What I found most powerful about this novel is its message about confronting the past and why we must do it. Mothers and Sons follows Peter, a forty-yWhat I found most powerful about this novel is its message about confronting the past and why we must do it. Mothers and Sons follows Peter, a forty-year-old overworked immigration lawyer who lives in New York City. He has a distant relationship with his mother and a slightly less though still distant relationship with his sister, and he works all the time. Until he takes a case that brings back memories of a tragic event from his childhood, forcing him to address the incident that’s made him bury himself in work for all these years.
Adam Haslett does a great job of highlighting how work can both be a source of meaning and avoidance. Especially for those of us in professions that involve helping people, how helping others can be a way to avoid addressing our own internal issues. Haslett thoughtfully rendered this intrapersonal dynamic across two generations (i.e., Peter and his mother).
I also thought Haslett’s prose shined when he wrote about interpersonal dynamics as it did in his past novels Imagine Me Gone and You Are Not a Stranger Here. The ways we hurt the people we care about, don’t listen to what they’re actually saying, try and protect ourselves – he laid it bare and showed the characters’ growth over time, too.
There were parts of this novel that came across as a bit dry or plodding. For example, all of Peter’s immigration work – I get that it was important to show because Peter is actively avoiding his own issues via his work, so I’m not sure if there was another way structurally for Haslett to have displayed this part of his character. Regardless, as a whole Haslett’s prose is strong and engaging and I more often found myself immersed in this book than turned off by it. Solid four star read....more
Some interesting themes related to family conflict and communication, Chinese culture within the context of the United States, and knowing one’s histoSome interesting themes related to family conflict and communication, Chinese culture within the context of the United States, and knowing one’s history. My favorite stories were “Julia,” which highlighted the nuances of friendships that shift over time and reveal things about ourselves, and “Knowing,” about the power and bittersweet sorrow of learning about your roots. On the whole, though, I found these stories a bit tame and uneventful for my taste – too subtle to make a lasting impression....more
I liked the positive representation of two queer Asian American men in a romantic relationship, as well as Anton Hur’s willingness to name imperialismI liked the positive representation of two queer Asian American men in a romantic relationship, as well as Anton Hur’s willingness to name imperialism. The novel overall contained interesting themes about technology and humanity and how they intersect with memory, yearning, and connection. The prose didn’t grab me though; it felt a bit too “poetic” and not incisive enough, and the multiple points-of-view made it hard for me to really feel invested in any of the characters....more
Really interesting premise with some shaky execution. In Acts of Forgiveness, Maura Cheeks explores an alternate world in which reparations are granteReally interesting premise with some shaky execution. In Acts of Forgiveness, Maura Cheeks explores an alternate world in which reparations are granted and Black families in the United States can claim up to $175,000 if they can prove they are the descendants of enslaved people. The novel does a nice job of centering themes of what racial justice and forgiveness actually look like, the intersection of race and class, and how our personal ambitions are tempered by oppression and reality.
While the novel addresses an extremely important topic, I felt that it struggled to find a balance between being more literary fiction and character-driven and exploring the alternate reality brought to life by Cheeks. There was some development on both sides though I wish there had been more robust characterization or an even stronger commitment to seeing through what the Forgiveness Act would entail. I could see this book raising some interesting discussion though!...more
I appreciate Evan Winter bringing greater representation to the fantasy genre with this African-inspired story. On the whole I found Winter’s writing I appreciate Evan Winter bringing greater representation to the fantasy genre with this African-inspired story. On the whole I found Winter’s writing relatively engaging and it wasn’t hard for me to speed through The Rage of Dragons. Unfortunately I found our protagonist Tau’s motivation of revenge a bit too one-note and one-dimensional to sustain my interest; the other characters came across as flat and not riveting enough to capture my attention. Glad I tried the book though for the sake of diversity across genre and race!...more
These stories were filled with punchy and dynamic prose that kept me on my toes. I wasn’t bored reading the first set of stories in Rejection, I’ll giThese stories were filled with punchy and dynamic prose that kept me on my toes. I wasn’t bored reading the first set of stories in Rejection, I’ll give it that. Maybe I’m in the minority opinion here but I did find the tone to be cynical in a way that wasn’t that interesting to me? I felt like Tony Tulathimutte took common online social justice issues/dynamics and just put them in a blender of weird, graphic situations and we got this collection. When I finished these stories my reaction was generally “that was mildly interesting and very depressing and I’m not sure what the point of that was.” I also felt that a lot of the characters of color were one-dimensional and obsessed with white people, which seemed to be intentional/Tulathimutte was trying to make a point though I was like… contrived, next.
Three stars for doing something different though I’m not sure if my actual enjoyment measures up to three stars....more
I wanted to enjoy this book though I found all the characters messy and unlikable for little reason. I generally do love messy characters and also unlI wanted to enjoy this book though I found all the characters messy and unlikable for little reason. I generally do love messy characters and also unlikable characters when they’re well-developed, but these characters felt flat. Perhaps Naoise Dolan could have provided more backstory or humanization so we could more thoroughly understand why these characters were behaving the way they did. The dialogue was snippy and petty though again that type of writing doesn’t go far, at least for me, without more heart in the characters or in the story. For those who want sharp realistic fiction a couple of my favorites from last year were Ghosts by Dolly Alderton and Colored Television by Danzy Senna....more
I found this book an entertaining mix of deep topics with well-written humor. The lows experienced by our protagonist, Phoebe, felt relatable and painI found this book an entertaining mix of deep topics with well-written humor. The lows experienced by our protagonist, Phoebe, felt relatable and painfully human. Even though The Wedding People contends with heavy topics like suicidal ideation and loss, there was a buoyancy to the writing that never made the story itself boring or unduly heavy. I was proud to read Phoebe’s growth and also enjoyed the themes of how both connection and self-knowledge are powerful.
Toward the middle and end of the book I felt the “wedding” premise started to distract and detract from some of the sharp writing and characterization. The wedding setup didn’t necessarily feel gimmicky but it was getting there. Still, I enjoyed reading this novel even though I wouldn’t put it as my top novel of the year....more
A solid four-star read! Coco Mellors did a great job addressing themes of grief, addiction, and family relationships. Some of the themes I most enjoyeA solid four-star read! Coco Mellors did a great job addressing themes of grief, addiction, and family relationships. Some of the themes I most enjoyed included: the ways in which our family disappoints us yet shapes us all the same, the hard realities of living with addiction, and the desire to want to be childfree. Each of the three main characters had distinct perspectives and characterizations which helped move the plot along.
I give this book four stars instead of five because I did feel that the quality of the writing didn’t always match the ambitions of the story itself. Mellors’s writing was easy-to-read and pleasing, though not as sharp or as precise in certain places as it could have been. Still, an engaging and moving book that did have me invested in the characters....more
Lots of short stories about women in negative dating or relational experiences with men. I think one of the strengths of this collection was some of iLots of short stories about women in negative dating or relational experiences with men. I think one of the strengths of this collection was some of its variety and contemporary verve, like interrogating the modern dating scene and dating apps as well as the AITA Reddit trend. That said, I found the prose a bit too dry for my taste. While the stories presented interesting scenarios, I also wanted them to reach for something more, like some sort of deeper meaning, resolution, or emotional impact that I didn’t quite get. As someone who’s gone on some pretty mediocre dates with men though, I can relate at least in that sense!...more
This novel had some really interesting takes on the costs of upward mobility, specifically the cons of assimilating to whiteness/heteronormative life This novel had some really interesting takes on the costs of upward mobility, specifically the cons of assimilating to whiteness/heteronormative life styles. The commentary about class and class’s intersections with race felt, for better or worse, still relevant today. Can anyone truly ascend in a system that wasn’t made for them without losing a part of themselves? This question is explored throughout Linden Hills and its characters lives.
Unfortunately I found the writing a bit dense/obtuse and not the easiest to get into/stick with. However I can see why other people enjoyed this novel....more
A varied short story collection about Palestinian Canadians living in Toronto. Saeed Teebi did a nice job showing the heterogeneity of the PalestinianA varied short story collection about Palestinian Canadians living in Toronto. Saeed Teebi did a nice job showing the heterogeneity of the Palestinian lived experience and themes included navigating complicated family dynamics, the consequences of engaging in activism, and self-doubt and self-confidence. While the writing in this collection didn’t grab my attention or wow me, I’m very much here for promoting Palestinian authors and they’re incredibly important work....more
Really vibed with the themes of intergenerational trauma and connection, loneliness, and art and community-building in this book. I’m turning 30 next Really vibed with the themes of intergenerational trauma and connection, loneliness, and art and community-building in this book. I’m turning 30 next year and have been reflecting on some of the sad gay mess in my life, so I felt some solace reading Four Squares as it has a similar emotional valence. To me, there was gay tragedy in the book but not in a way that felt too exploitative or excessive. And, the messages of cultivating social support and purpose how you can were pleasant and moving.
Unfortunately the main drawback of this book for me was the quality of the prose. The writing was just too dry and unremarkable for me to give this one higher than three stars. So, I liked the themes and messages overall but on a sentence level it was a bit of a slog to get through....more
Went back and forth between rounding this up to four or down to three and decided on four. The novel follows Gordon, a 24-year-old convention3.5 stars
Went back and forth between rounding this up to four or down to three and decided on four. The novel follows Gordon, a 24-year-old conventionally attractive white man who moves from Minnesota to New York City in 2001, in search of a different life. Directionless and somewhat naïve, he takes on a job with Nicola and Philip, two powerful gallery owners who introduce him to what a wealthy lifestyle could look like. Gordon’s relationship with these two men shifts and morphs as Gordon starts and stumbles into discovering himself.
I’ll start with a positive which is that I found the prose in this novel smooth, easy to read, and engaging. I didn’t want to skip through any passages and enjoyed that Thomas Grattan’s writing felt both light yet able to convey sincere emotion.
Some of the things I didn’t love – a large chunk of this novel was watching Gordon make continually self-destructive decisions while being mistreated by older men with money. It’s a little hard to critique because in real life people do make self-destructive decisions, and in real life older men with money do mistreat people. But there was something in the repetition of Gordon’s decision-making (e.g., deprioritizing a female friend who somehow finds the heart to forgive him, a common trope in literature about gay men) that was annoying and really made me lean toward three stars for most of my reading experience. I also don’t think Nicola and Philip were really held accountable for their abuse of power (both related to age and money), even though it’s not like I was expecting some grand condemnation of wealthy white men taking advantage of people. Finally, there’s casual fatphobia in this novel especially in its first half, which is perhaps fitting given that Gordon and those around him are shallow, but, be warned.
All that said, I do feel like Grattan did a nice job of showing Gordon’s growth as a person toward the end of the book. Gordon’s development felt subtle and realistic, yet hopeful. It’s interesting for me to read other people’s critiques of Gordon as a passive character – my take is that Grattan demonstrates that some people are just more passive or dependent on other people for decision-making, yet these people can grow too.
Anyway, clearly I was engaged enough by this novel to write this much about it. While I’d say I liked the book, I can also totally see why some would rate it lower than I did. I don’t see In Tongues making my top ten end of the year list though I also may still recommend it to those interested in its synopsis....more
Wanted to enjoy this book at least a bit more especially because of its Vietnamese American representation, but unfortunately I found the novel ratherWanted to enjoy this book at least a bit more especially because of its Vietnamese American representation, but unfortunately I found the novel rather mid. There were interesting themes related to the parent-child relationship, grief, and opening up or closing down in intimate connections. I also found the subplot about the college shooting a harrowing though unfortunately timely spin.
However, the voice in Linh Ly is Doing Just Fine dragged for me. I wonder if the author wrote her protagonist’s voice to be intentionally deadpan, though it just came across to me as dry and stilted. I also found the protagonist’s relationship with Chandler lacking in substance or depth. Three stars because I want to appreciate the effort though I don’t think I would recommend this book....more
I appreciated these short stories for portraying the richness of the Arab American community in Dearborn, Michigan. I felt that several the s3.5 stars
I appreciated these short stories for portraying the richness of the Arab American community in Dearborn, Michigan. I felt that several the stories had intriguing plot setups that made me reflect on how we cope with economic disenfranchisement, why we focus on certain things in our relationships and day to day lives, and artistic success and failure. It is difficult for short stories to emotionally immerse me unless the characterization is extremely on point; I didn’t feel that these stories were necessarily character-driven or that the characters were developed in a more emotionally-rich way. Still, I liked this collection and think it’s an important addition to literature broadly....more
To start with the positive, I thought this book had some interesting commentary about motherhood and marriage within the idealized “suburban” lifestylTo start with the positive, I thought this book had some interesting commentary about motherhood and marriage within the idealized “suburban” lifestyle. Claire Lombardo did a nice job of highlighting how this aspirational suburban, heteronormative way of life can come with its own challenges. She addresses discontent in one’s marriage, unresolved intergenerational wounds, and what happens when one of your kid’s lives doesn’t go in the direction you thought it would.
Unfortunately I found the writing style pretentious and distracting. In my opinion the book was a lot longer than it needed to be and on the sentence level I just was not pulled in by the prose. For example there were many unnecessary adverbs and other elements of the writing that came across as juvenile. Overall, not a book I would recommend....more
This book and I were probably a mismatch in terms of genre. I think I understood the premise with the main character being a cyborg and all but the voThis book and I were probably a mismatch in terms of genre. I think I understood the premise with the main character being a cyborg and all but the voice felt a bit too gimmicky for me. There wasn’t enough room or specific scenes for me to feel invested in the characters. That said, I’m glad it was a short read. Onto the next!...more
Some interesting themes related to family (e.g., challenging caregiver/child relationships), loss, and assimilation in a dominant culture. The writingSome interesting themes related to family (e.g., challenging caregiver/child relationships), loss, and assimilation in a dominant culture. The writing style was a bit too vague and dry for my liking and I agree with other readers who were a bit confused about the plot in Someone Like Us. There was a quiet eeriness to the tone of this novel that was engaging a first, but ultimately not enough for me to rate it higher....more
Unfortunately didn’t love this one. While I appreciate the book for is homage to lesbian culture, I found the writing and humor very shallow and uninsUnfortunately didn’t love this one. While I appreciate the book for is homage to lesbian culture, I found the writing and humor very shallow and uninspired. To me, the main character came across as a mouthpiece for lukewarm social justice hot takes rather than as a full three-dimensional person. The dialogue and interactions between the characters gave a trying-too-hard-to-be-cool energy that didn’t keep me engaged. I know the past several books I’ve read have been in the three or lower star category so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that my next read is better!...more
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