Classic Fiction: Native Son by Richard Wright

Yes, it is time. Native Son by Richard Wright is another one of those books (much like 1984 and Of Mice and Men) that I was somehow never forced to read in school, and am just now getting around to in my adult life. It actually did not spend too long in my to-read pile, but it was still a struggle to pick up. Throughout history, feelings toward this book have always been complicated, and now I certainly understand why.

The Situation: In 1930s Chicago, Bigger Thomas lives in a one-room apartment with his mother, little brother Buddy, and little sister Vera. Their building is situated in the city's Black Belt, and is owned and operated by the South Side Real Estate Company. Bigger is to report to the home of Mr. Dalton, the owner of the company, for a job, though he less than interested. He resents his current position as a poor black man with no money, power, education, and as he sees it, freedom. Working for the rich white man who owns the apartment building that he hates living in is not what he wants. He would rather continue to earn his money through the petty crimes he commits with his friends. And when he reports to work, he finds that Mr. and Mrs. Dalton are nice enough, as is Peggy, the housemaid. But he immediately dislikes Mary, the Dalton's rebellious daughter, and when he is tasked with driving her to an event at the university, Bigger's life takes the turn he was always afraid it would.

The Problem: Though he was never above stealing, public indecency, and bullying his closest friends, murder was never in the plan. When he kills Mary in a moment of panic, Bigger must work fast if he hopes to save himself, and being a young black man in 1930s Chicago, if he is caught for what he has done, he will be executed for sure. It would be easy to believe that committing murder is hitting rock bottom, and yet Bigger manages to spiral even further downward, as the more he attempts to cover his tracks, the more mistakes he makes, and the more destruction he causes. Even so, Bigger maintains that he can plan and scheme his way out of it, that he can outsmart everyone, and that he can hold onto the power and freedom that he now feels, for possibly the first time in his life. But with everything that has already happened, the story is only beginning.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a fiction book set in Chicago during a time when Jim Crow laws were heavily and enthusiastically enforced. In the author's explanation of how he came up with the character of Bigger Thomas, he explains the he was not based on any one person, but on several examples of a type of person the author had encountered throughout his life. Bigger is unhappy with his life, his place in society, what it means to a black man, and that most everything he wants out of life will remain out of reach because of white people who are determined to keep it that way. He justifies the terrible way he treats his friends, his family, members of the community, and eventually his actions when attempting to save himself from discovery after killing Mary. Told in three sections, labeled 'Fear,' 'Flight,' and 'Fate,' the events of the story take place over the course of mere days, with most of the action occurring upfront, and an explanation of how someone like Bigger could exist coming near the end. Citing feelings of hopelessness, the character of Bigger is given a depth that readers have puzzled over since the book's publication in 1940.

My Verdict: 'Complicated' is certainly the word to describe almost every aspect of this book. The word applies to the character of Bigger, the main plot, the author's approach, and certainly readers' reception of the story, both then and now. While the acts that Bigger commits throughout the book are only ever condoned by him, an explanation is provided for how such a person could exist and why he would do what he does. But whether the reader or critic wants to accept that explanation is up to them. As for me, I get what the book is saying (I think), but I am not entirely sure it is successful in what it is trying to do. Make no mistake, Bigger is a terrible person. Yes, he has been dealt a terrible hand in life, and oppression mixed with hopelessness can lead to people doing terrible things. Unfortunately, Bigger is someone who makes a huge mistake, and has also knowingly committed (and enjoyed) terrible acts before that. He is a difficult character to approach with grace and understanding, so yeah, it's complicated.

Favorite Moment: There are brief moments when Bigger admits, if only to himself, that he is afraid. It is this fear the fuels almost everything he does. 

Favorite Character: I am not sure if she is my favorite really, but the character I feel for the most is Bigger's mother. 

Recommended Reading: Both Dear Justyce by Nic Stone and Riot Baby by Tochi Onyebuchi would be great books for follow-up. 

Science Fiction: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

After having recently read The Martian by Andy Weir, I decided I would also try his latest book, Project Hail Mary. For me, what made The Martian so enjoyable was the humor, mixed in with the science, as well as an always tense, though fascinating space adventure. I could only hope that Project Hail Mary would be more of the same.

The Situation: Waking up from a deep sleep can be a disorienting process. But Ryland Grace is not waking up from a normal night's sleep. He has been in a deep coma for a very long time, and now, he is not even sure where he is, or who he is. From initial observations, it (slowly) becomes clear that he is in a spacecraft of some kind, and he is not alone. Two others are with him, but it seems their bodies did not survive the trip. It is clear that Ryland was well taken care of during his journey, and it looks like he has the ship's automated medical robots to thank for that, though that does not solve the issue of his memory, and what he is supposed to be doing. It will certainly take some time for Ryland to fully remember who he is and his mission. Coming to terms with the fact that he is millions of miles from home is only the beginning, and things get interesting when he spots another spacecraft. 

The Problem: Earth is in trouble. It seems the sun is getting dimmer, and if the situation continues for much longer, a mass extinction event is imminent. Before he became one of the crew mates on the  Hail Mary, Ryland was a middle school science teacher and loved his job. He knew his students thought of him as the "cool teacher," and he relished that. However, once news got out about what was happening to the sun, his life changed forever. Sought out because of a paper he wrote in college, Ryland soon becomes one of the key people in the planet's attempt at saving itself. But now he is far from home, with only fuzzy memories of what has happened and what he is supposed to do, and two dead bodies whose names he cannot immediately remember. Fortunately, he is incredibly good at science, and the ship seems to have everything he needs. Still, the clock is ticking, and Earth is counting on him.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a science fiction book set in a time that could easily be present day. When scientists realize that the sun is getting dimmer, therefore slowly making Earth colder, the nations of the world band together to find a solution, and Project Hail Mary is it. There is plenty of science, as well as space travel, politics, and a picture of what it takes to put together a space project of this magnitude when time is extremely limited. Laws and policies have to be ignored, the issue of funding is no longer discussed, and tough decisions are made, and this is all before the actual project even begins. Ryland Grace is a school teacher who happens to know a lot about his field, and that is enough for him to be put on the fast track to becoming an astronaut. And probably what is most interesting about the problem that could lead to a cold Earth is how it would happen quicker if it were not for global warming, though it is still not enough to save the planet.

My Verdict: I think those that enjoyed The Martian will enjoy this book as well. Sure, it is another lone survivor far from home attempting to do the impossible. Though this time he is not immediately sure of what is happening, and he does not have the potential benefit of being on solid ground. It is another exploration of what humans are capable of when they have no other choice. Problems are looked into, solutions are formed, and risks sometimes have to be taken. Sure, mistakes are often made, and the whole process starts all over again. But what amazes me the most is that with Weir, 'impossible' does not immediately equate to 'hopeless,' and it often should. The situations are fully acknowledged, as well as how difficult they are, but the characters keep going and the story always moves forward in a believable way. And making Ryland a middle school science teacher instead of a highly trained astronaut adds a wonderful layer of relatability. 

Favorite Moment: It is a little bit morbid, but there was something about the scene where Ryland acknowledges his dead crew members and gives them a proper 'burial.' 

Favorite Character: Ryland is by himself a solid amount of this book, so it is easy to pick him. I want to also mention someone else, but I feel like even putting in their name would act as a spoiler. 

Recommended Reading: Naturally, I recommend The Martian, but also The Vanished Birds by Simon Jimenez. 

Nonfiction: The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green

One of the authors I credit with reintroducing me to young adult fiction is John Green. The first book I read of his is Paper Towns, and it is still my favorite, though Looking for Alaska is a close second. Today I will talk about The Anthropocene Reviewed, which is Green's first nonfiction offering. Both essay and memoir, Green rates a handful places, events, and phenomena that make up the human experience.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book containing 44 essays, along with an introduction and postscript, in which Green reviews and rates various things on a five star scale. The title of the book refers to the geological epoch that includes the beginning of significant human impact on the Earth. In no particular order (as far as I can tell), Green explores Halley's Comet, the human capacity to wonder, CNN, googling strangers, plague, the QWERTY keyboard, and even Diet Dr. Pepper, as well as many other subjects. Often the review includes an anecdote from Green's childhood, college years, or even more recent past. He is open and honest about his health issues (including mental health), his love of soccer and the Indianapolis 500, and the general struggle over what it means to be human in this human-centered planet. 

My Verdict: This book turned out to be more or less what I expected, and that is a good thing, because I expected a profound, yet uncomplicated and often funny look at humanity and what encompasses life on this planet. What I have loved about Green's young adult fiction books are their unique but accessible way of looking at life, and that same feature has been carried over to this book. And while not every chapter includes a bit of joy and wonder - the ones about CNN and the plague come to mind - they are at least informative, and I can honestly say I learned something new in every essay. What Green manages to capture, especially when it comes to our current situation during this pandemic, is that it is so easy to lose hope and wonder what the point is. And then something, usually something small, will remind us, though it may take some time. The randomness of the organization can either be frustrating, or part of the charm, and really, the choice is up to the reader. 

Favorite Essays: I especially loved "Auld Lang Syne" and "Super Mario Kart."  

Favorite Quotes: "We're here because we're here because we're here because we're here." - sung to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne." 

"We are so small, and so frail, so gloriously and terrifyingly temporary." 

Recommended Reading: I recommend all of Green's YA novels, but also You Are Here by Jenny Lawson, which may be more coloring book than book, but still, it is wonderful. 

Nonfiction: The Babysitter by Liza Rodman and Jennifer Jordan

At some point earlier this year, a list was put out of the best and most noteworthy true crime books that were to be published in 2021. On that list was The Babysitter: My Summer with a Serial Killer by Liza Rodman and Jennifer Jordan. In the book, Rodman explores her early life living with her mother and younger sister, focusing mostly on her summers in Cape Cod, where she met Tony Costa. And Jordan chronicles Costa's life, including the gruesome murders he committed in the late 1960s.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book that tells the story of two different people, whose lives intersect from 1966-1969. When Liza Rodman first meets Tony Costa, she is only seven years old and does not see any reason to be afraid of him. In fact, because he is one of the few adults she feels like she can trust, and because he is kind and welcoming, she looks forward to the days when he comes by in his truck, and takes her and her sister on adventures that most often included the local dump, and sometimes brought them to the nearby woods. In alternating chapters, the book switches from Liza's story to Tony's, which tells of a troubled young man who often acknowledged that there was something wrong deep inside of him, but also saw himself as more intelligent than most. Add his charm and good looks, and it seemed it was easy for many to trust him without hesitation. Against a backdrop of Provincetown, Massachusetts in the late 1960s, the book paints a picture of a beachside town full of easy access to drugs, during a time when young women went missing all of the time, causing the police to not worry too much when one more was reported. With Rodman feeling unloved by her mother, who often left and her sister in the care of anyone who would watch them, she was one of the many who was charmed by the man who would later be attributed with the deaths of several young women.

My Verdict: This book is both a true crime book, as well as a memoir. Both parts have their merits, with the true crime part giving a detailed and well-researched account of the life of Tony Costa, and Rodman's story chronicling what it was like living with her abusive, resentful, and neglectful mother, always on the move, and never feeling more at home in any place than she did in Provincetown. While the true crime part works really well, the memoir is not quite as successful, and having the two put together made for an interesting, though somewhat awkward story. The problem may be that without the true crime piece about Tony, there is not enough from Rodman's story for an entire book. But she did know Tony, and she and her sister were often put in his care. It was not until she reached adulthood that Rodman realized who Tony was and what he had done, and just how much danger she was potentially in. I do still recommend the book to true crime lovers, but be aware that the format may be a little tricky.

Favorite Moment: There is an incident that causes Rodman to finally want to leave Provincetown, and it is both ridiculous and terrifying. 

Recommended Reading: Michelle McNamara's book, I'll Be Gone in the Dark, is an excellent and well-researched account of the Golden State Killer, a serial killer that terrorized California for 13 years. 

Historical Fiction: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

It appears that the focus is back on World War II with Kate Quinn's The Rose Code. Focusing on three women codebreakers in 1940s England, Quinn transports readers to a world of secrecy, intrigue, romance, intelligence, and even betrayal. Having already experienced Quinn's work with both The Alice Network and The Huntress, I was excited to see what adventures would come about within the books 600+ pages.

The Situation: It is 1947 and Osla Kendall could not be more annoyed. Engaged to a man she does not much care for, she must dodge tenacious reporters who want to know more about the former girlfriend of the soon-to-be Prince Phillip of England. But when she receives a coded message with no address and no signature, it upends her world even more. The only solution is to contact her former best friend Mabel "Mab" Churt, now married with children, eager to move on with her own life. Neither woman wants to face this new truth, that a former colleague and friend desperately needs their help. As much as the two women now hate each other, it is possible they hate Beth Finch even more. She played no small part in the events that caused the three women to go in different directions. During the war they lived together, worked together, formed a book club together, and were the closest of friends. But that is all in the past, and Osla and Mab are eager to leave it there.

The Problem: Eight years before, England was in the midst of World War II and on the receiving end of Hitler's wrath. Wanting to be more than a "dizzy deb," Osla signed up to be a codebreaker, eager to make a difference for her country. Mab was similarly insistent on making a better life for herself, her mother, and her little sister, Lucy. When she and Osla are billeted at the same house, they meet the shy and cowering Beth Finch. Even though she is 24 years old, Beth still does her mother's bidding and bends to her every expectation. With the help of the two headstrong women now staying in her home, she manages to receive a job that she loves. At Bletchley Park, the three woman are able to put their skills to use, but the oath of silence, stressful work, and the constant threat of air raids, are enough to try anyone's nerves. And when Beth begins to suspect that someone is letting the secrets out, things become more tense and trying, until tragedy strikes, and everything falls apart. In the days leading up to the royal wedding, even though all three women are done with Bletchley Park, they must put their differences aside, put their old skills to use, and come together once more for England. 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction book set in England from 1939-1947. Quite a few real and well-known people show up during the events of the book, including Queen Elizabeth of England and her husband, Prince Phillip. Alan Turing is mentioned a few times, and then makes an appearance near the end of the novel. The three woman who share the focus are mostly fictionalized, with some exception going to Osla Kendall, a fictionalized version of Prince Phillip's real war-time girlfriend, Osla Benning. Bletchley Park is real, and of course, so was the job of codebreaking. The book switches between 1947, when Osla and Mab are attempting to come to Beth's aid, and the years before when Hitler's soldiers were making the most progress in Europe. All three women were hard at work doing their best to crack German and Italian codes, something all three are good at in their own way. It is almost a mystery novel wrapped in a war novel, with a great deal of adventure on the side.

My Verdict: Out of the three novels I have now read by Quinn, I believe that this one is my new favorite. Something that I think Quinn has always managed to do well is handle the shift of focus between multiple characters. Here we have three different women, with different backgrounds, different skills, and different goals for their lives, and they manage to stay distinct and different throughout the novel. Even more impressive is that all three are always engaging, and I never found myself rushing through chapters so I can get back to a more interesting storyline. I have said it before that stories set during war-time can be difficult for me, but I found the setting of Bletchley Park to be almost refreshing, and fun. This may be due to the well thought-out main and side characters, both real and fictionalized, as everyone has a story that brought them to where they are. Historical fiction and mystery lovers alike should rejoice at this new contribution to the genres.

Favorite Moment: When Beth finds and rescues her scruffy dog, Boots, despite her mother's protests. It is a small rebellion that opens the way to her further growth.  

Favorite Character: Mab can be harsh, and severe, and cold, but I liked her the most. She is focused, but still flawed, and refuses to let anyone get in the way of what she wants to accomplish. 

Recommended Reading: I will always recommend The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.

Contemporary Fiction: Infinite Country by Patricia Engel

The Cloud Library has come through for me once again, allowing me to easily access and read Infinite Country by Patricia Engel. I made a decision to read more books set in South America, and was excited to see that today's book is even partly set in Colombia, a country I have actually been to.

The Situation: Mauro and Elena were teenagers when they met in Colombia, in a time when the country was wrecked by violence, political unrest, and a wilting economy. Even so, they fall in love and even start a family, though it becomes clear that they may want to search for a better future up north, both for them and the children they hope to raise. While life in the US proves to be tough, Mauro and Elena both agree to stay past their visa expiration dates, though such a decision may be even more dangerous than a return to their home country, especially for their son, who is born in the US and therefore a citizen. Should his parents and older sister be deported, who will take care of him when he is left behind? It is after their growing family welcomes its third child that the unthinkable does happen, and Mauro is deported alone. Once again, the couple makes a crucial decision and decides that Talia, the youngest, will also go back to Colombia to live with Maura, and Elena's mother, Perla. It is a decision meant to help the family stay together, but could also splinter it even further.

The Problem: When Talia is 15 years old, she is sent to a facility for young girls who have gotten in trouble with the law. Having never caused any trouble all of her life, it comes as a surprise to both Mauro and Perla when Talia is arrested for hurting a coworker, putting in jeopardy her planned departure to the US to rejoin her mother and older siblings. Back in the US, Elena struggles to raise two children, one a citizen and one not, on her own. When Mauro was with them, things were already difficult, and the difficulties continue as Elena navigates life as an undocumented mother doing her best to make things work. And while she is glad her youngest is in Colombia with her husband, she misses Talia and looks forward to the day when she will return to her. Every member of the family must reconcile how they feel about both Colombia and the US, and their place in each one. 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a fiction novel set partly in Colombia, and partly in the US, as the reader follows the family on their journey across state boarders as they chase stability and security. Beginning when Mauro and Elena are teenagers, the story moves through the family's early struggles, and continues into the presidency of Donald Trump, though it does not say so specifically. Key points in history are named and described, allowing the reader to piece together the year and season. For the most part, the book is told by a third-person omniscient narrator - switching between Elena's story in the US, and Mauro's story in Colombia - with only a handful of chapters focusing specifically on events as Talia's older siblings see them. With three members of the family being born in Colombia, and two being born in the US, the family is already split in a way, and then the chasm becomes deeper once Mauro is deported and Talia joins him. It is a complicated situation where hard choices must be made, and it is never clear if Elena and Mauro did the right thing. 

My Verdict: Though the book jumps around through time, and the narrator is sometimes third-person, and sometimes one member of the family, the overall story is fairly easy to follow. Even after the family becomes split between Colombia and the US, it is easy to track the experiences and struggles of both groups, though their situation is incredibly complicated. Engel somehow handles Elena's constant struggle over whether staying in the US was worth it with incredible ease. And Mauro must deal with the separation from his wife and older children, as well as Talia's arrest. Possibly what amazes me the most about this book is that it is less than 200 pages, and yet it contains so much: exploring family dynamics, what it means to call a country your home, the issue of citizenship, and of course, the power of love when attempting to hold everything together while miles apart. Engel takes a situation that is anything but simple and makes it easy to understand, while not removing its complexity. 

Favorite Moment: Talia's escape from the prison for girls is pretty genius. 

Favorite Character: Talia's determination to travel through Colombia to make it back to her father is certainly impressive. There is plenty of opportunity for things to go horribly wrong, but she stays resolute in her mission. 

Recommended Reading: There is something about Engel's writing that reminded me of One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Historical Fiction: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Many will see the name of the author of today's book and think of Daisy Jones & The Six, one of the most talked about historical fiction books of 2019. Today I am discussing the latest offering by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Malibu Rising. Once again, Reid will be presenting a world of fame, fortune, access, and chaos, but this time from the shores of Malibu, California in the early 1980s.

The Situation: When Mick met his future wife, June, he promised that he would always take care of her and provide for her. He promised her the life he never had, and vowed to be committed to his growing family, while chasing his dreams of becoming a rock star. But it is when his oldest is still in elementary school that he will leave his family for good, no longer occasionally sending money like he did when he had left before. His four children - Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit - will always know of their father, the famous Mick Riva, but they will not really know him. Once they reach adulthood, the Riva children will be well-known for other reasons, as well as because of who their father is. With Nina's good looks and modeling career, Jay's skills as a surfer, Hud's talent for photography, and the youngest sister Kit carving her own way in the world, the Riva kids are making their own path. Plus, there is the annual party that is thrown at Nina's house to which everyone wants an invitation. And it is rumored that the 1983 edition will be the party of the century.

The Problem: Nina may have found success as a model, the money from which has helped take care of her, her three siblings, and the family business, but it has not brought her the happiness her fans would imagine it did. Honestly, she would rather be surfing, and she is not a fan of the attention modeling has brought her. Plus, it seems her beauty was not enough to keep her tennis star husband from leaving her for another woman. Despite her situation, the annual party is today, and she must get herself and the house ready. Her three younger siblings will be joining her, and while the Riva children are close, they are each holding onto secrets that could upset the relative harmony they have maintained. Little do they know that family secrets will not be the only thing exposed tonight, and almost the last thing that anyone will be paying attention to. By 3:00am, the party will be out of control, and by 7:00am, everything will be on fire.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel that has the main action take place in Malibu in 1983, though the story does reach as far back as the 1950s when it talks about the early relationship between Mick and June, the parents of the now-famed Riva children. When Mick meets June, he wants to believe he has met someone he can spend the rest of his life with, someone who will support him as he pursues his dream of stardom, someone who will raise the family he can come home to. While June is that person, Mick cannot seem to stay faithful. From this, the saga that is the Riva family will continue to grow and expand, spilling out of Malibu, where everyone knows who they are. While Mick may still be the star of the family, even as he gets older, Nina is more or less the focus of the book. She is the older sister who has always felt, even as a kid, that it was her job to hold everything together. So in the hours leading up to the party, the story of Mick and June is told while preparations are made. And when the party is in full swing, it becomes clear that the story of the Riva family is all but finished. 

My Verdict: At the opening of the book, before the narrative begins regarding the story of the Riva family and the annual party, a brief history of Malibu and its tendency to catch on fire is presented. It is one of the most intriguing openings I have come across this year. The stories that follow, of both the relationship and marriage between Mick and June, and the lives of the four Riva siblings, are interesting, fully-formed, well thought-out, and entertaining. And then the main event comes, this massive annual party that does not even have formal invitations: If you know the address, day, and time, then consider yourself invited. The party is as wild as the reader can imagine, but the events that take place - or at least the way they are described - leave something to be desired. Nothing seems to fit, not even the Rivas siblings, as more and more people show up, more scenes are dropped in and smashed together, and suddenly lives are changed forever. Somehow, this epic Malibu beach party ended up being the least interesting part of the book, which seems like the opposite of how things should have been. 

Favorite Moment: At one point, Nina finally stands up for herself, after a lifetime of putting everyone else first. 

Favorite Character: Casey is introduced somewhat later in the book, and while I feel her story was rushed, I liked her courage and honesty.

Recommended Reading: Daisy Jones & The Six is as absorbing as people say it is, and I cannot recommend it enough.