Clara's Reviews

Flipping between 19th century China and a futurist Pacific Northwest, Salt Fish Girl is equal parts ecological dystopia and surrealist queer birth narrative. Magical realism and mythology feed the cyclical, fantastical story of Nu Wa, an immortal shape-shifter. This book is blurry, messy and absolutely riveting! - Clara

Prismatic light forms the basis of magic and government in this twisty conspiracy saga. Weeks absolutely raises the bar for the genre with the depth and uniqueness of the Lightbringer magic system and world building. He is a master of character and the diverse protagonists expand the story with nuance and heart. Great for fans of Rothfuss, Sanderson, or Abercrombie. - Clara

Sexuality, loyalty, and authenticity war in the lives of Alderman's characters. Upon her father's death, Ronit crosses the Atlantic to return to the Orthodox Jewish community (and woman) she left behind. Alderman is as deft with midrash as she is with pop culture and sensuality. This is interpersonal London fiction in the vein of Zadie Smith. - Clara

This lovely and lyrical novel circles around a village tavern along the Thames after the mysterious happenings of a stormy night. An ensemble of unique characters reckon with the impossible, the power of storytelling, and the complexities of family in this warm feel-good tale. Brilliant use of folklore. - Clara

In Carson's unique translation the language is as lively and resonantly human as Euripides' plays should be. Included is “Hekabe,” one of the most powerful dramatic tragedies of all time with all its timely reckoning with civilization and its collapse. Carson’s opening essay about tragedy and catharsis speaks to my soul. Myth, rage, beauty, and grief in equal parts. - Clara

From young Arab Spring protester in 2011 to war journalist in Raqqa at the height of the Syrian War. This vivid coming-of-age tale of Hisham and his two childhood friends' wildly different paths paints a complicated picture of the breadth of experiences and factors at play in the conflict. Crabapple’s illustrations brings alive the people and emotions on the ground in Syria. - Clara

Countering the assumption of the Middle Ages as stagnant and prejudiced, Menocal explores the diverse, flourishing world of Muslim Spain. I was fascinated by the cultural exchange between Muslims, Christians, and Jews that nourished such unique art, poetry, philosophy, and architecture. Beautiful history writing with a hopeful message. - Clara

Biskind provides a sharp addition to the analysis of the road through popular cultural narratives to contemporary American politics that he believes primed society for extremism. Fiction reflects reality; does it also shape it? This book is a thoughtful and provocative tour through popular culture that probes the origins of our national myths about power, immigration, justice, and preservation. A fascinating read for anyone who’s ever engaged in a debate about “Magneto Was Right.” - Clara

Elementary school computer lab was for traveling the trail and stoically watching your best friends died of snakebite, exhaustion, a broken leg, and, yes, dysentery. In this fun book, comedian Lauren Reeves leans into ’90s nostalgia with quirky, snarky lessons from the beloved Oregon Trail computer game. Who knew that the dangers of the trail are the same things we face in life? - Clara

The Cemetery of Forgotten Books series is the stuff of dreams. I’ve read this book twice now (it came out in Spanish in 2016) and the character, drama, and wry humor still entrance me. Reading/remembering the earlier books is not required to enjoy this story, set amongst the political intrigues and maneuverings of Franco’s Spain. Secret agent Alicia Gris is a compelling Alice in Wonderland at the center of the plot. - Clara