Let the record show I got Martyr

Let the record show I got Martyr! from the library and have not bought a single book since December. It’s as if not being on bookstagram has helped my spending habits. WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT. But honestly more because of lack of time. The only way I’m writing this now is because the 8 month old is sick and napping on my chest and I have a moment of stillness.

While I was charmed by Martyr! my feelings about it didn’t reach beyond that point. I thought it really precious and Akbar writes beautifully. It was cute. I don’t mean that in a disrespectful way at all but it was like a Wes Anderson movie. Everything was pretty and cute and of course really sad. I really want to read his poetry. And Cyrus Shams is definitely someone to root for.

My favorites though are When Crack Was King and What We Fed to the Manticore. The first taught me a lot I sort of knew about but it laid it out in a way that really brought it all home. Stellar nonfiction I recommend to everyone. What We Fed to the Manticore was devastating. I love the folktale vibe of some of the stories since it’s told through the eyes of animals. It was gorgeous and gut wrenching. My favorite kind of writing. The first story about the donkey in the Gaza zoo is one that haunts me.

When You Were Everything is definitely a book to file under “book I wish existed when I was a teenager” because wow. We don’t see books about friend break ups often but this one nailed it. The main character and her ex-friend were both dynamic. I’m so glad this one exists.

Salvage the Bones is a classic and I can see why. So glad I finally got around to that one. I was underwhelmed by both Legends and Lattes and The Matrjx. But I’m in the minority there. The slower pace of both books did not fit my mood but I finished them so they were enjoyable nonetheless.

Thank you everyone for the kind words about my Lola. I wanted to respond to everyone but alas life. I could go on about how I hope you’re all taking care of yourself but it feels hollow to say when the world is like :this: nevertheless I hope you are well and the world’s razor sharp edges haven’t made you mean.