44hr of audiobook well spent. . . book recommendation came from my undergraduate philosophy advisor at lunch a little over a month ago. she mentioned she44hr of audiobook well spent. . . book recommendation came from my undergraduate philosophy advisor at lunch a little over a month ago. she mentioned she was enjoying the college years part of the book w/ a strong sense of place in the Pioneer Valley (where we both went and she teaches). I didn’t think I’d spend 44hr on one book, but then figured it would be fun to keep in touch through reading, what bookstagrammers call a buddy read. . . most of the book at least in my reading experience focuses on Sylvia Plath’s extraordinary writing career and her struggle to regulate emotions. reading a book about the life of a writer struggling through mood regulation & mental health was often precisely what I needed while listening to it. . . the book is long, & the length serves many purposes. colloquially, Sylvia Plath is famous for her death. the book explores that part fully, but thanks to the length of the book, it’s proportionally a small part at the end of a big life. . . content warning for multiple other suicides toward the end of the book. . . to cap off a 5-star reading experience, the author Heather Clark was even really nice to me! such a superstar. And Plath, a red comet, endures ...more
I really enjoyed this book. my first impression from its opening was an appreciation for the unapologetic fandom verging on hagiography. But as I readI really enjoyed this book. my first impression from its opening was an appreciation for the unapologetic fandom verging on hagiography. But as I read farther, it’s more than a book of praise. I used to teach high schoolers that analysis is assessing how well the evidence supports the claims. I almost forgot that criticism does not require criticizing. throughout HEARTBREAK IS THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, Rob Sheffield draws on specific details from individual songs & albums to make broader points about the history of Taylor Swift. I especially enjoyed his Folklore analysis bc that’s my favorite album. Midnights is the last one covered in this book- would love an updated addition including TTPD. my takeaways from HEARTBREAK IS THE NATIONAL ANTHEM are (1) appreciation for where my favorite songs, mostly from Folklore, fit into a longer story, and (2) inspiration to be ambitious, original, & unapologetic....more
the best book I’ve read on Israel and Palestine. one of the best books I’ve read in recent memory. short and beautifully written, full of empathy and the best book I’ve read on Israel and Palestine. one of the best books I’ve read in recent memory. short and beautifully written, full of empathy and evidence. . . a few hints of what to expect in this book. it opens with a letter to a friend who disagrees w/ him. several lines and facts throughout made me write “ooof” in the margins. too many quotable lines to choose. But here’s one from the last few pages: “don’t have to close off a piece of ourselves and barricade it from our best qualities — kindness, compassion, fairness — because that’s the only way we can defend what’s being done in our name.” read with care, caution, & an open mind. . . can’t recommend highly enough- BEING JEWISH AFTER THE DESTRUCTION OF GAZA hits stores in early 2025. many thanks to PRH for the advanced copy....more
what I liked about DEAR WRITER is that it praises and reflects on the process of writing, not the product. it belongs next to ON WRITING, BIG MAGIC, Wwhat I liked about DEAR WRITER is that it praises and reflects on the process of writing, not the product. it belongs next to ON WRITING, BIG MAGIC, WHY WRITE, & more on your bookshelf. in addition to process, DEAR WRITER also focuses on living: thinking & existing in the world count as writing if you’re a writer, & anyone can be, according to DEAR WRITER. much of the book is addressed to the reader, though given her focus on looking inward, I wonder if Maggie Smith was writing partially to herself. interspersed are her own anecdotes, poems, reading recommendation lists, & the occasional writing prompt throughout the book....more
an engaging and insightful biography that transitions seamlessly between the present, past, and even further past context. the granddaughter of enslavan engaging and insightful biography that transitions seamlessly between the present, past, and even further past context. the granddaughter of enslaved persons & survivor of a forced hysterectomy, Fannie Lou Hamer became a fierce activist & intellectual. I appreciate the biography’s consistent focus on what Hamer thought, with emphasis on class & racial capitalism. my third read by the author, Keisha Blain’s signature style is always a can’t-miss read....more
many characters took a while to keep track of, and while much of book was of course well done, the both-sides-ism of abortion didn’t age well. contentmany characters took a while to keep track of, and while much of book was of course well done, the both-sides-ism of abortion didn’t age well. content warning for gun violence ...more
a feel-good study-abroad rom com with a strong sense of place in Paris, LOVE REQUIRES CHOCOLATE leans into cultural and intellectual charms of Paris wa feel-good study-abroad rom com with a strong sense of place in Paris, LOVE REQUIRES CHOCOLATE leans into cultural and intellectual charms of Paris with an authenticity that avoids cliche....more
I’m thankful that this novel — the most deserving bestseller of all time imho — came into existence precisely when it did. light spoilers, all from beI’m thankful that this novel — the most deserving bestseller of all time imho — came into existence precisely when it did. light spoilers, all from beginning of book. . . brief synopsis: Phoebe is an English lit adjunct in St. Louis, married to a tenured philosophy prof. he cheats on her w/ a tenured author of 3 books at the beginning of the pandemic, & their cat dies. I’d imagine the infertility storyline is compelling to others, but I’m stuck on her humanities adjuncting. Phoebe travels to Newport, RI, to a gaudy hotel, w/ plans to kill herself. at the hotel she meets Lila & Gary- it’s their wedding week. . . I asked for recs for divorce books AND a strong sense of place in RI. reading a book that takes place there is how I connect with a place. I recently moved to RI after my marriage ended. this book felt like a gift from the universe. . . notable quotation: “it’s not pathetic to want things… it’s good.” . . another notable quotation: “destroying Phoebe’s marriage felt like destroying herself. walking out of the classroom felt like killing the twenty-two-year-old who tried to save her own life by applying to graduate school.” . . in the least cheesy way possible, life is worth living. worth trying again. there are more places and people. the “wedding people” were annoying at first, but even they are complicated & real. the dialogue is both dark & funny. the pacing is exquisite. . . content warning for suicidal ideation, yet it might be the most life-affirming book that I’ve ever read....more
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