May was a pretty good month. I was really on-fire and accomplished a lot of my reading goals. Plus, the majority of the books I read were really awesome and enjoyable! It’s a bittersweet moment, though, because my summer classes start this month, so I know I’m not going to have as much time to read. Still, I will look back on this month as a win.
Anyway, here’s what I did manage to read this month:
What I Read
Divergent Mind | Jenara Nerenberg
Pages: 256
Format: Hardback (Library copy)
Rating: Definitely Worth the Read
This was a really fascinating read. I learned so much, not just about neurodivergency, but also the many ways that the world can be more accommodating to neurodivergent people. I had no idea that women are most often not diagnosed with neurodivergencies (like ADHD or sensitivity) until they’re adults because women are really good at masking. If you get the chance, I highly recommend reading this book.
Cutting for Stone | Abraham Verghese
Pages: 670
Format: Paperback/Audiobook (Library copy)
Rating: OK, But Not My Cup of Tea
This was a very interesting book. The author paid meticulous detail to the medical aspects of the story (it’s a book about doctors, mostly), but I lacked any connection to the characters. It never fully captured my attention, but I was reading it for a book club, so I did want to finish it. I’m glad I did, since this book is considered very highly and I feel like I did benefit from the experience of reading about a culture I don’t know very much about (Ethiopia).
Ace | Angela Chen
Pages: 210
Format: Hardback (Library copy)
Rating: Definitely Worth the Read
I’m really glad I read this book. I learned a lot about asexuality, obviously, but I also really enjoyed Chen’s perspective on the impact of societal pressures for people to couple-up, to have significant others, and what that means for those who feel no romantic feelings of any kind, sexual or otherwise. I think there isn’t much focus, generally, on asexuality, but more people should know about it and have a better sense of what sexuality, desire, and sex mean for different people.
The Only Child | Mi-Ae Seo
Pages: 304
Format: Library copy (Hardback)
Rating: Definitely Worth the Read
I don’t read a lot of mystery/thriller in translation, but this one was a really good one! It involves serial killers and the main character studies the psychology of serial killers. I enjoyed the interviews she had with the serial killer in prison, and of seeing things from his perspective as well. The only thing I wish is that the ending was different. Without saying too much, I just didn’t feel satisfied. Otherwise, I do want to read more from this author.
Free Food For Millionaires | Min Jin Lee
Pages: 624
Format: Paperback/Audiobook (Personal copy)
Rating: Definitely Worth the Read
I finally finished this book! I started it last month, but it’s a long book, so I’m not surprised it took me so long. I really enjoyed this book. It’s not a book I would usually enjoy, but the writing is so strong and I just enjoyed the ride Lee took me on. I also enjoyed the varied perspectives represented in the book. The omniscient narrator was just one of the many aspects of this book that made it stand out to me. I read her book Pachinko and enjoyed that as well, but I think I actually enjoyed this one more.
If I Had Your Face | Frances Cha
Pages: 288
Format: Hardback/Audiobook (Personal copy)
Rating: Definitely Worth the Read
I finally read this book! Boy, what a story. Cha puts a hard spotlight on beauty standards in Korea through the narratives of four women whose lives are interconnected. It was interesting seeing how each of the women was connected to the others. There was such a range of perspectives so you get to see a lot more on the dissection of beauty than you would from just one person. I really enjoyed the ending. I think one of the reasons I enjoyed this book the most was just the focus on women and female relationships.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask | Anton Treuer
Pages: 184
Format: Paperback (Library copy)
Rating: Definitely Worth the Read
This is such an important book. I learned so much from Treuer about so many aspects of Indian/Native life, history, and perspectives. This is by no means an exhaustive work and Treuer is upfront about not representing all Indians. But he does make an effort to present information about a variety of tribes/peoples outside of his own. This book is set up with chapters on different topics and questions he’s been asked that fall under each of those topics. If you can, I definitely recommend reading this. The US does not have a good track record of informing its citizens about the history of native peoples or their treatment at the hands of white people/colonists. It’s a very important read.
Total Pages: 2,536
Total Books: 7
How about you?
How was your month of reading? Did you meet any of your goals? What was your favorite book you read this month? Least favorite? Let me know in the comments!
The Knitpick 