MARCH READS
Hello!
It’s April 1st. I hate April Fool’s so you should know that this is a super fucking serious post about my thoughts on the books I read in March because reading is not a joke and I take it very very seriously. And it’s a full moon tonight which means I’m really in my feelings which also means it may or may not be a good idea to even write this right now.
TOO LATE.
Here we go.
DAGGERMOUTH by H.M. Wolfe - I want to start by saying I did rate this 5 stars because I had one hell of a good time reading it. Sure, there were several things that felt a bit tough to find believable (like folks who live cozy lives as elites being the ones willing to get their hands dirty for a rebellion, characters experiencing violent assaults on every page and yet still managing to fight as if their ribs aren’t broken or they haven’t been shot/stabbed/tortured, etc…) and I despise the use of rape as a quick plot device to push us to hate someone who is already very easy to hate. BUT the pacing is spectacular. The stakes are out of control, stakes on stakes on stakes, could not put it down. Despite a few very minor complaints, I am glad that I read it, I had a kick ass time, and I’ll definitely be getting the sequel as soon as it’s available. The characters were really fun. I (obviously) love a dystopian novel. Love a book that’s gritty and vulgar and spicy. Like, honestly, there’s a lot to love about this one. I had heaps of fun. TBH most of the fun is texting other people about it so if/when you decide to read it, find a buddy!
SO SAD TODAY by Melissa Broder - I don’t know if it’s wise to admit this but I feel a little TOO fuckin’ seen. Normally, when I read something, I do not need to feel like I “relate” to characters or what the author has been through, fictional or otherwise. In fact, I prefer when I do not relate. I like diving into situations and perspectives that differ from my own, I find it makes for a much more interesting and enjoyable reading experience. But there were some essays in here that felt like Melissa Broder actually climbed into my brain whilst I was sleeping and swiped a few thoughts from me that I would never admit to anyone and then put them in this collection to expose me to the world. I know that’s irrational, and yet it feels like that’s what happened here. I’m only kind of kidding. These essays are so fucking funny and so fucking devastating. They’re written with such vulnerability and care and humor that the gut punches come while you’re laughing your ass off and it’s really spectacular.
WHIDBEY by T Kira Madden - Once upon a time I read this book despite the content warnings. I knew what was coming and yet I opened the book and I read it in two days. It’s a tough one to recommend because it’s a really triggering character study re: the ways that people have to process something traumatic that’s happened, that they all have in common, and the way that thing refuses to let them exist without it being part of them. Which, in my opinion, is the most devastating aspect of what happens in these situations in real life. It was particularly rough considering everything that’s coming out re: the Epstein files, how much conversation is taking place re: sexual assault and those who are brave enough to open up in recent years about the abuse they’ve endured by men who have somehow maintained positions of power. It’s an incredibly well written book and I think the author handled the subject matter and the varying perspectives of the three main characters really well. It felt honest and empathetic, which I appreciated.
THE COMPOUND by Aisling Rawle - I love dystopians and I love reality TV so I was really looking forward to this. And while I enjoyed it, I really wish it had pushed both/either of those elements a lot more. It never went too deep into the outside world, which made it so the desperation of the characters didn’t go as hard as it should have if the real world was a truly scary place, and there were some elements that seemed like it wanted to push the topic of consumerism, but I would have loved to see the challenges/characters be really REALLY put through hell to get what they wanted. In all fairness, most reality shows with superficial people are very surface level so I guess it was on brand? I think the main issue was that I saw it comp’d to Lord of the Flies somewhere and I expected absolute carnage and chaos and got a little carnage and chaos. It was a fun read and I enjoyed the book despite these minor complaints.
THE END OF ROMANCE by Lily Meyer - I am nervous to say anything about this one because I LOVED it in the sense that I couldn’t put it down, but I feel like I need some time to think about it and argue its various themes/ideas with myself for a while. It felt like Sylvie was my best friend going through these things and I was there to help her through it all. The imaginary friends were delightful, especially the turtle. I was completely invested in the premise, characters, despite wanting to shake them over their terrible decisions. But, those decisions are also what made this feel so human. So normal. Sylvie seems selfish in the way she expects people to have an endless supply of patience for her, and at the same time she’s been through a lot and she’s very transparent about where she’s at in needing to figure things out, and she’s not forcing anyone to stick around while she does that. I’m not sure how I feel about the ending and I can’t say much here because I don’t want to give anything away, but I can’t tell if I’m happy or sad for Sylvie. The writing was phenomenal, I highlighted a bunch, and I really really adored her relationship with her BFF Nadia. I love seeing female friendships that are so honest and understanding of each other, and the beautifully generous way they know in their core that they are coming from a place of love and support. I also appreciated the way this book didn’t shy away from bringing current events and politics to the page.
200 MONAS by Jan Saenz - The book started out bangin. Literally. In more ways than one. There’s a scene in one of the earlier chapters that had me literally in stitches. I am not exaggerating. Hunched over. Laughing out loud. Could not function. It was so outrageous and awkward and funny, I loved it. And overall I think the book maintained that unhinged level of fun, even though it fizzled a bit in the last third for me. Again, (and this could be a me thing) it felt like there could have been a deeper epiphany or theme throughout the story. I don’t mind the wild ride but I personally (ME. I. Just me! Not declaring this opinion a law that all must adopt and agree with!) enjoy a book that can bring me to a place where I can see what’s really lurking behind the absurdity. And there’s more to the pills than just an orgasm, but I won’t elaborate because it’s a neat little somethin’ extra to the story, even if I personally (Me! Just myself!) think it could have gone a TINY bit deeper. If you want a real horny wild ride, please check this out. You are guaranteed to have a good time. I did.
(Here’s an additional pic of Catniss because it was adorable and she seemed to be embodying the whole “end of romance” vibe)
Also I had a birthday this week. I am now 37 years old. I feel like I’m in my prime. My sexiest most interesting and secure self. So, I love that for me, despite the fact that society thinks I’m supposed to worry about my body and my skin and hair and hate myself. I’m cool. And very funny. And pretty cute. And I can ramble off some pretty intense opinions about lots of interesting things that probably don’t matter to anyone except me. So. Society can suck it.
Anyways, I’m getting back into a better writing rhythm. I hit a snag because I HAVE to fully plot out my current novel. There are three separate plot threads that need to mirror each other. My goal is to ensure that every tiny detail is ironed out so that these three threads work together in a well choreographed dance that’s clear to the reader. Which means it’s also one of the most complicated things I’ve tackled so far. But, I think the work will be worth it. Someone’s bound to hate it though, so, I’ll try and stay humble when I inevitably crush it.
Now, for something NEW!
*IF YOU’RE SEEING THIS, THEN THIS MESSAGE IS FOR YOU*
A Full Moon Tarot Reading! For the collective! That’s you!
We got the Four of Pentacles which warns of being too concerned with material/external things and asks us to prioritize personal growth/authenticity. The Four of Cups (Two FOURS! That’s magical I think!) shows a cat who is super chill and cozy, cherishing the cups it has right now instead of being stressed about what it doesn’t have. And the Knight of Wands shows motion! Passion! Riding into adventure with confidence. So, you should do that too!
All jokes aside, I’m being super fucking serious. This is actually a great message and perfect for the full moon.
Anyways. That’s it. Remember to be kind and contact your reps. About literally anything. If you’re not mad about something every second of the goddamn day you are not paying attention. If you don’t want to call your reps you can at least donate to ACLU who are actively giving this administration the hell it deserves.
Take care!
