A Constellation of Vital Phenomena

A Constellation of Vital Phenomena 
by Anthony Marra
Published: May 2013

Interwoven narratives of civilians in a rural village of Chechnya and how their lives progress amidst the first and second Chechen wars. Beautifully composed, heartbreaking, and optimistic in the strength people find when pushed to their limits. While this is a work of fiction, many of the stories and experiences come from nonfiction work - which honestly makes the story's impact that much more devastating.

5 out of 5 stars: I maybe cried. Quite a bit.

Bad Feminist

Bad Feminist
by Roxane Gay
Published:

 A well packaged bundle of criticisms. Gay's essays range from openly vulnerable self reflections, to combative social commentary with some pop culture deconstruction sprinkled on top. At times she contradicts herself or comes off a bit severe, but that's part of the point she is trying to get across: no one is a perfect feminist idol to everyone and it's unfair to expect that of anyone.

4 out of 5 stars: There were definitely times I felt myself pushing back against her harsh tone, but it was a good opportunity to think critically about why it struck a nerve in me and what biases or ignorance I bring to the table.

Lost at Sea

Lost At Sea: The Jon Ronson Mysteries 
by Jon Ronson
Published: October 2012

Super fun read- it's like the tapas of investigative journalism. Each chapter is a bite-sized exploration: from the Insane Clown Posse's conversion to Christianity to Stanley Kubrick's meticulous collection of noteboxes; from the 'geodemographic' computer program that decides who to inundate with junk mail based on zip code to people who donate their kidneys to strangers. And everything in between.

4 out of 5 stars

The Vegetarian

The Vegetarian 
by Han Kang, translated by Deborah Smith
Published: October 2007

A deeply unsettling tale of a woman who stops eating meat and incidentally has her marriage and family life unravel around her. The Vegetarian explores some of the darker, more disturbing pits of human motivation and desire...not for the faint of heart.

4 out of 5 stars: Packs quite a punch for such a short book. Does a fantastic job of blurring the lines between mental health and magical realism.

The Girls

The Girls
by Emma Cline
Published: June 2016

A fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of a 1960s counter-culture commune (heavily inspired by the Manson Family) all through the eyes of a disenchanted but hopelessly naive tween caught up in the raw, electric momentum.

4.5 out of 5: I reeeeally enjoyed the framed narration: the story is recounted decades after the events took place, capturing the reckless desperation of youth paired with the gentle admonishment of middle age.