Still continuing to read a lot (if there’s one thing I’m definitely thankful for from last year, it’s the fact that it got me to revive my long-dormant inner bookworm), so continuing on doing this in two posts.
Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev
Modern sort of BLM take that’s more of an interpretation of P&P as opposed to a direct retelling. Enjoyed it, especially the cultural aspects.
The Truths We Hold: An American Journey by Kamala Harris
I really didn’t know anything about our new VP, so decided to read this. I get that she probably wrote this to enhance her own presidential campaign and indeed, it did feel like she was campaigning. As that’s the political version of being sold to, I wasn’t a fan of that particular aspect, but I’m ultimately glad I read it.
Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin
Another P&P interpretation. Indian/Muslim culture set in Canada. Very cool.
Highway of Tears: A True Story of Racism, Indifference, and the Pursuit of Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by Jessica McDiarmid
Oooof. This was a rough read, but I’m also so thankful I read it. Mostly centered around Hwy 16 in British Columbia. Intrigued if there’s a similar novel about the MMIW problem in the United States.
The Boy in the Boxers and Other Stories of Sweet Romance by D. H. Hendrickson
In full disclosure, I know the author due to my hockey writing days, but I have enjoyed the fiction he’s put out. This was a sweet collection of short romance stories. I especially loved the title story and its sequel.
You Are A Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
Self-help book of AWESOME. So good. Also touched a bit on manifestation which I’ve already been working with, but I like it.
Pride: A Pride and Prejudice Remix by Ibi Zoboi
Another multicultural P&P take (YA this time) with Black/Afro-Latinx characters. Dealt with a lot of modern-day issues including gentrification (set in Bushwick, N.Y.).
Where Do We Go From Here? Chaos or Community by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Really interesting given context of the past year. The Black Power chapter was really insightful.
The Heiress: The Revelations of Anne DeBourgh by Molly Greeley
P&P adjacent story telling the tale of Anne DeBourgh … as a (plausible) laudanum addict who breaks free from the control of her mother … and is also a lesbian. Enjoyed it a lot.
Pudge and Prejudice by A. K. Pittman
Also possibly YA. Think P&P set in Texas in the 1980s with the characters in high school. Liked this interpretation a lot.
The Address Book: What Street Addresses Reveal About Identity, Race, Wealth, and Power by Deirdre Mask
SUPER interesting. Lots of cool history on why addresses came around and how to help those without them and brain hardwiring and SO COOL. SO GOOD.
The Only Harmless Great Thing by Brooke Bolander
Fantastic sci-fi/fantasy novelette about the radium girls and elephants.
Yes I’m Hot in This: The Hilarious Truth about Life in a Hijab by Huda Fahmy
I’ve followed Huda on Insta for a while (… I think via the Oatmeal …) so wanted to read her stuff. Graphic novel about what the title says that is both hilarious and informative.
She Come By It Natural: Dolly Parton and the Women Who Lived Her Songs by Sarah Smarsh
Part biography and part essay about Dolly and why she’s a rocking feminist icon.
Darcy and Desire: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (The Pemberley Letters Vol. 1) by Cady West
Read this on AO3; obviously loved it and wanted to support the author (support your favorite authors, kids). Erotic, epistolary fanfic.
Little and Often: A Memoir by Trent Preszler
Heart-wrenching memoir about grief, growing up outside of expectations, and canoe-building. Did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did.
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
Good perspective fun to compare/contrast with his wife Michelle’s book. Would love to sit down with him and ask a few questions.
Crying in H-Mart: A Memoir by Michelle Zauner
Similar to “Little and Often” in dealing with the death of a parent, but add in the confusion of mixed-race and heritage instead of sexuality. Still really good.
Why We Swim by Bonnie Tsui
Like the title says. History of humans as swimmers and cold water and why we’re drawn to the water and why we love it so. I enjoyed it as a swimmer, but a lot of fascinating info even for non-swimmers.
Pride and Premeditation by Tizrah Price
Think P&P meets Agatha Christie, More on the AC than the P&P imho, but still enjoyable.
*****
After I finished “Crying in H-Mart,” I quipped that there’s one sure sign I’m getting older – I read more memoirs.
Girl Exploring Life 