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I so enjoy this series. The beginning is like Bogart and Bacall. Sam is smooth-ish and damaged. Surrender-Not is a hottie nerd.

This book is perfect for a cold November weekend night. Just perfect!

This book is a prime candidate for DNF. 20 names in the first 3-4 pages. It's over-written or "forced." Sadly, it's banal...that scene at the banquet esp. Puh-leeze!

I'm at page 31; I'll give it till 50 instead of my usual 100 because it's that evident that this book will not likely work out well.

Just a bit eerie to have started this book when India and Pakistan had their most recent military conflict. And I do reflect on what VTN says about art informing and shaping opinions and beliefs and resultant actions.

Beautiful pieces. Many are wrenching and pierce the heart. I need to read this in small increments. The poems are intense, packed with meanings that reverberate and collide.

Immediately compelling and fun.

Because Bezos killed the Washington Post endorsement of Harris, I am looking at leaving GR. There's a huge buzz about boycotting the whole Amazon universe. What alternatives have people looked at or are using? Thanks!

at 32% this book is about to be DNFd. Where is all this going? I don't feel like spinning in place.

a most important read. https://www.rollingstone.com/politics...

Viet Thanh Nguyen's memoir is a bit much to take. He's clearly smart and does a socio-political analysis that is spot-on. But the vibe is so bitter that I had to pause and read something lighter. After DNF'ing his The Committed due to its unrelenting snark, it's a wonder I even picked up the memoir.

Enjoying "Books and Boba" podcast discuss RF Kuang's YELLOWFACE for Asian American Heritage Month. https://open.spotify.com/show/6A3AYFQ...

They've just started lives are young adults and I can't say that I'm feeling this story. This is up on the chopping block now. I'll go a bit further, maybe not even up to my usual 100 pages.

Provocative article a/ writing a review for every book read: https://bookriot.com/how-i-actually-s...

I'm considering reading the Partition Trilogy. Has anyone read it and what did you think of it? I found the author's presentation fascinating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMzk4...

I'm at about 30% and these characters are still complaining about their sad or distressed lives. I usually give a book about 100 pages before I DNF it.

Do things get better? If not, then I'm done with this. I can't take another 70% of grousing and hand-wringing. I can do that on my own.

And this is how you write a short story. There's a point of inflection and then resolution. Lahiri's Boundary does that. Zaman's collection didn't. And this all goes back to how I describe Jesmyn Ward as writing in a way that made me feel cared for, considered, held.

Her writing and storycrafting are gorgeous. And she's already broken my heart 3 times and the book only just started.

ok, the latte decoration scene here is as hot as the pottery wheel scene in "Ghost"

I read her book, Salt Houses, and enjoyed it immensely. And today, I read her opinion piece in the New York Times and I was quite moved. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/25/op...

clunky and awkward

https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/fu-...

Ng is one of my most favorite authors. She writes with such poignant poetry. I am so grateful that after so many years, she's written this title. I can't tell you how many times over the past years, I've hoped for a new book from her. Now reading this, I'm reminded of how talented she is...at writing and especially at being able to touch a reader's heart. Please! Please write more, Fae.

"flour" and "flower" are related. very cool...

so immersive. I love being swept away so thoroughly!!!

I don't know if I can finish my review of this book.

and relatedly:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/20...

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/b...

yes to tuberose! this book is just wondrous. I'm reading sooOOO slowly to take it all in. Great article by the author about her book: https://lithub.com/on-transforming-or...

Such a powerful, beautiful, and poignant collection. I've got 3 more chapters left and I don't want to finish this book--I want more!

sharing as I read much under this descriptor. if paywall issues arise, try reading under "incognito" or "InPrivate" mode. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/20...