Braised Pork by An Yu

This book took me by surprise. When I started reading it, I thought it was going to be the average contemporary novel about grief and self-discovery that I always enjoy reading, but then it shifted into magical realism as a means of allegory to something else, which I hadn't expected. At first, I felt confused and it took me some days to pick it back up, but when I did return to the story, it gripped me and didn't let me go until the end. This book won't be for everybody, but it will be loved by reader who like magical —an almost mythical— elements interwoven in a story that is both contemporary and literary.

Stars: 3 out of 5 

Language: English 

Publisher: Grove Atlantic

Format: e-ARC provided through Netgalley

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45161754-braised-pork

El museo del silencio, de Yoko Ogawa

Mi intención original era empezar a explorar la obra de Yoko Ogawa con [book:La fórmula preferida del profesor|10425028], pero estuvo en falta durante bastante tiempo. Entonces, compré este porque el argumento me pareció interesante. Y lo es, pero definitivamente ni recomendaría este libro como puerta de entrada al mundo de Ogawa.

Siento que leí dos libros independientes que la autora decidió unir porque sí. La primera mitad pareció intrigante, reflexiva y poética; exactamente lo que esperaba de este libro cuando leí la sinopsis. Pero de repente, alrededor de la mitad, la trama dio un vuelco repentino a algo casi similar a una novela negra o, quizás, de suspenso, y el foco se desvió a un punto poco agradable y para nada atrapante.

Persistí con la esperanza de que volviera esa prosa elegante y casi filosófica de la primera mitad, que se siguieran los hilos que más me habían interesado —la historia con la madre, qué pasaba con el hermano y su familia, qué fue de la vida del monje—, pero eso nunca sucedió. 

En lugar de eso, se repetían los diálogos, la descripción innecesariamente desagradable de la anciana —que con la personalidad ya resultaba despreciable—y, a partir de la mitad se torna repetitivo, y hasta parecía que estaba leyendo una y otra vez las mismas páginas, cosa que daba la sensación de que la trama se había quedado estática.

En cuanto al "giro", lo vi venir desde la escena en la que se presenta a esa persona.

Más allá de todo eso, la prosa de Ogawa me pareció tan hermosa, fluida y reflexiva, que me encantaría probar suerte una vez más con su obra, pero la próxima vez con una historia coherente, bien construida y sostenida. 

Estrellas: 2,5 de 5 

Idioma original: japonés

Idioma de lectura: español (traducido)
Editorial: Funambulista

Edición: tapa blanda

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22698261-el-museo-del-silencio

Everything She Touched: The Life of Ruth Asawa by Marilyn Chase

Before I start, I’d like to thank Netgalley and Chronicle Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review, but most of all for allowing me to get to know and learn about the incredible artist and important figure that Ruth Asawa was, because I bet I wouldn’t have heard about her otherwise.

Aside from discovering an amazing artist and female empowerment figure, through this biography I also learned about Japanese culture, a different perspective of WWII and internment, a new artistic movement, and fun facts such as how second-generation Japanese-American people are called (Nisei). 

Ruth studied Art in College —which was pretty uncommon for women at that time, especially women of color—, she married a white man —defying anti-miscegenation laws—, and was fundamental to the creation of the San Francisco’s performing arts school. And she accomplished all of this and more while raising SIX children.

This book is ideal for those looking for a biography on a lesser known artist that was key in her time, area and field, who was also an early feminist without even intending to do so, and also like learning about the historical and social context in which all of that happened. And you can tell how much effort was put into this book, because it is impeccably and meticulously researched, as well as it being multimedia, with letters, quotes, and photos complimenting the text.

Last but not least, I'd like to end this review with some of my favorite works of hers:

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Original language: English

Language read: English 

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Edition: e-ARC

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51644245-everything-she-touched

Los magos de Lev Grossman

Bueno, llegó la hora. Venía posponiendo esto porque, generalmente, no me gusta publicar reseñas tan negativas como esta, pero, como se trata de un libro tan popular, creo que es necesario.

Antes que nada, quiero empezar por aclarar que, si bien preferiría haber abandonado el libro, me obligué a terminarlo para tener opiniones fundadas a la hora de reseñarlo. Por ese motivo, un libro que debería haber leído en, como mucho, dos días, me terminó llevando cinco. Y sí, confieso que me salteé algunos párrafos que no podía terminar de leer, por motivos que voy a detallar más adelante.

Ahora sí, empecemos con mi descargo. Al principio me atraía mucho la idea de que Grossman nos mostrara las dos caras en la vida de un mago: el más fantástico, concerniente a la magia, y el más mundano, el del día a día real. ¿Cuál fue el problema entonces? Bueno, no hay un solo problema…

Si bien entiendo cuál era la intención de Grossman y por qué eligió usar esa perspectiva, en lugar de generar sensaciones o despertar ideas en el lector, las detalla abiertamente. Nos dice lo que tenemos que ver o sentir, en lugar de “mostrarlo” o insinuarlo.

El libro empieza muy bien con ese recurso de mostrar la cara “más normal” de una vida y un mundo mágico, y hasta llegué a creer que era cierto eso de que era como “Harry Potter para adultos” (sacrilegio y gran mentira publicitaria). Y ese es el segundo problema que encontré en este libro. Es evidente que, para atraer a las primeras generaciones de lectores de Harry Potter que ya habían crecido, el autor tomó elementos de la saga de J. K. Rowling  y los “modificó”, aunque no se tomó demasiado trabajo. Les doy algunos ejemplos:

Ø Universidad donde se estudia magia.

Ø Los “humanos comunes” no pueden ver ni acceder a la escuela.

Ø Eliot les lleva artefactos ilegales.

Ø Una especie de ajedrez mágico. Campeonato de este juego como “deporte mágico”.

Ø Mapa mágico del campus.

Ø Búhos mensajeros.

Ø Lo guía el director.

Para ese punto dejé de tomar nota, porque me estaba llevando aún más tiempo del que ya estaba invirtiendo en intentar avanzar en la lectura.

Sé que ya no queda mucho por inventar, pero una cosa es inspiración, y otra es una copia barata y deformada. Además, hizo tanto hincapié en meter todos los elementos mágicos como pudo que se olvidó de desarrollar y enfocar el argumento de la novela. Pasaban cosas porque sí, pero estaba todo tan desordenado que parecía no haber un hilo narrativo.

Hasta ahora, esos son temas que quizás podría haber pasado por alto si me interesaba la historia o si había una vuelta de tuerca. Eso me lleva al tercer problema; el que más me molestó de todos. El “giro” que Grossman decidió incorporar fue que el protagonista sea un antihéroe sarcástico, con un sentido del humor bastante ácido y negro. Pero eso podría ser un punto a favor en una lectora como yo, si no fuera porque los recursos por los que se decantó el autor fueron descripciones peyorativas y comentarios discriminatorios, misóginos y malintencionados, de la boca de un adolescente sexista, maltratador y obsesionado con el sexo. Además, los profesores usan lenguaje vulgar para dirigirse a los alumnos, quizás una intención fallida de hacer que el libro parezca más “adulto”, mismo motivo por el cual creo que hay una sexualización constante de todo. Me parece que Grossman quiso ser diferente y romper con ciertas estructuras con una temática pseudovanguardista, pero mediante los recursos equivocados.

También siento que tengo que mencionar que la traducción es terrible, pero también me compadezco por el traductor al que le tocó darle voz en español a este texto insufrible. O quizás, como era un hombre y lo tradujo en hace más de diez años, ni se dio cuenta de todo esto, pero hay cosas que deberían haberle hecho ruido a la comunidad editorial y lectora ya por el 2009.

Estrellas:1 de 5 

Idioma original: inglés

Idioma de lectura: español (traducido)
Editorial: Ediciones B

Edición: tapa blanda

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6998308-los-magos

Don’t Wait Til I Die To Love Me by Michael Tavon

Being a long-time Nirvana fan, when I saw that the first poem was called Come As You Are, I knew I was going to enjoy this ride.  

While reading most poems, it felt like I was reading my own thoughts and feelings —both past and current— put into words, and I am sure anyone can find themselves represented in this poetry collection, because it touches on a myriad of relatable themes most of us have experienced at least once.

If you’ve ever felt you were drowning in the loneliness and numbness anxiety causes after a loss of any kind —be it death, a broken heart, or distancing because of hurt, anger or pride,— then you will feel you are not alone while reading these poems.

Michael shows us that, after having sailed through a storm, we learn to make the most of our time here, to let go of what is sinking us —without looking back and moving forward,— so we can get back on our feet after having learned important lessons from lived experiences and past mistakes.

I appreciate the author having chosen to make themes and moods go up and down, back and forth, because that’s how our minds and souls actually move: like an unpredictable roller coaster. But hopefully, we’ll be able to keep the good memories, grow stronger and develop self-love, so we can shine our brightest light on the world.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Original language: English

Language read: English 

Publisher: Independent

Edition: E-ARC provided by the author.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51829250

Men to Avoid in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni

This was the perfect funny short book I needed to cheer up during quarantine.

Nicole Tersigni has created a great blend where the reader can enjoy beautiful works of art, while at the same time laughing because of the oh-too-real dialogues that shouldn't feel so relatable. 

I'll end this review with my four favorites:

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Original language: English

Language read: English 

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Edition: e-ARC

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3288717883

Window by Marion Arbona

The beautiful llustrations tell a story of their own, where behind each window hides an individual mini-plot, that invites the reader to imagine a personal take on the narrative of what is happening in every living space.

I first thought of droping one star because I felt that there was no ending, but then I realized that, probably, the author did that to encourage kids —and whomever they are reading the book with— to continue the story themselves, creating stories from the windows in their own surroundings.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Original language: N/A

Language read: N/A 

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Edition: ebook

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50956629-window

Aquilea: Crónicas de una librería - Hernán Lucas

Lamentablemente, no es lo que yo creía haber comprado. Quería leer sobre el día a día de un librero pero, si bien hay un poco de eso, la mayor parte del libro gira en torno al dueño quejándose de algo o criticando a sus clientes mediante comentarios despectivos. No le pongo una estrella solo por estos fragmentos reflexivos e interesantes:

«Por sugerencia de mi empleado el verdadero artista de esta historia, ahora usamos el libro ahuecado para esconder la recaudación diaria. Un libro entre miles de libros para esconder la plata que dejan los libros».

«Dijo conocer, Vicky,
gracias a esa torre atada
de revistas National Geographics [sic], su living
"menos que a la selva"».

«Lo viejo es ta vendible como lo nuevo porque así como para todo roto hay un descosido, para cada para cada libro hay un lector».

«A quienes piensan que el libro digital va a desplazar al libro de papel se les va la mano con el utilitarismo. Creen que lo más eficaz destrona a lo menos eficaz. Según el filósofo Frederic Jameson vivimos en una época "nostálgica": lo viejo y lo nuevo están ahí, disponibles, como pedazos desparramados de un tiempo que iba en fila India (pasado-presente-futuro) y estalló. Se me ocurre que el libro digital y el libro de papel podrían ser algunos de esos pedazos de presente. Lo nuevo no desplaza a lo viejo: conviven. ¿Pero será así? Hoy, al abrir el libro hueco donde escondo la plata, leí, en la página que hace de fondo, la siguiente frase: "La Revolución Industrial diezmó al artesanado". Signo de pregunta? No serán mis dudas meditaciones formas de no ver un final cantado?».

«Hay gente que parece salida de los libros que pide».

Si bien aprecio que nos abriera un poco su corazón con el último relato, mucho más personal, me parece que no encuadra dentro de la temática del libro. 

Espero tener mejor suerte con Ejemplares únicos (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48345347-ejemplares-nicos?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=7CIZfO7aHy&rank=1)

Estrellas: 2 de 5 

Idioma original: español 

Idioma de lectura: español
Editorial: BAJOLALUNA

Edición: tapa blanda

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21806303-aquilea

Parable of the Sower - Octavia E. Butler, Damian Duffy & John Jennings (graphic novel)

I was expecting something less unfinished.

Last year I reviewed on Goodreads Duffy's adaptation of Kindred and, although I hadn't read the original book that graphic novel is based on, it made me curious about picking it up in the near future. I had a similar —yet not as good— experience with this one.

However, although I know I received an advanced copy, the unfinished illustrations made it quite difficult for me to follow the narrative thread. I should point out that they were colorless —and sometimes faceless— drafts and, there being so many characters, sometimes it was impossible to fathom who was speaking to whom. Again, I know this is an ARC, but reviewers should at least be able to distinguish one character from another, and I think they should have waited to have that aspect somewhat deducible before releasing it for review.

Moreover, I felt that the dialogue and overall text was overly simplified to make it a shorter and faster read, I felt there was much information and context missing.

I will definitely be reading the original Parable of the Sower, though, because, if I enjoyed most of the story in spite of all the above, I’m sure I will love the full version.

Thank you Netgalley and ABRAMS for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Original language: English

Language read: English 

Publisher: ABRAMS

Edition: ebook

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43908991-parable-of-the-sower

My review of the Kindred adaptation: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2832636556

Heavier than Heaven - Charles R. Cross

ENGLISH REVIEW
(scroll down to see the review in Spanish // Reseña en español debajo)

I have mixed feelings about this biography.

On the one hand, I noticed that several anecdotes were incomplete or "trimmed", or had no atibuted source. That gave me the impression that the idea was for those stories to be understood in a certain way, in order to make the suicide version and evidence more feasible. As many others point out in their reviews, the author takes a significant creative license when narrating the last period before Kurt's death, and he takes for granted facts and actions that are impossible to prove have happened in that way, because supposedly nobody was in the crime scene when whatever happened happened.

Now, on the other hand, it is clear that Cross did a detailed and thorough investigation. Also, even though I read it translated into Spanish, it is written in a way that made it almost compulsive for me to keep reading.

And finally, I want to point out that this is not the updated version that went on sale recently, so I don't know if they managed to amend those things that bothered me in any way. As soon as I have the opportunity to read that new appendix, I will add it to this review.

Do I recommend it? Definitely.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Original language: English

Language read: Spanish
Publisher: DEBOLS!LLO

Edition: paperback

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1325482.Heavier_Than_Heaven

RESEÑA EN ESPAÑOL

(Scroll up to see the review in English // Reseña en inglés arriba)

Tengo sentimientos encontrados acerca de esta biografía.

Por un lado, noté que varias anécdotas estaban incompletas o "recortadas", o carecían de fuente, y me dio la impresión de que la idea era que sonaran de cierto modo, para hacer que "cerrara" un poco más la versión y los datos del suicidio. Como dijeron muchos otros en sus reseñas el autor, se toma una licencia importante en cuanto al último período anterior a la muerte de Kurt, y da por sentado hechos y secuencias de actos que son imposibles de probar, porque se supone que nadie estaba en ese lugar cuando sucedió lo que sea que haya sucedido.

Ahora, por otro lado, es evidente que Cross hizo una investigación minuciosa y completa. Además, a pesar de que la leí traducida al español, está escrita de una manera que se convirtió en una lectura casi compulsiva para mí, y no veía la hora de volver a agarrar el libro para seguir leyendo.

Y, por último, quiero destacar que esta no es la versión actualizada que salió a la venta hace poco, así que no sé si lograron enmendar de alguna manera esas cosas que me molestaron. En cuanto tenga la oportunidad de leer ese apéndice nuevo, lo voy a agregar a esta reseña.

¿La recomiendo? Definitivamente.

Estrellas: 4 de 5 

Idioma original: inglés 

Idioma de lectura: español (traducción de Ángeles Leiva)
Editorial: DEBOLS!LLO

Edición: tapa blanda

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43601.Heavier_Than_Heaven_Kurt_Cobain_La_Biograf_a

Salvatierra - Pedro Mairal

RESEÑA EN ESPAÑOL

(Scroll down to read the review in English // Reseña en inglés debajo)

Quiero empezar esta reseña destacando que Pedro Mairal es un genio de la ambientación. Valiéndose de imágenes vívidas  que están plasmadas en la pintura, logró recrear la atmósfera rural, campestre, de un pueblo en aquella época y, a la vez, reflejar la realidad actual. Transmite a la perfección el sentimiento de nostalgia y melancolía que genera volver al pueblo natal cuando uno lleva una vida de ciudad.

La escritura es sencilla, pero la voz del narrador tiene una carga de intimidad que le permite al lector empatizar con los personaje, y hace que la historia se sienta real, factible. Además, por momentos “salpicaduras” de humor sutil intercalados en los momentos justos para generar un cambio de tono.

Cabe mencionar que, si bien hay un misterio de por medio, no es el tema central. Este relato se enfoca más en las relaciones, las costumbres y los secretos familiares (tanto a voces como guardados bajo siete llaves).

Por lo general, desconocemos el trasfondo detrás de una obra, y sabemos aún menos acerca de la historia personal del autor. En este libro, Mairal nos lleva detrás del telón para revelarnos el contexto de creación de este “cuadro” en particular. Es más, si lo pensamos, en realidad no conocemos la historia completa de nadie, y mucho menos desde su perspectiva.

Termino con una cita que resume y desmuestra todo lo que dije:

"Uno ocupa esos lugares que los padres dejan en blanco. Salvatierra ocupó ese margen alejado de las expectativas ganaderas de mi abuelo. Se adueñó de la representación, de la imagen. Yo me quedé con las palabras que la mudez de Salvatierra dejó de lado. Empecé a escribir hace un par de años.  Siento que este lugar, este espacio de la hoja blanca, me pertenece más allá de los resultados. El mundo entero cabe en este rectángulo". 

Estrellas: 5 de 5 

Idioma original: español

Idioma de lectura: español
Editorial: Emecé

Edición: tapa blanda

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33287190-salvatierra

ENGLISH REVIEW
(Scroll up to read the review in Spanish // Reseña en español arriba)

I'd like to begin this review highlighting the genius of Pedro Mairal at creating a setting. Using vivid images that are embodied in the painting, he managed to perfectly recreate the rural, country atmosphere of a town at that time and the current reality at the same time. He manages to instill the nostalgia and melancholy that causes returning to our home town when one is currently living a city life.

The writing is simple, but the voice of the narrator is so intimate that it allows the reader to empathize with the characters and makes the story feel real and feasible. In addition, there are "splashes" of subtle humor interspersed at the right moments, generating a timely change of tone.

I should mention that, although there is a mystery involved, it's not the central issue. The narrative is focused on family relationships, home, old customs and family secrets ─be it well-known or kept under lock and key.

In general, we dn't get to know the background of a work of art, and we know even less about the author's personal history. In this book, Mairal takes us "backstage" to reveal the context in which this particular painting was created. What's more, come to think about it, we don't really know anyone's full story, let alone from their own perspective.

I'll finish with a quote that summarizes and demonstrates everything I said:

"We occupy the places our parents leave blank. Salvatierra occppied a marginal space as far away as possible from my grandfather's hopes of his becoming a cattle rancher. I inhabit the words that Salvatierra’s muteness left untouched. I began to write a few years ago. I feel that this place, the space of the blank page, is mine, independently of what the results might be. The whole world fits into this rectangle."

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Original language: Spanish

Language read: Spanish 

Publisher: New Vessel Press

Edition: paperback

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17936779-the-missing-year-of-juan-salvatierra

Trans Voices: Becoming Who You Are - Declan Henry

ENGLISH REVIEW

Had this book only contained the interviews without the inclusion  of clinical or psychological of documents and studies, this would have been a five-star read. However, I have to say that I feel this is a great book for people curious about the subject with little knowledge going in. Coupled with a comprehensive glossary and explanations throughout each chapter, I believe it would be a good starting point for such readers.

Even I, being cisgender, cringed at some of the statements made regarding psychiatric disorders and trans identity being closely linked to autism, more so because the study in question is dated and didn’t actually arrive to a definite and fact-based conclusion.
Nevertheless, the testimonies felt so true and sincere that I feel the purpose of this book was fulfilled, which is to make trans voices heard, figuratively speaking.


Nevertheless, I found the testimonies so true and sincere that I feel the purpose of this book was fulfilled, which is to make trans voices heard, figuratively speaking.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Original language: English

Language read: English 

Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Edition: e-book (Netgalley ARC)

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32200296-trans-voices

The Lost Path by Amélie Fléchais

I really appreciate the prose in fairy-tale style and the versatility of the author's ability at illustrating. Sadly, I injoyed the illustrations more than the story itself, I thoroughly enjoyed the first part, but when the style and theme changed, I felt confused and I also felt that it clashed with the previous part.
The premise sounded great and the illustrations are lovely, but I was expecting something different, more similar to the first part, which was much more akin to fairy tales.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Original language: English

Language read: English 

Publisher: Diamond Book Distributors

Edition: e-book (ARC provided by Netgalley)

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39805744-the-lost-path

Sharp: The Women Who Made an Art of Having an Opinion - Michelle Dean

The premise of this book sounded interesting -especially in the era of female empowerment we are living right now.  I found the selection of women to talk about perfect. However, the writing style was dry and that kept we wanting to pick up some other book, instead of getting my full attention. It felt like reading a textbook for school on a subject that interests me and bores me at the same time, because of the pacing.

What I did thoroughly enjoy was being inspired by the lives led by such powerful women. If you are looking for that, take a chance and you will surely get something out of it.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Original language: English

Language read: English

Publisher: Grove Atlantic

Edition: ARC e-book

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36624415-sharp

La casa de los eucaliptus - Luciano Lamberti

El Diablo, Hermann Hesse, humanos que no lo son tanto, criaturas casi mitológicas,  saltos en el tiempo, rituales satánicos, etc.
Reconozco que las temáticas y los personajes son interesantes. No obstante...
Se compara al autor con Mariana Enriquez pero, si bien se trata de un terror más “cercano” como el de ella, sus cuentos tienen una cuota de crueldad y machismo que me molesta bastante y me dificulta el disfrute. Por otra parte, varias de las historias son casi monotemáticas en escenarios diferentes; supongo que en un intento de mantener un estilo.
En las historias más fantásticas y en las de locura lo disfruté más porque no había nada de eso que me molestó. Así que, si va por ese lado, voy a seguir leyendo lo que publique.

Detalle por historia:

- Los caminos internos: 3 estrellas;
- La casa de los eucaliptus: 3 estrellas;
- El tío Gabriel: 3 estrellas
- Los chicos de la noche: 3 estrellas;
- El Espíritu Eterno: 4 estrellas;
- Vida de E.: 5 estrellas;
- La ventana: 4,5 estrellas;
- Eddie: 4 estrellas;
- Muñeca: 1 estrella;
- Acapulco: 1 estrella;
- Carolina baila: 4,5 estrellas;
- Santa: 2 estrellas

Estrellas: 3 de 5 

Idioma original: español 

Idioma de lectura: español
Editorial: Random House

Edición: tapa blanda

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35925868-la-casa-de-los-eucaliptus

Little Bee - Chris Cleave

ENGLISH REVIEW
(scroll down to see the review in Spanish // Reseña en español debajo)

The premise was promising, but I feel there was something missing. Or should I say that there were three things that bothered me.
One was that I would have left out the chapters with Sarah's view point, because I truly enjoyed the story when it was told by Little Bee in such beautiful writing, but I found myself utterly uninterested in Sarah. In fact, the most striking aspect for me was how well Little Bee's voice and culture was represented, coming from a white, male, English author. Bravo for that!
The second problem had to do with how Andrew is portrayed, for the reader not to like him and thus justify an unimportant plot point. Also, I believe the relationship aspect should have been left out because it didn't contribute to he story at all.
And my last criticism is related to Bee saying that she would have to explain things in a different manner to the girls back home when retelling her story. I get that it is supposed to denote a clash of cultures, but I took it as the author unconsciously underestimating Nigerian people's reasoning capacity.
Nonetheless, I would recommend this book because of the refugee story and the fragments of beautiful writing.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Original language: English

Language read: English 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Edition: paperback

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6948436-little-bee

RESEÑA EN ESPAÑOL

(Scroll up to see the review in English // Reseña en inglés arriba)

La idea sonaba prometedora, pero me faltó algo. O quizás debería decir que hubo tres cosas que me molestaron.
Por un lado yo no habría incluido los capítulos con el punto de vista de Sarah, porque cuando más disfruté la historia fue durante los capítulos relatados por Little Bee, y no me interesó para nada el personaje de Sarah. De hecho, el aspecto que más me sorprendió, para bien, fue lo bien que estaba representada la voz de Little Bee y su cultura, sobre todo viniendo de la pluma de un autor hombre, blanco e inglés. Lo felicito por eso.
El segundo problema tiene que ver con la caracterización negativa de Andrew, porque apunta a que resulte desagradable para el lector para justificar un punto poco importante de la trama. Además, me parece que se debería haber excluido el tema de las relaciones  porque no aporta nada a la historia.
Por último, la tercera crítica es que Little Bee se la pasa diciendo que tendría que explicar su historia de otra forma si se la estuviera relatando a las chicas en casa. Si bien entiendo que se supone que eso se usa para representar un choque de culturas, sentí como si el autor estuviera subestimando inconscientemente la capacidad de razonamiento de las personas nigerianas.
No obstante, recomendaría este libro de todos modos por la historia sobre la realidad de los refugiados y por los momentos de escritura hermosa.


Estrellas: 3,5 de 5 

Idioma original: inglés 

Idioma de lectura: inglés
Editorial: Simon & Schuster

Edición: tapa blanda

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10373413-con-el-coraz-n-en-la-mano

Ex Libris: Stories of Librarians, Libraries, and Lore - Paula Guran

Although this is a rather large book, the review will be short and sweet.

Sci.Fi, Gothic, Mystery, Existential, you name it. This book touches on a variety of topics and genres, al revolving around the theme of books, libraries and librarian.

A book that is alive, another acts as a philosopher's stone, a baby as payment for a late return, witches, authors living after their deaths through their books, and much more.

What I love the most about anthologies is that they are a great medium for discovering new authors, some that I would probably never have heard of in other circumstances.

My favorite stories were:

5 stars
- Exchange by Ray Bradbury
- Paper Cuts Scissors by Holly Black
- The Green Book by Amal El-Mohtar
- The Fort Moxie Branch

4.75 stars
- The Inheritance of Barnabas Wilcox by Sarah Monette
- The Midbury Lake Incident by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
- What Books Survive

4.5 stars
- If on a Winter's Night a Traveler by Xia Jia
- Ad Librum by Paula Guran

4 stars
- In Libres by Elizabeth Bear
- In the House of the Seven Librarians by Ellen Klages
- Special Collections by Norman Partridge

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Original language: English

Language read: English 

Publisher: Diamond Book Distributors 

Edition: ebook (provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)

Expected Publication; 05/30/2017

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33163204-ex-libris?ac=1&from_search=true

* NOTA: No hay reseña en español porque por el momento solo está disponible en inglés.

Eileen - Ottessa Moshfegh

ENGLISH REVIEW
(scroll down to see the review in Spanish // Reseña en español debajo)

The story was disturbing, intriguing, disgusting and twisted -all in a good way. The writing style is gripping and makes you want to finish the whole thing in one sitting.

Then why 2.5 stars, then? you might be asking. The problem I had with it was hearing the author say that she wanted to write something different, strange, that would get her noticed so she could become famous. Hadn't I learned that, I would have given it 3.5 stars. 


I don't like it when authors o publishers think they are better than the reader/consumer, that they know what we like and would buy; them trying to play puppet master as if we were chess pieces.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Original language: English

Language read: English 

Publisher: PENGUIN GROUP (The Penguin Press)

Edition: ebook (provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23453099-eileen

RESEÑA EN ESPAÑOL

(Scroll up to see the review in English // Reseña en inglés arriba)

El libro es perturbador, intrigante, desagradable y retorcido (todo en el buen sentido). La escritura es atrapante y hace que te quieras comer el libro de un saque.

Se preguntarán "entonces, ¿por qué solamente 2 estrellas y media?. El problema que tuve con este libro fue que me enteré que la autora dijo que quería escribir algo diferente y raro, que le diera notoriedad, porque quería hacerse famosa. De no haberme enterado de eso, este libro se llevaría una estrella más.


Me molesta cuando los autores y/o editoriales se creen mejores que el lector/consumidor porque "saben" lo que nos gusta y vamos a comprar; que jueguen al titiritero y nos quieran manejar como piezas de ajedrez.

Estrellas: 2,5 de 5 

Idioma original: inglés 

Idioma de lectura: inglés
Editorial: PENGUIN GROUP (The Penguin Press)

Edición: ebook (proporcionado por Netgalley a cambio de una reseña honesta)

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33384705-mi-nombre-era-eileen

REVIEW: Scratch: Writers, Money, and the Art of Making a Living

Manjula Martin did a great job editing this collection of essays and interviews on what the title says: writers, their lives, money, finance and advertising, among other topics.

This collection allowed me to discover new authors, make up my mind on others I had been curious about and also rediscovered a few.
Because I usually do mini reviews of each component in collections and anthologies and there are so many essays compiled in this book, I am going to "pull an Aesop" and provide morals I got from some of them or quotes that I feel summarize the main idea of the essay. Please do bare in mind that some concepts may sound or even be similar and not all of the essays will have a summary. Here we go:

The book is divided into three sections:

1) EARLY DAYS, which delves into the making of a writer and the process to being published.

In Owning This, Julia Fierro talks of herself as a bookaholic, comparing books to people (as if they were living beings) and even considering books as her family. They will always be what she turns to when in need of comfort and company.
Moral: Stay true to yourself.

With Compliments: Nina MacLaughlin took the plunge and left her journalist job, but then her new way of making a living ceased to exist. What could she do next? Keep writing for free as a means of keeping herself occupied and trained.
Moral: Never stop doing what you love.

Faith, Hope and Credit: Cheryl Strayed gives a realistic view of income and success as a writer.
Moral: Some things are not as they seem.

On Staying Hungry by Rachael Maddox.
Moral: Keep the balance.

Porochista Khakpour did an amazing job at giving Joyce's famous work in Portrait of the Artist as A Debut Novelist. Here she describer what vould be called 'writer's stages'.
Morals: What you've been wishing for can happen -and probably will- when you least expect it.
              Believe in -and don't be so hard on- yourself.

Colin Dickey's The Mercenary Muse could be described as a short history of the writing business from the Greeks to today.
Quote: "Wrtie from the heart, not from the pocket."

Running the Widget Factory by Susan Orlean.
Moral: It is always good to try things out, because practice makes -almost- perfect.

The Wizard by Alexander Chee.
Moral: Money doesn't necessarily mean success, because what you get paid isn't always what you're worth.

You Are the Second Person by Kiese Laymon.
Moral: Don't compromise your ideals for "success," and never stop doing whatever makes you happy.

Five Years in the Wilderness by Cari Luna.
Morals: Sometimes you don't need others to conquer your dreams.
            One must know when to step aside.

Freedom by Richard Rodríguez.
Moral: The image you project is how you are seen.
            Luck generally plays an important part.

Work Hard, Read Dead by Yiyun Li.
Moral: Perspective is key to creating a realistic story.
Quote: "If you get there first, it doesn't mean you're the best."

Let's Suffer, Let's Starve by J. Robert Lennon.
Moral: Art for Art's sake osn't possible because money gets in the way..


2) THE DAILY GRIND, which tackles the struggles of working writers.

The Best Work in Literature by Manjula Martin centres around going up in the professional ladder.
Moral: Don't underestimate your day job or overstimate your freelance one.
Quote: "The best work in literature is walys done by those who do not depend on it for their daily bread." - Oscar Wilde.
Quote: "Work is work, even when we call it art or love, or culture and even when it's not. I want ro be valued, as much as often as possible, regardless of which clock I'm punching."

The Insider by Kate McKean.
Morals: If you pay attention you'll have something to learn from every experience.
             Take advantage of the knowledge you've gained from life itself."
             Play with the cards you are dealt.

Against "Vs." by Leslie Jamison.
Moral: That which influences a writer's work isn't only literary.

Love for Sale by Harmony Holiday depicts the perspective of people of color.
Moral: Celebrate people who add to the country's culture.

Unlikeable by Emily Gould is the most feminist of the bunch.
Moral: Don't try to please others and be liked if that means acting like a person you are not.

Sad Birthday Lady™ by Meaghan O'Connell is the only one that bothered me immensely and inspired the rant that follows.
Moral:

Freedom by Richard Rodríguez.
Moral: The image you project is how you are seen.

Freedom by Richard Rodríguez.
Moral: The image you project is how you are seen.

Freedom by Richard Rodríguez.
Moral: The image you project is how you are seen.

Freedom by Richard Rodríguez.
Moral: The image you project is how you are seen.

Freedom by Richard Rodríguez.
Moral: The image you project is how you are seen.

Freedom by Richard Rodríguez.
Moral: The image you project is how you are seen.


3) SOMEDAY, which comprises hopes, dreams and advice.


MY FAVORITES

4.5 stars:
- Worth by Jennifer Weiner
- Unlikeable by Emily Gould
- The Jump by Sarah Smarsh
- Not A Complaint by Nell Boeschenstein

4 stars
- The Wizard by Alexander Chee
- A Sort of Fairy Tale by Malinda Lo
- Like a Fish in A Tweet Suit by Jonathan Franzen
- Portrait of the Artist as a Young Novelist by Porochista Khakpour
- The Best Work in Literature by Manjula Martin

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Original language: English

Language read: English 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Edition: ebook (provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)

Expected Publication; 01/03/2017

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29430716-scratch

Los primeros cuentos - Truman Capote

RESEÑA EN ESPAÑOL

(Scroll up to see the review in English // Reseña en inglés arriba)

Descubrí este libro por casualidad mientras hacía tiempo a la salida del cine (en una librería, por supuesto). Cuando vi que había algo "nuevo" de Capote casi me muero de la alegría porque es uno de mis escritores preferidos.
Las historias son de distintos géneros pero todas conservan la atmósfera sureña latente. Disfruté mucho algunas, otras menos y una no me gustó. Al tratarse de escritos tempranos en la carrera de Capote, es evidente que le faltaba bastante para terminar de moldear ese estilo tan particular suyo. De todos modos, hay vestigios del Truman que todos conocemos en las temáticas abordadas y en las descripciones.

5 estrellas:
- La señorita Belle Rankin

4,5 estrellas:
- Si te olvido
- De parte de Jamie
- Lucy

4 estrellas:
- La polilla en la llama
- El extraño familiar

3,5 estrellas:
- El pantano del terror
- La tienda Mill

2,5 estrellas:
- Louise
- Rumbo al Oeste
- Almas gemelas
- Donde comienza el mundo

1,5 estrellas:
- Hilda

Estrellas: 3,5 de 5 

Idioma original: inglés 

Idioma de lectura: español
Editorial: Lumen

Edición: tapa blanda

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1987413650