Since I don’t post regularly on the blog, I feel freer to read what I really want to read.
Let me explain: for all these years, I’ve been posting mostly American reads on the blog. Living in Boston, I don’t really see myself recommending French or any other readings, that’s not really what makes my blog interesting, namely an opening on the American culture, seen from my French prism (even if my Frenchness is starting to fade, in some aspects, after 10 years here).
But after almost a year of not posting on this blog, well, I read differently!
This year, I read a lot more in French for example. I’ve read some old stuff, I’ve read a lot of comics, and I’ve settled for New York er articles when I wasn’t sure what to read. I’ve also been reading my book club books, one a month, which aren’t always great.
And then I have a reader’s confession to make.
Last Christmas, I was given a Kindle.
I, who for years refused to give in to the pressure, claiming that books are better, that bookstores are what we need, that libraries make cities live (I still think so).
Well, I now read on Kindle.
I was embarrassed to start a loyalty card at my local bookstore after a year and a half of moving here “Are you new?” “Uh… yes,” and bim, $15 for two postcards and a children’s book…. Because the rest, the many books I still read, is almost only reading on this small, light, backlit and so practical tablet.
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I went back to my diary notes from January 2021 to concoct this list, as I still have some 100% American reads to recommend:
- An illustrated book : Everybody, Julia Rothman
I liked Food Anatomy, by the same illustrator, and when I saw that she was releasing a new book, I bought it.
It’s a mix of The Moth-style personal stories and various illustrations (not just hers), all compiled thematically.
A collection of stories illustrated and laid out in a super beautiful way.
In short, a nice gift for oneself or for a loved one on love and sex.
- A contemporary novel: Detransition, Baby, Torrey Peters
This book made me think about the notion of parenthood. I also enjoyed listening to Torrey Peters as a guest on various shows on NPR and elsewhere, talking about her writing process.
This novel is the story of Reese, a trans woman, who gets a call from Ames, her de-transitioned ex, asking if she wants to become a mother with her current partner, Katrina, who is pregnant. The initial situation may seem intricate and rocky, but as you follow the characters’ journey, it makes complete sense.
A really interesting book, and funny too. I recommend it if you like social portraits.
- A moving autobiography: Between two Kingdoms, Suleika Jaouad
This book was a real slap in the face.
I wasn’t sure I wanted to read the true story of this young woman who discovers she has cancer when she goes to work in Paris after her studies. Probably out of cowardice, out of protection. She is barely 25 years old, and her life takes a dramatic turn.
I don’t regret reading his story for a second. I enjoyed this tale of interrupted life. I was captivated by this particular life story, yet felt completely connected. Superb.
- A satirical novel: The Other Black Girl, Z.D. Harris
This book made me cringe.
Nella is a young black woman employed in a New York publishing house. She is used to being the only black person in the professional circles she moves in, facing many microaggressions and often being mistaken for the black token. Everything changes the day Hazel, another young black woman, arrives in the office. They compete with each other while Nella thought she had found an ally in Hazel. She begins to doubt the intentions of this new colleague.
The story is fierce, satirical and takes a turn for the worse with an unexpected Jordan Peele-like twist.
- A feminist epic: The Great Circle, Maggie Shipstead
This book made me travel.
It is a long novel, 740 pages long. I like it, it gives you time to get immersed.
It tells the fictional life story of Marian Graves, an aviatrix in the 20th century – she was born in 1914, grew up during Prohibition and fought in World War II in England. In short, we follow her from her birth to her death while following the historical events of the time, under the prism of her passion for aviation and her need for emancipation.
It is full of twists and turns, of knots that are untied and retied years later. It is beautiful, rich and very moving.
- A novel about novels (my favorites): Cloud Cuckoo Land, Anthony Doerr
I had a big crush on this novel, read for my October book club.
It is a big book of more than 600 pages.
The author had won the Pulitzer Prize for her previous novel, All the light we cannot see, and the promotion of this book was enormous. Is it deserved? More than enough for me.
I loved it, I didn’t want to finish it. I found this book overwhelming.
We follow the story of 5 characters, in 3 different timelines: a young girl in the middle of interstellar travel in the future, Zeno and Seymour in contemporary Idaho and two characters at the time of the fall of Constantinople in the 15th century.
When I read this premise, I wondered, but wtf?
What connects the characters: a mysterious text.
It sounds super complicated, but it’s not at all, once you’ve read a chapter for each of the characters.
I was captivated by the story from the beginning. It’s perfectly written, it makes you want to highlight many passages. For the former philosophy student that I was, I loved to reflect via this novel, on the passing of time, on memory, on what remains. The characters are touching, unique.
Vertiginous effect guaranteed.
- An essay on sexuality: Come as you are, Emily Nagoski
This book was recommended in my postpartum discussion group by a physiotherapist specializing in perineal rehabilitation.
Even if it is very specific, this book is for all women. It talks about female sexuality, pleasure, “what is normal”.
Emily Nagoski talks about the confrontation between the latest research on sexuality by the Kinsey Institute and the representations in the media, in the medical sphere… It’s very informative.
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☛ Any of these books appeal to you? And if not, are you still here?
