February Reads

Another good reading month!

Our Wives Under the Sea – Julia Armfield 

“Panic is a waste of oxygen” made my anxiety leave my body. This book was absolutely fantastic, from the audiobook narrators to the writing itself. I’m not a big horror person, but the horror was so immersive; it was so good and subtle, and I liked how Miri’s grief was the main point of the story. Part of me wants to know why all this happened, and about the creature in the depths (Leah writing her name on the paper reminded me of Arrival, even though I have never seen that movie).

Moby Dyke – Krista Burton 

When Krista Burton wrote “Infighting helps no one,” I felt that in my soul. We need that pasted onto every queer bar, coffeeshop, bookstore, and really every queer space imaginable. I also loved one of the best pieces of advice you can say to someone in a new and unfamiliar space, particularly in a lesbian/queer bar: “Hi.” Reading about all of these inclusive spaces, especially in red or conservative states, was really good to see. Her experiences in trying to meet and talk to the owners of these bars were very relatable, since going up and talking to strangers who I would need to talk to is something I struggle with.

Patternmaster – Octavia E. Butler

I hate to say it, but this is probably my least favorite of the series–a lot of the dialogue reminded me of Butler’s other novel, Fledgling. Also, with the other entries in the series, they were much more detailed and had a lot more lore. I do understand that those were written later in the series to provide context for this one, the first to be published but last in the series chronologically. The ending was reminiscent of the final battle from Mind of My Mind, the second book in the series (chronologically). It is really hard to have a final battle with telepaths.

The White Album – Joan Didion 

There was a passage about California’s water being owned by a select group of people, and when I read this, the LA fires were still very fresh on everyone’s mind. I also loved her frank discussions on the film industry, and the overall likelihood of things actually getting made. Didion was a very prolific writer, and a very keen observer, and The White Album proves it. 

Maddelena and the Dark – Julia Fine

I DNF’d this book at 42%. I wasn’t quite bored of this book, just…not enthusiastic about it. To be frank there wasn’t much of a plot, just Vibes, and not interesting ones. I couldn’t really follow the story along (the time jumps were rather confusing), and I still don’t understand the “dark” entity, is it just a deal with the devil? 

I Who Have Never Known Men – Jacqueline Harpman

I think this is one of the few times where I’m okay with everything not being solved. In fact, that makes this book even better. This was such a heartbreaking, horrifying book, and incredibly good. If my house were burning this would be one of the books I would grab. 

The Other Fab Four – Mary McGlory and Sylvia Saunders 

It was interesting to read about the band’s history and how they were connected with these other classic bands (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones). It was hard to listen to the audiobook, since it was read by the authors, who had heavy Liverpoolian accents.