Reading Wrap Up: January - April

© Skyler Sinclair

Here is the list of books I've read between January and April. I have rated each and given some of my thoughts. My list is in the order I've read them. Enjoy!

Boulder by Eva Baltasar, translated by Julie Sanches / 5 stars

I started off the year with a bang, reading Boulder by Eva Baltasar and translated by Julie Sanches. I had heard great things about this book and wanted to start reading more diversely. As with all of the books lucky enough to be up for the International Booker Prize, there's no surprise Boulder was shortlisted in 2023. The writing is pure poetry; every single sentence was crafted intentionally. Baltasar's prose is raw, emotional and left me wanting more. The story of Boulder explores what it means to be a mother and how that responsibility can change a person. It's a beautiful yet tragic view of a relationship's beginning and end.

Sociopath by Patric Gagne / 3 stars

Patric Gagne's "memoir" Sociopath has been ripped to shreds on the internet. I am conflicted about this book overall. On the one hand, it was very entertaining to read. I was engrossed in the story because I could experience things I hadn't before. It was interesting to get inside the head of someone else, someone who claims to be a sociopath. It sheds some light on a subject I feel isn't talked about enough. With that said, something about the way this book was approached doesn't sit right with me. We have no way of confirming if Gagne is a sociopath; she is self-proclaimed. How can we verify the psychological aspects of a Sociopath? We need more tangible, concrete evidence and support from professionals.

Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner / 4 stars

For some reason, I had convinced myself that I wouldn't read this book, but I'm glad I finally came around to it! I thought Creation Lake was well-balanced in plot and character development; the story felt well-rounded. Our main character, Sadie, an American spy surrounded by French anarchists, is extremely likable, and I found myself laughing at her inner monologue. I don't believe the main character always has to be likable, but her personality added a lot of depth to the story. The flow of the novel, including emails containing counter-histories, had a grip on me; I couldn't put the book down. I will be reading more Rachel Kushner in the future!

Orbital by Samantha Harvey / 4 stars

At first, I was shocked that this novel was chosen as the winner of the 2024 Booker Prize, but the more I read about the story, the more I appreciated that decision. I had expected to love this novel more as I love anything space-related, but this novel was far more than a "space book." Orbital makes you pull back the curtain on humanity and view it from a vantage point that most of us will never get to experience. Seeing the Earth from both men and women of different origins was eye-opening and perhaps the most essential aspect of the book. Seeing the strength and fragility of humanity, the light and the dark...it almost takes your breath away. Orbital is slow-paced but chock full of inspiring messages.

Orochi: 1 by Kazuo Umezz / 3 stars

I adore Junji Ito, and so I thought it made sense to try something by Umezz. I enjoyed the dark nature of the illustrations and respect the craft, but this manga was forgettable at the end of the day.

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig / 5 stars

Matt Haig quickly became one of my favorite authors with The Midnight Library, and he did not disappoint here. It doesn't take much time for me to fall in love with the characters he creates, although there are pinches of fantasy thrown in, Grace is believable and relatable. As someone who struggles with mental health, his theme of reinvention is empowering and cathartic. Haig shows us that possibilities can come from anywhere, typically from where we least expect them, and it's never too late to change your life.

Uncanny by Junji Ito / 3 stars

Junji Ito's bizarre stories are always in my head, and when I saw that he'd written a memoir of sorts, I knew I needed to read it. I liked getting insight into Ito's life and how his experiences shaped his craft, eventually creating what we see today. I'm glad I read the book, but it also didn't quite hit the mark, possibly because I didn't know exactly what he would write about.

The Sculptor by Scott McCloud / 5 stars

I've been enjoying graphic novels lately, and I picked this one off the shelf simply because I liked the illustration style. I want it on record that I have never sobbed while reading a book until now. This story is heartbreaking on so many levels, and once you've become invested, it worsens. The Sculptor is about legacy, heartbreak, love, loss, and time. If you have no problem needing a whole box of tissues in one go, this is for you!

Goodbye, Eri by Tatsuki Fujimoto / 3 stars

I enjoy the fast-paced nature of manga, and I thought the premise of this story was endearing but also eerie. With manga, I am not reading to analyse but rather to escape.

Spring by Ali Smith / 4 stars

Objectively speaking, I believe this was a solid 4-star book. I enjoyed exploring Britain from different perspectives; these voices added another layer to the overall story. Smith's writing is excellent. However, I think a lot of this book escaped me, and those who are from there would understand much more of the story than I did. I wouldn't say it was forgettable because I will be reading the rest in Seasonal Quartet, but I'm not the target audience. It is important to note that Spring is important in conversation with Britain's past and future.

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins / 4 stars

During the pandemic, I read a lot of self-help books because I thought that was the best use of my time when nothing was going on. I quickly burned myself out on them and hadn't picked up another one until now. I'd heard great things about The Let Them Theory and Mel Robbins, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I found a lot of the information she provided was insightful, but my main issue was that it was super repetitive. I had to remind myself that Robbins is a public speaker, so repetitiveness is to be expected. I also didn't find a good chunk of the book applied to me in particular, but the overall message was good. It gave me freedom to be and do me without worry.

Under the Eye of the Big Bird by Hiromi Kawakami, translated by Asa Yoneda / 5 stars

I loved this book, and part of me wishes it had won the International Booker Prize this year, but being shortlisted is still quite an achievement. Kawakami's lyrical writing style is captivating and adds character to her writing. Under the Eye of the Big Bird explores the terrifying topic of human extinction and what is being done about it in the distant future. This story contains multitudes within its pages: creation, AI, extinction, evolution, and ultimately the future. It is a fascinating and thought-provoking take on the lengths we will go to preserve humankind and what happens when that course is altered.