#litofcolor

babel, or the necessity of violence by r. f. kuang

HISTORY isn't a premade tapestry that we've got to suffer, a closed world with no exit. We can form it. Make it. We just have to choose to make it.

Read in 2023:

He wondered if he could ever look at Lily and not feel like he’d been struck by lightning.

A L E X S T E R N | NINTH HOUSE

books read in 2020: the ghost bride by yangsze choo (★★★★☆)

Since 2021 is almost over, I thought I’d do a wrap-up of the books that made an impact on me this year. Not every book is for everyone, of course, but these books hit home for me in their own way even if “objectively”, they are not the best. To avoid long post annoyance, I’m keeping this short.

Here’s my top 10 of 2021 (in no particular order):

1.       Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee

-          This conclusion just stunned me and was probably the most satisfying I have ever read? It had the political maneuvering I didn’t know I needed, and very flawed and nuanced characters that made them feel so real.

2.       The Vanished Birds by Simon Jimenez

-          This was just THE gem for me. I stumbled upon this while scrolling through Fully Booked, I read it without having read the blurb first and I was floored with the prose. I didn’t even believe this was a debut novel! I strongly believe this deserves more recognition; Simon Jimenez deserves MORE recognition.

3.       We Belong by Cookie Hiponia Everman

-          Discovered this again through Fully Booked. A novel told in-verse with themes of sisterhood and family; immigration. Unexpected tears were shed. One of the most honest, heartfelt stories I have ever read.

4.       The Sword of Kaigen by M.L Wang

-          Look objectively, this may not be the best in terms of structure BUT it has one of the most memorable main characters I have ever read. Misaki is everything to me, such a strong character. The action here was relentless.

5.       Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia

-          This had a very gripping start to the story, the narration was so strong. There’s a lot packed in this short book.

6.       To be Taught, if Fortunate by Becky Chambers

-          I don’t think Becky Chambers is a stranger to many readers. This novella has her signature prose and quiet vibes. Lovely atmosphere. I was in awe.

7.       On Fragile Waves by E. Lily Yu

-          I know many readers who didn’t like the prose of this book, I’m not one of them. I thought it complimented the story well and created a beautiful blend of magical realism.

8.       Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor

-          Unique and sad. The kind of sad that’s just my cup of tea. I recommend this for lovers of vague endings (like me).

9.       Never Have I Ever by Isabel Yap

-          Philippine folklore and mythology will always have my heart. This is perfect for spooky season, and once again, for lovers of vague endings. Isabel Yap is a master in creating atmospheres for her stories.

10.   The Past is Red by Catherynne M. Valente

-          This made me angry and sad, more so as I read on. The narrator was unreliable, normally that would annoy me but not this one. It felt like whiplash.

Honorable mentions:

-          The Fifth Season by N.K Jemisin

-          State of War by Ninotchka Rosa

-          City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett

-          Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

-          Middlegame by Seanan McGuire

There were a lot of new releases I didn’t get to this year but maybe 2022 will be different! I discovered many new books and authors, I’m very satisfied with my reading year. I hope y’all are too! Aside from these, I have also managed to revisit the series that, well, made my taste the way it is? In other words, I don’t know who I would be without the Verity Cycle by Elizabeth Wein. I’d probably be drifting senseless. Code Name Verity is also nearing it’s 10th Anniversary! I’m very excited for the bonus content! If you haven’t heard of this, please do check it out, especially if you love historical fiction.

― to all the boys i’ve loved before .