American Housewife

 Book 21 of my 2021 Reading Challenge

American Housewife

by Helen Ellis

Summary (via the book jacket)

published 2016

Meet the women of American Housewife: they wear lipstick, pearls, and sunscreen, even when it's cloudy. They casserole. They pinwheel. They pump the salad spinner like it's a CPR dummy. And then they kill a party crasher, carefully stepping around the body to pull cookies from the oven.

These twelve irresistible stories take us from a haunted prewar Manhattan apartment building to the unique initiation ritual of a book club. From the getaway car of a pageant princess on the lam to the joyful Sunday-night poker game of a middle-aged woman with no cash, no kids, and time on her hands.

Vicious, fresh, and nutty as a poisoned Goo Goo Cluster, American Housewife is an uproarious, pointed commentary on womanhood.

First Impressions/Judging a Book by Its Cover

I added this book to my 'to-read' shelf on Goodreads in 2016 and I have no memory of what drew me to it at that time.  The reason I'm reading it now is because of random selection on Goodreads.  When reserving books from the local library, I clicked a page in the middle of my 'to-read' list and if my library owned a copy, I got it.  I like to do that so I'm not always reading the newest additions, especially during this time when I'm relying on the online catalog instead of in-person browsing.

The cover art looks like something that would've caught my eye if I'd been browsing and the description of stories seem like an unique take on the stereotype of the housewife.  

My Opinion

5 stars

Wow, this was the right book at the right time for me!  As I mentioned above, I had no clear reason for choosing it now but I'm so glad I did because it was just what I needed.  I immediately recommended it to a like-minded friend and she's already told me she's enjoying the audiobook version.

I have notes on all of the stories but I don't think I'm going to divide it by section because even though the stories were incredibly varied, my feelings were pretty much the same.  Even though there were some I didn't enjoy as much as others, there were no "clunkers" to me.  They were unpredictable and macabre. 

I think part of the creepiness comes from the mundaneness.  Some of these characters were completely sociopathic or even psychopathic with the matter-of-factness they had in these bizarre situations.  All of the stories were either written in the first person or presented from only one person's perspective so that added to the tone; it's hard to explain because I don't want to spoil any of the twists but it had a flatness or monotone that felt like someone was talking about any regular day when they were in fact describing something incredibly unusual.  Especially since most if not all the characters were women, it really added to the element of using stereotypes to get away with something (housewives are always underestimated).

I'm raving about it but this isn't a blanket recommendation because it will only appeal to a certain audience.  If you're looking for a little escape and don't mind reading something unsettling (not gory), give this a try.  

A Few Quotes from the Book

"I fix myself a hot chocolate because it is a gateway drug to reading."

"If someone moves to make room for you, take up more room."

"If you stand in a kitchen long enough, someone will feed you."

The Spellmans Strike Again

 Book 20 of my 2021 Reading Challenge

The Spellmans Strike Again

by Lisa Lutz

Summary (via the book jacket)

book 4 of The Spellmans series

published 2010

At the ripe old age of thirty-two, former wild child Isabel "Izzy" Spellman has finally agreed to take over the family business. And the transition won't be a smooth one.

First among her priorities as head of Spellman Investigations is to dig up some dirt on the competition, slippery ex-cop Rick Harkey - a task she may enjoy a little too much. Next, faced with a baffling missing-persons case at the home of an aging millionaire, Izzy hires an actor friend, Len, to infiltrate the mansion as an undercover butler - a role he may enjoy a little too much.

Meanwhile, Izzy is being blackmailed by her mother (photographic evidence of Prom Night 1994) to commit to regular blind dates with promising professionals - an arrangement that doesn't thrill Connor, an Irish bartender on the brink of becoming Ex-boyfriend #12.

At Spellman headquarters, it's business as unusual. Doorknobs and light fixtures are disappearing every day, Mom's been spotted crying in the pantry, and a series of increasingly demanding Spellman Rules (#27: No Speaking Today) can't quite hold the family together. Izzy also has to decipher weekly "phone calls from the edge" from her octogenarian lawyer, Morty, as well as Detective Henry Stone's mysterious interest in rekindling their relationsh...well, whatever it was.

Just when it looks like things can't go more haywire, little sister Rae's internship researching pro bono legal cases leads the youngest Spellman to launch a grassroots campaign that could spring an innocent man from jail - or land Rae in it.

First Impressions/Judging a Book by Its Cover

I've already read this book so I don't have a first impression.  The cover is nice and bright and would've grabbed my attention even if I hadn't been looking for it.

My Opinion

4 stars

This is a re-read although I must have read it pre-Goodreads because I haven't rated/reviewed it before.  I don't re-read books often but I decided to visit this series again during the pandemic for two main reasons.  First, this series is my standard go-to when someone whose reading preferences are unknown to me asks for a recommendation so I wanted to see if the recommendation still holds up.  Second, I haven't had a lot of focus so it's nice to have something dependable to read that I know I will enjoy without a lot of stress (even though this is a re-read, I'm not great with details so I'm not sure exactly what's going to happen).  

I dropped a star because of the phrase, "I keep forgetting you're a cultural retard" in response to Izzy not getting a movie reference.  The 'r' word is something I'd notice no matter what but I'm penalizing the read because it felt especially out of place and unnecessary.  The phrase doesn't make sense as a comment and it also doesn't make sense based on the characters (even if it's never right, sometimes it's at least understandable because person is old, bigoted, being intentionally hurtful, etc. etc.).  I may not typically drop a star for one use of the word but when the rating was going to be 5 stars, I can't say it was amazing and perfect when this glaring moment took me out of the story.

The mystery was good but the life stuff is why I'm here and there was a lot of it for multiple characters.  The storylines moved along for pretty much everyone and if you're someone who has been reading since the beginning, this book is the one that settles a lot of questions (whether they stay settled remains to be seen).

A Few Quotes from the Book

"I suppose the most defining characteristic of my family is that we take our work home with us. If your family's job is investigating other people, you inevitably investigate each other. This single trait has been our primary point of conflict for most of my life."

"We can make small talk," Henry suggested. "You need to practice that anyway."

"How's it hanging?" I said, practicing.

"You've never said that before in your life."

"Since we're practicing, I thought I'd give it a whirl."

"Make that its last whirl."

"Agreed."

Into the Black

 Book 19 of my 2021 Reading Challenge

Into the Black

by Rowland White

Summary (via the book jacket)

published 2016

Bestselling author and aviation expert Rowland White unearths the dramatic story of Space Shuttle Columbia's maiden voyage using recently declassified material, NASA oral histories, and interviews.

Columbia was the world's first real spaceship: a winged rocket plane, the size of an airliner and capable of flying to space and back before preparing to fly again. On board were moonwalker John Young and test pilot Bob Crippen. Less than an hour after Young and Crippen's spectacular departure from Cape Canaveral, all was not well. Tiles designed to protect the ship from the blowtorch burn of reentry were missing from the heat shield. If the damage to Columbia was too great, the astronauts wouldn't be able to return safely to Earth. NASA turned to the National Reconnaissance Office, a spy agency hidden deep inside the Pentagon whose very existence was classified. To help the shuttle, the NRO would attempt something never done before. The full details of this mission can only now be shared. 

First Impressions/Judging a Book by Its Cover

I picked this book from Book Outlet when browsing online.  I like books about space but my husband is especially interested so this was an "I got this with you in mind but I might as well read it since it's in the house" purchase.  Most of what I've read has either been about the beginnings of space exploration/the Apollo flights or personal memoirs of individual astronauts so this topic (the first flight of Columbia) will be entirely new to me.

The book is heftier to hold than I thought it would be.  There are multiple pictures included.

My Opinion

4 stars

There were three different sections of photos, diagrams, etc. which added a lot to the information provided.  Space travel is inspiring and it really is remarkable how many things have to align, especially at a time when NASA was relying on human calculations.  It's easy to get lost in the technical descriptions but it's important to take a moment to reflect on how the ingenuity, bravery, curiosity, and passion of so many people made the seemingly impossible possible.  

The overlap/competition between the Air Force and NASA is too bad in hindsight...I wonder how much more could've been accomplished if the resources (both financial and manpower) had been combined from the start.  It's also a testament to people's commitment that when the two departments did eventually start working together, they were able to overcome the natural resentment and mistrust for the good of the nation.

Looking at my impressions before reading, I was correct that the majority of the missions, people, and information were brand new to me.  Since the new/declassified information was a part of the description and I knew I wouldn't be a good gauge for that claim, I also asked my husband and my mom if they had ever heard of the Air Force's involvement in space travel.  My husband has always had a huge interest in space (including starting college as an aerospace engineering major) and my mom is a huge reader who seems to know a little bit about everything so when both of them were just as surprised as I was, I knew this was truly new or not widely known information.

Even though I knew they would make it back, it was still tense reading about the changes they had to make on the fly (haha, unintentional pun).  I guess it's similar to watching "Apollo 13" - you can't help but get wrapped up in the human emotions even though you know it's going to work out in the end.

No Blanks, No Pauses

 Book 18 of my 2021 Reading Challenge

No Blanks, No Pauses

by Shelly McNamara

Summary (via NetGalley)

published 2021

Born the youngest of fifteen siblings in Lakewood, Ohio, Shelly McNamara began writing as a child to explore her inner self and make sense of the world around her. From the grief of losing close friends and family, the pain of estrangement and rejection, and a deep desire to make the world a more respectful, loving, and inclusive place, Shelly wrote poetry and stories of hope and strength. Writing helped her embrace her own identity while she waited for the world to recognize her lifelong commitment to the woman she loves and the family they built together. As the Chief Equality & Inclusion Officer at Procter & Gamble, one of the world's most admired companies, Shelly has used her powerful insights and compassion to elevate the consciousness and connection of people from around the globe. Now, for the first time, Shelly is bringing her poetry and powerful stories to us all.
No Blanks, No Pauses is an exploration of one woman's journey to live a full and authentic life that holds lessons for each of us. Shelly has written her way through adversity and heartbreak to discover that dreams are worth pursuing, injustice is worth challenging, and peace and fairness are what matter most. This book's mixture of memoir, poetry, and insightful questions draws us in and gives us confidence that we, too, can heal, connect, and love more expansively than we ever thought possible. 

First Impressions/Judging a Book by Its Cover

I chose this book on NetGalley (full disclaimer below).  The cover caught my interest because the photo of the house has an old-timey blurry feel and the description, a combination of memoir and poetry written by the youngest of 15 children, sounded interesting and unique.

My Opinion

5 stars

**I received an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley and would like to thank the author and/or publisher for the opportunity to read and honestly review it.**

This was definitely the right book at the right time for me.  I don't have a lot of focus or tolerance for suspense at the moment which is why I've been reading a lot of short stories and poetry.  This book was a good length with enough depth to keep it interesting but also a touch of "chicken soup for the soul" in how things work out.  

There were questions at the end of each story that acted as built-in reminders to stop and sit with the reactions for a minute.  It's a book of reflection if you want it to be but it's not forced down your throat if you don't.  It also isn't a religious book...she talks about her faith in the scope of her life but not as an end-all, be-all answer to everything.

She made a really interesting point about remaining in the closet.  She said staying closeted because you're concerned about their reaction/judgement is also a form of judgement because you're assuming how someone will react without giving them a chance.  She doesn't present it in a "Pollyanna" kind of way because we all know the world we live in and there are serious issues that could prevent someone coming out but more as something to think about if the reason is more fear-based than safety-based.

Can Everyone Please Calm Down?

 Book 17 of my 2021 Reading Challenge

Can Everyone Please Calm Down? A Guide to 21st Century Sexuality

by Mae Martin

Summary (via the book jacket)

published 2019

Why do we find sexuality so, well...scary?

Comedian Mae Martin investigates in this hilarious and intelligent guide to 21st century sexuality. Covering everything from the pros and cons of labels, to coming out and the joys of sexual fluidity, Mae ponders all the stuff we get hung up about - and then a bit more.

Mae's mission is to ensure that in a world that's full of things to worry about, who we choose to kiss should not be one of them. And when it comes to sexuality, she asks:

Can Everyone Please Calm Down?

First Impressions/Judging a Book by Its Cover

I like Mae Martin's standup comedy and I also liked watching her show "Feel Good" on Netflix.  I'm not sure if I heard about this book from her Instagram page or somewhere else but it was definitely her name recognition that led to me to adding this book to my Christmas list.

The cover art of all capital letters for the title with the "CALM DOWN" part in extra large font with neon sign style and coloring (especially the obnoxiously bright yellow CALM) made me laugh and my instinct is to yell back, "I AM CALM!!!"  As far as the subject of the book, it's an evolving topic.  I'm not sure exactly if it will be her opinion/anecdotal, research, or a mix of both but flipping through it, it looks accessible with short chapters and different graphic design elements mixed in with the text.

My Opinion

4 stars

As the author mentions many times, this is not to be taken as canon.  Historical accuracy is difficult for anyone because erasure and closeted behavior leaves mainly rumors and coded behavior to decipher but she acknowledges that even though she did research, this isn't meant to be a textbook source of non-fiction.  Along those lines, you don't necessarily need to know who Mae Martin is to read this but at the same time, a point of reference wouldn't hurt since her opinions and viewpoint are shaped by her experiences (for example, knowing what she looks like would add to her story about being mistaken for a lesbian and a young man at different points of the same evening).

The book isn't new or groundbreaking but in a way that's kind of the point.  Not every experience a queer person has needs to be framed as QUEER FIRST AND FOREMOST and everything else secondary.  There is no justification or need to prove the existence of LGBTQ, she just jumps in with the baseline that all types of sexuality are valid and moves on to the more interesting aspects of human behavior.  

One of my teenage daughters asked about it when she saw it on my nightstand.  It gave me a chance to introduce Mae Martin's standup to her and I would have no problem passing this book along to her as well if she was interested in reading it.

Quote from the Book

"That's the great prank life plays on us - the things we hide and are ashamed of would secretly be the most unifying things if only we said them out loud."

Get Thee to a Bakery

 Book 16 of my 2021 Reading Challenge

Get Thee to a Bakery

by Rick Bailey

Summary (via Goodreads)

published 2021

Get Thee to a Bakery is a collection of short, tart essays that explore both humorous and harrowing aspects of growing older and making sense of social, technological, and environmental change. Topics range from earworms and industrial eggs to peaches and personal data, from bug die-offs to algae blooms and global warming, and from beards and yoga to the irrepressible American smile.
Many of these essays make discursive moves into science and literature, framing issues and conflicts that resonate in contemporary American life. With a conversational style, distinctive voice, and great comic timing, Bailey entertains and surprises.

First Impressions/Judging a Book by Its Cover

I picked this book out on NetGalley (full disclaimer below) based on its description and bright cover.  Essays and short stories, especially biographical ones, are always something I pick up with no hesitation so I don't really have any further impressions.

My Opinion

3 stars

**I received an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley and would like to thank the author and/or publisher for the opportunity to read and honestly review it.**

I read a few essays at a time over the course of a few days and it was a quiet, enjoyable way to pass the time.  The author was able to jump in with a sense of familiarity that wasn't confusing.  For example, he didn't give a biographical recap of his family but with his words was able to paint a picture that conveyed he was in an established marriage (not a newlywed) when talking about his wife.  

The essays had a throughline but were not explicitly interconnected.  I would read this author again.

The Madman's Library

 Book 15 of my 2021 Reading Challenge

The Madman's Library: Manuscripts and Other Literary Curiosities from History

by Edward Brooke-Hitching

Summary (excerpt from NetGalley)

published 2021

This fascinating and bizarre collection compiles the most unusual, obscure books from the far reaches of the human imagination throughout history. 

From the Qur’an written in the blood of Saddam Hussein, to the gorgeously decorated fifteenth-century lawsuit filed by the Devil against Jesus, to the most enormous book ever created, The Madman’s Library features many long forgotten, eccentric, and extraordinary volumes gathered from around the world. 

Books written in blood and books that kill, books of the insane and books that hoaxed the globe, books invisible to the naked eye and books so long they could destroy the Universe, books worn into battle and books of code and cypher whose secrets remain undiscovered. Spell books, alchemist scrolls, wearable books, edible books, books to summon demons, books written by ghosts, and more all come together in the most curiously strange library imaginable. 

Featuring hundreds of remarkable images and packed with entertaining facts and stories to discover, The Madman’s Library is a captivating compendium perfect for bibliophiles, literature enthusiasts, and collectors intrigued by bizarre oddities, obscure history, and the macabre.

First Impressions/Judging a Book by Its Cover

I picked this book out on NetGalley (disclaimer below) based on the title.  Is it too meta to read a book about books?  I like books that explore niche curiosities so I hope this is interesting and not dry.

The cover art is really intriguing too; it looks like an old painting.  Since I'm on an e-reader I can't see as many details as I probably could if I had the real thing but there are lots of things to look at.  I'll probably look at it again after reading to see if there are connections between the seemingly random objects strewn around the cover.

My Opinion

4 stars

**I received an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley and would like to thank the author and/or publisher for the opportunity to read and honestly review it.**

This was a well-researched treasure trove of a book.  It was not a quick read because of all the photos and illustrations which was an unexpected bonus and something I'm so happy came through even though this was an electronic ARC because they made a huge difference.  It was also not a quick read because the text was in columns instead of left to right so it was extra work for my eyes not to automatically scan over to the next section instead of following the text down; this also involved extra scrolling from top to bottom and back to top because of the text size I used to see all the details and captions of the photos.

I texted my family fun facts including the Chinese flatulence mural, the chicken poet, and the book made with cloths from the author's travels.  The stitched/embroidered jacket from the woman in the insane asylum also resonated with me -- the photo enhanced the story so much but it also felt like such a private thing to look at.

The title Pigs: How to Make Them Pay (C. Arthur Pearson, 1918) listed in the selection of "Strange Titles" is very catchy.

Quote from the Book

*Note: I read an ARC so the following quote may or may not appear in the final version*

"If a creature has run, hopped, slithered or swum on this planet, at some point its skin has been used to bind a book."

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous

Book 14 of my 2021 Reading Challenge

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous

by Ocean Vuong

Summary (via Goodreads)

published 2019

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is a letter from a son to a mother who cannot read. Written when the speaker, Little Dog, is in his late twenties, the letter unearths a family's history that began before he was born — a history whose epicenter is rooted in Vietnam — and serves as a doorway into parts of his life his mother has never known, all of it leading to an unforgettable revelation. At once a witness to the fraught yet undeniable love between a single mother and her son, it is also a brutally honest exploration of race, class, and masculinity. Asking questions central to our American moment, immersed as we are in addiction, violence, and trauma, but undergirded by compassion and tenderness, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is as much about the power of telling one's own story as it is about the obliterating silence of not being heard.

First Impressions/Judging a Book by Its Cover

I added this book to my list after seeing my friend post about it on Instagram.  My initial feeling looking at the book in my hands is the same as when I saw the photo of the cover - the black and white photo cover photo is stunning and between the photo and the title, it just feels smart.  Do you know what I mean?  Like if I was going somewhere and this was the book people saw me carrying, I would appear like a very studious reader.

Based on the description and blurbs on the back, this sounds like an emotional book.  As much as I mentioned what it would look like in public, I also feel like this is the kind of book that I wouldn't want to read in 2 minute snippets while waiting for kids or in a waiting room.

My Opinion

5 stars

I found myself reading aloud to myself because the cadence is part of the experience and the book is so lyrical.  I could reread it and get something different because there are layers beneath the words and starting over with knowledge about the characters would change everything.

My first impression was correct.  It was emotional and not something I would want to read in short bursts.

Quote from the Book

"They say nothing lasts forever but they're just scared it will last longer than they can love it."

Jew(ish)

Book 13 of my 2021 Reading Challenge

Jew(ish)

by Matt Greene

Summary (via Amazon)

published 2020

What does it mean to be Jew(ish) in 2020? Caught between tradition and modernity, between a Jewish family and a non-Jewish son, Matt Greene ponders the big questions concerning identity, religion, family and Seinfeld.

When his son was born to a non-Jewish mother, Matt began to consider the upbringing he’d put behind him—the sense of not belonging, the forbidden foods, the holidays that felt more like punishments. There are more types of Jew than there are bagel fillings, and for every two there are three opinions. But if you’re not a black-hatted frummer, if you’re allergic to groups, if you observe but don’t believe, or you don’t observe at all, does that make you less Jewish?

In this wide-ranging series of essays, at turns irreverent, insightful, urgent and iconoclastic, Matt considers what might loosely be termed ‘the modern Jewish experience’, and asks what it means to be anything in a world obsessed with the self and the other.

First Impressions/Judging a Book by Its Cover 

I picked this book out from the free selections through the Amazon First Reads program.  The title was unique and it doesn't take much to convince me to try a memoir...I'm a sucker for people telling their stories.

I'm reading on an e-reader but the cover art of the bagel and the crossed out words (the full title on the book says Jew(ish) A primer A memoir A manual A Plea) gives the impression that the author doesn't take himself too seriously and will explore the stereotypes around his religion as he tells his story.

My Opinion

4 stars

I received this book for free through the Amazon First Reads program. I don't know if that needs a disclaimer or not so I'm including it just in case.

I've delayed this review because I'm not sure how to clearly express what I'm trying to say.  I have notes on the book but nothing feels tied together.  Then I realized that's kind of a review in itself so I'm just going to go with it...

I liked this book but I really can't summarize what it's about.  He talks about his own personal experiences and beliefs so it is a bit of a memoir but it had a global feel in both the history and the present experiences around Jewishness.  The author is well-informed and gives lots of information without being dry (well, the humor was dry but the material wasn't).  The author mentioned a pressure that minorities feel to present things in a "palatable" way (lessen the audience's discomfort with a joke or a positive spin) but I do think it's a good thing in this situation to present a non-fiction book that doesn't read like a textbook. 

The author is British and speaking about the biases in European countries reminded me that prejudice against minority races and cultures isn't uniquely American.  Although he doesn't speak too much about politics there were definitely similarities between American and British political systems (although I'm not qualified enough to make this blanket statement, there were instances where I could've substituted "Republican" for "British Labour Party" without changing the meaning of the sentence).  Also, it was a reminder that American politics don't happen in a bubble and the election of Trump and the subsequence legitimacy that gave to bigots resonated in actions around the world.

So basically, a whole lot of words to say that even though it wasn't what I expected and I still can't really sum it up, I'm glad I read it.

Quote from the Book

"Having a child means many things, most of which I'm still yet to discover, but one of them is explaining the world to someone encountering it for the first time, and this requires understanding, at the very least, your place within it."