Roof Beam Reader
Adam Burgess
Everything I read in July, 2023!
This year, I set my Goodreads reading goal at 80 books. I expected to have an average-to-slower reading year for some reason. As it turns out, I’ve already passed my first goal of 80 and so I’ve readjusted to 120. Considering I’m on sabbatical for the next five months, it’s more than likely I’ll exceed that mark, too, making this year my biggest reading year in a decade, at least (since I started tracking with the Goodreads Reading Challenge).
Quite a bit of this year’s reading has been manga and graphic novels, though, entire volumes of which I can read in a single day, so it’s not like this is the “most” I’ve ever read (by page-length), but it will almost surely be the highest total book count. That’s fun, especially when I’m reading things I end up really enjoying. (For instance, I just finished reading TJ Klune’s Wolfsong, which lived up to all the hype for me. I can’t include it in this post since I finished the book in August, not July, and I’ll probably also give it its own spotlight, because I think it deserves it.)
Anway, here’s what I read in July 2023!
Fiction
Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle: I received this one as an ARC and was happy to read it before its release date. (The book is now available everywhere!) This one is a paranormal horror that deals with the trauma of forced religious conversion for LGBTQ+ youth. It’s at times horrifying and thrilling, as one would expect from a horror novel, but it’s also a unique take on the coming-of-age and coming out experiences.
Different for Boys by Patrick Ness: I’m not sure if I’d classify this one as a novella or short story. Perhaps a very short novella. Too short, in my opinion, because I was loving the story and felt it deserved, and needed, so much more. The illustrations are great, and it took me back to A Moster Calls, which I love so much. This one is a coming-of-age and coming out story that is both touching and hopeful, but it doesn’t skirt the darkness. Its ending was abrupt and left me wanting more. That’s probably good, though, right?
The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom: Thoughts are here. One of my favorites so far this year.
The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson: Thoughts are here. Not what people say it is!
Nick and Charlie: A Heartstopper Novella by Alice Oseman: What a joy to read a fully developed version of Nick and Charlie’s story, first developed in the Heartstopper graphic novels! This one adds all sorts of angst and tension. The big question is, does young love—and first love—last? Is it supposed to? After reading this one, I discovered that some of Oseman’s other novels, like Solitaire, are about this same universe and even include some Nick and Charlie. . . so of course I’ve run out and bought those books, too!
Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare: I’ve been reading a lot of horror, lately, and have quite a few more on my stack that I picked up recently. This is a fun slasher, in the young adult category. Its politics are at the forefront, which has been a turn-off for some readers, but I didn’t mind it (probably because I agree with its politics, to be fair.) Fans of Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer are going to like this one.
God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater by Kurt Vonnegut: I love Vonnegut so much. He remains one of my favorite writers and thinkers of the twentieth century, in the way Twain remains my favorite of the century prior. Who is the Twain or Vonnegut today? (I look to Ocean Vuong in terms of sheer thought and talent, though he’s certainly not the humorist these other two are. Perhaps we’re still waiting?) Anyway, Rosewater is a favorite of many of my friends, and it does have some of my favorite lines, for instance the “welcome to Earth” line I cherish so much. “You’ve got to be kind!” It’s not my favorite of his novels, though I do adore the message and the story had me laughing out loud in many places. What does a good man do with unlimited wealth? He goes insane! At least, the world is bound to see him that way.
Patron Saint of Nothing by Randy Ribay: This is a brilliantly written young adult mystery/thriller that’s based on real sociopolitical affairs in the Philippines under Duterte. Ribay’s protagonist, Jay, a high school senior, travels to the Philippines after the mysterious death of his beloved cousin. Everyone in the family refuses to explain how or why Jay’s cousin died. There was no funeral, no remembrance, and even his name seems to be forbidden. Jay is determined to find out why, and what he finds will break his heart but lead him to discover so much more about himself, his family, and his heritage than he could have ever imagined. This was a marvelous journey. This was my eighth book completed for the TBR Year 10 Challenge.
The Alchemy of Moonlight by David Ferraro: My last book of July and first book of August were both about supernatural creatures of the same type. Who’d have guessed!? It’s not typically in my area of interest, but I enjoyed this fantastical retelling of Anne Radcliffe’s Mysteries of Udolpho (even though I’ve never managed to get all the way through that novel; I’m going to try again this autumn!) In this one, billed as a gay gothic romance, our young protagonist is disguising himself to avoid the machinations of his aunt, who threatens to send him to an asylum and deny him his inheritance, all because of his sexual “deviancy.” While in disguise, he ends up falling for two men, one a doctor’s apprentice, the other a count and heir to a powerful family. What follows is a mysterious, eerie, dangerous, supernatural romance that fits both the capital and lower-case “romance” genres. The book’s pacing is a bit off and some of the story is predictable, but it’s great fun, the characters become lovable, and there’s a nice mix of classic gothic romance with contemporary updates.
Non-Fiction
Radical Compassion by Tara Brach: Brach is a Buddhist teacher whose work on mindfulness and recovery follows the RAIN approach: Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture. I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated this perspective on living and healing, on mindfulness and (secular) Buddhism as a positive force for living well every day. This is the first work from Brach that I’ve read or encountered, but I will definitely be seeking out more.
The Heartstopper Yearbook by Alice Oseman: This was not what I expected at all! I figured it would be another installment in the graphic novel series, but it’s actually a kind of memoir on Oseman’s craft, specific to the creation and development of Heartstopper, including art, story, and adaptation. I think big fans of the Heartstopper universe will really appreciate this one.
Why I Write by George Orwell: Thoughts are here. One of my favorite essays is in this one.
The Nation Must Awake: My Witness to the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 by Mary E. Jones Parrish: This is an important and woefully forgotten piece of historical journalism. A first-hand account to the destruction of “Black Wall Street” by the white residents of Tulsa, aided by the complicity of local law enforcement and citizen militia. Following Parrish’s own account are the accounts she took in the days following from dozens of other residents and witnesses, of all races. It’s a terrible shame on all of us that this cursed event was forgotten from history for so long, so much so that even born-and-raised-residents of Tulsa never heard of it. Of course, “forgotten” is the wrong word. It’s not forgotten when it’s intentional.
Manga & Graphic Novels
Love is an Illusion, Vol. 3 by Fargo: I absolutely loved the first volume in this Omega-verse series, but then kind of loathed the second one, where I found one of the main characters to be beyond insufferable. Don’t get me wrong, I’m okay with a book where the characters are horrible and unlikable, if it serves the story well. In Vol. 2, I just thought everything was kind of lame. Volume 3, though, brings back some of the charm and romance of the first volume, and I’m so glad, because now I get to look forward to the next installment again! (I wasn’t even sure I’d be reading this one, so I’m glad I took the chance.)
Heartstopper, Volumes 2-4 by Alice Oseman: Oh, how I adore this series. I came back to it after re-watching the first season of Heartstopper in preparation for season two. Since season one covers volumes one and two, I felt it was time to revisit the later volumes before season two and the big visit to Paris (and all the conflict that reveals itself later in this story). I “rated” all four volumes in this series with perfect scores, so I didn’t feel the need to separate these. I can’t wait for volume five to release later this year. I hear it’s the concluding chapter, but hopefully not “the end” for Nick and Charlie!
Megumi & Tsugumi, Vol. 3 by Mitsuru Si. This is probably one of my top two or three current favorite BL manga series. While I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first two, I still loved it and gave it a solid four out of five stars. Megumi and Tsugumi, having finally entered an official “relationship” now must struggle with jealousies, rivalries, and all that comes with a new relationship, on top of the fact that, of course, Tsugumi continues to refuse to take medication to suppress his “heat.” What will happen in volume four? Will “the bite” finally come?
Poetry
The Moon Before Morning by W.S. Merwin: This is the first Merwin collection I’ve read, and I found it to be a pleasant experience, but not my favorite. I picked this one up while browsing the poetry section at Barnes & Noble for a gift for someone whose spouse had recently passed. Some of the poems I scanned stood out to me, so I got the book for myself, but it didn’t resonate with me the way I thought it would. The poems also didn’t seem to match the book’s description, to me. That said, Merwin has a recognizable and admirable poetic voice, and it was nice to sit with a poet of confidence.
What We Lost in the Swamp by Grant Chemidlin: This is the second book in this month’s queue that I purchased largely on the recommendation of Tik Tok’s “Book Tok,” and it’s the second one that, well, didn’t go over so well. I have since stopped listening to Book Tok (but that doesn’t mean people should stop following my Book Tok account, which is much more trustworthy, I promise!) Anyway, I didn’t hate this one, but I didn’t love it. I was interested in its presentation as a coming out collection, one that deals, also, with coping from the fallout of homophobia and judgement, fear, etc. There is certainly some of that, but what I’ve been finding in a lot of contemporary poetry collections is that, well, they don’t seem like poetry to me. I miss form. I miss stylization. I’m tired of reading peoples journal entries broken into supposed verses for…effect? It’s not working anymore. (Hence why I’ve returned to Merwin and Limon and others.)
The Carrying by Ada Limon: Speaking of Limon! She’s poet laureate for a reason. I’ve had two or three of her collections sitting on my nightstand for months and months, one of which I bought a long time ago, and two of which I bought after hearing hear in conversation with Krista Tippet on the On Being podcast. Her poems about living through pain are most touching, and her craft shines.
On Demons and Corruption: Why I Write by George Orwell
George Orwell’s Why I Write, is a collection of four essays.
The first essay, “Why I Write,” is about Orwell’s background and his reasons for writing, those that first inspired him and those that kept him motivated to continue as he developed. Orwell argues there are four reasons why a person becomes a writer: 1) Sheer egoism; 2) aesthetic enthusiasm; 3) historical impulse; and 4) political purpose. He notes that most writers have more than one reason and they may at times change their purposes depending on circumstance. He also makes the crucial point that is so necessary in the United States today, which is, “no book is genuinely free from political bias. The opinion that art should have nothing to do with politics is itself a political attitude” (5). How many times have we heard people on social media telling artists, athletes, and whomever, to “stay in their lane” and “leave politics out of it.” We all know that’s a farcical argument and an impossibility.
I also appreciate that Orwell makes his own purpose in writing quite clear: “Every line of serious work that I have written since 1936 has been written, directly or indirectly, against totalitarianism and for democratic Socialism, as I understand it” (8). Imagine a popular writer in the U.S. coming out today to describe themselves and their writing as democratic Socialism.
A final favorite bit comes near the end of the essay, where Orwell writes, “all writers are vain, selfish, and lazy, and at the very bottom of their motives there lies a mystery. Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand” (10). Were truer words ever spoken!?
The second essay, “The Lion and the Unicorn: Socialism and the English Genius,” is a three-part polemic on World War II, the dangerous appeal of Fascism, and what it would take to get the English people to rally in defense of their nation, in defense of democracy, and in support of those nations that had already been occupied by the German army.
In Part 1: “England Your England,” Orwell writes about patriotism and the falsehood that all people everywhere are the same. He tries to define what it is to be English as opposed to European or American. He writes about the misguided trust English people place in “the law,” the distinctions between classes, and the fact that English pride is a funny sort, where the English tend to remember their tragedies and losses more than their triumphs. He also writes about the concentration of property and wealth, and how these invite fascism by causing the powerful few to look to political solutions that might protect their station (superiority). It’s a stunningly contemporary view, if one compares it to the situation in the United States right now, and terrifying for its lingering accuracy.
In Part 2: “Shopkeepers at War,” Orwell writes, “what this war demonstrated is that capitalism—that is, an economic system in which land, factories, mines and transport are owned privately and operated solely for profit—does not work. It cannot deliver the goods.” Having laid out why England is susceptible to a fascist movement in Part 1, he here makes the case for democratic socialism as patriotism and as the only rational option. His argument is that if you are the state, and the state owns everything, then you are the owner. He provides other examples of those who might be unconvinced, who might think their plight is so poor in England that they “should be no worse under Hitler,” and then rebuts these with actual comparative examples of what worse looks like, what freedom looks like, and etc.
In Part 3: “The English Revolution,” Orwell explains that the war to save Europe from fascism must also result in an English revolution, a change of system entirely, if England is going to continue. Orwell again lays out all the dangers of the nation sticking its head in the sand, then ends on a note of optimism, that he believes English people are progressive by nature and that they will push the system forward. That the nation will persist. He provides five strategies to make this happen, through democratic socialism, and explains each briefly.
The third essay in the collection is “The Hanging,” which recounts an event Orwell witnessed in Burma. A prisoner is hanged, and Orwell expertly details the mood before, during, and after the event. It’s a short, chilling expose about humanity and the absurdities we will accept as normal or good.
Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.
George Orwell, “Politics and the English Language”
The final essay is one of my favorites, and one which I’ve assigned to my students many times: “Politics and the English Language.” At first glance, based on the title and first few paragraphs, where Orwell provides examples of “bad” writing,” one might expect this to be an essay about “proper” grammar and punctuation, but it turns out to be a thoughtful look at the way language and thought are connected. It’s an argument for writing well, but not the way we might normally think of this. Instead of focusing on spelling and punctuation, Orwell suggests we think in terms of brevity and precision. Say only what we really mean, and as directly as possible. Don’t convolute. Don’t overcomplicate. Don’t be vague amidst abstractions. He provides questions for writers to ask themselves as they’re reviewing their work: 1) What am I trying to say? 2) What words will express it? 3) What image or idiom will make it clearer? 4) Is this image fresh enough to have an effect? And if the writer can resolve these, they might ask themselves two more: 5) Could I put it more shortly? 6) Have I said anything that is avoidably ugly?
He returns, in this essay, to the idea of politics, and reminds us that everything is political. Thought and language (and actions) are political. So, we must be careful in our writing to express exactly what we mean, no more and no less, to avoid corruption. Corrupt language, he notes, can cause corrupt thought. The examples he gives will ring alarmingly true today.
Why I Write is book 7 completed for my 2023 TBR Pile Challenge.
July Checkpoint! #TBRYear10
Hello, TBR Pile Challengers!
My apologies for the six-day delay in getting this post up. As the White Rabbit would say, “I’m late for a very important date!” I hope your summer (or winter) is going well. We are now officially in the second half of our annual challenge, and I’ve seen and read a lot of awesome updates and reviews for challenge books. We’ve got more than 130 links posted, which is on pace with where we were last year! Thank you for sharing your reading with everyone!
Congratulations again to Michelle from True Book Addict, who won the last mini-challenge! We will have another one coming up in August, so be sure to check back then!
My Progress: 6 of 12 Completed
In this last month, I finally got caught up with reviews, bringing my total reading and reviewing to six of twelve. I’m almost done with Book 7, Why I Write by George Orwell, and I’ll have that reviewed before the end of this month, which will bring me to “current” status of 7 books in 7 months. There are only two weeks left of school left, too, after which I have a long leave of absence to enjoy reading as much as my heart desires, so I will absolutely be caught up in the near future. Maybe I’ll even finish early for a change!
Books Read:
- The Poppy War (2018) by R.F. Kuang (Chinese Historical Fantasy) (Completed 1/10/23)
- Pachinko (2017) by Min Jin Lee (Korean-American Lit Fic) (Completed 2/12/23)
- Look (2016) by Solmaz Sharif (Poetry/Iranian-American) (Completed 3/10/23)
- Steppenwolf (1927) by Hermann Hesse (Philosophical Novel) (Completed 4/22/23)
- North and South (1854) by Elizabeth Gaskell (British Lit Fic) (Completed 6/19/23)
- The Power of Now (1997) by Ekhart Tolle (NonFiction/Spirituality) (Completed 6/30/23)
How are you doing?
Below, you’re going to find the infamous Mr. Linky widget. If you read and review any challenge books this month, please link-up on the widget below. This Mr. Linky will be re-posted every month so that we can compile a large list of all that we’re reading and reviewing together this year. Each review that is linked-up on this widget throughout the year may also earn you entries into future related giveaways, so don’t forget to keep this updated!
LINK UP YOUR REVIEWS!
Millennial Nostalgia: The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson
There are a lot of misconceptions about Craig Davidson’s The Saturday Night Ghost Club.
If you believe the reviews on TikTok (which, to be fair, nobody should), then this one is either a slasher or a thriller, or a coming-of-age horror a la Stranger Things. Readers who buy the book for these reviews, or its own blurbs, are potentially going to be disappointed, but only if they ignore the rough gem this one turns out to be.
Ghost Club is a sometimes-mesmerizing coming-of-age tale that weaves together elements of nostalgia, mystery, and the potentially supernatural. Set in the 1980s, the story revolves around Jake Baker, a neurosurgeon reflecting on his childhood during a pivotal summer in Niagara Falls, Canada. The narrative unfolds through Jake’s recollections as he recounts his experiences as a member of the Saturday Night Ghost Club, a group led by his eccentric Uncle Calvin, who owns a curiosity shop filled with oddities and artifacts related to the macabre.
Davidson’s writing drew me into the world of young Jake and the colorful characters that populate his life. The author’s ability to capture the essence of childhood, with its wonder, vulnerability, and curiosity, is special. The story is one that evokes innocence and possibility, as well as confusion. As his summer, and our story, unfolds, he and the reader both begin to learn more about Uncle Calvin, including why he is so strange, and why his friends and family treat him with such delicacy.
To me, the strength of this novel lies in its characters. Jake is a relatable and endearing protagonist, and his growth and development throughout the story are skillfully portrayed. The dynamic between Jake and his fellow Ghost Club members, Billy and Dove, is heartwarming and serves as the backbone of the narrative. Uncle Calvin, with his enigmatic persona and dark past, adds an air of mystery and intrigue to the tale, which is perhaps where both the “slasher” and “Stranger Things” comparisons come in, though I still think they’re overstated.
That said, while the book is a rather straightforward, though sad, coming-of-age story, it does venture into some dark territory. Davidson delves into themes of trauma and the darker aspects of human nature, which may be unsettling for some readers. However, these elements are balanced by moments of genuine warmth and humor, creating a rich tapestry of emotions that resonates long after the final page.
One minor drawback is that the pacing can be uneven at times, with certain sections feeling slightly rushed while others linger. Some of the “ghost club” episodes, too, seem a bit disjointed. I think the reader is set up to believe (much like Jake does?) that the unfolding tale is going to be one of paranormal phenomena; but after that first, inexplicable episode, which perhaps we can chalk up to a young boy’s suggestibility or to the fickleness of memory, the future outings are much more realistic and, ultimately, entirely explainable. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall impact of the story.
A compelling storyline. Memorable characters. An engaging read. By delving into the realm of childhood and the secrets it holds, Davidson reminds us of the lasting power of our past and the importance of facing our ghosts. This was a touching summer read.
Melody of Life: The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom
Mitch Albom, the maestro of heartwarming storytelling, once again strikes a powerful chord in his novel The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto. Seamlessly blending music, love, and the (sometimes supernatural?) nature of destiny, Albom crafts a mesmerizing tale that transcends time and captures the essence of the human experience.
Set against the backdrop of the music industry and filled with episodes told by famous and familiar names, the narrative follows the extraordinary journey of Frankie Presto, a gifted and enigmatic guitarist. The novel is narrated by Music itself, a mystical yet relatable entity. Readers are taken on a nostalgic expedition through Frankie’s life, from his early childhood in war-torn Spain to his rise as a legendary musician. Albom weaves together a rich tapestry of characters, each representing a different facet of Frankie’s life, adding depth and complexity to the story. The entire book is framed much like a collection of eulogies, seamed together with what reads like a creative biography for what could be a real musical legend.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its exploration of the power of music. Albom showcases the transformative and healing effects of music, illustrating how it can unite people from different walks of life and bring solace in times of despair. Through the Magic Strings, Frankie’s guitar, Albom creates a metaphor for the ways in which music can touch our souls, invoking a sense of awe and reverence for the art form.
Albom’s prose transports readers to different eras and locations, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and emotions of each scene. The narrative effortlessly shifts between time periods, utilizing flashbacks and interludes, which enhances the intrigue and suspense surrounding Frankie’s mysterious life.
The diverse cast of characters, musicians, artists, and others, come across as unique individuals through Albom’s special attention to individual styles and tones. Moreover, the characters in The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto are beautifully rendered, each carrying their own burdens and hopes. From the unforgettable teacher, El Maestro, to the conflicted and hauntingly alluring Aurora, the characters are multi-dimensional and leave a lasting impression. Albom explores their relationships with Frankie, demonstrating the profound impact that people can have on one another, an impact we sometimes don’t realize until much too late.
Another notable aspect of the novel is its exploration of life. Through Frankie’s journey, Albom imparts wisdom on themes such as love, forgiveness, and the pursuit of one’s passion. The narrative offers thought-provoking insights into the choices we make and the ripple effects they can have, reminding us of the preciousness of each moment and the importance of leaving a positive legacy.
The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto is a symphony of emotions, seamlessly blending joy, sorrow, and hope. Albom’s ability to infuse a sense of wonder into every page makes the reading experience a truly enchanting one. As both a music enthusiast and a lover of good stories, this novel resonated with me deeply. It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Roof Beam Reader 