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nuhafariha
Unrelenting, ceaseless wave upon wave of grief is the center of this devastating memoir by Sonali Detaniyagala. After the loss of her two sons, husband, and parents, Sonali tries to find a way to continue living. Wave captures her struggle in beautiful prosaic form.
Ellen Bryant Voigt's contribution to the American letters cannot be understated. This brilliant collection is an ode to her decade spanning leadership and poetic excellence.
I had high expectations given the interesting plot line for this story. However, as soon as I started reading this book, I felt confused. What greatly distracted me is the scaffolding of narrative within narrative, making it difficult to establish a timeline. I couldn't finish the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Between Two Moons is Aisha Abdel Gawad's stirring debut, focusing on an Arab American family in Bay Ridge, NYC. When Amira's long lost brother returns from prison, her family is forced to confront past histories they had put away. Adding to the drama of the piece is the ever present gaze of American society, which views Muslim folk as violent and uncontrolled. What is most successful about this piece is the way we see Amira's brother, Sami, find peace in an unjust system. What bothered me the most is Amira's passivity to go along with her sister, to seek male approval from her crush, to appease her parents. I wish Amira embraced herself more, like Lina, and leaned into her inner strength. Overall, Gawande paints an accurate portrayal of what it means to grow up Muslim American today.
Between Two Moons is Aisha Abdel Gawad's stirring debut, focusing on an Arab American family in Bay Ridge, NYC. When Amira's long lost brother returns from prison, her family is forced to confront past histories they had put away. Adding to the drama of the piece is the ever present gaze of American society, which views Muslim folk as violent and uncontrolled. What is most successful about this piece is the way we see Amira's brother, Sami, find peace in an unjust system. What bothered me the most is Amira's passivity to go along with her sister, to seek male approval from her crush, to appease her parents. I wish Amira embraced herself more, like Lina, and leaned into her inner strength. Overall, Gawande paints an accurate portrayal of what it means to grow up Muslim American today.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
I wanted to like this book, I really really did. The concept was wonderful - reminding me of Ghulab Gang and the rise of Indian women vigilantes. And on the surface level, the author did exactly what the book's premise is - a young widow gives herself a new lease on life as she becomes the reluctant hero bringing justice to her fellow village of women. Along the way, there is deep discussion of motherhood, childlessness, and family.
BUT I just couldn't get over 1) pacing and 2) dialogue. The book is so slow, like waiting for water to boil so you can steep the tea leaves. We follow Geeta's every walk to the bathroom & every thought. It is far too close for my comfort. The dialogue, too, is stilted or overly dramatized. It seems like it's copied and pasted from a detective show.
To me, this was a great concept but wish some of the more literary elements were present.
I wanted to like this book, I really really did. The concept was wonderful - reminding me of Ghulab Gang and the rise of Indian women vigilantes. And on the surface level, the author did exactly what the book's premise is - a young widow gives herself a new lease on life as she becomes the reluctant hero bringing justice to her fellow village of women. Along the way, there is deep discussion of motherhood, childlessness, and family.
BUT I just couldn't get over 1) pacing and 2) dialogue. The book is so slow, like waiting for water to boil so you can steep the tea leaves. We follow Geeta's every walk to the bathroom & every thought. It is far too close for my comfort. The dialogue, too, is stilted or overly dramatized. It seems like it's copied and pasted from a detective show.
To me, this was a great concept but wish some of the more literary elements were present.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Deeply felt and well rounded, Deepa Varadarajan's debut novel Late Bloomers is a beautiful read. Capturing a few months in the wake of Suresh and Lata's divorce, Varadarajan ruminates about what it means to be a family, especially when we are pushed out of what is normal. What do you say, for example, when you find out that your daughter is dating a married man or your son never married his wife? What do you say when your divorced mother starts dating? Varadarajan approaches each of these situations with humor and warmth, redeeming her characters' worst flaws. Definitely a light hearted read to pull you put that reading slump!
Deeply felt and well rounded, Deepa Varadarajan's debut novel Late Bloomers is a beautiful read. Capturing a few months in the wake of Suresh and Lata's divorce, Varadarajan ruminates about what it means to be a family, especially when we are pushed out of what is normal. What do you say, for example, when you find out that your daughter is dating a married man or your son never married his wife? What do you say when your divorced mother starts dating? Varadarajan approaches each of these situations with humor and warmth, redeeming her characters' worst flaws. Definitely a light hearted read to pull you put that reading slump!
Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
I must confess that I had very high hopes for this book! Based on what others were saying, I expected to greatly enjoy it. However, I couldn't settle into the story. There was such a flurry of characters and emotions in the first chapter that I had trouble getting into the story. Just not for me.
I must confess that I had very high hopes for this book! Based on what others were saying, I expected to greatly enjoy it. However, I couldn't settle into the story. There was such a flurry of characters and emotions in the first chapter that I had trouble getting into the story. Just not for me.
Thank you to Source Books and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
This was my very first (and possibly last) audio book. The format just wasn't for me.
This was my very first (and possibly last) audio book. The format just wasn't for me.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for.the Advanced Reader's Copy!
I don't think there will ever be a world where I don't love K Ming Chang's writing style. There is something so fluid, fun, and endlessly inventive about the way they approach Folklore. Organ Meats, which may be their longest project to date, is an ever evolving story of two queer friends, exploring gender, sexuality, and family ties. If you like taking the long view, this is the book for you.
I don't think there will ever be a world where I don't love K Ming Chang's writing style. There is something so fluid, fun, and endlessly inventive about the way they approach Folklore. Organ Meats, which may be their longest project to date, is an ever evolving story of two queer friends, exploring gender, sexuality, and family ties. If you like taking the long view, this is the book for you.
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for.the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Available Sept 5th.
Short poems reign supreme in the newest edition of Best American Poetry, pithy statements that pack a punch. The shortness of breath captures the urgency of our current age, each moment counted and capitalized, each stolen breath a precious moment to hold against time. I greatly enjoyed it!
Available Sept 5th.
Short poems reign supreme in the newest edition of Best American Poetry, pithy statements that pack a punch. The shortness of breath captures the urgency of our current age, each moment counted and capitalized, each stolen breath a precious moment to hold against time. I greatly enjoyed it!