Quick Lit August 2018 Archives

The Overstory

by Richard Powers

This is the kind of book they write about in Outside Magazine (and I've gotten some great book recs from Outside). In the early chapters, Powers explores the lives of nine different people in a series of stories, which share one common thread: they all involve dramatic experiences with trees. It's a slow build, but eventually the stories come together. (With 512 pages, Powers has lots of room to play.) This intricately crafted novel, which ultimately explores the connection between humans and nature, and the responsibility of one to the author, requires a patient reader.

Urban Jungle: Living and Styling with Plants

by Igor Josifovic, Judith de Graaff

From the publisher: "The book 'Urban Jungle' is a source of green inspiration and a collection of creative plant ideas for everyone who wants to bring more green into their homes and daily lives. The book takes us on an inspiring voyage through five green homes across Europe which prove that living with plants is beautiful, creative, individual and sometimes even arty. Additionally the book features numerous plant styling ideas from successful international bloggers of the Urban Jungle Bloggers community, simple plant care tips and DIY ideas. The book is for everyone and aims to allay any fears about living with plants. You don't need a green thumb - all you need is the book 'Urban Jungle'!"

The Dinner List

by Rebecca Serle

You know the game: name five people, living or dead, whose company you would most enjoy for your dream dinner party. The book opens on Sabrina's 30th birthday, with her dream come true: she's dining with her best friend, her favorite college professor, the father she never knew, the love of her life, and Audrey Hepburn. The story alternates between the often-tense dinner party and flashbacks to the past, which reveal the origin—and perhaps fate—of Sabrina's great romance. Without Audrey Hepburn, the bittersweet story would dissolve into sappy, but with her wry presence, it works. For publishing nerds: this is an Amy Einhorn book.

Special Topics in Calamity Physics

by Marisha Pessl

The narrator is Blue van Meer, a teenager who has been moving from town to town with her father ever since her mother died, accompanying him to each of his short-term professorial stints at tiny liberal arts colleges across the country. Her senior year of high school, her father declares they will spend the whole year in one place, and Blue falls in with an enigmatic teacher and a hand-picked group of students she's gathered around her. The whole book is strongly reminiscent of The Secret History, yet despite this I still didn't see that big left turn coming. Smart, snappy, and interesting.

So You Want to Talk About Race

by Ijeoma Oluo

From the publisher: "Ijeoma Oluo explores the complex reality of today's racial landscape—from white privilege and police brutality to systemic discrimination and the Black Lives Matter movement—offering straightforward clarity that readers need to contribute to the dismantling of the racial divide. She's is the Editor-At-Large at the Establishment, a media platform run and funded by women. Perfectly positioned to bridge the gap between people of color and white Americans struggling with race complexities, Oluo answers the questions readers don't dare ask, and explains the concepts that continue to elude everyday Americans. Her writing brings to mind voices like Ta-Nehisi Coates, Roxane Gay, Jessica Valenti in Full Frontal Feminism, and a young Gloria Naylor."

Quick Lit August 2018

The Overstory

Urban Jungle: Living and Styling with Plants

The Dinner List

Special Topics in Calamity Physics

So You Want to Talk About Race

a gateway

to reliable joy this summer

Buckle Up!

summer reading starts May 16th