With the roll out of vaccines, 2021 caught most of us in a more optimistic light and a more open economy. Gone are the days when wine was sipped only in bed, while chatting with friends on Zoom, which I actually really enjoyed. Last year was indeed a suitable time to catch up with reading, but as time can now be dedicated to do other activities, reading has been relegated to a comfortable background. While I am thankful for these better circumstances, I acknowledge that I've needed to make a more conscious effort to read in order to not lose the habit.
In another hand, one of the books I am reading, The Artists' Way by Julia Cameron, talks about reading and how it can often be a distraction in our pathway towards higher creativity. I disagreed at first, because reading has always given me an imagination high. Later, though, those words made sense to me: reading is such a magical activity, that it should not be done idly. So after that realization, I am just trying to read for the sake of enjoyment and inspiration, and not to achieve a personal numeric goal, which makes the whole process slower, but more rewarding.
Without further ado, here is my 2021 reading list. This time around, I will organize the books in chronological order, and not by the rating I deliberately gave them:
FINISHED
1- En Diciembre Llegaban las Brisas - Marvel Moreno
Ever since a friend mentioned this book last year, it was top of my list, but I had to wait until December for my brother to gift it for Christmas, since it was not possible to get it in the US. Marvel was a female writer from Barranquilla, my hometown. It did not cease to shock me how I lived there my whole life, yet I never heard of her before. I am glad that she is now getting more recognition, albeit posthumously (my alma mater, Universidad del Norte, actually created a scholarship in her honor).
The thing is, it was a MARVEL-ous experience (see what I did there?) to start the book while at home for the holidays, literally hugged by the December breeze that entitles her book. Additionally, although her book was written many decades ago, its characters, places, and circumstances still rang painfully familiar, like our city is suspended in time.
In spite of my dedication to it, the book took me a while to finish, because it has so many characters, described in excruciatingly long paragraphs, that it is easy to get lost, so I had to go back, read slowly, do some reminiscing.
However, I was glad to come across this book, read it, enjoy it, and most importantly: rejoice in the fact that Barranquilla gave birth to such a prodigious author.
2- The Moment of Lift - Melinda Gates
Last year, I was inspired by many real female stories, of women that have found success in their own fields. It was truly empowering in a moment when most of us had little control on most things. So I decided to read this book by Melinda Gates, a very prominent woman whom I did not know much about.
While the book shared personal stories, they were always entangled with cases related to her development work. I work in the development field as well, but I am yet to see first-hand the real impact of my the work my institution carries out, as I work in HQ full-time. Nonetheless, it was so inspiring to see this woman who not only preached, but tried to really understand these challenges that all of us seem to understand. She did not provide quick solutions, but she actually inserted herself in the lives of the end-users of the initiatives her organization leads. I was pleasantly surprised by her approach and by the book's narrative.
3- The Silent Patient - Alex Michaelides
I picked this book up after a series of failed attempts. A dear friend had recommended it several times, but I kept ignoring her pleas. But soon after I picked it up, I knew that waiting had been a mistake.
I found the narrative compelling and it kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first pages until the last. Cliches disappoint me greatly, so it is always relieving to see books unravel in a way you did not see coming. And that is what the book gives.
4- The Brief, Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao - Junot Diaz
This one took me a little longer to finish that I would have liked, since I was coming from a series of books that I didn't finish and that left me exhausted.
The book, however, was an absolute work of art. In spite of being Latina, I do not know a lot about the Dominican Republic, so reading about the country left me in awe of the similarities that it holds with mine, all of our region seeming a tapestry of magical realism.
I found the voice hilarious, unexpected, and overall, so unique. Reading it in English was an entire experience, as it intertwines perfectly with the Spanish slang that plagues every sentence.
5- In Five Years - Rebecca Serle
"It is very similar to One Day in December", were the words of my friend Lauren when I asked her if I should read this book. I had written it off, until my other friend, Alba, begged me to purchase it. I caved in and finished the book faster than I ever expected to. Yes, it begins with a wild resemblance to the one Lauren mentioned, which I read last year without having my life changed at all by it. Yet In Five Years quickly shows the great differences that set them apart to deliver a very satisfactory ending, one that I was not expecting at all... And the Mindy Kaling references didn't hurt ;)
I have already recommended this book, mainly to those who want to read something lighthearted and entertaining, perfect for the summer months that are shining upon us.
6- The Other Woman - Sandie Jones
Out of nowhere, I got the urge to read this book and, once again, my sixth sense did not disappoint. I finished The Other Woman in about 3 days, submerged deep into my kindle and away from my phone, something I rarely do.
The book's synopsis makes it seem somewhat cliche, something you can see the beginning and the end of. But what a surprise it was... so much, that I am actually hoping it gets made into a movie soon (although there are already 2 other prominent films under the same name).
7- The Last Thing He Told Me - Laura Dave
It pains me to write this, but this book was really underwhelming. At no point did I find myself hooked or slightly interested, something most reviews promised. From the beginning, the quotes seemed predictable and repetitive, the "plot twist" striked me as too unreal, and characters not only lacked depth, but some of their storylines were underdeveloped or cut short. Under those impressions, it is hard for me to understand the hype that has been built around this book: I respect those who did like it, but I cannot, even slightly, share the feeling.
8- Los Abismos - Pilar Quintana
Los Abismos, by Colombian author Pilar Quintana, has been my favorite book that I have read this year. In this fast-paced novel, a little girl narrates the world of the others, the adults, from her innocent, although smart perspective. The similarities with my Colombian childhood (in spite of being different in time and exact location), made it even easier to relate to Claudia - the main character - because Quintana's writing was so pristine that I couldn't help but being consumed by her characters from the very first page.
My heart broke numerous times: at the solitude and pain that the girl went through, all catalyzed by the silences, secrets, and sacrifices that the women in her family had endured; the darkness, the fog, the made-up country tales, the fears we harbor as children... all too paralyzing; but in the end, what I found most tragic was how similar to reality the book really was.
9- La Perra - Pilar Quintana
Since I was left so awe-struck by Los Abismos, I decided to read one of Quintana's previous, and also awarded books. An even shorter read, I was able to finish it through in about 2 hours, while stuck inside of a detoured plane.
The story is centered around Damaris, a woman in a low-income Colombian community that dreams of having a baby. In many ways, the main character of La Perra is the complete opposite of the mother in Los Abismos, yet still they suffer, in their particular circumstances, the misadventures that motherhood can get to cause.
In this different realm that was so illustrative of a different reality of my country, my favorite thing about the book is how, again, Quintana's admirable gift really shines through.
10 - Laughable Loves - Milan Kundera
Ever since I read The Unbearable Lightness of Being 3 years ago, I was mesmerized by Kundera's prose, his way of talking about even the smallest things in the world and the most passing thought in a way that seemed enlightened, poetic, and profound.
Laughable Loves is a compilation of short stories that I mostly enjoyed by the pool during the Summer. Some I found more compelling than others. I got the same feeling about Kundera's writing gift, as he presented what I found to be philosophical contemplations of the many edges of love that made me reflect, or feel uncomfortable.
But, perhaps, I thought I would like the book more than I actually did.
11- The Highly Sensitive Person in Love - Elaine N. Aron, PhD
In an attempt to read something non-fiction that I could use in my life, I picked this one up. It was very enlightening. If you know or suspect you are a Highly Sensitive Person, it is very enlightening to understand how some traits that seem uniquely and unexplainably yours, are common in a wider group of people. This read was an opportunity to better understand, which in turn helped me be kinder with myself.
12-La Casa de la Belleza - Melba Escobar
Melba Escobar is one of Colombia's most prominente young writers. I had long been wanting to read some of her work, and I chose La Casa de la Belleza to kick it off. I am thriller lover, and this beauty salon crime story was not the exception.
The story takes place in Bogota, the capital of Colombia and a city I am very familiar with. Also, one of the main characters was originally from Cartagena, another city I know well due to its proximity to my hometown. I must say that all the references rang true, as did the descriptions of every character that appeared in the story. One of those references, is everything that happens at beauty salons, where gossip and envy often thrive.
The crime unravels quickly, and I was surprised to find myself discovering displeasing traits about Karen, one of the main characters, and the one I was rooting for. The ending was very sad, in my opinion, but it made for a great read.
13- It ends with us - Colleen Hoover
There is a lot of hype around this book, and it saddens me to say that it did not live up to its fame.
I found the domestic violence angle interesting, as it was explained how sometimes, people think they can break their family chains, before finding themselves in the same cycle.
However, I also found many things to be absurd, like the relationships between the main character and her best friend. The name Ryle Kincaid also made me cringe.
To conclude, I think there was good material to make a really compelling story, but somehow, it got lost around the many unreal details.
14- In the Time of the Butterflies - Julia Alvarez
This has been one of the best books I have ever read, and I cannot recommend it enough. In the Time of the Butterflies is a novel based on the real story of the Mirabal sisters, considered heroes in the Dominican Republic for being vocal against the Trujillo dictatorship.
I loved how Julia Alvarez adopted a different voice for each of the four sisters, crafting a reality so compelling that I couldn’t help but feel it was true. I had to remind myself that many things were fictionalized. But they were so painfully beautiful, I stayed sad many days after finishing it.
15- Lo que no tiene nombre - Piedad Bonnet
While I was sick with COVID, I decided to pick up a book (figuratively) from a Colombian author I had been hearing about: Piedad Bonnet.
Lo que no tiene nombre is the real story of the author’s life following the suicide of her youngest son. At first, it comes as a shock, the search for answers as to why he made that decision. The author tries to rationalize the kind of pain that, as the title lets on, has no name, through the words of ancient philosophers and wisemen. However, as the book unfolds, the problems that tormented him appear evident, but not less painful.
This book was raw but written in the heartfelt way that only a great writer and great mother could achieve. I finished it in a matter of hours with a heavy heart.
16- The Edge of Falling – Rebecca Serle
As I loved Serle’s “In Five Years”, I decided to give this book a try. However, I am sad to say I did not like it nearly as much as I expected.
The story seemed a little too far-fetched, not to mention the names of the characters, which for some reason, made me very uncomfortable. Additionally, some things were very similar to In Five Years, like the best friend with model looks and a free spirit.
Although it is a light read, I would not recommend it.
17- In my dreams I hold a knife - Ashley Winstead
I did not have this book in my list, but once I started it, I could not put it down. Literally, I finished it in less than 24 hours.
I found the book to be the perfect mix of thriller, romance, and dark comedy. Ironically, no character was completely likeable, but brought together, they made for a compelling story. I would recommend this book to those who get bored easily or those who are looking forward to picking up a book that’s easy to understand and difficult to abandon.
18 - In a Holidaze – Christina Lauren
For the past couple of years, I have made a point of reading Holiday-themed books come December. The season is a time to relax and welcome joy and amusement into our lives. For that reason, I do not mind light-hearted reads that might or might not be a little too cringy.
While this book did not change my life radically, I would say that it did achieve its purpose of entertaining me and giving me a little bit of peace during an anxious time. If you are searching for an over-the-top Christmas miracle do not overlook this one. I also think it would make for a really cute movie.
ONGOING
The Artists Way - Julia Cameron
This book has proven to be one of the best things that has happened to me this year. It is ongoing because it is meant to be that way: it has 12 weeks worth of reading and exercises to unleash your creative potential.
For a long time I had wanted to do something like it, until my friend Manuela brought it up in what the book itself calls "synchronicity". I am on week 7 as of now, and fully enjoying all the positive rituals and activities it has brought to my life.
While still on this journey, I already don't want it to end, for the impact it has had on me has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The Night Tiger - Yangsze Choo
I have been trying to finish this book for 8 months now. This book takes place in Malaysia, where strange things start to happen to seemingly unrelated people. And while I have appreciated learning about the Malaysian culture during the 1930s, I have found the story too long, taking an excruciating amount of time to build up. I hope I can finish it soon and write a proper review.
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