Review: The Bell Jar

2019 CHALLENGE: 1 YOU HAVEN'T READ THAT YET?! PER MONTH 12 / 12

5 stars. I feel like a broken record at this point, but The Bell Jar is yet another book that somehow slipped through the cracks, making it perfect for this challenge. I was an English major, for Pete's sake. I took classes in Women's Lit. This is book is freaking important. 

The Bell Jar refers to the main character's sense of major depression from which she suffers for most of the novel. We meet Esther in New York, successful but feeling empty in the busy, glamorous city. When she returns home - without the urban distractions and without work - her mental state worsens. She feels suffocated. She chafes against society's expectations. She becomes fixated on taking her own life. 

The last quarter of the novel follows her stay in an asylum, under the care of a patient and competent female psychologist who administers proper treatment. This feels very lucky. Having recently watched Unbelievable, it sometimes feels like victims either end up with a good cop or a bad cop (or a mediocre one), and it's just luck of the draw that can dictate the rest of their lives. Similarly, Esther first ends up with a mediocre doctor and then, miraculously for the 50s, gets a great one - paving the road of her recovery.

I don't claim to know firsthand what major depression feels like (and I try very hard to not take my mental health for granted - I'm lucky), but I've learned a lot about it through experiences and through my relationships. Not all cases are the same, but Plath's depiction of the sheer compulsive, depressive fog seems accurate and articulate. I could barely breathe reading those pages.

This wasn't an enjoyable read, exactly, but I do enjoy books that capture the tragedy of being a woman. There are many angles to explore here, reminding me of The Virgin Suicides and Girl, Interrupted and others of that nature. I'm sure there's a way to examine the mental illness theme without considering gender, but the sheer confusion of being a woman must be on the table. It's incredibly relevant, even today.

The Bell Jar is a must-read for anyone who has felt lost, confused, or imposter-y, for anyone whose care has been put in the wrong hands, for anyone who finds the world ill-fitting, for anyone who feels swollen against expectations, for anyone who finds society preposterous. It won't loudly solve your problems, but it will quietly take your hand in commiseration. Knowing Plath's life story, and how it ended, makes it that much more incredible.

The Bell Jar on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: Ready Player One

2019 CHALLENGE: 1 YOU HAVEN'T READ THAT YET?! PER MONTH 11 / 12

Ah fine, 5 stars it is. I'm in a good mood, and it's the holidays. What the hell, why not? 'Tis the season. But don't get me wrong - I have complaints! But this is a GREAT read. I loved it. 

Look, this was FUN. It was entertaining. It was well-written, RELEVANT, amusing, adventurous, and delightful. Ready Player One is The Westing Game + Warcross + Willy Wonka. It takes place in the future (normally I would use the word dystopian but I think it may just be the expected reality now), when the world is decaying and humans spend most of their time in a VR program called Oasis. Oasis's creator dies and leaves a "hunt" as his legacy - an Easter egg contest with his fortune as the prize. Obviously this inspires millions to study up on the creator's obsessions in the hopes of finding clues to the egg. 

One of these hunters, Wade, stumbles across the first clue and suddenly the game is afoot. We get to witness him form alliances and enemies as he races against corporate drones (intent on winning the contest to monetize the Oasis platform - boo hiss so evil!!), solves puzzles and plays games for the ultimate prize. It's an addicting read full of its own Easter eggs - thousands of references to 80s pop culture. Which of course I loved.

I know I mentioned complaints. I guess my heart is still a few sizes too small. Here they are: first, it's a teensy weensy ittle bittle tryhard. I didn't find the adolescent voices entirely convincing. Second, I'm not sure if it was actually a bit preachy in places. I completely stand by the book's messaging, I just found the delivery a tad hamfisted and dry. It is eerily and accurately bleak when it comes to the future of the human race, but some of that exposition came across as info dumpy. And pompous. 

I actually found myself complaining to my husband about this mid-read, while simultaneously trying to convince him to read it. It's just too much FUN. Many of my favorite movies, books, TV shows, etc. aren't PERFECT. I enjoy them to such a degree that they are affecting, and offer proper escape. This is a wonderful pageturner for readers of all ages and I'm excited to view the adaptation. 

Ready Player One on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: The Last Kingdom

2019 CHALLENGE: 1 RE-READ PER MONTH 11 / 12

5 stars. I'm taking some time off from work to travel, and my latest trip was to Denmark. Boy, is that place very epic and very awesome. Copenhagen was cozy AF; they really embrace the hygge there. It got me thinking about one of my favorite books, The Last Kingdom, which features some wonderfully savage viking Danes. And because in the winter time all I want to read is old school stuff about food halls and clanging swords, I thought it'd be perfect for my reading challenge.

This time, as opposed to the first time I read it (and the first time I watched the adaptation series), I really got this. It's about a man named Uhtred, a young English nobleman kidnapped and raised quite happily by the Danish warriors raiding his homeland. Throughout the story, the Danes successfully invade three of England's four kingdoms and are left facing Wessex, ruled by the pious King Alfred. Uhtred, with English blood and Danish loyalties, is caught in the middle.

It's the type of book that begs to be read aloud by a crackling fire under a cozy blanket, with a cup of ale or mulled wine in your hand, maybe with a plate of bread and cheese. Uhtred tells his story with incredible clarity and breathtaking action - the battle sequences are among the best I've ever read. This is perhaps cliche, but you will feel as though you are there. It feels so real.

History basically blows my mind, so I loved the level of detail as well. I learned so much about life back then - the little things, like basic traditions and habits of daily life - and the big things, like how people considered power and religion and family and identity. It is cinematic and sweeping with a lot of (excellent) characters yet Uhtred allows us a focused gaze, which is helpful. 

I particularly enjoyed the emphasis on religion. The clash of the two religions (England's Christianity and Danish paganism) is paid a great deal of attention, and I found the conflict, despite knowing its deep and profound significance, kind of amusing. The scene (I'm being intentionally vague here) involving Saint Sebastian and the arrows is one of the best scenes of literature I've ever encountered. Entertaining, brutal, and funny.

Keep in mind that, as other readers have mentioned, The Last Kingdom employs a writing style that may not appeal to everyone. It's brittle, it's detail-heavy, and it almost appears at first glance emotionless. This worked for me, but I'm sure it was boring for others. I'm just really attracted to that sort of smooth, cut-and-dry, concise, unapologetic writing and find it cleanly captivating.

I have this weird thing where I start series and never finish them, so one of my challenges next year will be to fix that. I'M STARTING HERE. I really love this book.

The Last Kingdom on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: The Name of the Rose

2019 CHALLENGE: 1 YOU HAVEN'T READ THAT YET?! PER MONTH 09 / 12

5 stars. I'm reminded of a quote from the film adaptation of The Da Vinci Code, of all things: "who is God, who is man? How many have been murdered over this question?"

[I am NOT comparing the two - they exist on different planets. Maybe in the same galaxy, though.]

The Name of the Rose is not an easy read. I might actually suggest a perusal of the Wikipedia page upon finishing just to tighten any loose knots. I had no trouble comprehending the basics, but the details - and in some cases the dialogue - were difficult to grasp. I have no shame in admitting I needed a dictionary! The details are really what makes this incredible, though.

As soon as William of Baskerville, a Franciscan friar, and his novice Adso arrive at a Benedictine abbey in Italy, they are greeted with trouble. A monk has been found dead under mysterious circumstances, and the abbot asks William to investigate. Through Adso's eyes we watch the mystery deepen and the bodies pile up.

This is not your typical cut-and-dry crime novel, though. William, an obvious Sherlock Holmes type, soon discovers that his basic investigation will have a broader and more complicated impact than he could ever imagine. And the more he pulls on threads, the higher the stakes climb.

I'm not a religious person, but I am deeply interested in religion. After all, it inspires so much good, and so much evil, and I so totally understand the power and the comfort of its rituals. I truly enjoyed Eco's wordy explorations of holy motivations and sin and religious priorities and heresy and belief. He ardently admires and carefully exposes the church with stunning dexterity and poise. The arguments, and the what-ifs, are fascinating.

Don’t worry, there's "cool stuff" here too: a literal library labyrinth, brutal murders, intense courtroom drama, sex, poison, and more. Despite being so challenging, I would describe this as a pageturner - I couldn't wait to pick it back up when I put it down.

But it's certainly not for everyone and it's certainly not a beach read. This is for those in a contemplative, studious mood. There are passages that are, quite honestly, Extra AF. I, Kelly, give you permission to skim these (as well as the Latin), because NOBODY WILL DIE and your reading experience won't suffer. I learned this reading Henry James - stop trying so hard, let the words wash over you, and ride the wave to the end.

The Name of the Rose on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: Time Stops for No Mouse (The Hermux Tantamoq Adventures #1)

2019 CHALLENGE: 1 RE-READ PER MONTH 10 / 12

5 stars. I wish I could convey how much I adore this book without coming across a bit obsessive. One of my purposes in conducting a re-read challenge for 2019 was to revisit some of the books I enjoyed as a young person - knowing that I wouldn't always experience a gutpunch of nostalgia in a positive way. I wanted to read these books with new eyes and a fresh perspective and see if they held up! And this one, most positively of all my re-reads so far, hugged my heart fiercely.

Time Stops for No Mouse is the first Hermux Tantamoq adventure out of four (far too few, in my opinion!). Hermux, a plucky watchmaker from Pinchester, accidentally stumbles into an evil plot involving an attractive-but-missing aviatrix, a terrifying cosmetics tycoon, hideous modern art, dreadful machinery, disguises, and a short and strange stay at a wellness center. It's an absolutely solid mystery with fantastic, distinct characters, high stakes and clever humor that will appeal to readers of all ages.

I suppose some here reacted negatively to the rather "cute" tone of these books, the names specifically. I actually LOVE the writing. I love the names and the flavor and the cozy undertones. I love the detailed descriptions of the mundane - it's often in these details that the author is his most amusing. Side note: I actually bought apples and cheese at the grocery store after reading about Hermux's delightful snacks. Where can I find some honey fizz?

For such an apparently superficial novel, this book packs some incredibly touching, emotional moments between its pages. I specifically remember being traumatized by a chapter in which Hermux discovers that his pet ladybug, Terfle, is missing. It broke my heart at 12, and it broke my heart again this time. And the ending - well, let's just say it's happy in some deeply meaningful ways. Happy in a way that will, honestly, stick with me for a long time.

But enough about the deep stuff. This book is just plain FUN! And I can't help but note how perfectly put together it is visually - the font is perfect, and each chapter has an amusing, clean clip art picture placed under its title (however: a chapter called "Get the Picture," notably, does not). There are tons of treats between these lines to discover and smile at, and I actually can't wait to re-read the sequel, and maybe this one again, in a weird never-ending cycle because the world is hard right now.

Time Stops for No Mouse on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: Watchmen

2019 CHALLENGE: 1 RE-READ PER MONTH 09 / 12

5 stars. Definitely not interested in rehashing what makes this classic graphic novel one of the best. It's a masterpiece, plain and simple, and I would say it easily and remarkably states its authors intentions without being annoying. The artwork isn't necessarily to my taste, though it is gorgeous, and there are some dated elements, but overall this is a must-read - for anyone. In the mood for delightful superhero action? Done. What about a philosophical exploration of morality and humanity? Done. An entertaining escape into a colorful and sometimes amusing alternate universe? Look no further.

And pay close attention - the level of detail is astounding. Read every headline, examine every background, pay close attention to the way the Black Freighter weaves its way into the narrative. It's one of the things that makes reading this so rewarding and satisfying and exciting. And it's meta, as well, I'd recommend going in with a basic knowledge of graphic novels, superheroes, and the tropes they inspire / can't let go of. There's also a lot of political commentary here but it never feels heavyhanded, maybe because I'm so thirsty for intelligent political commentary these days.

And it's still relevant as ever. Maybe even more so. Although I feel less shocked with the idea that humans are innately "bad" - and innately fucked - than I did when I first read it. I've always been cynical, I suppose, and so I felt validated the first time. This time it just felt ... exhausting. Like a sigh instead of a gasp.

I'm incredibly curious to watch the latest TV expansion of this universe and taste more of Watchmen's strong, bitter, addicting flavor.

Watchmen on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: The Shining

2019 CHALLENGE: 1 RE-READ PER MONTH 08 / 12

5 stars. As a huge fan of this book and the movie, and of Stephen King's writing in general, re-reading this felt like a huge treat. I feel close to these characters, and to the book's premise. There are many, many themes in this book, and many of them are not scary at all, they're just human. I've said this about King in the past: he goes deep AND wide. I'm here for it.

The Shining, in my mind, is a perfect recipe. King put all the right ingredients in the right pot and cooked something incredible. We have Jack Torrance, recovering alcoholic who really really really needs this job, his wife Wendy - normal, caring, and maternal, and their young son Danny, who exhibits telepathic tendencies, an ability called "shining." Let's take this fascinating family, strong and weak in wonderful ways, and put them in an isolated, haunted hotel in the Colorado Rockies for the winter. Delicious.

There's a lot of classic, typical King here: truly scary moments, a brilliantly-written young character, layered individuals capable of great good and great evil. He addresses addiction, abuse, childhood, parenthood, ambition, failure, and more. He writes about these things with great care and deliberation, but the book is very readable and the pages turn themselves. It surprised me more than once, and this was a re-read. I can't wait to open it up again someday.

I was sufficiently creeped out by the hedges, and the hose, and especially the lady in the bathroom, but you know what gets me every time? What really stands out? The vivid descriptions of Jack's dry lips. SHUDDER. I need chapstick. Now. King is so great with details. Also, he took a typically joyous sound - the sound of a roaring party - and somehow made it sinister. PURE EVIL!

One last thing: I don't know why the Kubrick adaptation is so polarizing. It's different from the book, absolutely, and I know King hates it. But it's an excellent horror movie on its own. It's an interpretation. It's the same picture painted in a different color. I appreciate both the book and the movie very much, as separate works of art and as acquaintances. Both make me happy.

Seriously, so motherfucking, Overlook-ing good. I know glowing reviews are boring but here we are. “Sometimes human places, create inhuman monsters.”

The Shining on: Amazon | Goodreads

Retro Review: Every Heart a Doorway (Wayward Children #1)

When I started this blog, I had been posting reviews on Goodreads for about 6 months. In the interest of having all of my book writing in one place, I will post one of these old reviews every Friday. They weren't written with a blog in mind, so please forgive the lack of summary and off-the-cuff tone.

5 stars. Pure magic. 

Reading this felt nostalgic, in a way; for the first time in a long time, just like when I read books as a kid, I wanted the fantasy to be real. Really, really wanted it to be real. Halfway through, I ached for a doorway of my own. I wondered where I would end up - in which colorful, perfect world. What would mine look like? I spent way too much time contemplating the possibilities. 

Every Heart a Doorway is concise portal fantasy with elements of true horror. It's a comedy and a drama and a tragedy and a coming-of-age story. It's a fairy tale about acceptance and innocence and identity. It's strange and weird and grotesque at times but ultimately left me warm and delighted. I am in such awe of the author's talent and can't wait to read more. Five magical stars.

Every Heart a Doorway on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: A Walk in the Woods

5 stars. Recently, I blew up my life. I decided to quit my toxic, incredibly unhealthy job and travel through the end of the year. I just returned from my first trip, and man, has it been worth it so far. Worth it, and also incredibly challenging. But that's partly why I'm doing it - I want to face the anxiety, solve problems on my feet, and power through it.

My supportive partner gifted me this book on my last day of work. I'd never read it, and he knew it'd be appropriate and helpful. I didn't realize it would be so charming, funny, and heartwarming! I've known about Bill Bryson for years (he was a fixture on the coffee table in my childhood home), but for some reason resisted. Now I'm obsessed!

A Walk in the Woods is a sort of single experience memoir, written by an intellectual, hilarious dude who decides to hike the AT. The Appalachian Trail is a subject close to my heart. I'm a Virginian, an introvert, a nature-lover, and possess that singular bit of crazy that makes me want to push myself and do it, knowing it'll suck. Maybe one day. After reading this, CERTAINLY one day. Watch me.

Bill Bryson documents his experience with wit and delight, dropping fascinating tidbits on the history and wildlife in the places he visits. He never shies away from the reality of it all - acknowledges the strangeness of trying to conquer the trail - and identifies the true and natural beauty of this country as a reward.

I particularly enjoyed his descriptions of the meditative rhythm of walking.

"There is no point in hurrying because you are not actually going anywhere. However far or long you plod, you are always in the same place: in the woods. It’s where you were yesterday, where you will be tomorrow. The woods is one boundless singularity. Every bend in the path presents a prospect indistinguishable from every other, every glimpse into the trees the same tangled mass. For all you know, your route could describe a very large, pointless circle. In a way, it would hardly matter."

Sounds like absolute heaven to this burned out girl. I’m so tired of complexity.

I also loved his happiness in experiencing simple pleasures: restaurant food, soda, a shower. "Low-level ecstasy" is my new favorite phrase.

There are a lot of lessons to be drawn from this book, as many have done and will do so a lot more articulately than I. But I think it's important to note that this is an important read, for folks of all ages, of all nationalities - nature lovers, nature haters, hikers, non-hikers, East Coasters and West Coasters and everyone in between. We must protect our planet. We must simplify. We must respect nature. We must revel in it. We must embrace our strange and wonderful instincts to push ourselves through the mud and the rain and the snow even if we don't - especially when we don't - reach our goals. And we must laugh along the way.

A Walk in the Woods on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: The Run of His Life

5 stars. This is an epically-written, well-researched, carefully thought out narrative retelling of O.J. Simpson's crime, trial and aftermath. Instead of setting out to prove O.J.'s guilt (there's really no need), Toobin takes a deep dive into why he wasn't found so by the court. Beginning with the tragic murders and moving chronologically through the verdict, Toobin successfully navigates the many answers to that question: the sociological factors, including historical and regional context, the power and weirdness of fame and celebrity worship, the flaws of the justice system, the distinct and distinctly damaging personalities involved... and here we truly do have a fascinating constellation of characters caught in O.J.'s orbit.

It's true that Nicole Simpson and Ron Goldman - the victims - typically aren't honored appropriately in any discussion of this crime or case. Ron Goldman, especially, is a virtually absent character in all the news stories, documentaries and trial analysis. And while Toobin could have dedicated plenty of words to Nicole and Ron's lives, rather than their deaths, that's not what this book is about. He does, to the best of his ability, emphasize the terribly sad nature of domestic violence cases, and the totally helpless last few days of Nicole's life. This is what earned the book five stars, for me. His focus? Clear - and not Nicole. But he never dims her light or diminishes her memory. He's respectful.

Beyond that, I couldn't put it down. It's essentially a sort of sociological thriller that should be required reading for lawyers, media moguls, history buffs, true crime buffs, celebrity worshippers, and more. There are twists and turns, jokes, cringeworthy mistakes, clownish characters ... it is high drama in a way only real life can be. Toobin injects a sort of mischievous charm into his words, winking at us and gasping with us when things get weird. And boy, do they.

I was a baby when all this went down, but I grew up in the 90s, and can't remember NOT knowing who O.J. Simpson was. That being said, I always knew him as a murderer. I really enjoyed getting a peek into why his downfall was so shocking and unbelievable for so many - for those who knew him as a star athlete, a golfer, a Hertz spokesperson, an only semi-talented comedic actor. I wish Toobin wrote a sequel, or an additional afterword, tracking Simpson's life after all of this. The continued legal troubles and criminal behavior, the Miami years... Toobin lent such a sharp eye to O.J.'s true character (he rightly paints him as an abusive, semi-literate, materialistic asshole), and I'd love to see him expand on that now.

Holy shit though, can we talk about the trial itself? What a perfect storm of egos and incompetencies. We know that the justice system is an imperfect system because it is a human system, and fuck, this really proves it. How can people be so smart and so dumb? So capable and so arrogant and so intelligent but so un-self-aware? How can people be so ignorant and racist and hopeful and well-intentioned? So brilliant and damaging at the same time?

Back on track: read this book. It's wonderful. It's engaging. It's educational and thrilling and heartbreaking.

The Run of His Life on: Amazon | Goodreads