My Past, Present and Future Reads by Evie
With a love for books comes the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) desire to read every novel, whether it be a new release or timeless classic. Join me as I share my thoughts on the books I've just read, the ones I'm currently reading, and the next titles at the top of my ever-growing list to read.
Past
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
We’ve all been guilty of picking up a book because of its beautiful or intriguing cover—and that is exactly what happened with this novel. Thankfully, the content proved to be just as captivating as its exterior.
I started reading this book during my lunch break a few weeks ago, and I still remember the surprise of laughing out loud with each turn of the page. As the title suggests, the story revolves around the absurd Ignatius, a 30-year-old man completely dependent on his mother. That is, until life forces him to get a job, and chaos ensues as he stubbornly resists every step of the way.
Set against the colourful backdrop of 1960’s New Orleans, the city itself is as much a character in this novel as its eccentric protagonist. This was a classic I only recently discovered and it is this lively and vibrant energy that makes this the perfect choice to kick off our Classics Book Club’s summer reading in June.
Witty, comical, and utterly bizarre, I highly recommend adding this book to your list—though I’m sure it is just as long as mine.
Present
By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept by Elizabeth Smart
If the title alone doesn’t convince you to pick up this book, then let me give you a reason to keep reading. This story revolves around a passionate love affair that begins in a bookshop on London’s Charing Cross Road—but not quite in the way you might expect. The connection sparks when Elizabeth Smart, the author of this true tale, stumbles upon the poetry of George Barker. Captivated not just by his words, but by his very essence, she finds herself drawn into a world of obsession and longing. But as the title hints, this is only the beginning of a deeply tragic love story between the two.
What makes this novel so incredible and I’d argue even more devastating, is its lyrical, deeply emotional form. Smart uses poetry, a love she shared with her partner to narrate and capture the rawness of her heartache. It is this honest and immersive poetic form that allowed me to truly grasp the intensity of the love she endured.
If you do decide to read this book (and I strongly recommend you do), make sure you have a pencil close by. You will want to underline nearly every line on these pages. It is a beautifully heartbreaking read—one I know I will return to for years to come.
Future
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
This novel has been on my list since last summer, and every time I hear someone mention it, the only advice they give is, "You have to read this." And honestly, I never need much convincing. As you may have noticed from my recent reads, I’ve been working my way through some classics, but I’m finally ready to return to modern fiction.
Martyr! follows an Iranian man grappling with the tragic loss of both his parents. In his grief, he learns of a dying woman who spends her days in a museum, striking up conversations with anyone willing to listen. Both of them, deeply in need of human connection, form an unlikely bond. This novel promises to be both humorous and deeply thought-provoking, tackling big questions about life, loss, and the human experience. The concept is so unique and intriguing, and I can't wait to begin.