2020 Mid-Year Reading Goals Check-In

Late June-early July is that time of year when I like to look back on the first six months of reading and re-visit what I liked/disliked and how well (or not) I am doing with my reading goals for the year. As I've done in the past I will incorporate some questions from the mid-year book freak-out tag that many book bloggers like doing around this time of year.

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2020

The Lost Future of Pepperharrow by Natasha Pulley. If I ever had any doubts that Natasha Pulley was one of my favorite authors, they have been utterly obliterated now.

2. Best sequel you've read so far in 2020

Aurora Burning by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

3. New release you haven't read yet, but want to

Network Effect by Martha Wells

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

The Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

5. Biggest disappointment

The Arrangement by Sylvia Day - DNF'ed at 20 %, complete and utter trash in my opinion, and I rarely say that about books

6. Biggest surprise

The Kin of Ata are Waiting for You by Dorothy Bryant - read this for my bookclub and it turned out to be an unexpectedly deep examination of one journey to self-discovery and growth

7. Favorite new author. (Debut or new to you)

Yaa Gyasi. Her writing is very hard-hitting and vivid. When I read her book I saw the scenes she created and felt the pain and joy of the characters. 

8. Newest fictional crush

Kal from Aurora Burning. Who wouldn't like a purple-eyed Legolas look-alike

9. Newest favorite character

The Murderbot from The Murderbot Diaries. Technically I read the first novella last year, but I read three more recently and they further solidified my love for this character.

10. Book that made you cry

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner

11. Book that made you happy

The Vanderbeekers series by Karina Yan Glaser. This middle-grade series is cozy and heart-warming and everything I look for when I pick up a children's book.

13. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

Looking over my goals for the year and progress to date, I really need to focus on reading classics. I have the set goal of 12 for the year, and so far read only 4.

Reading the Classics: "Claudine's House" by Colette

Ever since I watched (and loved) the movie about Colette (starring Keira Knightley), I've wanted to read a book by her. Colette was quite a controversial figure in her time, mostly because of her scandalous lifestyle and performances at the Moulin Rouge. Her writing career began when she was married to her first husband Willy, a notorious libertine and opportunist. Sensing Colette's talent, he forced her to write for long periods of time under lock and key and insisted that she include salacious details in her books. He then published her work under his own name. The books were a tremendous success and were semi-biographical in nature. 

Claudine's House is a book Colette wrote much later in life. It is a compilation of reminiscences and stories about her happy childhood in the French countryside. They made me quite nostalgic and took me back to my own childhood memories. Colette's writing is exquisite and refreshing. It feels like seeping a cold drink while sitting in a rocking chair on the back porch on a warm summer day. Each story brings out a certain aspect or memory whether it is an amusing story about a household pet, a gossipy tale about a pretty neighbor or a reflection on her mother's idiosyncrasies. 

I really enjoyed this book and was glad to discover that my fascination with Colette was well-placed. I will definitely be reading more of her work and about her life if I get a chance. 

Five Books to Read about the Racial Divide in America

This past week, peaceful and violent protests have broken out all over America in the wake of more cases of police brutality. As I struggle to comprehend how (HOW?) can we be still dealing with racism in the 21st century, I have put together a list of five books that deal with the issue of race in America. All five have profoundly touched me. All five are written by black authors if you are looking for ways to support black creators. Here they are in no particular order:

1. White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson

This is a non-fiction title which chronicles the history of opposition to black success in America. The author traces its roots back to the Civil War and the Reconstruction era and examines how the structural institutionalized racism came to be. It is a highly illuminating and poignant read.

2. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

This is a contemporary fiction title which provides a nuanced view of the myriad biases and privileges we internalize and don't stop to examine. I highly recommend listening to this on audio if you get a chance, it is an excellent production. I read this book earlier this spring and have a full review here.

3. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

This book is a compilation of life stories of several generations of African families some of whom stayed in Ghana and others were brought to America as slaves. Each story is heart-wrenching but also hopeful. You can read my full review of this book here.

4. Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

Octavia E. Butler's work requires no introduction. Written as a Sci-Fi novel with time-traveling elements, this book gives readers a glimpse into the horrors of slavery. I have a full review of this book here.

5. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

This is a YA contemporary novel inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. I would highly recommend it to parents and teens, and frankly anyone alive today. I listened to this book on audio also and highly recommend that format. Here is my original review.