December Books 2023

The Color Purple by Alice Walker - 4/5 🪩

I wanted to read The Color Purple before I saw the new movie in theatres. I planned to read it physically, but I ended up leaving it to the last minute, so I used an Audible credit. Honestly, with the letter format, it was probably better that way.

If you're unfamiliar with the plot, you're anti-Black. Kidding, but not really. The book follows two sisters who were separated during their childhood and ended up leading very different lives. They give each other life updates through letters, with neither receiving confirmation that the other is receiving them.

I found the storytelling to be in a similar pace and cadence to Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. Both are excellent examples of good storytelling. My only issue with it was that the resolution felt a little rushed. Also, I wish there was more of Sophia and less about those kids with Nettie.

Out-of-context Goodreads updates:

• 25% - real

• 25% -celie's gay exactly!!

• 30% - LOL

• 37% - oh!

• 40% - this is genius!

• 60% - TEA

• 90% - WHAT

• 99% - SHUT UP.

The Great Gatsby - 4/5 🪩

I don't know why it took me months to read a novella, but that's here nor there. I'm sure there are a lot of literary reasons this book is a classic, but since I read it for fun and not for class, I skipped the academic analysis. However, I did note the incredible usage of imagery.

I kept losing track of the characters and who was having an affair with whom, but I'm sure it would've been less confusing if I finished it faster.

Despite the fact it took me an eternity to get through, aside from the occasional slur adjacent, I actually enjoyed reading The Great Gatsby. The ending was especially good. Hopefully, I can get around to watching the movie in the near future.

Out-of-context GoodReads updates:

• 73% - i totally forgot these were vintage white people

• 75% - omg this is SO tea

• 77% - LOL WHAT

• 79% - wait... did he hit her???

• 81% - oh HE did...........

• 81% - wait so did she kill the mistress? tea

Claus and Effect by Piper Rayne - 3/5 🪩

Claus and Effect follows Tessa, a failed NYC bakery owner and Tre, an army ranger, on a chaos-filled cross-country road trip. It's an enemies-to-lovers trope, which I thought I loved, but I now realize it works best in YA, specifically in academia.

I don't have a lot to say about this one because it was kind of boring, but the twist got me, so I'll give it that.

Out-of-context GoodReads updates:

• 3% - ???

• 5% - oh so this is why i took a break...

• 14% - OH

• 14% - tea

• 16% - LOL

• 36% - so real

• 40% - AWE

• 41% - LOL

• 46% - classic

• 55% - no bc what was that...

• 64% - WHAT

• 75% - real

• 77% - THE GAG OF THE CENTURY

• 91% - wait so he was bad??

• 91% - oh so EVERYONE in that town is related

• 92% - are sugar cookies that serious??? also ew

• 93% - cute !!!

• 93% - climax cove... like be SO fr

• 93% - loser

• 94% - ????????????

• 94% - like if someone did that to me i'd walk right out the door

The Rest

Other books I read this month

Finished:

• Dork Diaries 1: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life by Rachel Renée Russell

• Dork Diaries 2: Tales from a Not-So-Popular Party Girl

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