#IMWAYR: Alas...
So I had actually started a new graphic novel this week, which I was hoping to recommend today! It would have been the third graphic novel for my goal of reading four in August.
But alas, my excitement to read it gave way to dismay, because I found it a little bit racially insensitive. The main character is a White boy—not a terribly likable one, but it's a zany, humorous kind of book, so I don't think the goal is for the characters to be bastions of morality. But one of his compatriots is a Black girl, and I honestly felt like her whole character was defined in relation to him—she follows him around, fascinated with his antics but also poking at him in a sort of generic-banter-y way. But at least in the first third of the book, she got no real character development, and I feel like (whether intentionally or unintentionally) the story was implicitly creating a hierarchy, with a White boy on top as the ruler of his "posse," and a Black girl underneath him.
All that gave me the heebie-jeebies, so I think I'm going to DNF that book! It's a shame, because I was seriously so excited to read it. But! I got my pre-ordered copy of a different graphic novel, Ash's Cabin by Jen Wang, and it sounds from the blurbs and synopsis like it may just be exactly the book my soul is looking for right now. I will certainly let you know if it is!!
Also, as summer winds to a close and I celebrate eight years of blogging, I'd like to share some summer reading statistics! If we consider Plain Jane and the Mermaid to be the beginning of my summer reading, I've read:
- 10 books total
- 4 prose books
- 2 YA books
- 1 re-read
- 1 for book club
- 2 adult books (both for book club)
- 6 graphic novels
- 3 MG graphic novels
- 1 re-read
- 3 YA graphic novels
I think we'd all like to read more than we are. You've had a lot of other good things going on this summer. Be glad you carved out the time you did to read.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a crazy, full of days like no other, summer, so I get it when you say you wish there had been more time for reading. But you have spent lots of time sharing & started that book group, so books have filled you up in other ways, right? I'm always grateful to read & discover new graphic novels from you, Max! Have a great week coming up!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your disappointment with the first novel, but it sounds like you found some better options. Looking forward to reading those reviews in the future.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, a racially insensitive book these days? I am surprised, but glad you did what you felt was right and stopped reading it.
ReplyDeleteLook back on your summer reading as a success and don't worry about the numbers!
Every once in a while I too come upon a book that I just can't finish. The worst was a book by an author whose work I had enjoyed - even loved. When she referred to Indigenous women and girls as squaws, I couldn't believe my eyes! You have been very tactful not mentioning the title of the book. I doubt I would have been so polite. Honestly when I read that book I wasn't.
ReplyDeleteIt looks to me like you've had a wonderful reading summer. I've been trying to read less because I end up being completely unable to keep track of what I've taken in!
A new Jen Wang?! That's exciting news! I was soooo close to just clicking and purchasing but I am trying very hard to spend LESS on books and use the library. Sadly, all copies of Ash's Cabin are checked out with several holds, but I'll jump in line too! I also never feel like I'm reading quite as much as I want to, though it's so much better than it was even a year ago. Summer seems like it would be a great time for getting a lot of reading done, and yet it really isn't. There is always more going on than I think there will be. Can't wait to read your review of Ash's Cabin as I wait to move up the holds list!
ReplyDeleteI'd not often I don't finish a book, but I have been doing it more lately. I just don't have time for bad books! And I never get as much reading done as I plan to. Starting a new job always takes adjustment. Don't be too hard on yourself. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteI’ve learned to cherish my non-reading time over the years. Starting your first job as well as going to school is enough to take on. And who says our lives are meant to be so crammed full of things that we don’t have time to enjoy it? I agree with Rosi: I too, don’t have any time for books I don’t like. More and more, I just drop them and move on.
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