Book Review The Black Cathedral by Marcial Gala

 

  This... book -  it was an adventure!  I have a lot of mixed feelings about this one! 

I have been reading

Ada Ferrer's  Amazing history of Cuba, and I wanted to pair it with some Cuban writers, and I really only knew Jose Marti and Leonardo Padura.  A search through Libby for some Cuban authors brought this one up. It advertised that it was a portrait of a broken utopia, so I thought, let's try this one out.  

Keeping in mind that this novel was read in translation, I fear I may have missed the twisted satire a bit, thought I caught some of it. 

     In summary-- with no spoilers, this novel follows a family as they move to a neighborhood on the edge of being a bad one- in a southern city in Cuba. Mr. Stuart is a minister and begins to raise funds to build a spectacular house of worship.  The story  unfold with very little "plot" and is more of a slice of life told by multiple narrators - gossips, neighbors both young and old, serial killers and a few ghosts. 

 The writing was excellent and evocative and thought provoking. Readers get a glimpse of Cuba as the narrators grow and change with Cuba as a nation growing and changing. I did enjoy the changes seen in several main characters, and was equally thrilled and horrified by the resident serial killer indeed. 

I did feel like the entire novel really embraces a  "Slice of life" style which over all is not my favorite. We have a distinct beginning with the arrival of Mr. Stuart and his unusual family, but the novel itself then sort of fans out to provide almost cameos of each interesting member of the neighborhood, rather than a novel focused on the arrival, settling in and moving away  of the Stuart family.  

So for me this is not going to be one of my favorite reads of the year.  I feel that reading it in the original language may have helped me, but alas, I am not fluent to read.  I feel that the perceived flaw - with a less solid plot- may have been intentional, so I can't say it's poorly executed, I can just say that the more nebulous plot is just kind of "not my favorite" style of novel. 

So- I do recommend this for people interested in Cuban literature,  weird literature, and books in translation. If you are looking for a story with a defined Beginning-Middle-End, this one may not satisfy you in that way. 

     STATS

First Published : January 2021

Pages: 224

Available as an Audio Book : YES

Trigger Warnings: violence, blood, death, grief, racism, Cannibalism, murder, As always not a complete list, please read responsibly. 

 

Book Review: Burn the Water by Billy Ray

  Billy Ray is maybe best known as the screen writer for The Huger Games films, but he is an author also! 

Burn The Water is his first novel and it's Billed as a YA dystopian romance set in 2425 London. 

With this being my year of reading Water themed books, i saw this on Net Galley and hit the request button so fast. 

Personally, I think this book is perfectly within the realm of an adult/YA novel.  The themes are not "coming of age"  as much as they are "forbidden romance" . One reviewer notes that it felt like a retelling of Romeo and Julie, but I felt like that was really a very surface look at the novel.  The themes are quite different from Romeo and Juliet and though the story is of course similar, it really really...isn't a futuristic Romeo and Juliet. Frankly, I think it's unique and does some great stuff while also hitting some familiar beloved tropes.  

Non-Spoiler "Synopsis" because Spoilers are not the best!  The novel is set in a future London/UK setting where most of the world is underwater. Communications are set back to more ancient times, and most technologic advancements have been lost to the water. Two factions are fighting over the last bit of land available for living. Enter Rafe and Jule- both leaders- but leaders of the different factions. Of course... love is in the air, or in the water as the case may be. These two star crossed lovers are really both desperately tired of this ongoing war and wish for peace, but find it hard to conceptualize how to make that come about. Within this environment, tension is building that threatens to break apart as foreigners appear on their shores.

With Ray's lauded cinematic background, it was not surprise that this novel reads a  bit like a screen play.  For me , this wasn't an issue, and Ray did an excellent job showing and telling at appropriate times.  I felt like this was a bit of cautionary tale for our future, and part plain old against all odds enemies to lovers romance. 

Very much enjoyed this one!  I hope it has great success! 

STATS

First Published : March 2025 

Pages: 304

Available as an Audio Book : not Currently

Trigger Warnings: violence, blood, death, grief, War, Death of child, 

How are those reading goals coming along?

 So, It's already Mid-November, and I am sitting here, bewildered at how it seems like it was just August. How are your reading goals going?  Did you want to read more books in translation? Dip in poetry?  Read a little more non-fiction? Are you short the number of books on your goal?  No worries! I've got help for you! Many of my recommendations are parts of series of short novels, so if you find something you like- there's likely more where that came from! 

But first, let me digress- and explain - if you've fallen behind on a reading goal- I ENTIRELY UNDERSTAND!

For me, this year has been a whirlwind. 

Earlier this year, my company was bought out by another, and while they assured me my job was "safe" I noted that there were some definite changes, and some very smart people, moving strategically elsewhere. Other changes in benefits, and a new very top down management style just weren't my thing.  So, I started looking. I didn't intend to be looking for another job, but the world is a changing place, and we do sometimes need to reinvent ourselves. 

I will say the job market currently is not a kind place, and especially for those like myself- with a very niche skill set and above the age of 30. While employers want decades of experience, they seem to still want someone who is too young to have those decades of experience!  So, most of this year was spent doing loads of interviews. With the help of strong references from former employers,  I finally was offered - strangely- a pretty ideal position, with improved pay and benefits, what appears to be a great leadership team  and  a 15 minute commute-- doing exactly what I'm trained to do. 

After that process, I will freely say, I  AM TIRED.  Until that offer became super solid, I had NO IDEA the amount of stress my body was holding.  So I wish anyone searching for employment, the best of luck and connections. I start that job next week and I will have to be "On" all the time so who knows what will happen! 

   That said, some weeks, I barely read at all because I was pre-occupied. If you have had a few weeks like that- maybe you're behind on your reading goals? 

Here are some great short options that check a lot of boxes! 

Georges Simenon is a master at creating immersive novels with short prose. 

I recommend any of his Maigret novels. For me, I was introduced to these by my Dad and devoured the entire series while in-between work assignments one summer. 

Read these if you want:

-a shorter novel

-Mystery genre

-books in translation

-Novels from the 1930's-1940's (and more) decade

Going WAAAY Back- I recommend Basho. 

Basho- born Matsuo Kinsaku is well know as a Haiku Master from the 17th century. 

One of my favorite editions of his work is The Narrow road to the Deep North and Other Travel Sketches 

  

Read this if you want:

-a short book (176 pages) 

-Book from a different century

-Book in translation

-Poetry 

Looking for Non-Fiction?  Look no further than the Object Lessons series! 

I read metronome earlier this year and it was a fascinating read about how the metronome, a seemingly bland tool in a musicians box shaped the way music was performed! 

Read this for: 

- A brief Non-fiction read (184 pages) 

-Non-fiction! 

-If the metronome isn't for you- the Object lessons series is a delightful series which includes other unassuming objects like lipstick, Taco, Snack, and Concrete, you'll be sure to find something to pique your interest. They are all a similar length and so interesting. 

If you just want something to make you forget the world we are currently living in- I really recommend Ruby Dixon. She has multiple Novellas most featuring space aliens or  various other out of this world characters.  There's nothing too serious, it all takes place in an unknown jungle planet, with no dire parallels to real life. 

 

Read this if you are:

 -Looking for escapism

-short novel (77 pages) 

-Looking for vampires

-Looking for romance

-Looking for some "spice" 

-Looking for a Happy ending! 

If you'd like something more serious- perhaps a classic? maybe a classic that isn't one that you were supposed to read in high school? 

Passing by Nella Larsen is a semi-autobiographical novella,  coming in at about 141 pages.  A mixed race woman decides to live her adult life as a white person. This novella looks at race and culture from several perspectives. 

Read this for:

 A book from decades past (1920's)

A short classic (141 pages) 

Diverse author and topic. 

  I've got a few more recommendations-  but I think these 5 are great to start.  All of these authors have other works of a Short nature, so if you find one you like, you know there's more where that one came from. 

 Happy Reading! 

Book Review: An Owl on Every Post by Sanora Babb

 If you ever wanted to read a book about survival in adverse circumstances, this would be one I'd recommend. 

   I am a HUGE fan of Babb.  Her work Whose Names are Unknown should get more readership and praise, and it was overshadowed by The (also excellent) Grapes of Wrath. Given that Steinbeck is such a fantastic writer, that's no problem, but it is kind of ironic that it's well known that Steinbeck used Babb's field notes while writing his classic- and didn't give her any credit.... 

  For me, I personally think both are fantastic novels, and should be taught in conjunction.  They have different styles and approaches to the topic and compare marvellously. 

But I'm here today to talk about an Owl on Every Post, Babb's autobiographical work about growing up in a one room dugout -- farming broomcorn.  This was a definite poverty situation, with 5 people living in a one room home that was basically dirt.  Here's a link to what this might have looked like. 

An Owl on Every Post is considered "YA"  which I find, very strange.  It is ABOUT a young girl, growing up on the plains, but the topics, are really also appropriate for adults.  After all, we were all aged 7 at one time. This is a coming of age memoir, but not one  where Babb grapples with maturity or the challenges as such, in fact, I think she just happens to grow up in the pages of the book.  In that way, it seems less YA than many YA novels that are written to address that time of life.  Rather, Babb is describing her time of life. There's no romanticizing the harsh winters, or lack of food at times, nor the sometimes challenging isolation of the way of life chosen by her father, but there is a deep thread of resilience throughout. The writing itself is perfection- it's not flowery, or overly descriptive, but each word paints the perfect picture, and for me, I felt as if I was right there, in almost every moment. 

This book also would make a good gift for a reader you are unsure about. It's interesting, well paced and written, and doesn't moralize. Let me know if you pick this one up! 

First Published :1970

Pages: 266

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: medical situations,  poverty, hunger, child death, snakes, animal ghosts.

    Not a full TW list, please read responsibly.   

Book Review Bloodtide by Sophie Burnham

 This is book 2 in the Ex Romana Series and I ate this one up like Halloween Candy! 

The new cover direction is really really really good.  i just love how each cover is different, but does follow a theme that is slick and sophisticated, just like the series! 

So this is the second installment in this series and I was a little concerned that it might suffer from that second book slump.  I was delightfully surprised.  Bloodtide is more engaging than Sargassa and I had trouble putting this one down, and I REALLY CANNOT WAIT for THE THIRD! 

Going to try to do this with no spoilers - might be a bit tough. 

   In Sargassa we are introduced to a wide cast of characters who are all cogs in the wheel of the never ended Roman Empire. (or did it really never end?) Initially I was a little overwhelmed by the amount of characters, but I will say as I read they swiftly sorted themselves out pretty cleanly.  And the set up- which included the world building- explaining the social order, introducing the players, and the general environment really sets up Bloodtide for super success. 

   In Blood tide, our band of unlikely allies continues to work to try to bring about a more just situation. Everyone has different tasks and is being lead by a mastermind, who has a somewhat tenuous grasp on power.  As they work, underdog hero/ines emerge, relationships are tested, discarded and maybe picked up again.  This is a fairly queer normative novel with many characters involved in several types of relationships. As Covert missions are completed, family tree elements are revealed, and each character must make difficult choices as they move forward in tense, electric environment. 

 I remained true to my favorite character Theo Nix, who is just the most badass of them all, but seems about to be felled by love!

I did receive this book from Astra Publishing House and this is my completely honest review. I did love this book, and I do want to read more from this author, especially in this series. 

STATS

First Published: October 2025

Pages: 368

Available as an Audio Book : Yes

Trigger Warnings:  violence, grief, Weather events,  body injury, food insecurity, classism. 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly) 

October reading Wrap up

 October was a Month of lots of reading.  It helped that I read at least 2 novellas  so that clearly pumped up the volume.  I finished 20 books in October!

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. "Pump on Greenwich Street, below Canal" The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1894. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/8ac46100-c560-012f-845b-58d385a7bc34

Now, I love some statistics, so let's see how my reading stacked up! 

Books in Translation:  2/20 So, errr 10% Not great at all. That said, I know I'm definitely reading more translated work this year overall, so when I do my end of year comparison, I imagine I will have improved my percentage from 2024. 

Books by Diverse Authors: 6/20  30% Which is a small percentage, but still..present. 

Favorite Read for this Month?

 Hands down  HEX  by Thomas Olde Heuvelt 

As far as spooky season reads went, this one.. slayed!   It was terrifying, and had great pacing and characters. Loved it. A Masterpiece. 

 

I had the MOST fun reading Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver as a Buddy read with a friend. 

This was a very well done rom-com of sorts, involving, of course, serial killers. I fully fully enjoyed it and enjoyed reading with a friend who was as enthusiastic as I was. 

Did I have a least favorite? I read Choosing Theo by V. Aveline. It was...a book that seems to be well loved by the book tok community. I apparently am not that community exactly. It was not terrible, but it also wasn't quite the fun I had hoped for. 

What was your favorite or least favorite in October? Did you go all in for Spooky season or just continue on with your regularly scheduled TBR? 

Let me know in the comments! 

Book Review Fisherman Blues by Anna Badkhen

  Ok reading friends.  This is a non-fiction account of a West African Community at sea. In the end, I am not a fan of this book or this type of immersive journalism. 

Badkhen is a journalist, war correspondent and author of some acclaim. Her writing is beautiful, and she really knows how to set a scene.  Readers follow the ins and outs of a fishing community in Senegal, getting a very "slice of life" experience in the reading of this account. All of this is beautiful, and lovely. I could feel the sea, the rock and roll of the boats and waves, the joy and the anguish of the happenings in the village. 

              What I could not figure out was WHY exactly Badkhen chose this as a project.  Badkhen is noted as personalizing the effects of globalization and climate change in this work, and I suppose that is true, there's a lot of observation of declining catch, and discussion of reasons why. In the end, I did feel like I got an interesting read about this W. African village, but very firmly from the perspective of a very perceptive middle aged white lady. Her observations are spot on, but at the same time, I didn't feel immersed in the village, I felt immersed in her perceptions of the village. In some ways this made it a very palatable book, as my perspective is very similar to hers, so her views and descriptions were easily understood by me, but I did feel like I never fully understood the minds of the fishermen, the first, second and third wives, or the children who careen about the village. I also got the odd sensation that her presence was mostly providing her with material, and what was she providing in return?  I don't think of Badkhen as some sort of "taker"  on purpose, but I also feel slightly uncomfortable with this perspective. I think though, in 2018 things felt different. 

 It is a unique book, with very good writing, and interesting vignettes, but I'm still not sure how I feel about this book overall. 

STATS

First Published 2018

Pages: 304

Available as an Audio Book : YES

Trigger Warnings: infant death, death, medical situations, poverty

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)