journal scraps
Something Wicked This Way Comes
I know this is classic, but it's just not his best. Strange and weirdly masculine, and not in a good way.
The Queen's Gambit
How can a book with highly detailed chess moves be so good?
Maurice
Famous author E.M. Forster's book on romantic pining, written in 1913 but too gay to be published until the 70s. It's sweet, it's cute, it's cozy.
Into the Wild
I'm from Alaska, so this book was infuriating. I'm torn though - I do like the sympathy of the author, but on the other hand, he was so so so dumb.
Down the Drain
Okay, it was readable, and entertaining, but I don't believe most of what happened in this. The book is dripping with narcissism and embellishment.
One of Us is Lying
It may be YA, but I genuinely liked it. Kept me guessing, didn't get hung up with too many dumb YA tropes.
The Hobbit
Didn't enjoy it as much as the trilogy but it was still very fun and cute and extremely charming.
Run on Red
Blasted through this. It's not very revolutionary but it is tense and a real page-turner.
Summer Fun
A book that is not very summery, and decidedly not fun at all. Kind of about the Beach Boys and a coming-of-age story, but with bleak undertones.
Murder on the Orient Express
Devoured this on a train trip. Fantastic, keeps you guessing, insane ending.
The Biography of X
Biography of a toxic lesbian artist, X, who married a lot of women, set against a surprisingly dystopic background. It's weird, but I liked it.
The Return of the King
Perfect, perfect end to the trilogy. I don't know why I didn't read this sooner.
Rebecca
If you enjoy books dripping with tension, mysteries, and complex characters, run (don't walk) to read Rebecca.
Hijab Butch Blues
Not my fave.
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead
Incredibly good. A murder mystery, but written in an extremely cozy and surreal way. Satisfying ending.
Our Wives Under the Sea
Spooky sea existential dread vibes with lesbians. Possibly an allegory for caretaking fatigue, possibly not. Beautiful prose, but unresolved ending.
The Wager
Incredible historical account of mutiny, cannibalism, and despair. If you liked the Terror, this is your book (and it relaly happened!).
The Two Towers
Not as good as Fellowship, but still solid. It rambles a bit. Feels like very much a middle book.
Julia
A feminist retelling of 1984. It's interesting but bleak, but in a way that somehow loses the impact of the original.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
I did not like this one bit. The characterization is strange, the worldbuilding is inconsistent, and nobody is making human decisions in this.
Emma
Classic for a reason, and very, very funny.