Book Club Crash out - the Saga continues....

  Dear Readers- 

  I attended book club again- and I admit I was looking forward to this one.  This Thursday we discussed Martyr!  By Kaveh Akbar 

  This book has had praise after praised heaped on it, It ia National Book Award Finalist, a Barak Obama Pick   and is generally given positive reviews. It addressed a lot of difficult themes - alcoholism and it's aftermath, parental relationships, and more. Honestly, seeing this book as a book club choice- was one reason I decided I should stick with book club.

It turns out that Akbar was a step too far for the majority of my local public library book club.  (It might not be for yours, but for mine...the crash out was...something to witness.) I will say, none of us (myself included) had all the literary tools to really fully discuss this book- not in the way it probably should be discussed. I felt inadequate,  but I noticed that for the discussion leader, she just had a bit of a hard time because she just disliked the book that she herself chose. 

-Firstly there was poetry in the book and she felt it should "rhyme"  and thus, Akbar was not a "good poet" .  Some - not all- women agreed heartily.   She missed the deep long standing tradition of poetry in Iran and Persian culture, and if it had hit her in the face, I am still not sure she could have seen it. There was no way that I could find to quite approach this without kind of going off in some sort of weird academic rant, so.... I did not.  A lot of poetry does not rhyme, and it's good, but requires some sitting with and engagement, and possibly some self reflection. I'm not sure this particular person is up for sitting with one phrase or verse for a day or two, or longer. 

Then, she showed she had really tried to engage with the book  but just couldn't take a step out of herself. She discussed how when her family came to the United States (back in the 1900's - a different time and era) they "assimilated" and she could not- for the life of her -figure out why Cyrus and his father didn't seem to have done so, and wasn't it important to assimilate? One lady started to go on and on about how Martyrs are really supposed to be Catholic saints, and what was this author doing using that term so casually... and this was not going along well. So, I avoided the discussion of saints and martyrs because... I am not Catholic and I don't have saints in my religion and I'm woefully uneducated about those martyrs.  BUT...

How Book club felt that Thursday: 

Bain News Service, Publisher. Instructing Yeowomen. , ca. 1915. [Between and Ca. 1920] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2014706572/.

    I did step in here and discuss how assimilation was different for people in different eras and that lately many people feel that it's important to acknowledge, and even celebrate differences in language, food choices, and literature and that this is actually part of what makes our country unique. In addition, I discussed that for a person of color, it is hard to fly under the radar as people notice skin color. To my surprise, a lot of people in the room agreed with me, and I was glad of that.  I then went on to discuss how it can be difficult to assimilate when people treat you as "other" because of the color of your skin, and thus there would be a large difference between the experiences of immigrants of color, and also immigrants in different time periods. I also pointed out that while one can change an accent, and a manner of dress, the color of one's skin is not typically changeable.  One woman protested that she "doesn't see color" (and of course she does.) but for the most part, I felt like we as a group did come to an understanding that indeed the immigration experience of Irish folk was quite different from the immigrant experience of Iranians. 

I do not think one can really "compare"  two different waves/times of immigration to decide that one way was "better"  these are just the way things happened. Book club leader conceded that this might just be a good point. 

We then moved on to the issue of addiction and the character was roundly criticized for "not doing anything"  not getting out of the pit. Thankfully someone else spoke up to discuss how difficult it is for addicts to resurrect themselves.  The state I live in has a lot of recovering addicts, and my county especially has the stats to back that up, so I knew- as I surveyed the room that many of these people have someone in their lives that's fought, lost,  - or is still fighting that battle. It was an interesting mix of discussion and it really showed the gamut of beliefs and idea about people and addiction.

Moving on there was a spirited discussion of the mother, the plane crash and the position of women in Iran over time. We concluded that the change in the way women were viewed was very fast and that it might be a lesson for all of us. Then someone complained that the author did not highlight this more - even though this was clearly not the main theme or interest of the book or author.  Every book cannot address every topic, however worthy.  

   Our fearless leader attempted to say that Akbar did not do any "Character Development" with Cyrus and that "he just stayed the same",  for the most part in his struggle.  I had not completely finished the book but I feel like She does not understand that some characters in literature have a Flat character arc, an Anti-arc, and even a Negative Arc. She has said multiple times "our club is interested in deep character development"  (which based on the books we've read is not true) and I think she really wanted to flog poor Cyrus for not having an easily understood arc.  I mean, I get it, - I had some issues with this one as well, but mostly because I was a little slow on the uptake, not because of the book itself. 

In conclusion, she decided that even though some people didn't like the book, she thought the author would be "proud of us" for engaging in conversation about the book.  I had some VERY PRIVATE THOUGHTS about the author and what he might think of a group of middle aged readers attempting to understand a very complex novel with really- not enough tools in our toolshed. (Myself included).  I am not sure "Proud" would be any part of it.  I suspect he's pleased people are reading and interacting with his work, but, I think he'd have to acknowledge that we were never able to get past the triggering things like parental abandonment, addiction, and immigration issues to some of the deeper issues that could be discovered. I feel he would be kind and forgiving, because after all, we did (sorta kinda) try.  

  This is the first book written by a person of color we have read as a book club.  We only have one additional one for the year, and I suspect it's going to be slightly more palatable. Next year, my plan to to get them to read Brendan Slocumb's work, or possibly Elif Shafak.  Both of those novels are (in my opinion) more accessible for readers, and although they address some similar themes, they are presented in a different way, so we shall see. Any other suggestions for a book club book?  

Also WHY do I keep going to book club? Well, I have made a few friends. There were at least 5 out of the 15 there who noted they found Martyr! to be a useful read and that they enjoyed what they got out of it. AND, I feel like I can't wait to sneak in some really good books that will nudge people to new ideas, but not throw them right off a cliff. We shall see!  

The Saga of Book Club Continues

 So I have now attended my third book club. We had a few new members, older women who said they had joined because they like to read and they wanted to make new friends, which is perfection!  I was highly amused when they were asked what they like to read and one lady said, "well I don't like the sex books" which made me think that she definitely DOES like "the sex books"... alas, her favorite genre is... "historical fiction" (of which there are indeed a LOT of historical fiction romances...Hmmm).

For an introvert like me, I did find that this third time was better, I was more comfortable, and relaxed, so I'm glad I continue to force myself into this social experiment of attending something I'm not totally enamored with. I enjoyed sitting next to someone different than last time and she seemed friendly, and is even reading some books I've wanted to read (!!)  so I may actually, make some friends - which is not at all what I expected after my first foray. So YES, it pays to use the library! 

Citation: Federal Art Project, Sponsor. For Greater Knowledge on More Subjects Use Your Library More Often. Chicago Illinois, None. [Chicago: illinois wpa art project, between 1936 and 1941] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/98508155/.

I thought the book we read was terrible.  I could also see that the person who recommended the book we read - loved it with her whole heart and soul and took every criticism as a blow to her soul, so I wisely... just didn't say anything at all.  

   This month's leader was determined to be "different"  so instead of leading a discussion with questions and answers, she essentially quizzed everyone by saying quotes and asking "who said that" which was... interesting, but also felt a little like we were all  in 8th grade and being quizzed by a teacher who wanted to be sure we'd read the assigned reading.  So, if I ever get a chance to lead book club, I think I'll avoid that style.  On the plus side, there was a lot more participation, which is excellent! So, maybe a hybrid.  I do so hope I get to lead book club one day so I can choose an excellent book by a diverse author, and move the club just one click away from the "women's fiction" I have a few books that I think are great for Book club.  Authors like Brendan Slocumb  or Elif Shafak  Both authors tell such compelling tales that are easily discussed in a public forum like a book club. So we shall see. 

 So Book club. I'm still not 100% sold on it. But I'm learning it's more about getting together than actual book discussion, it seems. I'm sticking with it, though I honestly, don't know if I'm going to for more than a year, we'll see! 

Book Club update! All the tea....

 So... because NO ONE asked.  Let's talk about my continued foray into In- Person book clubs. 

This month we read some God-awful "Women's fiction" book.  I couldn't get it from the library or on audio so in the end, I never even really attempted to read it.  I read the description, and I was pretty sure this was something I'd never personally pick up. 

Nothing wrong with a title being called "Women's Fiction"  it's a bit of a nebulous term - and often doesn't really describe anything about the book except that it was written by a woman and has some women characters.  Lydia Hilje explains this genre better here. It certainly has more depth than what I've said and I've read books classified as Women's Fiction that were very good. I just find the label a bit odd.   I think it's unfortunate that many books are labelled as Women's Fiction because it is a label that certainly puts off many male readers. We don't really have a "Men's Fiction" section, and...if there is anything the world may need, it would be men willing to read about women's experiences. 

So... I pulled up to the library, and sat in my car. I was seized by a the desire to GO HOME.  I hadn't read the book, I felt a little under-dressed (I had just come from the gym) and of course, I'd taken a bit of a dislike to the leader of the group. Within the last month, she had sent about 6 emails...all about how to obtain the book, and I was, kind of, over it. 

BUT AMAZINGLY and I will never know why- suddenly with 3 minutes to go, propelled myself into the building and sat down with all the other book club members.  I sat there in total shock. Why oh why was I there?  In part, I didn't want to be scared off of book club, and in part, I still do not understand how my body acted against my brain and walked my self in there.  

I sat for an hour and 15 minutes and listened to everyone discuss this book. I don't think people really loved it, but the person who picked the book was so concerned that people wouldn't like it, that I of course,  said I did. (I am now a terrible person, going to heck in a handbasket of unread books) .  Here is Little Red, come to take me away. She's not looking too pleased with me.

Very, L. L. A. & L. Prang & Co, P. (1863) Red Riding Hood. [Boston, Mass.: Published by L. Prang & Co., no. 159 Washington St] [Pdf] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/78315528/.

 

To my great surprise, I actually enjoyed this a bit more than last time. I was less "new" and felt more relaxed, and I also felt NO pressure to contribute because what was I going to say- I hadn't even read the book. In the end, I was able to discuss my loathing of these vague endings, when another reader complained that the ending just fizzled out, but for the most part I was more relaxed and observant, which is probably how I should have been on my first Book club foray! The leader was adorable to me this time, she is elderly-elderly and brought an email reply from the author that was a very standard reply "Thank you for your kind thoughts about my novel, I'm working on more for the future" Our leader then touted her "personal connection via email" through our session and I thought it was very cute. I did not tell her that this very popular author, probably had that email answered by a PA, she was so excited by it. 

So.  I am now on a mission. I'm going to add some color to this club. Next year when all the books are voted on, I'm going to put a few books up for voting by diverse authors-and I'm hoping they will pick them. I'm going to be sure to mention them all the time, and we're going to open up some new horizons. 

Next month appears to be Jeanette Walls  and  while she never has topped by list, I've been interested in some of her books, so...maybe this one will be a winner for me. 

If you're interested in participating in a Book club, but aren't ready for the local one, I have two book clubs I host online- at Fable-  Everyone is totally welcome to join: 

The Stabby and Smoochy Book Club: CLICK HERE 

We vote for a title or series to read every time we finish a title or series! All the books tend to feature a heroine who's very romantic but also has a few stabby hard angles. This is not a club for anything serious, we swoon when it's worth a swoon, and declare our hatred of the villain, discuss theories and plot points, but honestly you won't generally find great literature here, but sometimes... sometimes it's really really fun! 

And a Science Fiction club where we are reading through ALL the Hugo Award novel winners. CLICK HERE 

Obviously, someone else already voted these winners for us, but we are going to start on 1954 award winner Ray Bradbury this week, This club only has a few members, and we would love some more!

Book Review: Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto 4.5/5 stars

  I FINALLY  got the audiobook copy of Hammajang Luck from the library!

 Honestly, I am a wee bit salty about this one, because I requested it on NetGalley  as an ARC, but got no response from the publisher.  Usually, I get acceptance or rejection pretty fast, but in this case it just sat there in requests until I finally withdrew the request.  I may have requested it too close to the release date, but still.... I really wanted to read it, so thankfully the library came through. Whoo Hoo Libraries! 

The cover is... well, I LOVE it. 

This is a heist novel with a side plot of "relationship" it features  a F/NB relationship; lesbian main character; trans main character; BIPOC main character; lesbian side characters; trans side characters; and BIPOC side characters. Although set it space, it pays homage to Hawai'ian life with use of  traditional Pidgin (mix of Hawai'ian, English, Japanese, Portuguese, and Cantonese- and some other languages), and introduces some concepts of family that are somewhat unique to the Hawai'ian Islands. I did find myself forgetting all the time that it wasn't set in Honolulu. So if you are looking for hard Sci-Fi world building- this likely isn't your novel.  

We follow Edie as they are unexpectedly released from space prison, by a person for whom she definitely has mixed feelings about. Edie is determined to not end up in prison again, but like many people released from prison, the cards are not in their favor. 

Edie is soon involved in a complex, sophisticated heist involving a team of players who are all testing and gauging the trustworthiness of the team. They are the best of the best, and it's a pleasure to read as they progress through all the steps of the heist.  Edie has to choose, almost every step of the way, between trusting someone who has not been the most trustworthy in the past,  or setting an entirely new path that seems to be also a bit of a "bad" choice. As I was reading I was consumed by the lack of options offered- so much like real life, even in this decidedly not real setting and situation!   I was on the edge of my seat as things went wrong and the team had to improvise! 

  I do not think I personally would make the choices made by Edie, and that really was something that I, as a reader, am not entirely used to, and it made me a little uncomfortable overall with the book- which I liked. I was challenged to think through things I hadn't and examine some family/friend relationships that I've had that were also challenging. I'm still kind of mulling all of that over. So, of course, that's a good book. 

    This is a great book  for discussion as there's a lot to talk about, not only does it highlight a cast of queer characters, but it also takes subtle jabs at capitalism, the US (I assume) Prison system, and even medical research as it is performed today. So, for the right book club this could be a winner.

I read this audio book in 4 days!  This is record for me, I just kept checking in on what was going to happen next!  So, for me, the book was highly readable, and easy to make my way through.    Jolene Kim did the narration, and I thought it was perfect.  I really enjoyed the way she voiced all of the Hawai'ian Creole, as I'm sure I wouldn't have gotten the cadence of the language as well if I had been reading it off a page.  It enhanced my enjoyment of the entire book.

Is Hammajang Luck on your To-Be-Read list, or have you already finished it?  Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 

Who goes to Book Club?

     Are you a local book club member? After much wailing gnashing of teeth, I threw myself into the fiery furnace, and attended (crashed it seems)  my local public library's Book Club.  Admittedly, it was only a furnace for 1.5 hours, so I thought I could probably manage it. 

(this image is from Museo Nacional de Artes - Mexico Unidentified artist "the pains of Hell" ca. 1780)

This is indeed the text I sent as proof. So let me tell you all the story of how I kind of crashed my local public library's club. (which is of course open to the public, so there is only the perception of crashing....) 

     Last year, we were actually invited  by a waitress at one of our favorite breakfast spots,  but when I looked up the book selections, I just... knew it wasn't going to be for me.  This year, however, the selections seemed better, and I REALLY like to discuss books, so I decided to try it out. Keep in mind, I live in a pretty small town, that's still quasi-rural. 

     Lets talk about the good,  the bad and the ugly.

   The good!  The discussion was solid.  Most participants had read the book, and had opinions and follow up questions and wanted to chat a bit about the book. Almost everyone had comments, and thoughts and information that did enhance my enjoyment of the book. Many people were friendly, and I can see myself making a few new book club buddies. There seemed to be enough space for everyone to jump in without talking over each other, and the readers did have a lot to say. 

The bad?  Well- I live in a fairly diverse community and the club-was really just a lot of older white women, which makes me think they don't really do a lot to get people interested in being a member. The club looked more like a DAR meeting - and most definitely did not represent our community as a whole.  So, while there were a lot of interesting perspectives, I kept thinking about all of the other folks I know in town who would have had a different perspective, and what a more interesting conversation we might have had.  The woman in charge was friendly, but in kind of a weaponized way- if you will.  She really...seemed to want to come off as cute and friendly and fun, but she was none of those things. I did feel like I was crashing a party she planned, and she was trying to be gracious, but didn't really want to be. I took an immediate dislike to the lady but luckily the women I sat near were very friendly and I liked them a lot. 

The Ugly? They have all the books planned for the year. 10 books.  2 of them are written by Non - white authors.  No fun Non-fiction.   This definitely kind of bummed me out.  I admit, my reading can be hit or miss, but I make an effort to really look for diverse authors. It's a great way to get a new perspective, and expand my thoughts. 

  Was it worth it? 

   Yes  and no. 

Yes-  because i did spend time in the company of other readers, and I met at least two people that I really liked  and I could see myself spending more time with them. 

No- as I didn't feel particularly challenged by the group and at least one woman made me feel actively unwelcome.  (BUT- for someone like me- who is incredibly awkward-  1 person out of like 15... is pretty good) 

Will I go back?  I wasn't sure, but next month's book looked OK, so maybe I'll keep trying. 

What's been your Book Club experience?  Do you go to a local one? Have you made one yourself that's more invite only?  Let me know in the comments!