May book review
Finally, May. The book (read/buy) ban has been lifted and I can now devote my spare time to reading. I feel as though my reading speed and writing confidence has diminished significantly, its been a slow month of reading but some brilliant books nevertheless.
Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte - 4/5
Tony Tulathimutte’s Rejection is a perversely hilarious collection of interconnected short stories, a social commentary on the impact of rejection; from lovers, friends, family and oneself. It felt almost outrageously thrilling, the type of book you continuously laughed out loud at yet wouldn’t dare recommend to a relative. The fluidity of the entire book was entertaining, amplifying the effects of each individual story. My favourite entry was ‘The feminist and pics’, grotesquely funny due to its predictable relevance, scary accuracy and utter dismay at the picture Tulathimutte was able to paint. It’s hard to personally recommend due to the detail of some chapters, however it was a very interesting read and one that will have you gasping despite the underlying political notes.
I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes - 4.5/5
Scott Murdoch, Jude Garrett, Richard Gibson, Peter Campbell, Brodie Wilson and his many other aliases… narrate through the interconnected investigation of a global threat and a NYC murder. This was an incredibly addictive and gripping geopolitical thriller that has completely altered my love for reading. The planning that must have gone into this book is phenomenal, without spoiling too much, the book takes you through rabbit holes of detective work and information intertwined by the great mind of our leading man, wishfully retired agent whose skills reach beyond those of the CIA and global experts. It is rare to find a book just under 900 pages, where I craved more. This very well could be a nominee for best books I’ve read this year, loosing 0.5 stars due to the authors tendency to demise women in unnecessarily misogynistic comments (the surprise of a woman having brains and breasts!). It’s annoying because these were merely a few lines amongst thousands, however it did leave a bad taste in my mouth and one that I wanted to reflect clearly in my rating.
Less (Arthur Less no.1) by Andrew Sean Greer - 1/5
I wish there had been Less of this book, 273 pages of published author, Arthur Less whining around the world in pursuit of avoidance. Despite the success of his previous books supporting a flexible and enriched lifestyle of travel and partying, Arthur Less dwells on his love affairs and the looming benchmark of 50. As readers, we spend the entire book chasing Less across vast continents in his attempts of ignoring a past relationship, yet his quest for blissful ignorance, reads rather as privileged immaturity rather than someone that might evoke any sense of empathy. It was a painful read, watching a man pinpoint his self-worth on age whilst allowing the world to spin past him in all its beauty. I felt so incredibly frustrated when each piece of advice handed to Less, was seemingly wasted on his own infatuation.