A Book A Week

In the tumultuous year of 2020, marked by tension and uncertainty due to a global pandemic and police brutality, Americans found themselves grappling with the profound reality of racial injustice deeply rooted in the country's history. The interruption of our daily routines provided a unique opportunity for introspection, prompting many to reflect on their roles in perpetuating systemic racism. I scrutinized my life, paying specific attention to the books I was reading and the authors I supported and resolving to diversify the narratives I consumed. This commitment added a profound layer of fulfillment to my reading life. Tayari Jones's acclaimed 2018 novel, An American Marriage, is the latest stop on this essential literary undertaking.

Celebrating their newfound marital bliss, Celestial and Roy embark on the early stages of their life together as a married couple. With Roy securing a well-paying job and Celestial gaining recognition for her art, their careers flourish, and the prospect of acquiring a larger home materializes. On the surface, they appear to be living the quintessential American dream. However, being a Black couple in the United States, Celestial and Roy are on the verge of realizing that their dream is susceptible to the influence of external forces and systems beyond their control.

Roy's benevolent gesture to aid a stranger takes a nightmarish turn when he faces a damning accusation that shatters his entire life. Despite Celestial's unwavering testimony that Roy was by her side throughout the alleged incident, his plea falls on deaf ears, leading to a twelve-year sentence for a crime he did not commit. The couple initially maintains their connection through regular letters, expressing their enduring commitment and determination to navigate this new reality. As the years pass, though, their lives undergo significant transformations. Can their marriage withstand the weight of this tragedy, or is it yet another instance of a dream shattered by a system indifferent to the personal toll of its inequity?

In An American Marriage, Tayari Jones crafts a poignant portrayal of a couple contending with injustice, delivering a devastating yet essential narrative. Her prose is unfiltered, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the genuine emotions of the protagonists and emphasizing the profound toll of a wrongful conviction on those ensnared by it. Jones delves into how time and distance can reshape and challenge a relationship. Celestial and Roy find themselves intricately connected to the past while navigating toward an uncertain future. The result is a novel brimming with genuine emotion, empathy, and insight. Much like life itself, the story takes an unexpected turn at its conclusion, solidifying the impact of this profound character study. It's a narrative that lingers, prompting reflection on one's position in the world and the relationships surrounding us.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 12)

Do you believe in giving second chances? I'm an avid reader, devouring numerous books yearly, and I'm always looking for the next great read. With so many options at my fingertips, I can be hesitant when it comes to trying out new authors. Several years ago, I got caught up in the buzz surrounding Alice Feeney's debut novel, Sometimes I Lie. I never got around to reading that book, so my first experience with her work was I Know Who You Are. I have to admit, I didn't enjoy it. It felt like it was twisting the plot for the sake of shock value, and I found the big revelation at the end to be in poor taste. It was a disappointing experience that made me steer clear of Feeney's books from that point on. Still, many readers continue to find enjoyment in her novels. My fellow book enthusiasts have urged me to give her another chance, and that day has finally come. I recently picked up Rock Paper Scissors, and I finally understand the fervor surrounding Feeney's writing.

Adam and Amelia Wright's marriage is in a state of turmoil. Adam, a successful screenwriter, grapples with a unique condition known as face blindness. Essentially, he struggles to recognize people's faces, unable to distinguish one person from another. The only way he identifies his wife is through the length of her hair and the fragrance of her perfume. In a dedicated effort to support her husband and his career, Amelia painstakingly assists him by discreetly whispering the names of individuals he encounters.

Yet, Adam's single-minded focus on his work often causes him to overlook his wife. Every year, the couple exchanges gifts to celebrate their anniversary, selecting items corresponding to the traditional materials associated with each year of marriage. While some years see them carefully choosing thoughtful presents, others lead to hastily assembled gifts. This variability reflects the ups and downs of their relationship. In a way, they can't stand each other, but they also can't bear to be apart. Their connection is inextricable.

Amelia unexpectedly wins a weekend getaway to Scotland, a vacation that could either rekindle their love or drive a deeper wedge between them. As they embark on their journey, a snowstorm sets in. Upon arrival, they are met with the sight of an old stone chapel cloaked in snow, a far cry from the luxurious getaway they had anticipated. This weekend is poised to be a turning point in their relationship. Will it bring them closer, allowing them to find their marital happiness, or will it push them further apart?

Rock Paper Scissors is a mind-bending thriller that progressively releases layers of sinister intrigue with every turning page. Alice Feeney crafts the narrative through multiple shifting perspectives, allowing us to delve into the inner workings of both the husband and wife. Alongside these viewpoints, a shadowy third perspective surfaces, shrouded in initial ambiguity, intensifying the enigma that unfolds. The story's atmosphere is palpable, casting a chilling suspense over the entire narrative, keeping readers engrossed and disquieted. Feeney's character development shines brightly in this tale. Although both protagonists share responsibility for their ailing marriage, I couldn't help but root for their redemption. The alternating perspectives culminate in an ending that's a whirlwind of twists, shocks, and a well-deserved resolution. I'm delighted that I gave this author a second chance. If Rock Paper Scissors represents the caliber found in her other works, I'm eager to explore more of her writing.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 84)

Nathan Hill made a significant impact with his debut novel, The Nix, upon its release in 2016. The book, spanning numerous decades and hundreds of pages, delved into the story of a man determined to uncover his family's hidden secrets in his quest to reclaim his own life. Both critics and readers were captivated by its intricate narrative. Although I missed the chance to read that novel, I promised myself to keep an eye out for whatever Hill would create next. When his publisher offered me a copy of his second work, Wellness, I eagerly seized the opportunity to dive into it. This latest tale, while more intimate than his previous work, retains the sprawling and impactful quality that characterizes his writing.

Do you believe in love at first sight? Jack and Elizabeth certainly did. In the early 90s, Jack, a struggling art student, stood on the verge of greatness after escaping the mundane life of rural middle America for the vibrant art scene of Chicago. With the advent of the internet, his work gained recognition, and Jack embraced his newfound subversive identity. Elizabeth, seeking an escape from her wealthy and regimented upbringing, found everything she desired in Jack – an edgy, adventurous artist deeply in love with her. They married, fully expecting their happily ever after.

Twenty years later, their life is far from what they envisioned. The once-blissful couple has succumbed to the routine of married life. Jack, unable to recapture the brilliance of his early work, churns out repetitive images while working as adjunct faculty at a university. Elizabeth, on the other hand, has achieved professional success, manipulating consumers' perceptions for corporations implementing cost-saving measures. Their relationship has lost its spark. Balancing the challenges of co-parenting a difficult eight-year-old and saving for their dream "forever home" takes a toll on Jack and Elizabeth. The idea of separate bedrooms in their new home, which would have been an outrageous thought just a few years ago,  seems like a practical solution to ensure their new life together functions in a way that suits their evolving needs. To prevent the deterioration of their relationship, Jack and Elizabeth embark on separate journeys of self-discovery, risking the loss of the most precious thing they share – each other.

Nathan Hill's Wellness left me with much to contemplate. It depicts the erosion of a relationship and the extraordinary efforts required to reignite the flame of love. While this remains the central theme of the story, Hill skillfully leads readers into explorations of numerous other subjects. He delves into topics like modern marriage, polyamory, psychology, art, and algorithms, among others, adding depth to his central characters and shedding light on their lives. Simultaneously, the novel serves as a timely commentary on the first part of the 21st century, offering insights into both the intricacies of marriage and the state of the world. Despite its substantial length of over 600 pages, Wellness never feels overly long.  Hill's skillful storytelling draws readers into the narrative, making us think and feel through all the complexities of his tale. It is a nearly flawless American novel and is undoubtedly one of my favorite reads of the year.

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 59)