2021 was the birth of the un-book club. Two good friends and I set up a no pressure reading support group this year. We each get to choose our own books and read at our own pace, with a broad target of reading 12 books in 12 months. We call it The Un-Book Club. I read 33 books this year. Here they are, in no particular order –
Something Wicked This Way Comes – Fantasy, Magical Realism
It is a bit wordy, but I enjoyed the hard copy so much more than the audio book I read/heard last year. It is like biting into a frosty apple on a chilly day. Bright red, sweet and cold.
Portuguese Irregular Verbs – Comedy
This is a collection of those sweet little comedies. I would call it Woodhousian, but I didn’t think it was that uproarious. Then again, I didn’t think Woodhouse was uproarious the first time I read it. In my defense, I think I was too young for it, although I can make no such claims now.
The Tokyo Zodiac Murders – Debut, Murder Mystery, Translated
I picked this book because of its title, back cover story and high praise for the author. Some of the plot elements ridiculous by today’s standards, but we have to remember this was written in 1981. I was very disappointed all the same.
The Paper Menagerie and other stories – Sci-fi, Fantasy, Steampunk, Immigrant life (cross genre), Anthology
This book was recommended to me last year. I picked it up multiple times but never read it. I was expecting an emotionally wrought novel about an immigrant mother and her estranged son, with her son finally seeing her love and pain after she dies. I could not have been more wrong. There’s sci-fi, fantasy, mythology, history all strung together with heritage and immigrant experience. I wept and wondered. Each story was an experience in itself.
One Part Woman – Indian Author
The story revolves around the life of a married couple in rural Tamilnadu. The mastery is in how beautifully the narrative captures the simplicity of their daily routines, their deep love for each other, their sexual agency and complex social life in the village. Their desire for a child is the engine that drives this story. The otherwise happy couple’s personal struggle is exacerbated by the stigma they face for being childless. The book describes without compunction how societal expectations and the collective heartless of those around them causes further damage to vulnerable these people. As pressure mounts, desperation increases and well-intended interference wounds and destroys.
The Widows of Malabar Hill– Murder Mystery, Woman Writer
I considered reading this last year but put it off. I thought it would be cliched and after a bit, tiresome. It turned out to be very different. The narrative builds up well and the side plots feed interestingly into the main story. The book mixes social injustices with actual crime. While the crime is solved within the pages of the book, social inequities are just beginning to be addressed. I found the feeding of information on indigenous words and religious customs through dialogue annoying, but it might be helpful to someone who did not already have the information (or instant access to google).
Gone with the Wind – Historical Fiction, Romance, Woman Writer, Woman Protagonist, Classic
It is sexist, racist, and problematic but the writing is phenomenal.
While I have watched the movie with my mother when I was younger, this is the first time I read the book. The book is so much more than the movie. The writing is so gifted, that knowing history, conscious that the Confederate way of life – slavery and race superiority is abhorrent, I found myself rooting for them through the war and sympathizing with them after the war. While reading historical novels it is important to remember the time and place, they are set in; the point of view they are being told from. In that context, the sexism and racism while still not correct, are not out of place. The problem with Gone with the Wind is the longing it creates for a world that should never have existed. It does not touch on the horrors of slavery and instead paints it as a picture of salvation – “sensible” Black people knew they needed it. However, today’s “sensible” reader should be aware that idea was and continues to be wrong.
Milk and Honey– Poetry
Why is all modern poetry about tortured sexuality? Battered bodies, broken hearts, bruised souls, and something that I cannot decide is indomitable spirit or strong currents of narcissism.
About this book – I have read Rupi Kaur on Instagram and loved some of her work. I picked this book up expecting to be swept away but the poems offered nothing new. The emotions trite, the words used – there was no magic.
The Interior Landscape – Poetry, Nature, Love
This is selection translated of poems from an anthology of early classical Tamil love lyrics called Kurunthokai. I should have read the afterword before reading the poems, as suggested by the writer, for I missed the poetic metaphors completely. These poems have a language and syntax of their own. Very interesting. Very complex. Surface reading will simple not cut it. You probably have to read 100 poems before the first one comes together. It is like haiku by Japanese masters.
The Captain’s Verses– Poetry, Translated, Romance
I picked up the audiobook version of this book. I didn’t listen to it as much as I simply let it wash over me and it left me feeling like an entire ocean had washed over me. The weight of the water on my body, the sting of salt in my eyes and the pressure on my lungs, and then coming up for a huge gulp of air.
Nature Poem – Poetry, Indigenous Voice, Native American Writer
I have not read IRL or heard of Tommy Pico. I came across this book by chance. The poems left me lost and confused, yet vaguely impressed. In words I found online, “I felt as if I had washed up on the shore of a new country of language, a new continent of metaphor, a making that is likely not available to me but one which I nevertheless recognize as masterful.” (Jeanetta Calhoun Mish, Oklahoma City University)
The Call of Cthulhu – Horror, Classic, Sci-Fi
I finished Call of the Cthulhu from the Tales of the Cthulhu Mythos. It’s well done. The paranoia really comes through, though I am not convinced it is justified. What I found most grotesque is the instant demonizing of unknown practices and entities. It is so typical. White men sailed around the world, saw things they didn’t identify with, did not understand – got terrified and branded it evil and did everything possible to stamp it out. Much indigenous knowledge has been lost this way. That, in my opinion, is the true horror.
Haunter of the Dark– Horror, Sci-Fi
The paranoia really comes through. Although the unknown haunter is again branded as evil and feared, I felt it was a trapped being, wanting to go home. I interpreted the end as the being finally going back to wherever it came from, but a little research and retrospection told me that I might be wrong.
Frankenstein – Horror, Classic, Woman Writer, Sci-Fi, Tragedy
If you think the gist of this book is mad scientist creates evil monster aka cute Halloween costume, you could not be more off the mark. This book is about artificial intelligence, emotional intelligence, inclusivity and acceptance, the glories of nature and the courage and vanity of men. It is a social commentary and a nature documentary. It is science fiction of its times. I was very impressed with how eloquently nature has been described in this book. Savage, raw; even her most destructive elements have been embraced with awe by man. In sharp contrast is man’s treatment of the creature. Also, raw and savage, he is hated and vilified. Just like nature is full of gentle charms, the creature is also capable of kindness and virtue. The writing is complex and mature (the writer was not yet 19 when she wrote the first version). The cat and mouse chases, with its role reversals have been expertly executed. The symmetry in the emotions of the creature and his creator are masterfully captured. While some might call it horror, I think it leans more towards tragedy
Funny in Farsi – Comedy, Memoir
This talking point of this book is that it looks back at growing up as an immigrant and as a child of immigrants. While the book was funny in parts, it wasn’t hilarious. It brings nothing new to the immigrant experience story either. In parts, it seems grossly exaggerated, which might have worked for stand-up comedy but takes away credibility in a memoir. I wish more words had been spent contrasting the writer’s experiences as an Iranian immigrant with her husband’s experiences as a French immigrant in the USA. That would have made a more interesting read.
The Best We Could Do – Graphic Memoir, Family History, Autobiography
This graphic novel captures the intergenerational trauma in the writer’s family as it progresses from in pre-war Vietnam, through the war and post immigration to the United States of America. It moves fast, never lingering too long on any horror or hardship, but pausing just long enough for it to sink in. It is a thought-provoking and emotional wringing. It talks about how our collective cultural, socio-political heritage as well as our personal heritage influences molds us. Life is so complex. The story connects the present to the past and ends on an optimistic high note. I particularly like the title. As a parent, it resonates.
Dear Girls – Epistolary, Memoir, Humour
It is incisive, relatable, cringey and provides a few laughs. It is not side-splitting funny, but it provides regular chuckles and draws out wry smiles. Though the letters might not be wholly appropriate even for adult children, the stories are relevant and relatable, and the advice is sound.
An Unsuitable Boy – Memoir, Dear Diary
This book is a cross between a memoir and dear diary. The writing style is conversational and has been kept deliberately nonchalant and chatty. While this works well in some parts, it takes away heft in others. It works in the early chapters, which are about the Karan’s growing years and early adulthood. In the later chapters, especially the ones after his father’s death, it detracts from the material. Karan has taken his father’s axiom ,”If you don’t blow your trumpet, who will?” to heart in this book, but to me, he is blowing the wrong notes. When he talks about the trials and tribulations of growing a production house from nearly just contacts, the terrifying experience of being thrown into the deep end of business unprepared, you are never immersed in the struggle. He touches on it and moves on. There is no deep dive into the personal and professional losses he has faced. Instead, the book deteriorates into a whiney dairy entry on the lack of acknowledgement of his achievements. Before this book, I had given little thought to the magnitude of his accomplishments, and he has many. Sadly, even after reading the book, most readers won’t.
The Djinn Falls in Love and Other Stories – Fantasy, Anthology
An anthology of djinn stories. Djinns are creatures from Islamic mythology. The lore is that when Allah created man from clay, Allah also created djinn from smokeless fire. The running theme of this story collection is the interaction between human and djinn. Each story is different; some haunt, some hurt and some are better than others. After a point it got boring, and I had to force myself to finish the book.
City Under Curfew and Other Stories – Anthology
This book is an honest attempt at short story writing by a college friend. This is the kind of book you could expect to see at the book stalls on long distance train stations. The kind you might pick up and enjoy while the hot dusty countryside chugs past your window and myriad characters weave in and out around you. The stories are imaginative and although the writing is not polished or woke, it is not painful or jarring. I finished all twelve stories in almost one go. An A for effort, A+ for courage and a solid B for imagination and writing.
The Exploits of Arsene Lupin – Adventure, Anthology
First published in 1905, these stories trace the elaborate robberies carried out by a daring “gentleman burglar”. Each chapter is a standalone short story. Taken outside their times, the stories might seem convoluted and ridiculous, but given the context, I found the book a breezy read.
When You Trap a Tiger – Coming of Age
Two sisters, a grandmother who tells stories, a story that involves tigers. This book felt like it could have been my story, our story (it is not). On so many levels, I absolutely loved it. However, it is a book written for a younger audience.
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Age 13 ¾ – Dear Diary, Coming of Age
I picked this book up thinking it was a different book. It is not a bad book – it’s wry and honest, but just not a book I enjoyed.
George – LGBTQ, Challenged Books, Own Voice
This book is all about a little transgender boy’s coming out story. I liked the book, but I am not sure if it is entirely appropriate for 8-year-old little people. It’s not dark or disturbing, but I am not sure they have the maturity to understand it. Perhaps slightly older readers would do better.
Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares – Romance
I like the premise, but the book itself – not so much.
Harriet- The Spy – Coming of Age
This is the book I was looking for when I accidentally picked Adrian Mole. I read an excerpt when I was around the same age as the protagonist and it has stayed with me all these years. Harriet writes down everything she observes in her notebook and one day one of those notebooks is read by her friends and classmates. Their quirks and everyday behavior have been noted, none too kindly. Add to this, Harriet has just lost her nurse and confidante to marriage. Now, Harriet does not know how to deal with the repercussions of her spying and has no one to help her. By the end, Harriet learns more than a few truths about the world and a couple of tricks to deal with it.
Punching in the Air – Novel in Verse, Black Voice, Own Voice
This book tells the story of a Black boy who is wrongfully incarcerated. I use the word Black on purpose because this is why the odds are stacked against him, this is the root of unconscious and conscious biases against him. This book is based on a real-life incident. A cursory search on the internet will show that such incidents are not uncommon.
This book is written in verse. I have never read a novel in verse before, which means I didn’t know what to expect. This book is meant for middle graders, but once I picked it up, I found it hard to put it down. It is so poignant, so rich and grown-up – much like the protagonist and the other (mostly coloured) children in “juvie” (juvenile prison). The book is not just a social commentary about the systemic injustices towards the Black community it is also a searing note about the prison system/correctional facilities.
Clap When You Land – Novel in Verse
Another YA novel in verse. This genre is rapidly gaining traction with me. This book touches on so many things without ever getting lost. It talks about love, loss, and life. It talks about sexuality. It talks about judgement and acceptance. It talks about home, about family. It talks about death, about grief and about birth. It talks about society. It talks about wealth and poverty and climate change. It talks about pride and prejudice. It talks about feminism, femininity, and ferocity. All these points are made without any fuss. The book touches on them intimately and moves on. I loved the concept, the style, and the inherent maturity. It was very refreshing to not have non-English words translated for you. You either make the effort yourself or miss out. Finally, I’m a sucker for little traditions so I loved the title and where it comes from.
Other Words for Home – Novel in Verse
A book for middle schoolers that feels and reads like a book for middle schoolers. Despite the heavy theme, the emotions are not so big that it hard for a young reader to consume and digest. There are some nuances that might escape them, but they won’t miss much. Not a book for adults.
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse – Affirmations
A gorgeous storyboard of affirmations – book version, journal style. This is the book you would give a YA as they embark on a new journey – graduation or start of college. My favourite part were the simple ink and watercolor illustrations. Some of these are just outlines that you can colour in yourself.
When the Stars are Scattered – Graphic Memoir, Coming of Age, Refugee
This is a poignant story of growing up and coming of age – in a refugee camp. The protagonist has been living has fled his home in Somalia and has been caring for his non-verbal younger brother since the age of four. They’ve lost their parents, as the story progresses, we learn how, and live by themselves with TLC from a foster mother who, we later find out, has lost her family. Time passes, the children grow up, the camp grows both in size and in community. Temporary elements slowly become more permanent. Deep friendships that only childhood can forge are forged. Hope weaves in and out of hearts. While the comic book illustrations make the story palatable for younger readers, the simple language, clearly spelt emotions make it easy to understand.
Construction People – Poetry
This book of little children’s poems is the sweetest book I’ve read this year. Perfect for someone in the construction industry.
The Dairy of Anne Frank – Dear Diary, Coming of Age
Normally it’s considered bad form to read someone’s diary, but not this one. It is in parts a diary of a typical teenage girl and in other parts the diary of a young girl in rather unusual and very trying circumstances. It chronicles the ups and downs of her situation, her opinions and emotions. It is not the dark story of fear, horror and despair that I thought it would be and put off reading it for years. Anne’s writing is vivid, optimistic and entertaining. Her thoughts are mature beyond her years. The entries are well written and not repetitive but reading around two years’ worth of someone’s diary can feel exhausting and interminable.