Read whatever, whenever, however.
In brief: Kino and Juana live a poor but happy life. When Kino finds 'the Pearl of the World', their fortunes change, but not for the better. The good: An enjoyable story that is very visual in its telling. The not-so-good: Somewhat predictable ending. Why I chose it: Enjoying making my way through Steinbeck's works.... Continue Reading →
In brief: A terrorist attack on a train has wide-ranging consequences for three individuals. Who will rise and who will fall? The good: Very well written with some confronting moral dilemmas. The not-so-good: Exposes that life really isn't fair – so much depends on other things. Why I chose it: Sounded like something I would... Continue Reading →
In brief: When Lucie meets George in Capri, she dislikes him intensely. Until she doesn't. Years later, George reappears on the scene but Lucie is happily engaged, right? The good: Lovely to indulge in some decadence and armchair travel. The not-so-good: Cecil. I really want to smack him, but I don't think that will help…... Continue Reading →
In brief: Tokunaga is trying to make as a comedian. When he meets Kamiya, he asks Kamiya to mentor him. Over the years, Tokunaga learns from Kamiya but it's not always the lesson intended. The good: In-depth, shocking and sweet. The not-so-good: A fairly short read. Why I chose it: I love Japanese fiction. Year:... Continue Reading →
In brief: Why racism and who leads discussions on racism matter – from history to class and feminism. The good: Very well written with an extensive bibliography to read further. The not-so-good: I felt uncomfortable at times recognising when I have not acted in calling out racism or letting white privilege take over. Why I... Continue Reading →
In brief: Kim Jiyoung is a woman who others think has a problem. But a look at her life suggests that it's society with the problem. The good: Powerful read. The not-so-good: A quick read. Why I chose it: I like reading fiction from Asia. Year: 2020 (originally published 2016 in Korean) Pages: 163 Translator:... Continue Reading →
In brief: Carey and James work for the America's renovation sweethearts. Only problem is, the couple hate each other. Can their assistants keep the peace and the news out of the press? The good: Very interesting, open and fun. The not-so-good: A little more serious than Christina Lauren's recent books – but you'll still laugh.... Continue Reading →
In brief: Desiree and Stella are twins, but after they leave home at 16 everything separates. Desiree returns home with her black daughter; Stella marries a white man and passes for white. But when their daughters meet, the truth becomes complicated. The good: Brilliantly written with memorable characters. The not-so-good: This book has given me... Continue Reading →
In brief: The Strokes brought rock back to New York and the rest of the world. Here is a picture and essay collection from their first ten years. The good: Reliving the glory days of the first album Is This It. The not-so-good: Knowing that the following ten years didn't have as much. Why I... Continue Reading →
