Happy Halloween to all. It seems a lot has happened lately. First off, congrats to Paul Beatty for becoming the first American to win the 2016 Man Booker Prize for his novel “The Sellout.” The publisher calls the book a “biting satire about a young man’s isolated upbringing and the race trial that sends him to the Supreme Court.” I’ve seen reviewers refer to it as “scathing,” “caustic,” and a “bruising” novel about American race relations, but it’s also said to be “funny and daring.” I think I’m curious to check it out though I’m glad to be forewarned about it too. Judy over at Keep the Wisdom thought it was the real deal when she reviewed it back in April, so I’ll put my name in for it at the library, though now it could be quite a wait.
Also last week there was the ghastly season opener for the TV show “The Walking Dead.” Good grief, the new villain Negan killed off two characters of the show with his barbed-wired bat, one of whom had been an original cast member. Oh I was not happy but mainly because it was so gruesome and sadistic. It almost seemed similar to the beheadings by ISIS and who wants to watch that. It was graphic and intense.
My husband regularly asks me why we watch the show, now in its seventh season, and even I don’t know why. Because it’s there? I haven’t read the comic strip that the show is loosely based on so I don’t know what comes next, but I still hope the group will be saved and be able to live a peaceful existence on some farm or whatnot — at least give me a break — but the show seems constantly into misery. Forget the zombies, it’s the other human beings they come across that are always the worst. They are never to be trusted. Remember the cannibals? Ugh. Do you watch the show, and if so, what did you think of the opener?
Meanwhile last week I finished three books, which is a bit crazy for me, but I started them awhile ago. First off, I read “The Perfect Girl” by Gilly Macmillan for my book club. It’s another psychological thriller-type novel — a very quick, light read that I think members of my book club were looking for after I picked the dense novel “The Sympathizer” last time. “The Perfect Girl” was a palate cleanser for sure. I liked that it was quick but otherwise I didn’t care for it that much. Apparently the book was originally titled “Butterfly in the Dark” but then retitled “The Perfect Girl.” I can only imagine that might have been because of “Gone Girl” and “The Girl on the Train.” They were likely trying to market another “Girl” blockbuster to the mix.
This one is about a 17-year-old musical prodigy (Zoe) who’s life was shattered three years ago after she was involved in a tragic accident that left three of her classmates dead. After some jail time, Zoe is given a second chance to start anew when her mom moves them away and remarries a well-off man with a musically gifted son. But she never tells them of Zoe’s past. Then on the night of Zoe’s first big recital back, her mom mysteriously winds up dead. The book alternates narrators piecing together what happened and concludes with a final twist.
It’s a novel that includes quite a few characters with a lot of problems: from drunk driving, to bullying, alcoholism, abandonment, abuse, MS, infidelity, and murder. I found it pretty simplistic and manipulative for suspense. With a storyline that happens over a 24-hour period there isn’t a lot of development, just actions and reactions. I kept wondering too why Zoe’s past solicitor narrates various chapters though he’s not involved in the present case. I also found it implausible that Zoe is described as having an IQ that’s higher than Einstein’s. Really? Come on, I didn’t think she really acted like it. Despite all that, it’s a decent, fast thriller if you’re stuck on an airplane or need a palate cleanser. It keeps the pages turning rapidly.
I also finished geobiologist Hope Jahren’s memoir “Lab Girl,” which has been quite a popular hit this year. It took me awhile to read it though. The author alternates chapters about the science of plants and trees with chapters about her personal life, career, and experiments in the field with her lab partner Bill. I especially liked these parts best, as she and Bill are quite quirky and funny. Who knew? The book includes many amusing anecdotes and stories of Hope and Bill’s adventures together and their rising careers as research scientists. How they squeaked by in the early years — he living in his van, and she working all nighters at the lab; how they got degrees at Berkeley, and built labs in Atlanta, Baltimore, and Hawaii. I sort of thought they would wind up together married, but around age 32 she meets her husband to be, who seems an understanding man for how much Bill is apart of her life.
I also liked how her passion for researching plants comes through, and how candidly she talks about her life in science and the difficulties she faced as a woman in the field, as well as with her pregnancy and bipolar disorder. I think she gives a unique window into the world of being a female research scientist and I was fascinated to hear about it, even though I muddled through some of the science / plant parts of the book. Some of the book felt a bit uneven to me — I liked some parts of it better than others — but all in all I did find “Lab Girl” to be quite interesting, and her words are making me look at trees a bit differently this fall. Who knew they had such lives.
Lastly I finished the audiobook of Stacey D’Erasmo’s 2014 novel “Wonderland.” It’s about a former indie rock star (Anna Brundage), who at age 44 after a seven year absence puts out an album and sets out on a European comeback tour with a new band and manager. Anna narrates the story, which alternates chapters between her stops along the tour and those of her past with her artist father, her tours from her heydays, and her affair with Simon, a father of two.
It’s a different kind of novel; there doesn’t seem to be a big story arc, but it’s more like a travel journal of Anna’s life. The chronology in the story jumps around a bit, which confused me a few of times, but I was still able to piece it together. While the novel feels a bit disjointed, I found the writing and passages to be quite poetic at times and likely the best feature of the book. After awhile I came to enjoy the narration of Anna, her inner life, and what happens to her on the tour. Her tone is quite measured and low-key, she’s definitely not a diva but is someone struggling to come to grips with the choices she’s made and is exploring the possibility of second chances. I’m interested in rock artists’ lives so this novel was in the ballpark for me. Kudos to Xe Sands who read it for the audio; she is always one of the best.
What about you — have you read any of these books, and if so, what did you think?
Hi Susan, I love the pic of your reading “partner!” I have Lab Girl on my bedside table and also, The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate –Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben. I have been spending a lot of time lately with plants and with trees, especially our redwoods in Northern California, and they instill such awe in me. I liked your comment about how you are looking at trees differently. I will try to get to these two books faster — even though there are so many good reads out there, suddenly. Life is too short for The Walking Dead!! YIKES
Hi Sis – great to have your comment! The Wohlleben book is likely much more comprehensive on trees than Lab Girl, which just touches on them in brief alternating chapters, but still it is cool. One part mentioned how certain trees had communicated to their kind & were able to poison tent caterpillars, which posed a threat to the trees. I’m still marveling about that, wow. Maybe I should get the other book too to find out more about how they communicate. I’m thinking the Lab Girl author might eventually have a follow up book since this one sparked a wide interest.
Happy Halloween!
“Wonderland.” sounds like I would like it. I am at heart a Rock fan. I particularly enjoy stories of older musicians trying to make comebacks.
I can see how a book like this could work even if there was not too much plot.
Yeah Brian, I think Wonderland did work sort of in a tour journal kind of way, but there was more to it. It was neat in a poetic, reminiscing kind of way. Thumbs up to rock novels!
I think I would enjoy Lab Girl. I have been recommended The Walking Dead, but I’m not into zombies, so I don’t know if I would like it. Besides, if it is into its seventh season there would be too much to catch up. And I avoid gruesome shows, otherwise I cannot sleep. 😉
Yes Carmen — I think you should likely avoid The Walking Dead. It is gruesome. I was into the zombies for awhile but the novelty has worn off after 7 seasons!
Thanks for the link and the shout-out!
I had no idea what Wonderland was about. Now a must-read for me!
I am reading Last Days of Night by Graham Moore, about the fight for the rights to the light bulb between Edison and Westinghouse, including how Nicola Tesla was involved. So far it is great!
I liked your funny comments on the “Girl” books. We went from wife books to girl books. Regression? But Lab Girl sounds like something I would enjoy.
Ha. Yeah a lot of “Girl” books now. What’s next? I thought of you a bit with Wonderland; that whole music tour world. But you may either like or dislike it as it is sort of different. It grew on me after awhile.
My kids were talking about how everyone dressed up for Halloween as The Walking Dead, but I didn’t know what they were talking about… until now! But I can’t imagine that kids are watching that show!
I read Lab Girl a while ago now, and I really liked it. I was pleasantly surprised by the quirkiness of it – I also loved the parts about Hope and Bill.
Yeah it’s crazy kids are watching The Walking Dead. It’s disturbing! I’m surprised it’s on TV actually. The book Lab Girl did surprise me too about how funny it was. I wasn’t expecting that at all. I thought it would be just a nature book but No it’s more of a funny adventure kind of book in a way.
Hello Susan (Ohhhh such a sweet Labrador)…. I truly would like to read (later) “Lab Girl” Sounds really interesting.
I haven’t been reading as much lately due to my getting distracted by personal things…
Thanks RT, my dog is very sweet. She naps when I read. My reading is a bit sporadic lately too. Enjoy your week.
I loved the format of Lab Girl. It will be one of my favorite reads for the year.
Oh thanks for letting me know Deb. Lab Girl was an interesting read for me and perhaps not what I was expecting. It’s a lot about the quirkiness of the author and her lab partner.
That Walking Dead series opener was gruesome but I am glad they did it the way they did it because had they ended last season with it, we would have been so upset. This way, it happened and then they immediately went into a different direction with Ezekiel. It was a nice little break. I really miss Glenn though and it will be sad when they others find out what has happened.
Lab Girl. So many people have raved about that one. I have a copy but I feel like I have to be in the right mood to read it.
Yeah I hope the Ezekiel part of the show continues to be lighter & less gruesome. Will his tiger end up eating the bad guys? You’re right about Lab Girl; you have to be in the right frame of mind for it. I feel I liked it and thought it was worthwhile to read but didn’t overly love it. So I think raving about it — is a bit overly done. Just lower your expectations a little bit.
Thanks for the review of Lab Girl–I’m looking forward to it myself, and I like the balance you describe between personal and science.
You’re welcome Jane. Yeah it’s quite a mix of a book, and worth checking out. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the author write a follow-up of some sorts.
I loved The Sellout- one of those books that made me laugh out loud even though I thought I shouldn’t (if that makes sense).
I also thought Wonderland was marvelous and was thrilled that I got to interview Stacey when she came to Seattle. I was SO nervous, but she was charming and funny.
I have Born to Run on hold at the library and hoping it comes in before Christmas. I’m a huge fan of Bruce.
Oh very cool Catherine. Neat you got to talk with Stacey D’erasmo. Wonderland seemed poetic to me; I liked the narration too. I will check your site for the review. I’ll have to get to The Sellout. Sounds wild and funny.