Tag Archives: currently reading

Currently reading: 6-13-18


I am actually only actively reading one book at the moment! Claire LeGrand’s latest release, Furyborn. I am sure it’s being marketed as a feminist epic fantasy (ah, yes: “The stunningly original, must-read fantasy of 2018 follows two fiercely independent young women”) and I’m interested in that and how successfully the book fulfills that promise. I’m on page 283 of 494 and I keep waiting for a twist or a moment to coalesce the story and bring the two parts together. I suspect it’s coming soon? Anyway, it’s an interesting take on an YA epic fantasy, although I’m not sure I’m buying “stunningly original”–certainly the world is inventive and fascinating, but I pretty much always prefer a take on books that situates them within their historical context.

I think I’m making it sound like I don’t like Furyborn, which is not true at all! In fact, it’s probably my second-favorite fantasy read of 2018 to date (after Tess of the Road). I’m just always interested in how we market things and how that can strip books of history and context. Bringing me back to Joanna Russ, I suppose, and How to Suppress Women’s Writing--how do we forget the writers who came before, and what does that cost us? Anyway, it’s a thoughtful book, sometimes unexpectedly fun, and a surprisingly quick read despite its heft.

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Currently reading: 4-23

 

My current stack of books:

Not Free, Not for All: Public Libraries in the Age of Jim Crow by Cheryl Knott

Cuckoo Song by Frances Hardinge (reread)

Blood Road by Amanda McCrina

A Traveller in Time by Alison Uttley

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

I’ve been bouncing back and forth between books recently, but last night I sat down and read most of Cuckoo Song in one gulp, so it might be time for some more focused attention again.

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Currently Reading: 7-3-17

I haven’t done one of these for a bit!

Uprooted and A Countess Below Stairs are both rereads–I had a vague plan of doing an Eva Ibbotson Reading Notes series, since I haven’t done any reading notes yet this year. But so far I’ve been slightly stalled in the middle of Countess for–several months? I don’t know. I’m not sure if it’s the book, or me, or just the pressure to have Things to Say. Uprooted I have barely started and am slightly worried about. Will it turn out to be a book that should not be reread? I’m not sure yet.

I’m just barely beyond the introduction to Mind of the Maker & already have laughed at least twice, cringed at least once, and also said, “Oh, Dorothy” a time or two. So we’ll see!

I have not actually started The Girl Who Could Silence The Wind yet, but it’s Meg Medina so I’m excited.

And The Fairy Doll is the first book in an effort to get some of the books that have lingered on my TBR for ages either read or DNF’d. I do love Rumer Godden, though she is certainly writing from a particular time & culture without realizing it. This is a collection of doll stories, which are generally quite charming so far.

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