Historical Fiction: James by Percival Everett

Credit to Goodreads for alerting me to James by Percival Everett when it was featured in the new releases section back in March. And then I saw it several other places, with plenty of praise and positive reviews. I was hesitant to go for a reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain due to my own complicated feelings about that book, but clearly I moved past it decided to read it.

The Situation: Jim lives as a slave in Missouri, working for Miss Watson, where he also lives with his wife and daughter. When he overhears of a plan to be sold and separated from his family, he decides to take the risk of escaping on his own. When Huckleberry Finn, a young white boy in Miss Watson's care, decides to also run away and fakes his own death in order to avoid his abusive father, Jim finds himself with an unlikely, and somewhat troublesome, companion and partner. Jim cares for Huck and wants to keep him safe, but also knows that a dead white boy and a missing slave will make people assume the worst. But the unlikely pair set out down the Mississippi River, hoping to reach the Free States.

The Problem: Traveling down the Mississippi River is dangerous for many reasons. The water is treacherous, and travelers cannot risk being too visible. No one will believe that Jim is Huck's slave, since the young boy is still a minor, and Jim could easily be recaptured, sold by an enterprising stranger, or simply killed. The two of them come up against their share of troubles, including bad weather, snakes, the constant search for food, as well as other wanderers who do not have the same goal of wanting to set Jim free. And if that was not enough to deal with, Jim must constantly be sure to hide just how intelligent he really is, as well as what he knows about Huck.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel that is a reimagining of the Mark Twain classic Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but told from Jim's point of view. From the plot summary, it is pretty clear that the main story is more or less the same: Jim runs away, and Huck fakes his own death to get away from his father. Together, they make a trip down the Mississippi River that is full of adventures and mishaps. This story not only highlights Jim's intelligence, but also just how much those who are not slaves do not know or understand. The same intelligence and compassion that Jim must rely on in order to survive must also often be hidden, even from the little boy Jim has decided to protect.

My Verdict: I imagine that retellings and reimaginings are difficult to do, especially of incredibly well-known literary works of which almost everyone in the U.S. knows the general story, and many were assigned to read at some point (whether they actually read it is a different issue entirely). And this is not simply the original story, but told from Jim's point of view. The Jim in this book makes decisions, is incredibly intelligent, and must use what he knows to be true in order to survive this adventure. It is important for Jim to abide by certain rules from society in order to survive, but there are other rules - rules that he is attempting to teach his daughter - that slaves keep that others know nothing about. The sharp observations, wit, and dark humor set this book apart, and it also incredibly easy to read, despite its subject matter.   

Favorite Moment: *spoiler alert (sort of)* The moment near the end of the book when I realized my least favorite part of Twain's novel has been left out. Readers will know it when they get to it...

Favorite Character: Just as with the original novel, I pick Huck. He has his faults, and is after all only a little boy who loves adventure. But he is loyal to those he sees as his friends, and often is smarter than many of the adults he encounters.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Tiffany D. Jackson's The Weight of Blood, a retelling of Stephen King's Carrie. 

Historical Fiction: Babel by R.F. Kuang

Deciding to put an actual door stop (a book that is 500 pages or longer) on the schedule takes a little more planning and forethought than when I pick a shorter novel. For a brief moment, I considered simply reading R.F. Kuang's Babel without writing about it. But because it is so long, I imagine there are many readers who are curious about it, but do not want to make the commitment to finishing it. So perhaps I can help a few people in this decision and shed a little more light on a book that has garnered so much attention and won many awards since its publication in 2022.

The Situation: Robin Swift can hardly believe the turn his life has taken. It is 1828, and he has escaped an almost certain death by cholera in his home city of Canton in China. The man responsible from pulling him from a home filled with sickness and death is Professor Lovell, an instructor at Oxford University's Royal Institute of Translation, otherwise known as Babel, where Robin will eventually enroll and train for a hopefully bright future and career. After years of training, and intense focus on Latin, Greek, and Chinese specifically, the goal is for Robin to be employed at the top of the tower, where the silver-working takes place, a practice that has helped Britain become the powerhouse that it is.

The Problem: Robin knows he should be grateful. If he is not reminding himself of how fortunate and privileged he is, especially considering where he came from, there are plenty around him who are happy to do so. Though it is clear that the art of silver-working has aided Britain's ultimate goal of colonization, Robin does his best to look the other way, and rationalize to himself that he is only attempting to survive and secure his own future. But the more he sees, and the more time he spends at Oxford, and the more time he spends with Professor Lovell, the clearer it becomes that using his gifts for language to serve Britain also means betraying where he came from. And when a war is planned against China over silver, Robin decides to take action, unsure if violence will be needed, or perhaps even required. 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction and fantasy novel set primarily in early 19th century England. While Oxford University is of course very real, the Royal Institute of Translation is not, and there is no tower resembling the one in this book on its campus. The name 'Babel' is referring to the biblical story from Genesis where the people attempted to build a tower to reach the heavens, but God stopped them from doing so by confusing the languages. In Kuang's book, Robin is brought from his home in Canton (now known as Guangzhou) and is a useful recruit for Babel because he is fluent in Mandarin. The novel deals with colonization, racism, classism, greed, and the power of language and words.

My Verdict: This book is not only for historical fantasy lovers, but also for anyone who proclaims to be a word nerd like myself. Everything is about translation, and the power that comes from being able to communicate and make sense of words. But of course, there are also the bigger issues at hand, such as the reasons why Babel is so interested in languages such as Mandarin, Arabic, and French Creole. Kuang has created a world where an institute like Babel not only exists, but is important because translation allows silver to power an entire nation (and help it take over the world). It is a fascinating take on the idea of words having power and carrying incredible meaning.

Favorite Moment: I appreciated the honest descriptions of life for college students, especially during a high-stakes exams seasoning, and just how on edge students can get. 

Favorite Character: Victoire is a French Haitian student who is part of Robin's cohort. She is tough and smart, and incredibly resilient, despite the daily discrimination she faces at Oxford, and the frustrating discussions she must have with her naive and privileged roommate, Letty.   

Recommended Reading: Kuang's Yellowface is another novel that explores uncomfortable topics, while also examining the often lonely experience of being an author. 

Nonfiction: If You See Them by Vicki Sokolik

So far, 2024 is turning out to be a year of great nonfiction, which is kind of a double-edged sword. Having plenty to choose from in any category is a great thing, but it also means hard decisions have to be made on which books to actually pick up and read. Vicki Sokolik's If You See Them: Young, Unhoused, and Alone in America focuses on the often overlooked population of "unaccompanied homeless youth," which is a policy term that most do not even know about unless they work in human services. Sokolik presents the reader with stories from the forgotten and often invisible, in an attempt to give them a voice.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book that takes a look at the subset of the homeless population that is referred to as "unaccompanied homeless youth." Sokolik has compiled and presented personal stories of her own encounters with individuals who are often simply believed to be "runaways." There are many ways the current system has put barriers in place that hinder these kids from thriving, and this book highlights them, while also presenting personal stories of real kids who were given this label. People assume that there are already policies and procedures in place to take care of this population, but often these kids cannot be returned to their home and/or families because the situation is unsafe, while also falling outside of the foster care system. As the founder and CEO of Start Right, Now (SRN) in Tampa, Florida, Sokolik has personally worked with these kids to find them a safe place to live, make sure they attend (and finish) school, and ensure that many of them attend college. 

My Verdict: Informative, insightful, well-written, and honest, If You See Them is a must-read for anyone who works with children, as well as young adults. The population that Sokolik works with is so often unseen and overlooked, I am sure that many people reading this have encountered an unaccompanied homeless youth and had no idea, but will recognize some of the indicators mentioned in this book. It is a personal story, detailing how Sokolik came to be in her position, full of general guidelines and information, while also giving personal accounts from some of the people that Sokolik has worked with over the years. Often hard to read, but just as hard to put down, this book will surprise many, with its invaluable information and heart-wrenching stories.

Favorite Moment: Many of the kids Sokolik encounters are (understandably) angry, and more than a little combative. However, she is not afraid to confront them, tell them the truth, and consider pursuing them in the hope they become receptive to SRN's help and assistance. 

Recommended Reading: Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond is another book that confronts an issue that is often ignored in this country. 

Science Fiction: The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard

The rules of time travel are tricky, and the idea of being able to visit your own town either 20 years in the future, or 20 years in the past, is incredibly interesting. That is the exact premise behind Scott Alexander Howard's The Other Valley. Of course, not only is time travel tricky, but it can be dangerous, so precautions must be taken.

The Situation: Sixteen year-old Odile is somewhat of an outsider at school. Her one close friend has moved away, and she was never outgoing or popular. Despite this, she manages to secure a spot as a potential candidate for the Conseil, the governing body that decides who is allowed to cross into the town from either the east of the west. On the former side is the same town, but 20 years into the future. On the latter, the same town 20 years in the past. People may apply to visit in either direction, usually to view a loved one, though they may not contact them. Even before becoming one of the students competing for a seat on the Counseil, Odile knew there were serious rules and risks surrounding these visits, but it all becomes very real when she spots a visiting party from the east, and recognizes who they are.

The Problem: When Odile recognizes the visitors as the parents of one of her classmates, that can only mean one thing: The boy is about to die. With this knowledge, Odile gathers up the courage to befriend Edme, and ends up as the fifth member in his small group of friends. She may have taken the necessary precautions after recognizing the viewing party, even being sure to report what she saw to the right people, but that does not mean the danger is over. Edme is smart, fun to be around, and the two become closer, as does the fateful day. At 16, Odile knows that whatever she does will affect 36 year-old Odile in the east, but despite the danger, she cannot help but wonder if there is any way to change the future.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a science fiction novel, set in a town where to the east of a heavily guarded border is the same town 20 years in the future. On the west, beyond another heavily guarded border, is the town 20 years into the past. Visitors are allowed from either side, but applications that are submitted to do so are carefully considered, and rarely approved. Like many novels about time travel, the books asks the readers if they would like to know what the future is like. And if they so, and they did not like what they saw, would they try to change it? Plus, there is the added complication that actions taken now may only make things worse, instead of better. 

My Verdict: As someone who gets easily confused when attempting to read a book, or even watch a movie, about time travel, I found this story to be fairly easy to follow, as well as pretty fascinating. Imagine living in a place where to the east and west are the exact same realities, but 20 years apart from your own. As with many science fiction and speculative books, the often enticing idea of either knowing the future, or being able to go back to the past, comes with a fair amount of warnings, and the precautionary tales presented in this book are well thought-out, thought-provoking, and take the reader on an unusual and unpredictable journey. 

Favorite Moment: Odile proves to be incredibly adept and discerning when it comes to her training for the Counseil. Despite any nerves and misgivings, her arguments are clear, concise, and often impressive.

Favorite Character: The characters in this book, especially the adults, are often serious, somewhat sever, and intense. The stakes are high for those who deal with making the decision concerning visitors. And same can be said for those that guard the borders. I did like Madame Ivret and her direct manner of talking to Odile, despite the fact that it is clear she may be withholding vital information. But if she is, it is because it is her job, and she believes it to be for the greater good.

Recommended Reading: I recommend 1984 by George Orwell. It is a very different book, but this story gave me the same sense of disorientation, as well as a similar feeling of not truly knowing if what the characters were doing was in fact the best course of action.

Contemporary Fiction: Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

Convincing myself to read a book about a small independent bookshop that also serves coffee was beyond easy. For whatever reason, I did not initially plan to read Hwang Bo-Reum's Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop. But a second glance at the synopsis changed my mind, as well as the realization that every other story I write includes either a bookstore, or a coffee shop, or a combination bookstore and coffee shop that the main character likes to visit. It is a favorite setting of mine, and I was excited to see what this book had to offer.

The Situation: When Yeongju opened a bookshop in the heart of Seoul, she was essentially starting over. She had done the things she had always believed she was supposed to do, including marriage and a great job, but now she was doing something she wanted to do. The early days are full of despair and worry, mostly over whether she has made a mistake, and whether the bookshop will last beyond a year. Soon, she hires a barista, a young man named Minjun, who also seemingly did everything he was supposed to in order to have a successful life, but it had not worked out as planned for him either. Yeongju makes it clear that the position is most likely temporary as the bookshop may not survive. But the two of them put in their best effort to make the bookshop work.

The Problem: As the months go by, the bookshop enjoys steady business, and gains loyal customers. Through Yeongju's social media efforts, and the work she puts into making thoughtful recommendations, while also providing engaging events, potential customers manage to find the small bookshop. Soon, Yeongju's small social circle includes Jimi, the unhappily married coffee roaster; Mincheol, the aimless student; and Jungsuh, the burned out contract worker who uses the bookshop as a place to knit. They have all found comfort and solace at a bookshop that could easily close should the market go south. And while Yeongju is finding satisfaction in the work she is doing, she may be too distracted to recognize and embrace another potential opportunity for the happiness she seeks.

Genre, Themes, History: This novel is set in Seoul, South Korea, and was originally published in January of 2022. Now translated in English, the book has gained attention for its heartwarming approach and endearing characters. Several characters within the book mention work, as well as burnout, and the idea of finding joy and satisfaction in an everyday job. Some of them are burned out; some lament not being able to find work; and others have managed to find a suitable day job, while also pursuing a hobby they love. Another reoccurring theme is the idea of starting over, and what that may mean in different situations, and why it can be so scary.

My Verdict: The word 'heartwarming' appears in two different locations on the book jacket, and it is certainly an accurate description. While there is some light conflict present in the book, as well as a few tense moments (though barely), the overall focus of the story is on the characters and how they came to be part of the group surrounding Yeongju and the bookshop, and what they are looking for in life. It is a simple look at the everyday workings of an independent bookshop, but it is far from boring. Starting right in the middle, the reader is introduced to intriguing characters that clearly have a backstory, but the details are not given right away. And with every new introduction, the potential for more insight and intriguing conversations about life increases, until the reader is presented with an ending that is rewarding and moving.

Favorite Moment: I enjoyed the insight into how Yeongju decided to make book recommendations to individual people. This is often something I struggle with, particularly when asked by people I do not know well.

Favorite Character: Minjun, the bookshop's barista, is a bit aimless at the start, and does not at all expect to hold the job at the shop for more than a few months. But he slowly finds his place, not only in the bookshop, but in the small circle of regulars, and even begins to take his job seriously.

Recommended Reading: I am honestly at a bit of a loss on this one. I suppose will go ahead and recommend pretty much anything by Haruki Murakami, who will have his latest book translated into English and published later this year.