It was another OK reading month, with mostly 3- and 4-star reads. Here's what I read this past month.
McDonald's: Behind the Arches by John F. Love: This history of McDonald's certainly comes across with some bias in favor of McDonald's, but at the same time the author doesn't shy away from airing the dirty laundry of behind-the-scenes conflicts and close calls. There are some elements that make the book feel dated, but on the whole, I found it an enjoyable and interesting read.
What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris: This was fine, but it felt a little bit like a paint-by-numbers coming-of-age story, and I had a hard time finding the main character's voice to be authentic. I think there are definitely people who would find a valuable mirror in this book, but I'm not sure that I'd recommend it broadly.
The Bad Guys in Do-You-Think-He-Saurus?! by Aaron Blabey: This one had some funny moments but didn't have much in the way of a compelling plot. Mostly it was just a bunch of silliness played for laughs, which is fine, but the series feels like it's being stretched a bit thin.
The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain: This was a sweet story of an older man learning to open up and build community after keeping to himself for decades. Although Albert's search for his long-ago love is the catalyst for the plot, that becomes almost incidental as the search draws Albert out into the greater community around him. I found it an uplifting read.
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters: This book actually provides some valuable intra-trans community conversation, but it's unfortunately wrapped in the kind of pretentious literary fiction I can't stand, with self-destructive, self-obsessed characters who are all terrible to each other.
Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H.: Although it took me a bit to get into Lamya's writing style, I ended up really liking the way this book was structured, with each area of Lamya's own life finding reflection in a figure from the Quran. I'm glad this was recommended to me, and it's a valuable addition to the diverse queer stories out there.
Looking back:
One year ago I was reading: The Dead and the Dark, Platonic, and Zombies Ate My Homework
Five years ago I was reading: The Subtle Knife, Kindred, House of Leaves, and The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay
Ten years ago I was reading: How to Be a Woman
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