meitachi | books read: 2022 november

Thirteen books in November. Still so much remains on my to read list! Can't believe it's December already; hopefully it won't be so hectic and there will be lots of holiday time to read.

Postern of Fate by Agatha Christie - A Tommy & Tuppence mystery, except they're older. Lots of references to their previous mysteries that I don't recall reading, and honest to god this one was a slog. I didn't care about the old mystery, and I barely cared about what was happening in present day. Easily forgettable.

Shameless Puckboy by Eden Finley & Saxon James - (Puckboys #2) I keep reading this series and keep hating the characters because they are, indeed, fuckboys. Sorry, it was hard for me to build any sympathy for the jerk main character even if I know the point was that he had reasons and he would kind of grow. I should pass on the rest of this series. The hockey is wrong and I don't like the characters, unfortunately.

I'm So Happy You're Here by Liz Climo - A sweet book validating all the diverse, different, amazing versions of you that deserve to be loved, accompanied by her cute animal illustrations.

I Can Do It by Jiang Zibei - I love her esports cnovels and this was a good translation! So rare. A bit reminiscent of Glory in the feisty newcomer who plays wildly and well, and who loves the captain and whom the captain dotes on, with other teammates and teams providing color. Super fun, and the side couple extras at the end were a delight. (The oblivious pining!) As for the main couple, rooted for their games and loved how casually they were just Really Into Each Other while not disguising it at all.

Dinosaur Philosophy by James Stewart - Philosophical dinosaurs, which are relateably dark but interspersed with some moving positive and sincere comics.

Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri - A fantasy novel with djinn and magic that was well-written and had a heroine I enjoyed; she felt realistic in her desires, her talent, her feelings. A wonderfully developed romance too, which is often rare in YA (to be quite frank), and believable shift from resentment over an arranged marriage to genuine trust and love. I love the diversity of female characters who represent different motivations, modes, etc. I'll likely read the sequel, which is supposed to be even better.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo - A childhood classic I did not read in childhood. It was surprisingly dark! And also surprisingly nuanced for a princess and hero (who is a mouse) tale.

The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman - Delightful addition to a delightful series, that is about the mysteries, yes, but much more about the human relationships and connections built across backgrounds and generations. Love Joyce and Elizabeth's friendships, and their personal quirks; love to see everyone care and contribute in their own ways. The mystery is really secondary, but it was enjoyable if, as usual, unbelievable.

The Woks of Life by the Leung Family - Finally! The cookbook is released. The Woks of Life blog is my go-to for Chinese, American Chinese, and other quick Asian dishes, from noodle soups to yuxiang eggplant, to authentic restaurant hot and sour soup. So good. Some lovely photos and stories of the family and its past to go with the excellent recipes.

Ocean's Echo by Everina Maxwell - Set in the same world as Winter's Orbit but hung together much better as a story and relationship, imo. Space opera with fake telepathic bonding! Another wonderfully developed resentful antagonistic relationship that slowly grows into real trust and liking. Some space politics, high tension, and resolution for now, it was overall meaty and satisfying. Plus some side characters I enjoyed.

Lady Justice: Women, the Law, and the Battle to Save America by Dahlia Lithwick - A nonficiton book highlighting 10 amazing women lawyers who fought back against the Trump administrations in their own way. A great reflection on that era and tribute to the work these women did on the ground -- often together with other activists, community, etc. It shows a breadth of perspectives on the law as well, either as an institution we have to protect or as a tool for change. I enjoyed being reminded of the good that individuals did, and how we can't rely on one Great Hero to save us all; we must all participate in our own way, whatever it is. A deeply feminist book, but one that also deeply believes in our institutions as our best tool for making things better for the ones currently excluded or harmed by those same institutions.

Scoring Position by Ashlyn Kane and Morgan James - (Hockey Ever After #2) A sequel to Winging It, but I liked this couple even more! A grumpy, resentful, slightly too in-his-head superstar and the golden retriever middling player sent to befriend and "fix" him. Understandably, neither are pleased, but they do get to know each other and like each other (obviously). Better at the hockey bits than many similar stories. Some external drama occurs, but a happy ending. Naturally.

Into the Riverlands by Nghi Vo - (The Singing Hills Cycle #3) I love this series and this world; this novella was another delightful addition. Chih the traveling monk continues on their adventures with their bird, collecting stories and histories and accidentally being swept up into present shenanigans.