I want to write a novel, well in fact, I’m already doing it (that’s it, I’ve already said it, it’s over…), it’s something that I’ve been thinking about it for a few years but until recently I didn’t find the idea that really motivated me to undertake the -probably- toughest project of my entire professional career (I would say life, but I don’t want to go too intense). The case is from time to time -especially at the beginning of the process- I am assailed by an intrusive thought that paralyzes me -aka the impostor syndrome- that ”nobody will be interested in what you write, why you do it, what a waste of time!’‘ is as recurring as it is harmful. And in one of those moments I realized that It’s probably because almost everything I’ve read in my life is written by gentlemen men.
The novels historically considered works of art were mostly written by gentlemen with a cigar in hand (well, maybe I made up the cigar thing, but that’s how my head works). They they allow themselves to write about us, our feelings and our way of facing life, without any kind of modesty and without the need to have lived it. Here we could also delve into the issue that novels written by men are for the general public and those created by equally talented women (or more) are considered niche, literature for women, blabla… (but we better leave it for another day).
That’s why, I set myself the challenge of reading for a while novels, stories or essays of all kinds, written by women (this was two years ago). Mostly feminist texts, written by women of my generation, because of identifying myself in some way and feeling that my story can also be important. The experience has been so gratifying to me that I plan to continue doing it with small exceptions (Murakami is my weakness and the book ”What do I talk about when I talk about writing” has been the only one that has taken me out of this retro for a brief period of time ).
It has been hard for me to summarize two years of wonderful books written by wonderful women, in a small selection of five, but broadly speaking, these have been my favorites of these months and of a determination that, at least for now, I do not intend to abandon…
Our night partMariana Enriquez
We start with the main course, possibly one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. This novel by Mariana Enríquez is magic, darkness, it’s… well, I still don’t really know what it is, but it’s so wonderfully written and the story is so captivating that you just can’t stop reading. A masterpiece that agrees with all my reader friends. Well, four out of five because my father, another great reader, doesn’t quite like it…
PS: There are rumors that HBO plans to make a series (or a movie) of this work of art. I’ll just say please, yes, thank you! Meanwhile, the book is available at Casa del Libro for 24.90 23.65 euro.
Our night part: 636 (Hispanic Narratives)
oldvoiceElisa Victoria
I’m such a fan of Elisa Victoria that it took me a while to choose between any of her novels, but finally I’m left with oldvoice for various reasons: the first being a costumbrista account of the summer of an Andalusian girl in the 90s (It could perfectly be me) and the second is that Marina’s relationship with her grandmother has touched my soul (because grandmothers should be eternal and now Elisa’s will be thanks to this story).
As if that were not enough, she is an author who has mastered the art of writing in Andalusian and that is wonderful (and a great way to break down clichés). And although you don’t have to judge a book by its cover aloneIn this case, it is worth mentioning that it is the pattern of a dress that her grandmother made for her as a child (for her and her Chabel doll). We have it at Casa del libro for 19.90 18.90 euro.
A womanAnnie Ernaux
Just as I was in the middle of this self-imposed challenge, the Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded to a woman, Annie Ernaux and could not continue to be consistent without reading it. My first contact with the author is precisely this little reading’‘A woman” that talks about the complex relationship with his mother. A biography that, although it can be hard at times, is quick to read and has led me to explore more of the French author’s writings in recent months. In the house of the book 16.95 €16.10.
Back homeYaa Gysai
The story of two sisters who will never meet allows Yaa Gyasi to tell in a very hard story in many aspects, the life of several generations of the two family branches. Slavery and the wounds that are still present as the main theme. As said, a very tough novel but also beautiful and very necessary, one of the books that have marked me the most in quite some time. Essential. By 16.95 €16.10.
Coming Home (Narrative Salamander)
An educationTara Westover
It seems that I want to make future readers suffer, but really, this is another raw and (also) very rewarding book. A story of overcoming the author herself, raised in an American and Mormon family, without ever having set foot in school or a doctor. Her talent for singing and her extreme curiosity to learn everything, lead her to receive what she craves the most: an education. I finished it in barely four days, wonderful for 21.90 20.80 euro.
An Education (Narrative)
Bonus track: next on my Goodreads list
PowerPatrycia Rye
A recommendation from my partner Raquel (Lady Fitness), in whom I totally trust, especially in matters of leadership that looks so good:
Many may think that fashion and style are banal things that are only related to aesthetics and that, especially in the case of women, are linked to a certain superficiality. Through this book, Centeno, a journalist specializing in visual language and the study of the use of images as a means of political communication, allows us to see the relationship between style and leadership, and how we can use it to our advantage in our day-to-day life. day.
Female leadership has changed a lot in recent years: we have gone from using traditionally masculine resources (suits, deep and raised voice) to using our feminine resources, elevating them, to build our image and grow with it. A great read to learn more about that “power” that we have hidden and that we can bring to light.
It goes directly to my to-do list and is also available at Casa del libro with a discount, for 18.90 €17.95.
Power: Female leadership: a change of position (as essential as it cannot be postponed) (Imago Mundi)
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In Jared | These are the trending dresses for this spring-summer 2023 season: let’s go with everything
Photos | @erealouro, Book House