Since I started tracking my monthly reads a few years ago, a pattern has emerged. I tend to hit a reading slump in March. But it turns out I found a way to get around (through) that slump, by reading fiction! Of course, I’m still me, so all of the books I read had some relationship to art.
Anita de Monte Laughs Last is heavily centered on the art world, and I’m just waiting for someone else I know to finish it because there’s a lot I want to discuss!! (Seriously, somebody please read this so we can talk about it!)
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed The Last Painting of Sara de Vos, but it was an interesting take on the art world in different time periods.
Demon Copperhead is heavy (like, really heavy, I had to take a few breaks, because it covers some rough topics around addiction, foster care, and poverty) and it wasn’t my favorite Kingsolver book, but it also features the most perfect character, an art teacher named Miss Annie.
If I’m being honest, I found Circe a little slow at some points, but I also loved the moments where Circe and Penelope were weaving, even if I craved more detail.
Hey Megan! I read Anita de Monte Laughs Last for my book club. I’ve got a lot of thoughts about it — like the fact that it’s based on a true story and the idea that spirits can antagonize people if they’re remembered enough. (Loved the bat!) The modern story felt a little bit flat and cliched to me. White boy meets brown girl — he’s not super talented, but propped up by privilege and money and tries to mold the brown girl to his world. At least she gets an Anita de Monte photograph out of it? Our club will discuss the book on July 30 if you’d like to join! It’s on Zoom. We’re called Paging Creatives and read fiction, biographies about art with some business books thrown in the mix.