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| I couldn't put it down. I am still talking to anyone and everyone about it. Whether you're familiar with Jim from Huck Finn, or not, knowing James will change you. Everett's newest novel is thoroughly engaging, compelling and a deeply important lesson in perspective. |
This year, I aimed to read mostly memoirs and piggyback off the perseverance of others. Survivor stories boosted my grit, but nonfiction steered me to fiction too. Two fiction titles became all time favourites: James & The Nickel Boys. Likely soon to be/already banned from schools and libraries by idiots, I encourage you to read them in 2025.
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| I cried through the last chapter. Reminded me of Canada's residential schools history, and how systemic anti-Black racism continues to reverberate. Illustrates oppression & depression so so accurately. It made me wonder how MLK Jr. would respond to Elwood's plight and resolve. I can't wait to see the film. |
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| Genre-defying. Is it horror? Mystery? Magic Realism? Talk about an unreliable narrator. It's cryptic, and unsettling, but if you've ever felt woefully obligated and overwhelmed by other's privileged expectations, narcissism, or ridiculous needs, you might recognize this anti-hero. |
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| It's been on my list since it won Canada Reads in 2019. At first, it's not much different than many other gripping holocaust survivor horror-memoirs, but eventually, Eisen was dumped in a hospital and what happens there underscores both injustice and resistance in surprising ways. |
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| Doesn't everyone periodically hide in the room where all the coats are at a party? Or perhaps the bathroom at work? Got social anxiety? Are you an introvert (or love one)? This graphic self- help book (?) is like deep breathing. Joe Pera, a comedian unlike any other I've witnessed, brings the awkward to every situation, and makes me laugh out loud. |
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| And just one more: plucky Matilda. I hope you're familiar with Harry Style's song Matilda. Dedicated to truly seeing, acknowledging, and respecting a friend's childhood trauma, this warm song invites healing and so does this book, as it models to readers that you "don't have to be sorry for leaving" your toxic family and making a better one for yourself. |
6 comments:
A worthy and impressive list! I have read "Huck Finn" several times. Now I simply must read "James" -- thanks for bringing it to my attention! I'm off to order the e-book of it right now!
Codex: Books have accompanied me throughout my life. Thankfully I did not experience abuse growing up. Putting others down for whatever reason was not tolerated in our household. Reading about it is exceptionally difficult for me and yet it continues to happen.
The people that need to read these books the most will never do so.
I devoured any science fiction. I'd recommend Jumper to any young teen. A kid develops the ability to teleport away into the library to escape his abusive father. The book teaches ethics and morals to the young. A librarian told me that it was banned because of its two page description of the abuse!!! Banned. In the 90s.
But institutions that perpetrate continue and are not "banned".
Thank you for the recommendations
You read well. I mostly read mysteries. I must say, however, I consider the best ones very good art.
I want to read more books in 2025. Thanks for the recommendations.
Interesting and eclectic selection of books. I've only read Matilda.
I’ve only read Matilda… but have considered James, although I don’t quite feel ready for it. A sombre thought about books being banned.
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