so-soThis was a hard book to read and an even harder book to enjoy. It‘s satire that borders on tragedy. I laughed at times, but I‘ve never read characters more lonely. Monk has no community, a strained family life, and is uncomfortable with his identity and society‘s expectations of what kind of man his race makes him. In a fit of anger, he changes his narrative only to discover selling out himself and his culture only enhances his loneliness.
pickI'm probably more interested in this book as an artifact than for its contents, which were, nonetheless, interesting.
I picked up this 1901 edition in Durham, and the beautiful inscription shows that it was held by the St. Cuthbert's Society at the university. I can't quite make out the signature, but it looks like J. D. Hall, perhaps.
It was published jointly in Dublin & London, the little bookbinder's sticker suggesting this one was printed ⬇️
My annual reading theme is sociopolitical. I haven't had a chance to post my full #Roll100 list yet. However, these are the 3 for January's roll. Getting 2025 off to a fighting start.
@PuddleJumper HNY x
Read in December 2024...
17 Books
Five 5-Star reads this month:
• The Life Impossible
• James
• Illuminations: A Novel of Hildegard von Bingen
• One
• The Echo Chamber
pick“Dead Famous“ is a sharp, funny, and ultimately disturbing look at the dark side of reality television and the lengths people will go to for fame. It‘s a thought-provoking commentary on a culture where entertainment often trumps human decency, and where the line between reality and fiction becomes increasingly blurred.
Next serial read . . . Picked at random. Hopefully won't be a bad decision.
pick5 Stars • The Echo Chamber by John Boyne satirically follows the Cleverley family. It delves into miscommunication via social media, public image vs. reality, cancel culture, and identity. George, a has-been novelist; Beverley, a TV star; Elizabeth, an influencer; and Nelson, transgender, navigate fame and personal life, often clashing due to their echo chambers. ⬇️
