nut free nerd

Here are my thoughts on an eclectic bunch of books I’ve read over the past few months.

The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. I read this book for a local book club I attend, and it was so different from what I was expecting (in a way I can’t share, because that would ruin the surprise!). I enjoyed the setting, the characters, the distinct voices of so many perspectives. The characters all felt flawed and human and lovable. This novel is clever, well written, and emotional in a way that felt very real. Although the ending fell a bit flat, the rest of it was engaging and interesting. If you enjoy historical fiction, this one is worth checking out.

True Grit by Charles Portis. Prior to reading True Grit I’d never read a classic western before and wasn’t sure it would be my cup of tea. But it was! My favorite thing about this novel is the narrator and main character, Mattie Ross. Although the central events of the story occurred when she was just fourteen, Mattie narrates from old age. The entire novel is like one long monologue. The setting –1878 in Arkansas — also feels like a character in and of itself. I highly recommend picking up the audiobook version in particular, as it’s narrated by Donna Tartt and she does a fantastic job.

The New York Stories of Elizabeth Hardwick by Elizabeth Hardwick, selected by Darryl Pinckney. I really enjoyed these short stories. Each one reads like its own character study, dropping you into someone’s daily life. These stories left me wanting more, but gave me enough of a glimpse into the characters’ lives to still feel satisfied. I also liked the constant backdrop of New York throughout this collection — it made the stories feel cohesive in a subtle, understated way. Alongside the longings, dreams, and desires of the characters, I could feel the excitement and anticipation of the city, its constant motion and orbit around itself. A beautifully written collection!

Checkout 19 by Claire-Louise Bennett. This book is best read all at once. Ten pages at a time over breakfast left me feeling disconnected and unsure of the narrative, but reading straight through the rest of it put me right at the heart of the story. Bennett’s stream of consciousness style is at once off-putting, bizarre, intriguing, and even endearing. To me she feels like a contemporary Woolf, Faulkner, Joyce, etc. — very postmodern-feeling. Although I didn’t enjoy this one as much as her novel Pond, it was still an interesting and worthwhile read.

Children of Dune by Frank Herbert. I read this third installment in the Dune series while traveling, and it was the perfect pick for reading on a plane and in spare pockets of time in a hotel. It’s engaging and suspenseful, with the added bonus of short chapters that are easy to pick up and put down. I’m constantly impressed by Herbert’s world-building in this series. There’s just so much detail, from names and language and history to the changing landscape and environment of the planet. While this isn’t my favorite Dune book so far, I’m still looking forward to continuing on with this series.

What are your thoughts on these books? Are you a fan of mini reviews? I’d love to know.

Take care xx