I like to report monthly on my recent reading but there was only one book last month!
3 unread books were returned to the library before my trip. They didn’t make it to my reading list in case I decide to borrow them again.
Caste
I am in the middle of reading my latest Book of the Month selection, Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson.
Isabel Wilkerson gives us a masterful portrait of an unseen phenomenon in America as she explores, through an immersive, deeply researched narrative and stories about real people, how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human rankings...
Wilkerson writes of how the caste system of India “works,” that religion is used to explain its origin, and how it has evolved to be an accepted theory. She also delves into history and explains that the Germans studied how America created its slavery caste system to create the plan to exterminate the Jewish population. It is not light reading, though it is well-written. It may take more than this month to finish.
Writers and Lovers
The book that I read last month is Writers and Lovers by Lily King. Lily King is known for her previous book, Euphoria, which I did not read. In Writers & Lovers, the main character, Casey is a struggling writer working on the great American novel, dealing with her mother’s death and dating two very different men, both also writers.
Casey was very relatable and believable. The whole story feels very comfortable, as if someone you know is talking to you about it. I enjoyed that aspect. The choices she made felt true. Her relationships were solid and believable. I rated it 4 out of 5 because it didn’t evoke emotions other than familiarity.
Hollow Kingdom
My book club selection this month is Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton. Animals narrate the story that the humans are becoming zombies. It’s up to a domesticated crow (named S.T.) to save the other domesticated animals. S.T. also wants to save the humans!
The perspective is interesting and there are many funny lines. I am sure my book club peers will have more insight about the story. I, however, am trudging through it and will not finish it in time for the discussion. That’s okay by me.
The book links take you to a site that supports independent bookstores!
