ambershelf's Reviews (1.3k)

Writer Thelonious Monk Ellison has never let his being a Black man in America define his identity or literature. But when a new book, We's Lives in Da Ghetto, by a young and middle-class Black woman, is hailed as an authentic representation of the African American experience and garners nationwide attention, Monk is beyond himself. In a fit of rage, Monk writes a parody encompassing the exploitative and ghetto wanna-be lit under a pseudonym. Except his new book is greeted as an authentic new voice and considered the next American great novel. What will Monk do as his satirical novel gains traction in mainstream American literature?

This is my second book by Everett, and it continues to blow my mind away, just like what he did in THE TREES. In (I believe even with an n of two) Everett's signature style of blending criticism of America's racial bias and satire of the hilariously unbelievable, ERASURE is an ingenious, profound, and tragic tale of writing as an act of not memorializing but rather erasure.

Stylistically, ERASURE is so experimental that it veers toward highbrow—at times to the point I anguish in my lack of cultural depth to grasp Everett's undoubtedly brilliant references. We follow the main narrative of Monk's life, where he struggles to write his next novel after finding mild success with his first publication while dealing with several family tragedies and emergencies. This first layer is interspersed with passages of historical figures & artists having conversations, musings about Monk's childhood, and academic papers of... tbh I have no idea what that part was about

Following his time growing up as a gay Chinese-American kid in 1980s Detroit, Chin reflects on coming of age in a volatile place, his experience with anti-Asian racism, the tightknit multigenerational family dynamic, his not-so-brief adventure as a young Republican, and his ultimate embrace of his sexuality & identity.

As with most memoirs, Chin's experiences with racism at a young age, particularly at the crossroads of being a closeted gay boy, were heartbreaking to hear. But I appreciate that EIL isn't just a memoir of trauma and grief. With witty and sometimes self-deprecating humor, Chin balances the melodrama with lighter notes of coming of age. I loved hearing Chin talk about helping out in his family-run Chinese restaurant, where the constant references to all the delicious food had me drooling.

EIL sometimes reads more like a scattered commentary and less like a memoir. Similarly, Chin's inclusion of a wide range of topics in EIL means that not all issues are explored deeply. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with EIL and reading about Chin's profound love for his community.

Growing up as the few Indian American kids in white suburbia, Gupta learned that to assimilate to whiteness is to perfect the "American Dream Project." However, as Gupta expands her interests into areas not traditionally considered "successful" by her parents—especially by her US-raised father—she learns the cost of contorting oneself to fit the model minority myth.

TCUE is a profoundly moving and deeply vulnerable memoir detailing Gupta's struggles with familial acceptance, patriarchal violence, and mental health. I was distraught listening to Gupta recount her childhood and the emotional abuse & manipulations she went through. I appreciate Gupta's courage in sharing her hurt and confusion in TCUE when addressing her mother in the second person throughout the book. At times, I was so troubled by how Gupta's parents treated her that I shook in anger.

Reading TCUE is a cathartic journey, as the exploration of hidden misogyny from family elders and the discussions of conditional love struck a chord with me, reminiscent of my own complicated family dynamics. For fans of ON EARTH WE'RE BRIEFLY GORGEOUS (Ocean Vuong), WHAT MY BONES KNOW (Stephanie Foo), and HOW TO SAY BABYLON (Safiya Sinclair), don't miss this severely underhyped gem. And please check TW before picking TCUE up

In a not-so-distant future, after billionaires have enriched themselves for generations, they prepare to save themselves in an apocalypse. As the rich hatch their survival plan, is there another solution other than destroying the Earth?

FUTURE covers various topics, including big tech, climate change, social media, and survivalism. The writing is beautiful and world-building expansive. My main qualm is its uneven pacing due to alternating POVs, jumping timelines, and tangential backstories. At times, it was incredibly tough to follow on audio. Fans of literary SSF not looking for a fast-paced story might appreciate the story more than I did.

The kingdom of Tailin hosts an annual competition for those confident in their abilities to jump between bodies. Lurking in the dark is Princess Calla Tuoleimi, who hopes to use this chance to bring down the monarchy by winning the championship. An unlikely alliance is thus formed between Calla and two others, all eyeing the King for their own purposes.

In her signature style, Gong delivers a fast-paced, unputdownable, and twisty story in her first adult debut. While some readers feel the middle dragged a little, I thoroughly enjoyed IL on audiobook (at 2.5x

After becoming the latest victim of a local serial killer, Lou is cloned back to life by a government project. But as the new Lou adapts to her old routines and bonds with other victims, she notices discrepancies behind her death.

I was pleasantly surprised by MM's gorgeous prose and character development when expecting a fast-paced thriller but ended up with a slow-build lit fic. The story was absorbing & the twist was mindblowing. Apart from the plot, I appreciated the examinations of parenthood and marriage. Overall, MM is a well-balanced debut full of surprises and depth.

As the second son of his family living on Wayo Wayo, Atile'i must leave the island as a sacrifice to the Sea God once he turns fifteen. After losing her husband and son in a climbing accident, Alice Shih is quietly preparing to end her life. Atile'i and Alice's lives become inextricably intertwined when a trash vortex comes crashing onto the shore of Taiwan.

EYES is a mesmerizing dive into the realms of magical realism that feels like a literary kin to Murakami Haruki's enchanting novels. The world-building is a triumph, weaving a tapestry of wonder and mystery that keeps me hooked from start to finish. Just like in the best magical realism, there are elements left unexplained and moments that linger in the realm of the inexplicable. But far from being a drawback, this adds to the allure, inviting readers to revel in the beauty of the unknown.

One of the standout features is Wu's thoughtful exploration of the diverse indigenous tribes in Taiwan—despite not being from the community himself. He delves into their struggles, presenting a delicate balance between nature and humanity. It's a perspective that adds layers of richness to the narrative. EYES becomes a cultural mosaic, showcasing the tapestry of Taiwan's indigenous heritage.

Beyond the characters and plot, the novel serves as a love letter to Taiwan's landscape and nature. The mountains and oceans come alive, almost becoming characters in their own right. Wu's prose paints a vivid picture that lingers in your mind, leaving you with a profound sense of connection to the environment.

But EYES is not merely a celebration; it's also a call to contemplation. Wu raises thought-provoking questions about our relationship with nature. How do we live in harmony, minimizing our impact on the environment? Can we achieve sustainability in the face of our own detrimental effects? The novel grapples with the looming question of our existence, urging readers to reflect on the environmental challenges we face.

In essence, EYES is a literary gem that not only captivates with its magical realism but also challenges readers to contemplate our place in the world. It's a journey into the unknown, both in the fantastical and philosophical sense, and a book that lingers in my thoughts. EYES is my first book by Wu, and it definitely won't be the last.

gifted, Pantheon Books

Set in Jaffa in 1947-51, MOS follows a 15-yo mechanic, Subhi, and his life from the prosperous cosmopolitan city through the displacements of Palestinian families. MOS is, at times, humorous, sarcastic, and heartbreaking. At the center of the story is the reminder that Jaffa was once a bustling and vibrant city, its citizens held dreams amidst political unrest, and that we must never forget our humanity in the face of unimaginable loss.

I adore Amiry's wit & humor, and burst out laughing reading the first half of MOS. While there are parts more telling than showing, especially regarding the historical context, I sincerely appreciate this underhyped gem. The author's notes offer a deeper glimpse into the true account behind MOS and made me appreciate this story even more.

Nahr spends her days in solitary confinement reflecting on the dramatic events that landed her in prison. From growing up in Kuwait dreaming of falling in love and raising a family, to her marriage falling apart while her family teeters on poverty, Nahr is forced to go with desperate means to feed & save her loved ones.

ATLW is a heartwrenching and gripping tale of loss—the loss of homeland and innocence. And yet, it's also a sweeping story of love—the love for one's family, friends, community, and nation. I was immediately absorbed by Nahr's narrative voice, and while each character is deeply flawed, I care for them deeply due to Abulhawa's nuanced writing and layered character studies.

After the death of a family member, the new patriarch of the Nasr family has decided to sell their ancestral home in Beirut—a touchstone for all the Nasr members spread across the globe. The controversial decision brings the family back home, where their secrets boil beneath a city with a legacy of violence.

TAC is a multigenerational, multi-POV story that traces the history of a Middle Eastern family through peace, war, and displacement. With alternating timelines & POV, the audiobook might not be the best format to fully experience Alyan's masterful storytelling. Out of all the characters, I connected the most with the oldest daughter, Ava, possibly because of our shared propensity to overthink everything