the consequences of their sometimes terrible decisions, and come out the other side in a way that felt authentic and a bit messy. I’ve already got another book of hers lined up to read immediately.
OUT THERE by Kate Folk - I loved Kate Folk’s novel SKY DADDY and was thrilled when a friend recommended this short story collection because I’d seen the cover everywhere but somehow didn’t recognize it was the same author. It’s amazing. And while I laughed my way through Sky Daddy, I was on the verge of tears through most of the stories. Which is a massive accomplishment considering A) I rarely cry and B) I’m always impressed when a short story can elicit real strong emotions in so few words. Her writing is super effective and every story felt memorable, which is (in my humble opinion) tough to accomplish with a collection.
THE BODY by Bethany C. Morrow - Okay. So. I read MEM a little over five years ago and I haven’t stopped thinking about it (I was shook) so when this was announced it was an auto buy for me and it did not disappoint. It’s such a brilliant book that I think I’m probably going to have to read it again. She does this thing where it’s very much about church but not religion, and the way she manages to PERFECTLY execute the ways that these are two separate things is (honestly infuriating because I may never accomplish this level of writing lol) chef’s kiss. It’s terrifying. And the imagery of the body horror is so great. The way the “Congregation” still has a hold on the MC’s life even when she’s tried to distance herself from it is so real. There’s so much to digest with this story, and I was constantly overwhelmed with having to hold so many complicated feelings as I was reading. As someone who grew up seeing people prioritize the rules of their church while the supposed “teachings” were nonexistent, this hit way too close to home. Loved it. 5 stars.
THE EVERLASTING by Alix E. Harrow - This one honestly surprised me because I don’t often gravitate towards the more popular fantasy books, but I love time loops lol (I’m very impressionable) and I love a lady knight so I thought I’d give it a whirl and I’m so glad I did. This book is lovely. The stakes are crazy high. The situation gets worse and worse, you have no idea how these characters will ever find a way out of this mess, and even though there were moments where it felt the constant reset button was a tad exhausting, it always went in a direction that pulled me right back in. It’s lush and romantic and sad and I just really appreciated the little break from the stuff I usually read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
AND NOW…I’m currently reading: Dystopians!…? (Whyyyyy so many? I don’t know!)
Technically, this is a reread of THE UNBROKEN by C. L. Clark but I’m buddy reading the trilogy with a few friends and need a refresher before I jump into book 2. DAGGERMOUTH by H. M. Wolfe is a no brainer because, hello, everyone online is talking about it and I’ve only seen good things and you KNOW I love me some extra spicy enemies to lovers. Weehoo. This book is hot! And THERE IS NO ANTI MEMETICS DIVISION by qntm wasn’t super high on my list, but I saw it circulate on a book list with a tag that surprised me (won’t share because it might be a spoiler) but I was super intrigued and decided to go for it. I’m enjoying all of these thus far, but I think I’ll probably spring for something not so dystopian next. My little heart just can’t right now.
Oh, not pictured is PACHINKO by Min Jin Lee because after I made the graphic my friend was like “Hey look how hot the guy is in the show Pachinko, we should read the book and watch the show” so I started the book and I’m only halfway through and I am BROKEN. IT IS SO SAD OMG HOW AM I GOING TO FINISH I DUNNO!
Anyways. That’s it.
Threads keeps giving me this super condescending note that says something about how I need to reword my posts in order to get more engagement and it makes me laugh because I really just like sharing these things, I cannot wrap my brain around the anxiety of “engagement” so, interact with this if you want? Share it? Comment? Like it? Do nothing? The choice is yours! There’s no fee! Maybe some karma! Who knows! I don’t!
Stay safe. Be kind. CALL YOUR REPS!
