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libbysbookshelf's Reviews (745)
![Fleishman Is in Trouble [Large Print] by Taffy Brodesser-Akner](https://cdn.thestorygraph.com/iqtygzgemsrb9236qj4fq1iw6ray)
FLEISHMAN IS IN TROUBLE by TAFFY BRODESSER-AKNER
Women’s Prize Longlist #5
The story is pretty basic; a couple going through a divorce, but the storytelling and the messages in this book are anything but.
I would say this book is predominantly about gender norms in society, but it’s also about point of view. The way you see something could be entirely different to the way someone else sees something. Most people think they are doing the right thing, even if it is glaringly obvious to you that there would have been a better option.
I really enjoyed this book and I can see why it’s on the list.
Women’s Prize Longlist #5
The story is pretty basic; a couple going through a divorce, but the storytelling and the messages in this book are anything but.
I would say this book is predominantly about gender norms in society, but it’s also about point of view. The way you see something could be entirely different to the way someone else sees something. Most people think they are doing the right thing, even if it is glaringly obvious to you that there would have been a better option.
I really enjoyed this book and I can see why it’s on the list.
THE PRINCESS SAVES HERSELF IN THIS ONE by AMANDA LOVELACE
Thanks to @scribd for a month of free ebooks, I managed to read this beautiful poetry book.
This is what I call accessible poetry which means you don’t need an English degree to access the figurative language
Thanks to @scribd for a month of free ebooks, I managed to read this beautiful poetry book.
This is what I call accessible poetry which means you don’t need an English degree to access the figurative language
THE FAR FIELD by MADHURI VIJAY
Dylan Thomas Longlist #8
Here Vijay has written a novel that celebrates the beauty of the Indian landscape and the Indian people. She has also shone a light on the atrocities that can be happening under your nose or just down the road without your knowledge. India is a huge country and the protagonist lives in Bangalore, but decides to travel to Kashmir. Bangalore is like any modern city and the contrast with the small villages of Kashmir is astounding. The description was raw and real and beautiful. I want to stand under that waterfall and travel up those mountains and feed those chickens and eat that food!
This is also a book about family and friendship and the difficultly of maintaining relationships.
Ultimately, for me, though, this book is about a daughter who only wants her mother’s love and acceptance.
I have loved all of the @dylanthomasprize Longlist so far (only four to go) but this is by far the most impressive.
Dylan Thomas Longlist #8
Here Vijay has written a novel that celebrates the beauty of the Indian landscape and the Indian people. She has also shone a light on the atrocities that can be happening under your nose or just down the road without your knowledge. India is a huge country and the protagonist lives in Bangalore, but decides to travel to Kashmir. Bangalore is like any modern city and the contrast with the small villages of Kashmir is astounding. The description was raw and real and beautiful. I want to stand under that waterfall and travel up those mountains and feed those chickens and eat that food!
This is also a book about family and friendship and the difficultly of maintaining relationships.
Ultimately, for me, though, this book is about a daughter who only wants her mother’s love and acceptance.
I have loved all of the @dylanthomasprize Longlist so far (only four to go) but this is by far the most impressive.
MILK AND HONEY by RAPI KAUR
Thanks again to @scribd for offering one month free to everyone during this period of isolation. I can’t stop reading these little poetry books now. This one has been around for a while now, but I could never bring myself to read poetry for pleasure seeing as it’s also my job to read and analyse poetry with my students. Now, however, I can’t stop. I love these bite size pieces of literature that are so profound and so wise.
Thanks again to @scribd for offering one month free to everyone during this period of isolation. I can’t stop reading these little poetry books now. This one has been around for a while now, but I could never bring myself to read poetry for pleasure seeing as it’s also my job to read and analyse poetry with my students. Now, however, I can’t stop. I love these bite size pieces of literature that are so profound and so wise.
BOTTLED GOODS by SOPHIE VAN LLEWYN
Only 180 pages long; this writer’s speciality is brevity. Don’t let that fool you, though, there are plenty of emotions packed into this little one. I particularly liked the juxtaposition of the frightening communist regime in Romania with the magical elements of shrinking human beings!
Some of it left me a little confused but that’s the beauty of flash fiction; it goes in quickly but hangs around for a long time!
I enjoyed this and I think that means I have read all of the long-list for last year’s Women’s Prize
Only 180 pages long; this writer’s speciality is brevity. Don’t let that fool you, though, there are plenty of emotions packed into this little one. I particularly liked the juxtaposition of the frightening communist regime in Romania with the magical elements of shrinking human beings!
Some of it left me a little confused but that’s the beauty of flash fiction; it goes in quickly but hangs around for a long time!
I enjoyed this and I think that means I have read all of the long-list for last year’s Women’s Prize
ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES by JENNIFER NIVEN
Funny story: I read this book in an effort to read something a bit more lighthearted; something that wouldn’t need deciphering or leave me angry about the state of the world
Funny story: I read this book in an effort to read something a bit more lighthearted; something that wouldn’t need deciphering or leave me angry about the state of the world
THE FARM by JOANNE RAMOS
I appreciate what this book tries to do; it poses questions to the reader: do we get to where we are from hard work? Luck? Social class? Wealth? Love and encouragement from parents? Does our race play a part? Does our country of origin matter?
I think we all have answers to these questions before we read a book like The Farm, but Ramos frames these questions in a dystopian-like narrative that leads you wondering how far we will go... It’s not a five star read but it’s worth it because it makes you pay more attention to social issues, which is extremely worth while and I love books that achieve this.
I appreciate what this book tries to do; it poses questions to the reader: do we get to where we are from hard work? Luck? Social class? Wealth? Love and encouragement from parents? Does our race play a part? Does our country of origin matter?
I think we all have answers to these questions before we read a book like The Farm, but Ramos frames these questions in a dystopian-like narrative that leads you wondering how far we will go... It’s not a five star read but it’s worth it because it makes you pay more attention to social issues, which is extremely worth while and I love books that achieve this.
GIRL by EDNA O’BRIEN
Women’s Prize #6
So this is a tricky one to review in light of the own voices controversy. O’Brien is a white, Irish woman and this book is a first person account of a young Nigerian girl who is kidnapped by a terrorist group...
Women’s Prize #6
So this is a tricky one to review in light of the own voices controversy. O’Brien is a white, Irish woman and this book is a first person account of a young Nigerian girl who is kidnapped by a terrorist group...
EXQUISITE CADAVERS by MEENA KANDASAMY
Dylan Thomas Prize Longlist #9
I had no idea, until I turned the first page, just how much KANDASAMY plays with structure in this novel. I didn’t know where to start. I had butterflies in my tummy because I was so thrilled and excited to be reading something so original and new and fresh. I had this author on my radar from When You Hit Me and now I can see that she really is something special.
This book blends two narratives, literally side by side, so that the fourth wall is completely beaten down and you, as the reader, are left with a clear view of the process and the outcome.
At times I was a little lost, but I think that’s because KANDASAMY is so intelligent, self-aware and observant of others; she is on a higher plane.
Her writing centres around politics in this country, India and the Middle East. In writing so, she is able to shine a light on how differently people perceive things based on their political views. For example, mixed race marriages.
It is also a book that interrogates relationships, but I won’t say too much because this is a book that needs to be experienced and my words crumble beside hers.
Honestly? I am in awe of this book.
Dylan Thomas Prize Longlist #9
I had no idea, until I turned the first page, just how much KANDASAMY plays with structure in this novel. I didn’t know where to start. I had butterflies in my tummy because I was so thrilled and excited to be reading something so original and new and fresh. I had this author on my radar from When You Hit Me and now I can see that she really is something special.
This book blends two narratives, literally side by side, so that the fourth wall is completely beaten down and you, as the reader, are left with a clear view of the process and the outcome.
At times I was a little lost, but I think that’s because KANDASAMY is so intelligent, self-aware and observant of others; she is on a higher plane.
Her writing centres around politics in this country, India and the Middle East. In writing so, she is able to shine a light on how differently people perceive things based on their political views. For example, mixed race marriages.
It is also a book that interrogates relationships, but I won’t say too much because this is a book that needs to be experienced and my words crumble beside hers.
Honestly? I am in awe of this book.
HAMNET by MAGGIE O’FARRELL
Women’s Prize Longlist #7
I adore this novel.
I am a Shakespeare fan girl. Going to Stratford-upon-Avon a few years ago was like my version of Disney Land. And now this book exists and it’s everything I’ve ever wanted.
It’s magical and warm-hearted and poetic and loving and heartbreaking and utterly, utterly beautiful.
Never mind best on the 2020 @womensprize long list - this is my new favourite book ever!
Women’s Prize Longlist #7
I adore this novel.
I am a Shakespeare fan girl. Going to Stratford-upon-Avon a few years ago was like my version of Disney Land. And now this book exists and it’s everything I’ve ever wanted.
It’s magical and warm-hearted and poetic and loving and heartbreaking and utterly, utterly beautiful.
Never mind best on the 2020 @womensprize long list - this is my new favourite book ever!