March/April Reading

but mostly not-reading

I was going to keep posting my Recession diaries from 2009, but having scanned through them in a bit more detail, they’re troublesome in a way I can’t quickly unpick or caveat.

Onto reading: I didn’t read any books in March because I was either in Australia sharing a bedroom with a one-year-old, or in the economy cabin of a plane with a one year old.

Here’s what I did manage:

The Secret to Superhuman Strength, by Alison Bechel

This is a graphic novel memoir about the author’s lifelong obsession with exercise. I like all forms of self expression, but autobiographical comics really speak to me (Adrian Tomine is another favourite). I have always discovered them via Jess (she will be annoyed if I don’t mention this). Also: I found out after reading this that Alison Bechdel was a recipient of the Macarthur Genius Grant: a certified genius.

Consider Yourself Kissed, by Jessica Stanley

Another genius. This one Australian and a friend of the newsletter. I haven’t finished the copy I am reading yet, but am including it here because a) It’s unputdownable, so will absolutely finish it before the end of April; and b) I read an early draft on my phone years ago, so this is more of a joyous rediscovery. Millennial Australians who have spent time in East London will get a particular kick out of this. But so will anyone who likes beautifully written fiction that tells the truth.

Real Tigers, by Mick Herron

The third Slow Horses book. I’m getting really over these.

---