Week 14: May 8th - Reading

Okay, May is officially in full swing! Last year I did a double reading theme of "AAPI Heritage Month" books and "Mer-May" books to wild success: it was my best reading month statistically. This year I'm focusing more on AAPI Heritage Month with a couple holdovers from the library, and the TBR is stacked.

Mammoths at the Gates by Nghi Vo: Saying this is my least favorite in the series is like saying dark chocolate is my least favorite flavor - it’s still all fantastic.

Should you read this? If you're already invested in the Singing Hills Cycle, then yes. While this anthology series can be read in any order, I would definitely urge people to not start with this one. It's better to have the context of Cleric Chih's journey thus far before this tightly contained story within their home abbey. While I think this is the weakest in the series thus far, this is still a very quick read that serves as wonderful insight into Chih's character and interpersonal relationships. It leans away from the storytelling aspects that made the first two entries so captivating which is a shame, but this on its own is still very good.

Falling Back in Love with Being Human - Letters to Lost Souls by Kai Cheng Thom: The audiobook is an absolute must for this one to get the full, true experience.

Should you read this? Oh absolutely: this short poetry collection is a beautiful exploration of transness and how to navigate life in its current state. Each poem ending with an actionable item really drives home the level of care that Thom has for the reader, even those who may have hurt her. She narrates the audiobook - which is barely 2 hours, so worth your time - and that is definitely the preferred way to experience this collection. The poem "To Those Who Have Hurt Me" is easily the best in the bunch and needs to be heard delivered by the poet herself for the impact to hit. If you're looking to expand on your poetry library, then definitely add this to your list.

On A Sunbeam by Tillie Walden: This feels like a love letter and an elevator pitch to Studio Ghibli all in one beautiful package.

Should you read this? Without a doubt, and I don't think I'm the first person to tell you so. Everyone who's recommended this graphic novel to me over the years has been absolutely correct: this sci-fi epic with a braided timeline really is something of a marvel. I get the distinct impression that Walden's favorite movie is "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind", and I mean that as the highest compliment. Many of the designs remind me of early Miyazaki works (as a Castle in the Sky fangirl myself). This story captures the beauty and profoundness of the quiet moments. It thrives in the panels that have no dialogue and are just wide, sweeping shots. If Studio Ghibli is looking to ever adapt another English story, then this would be a fantastic pick.

The Brides of High Hill by Nghi Vo: If this had been more like the original entries in the Singing Hills Cycle, I think I would have liked this a lot more.

Should you read this? If you've already been invested in the Singing Hills Cycle and like horror, then yes. Unlike the previous installment, this book does feel like you can read it outside of chronological order, but that's also because it feels the least like the others in the series. There's virtually none of the braided storytelling that was so prominent previously, and this definitely leans the most into horror. If this is the direction Vo is taking the series then I can't complain too much - I just wish there were more of those interesting braiding methods still at play.

Admittedly I do feel my brain going a bit feral already, so next week's update may be a bit of a mess. I will do my best though!