I’m hoping for another year of epic reading. I’ve read a number of things already, and I’m wondering what it means that several of them have affected profoundly. Have I already had the best read of 2020? Time will tell, but I will say I do love books that linger in my mind long after the last page has been turned.
Besides planning on carving out the time to tackle my mountainous to-be-read pile, I’m also committing to blogging more this year. I think I’ll make it a regular feature to review some of the things I’ve read, particularly as I find connections between them. Today I’m looking at three books which I found wrenchingly beautiful and heart-breaking, and made me love the world even more fiercely than usual because people like this live here.
First up, Ocean Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous. This is so beautifully written it was like a sacred experience for me. Vuong is a poet, and although this is a novel, much of it is based on his own experiences.
The story is told through a letter written to his mother by a young Vietnamese-American man. The book tells his story of the incredible challenges growing up as a sensitive gay child in America with all its homophobic, racist, and violent attitudes, and with the additional burdens of being poor, and living with his refugee grandmother and single mother who have limited English and even more limited opportunities. At its core this is a heart-breaking love story, but just saying that somehow diminishes it and I, in no way, wish to discourage you from reading it. It’s exquisite in its beauty and writing, and I believe our hearts are meant to hold all the grief and all the joy bearing witness to this story allows.
I think this quote from the book says it perfectly. “All this time I told myself we were born from war — but I was wrong, Ma. We were born from beauty. Let no one mistake us for the fruit of violence — but rather, that violence, having passed through the fruit, failed to spoil it.”
If you do choose to read this, and I hope you do, let me suggest you get it as an audiobook. Like the best poetry, this deserves to heard spoken aloud. And Vuong himself narrates, which feels like a genuine gift.
Achingly beautiful, hard, and highly recommended. In keeping with my practice of awarding a rating based on floriography, the language of flowers, giving a hint at the plot as well as my appraisal, I would offer a bouquet of Red Catchfly (youthful love), Adonis (sorrowful remembrance), and Angelica (inspiration).
Next up, The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo.
I’d categorize this as a coming of age story as a young Harlem girl comes into her voice and her power, as she begins navigating her teenage years. Discovering slam poetry is the doorway into finding herself. As a first-generation Dominican-American she has lots of issues to deal with. Her deeply religious mother, who wanted to be a nun, is mostly unhappy in her marriage. But the birth of X (and her twin brother) were considered “miracles” having arrived so late to parents who thought themselves childless. It’s a burden. There’s violence and sexual harassment, and X develops a tough exterior, partly as protection for herself and partly to protect her more sensitive brother, who manages to find his way out of the neighborhood school thanks to his intellectual gifts. You might guess that poetry and the deep feelings of adolescence might not be well received in such a household. And then there’s burgeoning love. Whoever thinks being a teenager is easy is crazy. No doubt there are parts of this story that are heart-breaking and hard, it’s also encouraging.
While the book isn’t autobiographical, much of it is certainly informed by the fact that author/poet Elizabeth Acevedo was born to Dominican immigrants and participated in her first poetry slam at age 14. Again, if you choose to check this one out, I strongly encourage you to get the audiobook version. Acevedo narrates it herself, and it’s a gift to be read to by someone who both knows the material intimately AND understands how poetry should be performed. I think it really adds to the richness of an already wonderful experience. I’m awarding a floriography arrangement of Oak Leaves (bravery), Nemophila (I forgive you), and Sweet Briar (poetry).
And finally, Tin Man by Sarah Winman is another exploration of hardship and love and heart-break, that ultimately offers hope. That in a nutshell is the thread that ties all these three books together in my mind. The story starts out with a brief glimpse into the life of one of the character’s parents in the 1950s, and Van Gogh’s painting Sunflowers is a prominent motif. The tale continues with the friendship of three people, and the lives they had and didn’t have. And when I finally finished the book I had that heavy feeling of being touched by something important, and the need to let it settle in. In truth I felt that about all three books, and I suspect that’s sort of the energy of 2020 itself showing up in these early days. A weightiness. Not a badness per se, but a call to honor the powerfulness and substance of life, and all the ways we carve out joy, and kindness, and love for each other, and all the ways it means to be human. My floriography rating for this one is an arrangement of Marigold (grief), Rosemary (remembrance), and Olive (peace).
I’m playing in a few reading challenges this year (2020 A-to-Z. Mount TBR, Popsugar) and all three of these books are fulfilling category prompts, so yay. Have you read them? Reading something you want to recommend? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
Hey Deborah – I, too, feel like I’m back on track with my reading. It’s not an obsessive push, but I can comfortably (usually) digest 4 books per month, especially if I steer clear of TV. I also am feeling the substantive weight of the books so far – with lingering thoughts and emotions. Like music after the dance is done. So far: A Velocity of Being, edited by Maria Popova; The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood (signed copy – yes, I like this sort of little extra); and The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. Not planned, unexpected delights, tremors and insights. I enjoy being a little wobbly after an engrossing read. Aaaand…I’m meeting with Kim to talk about a new website or website re-do because I want to resurrect the blog aspect. We’ll talk more when we next get together. Always love your mind-workings and words.
While I watch an occasional movie or series episode, I avoid TV and feel good about spending that time reading. I’m working my way through Velocity of Being, savoring the advice (and the illustrations), and I read The Ocean at the End of the Lane last year I think, and quite enjoyed it. I think I’ll be holding off on Atwood’s work (yay you for a signed copy!) for a while.
I love how you describe the lingering responses to books as music after the dance – that’s perfect! And yes, to that wobbly feeling – I think that’s an accurate sign of our hearts being touched (or perhaps our minds being shifted. The best possible result of reading I think.
You know I’m stalwart supporter of your writing and would love to see you actively blogging. Count on some encouragement on that front.
Hi Deborah, I love reading, too. It’s such a relaxing activity for me. I usually read nonfiction. I’m reading “Between You and Me” by Mary Norris. Essentially, it’s a book about copy editing, which sounds really boring but it’s, actually, funny. I’ll be writing about it soon either in my blog or in a course. Thanks for sharing your insight into these three books, and I love your rating system!
I’m intrigued by your current read Michelle and look forward to your review. I always try to read a few nonfiction books about things I know nothing about (and in fact that’s a prompt in this year’s popsugar reading challenge). Perhaps “Between You and Me” will be a candidate for me.
We’ve read some excellent books in my Book Club this past year. A friend is recommending “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous,” so that we can discuss it. It sounds like a tough book, although ultimately worth the effort?
Yes, yes, yes Margaret – I absolutely encourage you to take on “On Earth.” It is tough but brilliant and I’m holding it as one of the best books I’ve ever read. And I’m sure it’ll be fun to have a friend to discuss it with as well.
Hari OM
These all sound wonderful… meaningful. I rarely read fiction these days. My reading ‘pile’ (a slight misnomer, as most are online) consists mainly of science, philosophy and poetry. I am working my way through “Gulls of The World”, (Klaus Malling Olsen) concentrating mainly on those I am likely to be able to see in what remains of my lifetime.
It would be fair to say that my reading tends to fall under the banner of ‘research’ even if not directly related to my subject (Advaita Vedanta); I seem to have an insatiable thirst for learning!!! YAM xx
I always love hearing what captures people’s attention and devotion in their reading habits Yamini. How fascinating you’ve made a “project” of the gulls book. I’ve been curious about gulls for a while now. While I don’t live seaside, Chicago is on a Great Lake and I’m used to seeing gulls beachside. But over the last decade gulls are increasingly living in city neighborhoods, and I discovered it’s true in many other urban areas.
And yes indeed to the insatiable thirst for learning. It’s one of the wonderful gifts to be alive in this period of history where access to information is so easy.
I haven’t heard of any of the books you read. Not surprising because I’m always years behind what is popular now. The book I read last year and still think about occasionally is The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. It’s a historically-based fiction novel of women spies during WWI. Well written and a glimpse into something I knew nothing about.
I haven’t read “The Alice Network” but I treasure those books that have you returning to them with your thoughts. Carol mentioned in her comment the book “The Velocity of Being” and it’s a book of letters collated/curated by Maria Popova in which authors write notes to young readers explaining why reading is important and magical. It’s so interesting to hear their takes on it and what fueled their own reading habits. And of course bonus points because each letter is accompanied by some artist’s illustration. You know I love a good picture book as well. 🙂
HI Deborah,
Great to see your book reviews again – I’ll certainly check out some of these titles.
It’s been a mini adventure for me the past year and half, reading my way around the world and being hopeless at keeping up the blog aspect of it. I’m dipping into Tale Away (https://taleaway.com/world-reading-challenge-books-around-the-globe-2020/) and Ash’s Challenge to read 52 books from 52 different countries in a year. I’ll not make that – normally I’m getting to about 30-35 but I’m so enjoying travelling to places that I will never see in my lifetime. My own challenge is to read something from or about every country in the world with no time limit, to allow for sidetrips along the way when new and exciting authors happen by or when my brain needs something less cerebral for a wee rest:)
As yet I’ve not give Audible books a go – perhaps this year – I like quiet and like to imagine the narrator.
Lots of love to you for a fabulous energetic 2020.
I absolutely love the idea behind 52 books from 52 countries – the energy behind that feels so expansive! But I like your take of doing it at your own pace and expanding it to all countries Fil. That sounds truly delicious. Life savored and not scheduled is a guiding call to me more and more these days. Wishing you a most wonderful 2020, filled with joyous adventures and deep peace.
The way you describe these books sounds so intriguing to me. Such depth to the characters along with a hint of poetry! I was mesmerized reading your reviews.
Usually, I’m reading several books at a time although they are all learning tools for me. At the moment, I’m reading a Michael Pollan book someone lent to me highly recommended it although I’ve never heard of it, How to Change Your Mind. I’ve read most of his other books around the topic of food.
Also reading a Dr. Dispenza book I’ve had sitting on my shelf for 6 years. Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself.
And just started one from a book club I was asked to speak at yesterday. I enjoyed my visit there so much that I’ve decided to join their book club. The book they chose for next month is Feel Free to Prosper.
Quite an eclectic group of books I’m currently reading. It’ll be quite fun!
I love your eclectic selection of books Elda. And how fun that you decided to join the book club. Happy reading!
I’ve always got a number of books going at once. I like it because I then have multiple choices depending on what mood I’m in, but also because somehow it helps me connect things I might not have otherwise. I like to think of it cross-pollination.
How lovely! I look forward to your blogs. I am always looking for good books to read, and your descriptions are lovely.
Thanks for stopping by Dawn. I always think it’s fun to hear what we’re all reading, and I have my ever-expanding to-read list to prove it.
“We are born from beauty.” Great quote from the first book you mention.
Like you, books continue to haunt (not sure that’s the right word) me many days after I read them.
Right now, I’m into reading biographies. I seem to find a connection with the person – even on a very small level sometimes but it makes me feel as if we are all connected.
I’m always looking to read something different and the books that you shared, I’ve not heard of before, so choosing one would fit the bill for me reading something different.
Looking forward to your next post!
I totally understand what you mean Wendy about finding things (even the tiniest) that foster our sense of connection with others – I love that books can help us do that.
While I’m not a frequent biography reader I do have a couple in my to-be-read pile and I’m hoping to get to them soon. Thanks so much for stopping by, and happy reading always!
Deborah, I loved your descriptions of these three books. I am always reading two or three books at the same time. I would love to read all three of those, but I think especially the first one by the Asian American. His life sounds so challenging, but beautiful. I love the way you describe the multi layered feelings surrounding his life.
I just finished “The Widows of Malabar Hill”, by Sujata Massey. It was an interesting view of a young woman ahead of her time as a an attorney in Bombay in the 1920s. The young woman was an intriguing character, she also falls in love, gets married , and then the marriage breaks up…. Difficult family dynamics, meshed with ancient religious practices. I look forward to reading more of your blogs!
Thank you for stopping by Joanne and for your kind words. I love when we get to share our reading choices! I’ve not heard of “The Widows of Malabar Hill” before, but I’ve now added it to my TBR list. I’m doing my best to be disciplined and work my way through my current piles before adding new, but I’m also diligent about keeping note of what intrigues me so those titles won’t get lost.
Wow! I love your book descriptions. They entice me to want to read them.
I’m an avid reader with a stack of books waiting for me while I have 2-4 other books being read at anyone given time.
My current nightstand reads are “Its not your money” and “the only diet there is.” They are both books to digest slowly while doing the work along with them.
My living room couch current reads are “dare to lead” by Brene Brown, who is one of my favorite authors, and the other is the “Red Lion” which for me I’d love to devour a bit faster but the font and spacing are so tight I have to take it in a little slower.
I look forward to reading more of your book reviews this year.
I’m always interested in hearing what others are reading, and it delights me when there is an eclectic mix of things being devoured, as is clear with you Julie. That’s my MO – somehow it always seems like interesting and unexpected connections come to mind for me between the various books, so it’s like an added bonus.
I’d not heard of “Red Lion” so I took a peek at it. And now I’ve added it to my to-be-read list. 🙂