Four compelling 2023 releases
Plus beach books for every reader and why you should read short stories
Hey, readers!
I read four 2023 releases this week and I have a lot to say about them, so let’s get right to the books, shall we?
This week in books.
This week I read…
The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi. The Centre follows Anisa, an aspiring translator who finds herself romantically involved with a man who claims to attend a “super secret” language school where attendees can achieve fluency in a mere ten days. Anisa wants in, but—of course—something that seems too good to be true probably is. This is a difficult book to review because anything I say about what I really loved about it and the few quibbles I have with it would at least suggest a potential spoiler. Even providing comp titles might get you thinking too much about where the plot is going! So all I’ll say is that this is a compelling and suspenseful, if imperfect, story with themes of language, assimilation, and appropriation, and if you read it please message me so we can debrief. Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.fm
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal. I enjoyed Stradal’s debut Kitchens of the Great Midwest, and I was excited that the FictionMatters Book Club crew was interested in reading his newest release as our Buzzy Book of June. I really enjoyed this book—Stradal has a real gift for writing about extremely difficult topics (do seek out content warnings) with warmth and grace, and I love the way he writes (most of) his characters with nuance, making sure they all have redeeming qualities and moments of kindness. I’ve heard many readers admire the way Stradal captures the spirit of the Midwest and bring these communities to life on the page. Here, I’m conflicted. I think Stradal fills his books with so many charming details that they evoke these places and people for those familiar with them. But as someone who’s never lived in the Midwest or spent any of my adulthood in a small, insular community, I don’t feel that experience is as vividly conveyed as I want it to be. And that’s okay! I think it’s wonderful when authors write in a way that allows a singular community to feel seen and understood. I also struggled a bit with the structure, but I think that might be a me problem. I’m excited to explore that question more with the Patreon community (sign up for Patreon if you’re interested in discussing this one on Zoom on June 15th at 7pm ET). Overall though, I found this book to be tender, beautiful, and extremely compassionate, and I’d highly recommend it. Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.fm
In Memoriam by Alice Winn. The story follows two boys, Gaunt and Ellwood, from their days at the prestigious Preshute School through the brutalities and atrocities of World War I. Gaunt and Ellwood love each other deeply, but what that love is to each of them is impacted by time, war, and shifting views on what love between two men can mean. In Memorium is a gorgeous, character heavy, and sometimes gruesome novel, but it’s also shockingly propulsive. Winn’s syntax and itself is incredibly dynamic, driving you through her paragraphs with surprising momentum, and keeping you turning pages even through unspeakable atrocities. This book also felt very well-balanced to me—between the literary and the commercial, the hard and the hopeful, the realism of war and the sweeping romance of the novel. Pick this one up if you loved Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski, and if you’ve already read and loved In Memoriam, try Swimming in the Dark. Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.fm
Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma by Claire Dederer. In this collection of essays, Dederer examines her own views on consuming and appreciating the art of bad people, what it means to bifurcate art and artist, and what “we” as a larger audience might consider when thinking through these topics. It’s a brave and bold collection with brave and bold thoughts, and whether or not you agree with Dederer’s impressions, she certainly provides a solid framework for considering these timely and timeless issues. I’m still processing my own thoughts on the book, but I hope to share some further reflections in some forthcoming editions of Reading in Public. Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.fm
Now I’m reading…
The Transit of Venus by Shirley Hazzard. This book has blown the minds of many of my favorite readers and I’m excited to see what the fuss is about! Amazon | Bookshop
The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue. I loved O’Donoghue’s YA novel All Our Hidden Gifts and her newest work for adult readers has been getting great reviews. Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.fm
Banyan Moon by Thao Thai. This is a June BOTM option and one of my most anticipated reads of the summer. If you can’t wait until it’s release at the end of June, you can get an early copy in a BOTM box! Use this link and code SPLASH to get your first box for $10.
If you are an international reader or just prefer UK covers, you can also order books through my Blackwell’s affiliate page!
Links I love.
Vulture has some great book lists out right now including their summer preview and 18 beach books for every type of reader.
On reading Morrison’s Beloved many times.
Summer reading recs from two beloved romance writers.
I loved listening to Brandon Taylor on It’s Been a Minute.
Rebecca Makkai thinks you should read more short stories: here’s why and how.
End notes.
This week in views, listens, eats, and moments of joy.
The finale of Succession was perfect and now I’m excited to see how Top Chef concludes!
If you’re looking for some book podcasts to topple your TBR check out Book Talk, Etc.’s Summer Bonanza episode and Sarah’s Bookshelves’ Summer Preview. And if you haven’t yet, we also did an episode on buzzy summer books with backlist pairings on Novel Pairings earlier this month.
I took Louise to the Denver Children’s Museum this week and it was awesome. She’s getting more adventurous and independent, and I learned that she LOVES playing in the water. We’ll be frequenting all the pools and splash pads this summer.
I decided to finally upgrade my socks after realizing I only have about 4 non-Smartwool pairs that I actually wear. It hurt to put in a pricey order for something as basic as socks, but now that they’re here I’m happy.
I’ve been reading more physical books this week and it makes me so happy. I’m incredibly grateful for audiobooks, but it feels so luxurious to actually be turning pages.
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Happy reading!
Sara
So excited to know what you think about 'Transit of Venus'!!
I love Stradal’s writing! I’m not even American but he’s really made me want to experience the Midwest ❤️