As far back as I can remember, I’ve read as naturally and instinctively as others breathe. My love for reading has only grown with each book (mostly literary fiction novels) I devour.
Books are small universes—affordable and easily carried yet filled with endless possibilities to expand and enrich the mind. Through these pages, I continue to explore new experiences and worlds, meet unforgettable characters, and deepen my understanding of the human condition.
These are the books I read in November 2024, listed chronologically, and graded on how likely I am to recommend them (highly recommend, recommend, and do not recommend).
Intermezzo
Did you know that Sally Rooney finds monogamy trite? Just checking. That notion’s a big part of her fourth novel if you weren’t completely Aware.
Also, grief and trauma can do Funny Things to Regular Folks. Did you know that? As that figures into Intermezzo, as well, if you still weren’t completely, totally aware.
Jokes aside, this is a well-written novel, about two brothers and all the different ways to grieve and love. But I guess that’s another Sally Rooney cliche; recommend.
The Third Perspective
Africa Brooke fiercely defends the position of not taking an ideological position. How could I do anything but highly recommend this interesting collection of contrarian essays?
The Mighty Red
Referring to the local river and the small town inhabitants astride it, The Mighty Red opens with Gary, a highschool football (fallen) hero, desperate to wed.
To the head cheerleader, you ask? No, just this kinda random former Goth girl! One he barely talked to before a tragic accident!
But don’t ask too many questions about the accident. God knows his parents and the football coaches aren’t.
Erdrichs’ endearing novel covers the weeks before and after this bizarre teenage wedding. A return to her former luminosity, highly recommend.
Everybody Needs An Editor
This was a truly helpful reference guide, covering a variety of modern writing and communication; highly recommend.
Directional Living
Let me get this out of the way: I find the whole “Former Gifted Student” a tired trope.
With that being said, this author has some helpful ways to combat that (fetishized) feeling, guiding burnt-out Millennials to focus on life’s “direction” rather than “arrival.”
Definitely had some advice I took to heart, highly recommend.
America In An Arab Mirror
An interesting collection of a century’s worth of travel essays about America from leading Arabic writers, thinkers, and teachers.
I loved examining American culture through such a different lens, highly recommend.
Rewire
What an extremely helpful collection detailing the ways to make neuroplasticity work *for* us. I would eat this book if I could, highly recommend.
Portrait of Myself: Margaret Bourke-White was a helluva lady (see one of my previous posts). Her autobiography was as exciting and heart-warming as I’m sure she was, highly recommend.
Autocracy, Inc
Know how I’m always saying how we don’t live in a democracy (or representational republic or whatever) but an oligarchy? This book drives that message home, on a larger scale.
I’d say I hate to say I told you so, but we all know that’s not true. Highly recommend.
Travels With Myself and Another
Martha Gellhorn describes her extraordinary 20th century, war torn travels, often saddled with U.C.-Unwilling Companion, aka, Papa Hemingway.
Biting and revelatory, surprisingly so through the backward lens of history; highly recommend.
Think Again
This book taught me so much about not just the importance, but the necessity of re-thinking everything.
And not in some conspiracy, tin-hat way, but in a personal responsibility, reexamining our own personal thoughts, kind of way.
This is another book that, if I could make you read it, I would; highly recommend.
Eleanor Roosevelt’s My Day
I put off reading this collection of Eleanor’s daily (wartime) newspaper columns, and I’m sorry I did.
This was interesting and poignant, made better by judicious editing and pre-column explanations, highly recommend.
The Face of War
Could you even call a military skirmish a war in the 20th century if Martha Gellhorn wasn’t there? Probably not. Who else would call out the utter pointlessness and misguidedness of all sides?
Heartbreaking, fierce, and relevant; highly recommend.
Idiot
Funny Internet Lady details the triumphs, pratfalls, funny stories, benders, and finally, hard-won sobriety, that got her To Where She Is Today.
Formulaic, but enjoyable, with good advice and laughable moments, recommend.
Idiots
The sequel to Idiot (she’s had kids now, see what she did there?) Idiots covers motherhood and the dirtier stuff she was afraid to disclose in the first book.
You’ll need to read both books, preferably back to back, to understand the discrepancies. But I think that understanding is worth it, highly recommend.
Bierce Collection
Feeling happy lately? Well, cut that out with this dose of heavy 19th century literature.
Let’s start with Civil War stories where relatives both accidentally and purposefully sh00t each other! If that gets you down, how about some melodramas where young ladies equate devotion with offing themselves?
No? How about a cynical dictionary filled with tongue-in-cheek and increasingly relevant definitions of societal mores and hypocrisies?
At least it’s all well-written, recommend.
Conclusion
In sharing my October bite size book reviews, I hope to open up new literary adventures for you to enjoy as much as I have.
These recommendations are more than just pages bound together; they are invitations to explore, imagine, learn, and feel.
Want More?
Check out these articles for more bookish content:
- Excuse Me, Mr. Murakami? I Have A Few Questions About Killing Commendatore
- Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner: Book Review
Happy Reading!
Love,
