Chapter Two Hundred Twenty-Seven: Symphony for the City of the Dead

I'd been meaning to listen to M.T. Anderson's non-fiction book Symphony for the City of the Dead: Dimitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad for a while now, and I'm so glad I finally did, and that I listened specifically, since the audiobook includes snippets of the Shostakovich's seventh symphony, written in Russia during the Second World War.  I was even inspired to borrow a recording of the symphony and listen to it (which I'd also recommend doing).  I had vague, high school history notions of Soviet Russia during WWII, so I really appreciated an opportunity to learn more about this dark corner of history--fair warning: if you want an upbeat story, this book is not for you.  But if you want a fascinating and well-researched glimpse into both one man's life and its broader historical, political, and social contexts, then this book is definitely for you.  I particularly appreciate how Anderson explicitly evaluates the many sources he presents, explaining the potential merits and deficits of each, and then leaving it to listeners (or readers) to draw their own conclusions, or to concede that there are some things that must remain unknown.  Even so, this is not a dry compilation and presentation of the evidence: Anderson masterfully creates a narrative of the whole that kept me rapt.  I can't recommend this book highly enough.

Chapter Two-Hundred Twenty Six: Warcross

Like Bellweather Rhapsody from two posts ago, I read Warcross by Marie Lu for a book club (I love book clubs).  I didn't love Warcross, but it was enjoyable enough, if somewhat predictable.  (Also, the mechanics and social elements of the eponymous game at its heart don't actually make much sense when you stop to think about them.)  Still, I was interested enough in how the events would unfold to want to read this story all the way through and skim over some of the shakier sections.  Plus, I mostly liked the protagonist, Emika, and her multi-colored hair and her (sometimes misguided) spunk.  To me, Warcross feels very much in the vein of Ready Player One, so if you enjoyed that novel, you might try this one.  I'd also suggest Warcross if you're looking for a fun YA adventure novel with a depressing undercurrent of "this could really happen or maybe is already starting."

Chapter Two Hundred Twenty-Five: Can't Help Myself

I listened to Boston Globe "Love Letters" columnist Meredith Goldstein's memoir Can't Help Myself (wonderfully read by the author) and enjoyed every moment of it.  It doesn't hurt, I suppose, that, although about ten years my senior, I resonated with much of what Goldstein described about her own life, but I think this work would appeal to a wider audience, too.  Goldstein weaves together snippets from her "Love Letters" columns and her own experiences as a girlfriend, as a single woman, as a sister, and as the daughter of a mother ill with cancer.  This juxtaposition of other people's letters to her column and her own life offers some perspective on both the column and especially her own life.  Even as Goldstein covers many weightier topics, her writing offers up moments of levity in counterbalance, making this memoir eminently listenable (or readable).  I only wished it lasted longer!

Chapter Two Hundred Twenty-Four: Bellweather Rhapsody

I read Bellweather Rhapsody by Kate Racculia for a book club, which hasn't met yet, but I'm excited to talk it over with people, because this book really surprised me!  It started a little slowly and blandly, feeling like your typical snide and semi-detached coming-of-age story, but as I got further into the narrative and got to know the main characters and their past better, I really started caring about them.  Even though there is a small cast of complex characters, Bellweather Rhapsody is also driven by its bizarre plot involving several murders, a high school music festival, and a snowstorm.  This is a book about which I can honestly say that I couldn't predict at all how it was going to end, which is pretty unusual for me, and made me appreciate this strange and wonderful novel all the more.  If you're looking for something good to read, something that will surprise you, I heartily and wholly suggest Bellweather Rhapsody.