What We’re Reading This Week

~ CINDY
The One & Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

“I read this aloud with my daughter, and it is a great discussion starter. It’s about Ivan, a gorilla who lives in a mall, and he was content for a long time. He realizes that his life could be better, and he works hard to improve his life and the lives of the other animals. I can definitely see why it’s won awards. It inspires empathy for the voiceless. Ivan tries to communicate with the girl who comes to visit him through drawings. She just responds with how cute she thinks they are. Ivan is left frustrated and so distressed that he can’t make her understand that he beats his chest and roars like he would out in the wild. That’s an image that will stay with me for a long time.”

~ CODY
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner

“This is a first for me. This is the first time I’ve ever wanted to re-read a book immediately. I was finishing this book last week, and I’m reading it again this week. It is my favorite book right now. It is a little difficult, with it’s stream-of-consciousness style, but it is astounding. Faulkner writes crisp characters with no end to psychological and emotional depth and understanding. It is a read that you will enjoy the second time around, as you gain a full understanding of it’s power.”

~ SARAH B
The Vagrants by Yiyun LI

“I love this book so much. The subject is difficult. The Vagrants is Yiyun Li’s novel about people on the periphery of society. This book is heart-wrenching. The story centers on one gal who’s going to be denounced, shunned from society & killed, but it keeps introducing different characters, vagrants, that connect back to her and bring about different stories. It’s a beautiful read, and it sheds a light on a difficult subject. I have definitely become more aware of my surroundings and all the people in it.”

Sarah is reading this for her book club, the Voyage Out Book Club, that reads regional novels. Join them on Sunday, Mar 30 at 5PM as they discuss The Vagrants, their last book from China.

~ ANDREW
Moby Dick – Herman Melville

“This book has been my white whale for years now. And, finally, at 28 years of age, I’m ready to harpoon this sucker. It’s pretty awesome. You hear so many things about how great & classic this book is supposed to be, so you get intimidated by it. But, it is an awesome, totally weird book that’s completely relatable.”