Welcome to What I’ve Been Reading Lately, a feature where I’ll be giving short reviews of what I’m currently reading:
The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins
Wilkie Collins’s spellbinding tale of romance, theft, and murder inspired a hugely popular genre–the detective mystery. Hinging on the theft of an enormous diamond originally stolen from an Indian shrine, this riveting novel features the innovative Sergeant Cuff, the hilarious house steward Gabriel Betteridge, a lovesick housemaid, and a mysterious band of Indian jugglers. (Credit: Modern Library)
After devouring The Woman in White, I knew I had to read his other popular classic. I am loving what I’m reading so far! Collins has a gift of creating characters that actually talk to the readers and make them feel that they are part of the investigation. And this mystery is a real page turner!
She is Fierce by Ana Sampson
A stunning gift book containing 150 bold, brave and beautiful poems by women – from classic, well loved poets to innovative and bold modern voices. From suffragettes to school girls, from spoken word superstars to civil rights activists, from aristocratic ladies to kitchen maids, these are voices that deserve to be heard.
I wanted to make sure that I read poetry for Poetry month. Poetry can also provide a moral boost to the soul and I have been needing that a lot lately. So reading this collection of poetry by women provided the energy boost I needed.
I have also finished reading some graphic novels:
Sumperman Smashes the Klan by Geun Luen Yang
An inspirational icon teaching an inspirational lesson, this rendition of Superman teaches and inspires all readers of all ages. Superman is admired wherever he goes and people tend to forget that he is an immigrant. If that doesn’t change how people look at him, then why should that be the case for other immigrants who add to the diverse personality of the country. When the views of immigration and race are trying to be twisted and distorted, this is a story that was definitely needed and necessary.
Supergirl: Being Super by Mariko Tamaki
I really liked this one. A fresh take on Kara Danvers, where Supergirl gets to shine. It is more than just an origin superhero story. It explores identity and a young teenager finding a place on their own terms, themes a lot younger and older readers can identify with. Hopefully there will be another book in this series. Really want to know what happens next, especially from that cliffhanger.
Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook, Ko Hyung-Ju and Ryan Estrada
Such a powerful read! Really shows how reading can bring truth and light when their is paranoia and fear. I learned so much about South Korean history from reading this memoir and I want to learn more about it. This story also shows how history has a chance of repeating itself. However, when people ban together to overcome that obstacle, the history’s trajectory can be changed.