Lock and West

Verdict

Lock and West is a book I may read again if I want to once again witness the growth of Lachlan, or Lock and/or be aware again of the issues that are commonly faced by the younger LGBTQ+ community. The story was definitely packed with a lot of elements, which can be a bit overwhelming at times. But, nevertheless, I find this a good quick read. Rarely do I find myself having difficulty sleeping because I was itching to find out what happens next.

Note to self: You matter. Don’t let yourself tell you otherwise.

Not sure how much I would recommend this though as I feel it will be highly dependent on the reader’s profile and there are some sensitive topics included in it.

The Keeper of Lost Things: A Novel

Verdict

The Keeper of Lost Things is a book I may read again.  I think this novel would be great the 2nd time around, especially as the reader becomes more aware of the subtleties within the story.  It is also hard not to cheer for the characters in this book as they navigate their lives.  Different relationships were explored throughout the story and it was interesting navigating how each of these unfolded.

This book once again exposed my usual struggle with two different timelines with different set of characters.  I always find it hard to follow, especially if the set of characters introduced at the onset is already composed of a number of people.  Nevertheless, once I settled in on the characters, this was really an enjoyable book.  A light read with bits of magical realism.

My favorite quote from this book was:

Don’t keep punishing yourself for things you did then, but don’t use them as an excuse either. You have a chance now to make a really good life. Grab it by the balls and get on with it.”

American Street

Verdict

American Street is a book I may read again.  I actually liked reading this book.  It is a well-written coming-of-age story with tidbits about Haitian culture, romance, family and magical realism.  I would consider this a page-turner as I ended up breezing through the book as I was curious how things will conclude and be wrapped up.  However, what held me up from tagging it as a definite “will read again” was the weight of the topics involved.

Nevertheless, this is definitely a recommended read and a great debut novel for the author.

Tuesdays with Morrie

Verdict

This is a book I will read again simply because this for me is the kind of book that resonates differently depending on what you are going through as a reader.  I would like to think its impact is different depending on what age you read it.  It is also just a short read but packed with valuable insights on life, love and the world in general.

Though I do not subscribe to everything written in it, there is always something to pick up every time I read it. Definitely a recommended read.

Walk Two Moons

Verdict

Walk Two Moons is a book I may read again simply because I loved how well it was written and how the characters in the story interacted with each other. The message of this book, for me, was also delivered well, especially with how the narrative was wrapped up.

My main issue here was Phoebe Winterbottom, Salamanca’s friend, as she can be quite insufferable, particularly in some stretches of the story. But, I guess it was needed to deliver the message to me… “Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked two moons in his moccasins.”

This is a recommended read.

I am the Messenger

Verdict

I am the Messenger is a book I will not read again. Though it was a ride getting to its conclusion, I had trouble connecting with the main character, which for me is an important element to thoroughly enjoy the story.

Nevertheless, it is a book that shows the various complexities of caring, including the apparent simplicity or complexity of it or the proximity to persons involved – friends to total strangers. There were heartwarming bites in the narrative; but, for me, the reveal in the end was a bit underwhelming. Yet, the message from this book is clear:

If a guy like you can stand up and do what you did, then maybe everyone can. Maybe everyone can live beyond what they’re capable of.

You will root somehow for Ed in the end, especially once you see how the journey with the cards has changed him.

Book description

From Amazon webpage –

Ed Kennedy is an underage cabdriver without much of a future. He’s pathetic at playing cards, hopelessly in love with his best friend, Audrey, and utterly devoted to his coffee-drinking dog, the Doorman. His life is one of peaceful routine and incompetence until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery.

That’s when the first ace arrives in the mail. That’s when Ed becomes the messenger. Chosen to care, he makes his way through town helping and hurting (when necessary) until only one question remains: Who’s behind Ed’s mission?

The Hate U Give

Verdict

And to every kid in Georgetown and in all “the Gardens” of the world: your voices matter, your dreams matter, your lives matter. Be roses that grow in the concrete.

The Hate U Give is a book I will read again given the strength and uniqueness of its voice. It covered a lot of difficult topics – racism, police violence, drugs, gangs and interracial relationships. It provided a narrative that gives various points for discussion.

In the middle of it is a teenager finding her voice given the crossroad of worlds she is in. It was an emotional journey as she copes with the loss of her friend and the injustice that surrounds it all.

This is a recommended read.

Pax

Verdict

Pax is a book I will read again. I was amazed with how this book approached difficult topics, such as general effects of war, parental issues, and effects of being away from natural habitat (for Pax). I thought I was reading a children’s book (or maybe I was) but I definitely got more than what I was expecting. A nice kind of surprise, definitely.

It is a recommended read, especially for parents who may be having a hard time discussing war and its consequences to their children. Though, some scenes may be avoided when reading it to kids (clue: mine field).

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

Verdict

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto is a book I will not read again. I say this even if I loved the book and would categorize this as a recommended reading because of the heaviness I felt in reading it. I appreciated the experience of reading it and knowing the fictional Frankie Presto; but, I rarely re-read books that I find emotionally heavy. Nonetheless, it is a well written and well researched books and, for me, was able to convey a lot of loss and pain. Though there is somehow a redemption in the end, I genuinely still felt sad for Frankie Presto.

Interpreter of Maladies

Verdict

Interpreter of Maladies is a book I will not read again since I have read it twice already and the stories left me wanting more. For the latter point, I knew it was a collection of short stories so the idea of being left wanting more, I guess, was expected.

Nevertheless, this book is recommended as the stories were well written and able to provide a different perspective on human experiences. Though told from the point of view of Indians, it can resonate to all human experiences from my point of view.