The World According to Garp – 4/5 Stars I am trying to figure out books from the late 1970s and early 1980s, because it’s like the first time that authors really wanted to dig into sexual politics in some ways that are interesting, definitely alarming, but also handled with a kind of lack of care, or certainly a different context. This book was a huge hit when it came out and won several awards. It’s generally very good, but there’s a weird weird weird scene […]
Beautiful Writing Throughout, but the Last Quarter or So Left Me Unsatisfied
I haven’t read any of Sarah Waters’ works previously, though I did get about 20 pages into The Fingersmith before giving up as the language was just really difficult for me to get into (I have seen The Handmaiden a few times already anyways, and do love that movie a lot). But I watched the film adaptation of The Little Stranger recently and thought it might be worth a shot! And The Night Watch sounded interesting enough: the interwoven lives, secrets, identities, and shames of various people set within the backdrop of WWII […]
“Sci-fi about language”: a heady entry in a favorite subgenre
I have a niche interest in “sci-fi books about language” (give me all your recommendations!) and so this one came my way. China Miéville is a pretty highbrow author, and this is a pretty literary SF book. It is pretty focused on its own theoretical linguistics and the xenology behind language. It doesn’t go so much for major character development or plot, but it’s not annoying in the way that it can be when a fictional structure is just a lazy device to deliver a […]
Your Roman holiday
The one thing I have noticed with The Magic Tree House series, you do have to read them in order. As an adult, I can pick up something, but in Vacation Under the Volcano #13, Jack and Annie have had so many adventures you need to know some of the pieces of information given before to help explain a few things. However, it is a standalone title if you and your child talk about it. The story is basic: Jack and Annie go to Ancient […]