Young Adult Fiction: Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez

Thanks to the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards, I was able to find Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez. As you probably know, I am always on the lookout for new young adult fiction writers, so it was an easy decision to pick up this book, set in Argentina, and centered around a young girl who simply wants to be allowed to play fútbol.

The Situation: Seventeen year-old Camila Hassan has two big goals for her life, and that is to attend college in the United States, and play fútbol professionally. In her hometown of Rosario, Argentina, Camila is not the only one obsessed with the sport. In fact, her entire family revolves around it, following the sport both locally and internationally. Camila's brother, Pablo, already plays professionally for a team in Argentina, and her childhood friend, Diego, was recruited to play in Italy and has become a massive star. But while the boys were always encouraged in their pursuit of the sport, Camila has to hide her practice clothes and the uniform she wears when she plays for Eva María, a local girls team where she has earned the nickname of Furia. When she plays, she is unstoppable. In regular life, Camila is still hot-tempered and always ready for a fight, but her equally hot-tempered father keeps a watchful eye on her, while her mother encourages her to keep up with her schoolwork and stay away from boys, and neither of them understand just how badly Camila wants to follow her dreams.

The Problem: It is hard enough for Camila to hide her soccer jersey and practice clothes from her parents; leading a double life is not easy. But there is also Diego, the soccer star who has gained massive attention from his success in Italy, and who cannot help but be noticed when he comes home to visit Rosario. He and Camila had a brief moment before he left for Italy, and the two tried to stay in touch, only for the texts and messages to eventually fizzle out. Now he is back for a visit, and the two of them have picked up where they left off, which only makes everything more complicated for Camila. Now, he is another secret to keep, along with the upcoming fútbol tournament that Camila wants to play in. If she does well, she could get the attention of someone who could help her realize her dreams. Without her parents' permission however, and a good amount of money, it may not happen. And she cannot help but wonder if Diego believes in her dreams for herself as much as she does.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel set in modern day Argentina. At the center of the story is Camila, and the book is told in her voice. At the center of Camila's life is soccer, or fútbol, her family, her best friend Roxana, and Diego. Fútbol is the central life focus for many in Argentina, and while there are many talented females who wish to play, they are often not encouraged, while some are not even allowed. Camila has to sneak around, and constantly lie to her family about where she is and what she is doing. Meanwhile, her father focuses almost exclusively on managing her brother's career, living his own past glory through his son. Camila is determined to make her own way and focus on what she has always wanted, and while it is easy for her to exclude her father from the plan, there is also Diego, who has always been encouraging and supportive, but can also be a distraction. Throughout the novel, Camila will have to make choices that may benefit her, but also hurt someone she is close to. And even though she is talented, she has to fight hard to make her dream of playing soccer professionally a reality.

My Verdict: I like Camila a lot. She is a strong, fully realized character who knows what she wants and is willing to put in the work to make it happen. She does not wait for anyone to do anything for her, and knows that she has to stay focused and determined if her dreams are to come true. With that said, the overall plot of this novel is a little all over the place. And while it is never boring, it is almost too fast-paced. Things happen so quickly that I feel like crucial details are left behind, and some issues are solved too quickly. Basically, parts of the story feel rushed, while a few seem to go for a little too long. Probably what I enjoyed most are the descriptions of the actual soccer games, especially when Camila embraces La Furia fully and dominates the field. Overall, I enjoyed the book and am glad I read it, and will certainly look for more young adult books that are set in South America.

Favorite Moment: Any time Camila stepped on the field to play a game. Even when she was not playing her best, the soccer games were my favorite parts of the book.

Favorite Character: I don't often pick the main character of a book as a favorite, but this time I am. Camila has her faults - she is a teenager after all - but I like how determined she is, and it is not often she is distracted from the main goal.

Recommended Reading: I recommend On the Come Up by Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give.  

Young Adult Fiction: Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas

Lovers of The Hate U Give rejoiced when it was announced that Angie Thomas was going to write a book about Maverick Carter, father of Starr Carter, telling the story that shaped him and made him who he is. The result is Concrete Rose, set in 1998-1999, just before Starr was born. Naturally, I was excited, because Thomas does not hold back and knows how to get to the heart of a story.

The Situation: It is 1998 and 17 year-old Maverick Carter is a senior in high school looking towards graduation. He is also selling drugs for the King Lords, a local gang in which is father is a legend, earning his son the nickname of 'Li'l Don.' With the money he earns selling drugs, Maverick can help his mom, who already works two jobs just to keep the bills paid. But then Maverick gets the news that turns his world upside down: he is a father, and the mother is not his current girlfriend, Lisa. Suddenly, he has a three month-old son at home, and everything now goes to him. And the decision to stop selling drugs and work part-time at a grocery store may be the safe choice, but it means less money, and less time for studying and sleeping. He also has less time for Lisa, but she wants nothing to do with him once she learns he got another girl pregnant. As difficult as things are, Maverick is determined to make it work, until tragedy strikes and he loses someone close to him, making him wonder if any of it is worth it.

The Problem: What Maverick really wants, aside from Lisa's forgiveness, is to be out of the  King Lords for good, but getting out of a gang is not as simple as walking away. He and his best friend King were practically born into it, but with his father in jail, Maverick knows what it is like to grow up without a father, and he does not want that for his own son. But even simply stepping away from selling drugs is difficult. Sure, the loss of money is a problem - turns out babies are incredibly expensive - but he also misses his friends and being able to buy what he wants. When he loses a friend to violence, Maverick wants nothing more than to exact revenge in the way gangs are known to do. He knows he should do the right thing, and every adult he comes into contact with cannot help but lecture him about it, but Maverick has to decide for himself what it is to be a man, and what it is going to cost to live his life on his terms. 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel set during the 1998-1999 school year. At the focus is Maverick Carter, the father of Starr Carter, the heroine of The Hate U Give, which is set 16 years later. In Concrete Rose, readers not only get a look at Maverick's life in the Garden, the same neighborhood in which Starr will grow up, but they will also meet many characters that show up as adults in Starr's story. Gang life may be front and center, but so are fatherhood, manhood, friendship, family, loyalty, and revenge. Maverick feels like he is caught between two worlds, much like Starr will 16 years later, but in a different way, and with different worlds. Gang life is what he knows and what he was born into, but now that he has a son who relies on him, he knows there are only a few ways this can end, and he wants none of them. Nothing comes easy, everything is a struggle, and every decision has consequences. 

My Verdict: I applaud Thomas for going for it, for not holding back and refusing to pull punches. What happens in this book will be difficult for many to stomach, and for some to believe. And it is not simply presented in an in-your-face-way that makes it hard to read. In fact, I found it to be pretty easy to read, despite the difficult subject matter, and that is a testament to Thomas' skill as a writer and the grace with which she has formed her characters and her settings. The Garden is a tough place where it can be hard to survive, much less excel, and there are times when it seems Maverick is incapable of making anything that resembles a good decision. He is a frustrating protagonist living in a frustrating place, and many of the people he has surrounded himself with are not helping. But with every new challenge, Maverick's story stays both compelling and hopeful, and I encourage everyone to give it a try.

Favorite Moment: Any moment when Maverick interacts with his son, Seven, is a delight. Especially once he starts to get the hang of things.

Favorite Character: Maverick's mother, like most black mothers who work too hard, is not one to be messed with. Somehow, she is still both forgiving and gracious, but she also never lets Maverick off the hook. 

Recommended Reading: I imagine most readers of this book will have read The Hate U Give, so I will recommend Dear Martin by Nic Stone. 

Classic Fiction: Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami

As I continue my journey through all of the works by Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, I decided the next book I would cover is Sputnik Sweetheart, originally published in Japan in 1999, and in English in 2001. 

The Situation: The mostly unnamed narrator (only sparingly referred to as 'K'), is in love Sumire. While she does not share the same feelings, the two remain friends. In fact, K will frequently assert that Sumire is his only friend. Having met in college, K and Sumire manage to stay close even after Sumire drops out. Now, K is a teacher with the occasional girlfriend - though they are usually older and married - and Sumire is an aspiring writer. But when she meets an older woman named Miu at a wedding, Sumire has found a new focus and becomes hopelessly in love with her. Miu offers her a job, which comes with many opportunities for travel, and Sumire accepts, though she knows Miu is married. Throughout all of this, Sumire keeps K updated on the situation, usually with calls in the middle of the night. It is only after Sumire and Miu take a business trip to Europe that the calls stop, and then K loses contact with Sumire completely.

The Problem: When K receives a call from Miu about Sumire, it seems his suspicion that something may have happened has proven true. Thankfully, he is between terms at the school he teaches, and is able to fly to Greece to help Miu search for Sumire, who seems to have simply vanished. During the search, K learns more not only about his strange friend, but the lovely older woman she has fallen in love with. As the trip begins to provide more questions than answers, K is drawn into Sumire's world even more so than before. With only strange visions and dreams, and cryptic notes and messages as clues, the search for Sumire proves to be less than straightforward. Sumire was always a bit strange, but disappearing seemingly into thin air is new for even her. And without his only friend gone, K is even more hapless and confused than before.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a fiction novel set mostly in Japan, but also in Greece, which is where Sumire disappears. Published between The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, and Kafka on the Shore, this novel carries many of the marks of a Murakami novel. If we were to play Murakami Bingo, we could check off the spots for mysterious woman (Miu), ear fetish, something vanishing, cats, urban ennui, secret passageway, cooking, parallel worlds, and unusual name (Sumire). There are also several mentions of a well, but one never actually appears. The love triangle of this book reminds me of the one in Norwegian Wood, and the manifestation of the parallel world seems like a precursor to the one that will come later in 1Q84. Something else that often appears on some iterations of the Murakami Bingo card is the lost male narrator. K is both lost and listless, showing little drive or direction, and often wonders where his life is going. Part mystery, and part unrequited love story, it carries much of the same haunting energy Murakami readers have come to expect. 

My Verdict: While I appreciate the straightforward nature of this book in contrast to some of his other work, there is certainly a reason why Sputnik Sweetheart is not often mentioned among the Murakami favorites. It does not have quite the same depth as The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, or Norwegian Wood, or 1Q84, and the plot is not as cohesive, though the characters are well-rounded. It is as if organization was sacrificed in the interest of making things mysterious and slightly weird. Even so, I still found myself enjoying the book, if only because I had fun finding all of the different ways it linked up with other Murakami books. I liked seeing how it fit in with the rest, and playing Murakami Bingo is always a good time.  

Favorite Moment: Though this moment is terrifying and nightmarish, mostly because it can happen in real life, Miu's story of the time she was stuck at the top of a ferris wheel over night is incredibly compelling.

Favorite Character: Miu may be a bit cold, but she is not heartless, and she knows how to handle herself. 

Recommended Reading: Readers who enjoy this book may also enjoy Norwegian Wood, though my favorite still remains to be A Wild Sheep Chase.  

Historical Fiction: Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie

It feels like I should be thanking Half Price Books for today's selection, but with the world in the state that it is in, I do not get to make it out to my favorite book store much. So this may actually be a Goodreads find, but honestly, I cannot remember. Either way, I am talking about Fifty Words for Rain Asha Lemmie, a historical fiction novel set mostly in mid-20th century Japan. No doubt it was the intriguing premise and setting that drew me in.

The Situation: Though she is only eight, Noriko knows that she does not belong, and that she is not wanted. That point has been made twice now, the first time when her mother dropped her off at the front gates of her grandmother's house. Her grandparents then proceeded to lock her away in the attic, seemingly in an effort to forget she exists. She does not remember much about her mother, but they say she looks like her. Unfortunately, she has the darker skin of her American father. If her complexion was closer to her mother's, they could all at least attempt to pretend, but the truth is written plainly on her skin: Noriko is the result of a disgraceful affair between a Japanese woman and a black American soldier. Despite how she is treated, Noriko insists on behaving, just as her mother commanded her to do before she left. It is not until the half-brother she never knew about returns home and begins to stand up for her that she even believes she is anything worth defending. 

The Problem: Akira may be in a position to make demands for his little half-sister, but his grandmother is less than pleased about it. Noriko adores Akira, with the adoration bordering on worship, and cannot be near him enough. Her older brother is not exactly affectionate, or patient, or even kind, but he does care for Noriko and does his best to protect her. Eventually, the grandmother decides this has gone on long enough, and she makes a decision that alters the course of everything. For the next few years of her life, Noriko will learn harsh realities, while also being able to slowly uncover the truth about her parents, and her own place in her notable family's history. She will meet people who adore and love her - though she will find it difficult to accept either their adoration or their love - and of course she will meet those who despise her, or simply wish to use her for their own aims. Noriko wants more than anything to be able to trust and depend on someone, but as the years go on, it becomes clear that person does not exist, maybe not even within herself.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel that begins in 1948 when Noriko is only eight years old. Set mostly Japan, Noriko is a half Japanese, half African-American girl who is not welcome in her own home. To her grandmother, Noriko is proof of the disgraceful actions of her mother, actions that have brought shame on a once remarkable family. Since her grandmother insists on holding onto tradition and honor, she looks at Noriko's half-brother, Akira, as the savior of the family and the future of the legacy, though he is less than interested. He prefers to focus on music, and being the best at everything he does. Noriko simply wants to be near her brother, and to no longer fear for her safety. But at nearly every point in her life, just as things seem to be settling down, tragedy will strike, or a ghost of the past will come back to haunt her. Shame, guilt, honor, fear, hate - all of these play a heavy role in this story, and help influence the decisions of nearly every character.

My Verdict: This is a fascinating premise and with fully realized and complicated characters. Noriko is not simply a naive young girl growing up in a world that does not understand her. Through the years, the reader sees her grow and change, while still struggling with having been abandoned at such a young age. And the adventures are never-ending. Noriko never stays in one place or situation for very long, so the narrative is rarely boring. I do take issue with some of the plot points as they cause the story to be somewhat of a mess. Some of the twists and turns do not make much sense, and throughout the book I felt somewhat off-balance and confused. This could be because this is how Noriko was also feeling, but it takes away from the overall readability and enjoyment of the book. But again, the characters and settings are incredibly strong and well thought out.

Favorite Moment: Though it is an incredibly sad part of the book, there is a point about a quarter into the novel when I liked Noriko the best. It is a moment when she both gives up, and is also resolved to decide her own fate. For possibly the first time, she makes up her own mind and refuses to be swayed by anyone else. 

Favorite Character: I do not think that I would like Akira if I knew him in real life. However, I like him for Noriko. She needed someone who would push her and demand more of her, while also being willing to stand up for her when she could not do it herself. 

Recommended Reading: I recommend The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. It is a very different book, but it also deals with identity, fear, and navigating a world where you feel you do not belong.     

Classic Fiction: Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler

It is natural to follow-up last week's entry with Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler, the second and last of the Earthseed Books. Apparently, Butler did initially plan to make this series a trilogy, but a third book never materialized. Even so, the two books are beloved as they stand, and both show frightening similarities to our current reality.

The Situation: It has been five years since Lauren Olamina, who now only goes by her last name, settled in the community that is now known as Acorn. After her childhood home in Robledo, California was destroyed and her family was killed, Olamina was forced to take her chances on the road, dangerous though they may be. Fortunately, she and the small group of people she gathered along the way, have made it to the northern part of that state, and managed to create a peaceful, secluded community. Everyone works together, learns together, they rescue those that they can, and they commit themselves to the values of Earthseed, the belief system that Olamina thought up herself. Not everyone who finds themselves in Acorn believes in Earthseed, but most do, even if they initially are doubtful or have a lot of questions. With the core belief that God is change, Olamina leads her community through increasingly trying times.

The Problem: In the year 2032, it is once again time for an election, and a man named Jarret has won. Using political speeches that are really more like sermons, Jarret has promised to "make America great again" by ridding it of criminals, vagrants, drug dealers, and prostitutes, all through his Church of Christian America. It is people who declare that they are doing just that who one day show up in Acorn with gas and armored vehicles. Though Bankole, Olamina's husband, owns the land and has for years, the crusaders steal it, and begin to abuse both the land and the people. Once she and all of the adults of Acorn are turned into slaves, Olamina's primary goal, after survival, becomes finding her daughter, who was taken from her along with the other small children of Acorn. But to resist is suicide. Every attempt at disobedience is met with violence. And if she were to escape, how long would it be before more of Jarret's people come to capture her again? 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a science fiction book, and the follow-up to Butler's first book about Earthseed, Parable of the Sower, which has recently become quite popular, even ending up on the New York Times Bestseller list, despite having been initially published in 1993. This second book continues with the themes of the first book, focusing on political corruption, the disintegration of society, the increasing separation between classes, and violence as an everyday reality. Something else that continues is Olamina's commitment to Earthseed, especially as she sees the community of Acorn grow and involve. Every new person that is brought into Acorn is introduced to the belief system, though they are not forced to believe in it. And while the first book was only told by Olamina's point of view, this time the readers are treated to Asha Vere's story, Olamina and Bankole's only child. Trading off between her own words, and the journal of the mother she did not grow up with, we see the conclusion to Olamina's terrifying but incredible adventure.

My Verdict: While this book is also an adventure, much like the first one, it is a different kind of adventure. Olamina is an adult now, and the difference in the maturity level is certainly felt in the narrative. She was always stubborn, and she was always committed to Earthseed. But now, the woman is a force, and it feels like Butler gives the reader the opportunity to decide whether they like her or not. Naturally, having her daughter as the second narrator also gives the book a different feel, and her feelings help shape this new version of Olamina that we are given. The story is still interesting, and it still feels weird to read about a version of America that was written about in the 90s, set in our not-so-distance future (2032-2035), and has some eerie similarities to what we are dealing with today. If there was one word I would use to describe this book, it would be "uncomfortable."

Favorite Moment: From the beginning, Asha lets the reader know how she feels about her mother, and that only fuels the reader's curiosity about Olamina and what she will accomplish. 

Favorite Character: Just like I did with the first book, I will have to pick Bankole, if only because he is realistic and has the safety of his family in mind.

Recommended Reading: I recommend The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, as I found myself thinking of it at certain points while I was reading this one.