June 2024 Dispatch

In case you need some inspiration for beach reads, I have a few! Full disclosure they are all jarring, upsetting, a bit vile, violent…typical for me and my stack of books. So, if you’re looking for feel good stuff I’m perhaps not helpful at the moment, or maybe ever…?

The Singularity — Dino Buzzati

A work in translation, I think formally in English for the first time since its original publication in 1970? And for 1970, Buzzati had some ideas about AI, I think I can mention that without giving too much away. A short read, imaginative while still relevant for today/tomorrow.

Happening — Annie Ernaux

*Squeamishness warning. Another short read, but I think in a world (or, country) where reproductive rights are anything but assured, this is probably a book that everyone — yes, men especially — should pick up and read. Read it. Read it again, maybe?

Close to Home — Michael Magee

Ok, this one actually was maybe more heartwarming, but it was a rollercoaster of sorts with various traumas addressed. Friendship, family, emerging into adulthood with Belfast as a backdrop. Irish-Americans are often woefully unaware of Irish history, Irish narratives, Irish experience (somehow?) and I think this goes a long way to address some of that for a specific aforementioned audience/reader.

I’ll Go On — Hwang Jungeun

A tale of sisters and also chosen siblings. Beautiful in many ways. I’m an only child, this still hit me emotionally. I think if you have a sister and you read it with kind of soft, sorrowful piano music as a soundtrack this will probably bring a tear to your eye. I really liked the format and style of writing, a work in translation that I thought was moving, while also distinctly crafting various characters. I won’t reveal too much about the characters, but a painful and beautiful read.

Such Small Hands — Andrés Barba

A bit creepy. Short read, perfect for if you are looking for something that will keep you awake for a bit wondering about the cruelty that exists in our world.

Excavations — Hannah Michell

Suspenseful in all the right ways, still incredibly moving. A story about redemption, also a story about love. One of those books I finished reading and really felt like, wow, I’m glad that book was written and I had the opportunity to read it.

A Quiet Place — Seicho Matsumoto

I think Matsumoto is a genius. I have another few books of his to read this summer. Have read another of his prior. This is a legitimate thriller though one that maybe is paced out quite strategically— good for the beach. But, kind of a mindfuck in a variety of ways. If you don’t want to feel anxiety, throw this one into the ocean or pass along to a friend.

A Leopard-Skin Hat — Anne Serre

Narrative journey of two friends, one of whom has a series of not specifically disclosed mental health challenges. Sweet, tumultuous, heartbreaking. I think there are many people in this world with whom this book would resonate.

The Ice Palace— Tarjei Vesaas

Well, first of all it chilled me. It takes place in Norwegian winter so even reading it baking in the sun I felt a touch icy. And the subject matter and plot. Jarring. Young friendship. A bit like Sour Patch Kid version of a book — first its sweet and then its sour.

A Perfect Day to Be Alone — Nanae Aoyama

The book to remind you of all the ways in the world in which we are and are not alone. Coming of age story of sorts, set in Tokyo. For such a small book so many types of relationships are touched upon, each with their own heartbreaks and triumphs.

Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI — Ethan Mollick

Do I think you should read this book? Yes..? Did I have a number of…criticisms of this book? Yes. I think if you read this also read literally anything (maybe Superintelligence) by Nick Bostrom. And find something by Luciano Floridi to read as well — he’s incredibly prolific and I think approaches information technology wisely and thoroughly with appropriate nuance.

Toño the Infallible — Evelio Rosero

Ok, this one is last on the list, not because I liked it the least but because its certainly the most fucked up pick of the month. *Squeamishness warning. Trigger warning for SA, violence, illness, more violence, possibly the most misogynistic main character you will ever encounter. It is definitely a bit much to get through especially given its less than 300 pages. And I realize many people would not pick up or enjoy this book. Haunting and grotesque. But also very brilliant — that is, if you think brilliance in literature demands an articulation of the full spectrum of human experience.