February Reading

 The Bee Sting - I started reading this and got very annoyed and bored with it. It's very long and the library needed it back when I was 3/4 through. I got back in the queue and it took a few months to get back. It seemed to pick up a bit so I don't know if it was me who changed or if the book was hitting it's peak so the pace was better. It's quite good by the end but just too long to carry the story in my opinion. Good story, plenty of menace but just diluted in the lengthy telling of it. 

Star Spangled Jesus - Someone on one of the blogs recommended this, and as I recognised the author of Insta, I thought I'd give it a go. It looks at the rise of Christian Nationalism in America (something that to those of us outside of the States seems very UNChristian and against most of Christian values. It's ok to be Christian and love your country but when that comes at a cost of helping the poor and the sick and persecuting people, there's something very, very wrong with it). The book gives a clear insight into how it came about but where this book differs, is she used to think all these things. A lot of her quotes and examples are her own tweets or essays (or even songs she wrote and performed). She uses her own misguided behaviour as examples, so it helps you see how it happens, and not just write it off as crazy or nasty people. I've recommended to a friend already, so I guess it's a thumbs.

The Group - Someone also recommended this. It's a strange book. Maybe translation makes it odd but I did like it. It's got a bit of a nasty edge and is a little uncomfortable at times (but that might be my age). An easy to read, and only took me a few days, so I guess that's a good sign.

The Reflections of the Queen Snow White - The concept is great but I struggled at times with the execution. Snow White was a little annoying and the sex scenes were really ick to be honest (maybe it is my age??). The idea is interesting but not a must read.

The Intruders - This is a little comic about a returned soldier with PTSD. It's very melancholy and a little surprising. I found it very sad. It's super short, I read it on the train to the city. It sort of stuck with me so I guess that's a good sign.