Hello my friends. Shall we talk about other people’s stories today?
I’d like to give a few quick, totally chill reviews of some books and movies I’ve read recently that I enjoyed. They are a mixed bunch, because I am trying to move away from the little cave I had holed myself in the past few months (it featured a lot of rereads and rewatches). Hope you find something that catches your attention.
books
walking practice – dolki min
Totally unhinged – I got this as audiobook and it was the best decision. The narrator captured the alien’s voice in such a brilliant and ferocious way. The story is a raw exploration of identity, gender, alienation and hunger, and it’s as dark as it is funny.
Counterweight – djuna
Listened on audiobook, and I kinda wished I would have read it as text instead, because some of the plot points got a bit confusing (but also because I was doing various things while listening, so my fault). The world and the main characters were the highlights, and I love finding speculative fiction that is not set in the same ol’ places.
the last tale of the flower bride – roshani chokshi
Listened on audiobook. The slower pacing actually helped build tension until the final chapters. One of the few books in which I did not mind the past/present timelines too much, though I have to say the main character was the least interesting (and least proactive) of the three POV. Nice imagery, and atmosphere – more interesting for me right now because I am living on an island too, and I can draw parallel to some of the sentiments and attitudes expressed in the book.
monk and robot 1 + 2 novellas – becky chambers
Finally read both A Psalm for the Wild-Built and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy. Loved the world, loved the main protagonist, felt the first story was maybe slightly better? Don’t know, I just resonated a bit less with Prayer, though it could just be less-surprise coming from having read the first. All in all, would travel with a robot again.
How to rule an empire and get away with it
Ah, K.J. Parker my beloved. I hadn’t even realize that he had published this and the third book in the Siege series (A Practical Guide to Conquering the World) – that man is a writing machine. Utterly delightful as always, smart and well structured and… what can I say, flawed characters can make for some very funny, good fiction.
the wren in the holly library – k.a. linde
Good first in series – the main character is a bit on the young side of adult but all in all she carries herself well in this adventure. I am curious to see if we will get to explore the centuries-long planning and scheming from her rivals/interests.
tannery bay – Steven Dunn; Katie Jean Shinkle
Vivid, poignant and almost stream-of-consciousness at times, Tannery bay tells the story of a community stuck in a non-defined July, trying to free themselves from the chains of time, space, and The Owners. The characters (old, young, black, queer, rich, poor) are real, tangible in an universal sort of way – we struggle when they struggle, we rejoice when they do (not the Owners!).
It would probably be very interesting as an audiobook, due to the style and voice in the writing.
All in all, I definitely recommend it. (Arc through NetGalley)
Group Living and Other Recipes – Lola Milholland
I obtained an ARC of the audiobook through NetGalley. The book itself is part memoir, part commentary on living situations in the United States, with recipes at the end of each chapter. It is narrated by the author, which is nice because it does give a degree of closeness to the material. I just wished it would have followed a clearer/more linear timeline or arrangement of chapters and topics. Also I do have to note that I have been reading about communal living (and cooking) in various forms for years, so perhaps this book might be more suited to a more “beginner”and/or casual reader in the topic.
movies
spider-man across the spiderverse
The visuals. The design. Some of the characters especially, chef’s kiss. A feast. Storywise, less strong, and heavily hampered by the fact that it’s only Part One (which I feel they should have mention more clearly – a bit like when you find the book you’ve been reading is actually part Two of a trilogy). Honorable mention to the voice acting.
john wick 4
Visually great. Some of the fights looked a bit awkward – not sure if it was because of the actors involved or stunt-doubles or just the editing, but the rest was the high energy run I enjoy from this franchise. Alexander Skarsgård is such a gratifying villain (and honestly, I always get so many story ideas from this movie and the Wick world).
hit man
This feels like the movie that Sam Rockwell would have owned a few years ago. In all, I did enjoyed it, especially after the utter disaster that was Argylle last year (why, just, why?), even if it had its highs and lows – honorable mention to some of the disguises, which Glenn Powell nailed.
guns akimbo
Watched it mostly in support of Radcliffe, because I’m loving his career trajectory. Not exactly my style, though I did enjoy most of it. Also, who doesn’t cackle along Samara Weaving at least once? I have to mention, the world/situation does feel like the now-adult evolution of a YA dystopia, which is interesting food for thought, at least to me.