May Reviews

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May was full of lots of stuff I don't remember. I know  there was grading, FitBit challenges, ice cream making, and.... other things? Nonetheless, I finished a few books, but none of which I was very enthralled by. Next month will be better. 

To Rise Again at a Decent Hour by Joshua Ferris

331 pages

I started off being very amused by this book about an atheist dentist who is frustrated after someone has created a website referencing obscure Bible passages for his practice. But then things got sort of philosophical and annoying- we went round and round with the dentist about his love for baseball, his hatred for his religion, his difficulties with women, his non-desire, but desire, to fit in with others, and his gradual identity-crisis.

Verdict: I went into this book optimistic, but I have to be honest when I say I just really didn't like it. It's not that it was bad, because Ferris writes well and I'd give him another shot, I just didn't care for this novel.

Home by Toni Morrison

145 pages

This is the short story about a man traveling to his sister, whom he had taken care of their whole life until he left for the war. She is very ill after working for a doctor who did gynecological experiments on her, after escaping their home town. 

Verdict: Who doesn't have high standards for Toni? I mean after Beloved and The Bluest Eye we just expect a certain level of writing and story from her, right? Unfortunately, I think Home fell short, lacking developed characters and even a hint of magical realism from back in the day.

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd*

354 pages

This quick read was for book club, the story of two character, Sarah a rich white girl with abolitionist tendencies, and her slave, Headstrong. The story spans decades, as the two grow together and apart, all the while maintaining some connections. The book tackles slavery, feminism, religion, and the Southern infrastructure, flipping back and froth between the two women.

Verdict: I hate to say it, but this book really is nothing great; it's not anything that hasn't been done before, really. If "Oscar Bait" was a book, this would be it. A white woman who saves the day? The horrors of slavery? Family strife? A rich family with troubles? I just can't say anything about it was innovative or that the writing was anything special. And it bothered me there was a guy named Burke Williams, since that's a day spa chain down here in Southern California (unless he happened to be a founder, of course).

Postscript: I promise I am not a racist person who hates books about African Americans. I swear. I know two out of three of my books this month dealt with sensitive racial issues and I disliked both, but still. 

This reminds me of Jerry Maguire when Cuba's character makes Jerry scream "I love black people." 

This has gotten so off topic. Oh my. 

I love ALL people and ALL books about EVERYONE.

830 pages

*this book was provided to me for free by Penguin- thanks guys!