(this is Elizabeth, not Christopher) I’d give a big thumbs up to the absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. Hilarious, moving. And for a bonus, I think it would make a good summer weight read.
I’d also highly recommend the immortal life of Henrietta lacks, which was a tremendous eye-opener for me on racial distinctions within medicine. That makes it sound awfully dry, but it’s not at all— the writing isn’t particularly smooth, but the story carries itself. Once you read it, you’ll definitely want to take a look at recent developments involving the case.
I don’t know if it would be your cup of tea, but secondhand time was a fascinating look at how Soviet citizens saw the pros and cons of the fall of the Soviet Union and the transition to… something more democratic… sort of. I found it helped me see how much Americans, too, bought into a lot of propaganda during the Cold War.
First of all, I’m so excited that I finally can comment on your stories. I look forward to them every Monday. As to your book shelf, A Little Life was one of the most impactful books I have ever read. I think a first novel. Powerful. I am always reading but often forget a book after a month or so. Not this one.
Anne, I can't say I've read much in your TBR collection. But I am a "lighter" reader than you I think. But I thoroughly enjoyed West with Giraffes. I enjoyed seeing the NYTimes summer reading "list". I might do that myself. P+P is too intense -- as is par for course there. Might I suggest also going to other bookstores in DC? I find that refreshing. Upshur Street Books is a lovely, albeit small shop in Petworth worth a stop and Solid State has great stores on 14th and H Street NE.
My challenge is to make a dent in the pile on my bedstand.
(this is Elizabeth, not Christopher) I’d give a big thumbs up to the absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. Hilarious, moving. And for a bonus, I think it would make a good summer weight read.
I’d also highly recommend the immortal life of Henrietta lacks, which was a tremendous eye-opener for me on racial distinctions within medicine. That makes it sound awfully dry, but it’s not at all— the writing isn’t particularly smooth, but the story carries itself. Once you read it, you’ll definitely want to take a look at recent developments involving the case.
I don’t know if it would be your cup of tea, but secondhand time was a fascinating look at how Soviet citizens saw the pros and cons of the fall of the Soviet Union and the transition to… something more democratic… sort of. I found it helped me see how much Americans, too, bought into a lot of propaganda during the Cold War.
We're so lucky to have Politics and Prose!
First of all, I’m so excited that I finally can comment on your stories. I look forward to them every Monday. As to your book shelf, A Little Life was one of the most impactful books I have ever read. I think a first novel. Powerful. I am always reading but often forget a book after a month or so. Not this one.
I love Anne's posts as well - hope you'll add mine, DClives (https://cagrigsby.substack.com/archive) to your Monday reading list as well!
I’ve read only one of those — and I absolutely recommend it: Lost in the City, Edward P. Jones. He captures a DC that’s easy to miss. Brilliant.
Anne, I can't say I've read much in your TBR collection. But I am a "lighter" reader than you I think. But I thoroughly enjoyed West with Giraffes. I enjoyed seeing the NYTimes summer reading "list". I might do that myself. P+P is too intense -- as is par for course there. Might I suggest also going to other bookstores in DC? I find that refreshing. Upshur Street Books is a lovely, albeit small shop in Petworth worth a stop and Solid State has great stores on 14th and H Street NE.
Thanks for the suggestions!