journal scraps
Kafka on the Shore
A book about tragedy, loss, and fate. I admit I like books where characters can't escape their destiny, no matter how hard they try.
The Hounding
I wanted to love this but it was a bit predictable and simple, and all the characters were straightforward. It's still spooky fun though.
Anne of Green Gables
This is classic for a reason. It's beautiful in only the way children's books written long ago can be.
Big Swiss
An account of unhinged people in the Hudson Valley of New York State, and probably a commentary on aging and maturity. It is very funny.
The Guncle
It's heartwarming even though it's about grief, and the way he talks to the kids is pretty similar to the way I talk to my nephews.
Life and Death of Rose Doucette
Intriguing, film noir inspired mystery novel about a woman's death and the two men who loved her. Nothing revolutionary, but good dumb fun.
Mongrel
An account of three women with Japanese heritage, but it doesn't feel particularly empathetic to any of them.
My Dead Book
A beautiful but tragic account of AIDs in the 90s.
Bone
Set in a fantasy world, Bone is an epic cult classic. I've heard it described as Calvin and Hobbes meets Lord of the Rings. Truly a beautiful story.
The Three Lives of Cate Kay
Cate Kay is a schmuck, and no amount of fame will save her from that. Despite this, all the characters are a bit more forgiving than a lot of peole would be.
The Cipher
This book is horrible, as in horror and disgust, not as in bad. It's actually great, and a cult-classic.
The Ministry of Time
The fact that someone wrote a book about one of the guys from The Terror is pretty spectacular. It's a sexy sci fi book about pining but really it's just all good vibes. Very cute, just not very deep.
The Rachel Incident
Supposedly funny, it just fell flat for me. Rachel and her friends suck.
Knock Knock Open Wide
The horror of seemingly innocent children's TV combined with celtic mythology and generational despair. Pretty spooky, could have been spookier.
Intermezzo
Explores the societal implications of age gap relationships and the complexity of family. Still, it's not her best book.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
Charming, beautiful, heartwarming. Restores your faith in humanity, with a twisty and satisfying ending.
Fer-De-Lance
The first Nero Wolfe mystery, and it holds up. Such a solid mystery.