April Reading

April was a slow month for me in terms of reading and blogging, mostly because I've been a little busier with the day-to-day, real life adult stuff as of late. But that didn't hold me back from reading four books.

How to Read the Air by Denaw Mengestu: This novel offers a lot to digest in terms of themes and parallels. For me it was reminiscent of Jhumpa Lairi's The Namesake, as both examine the immigration experience and the sense of isolation it creates, with a focus on the second generation.

People Who Eat Darkness by Richard Lloyd Parry: It turns out, this is much more than a true crime book. It's also a lens for what happens behind closed doors in eastern culture, like an anthropological look at the darker, hidden aspects of this culture and their obsession with ritual and role play.

The Optimist's Daughter by Eudora Welty: As a whole, the book is slow moving but eloquently written. It explores the healing abilities of community, the power of memory, and the dignity of moving on. However, I'm sad to say, I mostly found the novel on the dull side.

Moon Palace by Paul Auster: This is a book that offers unlikely adventure, a bit of mystery, and a whole lot of heartache. As always, the characterization of Auster's main character is incredibly believable, but also unconventional.

Pages read: 1,284
Most popular April post: Tie between People Who Eat Darkness review and Books I'm Excited About

Plans for May: I will be participating in the Alias Grace read-along with Beth and Zeteticat once I finish up my current read, Zombie, either today or tomorrow. I am also super excited to tell you that Alison Bechdel is coming to Boswell Books on May 7th for a reading of her latest book, Are You My Mother? Her first book, Fun Home, was my introduction to graphic memoirs and it still remains my favorite. I can't wait to buy her follow up and meet her! I'll be sure to take pictures and post about the reading. I know there are a handful of you who enjoy her work just as much as I do.

photo via weheartit