When book columnist Reia Li PO ‘24 first read Nghi Vo’s novel, “The Chosen and the Beautiful” (2021), she had mixed feelings. It wasn’t until she read Vo’s next book, “Siren Queen” (2022), that she understood why.
Tag: Books
Queer Asian Reads: Spirits unleashed in Zen Cho’s fantasy masterpiece
Columnist Reia Li PO ‘24 wanted a way to connect to Chinese traditions despite being physically separated from their place of origin. “Spirit Abroad,” a collection of short stories that puts Chinese and Malaysian mythological creatures in more modern contexts, allowed her to do just that.
Literary wanderings: Hisham Matar’s ‘The Return’ redefines the memoir
In his very first memoir, “The Return,” Hisham Matar tells more than just a story: he creates magic. And so, according to book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ ’23, writing is like art.
Shelf life: Summer reading challenges aren’t just for middle schoolers
If you think that summer reading is only for school, book columnist Kate Jones PO ’24 suggests that you think again. It can also be for fun!
Literary wanderings: The many truths of the ‘Black Star Trilogy’
Although a bit lackluster at times, Marlon James’ “Dark Star Trilogy,” particularly “Black Leopard, Red Wolf,” must be acknowledged for its brilliant structure, according to book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ ’23.
Literary wanderings: The weirdest book I’ve ever read — it’s lit
What’s the weirdest book? According to book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ ’23 it’s “Nothing to See Here,” a story that might just set your heart aflame.
Shelf life: Marginal musings — the power of annotation
Is annotation just an academic task? Book columnist Kate Jones PO ’24 reconsiders her relationship with annotation, saying that it is an act of love.
Literary wanderings: Are readers ready to re-live the pandemic?
Novels are, inevitably, a reflection of the time and place in which they are written. And so, it is no surprise that now, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new genre of literature is emerging. Last year, the list of novels written (explicitly or tangentially) about the pandemic
Shelf life: An ode to the Honnold Mudd graphic novel collection
Feeling lonely? Book columnist Kate Jones PO ’24 suggests that “You & A Bike & A Road” – and Honnold-Mudd’s graphic novel section – just might be the cure.
Literary wanderings: Humor holds David Sedaris accountable in ‘The Best of Me’
How do writers tell their story without changing personal relationships? Book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ ’23 tackles this by analyzing “The Best of Me.”