More Book Meh-commendations
YWR #140
First of all, this is definitely not a normal book newsletter.
(Longtime readers, taking a long, weary drag on a non-carcinogenic prop cigarette: Has it ever been, lady?)
Okay but:
It’s arriving on a SATURDAY, in a lawless flouting of Rules and Regulations.
Unlike 138 of the last 139 newsletters, it is not actually a list of recommendations, which is a bold strategy for a book reco newsletter, Cotton.
It is combining two of my (and your!) favorite species of newsletter -Trashy Books for Smart People and Book Meh-commendations. Whee!
So if you’re new here (Hi! thanks! welcome!) or if you just need a quick refresher because, perplexingly, you don’t dwell on the taxonomy of this newsletter:
Trashy Books for Smart People is not only a potential alternate title for this newsletter, but also a category of my book suggestions that definitely will not impress anyone with even a glancing connection to the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. But they’re fun and have SOME redeeming qualities. Usually.
Book Meh-commendations is a forum wherein I vent my spleen about books that are super buzzy or critically acclaimed, and even impressive on some levels but which I just … I mean they’re not bad, it’s … for me, they were … “meh.” But maybe you’ll love them! Edition 1 of Book Meh-commendations was my most popular newsletter ever, which is one of many reasons why I love you rascals. We GET each other.
Okay, so we’re all aligned? Agenda approved? Can everyone see my screen? Eve, you’re on mute … thank you, we can hear you now. Okay, let’s go!
Summary: In Big Swiss, lost, unmotivated Greta spends her days transcribing sex therapy sessions and becomes obsessed with a wealthy, married female patient she refers to as “Big Swiss.” When she and Big Swiss meet, their lives become intertwined.
You might like it: Because everyone else did! OTHER people thought it was “hilarious” and “light” and “charming” and I swear to god I saw someone refer to it as “a big hug.” “One of the funniest books of the last few years,” says the LA Times. YEARS!
And I will admit that it did feel contemporary, with a fresh and weird plot. The writing is adept, confident, with topnotes of an MFA. This actually might not be a Trashy Book in the strictest sense.
My issue was: (takes off glasses, pinches bridge of nose, sighs) Okay, a few things. First, maybe one could find it “funny” in that dark, nihilistic, “everything is terrible” kind of way, but I found Greta’s deceptions to herself and others far sadder and more awkward than funny. Maybe it’s Curb Your Enthusiasm “funny”? (shudder)
Also, it is basically all about sex, cover to cover (does that make it a Trashy Book for Smart People?) I have the reading sensibilities of a Victorian lady, so this simply was not a book for me. I didn’t get what others got.
Read instead: Queenie.
No! (clapping hands like when the cat climbs up the Christmas tree) The Gentle Lamb ratings do not indicate quality! They DO indicate emotional duress! Learn more here por favor.
Summary: Basically, Fourth Wing is your off-the-shelf fantasy. Dangerous magical military school. Telepathic, omniscient, horny dragons. Mating bonds. Undersized, underestimated Violet trying to live up to her family expectations. Love triangle. Friends or enemies? Rebellion. Tradition vs justice. You get it.
You might like it because: I enjoyed it as escapist reading, and if this is your flavor of gummy bear you might too. It ticks all the boxes and keeps everything barreling along. It’s fine!
My issue was: Just - what in the Colleen Hoover is all the FUSS about? How is this the most heralded book since Infinite Jest? There are better fantasy books. There’s nothing particularly special about this one, nor is there anything unusual in character, dialogue, or plot (though kudos for the character’s disability being written in).
Now, will I read the sequel? Obviously. But will I wait for it come from the library? 100%. Big time meh-commendation.
Read instead: Ninth House. A Deadly Education. The Magicians.
Not quite sure how to lamb-scale a fantasy. People and dragons die. But it’s extremely escapist.
O DAMN how very dare I critique this series? HOT TAKE TIME.
Summary: The Last Devil to Die is the fourth in the truly delightful and lovable Thursday Murder Club series, about a quartet of mystery-solving pensioners. The plot is unimportant, a mere backdrop to the good stuff (characters).
You might like it because: If you like this series, of course you’ll like it. Same characters? Check! Witty dialogue? Check! Triumphantly accomplished pals solve crimes that befuddle the police? Check! This fourth installment also had a very moving, bittersweet character arc. In fact, the whole book had a sweetly sad “lonely Christmas” feel about it amidst its humor.
My issue was: This is the fourth in four years and reader, it feels like it. It’s a bit churlish to critique a work for being formulaic when it’s a beloved, successful formula, but … this felt more like it was delivering on all the series’ high points instead of just being a high point.
Read instead: The first two in this series! Read them now! You’re welcome!
Yes, yes, I understand, you loved Big Swiss. Tell me all about it in the comments, or share your own meh-commendation of something you wanted to love but just - didn’t.
Ce n’est pas une pipe (AKA some final thoughts)
All books go to Bookshop.org again, because they have a most wide-ranging selection and support indie bookstores. You can see a lot of my past recos here and if you buy a book through my links or storefront, I’ll get like four cents! (Are you happy, Nina?) I can throw us all a very very small party!
If you’re a “smart books for smart people” kind of reader, stay tuned - every week is a different kind of book discussion. We’re omnivorous readers like that. And check the archive where you’ll find all manner of book stylings!
Boy, a LOT of you did not like Chain-Gang All-Stars! To each their own! There’s still time to leave YOUR favorite book of the year in the comments.
Literally is ANYONE reading this on December 30th or are you on a well-deserved hiatus from screens? Guess we’ll see!
Remember to like, comment, share, recycle, and hydrate! thxkbye
I really enjoyed reading The Reindeer Hunters by Lars Mytting. It's part of a trilogy, so I recommend reading the first book in the series "The Bell in the Lake" first.
The Vaster Wilds is without any doubt the Best Book I read in 2023. It could be The Book of Prayer .