February 2023

I promise that once next week is over that I’ll stop complaining about work, but my busy days have meant that the reading I wanted to do last month mostly eluded me. Thank goodness I killed it in January!

As always, these are listed in order of reading, as opposed to preference.

One True Love by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Four stars

I think I’m finally done with Taylor Jenkins Reid. I really enjoyed the concept of this one, even if the way the story progressed was really predictable. I found out after reading it that they’ve turned it into a film, so good timing from me!

Notes on an Execution by Danya Kakafka

Four and a half stars

This was the February book for Feminist Fiction Liverpool. I don’t think I’ve read anything like it before. It needled into the psyche of someone damaged who committed heinous acts without ever really seeking a reason. I mean that as a compliment as it was a refreshing change to not need a “why”. Really compelling and sometimes uncomfortable, but worthwhile.

Vladimir by Julia May Jonas

Four stars

I love a book about obsession. This one read like an homage to my beloved I Love Dick by Chris Kraus. It’s evocative and memorable, and accurately represents what it’s like to be eaten alive by the thought of someone without being cringe. This was a Liverpool library read and I think I’ll purchase and re-read so that I can make highlights.

All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks

Four and a half stars

This was my work book club read, in tribute to Valentine’s Day. It lost me at the end when she started waxing lyrical on angels, but it’s otherwise perfect as a manifesto for living life with love at the centre. Love for hooks is a verb, a philosophy and a force that can save the world. Rousing and inspiring, it triggered a bit of a group therapy session at the book club.

Boy Parts by Eliza Clarke

Four stars

A truly obnoxious protagonist but a deeply compelling book. It’s a meditation on the female gaze, sexuality and violence. I enjoyed it but the rushed ending let it down for me. One of the best things about it is the blog entries by the basic bestie of the narrator.

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I’m aiming to read A Little Life in March, so let’s see how we go!

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A quick postscript to express gratitude for the beauty of the city I live in. I took this a five minute walk from my flat. How lucky am I?