March Reads

Books books books…

Private Rites – Julia Armfield

Since Armfield didn’t give us a lot of answers with Our Wives Under The Sea, so I had to remind myself that we probably won’t have all the loose ends tied up at the end of the novel. 

I loved how relatable the sisters were, especially Agnes, and (SPOILER) the idea that she almost died without telling her girlfriend that she loved her. This is a book I would love to discuss with a book club–did the ritual work? Or did it go wrong because the “wrong” sister died? We’ll never know. I admit, as a theatre person, I don’t know too much about King Lear, which is what this story is inspired by.

We Could Be Rats – Emily Austin

I finished this in one day, it was absolutely amazing. I absolutely think that Sigrid is 100% autistic, or neurodiverse in some capacity. I can see so much of myself in her, especially in her flashbacks as a kid. Sigrid also mentions to her sister, Margit, that she’s thankful to have a sibling so that she could compare childhoods to, and that statement hit close to home for me, since that’s one of the main reasons I wish I had siblings. This book was achy and good, and I wish I could read it all again for the first time. Highly highly recommend. 

Dawn – Octavia E. Butler

I finished this book on a road trip to my parent’s house at the beginning of last month, and didn’t bring my book journal with me, so this review is a bit shorter than others. I definitely enjoyed this more than her Patternist books, I found Dawn easier to get into. I loved the concept, and am looking forward to where this series goes.

Feast While You Can – Mikaella Clements & Onjuli Datta

I am always torn with books set in small towns. While I didn’t grow up in a small town (according to Wikipedia, my hometown is a “suburban city”), I wanted to leave so badly. I think it’s important to experience things outside of your comfort zone and your own little bubble, however if you feel connected to your hometown and want to strive to make it better, more power to you! Angelina didn’t want to leave–Jagvi did. Yet (SPOILER ALERT) Jagvi wasn’t able to in the end. She made the choice to stay with Angelina after she merges with the demon, which, sure, makes sense, but that means she stays in the town where she felt alienated and isolated, didn’t have many close friends and the racist and homophobic attacks. I don’t know, I would have to read it again, maybe with a book club?

Other notes I have, it got GROSS and intense, which makes sense, since this is a Horror/Thriller book. I mean, the monster itself wasn’t super scary to me, but the idea of staying in my hometown forever. 

Gender Queer – Maia Kobabe

Very good, and very relatable. I read the entire thing on my phone in one day. There really isn’t much to say about this book, other than I believe it is incredibly important. 

Wicked – Gregory Macguire

Amazing. Very good. It is obviously nothing like the movie, but I highly recommend it, to provide more context for the movie. I love how MacGuire honored the original L. Frank Baum book and 1939 movie. Just incredible, and very timely, especially now.

Girls to the Front – Sara Marcus

I’ve been playing Don’t Nod’s newest game Lost Records: Bloom and Rage (which I will be posting a review of once Part 2 comes out and I finish playing it!), and half of the game takes place in 1995 and the other half takes place in 2022. The Riot Grrrl movement has strong influences in the game, and it was very fascinating to read. 

It was heartbreaking to read about the women who started the movement grow up and grow apart; it makes me want to read Kathleen Hanna’s memoir. I also love the DIY aspect of the movement, and it feels very authentic and honest. I’d be curious to see how trans women were included in this movement at the time. 

Rat Bohemia – Sarah Schulman

Short chapters don’t always mean a short read. Sometimes, you need to stick with a book and consume it slowly. That’s what I had to do when I read this book–remind myself that I need to take in the information and the characters and their journeys. I loved Killer and her journey especially, including her surprising revelation with self-love and worthiness of being loved.