book
Rated The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 8/10
Rated Excavation 10/10
What Wendy Ortiz’s writing does is startle me. It makes me want to at once confess and hide. Like fellow Future Tense author Chloe Caldwell, her writing makes me feel vulnerable within its truth. It’s difficult to say that I <i>loved</i> this memoir, for it’s like loving the most difficult parts of oneself. Yet, <i>Excavation</i> is indeed one of the best memoirs I’ve seen. I read along knowing that her relationship with Jeff was wrong, but I squirmed over knowing how similarly I would’ve acted in her situation. Everything I’ve read from Ortiz makes me want more, to keep poking at those wounds, to see how we both keep on living. If one must use that desire as a measure of a book’s success, then let it be so.<br><br>(My full review can be found at <a href="http://persephonemagazine.com/2014/07/book-review-excavation-by-wendy-c-ortiz/">Persephone Magazine</a>.)
Wants to read 1Q84 Haruki Murakami Speak
Rated The Body: A Guide for Occupants 8/10
Fantastic story telling of the human body as told by Bryson. Given we all occupy one it’s worth the read.
Wants to read Blood of Brothers: Life and War in Nicaragua
Finished reading The Legend of Corinair
Wants to read Apparently, Sir Cameron Needs to Die
Finished reading The Cypher Files
Wants to read Dooku: Jedi Lost
Rated An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth 8/10
Rated Duende 10/10
Tracy K. Smith is always great. I'm always glad to read her books.
Rated What Is Queer Food?: How We Served a Revolution 7/10
<div>This book is both a history of the queer people behind notable moments in food culture, and also an examination of what exactly it means to make food "queer." (Yes, Gay Brunch and quiche are touched upon.) For Birdsall, it is primarily about gathering the important people in one's life, people who exist in the margins, and experiencing an act of togetherness. That act can be nourishing, decadent, indulgent, or just making do with what you've got, but it all counts.<br><br>If you're looking for a book that talks more about the food itself over the people cooking it, it may not be for you. But as something that contributes to the archive of queer history, I liked it. I also spend a fair amount of time thinking about food and cooking, which began as a way to be able to eat what I wanted, but in a form I could either digest or afford. I am not a precise cook — my kitchen scale gets the most use for measuring the pasta I buy in bulk— but I've been told I'm an excellent one. I have brought dishes to many a queer potluck, organized many a queer artsy party involving food, and have helped teach my kids how to cook, so they know how to feed themselves and others as they move out into the world. Queer food is often about intent. If I were attempting to decide if a particular meal were queer in some way, I might ask myself, "What community is this meal for?"<br><br>There are moments where I may not entirely agree with Birdsall's analysis, and but I appreciate how well-sourced the book is. He is clear on where he gets his information, and also why he occasionally veers into moments of speculation. We do not necessarily want to force modern terminology upon historical figures, but we can also allow them to have fully dignified and more complete remembrances. There is a full, diverse cast of people here. And you'll learn the origin of Chiffon Cake.</div>
Rated Star wars: The Last Jedi: Expanded Edition 8/10
Rated Magical Thinking: True Stories 8/10