Vocal Book Club

"Embrace the Pause: Books to Help You Reconsider the Grind and Prioritize Balance Part II"
1. "Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World" by Christian Cooper offers readers a refreshing and deeply personal exploration of the joys of birding and the profound connection between nature and self-discovery. While Cooper may be known for a viral moment that thrust him into the public eye, his memoir transcends this singular event, delving into his life story and personal philosophy with remarkable depth and insight.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
"Hidden Gems: Award-Winning Memoirs Flying Under the Radar"
1. "Nine Continents: A Memoir In and Out of China" by Xiaolu Guo, recipient of the prestigious 2017 National Book Critics Circle Award for Memoir and Autobiography, is a poignant and evocative exploration of identity, belonging, and the transformative power of storytelling. Through a series of vividly rendered vignettes, Guo invites readers on a sweeping journey through the landscapes of her life, from the rural villages of China to the bustling streets of Beijing, and ultimately to the shores of Europe.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
"Hidden Gems: Award-Winning Memoirs Flying Under the Radar Part II"
1. "The Grave on the Wall" by Brandon Shimoda, honored with the prestigious 2020 PEN Open Book Award, emerges as a luminous testament to the intersection of poetry, memoir, and historical inquiry. Shimoda's poignant exploration of his Japanese grandfather's life serves as a captivating lens through which to examine the complex tapestry of 20th-century Japanese American history, while also offering a profound meditation on the nature of memory and identity.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
"Discover the Best Science Books Released Last Summer You Simply Can't Miss"
1. "Is Math Real?: How Simple Questions Lead Us to Mathematics’ Deepest Truths" by Eugenia Cheng, set to release on August 15th, promises to challenge perceptions of mathematics and ignite curiosity even in those who may shy away from the subject. As someone who confesses to feeling anxious about math, delving into Cheng's work might initially seem daunting. However, upon receiving an advanced copy, the reviewer found themselves pleasantly surprised by the experience.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
"Discover the Best Science Books Released Last Summer You Simply Can't Miss Part II"
1. "The Quickening: Creation and Community at the Ends of the Earth" by Elizabeth Rush is a compelling narrative that unfolds against the backdrop of one of Earth's most remote and foreboding landscapes—the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica. In 2019, a team of intrepid scientists embarked on an unprecedented expedition to this icy realm, known ominously as the Doomsday Glacier, in a quest to unravel its mysteries before it's too late. With the specter of climate change looming large, the stakes couldn't be higher.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
"Discover Hidden Gems: The Most Underrated Sci-Fi Books on Goodreads Part II"
1. "The Red Scholar’s Wake" by Aliette de Bodard offers readers a captivating journey into a Vietnamese-inspired science fiction universe, where sentient spaceships, brilliant scientists, and deep philosophical insights intertwine with poignant sapphic love stories. With a Goodreads rating of 3.24, this novel promises a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience that deftly blends elements of romance, adventure, and political intrigue.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
"Discover 2 Captivating Nonfiction Books Perfect for Science Fiction and Fantasy Enthusiasts"
1. "Accidental Gods" by Anna Della Subin, the author delves into a theme that resonates deeply within the realm of speculative fiction: the notion of the white savior. This unfortunate and outdated trope often portrays a white individual who discovers and subsequently becomes revered by "inferior" Native peoples, who supposedly require the savior's protection against a multitude of threats. However, Subin's work offers a refreshing and respectful exploration of a different narrative altogether.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
"Discover 2 Captivating Nonfiction Books Perfect for Science Fiction and Fantasy Enthusiasts Part II"
1. "Honeypot: Black Southern Women Who Love Women" by E. Patrick Johnson is a groundbreaking work that transcends the boundaries of traditional oral history. Set against the backdrop of a fantastical realm known as Hymen, the book offers a captivating exploration of the experiences of Black Southern queer women.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
No One Knows Why People Left This City. Content Warning.
Once thriving, bustling centers of human activity, these ancient cities stood as testaments to the ingenuity and resilience of our ancestors. Yet, despite their grandeur and sophistication, they fell into obscurity, leaving behind only whispers of their past glory.
By Gunduz2 years ago in BookClub
The Sodder Children. Content Warning.
In the quiet town of Fayetteville, West Virginia, Christmas Eve of 1945 held a promise of joy and celebration for the Sodder family. As the clock struck 10 p.m., the Sodder household buzzed with excitement and laughter. Marion, the eldest daughter, had recently acquired her first job and had lovingly purchased gifts for her younger siblings. With the children too excited to sleep, their mother Jennie decided to let them stay up a little longer, cherishing the warmth of family togetherness on this special night.
By Gunduz2 years ago in BookClub
Love, from Ghibli’s Perspective. Content Warning.
Iremember the first time I was introduced to a Ghibli movie, I was 9 years old and until that time the only cinematic love stories I was exposed to was Disney princesses movies, most of which felt somewhat similar to me, just a different color dress and a different prince to save the helpless princesses, I did enjoy them as a child not gonna lie, yet Ghibli brought something else, something I couldn’t as a child put my finger on, but I felt there was something special about these characters, the way their love was presented to us, there’s a magical connection and their friendships evoked warmth and security.
By Aabusad Pathan2 years ago in BookClub
US Special Forces Confession - I Recovered Crashed UFOs. Content Warning.
In the late 1960s, amidst the relentless turmoil of the Vietnam War, a small group of American soldiers found themselves entrenched near the Cambodian border. Among them was a young soldier whose name remains lost to history, his identity veiled in the shadows of classified documents. His account, whispered in hushed tones through the corridors of time, offers a glimpse into a world veiled in mystery and intrigue.
By Gunduz2 years ago in BookClub