Welcome to Friday Reads. Each Friday, I’ll review any books I’ve completed that week, as well as share what I’m reading right now. And by “Each Friday,” I mean “some Fridays.”
No post last week for a reason. But this week, I’m back!
Finished:
Well-Read Black Girl – Glory Edim – 4.25* (Mar 13)
When I requested this book from the library, I thought it was a YA novel. Oops! But the essays are powerful and offer great insight regarding how these women experienced (lack of) representation in books and other media as they grew up.
I realize I’m rather privileged as a white woman (though white men have always dominated media representation), but it’s important to me that I continue to seek out other perspectives. These essays exposed me to experiences I would’ve never imagined, but I also found plenty of common ground, which is what matters most to me.
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho – 3* (Mar 13)
I wanted to love this – at least one friend said it was amazing.
It was enjoyable, but I didn’t fall in love with it. The writing style reminded me of parables: simple, yet with so many philosophical meanings. I could draw at least a dozen connections between this story and “Zen and the Art of Happiness,” which I read every year.
And yet…
I never felt a connection to the shepherd. The language used was so antiseptic that I never felt invested in his story. And so I never cared about his personal treasure.
Up Next:
Milkman – Anna Burns
This novel is for book club. Early reviews from other members are pretty mixed (tending toward “not in love”), but that means I’ll probably adore it. We’ll see!
Juliet’s School of Possibilities – Laura Vanderkam
My new manager brought Laura Vanderkam’s work to my attention, so when I saw she was releasing a new book about time management and priorities, I considered it required reading.