Six years ago this week, I began reading the Harry Potter series for the first time. Being in my early 30s, and facing one one of the most challenging periods of my life, I didn’t expect much. What I got was everything I needed.
Between The World And Me - Ta-Nehisi Coates
This book made me uncomfortable, sad and angry, but it also, at times, made me smile and feel hopeful, because people like Coates are sharing their experiences so that we can be better, if not for ourselves then for the generations to follow.
Can You Separate The Art From The Artist?
Separating the art from the artist is something I've been thinking about a lot lately as I'm nearing the six-year anniversary of when I first read the Harry Potter series. Especially since JK Rowling has joined the ranks of many other artists that in recent years have been exposed for unsavory opinions or behavior.
The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller
Warrior. King. Lover. In this sprawling epic, we’re exposed to all facets of Achilles, from his early life and training to leadership in the Trojan War, and finally, the love he shared with Patroclus, an exiled prince and his lifelong companion.
The Cabin at the End of the World – Paul Tremblay
On a family vacation at a remote cabin in the New Hampshire woods, seven-year-old Wen and her parents, Eric and Andrew, are confronted by a group of strangers demanding they do the unimaginable in order to save humanity.
Don’t Call Us Dead – Danez Smith
Smith’s writing is accessible, especially to novice poetry readers, but it also challenges and enlightens on each page. I’d encourage others to read this collection, especially as many of us are trying to educate ourselves on what it means to be a person of color in America.
Giovanni’s Room – James Baldwin
In 1950s Paris, David begins a love affair with long-lasting repercussions for himself, his lover and his fiancée.
On Second Thought, I Was Wrong
Do you ever think a book comes to you at the wrong time? Where you either are not in the right headspace to enjoy it, or your experiences to that point aren’t where they need to be to fully appreciate it? Read about the four books that meet that criteria for me.
A Little Life – Hanya Yanagihara
Jude, Willem, JB and Malcolm form a close bond in college that continues through the many seasons of adulthood. While Jude is the emotional center of the group, he finds it difficult to share with others the terrible abuses he suffered as a child and teen. His adopted parents, physician and friends refuse to give up on him and spend decades trying to help him realize he deserves love, compassion and support.
The Professor and the Madman – Simon Winchester
Although it’s always been part of our lives, the Oxford English Dictionary didn’t just appear one day. It took 70 years of research and collaboration from people all around the world, including a criminally institutionalized former U.S. Civil War surgeon.
Tell the Wolves I’m Home – Carol Rifka Brunt
At the height of the AIDS crisis in America, 14-year-old June loses her beloved artist uncle, Finn, to the disease. While her parents and sister place blame on his long-term boyfriend, Toby, there’s something about him that captivates June. Soon after the funeral, they begin an unlikely friendship built on shared grief and love for the man that loomed large in both of their lives.
The Dutch House – Ann Patchett
A lovely exploration of growing up and looking back, focused on two siblings.
What Is the Longest Book You've Read? Was It Worth It?
I don’t shy away from epic reads, but in reviewing my 10 longest reads, only about half ended up being the time spent reading or listening. Is this your experience too?
Devolution – Max Brooks
A gory allegory about our reliance on technology and ecological dominance.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid
A tale from the Golden Age of Hollywood full of the usual themes – alcoholism, wealth, abuse, divorce, backstabbing and redemption. Plus, a surprising love story, affecting friendship and a twist at the end that pulls it all together.
Why "The Art of Racing in the Rain" Movie Is Better Than The Book
Neither is a masterpiece, but “The Art of Racing in the Rain” film changed one key plot point from the book, which helped elevate the overall story. Does that make it better than the book?
White Fragility – Robin DiAngelo
An important tool in helping white people understand and challenge their own misconceptions about race in Western society.
Flashback Reviews: Beartown & Us Against You
A flashback book review from 2019, and perfect for Pride Month as the “Beartown” series by Frederik Backman features an amazing gay character, Benji Ovich, who is instantly relatable to those of us that participated in sports growing up.
Are the Movies Better? A Hunger Games Retrospective
With the release of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” The Avid Listener debates if the film series was better than the source material.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes – Suzanne Collins
This Hunger Games prequel serves as a decent queue-up to the original series, but the President Snow baggage does make it difficult to connect with him the same way you could with Katniss and crew.