What I'm Reading
The Unrepentant
by E. A. Aymar.
I wanted to read E. A. Aymar’s The Unrepentant because I’m familiar with Ed through the Noir at the Bar events I’ve attended in person and, more recently, virtually. Ed’s a gracious host who informs his introductions with humor. The Unrepentant is an unflinching look at violence against women and a detailed portrayal of sex slavery. But despite its subject, the book has moments of surprising humor and even, near the end, hope.
Three Fifths
by John Vercher
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Nominated for an Edgar in the Best First Novel by an American Author Category, John Vercher’s Three-Fifths deals with racial identity and the consequences of denial. Vividly rendered characters and a tight plot make this an emotionally powerful story. Aaron and Bobby stayed with me for a long time after I finished the book.
Full Dissidence
by Howard Bryant.
I’ve been a fan of Howard Bryant’s books about Major League Baseball for a long time now. Full Dissidence looks at social issues through the lens of sports. Consider the titles of the first three essays: “What Colin Kapernick Taught Us,” “It’s OK to Criticize the Military,” and “Copaganda.” Bryant spares few in his withering critiques of sports and culture. For me, it’s been an uncomfortable but necessary read.