5/10/2020

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

This was for a book club. I might not last long, but it’s nice to read the same book as a bunch of other people at the same time.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

What is it about novels? These are both examples of books I completely dove into and read almost over night - impossible to sleep when you have to know how the story evolves. Yet, after I’m finished, they feel like complete throwaways.* I get bits of knowledge here and there, odd words I cherish, but it’s hard to find something really lasting in a novel. It feels as if I just finished a Netflix series.

I keep telling myself it’s more context - more understanding of specific places that isn’t purely historical but based on the people. Learning about Kentucky coal miners made me think of the Harlan County references in my favorite Pete Seeger song, and it brings more color to the pictures of those struggles I’ve read about before. Aside from that..

So, if there’s anyone reading this:

I need recommendations. I need novels that are further away from me. Not about white people in America. No more.

*HARSH. The Dutch House was the runner up to the Pulitzer Prize, not a Danielle Steele grocery store purchase. Still. Help.