Just sitting here at the Heights, wondering when summer is going to appear?
What I read recently:
Skylark, by Paula McLain
It’s slightly awkward to say that a book about World War II is one of my favorites, but I feel like that happens more often than not *cough, the Nightingale.* BUT Skylark has, in fact, been added to the list of historical fictions I love.
We flip-flop between Paris, France, in the 1600s, focusing on Alouette, the daughter of a master colorist determined to make a name for herself, and the time of World War II, with Kristof, a young psychiatric doctor who uncovers the never-ending tunnels beneath the city. I wasn’t initially sure how these two stories would connect, but the author skillfully ties them together more through a common theme than just the setting. Both explore the topic of “mental health,” but in a way—at least I haven’t seen or read about much in a familiar book setting or time period. In Alouette’s era, whenever a woman was seen as a threat because of her intelligence or power, she was labeled “mad” and imprisoned. Meanwhile, in Kristof’s time, he’s trying to save those the Nazis considered undesirable and sought to exterminate. I found this to be a steady read, with short chapters and many moments that make you eager to see what happens next.
Beautiful Country, by Qian Julie Wang
A perfect memoir. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this sometimes difficult-to-get-through book about Qian’s life in the mostly-1990s as illegal immigrants in Chinatown. Beyond just labeling someone “illegal,” it shows path of this family through the eyes of a 7 year old child – just trying to fit in at school while her parents take on every low-wage job to get by. We follow them from single room, shared apartments to what it’s like to be a body for labor in a sweatshop – to the classrooms where Qian is pushed to the side based on how she speaks. We are also reminded of the small things in life that we might overlook now – Qian’s joy at receiving a gift card to Barnes and Noble and picking out a book to read and re-read, the warmth of a winter coat, a single Polly Pocket toy. While sad and tough to get through at parts, I felt that it provided an honest look at someone’s life much different than my own and was written in a beautiful way.
Wild Dark Shore, by Charlotte McConaghy
This was named the best book of the year by many lists, reviews, and Book of the Month. Best book… where? I can’t completely criticize it because its descriptions of Dominic and his three children living and caring for a seed storage on a barren island were beautifully written. The family is the last group of researchers and scientists remaining before the rising waters take over. As their time on the island nears its end, a woman is washed up on the shore—and while she is found to be alive, her presence isn’t entirely welcomed. You might think this would spark interest and create drama, but any excitement is immediately squashed by more pages of nothing. I felt like I was drowning in boredom. Anyone else? Am I the only one? What was I missing that everyone else loved? Note: I did enjoy reading about the penguins, seals, the crashing of the water, and I felt like I could sense the wind they felt. It would probably be better to listen to it with David Attenborough’s (Planet Earth) voice.
American Royals, by Katharine McGee
A fun, little romantic comedy that’s part Princess Diaries, part Windsor, circa 2000s. The idea was fun—imagining the United States being ruled by the Washingtons as our royal family—and involving scheming relationship drama among the children. In my opinion, it has all the ingredients to be a great TV show (I’d watch!), but as a book, it dragged on endlessly. Plus, I learned it’s part of an entire young-adult series! I’d recommend it, but it’s a page-flipper—entertaining yet not demanding too much attention.
The Friend Zone and The Happy Ever After Playlist, by Abby Jiminez
Abby Jimenez is a guaranteed grab-and-buy author whenever I see a new one out – or, in this case, two on her backlist that I hadn’t read yet. If you’re a fan of hers, you’ll love these, and if you haven’t tried her yet but enjoy romantic comedies you leave thinking, “I mean, that could really happen,” these are for you. The Friend Zone edged out the other as my favorite, with the main character Kristen falling completely in love with someone she considers perfect. However, she holds herself back because of her own medical concerns. She’s afraid to share her feelings, afraid to take the leap – all because she’s scared of her own response. You feel for this character and just want the best for both of them, however that may be. The Happy Ever After Playlist was an immediate hit, especially since the main characters are centered around a lost dog – with the finder and the original owner at odds about who can claim ownership. Then you find out the original owner is a music star. I mean, where does this happen? But it could happen… to someone?! This was a bit of a stretch, but it’s still cheesy and a fun romance novel.
Two books I wanted to love but didn’t: 1.) We Begin at the End… This is one of Chris Whitaker’s earlier books (he wrote that long, long one All the Colors of the Dark from two summers ago), so I knew I was diving into an epic, well-written story – which, yes, it was. I loved the writing, the characters, and the full immersion into their lives. But then there was a stream of underage love/connection. Not for me. 2.) Half His Age, by Jennette McCurdy… This was a highly anticipated novel, and I even bought it as a pre-order, only to find it about an obsessed student with her adult teacher. I do appreciate the way McCurdy writes – she writes in such a clear way, without fluff, and straight to the point. It’s like sitting at the table with girlfriends telling you about a memory. However, again due to the subject matter… this isn’t one I’d pick up again or recommend.
A local share: I received a copy of the book *Pilgrims* by M.R. Leonard, a local Southie author, and have been reading it off and on throughout the year. I love when there’s any kind of local connection, so I was grateful and wanted to make sure I share here in case others feel the same. It revolves around a Latin teacher who is needed by the government to be their point of contact during an alien invasion… because those aliens speak Latin? Oh, and they’re Catholic. While I do enjoy anything similar to *Independence Day*, this one might have been a bit beyond my reach – so I’ve passed it on to a good friend who’s sharing it with her Latin teacher friends. I mean, how many books feature Latin teachers as the main characters? If sci-fi is your thing, I recommend giving it a try.
And now…
I’m currently reading *All Fours* by Miranda July, which I thought was highly recommended, but I’m only a few chapters in and completely confused about what I’m reading. So far, it’s part road trip, part bathing with her son, and part weird sex commentary. Should I keep going? — Anyway, I just wanted to let you know I put this down by page 75. Onto the next. Never feel guilty about moving on from a book!
If you got this far, thank you. Let us know if you’ve read any of these choices or want to share what you’ve got next on your list. Please do so via the comments on @caughtinsouthie or catch me on Instagram at @glossinbossin / @josiegl.
All of the above hard copies have been put in Free Little Libraries in the Southie neighborhood (unless it was a Kindle version). Enjoy.
