The Stack | Winter '21
Kind of got out of a rhythm on these and already posted about half of what I read over the winter, so consider this a sort of part two. Books Read Pre-Spring Break, here we go:
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling. Reread the last three of the series over Christmas break/into New Years because they make me happy. I don’t really feel like these need review. They are Harry Potter. They’re good. You already know.
The Impossible First, Colin O’Brady. Colin’s account of being the first person to ever cross the continent of Antarctica solo and unsupported; something I did not want to do before but definitely do not want to do now. Amazing feat, meh writing. I felt like he tried too hard to make every detail significant, if that makes sense — I would have rather just heard about the expedition and drawn my own metaphors and life lessons rather than having him try to make it overly deep for me. Quick read though, and definitely worth it if you’re interested in outdoor adventure. If you don’t normally read this genre and aren’t sure about investing the time, skip it and read The Sun is a Compass instead.
The Line That Held Us, David Joy. Listen to me: I hate this book. I’m gonna tell you right now, I didn’t even finish it — I got less than halfway through and the writing was really beautiful (descriptive, precise, creatively structured) and the characters were super well-crafted, but I got a sneaking suspicion that the antagonist was going to get away with everything which is a classic author-trying-way-too-hard-to-be-artsy move, and I skipped to the last chapter to see, and I was right, and then I literally threw the book away, like in my kitchen trash can, and went about my day, and it feels like that would really offend David Joy, and that makes me happy, like I have set something in the universe in balance. I barely read fiction as it is. If I wanted a story about freakish bad guys getting away with stuff I would just turn on the news. Bye!
Teewinot, Jack Turner. I haven’t actually made my way through this one completely yet — it’s an essay collection about the Teton Range in Wyoming. Pretty writing, kind of self-indulgent but fun for people who really love mountains and care about/find beauty in their details. Nothing crazy or groundbreaking here. Told a friend it’s very white-male in perspective, but I think it would be relatable for anyone who love the outdoors — especially those of us who can relate to being attached to a particular landscape the way Turner was to the Tetons.
So Many Olympic Exertions, Anelise Chen. YO. Let me start by saying Brendan Leonard has literally never given a bad book recommendation. This book is an experimental novel that blends memoir-style writing and sports writing, which is everything I love most. I’d say the best summary I could give it is a reflection about the crossroads of sport and mental health. Kind of dark at points, but really interesting and thought-provoking and absolutely masterfully written. Made me want to have a conversation with the author. If you’re a glass-half-full person like me, I think it takes a hopeful arc. If you’re a glass-half-empty person, it might feel a bit depressing. Definitely open to interpretation at its conclusion. Just a warning!
East of Eden, John Steinbeck. The summer before 10th grade we were assigned The Grapes of Wrath as summer reading and it was the first time I ever hated a book so much that I refused to read it. I knew I was smart enough to write the report paper without going past chapter seven, and I did, and my teacher gave me a great grade on it but also completely called me out, which was the start of what might not always have been a very fun teaching experience for her but turned into a mutually respectful friendship after I graduated. (Hi, Erin!) So I do have Steinbeck to thank for that. Anyway, all of that to say, I have avoided any of his writing since, until finally so many people recommended East of Eden to me that I caved. And I’m so glad I did. It’s a classic, so it’s not like it needs much in the way of explanation or introduction from me — feels a little ludicrous to “review” or offer my thoughts — but for the season of life I’m in, the story and the truths tucked throughout it and especially the theme of “thou mayest” felt powerful and perfect. Give it a chance if you haven’t already.
You know the drill, let me know what you’re reading and what I should check out over the next few months. Feels good to be back in the rhythm of reading more — and I really am trying to incorporate more fiction into my life, so let me know your favorites! Thanks in advance, HAGS, LYLAS.
