The Free-Range Bookclub
Bookclubbers without boundaries in Nelson, New Zealand
Category: US fiction
Good Girl – Aria Aber
READ FOR WOMEN’S PRIZEA coming of age about Nila, a girl born in Berlin to Afghan immigrants. For Nila there is a constant negotiation between her inherited grief and her desire to belong in a culture that doesn’t reflect her. As a result she… Continue Reading “Good Girl – Aria Aber”
The Persians – Sanam Mahloudji
READ FOR WOMEN’S PRIZE The story of an Iranian family, some of whom flee to the US during times of conflict, and some who stay. Five women from three generations of the Valiat family narrate their past and present as members of the Iranian… Continue Reading “The Persians – Sanam Mahloudji”
Martyr! – Kaveh Akbar
READ FOR BOOKCLUBChosen by Rachel Cryus Shams is an Iranian immigrant and a recently sober poet grappling with addiction, cultural disconnection and the loss of his mother, whose plane was shot down by the US navy. In his exploration of what it means to… Continue Reading “Martyr! – Kaveh Akbar”
Passing – Nella Larsen
READ FOR BOOKCLUBChosen by Jodie Irene Redfield is a black woman living an affluent lifestyle in Harlem. She runs into Clare, an old friend who is “passing” as white and married to a racist. Clare struggles with the disconnection from her community and culture,… Continue Reading “Passing – Nella Larsen”
Creation Lake – Rachel Kushner
READ FOR BOOKERTHON A 34 year old secret agent using the alias Sadie Smith infiltrates an activist collective in Southern France. Past, present and the future are examined in this region of centuries-old farms and ancient caves as Sadie becomes entranced by the preachings… Continue Reading “Creation Lake – Rachel Kushner”
All Fours – Miranda July
READ FOR BOOKCLUBChosen by Rachel A 45 year old artist plans a roadie from LA to New York. Twenty minutes into the drive, she exits the freeway, rents a motel room, and undertakes a transformation of the room and herself, leading her on a… Continue Reading “All Fours – Miranda July”
Remarkably Bright Creatures – Shelby van Pelt
READ FOR BOOKCLUBChosen by Jodie Remarkably Bright Creatures features an all-knowing giant Pacific octopus as its key narrator. Marcellus knows only captivity and is astute in his observations of those observing him, which helps connect missing family members. Day 1,361 of My Captiv- Oh,… Continue Reading “Remarkably Bright Creatures – Shelby van Pelt”
Chain-Gang All-Stars – Nana Kwame Adiej-Brenvah
READ FOR BOOKCLUBChosen by Jo Gladiators fight to the death to win their freedom In America’s private prisons. Loretta Thurwar and Hamara “Hurricane Staxxx” Stacker are the stars of Chain-Gang All-Stars, a televised, profit-making programme. This book is an exploration of the American prison… Continue Reading “Chain-Gang All-Stars – Nana Kwame Adiej-Brenvah”
This Other Eden – Paul Harding
READ FOR BOOKERTHON After inhabiting Apple Island for six generations, the small, multi-racial community face the authorities who decide its time to “cleanse” them. Real events that happened to the people of Malaga Island in 1911. ● While I appreciate that Paul Harding has educated… Continue Reading “This Other Eden – Paul Harding”
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