The monthly reading recaps get further and further delayed as the year progresses. I apologise. I blink and days pass. Melbourne has entered stage four lockdown, from which – hopefully – we’ll emerge next month. And then we’ll have passed into another season. That feels weird to type. I still have coupons on my fridge that expired in March and April. I can’t bring myself to throw them away. It’s like some weird stasis. What happened to autumn? Winter? Because I’ve been inside so much I almost miss those biting winds. (But they hang around until Sept/Oct so there’s still time to experience those!)
In summary, yet again, I’m thankful for my university studies – they’re provided distraction and focus! And books, of course. Where would I be without them?
Some books from this year will forever in my mind be associated with this global pandemic and Phosphorescence by Julia Baird is one of those titles. In late June/July, before the second wave hit and there were some long stretches of good weather, I touched-up painted some parts of the house – mostly the window sills in the bathrooms and kitchen. I listened to the audiobook of Phosphorescence (read by Baird) as I worked and I have to say it distracted me from the interminability of the job.
(Some find painting relaxing. I am not one of those people. Also, despite all efforts otherwise, I somehow manage to end up with paint all over my clothes.)
Coincidentally, Phosphorescence was one of the publishing success stories out of the first wave of the pandemic here in Australia. I’m not surprised, as its theme lies in the second half of its full title: ‘On awe, wonder and things that sustain you when the world goes dark’. Sometimes we need the reminder to stop and be mindful of our surroundings and ourselves. It’s beneficial for our health. In fact, it’s probably crucial.
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo is the follow up to her international smash The Poet X (which I mention here). This young adult verse novel tells the story of two half-sisters discovering each other’s existence after a traumatic event and how it brings them together. The publisher’s website has a sample of the audiobook and I highly recommend it. The verse is wonderful to listen to and the story is one of strength and familial bonds. I still hear their voices in my ears when I think about quotes or passages.
Finally, we come to the two books I’m still working my way through. First is the novel The Yield by Tara June Winch, winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award last month, and second is Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion by Jia Tolentino, a collection of impressive essays that touches on subjects such as popular culture, the internet and identity.
What are you reading this month?
