Anais' Annotations The expression “if these walls could talk” is often used to reference the desire to hear the events a location has experienced through its own perspective, but what if it went outside of just four walls? What if an entire town could spin a yarn? This story of place is the very point of Donald Ray Pollock’s “Knockemstiff” (2008). Set in the real town of Knockemstiff, Ohio, this unique work takes a new approach to regionalism and storytelling.  When you first

Anais' Annotations Science fiction as a genre tends to conjure images of robot-human hybrids and spaceships soaring through the sky. In Rachel Ingalls’ 1982 novella “Mrs. Caliban,” this classic definition is put to the test. The author combines elements of science fiction with a psychological thriller; all set in an average suburban home. This tiny book packs a punch of meaning and heartache.  The story’s main protagonist, Dorothy, is a highly unstable but compelling characte

Anais' Annotations After having spent much of my life not being interested in the film version, I decided to take some time during the winter break to read “Dances with Wolves” (1988). Michael Blake’s novel is better known for its film adaptation, a popular culture icon starring Kevin Costner. Despite its cultural lingering in the halls of cinema fame, I found Blake’s story left a lot to be desired.  The basics of the plot sound solid: post-Civil War, a United States soldier

Anais' Annotations Real talk: getting along with your in-laws can be really hard. You may love them, but sometimes, you just wish they would do literally anything else than what they are doing. It is in-law relationships that spark the events of E. M. Forster’s “Where Angels Fear to Tread” (1905). This novel is a whiplash of drama, tragedy and romance, so buckle up.  I have heard some mixed opinions on this work, but for myself, I quite like it, and one reason for my approval

Most people know the immigrant journey is one filled with ups and downs. However, it is one thing to be aware of and entirely another thing to come face to face with the emotions of such a process. “How the García Girls Lost Their Accents” (1991) is a novel by Julia Alvarez that has a clear focus on this subject.  My favorite thing about this work is the subtle portrayal of traumatic repression. The story is told in reverse, following the four García sisters from adulthood to

Anais' Annotations If you like a flair for Southern drama, I have a story that may interest you. Eudora Welty’s “The Optimist’s Daughter” (1972) is a novel that the author developed based on an existing short story, and it is packed with family drama, crazy coincidences and never-ending plot twists.  This is not a book that I would call action-packed, as all of the conflicts are truly interpersonal. It moves at a much slower pace than readers may be used to, but unlike most s

Anais' Annotations For readers and fans of “Frankenstein” (1818) by Mary Shelley, Alasdair Gray has a twist for you in his 1992 novel, “Poor Things.” This may be a familiar title, as it was recently adapted into a film in 2023 starring Emma Stone. The movie is great, but as always, the book is better.  This novel is a collection of letters, diary entries and medical notes. All of these elements come together to create a collage of different perspectives. Overall, it creates a

Anais' Annotations Up until very recent history, I thought it was impossible to be from Alabama and not have read Harper Lee’s “To Kill a...

Anais' Annotations Science fiction – it is a label most commonly associated with films like “Star Wars” and the image of little green men...

"The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy The best thing about cracking open a new book is the transportation to a new place. This week,...

"A Gathering of Old Men" by Ernest J. Gaines When thinking about the deep South, you may find yourself imagining trees draped in Spanish...

'"America is Not the Heart" by Elaine Castillo Imagine coming to America for the first time as a Filipina immigrant with severe Post...

“The Princess Diarist” by Carrie Fisher Just the mention of Carrie Fisher may evoke images of insane hairstyles, laser guns and the...

"Mrs. Warren's Profession" cover art George Bernard Shaw is known for his exploration of complicated themes through seemingly...

Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita" is a masterpiece, but should it have been published? Vladimir Nabokov’s “Lolita” is, perhaps, one of, if not...

BookTok's sweetheart -  'A Court of Thorn and Roses' Whether or not you would consider yourself a reader, there is no doubt that you have...

One summer, three books down (almost) The end of summer always brings a feeling of reminiscence and nostalgia. For me, at least, it is a...

Grab the eye bleach! It's time to read 'Woom' Recently, I had a book recommended to me – ”Woom” by Duncan Ralston. It was marketed as a...

I’ve had a bit of experience reading Octavia Butler before, so I thought I knew what I was getting myself into when I decided to take a...

Growing up, my mother had quite an obsession with “Interview with the Vampire.” I have seen the 1994 movie countless times, along with...

After reading “Dracula” last week, I immediately set out to read “I Am Legend” by Richard Matheson, which, contrary to popular belief, is...

Forman offers thought-provoking debate in book series Spoilers for “If I Stay” and “Where She Went” “If I Stay” is a novel by Gayle...

One of the most highly acclaimed novels in history, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” was the only published work accredited to Harper Lee for 55...