Sick day reading
Deep Dives
Explore related topics with these Wikipedia articles, rewritten for enjoyable reading:
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The Woman Warrior
11 min read
The author is currently reading this groundbreaking memoir by Maxine Hong Kingston. Understanding its literary significance, its blend of autobiography and Chinese folklore, and its impact on Asian American literature would enrich the reader's appreciation of why this book 'matters'.
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Mary Wollstonecraft
13 min read
Referenced through the audiobook 'Romantic Outlaws' by Charlotte Gordon, which tells the parallel stories of Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter Mary Shelley. Wollstonecraft was a pioneering feminist philosopher whose life and work would provide fascinating context for the 'brilliant Marys and terrible men' mentioned.
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Mahjong
11 min read
The author describes attending a Mahjong party and becoming fascinated with the game. The rich history of this tile-based game, its origins in 19th century China, its rules and cultural significance, would provide educational depth to this casual mention.
Well, readers, unfortunately I am sick again. It’s been a very frustrating fall with at least one pretty significant illness per month, and I don’t know why I can’t catch a break! Luckily my husband and my mom have me totally covered on the childcare front, which I am so grateful for—parenting while sick is immensely challenging. But I’m sad! I hate having to miss fun things with Louise on the weekends. Now that she’s in school full time it feels particularly devastating to miss out on weekend activities. Please send healing vibes and let’s hope this is the last time I’m bedridden in 2025.
I have read some great books recently, but I couldn’t manage writing the reviews. I’ll catch you up on those books later, but for today, please enjoy some Links and End Notes.
This week in books.
Now I’m reading…
I’m reading The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston for a Books That Matter interview that I am very excited about. This is a book I’ve read excerpts from but have never read from start to finish and I’m so grateful for the encouragement to pick it up now. I’m still listening to Romantic Outlaws by Charlotte Gordon on audio which is another great sick day companion. These brilliant Mary’s and the terrible men in their lives are truly riveting.
New on my TBR…
This modern retelling of Mrs. Dalloway was recommended at a Literary Society Biblio Brunch event and it sounds right up my alley.
Links.
Who should win the Booker Prize? (NYT, gift link)
In Love With Love by Ella Risbridger—a sexy celebration of romantic fiction. (Guardian)
7 new books you should read this November. (Vulture)
Writer and readers on the books they enjoyed in October. (Guardian)
The essential Kate Atkinson. (NYT, gift link)
As Dorian Gray ages, its relevance only grows. (Wash Post, gift link)
‘Your Name Here’ has tortured its co-authors for 20 years. (Wash Post, gift link)
I enjoyed the way this review of L.A. Women expands to explore the way female friendship has been represented throughout literature. (Atlantic, gift link)
Why do so many people use ChatGPT to cheat at fun? (The Cut)
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