2023
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325 BOOKS
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Top 2023
This is my order, yours may be different!
- The Winners - Fredrick Backman (AT)
- Boulevard Wren + Other Stories - Blindboy Boatclub (AT)
- Anecdotes - Kathryn Mockler
- The Skull - Jon Klassen
- She's a Killer - Kristen McDougall
- The Memory Police - Yoko Ogawa (AT)
- Love Notes to Grievers - Angela E. Morris (AT)
- I'm Still Here - Austin Channing Brown (AT)
- An Astronomer in Love - Antoinne Laurain
- Strange Sally Diamond - Liz Nugent (AT)
- Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird - Augustina Bazterrica (AT)
- Crying Wolf - Eden Boudreau
- The Outsider - Albert Camus (AT)
- Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn (AT)
- The Last Story of Mina Lee - Nancy Jooyoun Kim
- Second Best - David Foenkinos
- Walk the Darkness Down - Daniel Magariel
- East Grand Lake - Tim Ryan
- The Secret Memory of Men - Mohamed Mbougar Sarr
- My Work - Olga Ravn
- Like Water for Chocolate - Laura Esquivel
- The Woman Inside - M. T. Edvardsson
- The Next Girl - Pip Drysdale
- What We Keep to Ourselves - Nancy Jooyoun Kim
- Beautiful Boy - David Cheff
- Closer By Sea - Perry Chafe
- Oprheus Buids a Girl - Heather Parry
- Last Standing Woman - Winona LaDuke
- Not Here - Rob Goodman
- Indelicacy - Amina Cain
- Places Like These - Laruen Carter
- Heating the Outdoors - Marie Andree Gill
- The Devil of Miss Prym - Paulo Coelho
- The Furrows - Namwali Serpell
- Dislocations - Karen Enns
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow - Gabrielle Zevin
- The Loneliness in Lydia Ernman's Life - Rune Christiansen
- Big Shadow - Mara Balecwicz
- Sedating Elaine - Dawn Winter
- Every Vow You Break - Peter Swanson
- The Tenant Class - Ricardo Tranjan
- Gull Island - Anna Porter
- East Side Story: Growing up at the PNE - Nick Marino
- When My Ghost Sings - Tara Sidhoo Fraser
- Body Works - Dennis Cooley
- Call Me Hunter - Jim Shockey
- Counterpunch - Meg Frisbee
- The Whiteness of Wealth - Dorothy A. Brown
- A Castle in Brooklyn - Shirley Russak Watchel
BLUE = MEMOIR OR BIOGRAPHICAL
BLACK = FICTION
DARK RED = EDUCATIONAL + Historical Fiction
PURPLE = ESSAY OR STORIES
ORANGE = POETRY
BLACK = FICTION
DARK RED = EDUCATIONAL + Historical Fiction
PURPLE = ESSAY OR STORIES
ORANGE = POETRY
Books Read in 2023
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Autism, check. Celebrities, check. A monster, check. An indigenous theme, check. An identity theme, check.
How did the book make me feel/think?
I am giving “Call Me Hunter” by Jim Shockey five stars. I have a personal policy of granting every book I read the highest rating because who am I to pass judgment on whether others will enjoy a book or not?
There is one exception to my star-giving rule: books filled with hatred, misogyny, or racism.
The story introduced an autistic character with a unique talent for identifying art at garage sales - and a few unsolved murders. It was overwhelming. The narrative then took another turn, with a monster who paradoxically loved animals but was also a twisted deviant murderer (close to my exception).
As I delved further into the pages of “Call Me Hunter,” my mind began to wander to my worries of the day, and then, Shockey helped me to momentarily escape my worries when “Saskatoon,” graced the pages, the city I grew up in. Yet, my interest in a recognizable location was short-lived.
My mind struggled to keep up.
Suddenly, the autistic man was playing water polo, and movie stars were casually mentioned. They even dined at the first café I visited when I moved to Vancouver, which momentarily captured my attention. But my mind wandered again. An indigenous theme was inserted, leaving me feeling confused.
Nevertheless, I persisted in reading every single word. And then, with only 40 pages remaining, the story took another twist, drawing me in once more.
I read the rest of the book diligently, hoping the mentioned celebrities were faring well in their lives. After this experience, I have decided never to read advanced praise. I found it surprising one of the individuals who provided advanced praise for the book deemed it “astoundingly original” - since “astoundingly” implies surprise.
WRITTEN: 13 September 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
I am giving “Call Me Hunter” by Jim Shockey five stars. I have a personal policy of granting every book I read the highest rating because who am I to pass judgment on whether others will enjoy a book or not?
There is one exception to my star-giving rule: books filled with hatred, misogyny, or racism.
The story introduced an autistic character with a unique talent for identifying art at garage sales - and a few unsolved murders. It was overwhelming. The narrative then took another turn, with a monster who paradoxically loved animals but was also a twisted deviant murderer (close to my exception).
As I delved further into the pages of “Call Me Hunter,” my mind began to wander to my worries of the day, and then, Shockey helped me to momentarily escape my worries when “Saskatoon,” graced the pages, the city I grew up in. Yet, my interest in a recognizable location was short-lived.
My mind struggled to keep up.
Suddenly, the autistic man was playing water polo, and movie stars were casually mentioned. They even dined at the first café I visited when I moved to Vancouver, which momentarily captured my attention. But my mind wandered again. An indigenous theme was inserted, leaving me feeling confused.
Nevertheless, I persisted in reading every single word. And then, with only 40 pages remaining, the story took another twist, drawing me in once more.
I read the rest of the book diligently, hoping the mentioned celebrities were faring well in their lives. After this experience, I have decided never to read advanced praise. I found it surprising one of the individuals who provided advanced praise for the book deemed it “astoundingly original” - since “astoundingly” implies surprise.
WRITTEN: 13 September 2023
Speaking directly to your soul…
How did the book make me feel/think?
I love poetry because for the most part it makes my head spin in the personal lyrical journey it is. I love finding the often-breathtaking phraseology found with in the craft. As well as the nuanced humour that can feel like the poet is speaking directly to your soul.
But for the most part, my head spins.
“Body Works” by Dennis Cooley ticks all the categories above. To sum up my feelings on “Body Works” here goes.
My Life
Oh, dear friend, let me lend an ear, to the story you seek to share and hear.
Born in shadows, scratching for light, a journey weaves through darkness and bright.
Breathe, run, and play, embracing the thrill, yet sometimes we stumble and fall down still.
Sports shape us, teach us to rise once more, stitched together, stronger than before.
A slight limp may walk beside you with grace, a reminder of battles you bravely embrace.
As you move forward, secrets may unfold, the light darkens, a mystery to behold.
Pieces cobbled back together with care, revealing glimpses of who you are there.
But why the secrecy, the hidden desire? Questions whisper in your mind’s fire.
A health scare comes knocking on your door, drinks offer solace you can’t ignore. Another scare arrives with a warning bell, but fear not, for you’ll be stitched up well.
Better than new, you shall rise above, a pill caddy filled with strength and love.
Every day brings healing and light, with determination, you’ll win this fight.
And if the question lingers in your mind, can you stop taking what fate has assigned?
Remember, dear friend, it’s your choice to make, to embark on a journey of wellness and break.
So, take a deep breath, stand tall and strong, know in your heart, you truly belong.
Stitched together with resilience anew, embrace each day and let your spirit shine through.
That’s how “Body Works” made me feel.
WRITTEN: 13 September 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
I love poetry because for the most part it makes my head spin in the personal lyrical journey it is. I love finding the often-breathtaking phraseology found with in the craft. As well as the nuanced humour that can feel like the poet is speaking directly to your soul.
But for the most part, my head spins.
“Body Works” by Dennis Cooley ticks all the categories above. To sum up my feelings on “Body Works” here goes.
My Life
Oh, dear friend, let me lend an ear, to the story you seek to share and hear.
Born in shadows, scratching for light, a journey weaves through darkness and bright.
Breathe, run, and play, embracing the thrill, yet sometimes we stumble and fall down still.
Sports shape us, teach us to rise once more, stitched together, stronger than before.
A slight limp may walk beside you with grace, a reminder of battles you bravely embrace.
As you move forward, secrets may unfold, the light darkens, a mystery to behold.
Pieces cobbled back together with care, revealing glimpses of who you are there.
But why the secrecy, the hidden desire? Questions whisper in your mind’s fire.
A health scare comes knocking on your door, drinks offer solace you can’t ignore. Another scare arrives with a warning bell, but fear not, for you’ll be stitched up well.
Better than new, you shall rise above, a pill caddy filled with strength and love.
Every day brings healing and light, with determination, you’ll win this fight.
And if the question lingers in your mind, can you stop taking what fate has assigned?
Remember, dear friend, it’s your choice to make, to embark on a journey of wellness and break.
So, take a deep breath, stand tall and strong, know in your heart, you truly belong.
Stitched together with resilience anew, embrace each day and let your spirit shine through.
That’s how “Body Works” made me feel.
WRITTEN: 13 September 2023
A powerful exploration of the discrimination faced by marginalized...
How did the book make me feel/think?
“The Most Secret Memory of Men” is a literal masterpiece, a tour de force. Readers are taken on a journey exploring thought-provoking themes such as race, privilege, identity, and the challenges African writers face in a world that resists appreciating their work.
This story delves into the experiences of people who are seen as different in a French society that is primarily white. It is a powerful exploration of marginalized communities' discrimination and the extreme measures an individual may take to abandon their heritage and blend in.
People with fairer skin receive less literary criticism than African writers, as illustrated in the novel. Even within the arts, the world is never a level playing field. The story blends heavier themes with the concepts of love and the “whitening” of culture.
Within the pages, the concept of the colonization of the mind is a powerful metaphor, suggesting conformity can sometimes be a means of achieving success or recognition. Still, it may also limit individual expression and creativity.
“The Secret Memory of Men” tells a compelling story and offers a lens through which readers can explore important social and cultural issues, sparking meaningful conversations and reflections on these topics. At the very least, readers will become lost in the book’s lyrical prose.
WRITTEN: 11 September 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
“The Most Secret Memory of Men” is a literal masterpiece, a tour de force. Readers are taken on a journey exploring thought-provoking themes such as race, privilege, identity, and the challenges African writers face in a world that resists appreciating their work.
This story delves into the experiences of people who are seen as different in a French society that is primarily white. It is a powerful exploration of marginalized communities' discrimination and the extreme measures an individual may take to abandon their heritage and blend in.
People with fairer skin receive less literary criticism than African writers, as illustrated in the novel. Even within the arts, the world is never a level playing field. The story blends heavier themes with the concepts of love and the “whitening” of culture.
Within the pages, the concept of the colonization of the mind is a powerful metaphor, suggesting conformity can sometimes be a means of achieving success or recognition. Still, it may also limit individual expression and creativity.
“The Secret Memory of Men” tells a compelling story and offers a lens through which readers can explore important social and cultural issues, sparking meaningful conversations and reflections on these topics. At the very least, readers will become lost in the book’s lyrical prose.
WRITTEN: 11 September 2023
Family secrets and the search for identity, scorched onto every page.
How did the book make me feel/think?
“Anecdotes” by Kathryn Mockler is laced with unconventional storytelling. This collection of stories has indelibly impacted me, even as Mockler delved into challenging themes.
The first story had me simultaneously laughing and questioning my emotional response, highlighting the book’s ability to engage readers on deeply emotional, occasionally uncomfortable levels, even when tackling difficult subject matter. This juxtaposition of humour and discomfort is a central theme throughout the book, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
“Anecdotes” is a literary adventure, taking readers to places of wanton curiosity, underscoring its power to draw readers into its world. “Anecdotes” isn’t afraid to confront issues like sexuality, abuse, abandonment, and the struggle to make sense of a chaotic world.
The story “This Isn’t a Conversation” will leave readers wondering about the survival of the planet in the face of pending destiny, adding an intriguing layer to the book’s exploration of existential themes. It’s a testament to Mockler’s ability to blend laughter and pain to keep readers engaged and reflective.
“Anecdotes” bounces between the absurdities of life and the self-inflicted realities of humanity, painting a vivid picture of the book’s themes and tone.
“Anecdotes” is a thought-provoking, darkly hilarious, and emotionally charged read that challenges readers to confront the complexities of existence.
When I finally stop laughing, I must announce that “Anecdotes” is one of my favourite reads of 2023 and likely beyond, as hopefully, my past finally catches up to the future!
WRITTEN: 10 September 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
“Anecdotes” by Kathryn Mockler is laced with unconventional storytelling. This collection of stories has indelibly impacted me, even as Mockler delved into challenging themes.
The first story had me simultaneously laughing and questioning my emotional response, highlighting the book’s ability to engage readers on deeply emotional, occasionally uncomfortable levels, even when tackling difficult subject matter. This juxtaposition of humour and discomfort is a central theme throughout the book, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
“Anecdotes” is a literary adventure, taking readers to places of wanton curiosity, underscoring its power to draw readers into its world. “Anecdotes” isn’t afraid to confront issues like sexuality, abuse, abandonment, and the struggle to make sense of a chaotic world.
The story “This Isn’t a Conversation” will leave readers wondering about the survival of the planet in the face of pending destiny, adding an intriguing layer to the book’s exploration of existential themes. It’s a testament to Mockler’s ability to blend laughter and pain to keep readers engaged and reflective.
“Anecdotes” bounces between the absurdities of life and the self-inflicted realities of humanity, painting a vivid picture of the book’s themes and tone.
“Anecdotes” is a thought-provoking, darkly hilarious, and emotionally charged read that challenges readers to confront the complexities of existence.
When I finally stop laughing, I must announce that “Anecdotes” is one of my favourite reads of 2023 and likely beyond, as hopefully, my past finally catches up to the future!
WRITTEN: 10 September 2023
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What it’s like living inside of a stroke.
How did the book make me feel/think?
I survived a stroke in 2018. When I cracked open “When My Ghost Sings,” I feared what might seep out of the pages and haunt me. After my stroke, my mind desperately attempted to reset itself for the next year or two. My brain would send singles to my fingers to write; all I could produce was a squiggly line, which had to suffice for a while.
“When My Ghost Sings” will resonate with anyone who has ever suffered a stroke or have known someone who has, so, everyone.
Stroke can be a profoundly life-altering experience, and books like “When My Ghost Things” deftly and lyrically delve into the emotional and psychological aspects of recovery and can provide refuge and understanding to those who’ve gone through similar challenges.
Sidhoo, wholeheartedly, will have readers pondering questions about identity, loss, and the possibility of rediscovering oneself after such a transformative event.
Fraser’s courage in sharing her darkest moments and emphasizing the importance of love and vulnerability in the healing process is a powerful testament to the book’s impact. It’s a reminder that literature has the ability to offer empathy, insight, and hope to those facing difficult circumstances.
We must thank Sidhoo for sharing her perspective, and collectively, hope her journey toward recovery continues to be filled with hope and growth as she embraces the new version of herself emerging from her experiences.
WRITTEN: 10 September 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
I survived a stroke in 2018. When I cracked open “When My Ghost Sings,” I feared what might seep out of the pages and haunt me. After my stroke, my mind desperately attempted to reset itself for the next year or two. My brain would send singles to my fingers to write; all I could produce was a squiggly line, which had to suffice for a while.
“When My Ghost Sings” will resonate with anyone who has ever suffered a stroke or have known someone who has, so, everyone.
Stroke can be a profoundly life-altering experience, and books like “When My Ghost Things” deftly and lyrically delve into the emotional and psychological aspects of recovery and can provide refuge and understanding to those who’ve gone through similar challenges.
Sidhoo, wholeheartedly, will have readers pondering questions about identity, loss, and the possibility of rediscovering oneself after such a transformative event.
Fraser’s courage in sharing her darkest moments and emphasizing the importance of love and vulnerability in the healing process is a powerful testament to the book’s impact. It’s a reminder that literature has the ability to offer empathy, insight, and hope to those facing difficult circumstances.
We must thank Sidhoo for sharing her perspective, and collectively, hope her journey toward recovery continues to be filled with hope and growth as she embraces the new version of herself emerging from her experiences.
WRITTEN: 10 September 2023
Igniting a connection to the past.
How did the book make me feel/think?
“East Side Story” by Nick Marino provides readers with a deeper understanding of the city’s history, both positive and the dark moments, encouraging readers to appreciate the rich tapestry of life in the East Side of Vancouver.
Marino’s ability to transport readers through time and connect personal family stories with the significance of the PNE in Vancouver’s history is a testament to the power of storytelling. It’s important for residents and visitors alike to gain insight into the places they live or visit, fostering a greater appreciation for the community and its heritage.
The contrast between joyful memories of events like the PNE and the sobering historical reminders of injustices, such as the internment of Japanese Canadians during World War II, underscores the complexity of a city’s history. It’s essential not only to celebrate the positive aspects but also to acknowledge and learn from the darker moments. Kudos to Marino for painting the whole picture without sugarcoating.
In “East Side Story” nostalgia will take hold, leaving readers anticipating their next visit to the local fair (PNE), igniting a connection to the past and the on hyperdrive present.
“East Side Story” is a valuable read for anyone interested in Vancouver's history and culture, as it offers a unique blend of personal stories and the broader context of the city’s development, with moments of laughter springing to life on many pages.
I can smell the onions and burgers frying, and I am looking forward to my next trip to the PNE where I can ride the roller coaster into nostalgia. Sometimes, being trapped in time, in today’s hectic world, offers a refuge from the stresses of life.
WRITTEN: 9 September 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
“East Side Story” by Nick Marino provides readers with a deeper understanding of the city’s history, both positive and the dark moments, encouraging readers to appreciate the rich tapestry of life in the East Side of Vancouver.
Marino’s ability to transport readers through time and connect personal family stories with the significance of the PNE in Vancouver’s history is a testament to the power of storytelling. It’s important for residents and visitors alike to gain insight into the places they live or visit, fostering a greater appreciation for the community and its heritage.
The contrast between joyful memories of events like the PNE and the sobering historical reminders of injustices, such as the internment of Japanese Canadians during World War II, underscores the complexity of a city’s history. It’s essential not only to celebrate the positive aspects but also to acknowledge and learn from the darker moments. Kudos to Marino for painting the whole picture without sugarcoating.
In “East Side Story” nostalgia will take hold, leaving readers anticipating their next visit to the local fair (PNE), igniting a connection to the past and the on hyperdrive present.
“East Side Story” is a valuable read for anyone interested in Vancouver's history and culture, as it offers a unique blend of personal stories and the broader context of the city’s development, with moments of laughter springing to life on many pages.
I can smell the onions and burgers frying, and I am looking forward to my next trip to the PNE where I can ride the roller coaster into nostalgia. Sometimes, being trapped in time, in today’s hectic world, offers a refuge from the stresses of life.
WRITTEN: 9 September 2023
An uproarious and relentless rollercoaster ride of laughter + much more!
How did the book make me feel/think?
I couldn't contain my laughter as I delved into the pages of “She's a Killer” by Kristen McDougall. Within the first 40 pages, I laughed so uproariously I had to put on noise-cancelling headphones to spare my eardrums. My raucous laughter caused such a disturbance I was promptly asked to leave the library where I had been residing.
As I continued reading, the story took an unexpected turn. The world was in dire straits, teetering on the brink of destruction. Everything was completely askew. New Zealand emerged as the last beacon of hope in this bleak scenario, the final paradise.
Our protagonist, a near-genius woman, trudged through life with a spectral imaginary friend by her side, simultaneously taunting her and offering guidance. The impending end of humanity rendered life utterly meaningless. To make matters worse, New Zealand was being invaded not by desperate refugees fleeing war-torn nations but by the ultra-wealthy individuals responsible for the destruction through the disease of greed and entitlement.
These “wealthugees” sought to purchase paradise, evading the inevitable downfall of humankind with their affluence. In the midst of this chaos, Alice, our near-genius protagonist, unexpectedly falls in love with a wealthugee who exhibits a conscience and a desire for a better world.
Their connection brings Erica, his daughter, into Alice’s orbit. Erica, surpassing Alice on the genius scale by two points, proves to be far more than she initially appears.
“She’s a Killer” takes readers on an uproarious and relentless rollercoaster ride of laughter and shines a blinding light on the true meaning of being a refugee. It challenges our preconceptions about those in need and those who have contributed to the mess in the first place.
With the final word devoured, I can guarantee readers will yearn for another page.
WRITTEN: 29 August 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
I couldn't contain my laughter as I delved into the pages of “She's a Killer” by Kristen McDougall. Within the first 40 pages, I laughed so uproariously I had to put on noise-cancelling headphones to spare my eardrums. My raucous laughter caused such a disturbance I was promptly asked to leave the library where I had been residing.
As I continued reading, the story took an unexpected turn. The world was in dire straits, teetering on the brink of destruction. Everything was completely askew. New Zealand emerged as the last beacon of hope in this bleak scenario, the final paradise.
Our protagonist, a near-genius woman, trudged through life with a spectral imaginary friend by her side, simultaneously taunting her and offering guidance. The impending end of humanity rendered life utterly meaningless. To make matters worse, New Zealand was being invaded not by desperate refugees fleeing war-torn nations but by the ultra-wealthy individuals responsible for the destruction through the disease of greed and entitlement.
These “wealthugees” sought to purchase paradise, evading the inevitable downfall of humankind with their affluence. In the midst of this chaos, Alice, our near-genius protagonist, unexpectedly falls in love with a wealthugee who exhibits a conscience and a desire for a better world.
Their connection brings Erica, his daughter, into Alice’s orbit. Erica, surpassing Alice on the genius scale by two points, proves to be far more than she initially appears.
“She’s a Killer” takes readers on an uproarious and relentless rollercoaster ride of laughter and shines a blinding light on the true meaning of being a refugee. It challenges our preconceptions about those in need and those who have contributed to the mess in the first place.
With the final word devoured, I can guarantee readers will yearn for another page.
WRITTEN: 29 August 2023
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Second Best reminds us that none of us are second best.
How did the book make me feel/think?
A boy named Martin is destined to become Harry Potter. It’s not necessarily his dream; it fell into his lap by chance.
Near the end of the selection process, which seemed to be a lock for Martin, Daniel Radcliffe is asked to put his hat in the ring.
He’s not necessarily better than Martin, but he is selected.
Martin can’t escape the global phenomenon of the Harry Potter craze. Everywhere he looks, he sees and laments what could have been. While Daniel’s star soars into the prison and adulation of fame.
Have you ever found yourself pondering over certain decisions you made in life? Maybe you’ve thought about how things might have turned out differently if you had made a different choice during a big game. Or perhaps you’ve applied for a job in the past, got shortlisted, but ultimately didn’t get the position.
Poor Martin could never escape who he could have been, longing for it—suffering it.
I built a company during a fifteen-year career. No matter what I did, when it came time for the company to make a change, I never stood a chance because a coworker still had a silver spoon in his mouth. They released me from my job without any wrongdoing on my part. And the silver spoon got to stay. I was deemed second best.
Second Best reminds us that none of us are second best. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, the cards are being dealt by someone else—and what you longed hard for was nothing more than an elusive and destructive dream. Being true to yourself and embracing your unique qualities is so important. Laughing and loving are also crucial for a happy and fulfilling life. But above all, showing kindness and empathy towards others can make a significant impact on the world. It’s incredible how much of a difference a small act of kindness can make.
WRITTEN: 4 July 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
A boy named Martin is destined to become Harry Potter. It’s not necessarily his dream; it fell into his lap by chance.
Near the end of the selection process, which seemed to be a lock for Martin, Daniel Radcliffe is asked to put his hat in the ring.
He’s not necessarily better than Martin, but he is selected.
Martin can’t escape the global phenomenon of the Harry Potter craze. Everywhere he looks, he sees and laments what could have been. While Daniel’s star soars into the prison and adulation of fame.
Have you ever found yourself pondering over certain decisions you made in life? Maybe you’ve thought about how things might have turned out differently if you had made a different choice during a big game. Or perhaps you’ve applied for a job in the past, got shortlisted, but ultimately didn’t get the position.
Poor Martin could never escape who he could have been, longing for it—suffering it.
I built a company during a fifteen-year career. No matter what I did, when it came time for the company to make a change, I never stood a chance because a coworker still had a silver spoon in his mouth. They released me from my job without any wrongdoing on my part. And the silver spoon got to stay. I was deemed second best.
Second Best reminds us that none of us are second best. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, the cards are being dealt by someone else—and what you longed hard for was nothing more than an elusive and destructive dream. Being true to yourself and embracing your unique qualities is so important. Laughing and loving are also crucial for a happy and fulfilling life. But above all, showing kindness and empathy towards others can make a significant impact on the world. It’s incredible how much of a difference a small act of kindness can make.
WRITTEN: 4 July 2023
Read my Book Thoughts for all of the books in Batch 29 here ↓↓↓
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A Letter to the Irish Times is the funniest story I’ve ever read.
How did the book make me feel/think?
Crap, why is there a bee on my arm?
I’m trapped in a fever dream.
I’m stung.
A combine is harvesting my dreams, monetizing them—nothing is to be left untapped. Until…?
I’m on all fours, naked, and being chased by an amped-up bull—I want to be a bull. I think I might be a cow.
I sit in a food court, bite my taco, read a few pages, and laugh out loud.
There’s a short form of that. No. I won’t.
I take another bite. What am I reading? I cry. Why am I crying when I’m laughing? This is the funniest story I’ve ever read (A Letter to the Irish Times). Am I okay? Quit looking at me. I suggest you try to laugh occasionally. This book is craic.
I scratch where the Bee stung me. Oh no, the Bee was a Quantum Bee; my body was sucked into the sting hole (a black hole). Rhododendron. So long, purple. I’m inside out. My vital organs are on the outside. Gross. My skin is deep. They say beauty is skin deep. I must be beautiful.
I laugh again, even louder. LOLEL.
I need to reset myself. Pass me a baggy. The one marked Lindsay 1981. Straw me, snort.
That’s better. I’m restored.
What am I even talking about?
Boulevard Wren + Other Stories have etched its way into my all-time favourites. It might not be your cup of tea—but if you open your mind—take a sip; you will fall out of your chair cringing with laughter (an abdominal exercise).
Steer clear, of Bees and horny amped up bulls.
Where are we heading? Here?
Inside out is enlightening. And painful. And…
WRITTEN: 12 March 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
Crap, why is there a bee on my arm?
I’m trapped in a fever dream.
I’m stung.
A combine is harvesting my dreams, monetizing them—nothing is to be left untapped. Until…?
I’m on all fours, naked, and being chased by an amped-up bull—I want to be a bull. I think I might be a cow.
I sit in a food court, bite my taco, read a few pages, and laugh out loud.
There’s a short form of that. No. I won’t.
I take another bite. What am I reading? I cry. Why am I crying when I’m laughing? This is the funniest story I’ve ever read (A Letter to the Irish Times). Am I okay? Quit looking at me. I suggest you try to laugh occasionally. This book is craic.
I scratch where the Bee stung me. Oh no, the Bee was a Quantum Bee; my body was sucked into the sting hole (a black hole). Rhododendron. So long, purple. I’m inside out. My vital organs are on the outside. Gross. My skin is deep. They say beauty is skin deep. I must be beautiful.
I laugh again, even louder. LOLEL.
I need to reset myself. Pass me a baggy. The one marked Lindsay 1981. Straw me, snort.
That’s better. I’m restored.
What am I even talking about?
Boulevard Wren + Other Stories have etched its way into my all-time favourites. It might not be your cup of tea—but if you open your mind—take a sip; you will fall out of your chair cringing with laughter (an abdominal exercise).
Steer clear, of Bees and horny amped up bulls.
Where are we heading? Here?
Inside out is enlightening. And painful. And…
WRITTEN: 12 March 2023
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Paulo Coehlo
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Albert Camus
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Backman is one of my favourite authors.
How did the book make me feel/think?
Backman is one of my favourite authors; I started with Ove—a book I never wanted to end.
In the trilogy starting with Beartown and ending with The Winners, Backman doesn’t disappoint as he runs through the gamut of social issues plaguing humanity today—with drippings of a sardonic brush.
Backman writes from a place of consciousness, delivering readers easily digestible morsels of insight which are delightfully simple and peel the skin from the onion, revealing a capacity to care about the truth. On every page, Backman deftly throws the lights on for us, allowing the story to flow smoothly without the burden of trying to disseminate what’s going on.
In The Winners, readers will recognize the characters in the literal pictures Backman paints for us, stripping away the isolation of trying to cobble his words together piece by piece.
I think what I like most about Backman is his storytelling is accessible to all: When Backman tells a story, he simply tells a story in its simplest and purest form.
Backman has an incredible capacity to warm our souls and leave us feeling less alone.
WRITTEN: 6 March 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
Backman is one of my favourite authors; I started with Ove—a book I never wanted to end.
In the trilogy starting with Beartown and ending with The Winners, Backman doesn’t disappoint as he runs through the gamut of social issues plaguing humanity today—with drippings of a sardonic brush.
Backman writes from a place of consciousness, delivering readers easily digestible morsels of insight which are delightfully simple and peel the skin from the onion, revealing a capacity to care about the truth. On every page, Backman deftly throws the lights on for us, allowing the story to flow smoothly without the burden of trying to disseminate what’s going on.
In The Winners, readers will recognize the characters in the literal pictures Backman paints for us, stripping away the isolation of trying to cobble his words together piece by piece.
I think what I like most about Backman is his storytelling is accessible to all: When Backman tells a story, he simply tells a story in its simplest and purest form.
Backman has an incredible capacity to warm our souls and leave us feeling less alone.
WRITTEN: 6 March 2023
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