March Reading Recap
Hello, fellow readers! So far, this year has been a great year of books. Hope you find something on here that you want to add to your ever-growing list of TBRs. Enjoy!
I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself by Marisa Crane
Quick Synopsis: This novel is set in a dystopian world where the tyrant government rules and disobedient citizens are punished with extra shadows for all the community to see. Kris is trying to survive the loss of her wife while raising a newborn in a world where people like her and her newborn are judged harshly for their numerous shadows.
Strong Points: The concept of harsh public scrutiny as a form of punishment was intriguing. In our world, if someone commits a petty crime like speeding, they'll pay a fine and move on with their life. In this world, petty and vile crimes are punished just the same, making someone jump to conclusions about the Shadower's character. It made me wonder: if I saw my neighbor in the hallway with several shadows, would I be as judgmental as some of the Non-Shadowers in the book?
Weak Points: There was a major lack of character development. It was a difficult book because it wasn’t very plot or character driven. The characters were unlovable and lacked depth. It didn’t work for me.
Writing Style: 3/5
Characters: 2/5
Plot: 3/5
Flow/Pacing: 2.5/5
Overall Rating: 3/5
Not Recommend
The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean
Quick Synopsis: A group of supernatural, superior people called Book Eaters are hidden away in the hills of England. As the name suggests, they eat books for fuel and are able to retain all that they have read, er, eaten. Devon, a part of the old Book Eater clan, has a baby who doesn’t eat books for sustenance but human brains.
Strong Points: The world-building was imaginative and unique. I found myself tasting the flavors of the books alongside the characters. Unlike I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself, Dean does an excellent job with character development. The structure of the book was very enjoyable, going back and forth between the past and present until they met up.
Weak Points: The ending was somewhat abrupt. I had invested a lot into the story, following the journey and getting to know the characters, and then the climax fell a little short.
Writing Style: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Flow/Pacing: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
Quick Synopsis: At a wealthy New England boarding school, an alumnus, Bodie Kane, is back to teach a course on true crime podcasting. After her student sets out to report about the murder of Bodie’s old roommate, Bodie is forced to face her past.
Strong Points: I’m not sure why, but I have this strange fascination with boarding schools. Something about rich kids living at school is interesting, and then throw a murder that takes place there, and I am in. So, I really enjoyed the setting and the plot. It wasn't an edge-of-your-seat book, but I want to keep reading to discover more about Bodie’s past and time at this boarding school.
Weak Points: It felt 100 pages too long. The ending was realistic, but it was not very satisfying. Coming from her other book (a top 10 favorite book of all time for me), The Great Believers, I think Makkai had a little bit of trouble following up on that book.
Writing Style: 4/5
Characters: 3.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Flow/Pacing: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Recommend
Your Table is Ready: Tales of a New York City Maître D by Michael Cecchi
Quick Synopsis: Michael Cecchi has been in the New York food industry for 30 years and has juicy stories about some characters and celebrities he has met along the way.
Strong Points: This was a fun read. It wasn't too moving, and the writing was just average. Having worked in the food industry for a few years, these stories brought me back to that family-like bond you make with your coworkers, as well as the psycho personalities you encounter. Man, do I not miss the service industry.
Weak Points: At points, it felt a little bit all over the place. For example, Cecchi mentioned in passing that he had a child. Which was strange considering ten pages earlier he was single and free. There were moments where this book didn’t know what it wanted to be. It didn’t quite work as a chronological memoir, but it also didn’t work as random short stories about his time in the industry.
Writing Style: 4/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Flow/Pacing: 3/5
Overall Rating: 3/5
Recommend
"There will always be someone who will be better. Comparisons bring misery." - Winterland by Rae Meadows
