Blog — Rebel-Mouthed Books

This was one of those books that disappointed me masterfully, pushed against my expectations and desires at every turn. I’d beg for one thing and be shown another. I grew frustrated, anxious, and I lost hope for our main character often. But in the end, the story fit and I’m glad it didn’t go the way I wanted it to. ⁣

Commentary, For ReadersChava PossumJuly 20, 2020Circe, Madeline Miller, Circe Review, Greek mythology

Commentary: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Although Little Fires Everywhere was about the collision of two opposite families— sparks flying left and right as each character knocks against the others— it was to me a beautiful display of right and wrong: both right and wrong being done in the same moment.

Commentary, For ReadersChava PossumJuly 20, 2020Celeste Ng, Little Fires Everywhere, Suburban drama

Commentary: Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward

Commentary, For ReadersChava PossumJuly 20, 2020Jesmyn Ward, Salvage the Bones, Hurricane Katrina, Race, Racism, Hurricane Katrina and Race, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Black writers, Black Women writers, Prisons, Racism and Prisons

Commentary: The Map of Salt and Stars by Zeyn Joukhadar

I found immense joy in moments along the refugee family’s journey when they stopped to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr— they eat rice and goat and dance under the stars.

Commentary: Black Leopard Red Wolf by Marlon James

Marlon James’ BLACK LEOPARD RED WOLF is the most impressive book I’ve read thus far in my life.