#11 “The Changeling” by Victor LaValle — Not being a parent, I can only imagine this novel just encapsulates the fear, uncertainty and confusion of having a tiny human. Lovely fantasy story that does exactly what a novel should do: Help you see how someone whose life experiences are different than yours exist in the world. Deserved all its accolades. #bookstodon

#10 “Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead” by Olga Tokarczuk - A very charming portrait of an older woman in rural Poland against the backdrop of a series of local murders. Not surprised she was awarded the Nobel prize after managing to make something this odd this great. #bookstodon #books

#9 “The Talented Mr. Ripley” by Patricia Highsmith - I’ve not seen the fillm, but familiar enough that nothing plotwise was surprising. However, it was FASCINATING. Especially after learning more about Highsmith herself, who might alos possibly also a sociopath? At least very misanthropic, so reading how such a person might justify themselves was a truly enjoyable read. Look forward to seeing how Anthony Minghella’s film tackles it. #bookstodon #books

#8 “City in the City” by China Miéville. Not sure I’m into “weird fiction”, but I do love a good gritty noir, so this kinda fit the bill. Overly high concept which was generally interesting but maybe wore a little thin towards the end. Entertaining though. #books #bookstodon

#7 “Olga Dies Dreaming” by Xochitl Gonzalez. Highly recommended to me, and I definitely enjoyed it as it was great to learn more about Puerto Ricans in NYC. More tropey and melodramatic than I’d generally like, but worth it for all the music references and the excellent prose.