February '26 Reading Recap
Spoiler-Free Reviews
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February Book Club Pick
Persuasion by Jane Austen
“To be claimed as a good, though in an improper style, is at least better than being rejected as no good at all.”
I’ve already touched on this in my Jane Austen ranking, but Persuasion is my favorite novel by her. The writing here is sharper and condensed, not mired in what can be superfluous language of her earlier novels, but character and story are never sacrificed.
Upon a reread, I noticed how carefully Austen plots her story. This is a slow build of a novel, solely character driven, and the prose is simply gorgeous. Alongside Emma, it’s Austen’s wittiest novel, filled with the best takedowns against the aristocracy. Every character is memorable and are archetypes/caricatures of people we know or met. The romance, while not as overt or even prominent (especially by our contemporary sensibilities), is just as beautiful as Pride & Prejudice.
I’m glad that most of the men in my book club enjoyed this read. While it didn’t click for some, they still understand why it’s a revered classic. Books like Persuasion stand the test of time because Austen is so satirical; if she were more serious in tone, I do not believe she’d be as well remembered as she is now.
Don’t have much more to say on this books that I haven’t already said, so I’ll just urge you, my reader, to read it instead (or any Austen book)!
Substack Read
Hell Or Hangover by Alex Muka
“Where there is a why, men can bear any how.”
This was my first book by a self-published, Substack author and it set a pretty damn good bar for me. The prose is energetic and the story is a fun time as we follow a 25 year old dipshit learn to be a better person. I may have some bias being Latino from Miami, and while the book is set in NY, the Latin culture (specifically Cuban) is dominant throughout the entire book, there was a lot I could relate. Having a ‘no sabo’ protagonist who learns to connect with his roots on his terms was a rewarding read. And while he could be pretty damn mean spirited, the story always remains earnest/
Having the narrative be told through one week and different hours of the day, helps keep the pacing tight and consistent. While there is an aspect of the novel that I thought would go places and seemingly don’t, it makes up for it with a fun, debaucherous plot that’s still filled with ton of heart. You can tell this was written by a person who’s been working on this novel for years and while it is a piece of fiction, the authors personality bleeds into every page.
Having read books with heavy subject matter to start the year, this was a much needed palette cleanser and a reminder that literature can still be fun to read! Filled with funny, quotable lines, I was surprised at how much I laughed and agreed with. “There are more rivalries in the Hispanic community than SEC football.” There certainly is.
If you’re also a Substack author or just want to read more indie published books, look no further!
Personal Read
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
“The pure present is an ungraspable advance of the past devouring the future. In truth, all sensation is already memory.”
This is probably my most lukewarm read of the year so far. Didn’t dislike it, but didn’t love it either. The writing itself is masterful - very accessible prose that is easy for anyone to read, even though some may be turned off by the postmodernist storytelling. Personally, I don’t mind my fiction getting real weird, but by the end of the novel, I don’t fully get it. I understand what Murakami is saying, but I just don’t understand how several events of the story add up to the conclusion.
The story lost steam midway through to me and it’s saving grace was the writing itself. After you get your bearings on the world, the pacing halts to a snails pace and by the very end of it, I stopped caring what would happen. I will say the supporting cast of characters were great in their own ways and make for some of the funnier moments, but as a whole, I don’t really care all that much about this book. It’s strong in its postmodernist themes and weird in its sexual fantasies. I’m no prude, but even I struggle to understand the importance of the weird sex scenes in the book.
I’m still willing to give other Murakami books a shot, as I said, the writing is great. But I’m not sure that will be enough for me to really become a fan of his.
Comics
Invincible Vol. 11 &12 by Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley
There’s honestly not much to say about this other than, this is cool! I’m rereading these volumes in preparation for the new season of Invincible because it’s just a fun time being in this world. While there are definitely strong themes about power and plenty of depth with most of its characters, I’m reading this purely for entertainment. And I can confidently say this comic fucking rocks!
Ryan Ottley’s art finally comes into full form in these volumes and things get gnarly real fast. Kirkman’s plotting is quite honestly perfect in juggling several storylines and giving it all enough time to breath. Nothing felt rushed and everything was earned. What’s fun is that I know things get even more exciting in future issues and I can’t wait to get there.
I mostly read comics for a rip-roaring good time and that’s what I got with these volumes. ‘Nuff said.
Currently Reading
M: Son of the Century by Antonio Scurati
Seduced by Story by Peter Brooks
What did YOU read in February? Have you read any of the books I read? Let’s talk about it!
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I've already mentioned that I agree with you on Persuasion. As a big fan of Jane Austen and a lifelong Darcy and Elizabeth fan, I can say I find Anne to be a very relatable character who is strong in ways even she isn't aware. Wentworth is the ultimate hero. He is hurt and not afraid to acknowledge it and lay blame at the feet of those who caused it --- and yet has not given up on Anne. His letter to her remains the most beautiful piece of literature around (and this is coming from a romance cynic!).
A book suggestion for you. More serious content - The Red Scare Murder by Con Lehane. This takes place during the McCarthy era so you have communism, racism, antisemitism, unions, the mob, loyalty, family, a hit of romance, and, of course, murder. Well written, engaging, so much nottoofarinthepast history....a good read.
I’m a sucker for Pride and Prejudice. It was my first Jane Austen book, but it’s the humor that really gets in that one. Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine de Bourghe left me in absolute stitches.