Book Review Roundup: July 2022

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Artwork by Malaika Astorga

Book Review Roundup is a seasonal column where writer Alanna Why shares the best books she’s read in the past few months, with an emphasis on highlighting recent works, small press releases and Canadian writers. 

Trigger Warning: The following reviews discuss topics that readers may find distressing, including racism, sexual violence and gender-based violence.

Monarch by Candice Wuehle (Soft Skull, 2022)

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This debut novel from American poet Candice Wuehle is bold, strange and unlike anything I’ve ever read before. Set in the ‘90s, the novel centres on Jessica, a teenage beauty queen who realizes she’s been programmed as a sleeper agent by a secret government program called MONARCH. 

The first half is an experiment in language and style, with Jessica pondering the fragmented nature of her identity and reality through the lens of philosophy and religion. The second half is more plot-oriented, finding Jessica seeking revenge on those who programmed her. With ‘90s references galore, it’s perfect for culture fans, as well as readers who crave existential and experimental novels in the style of Thomas Pynchon or Don DeLillo.

Disorientation by Elaine Hsieh Chou (Penguin Press, 2022) 

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Another novel about a young woman waking up to the realities of the world around her is Elaine Hsieh Chou’s Disorientation. Narrated from the perspective of Ingrid Yang, a 29-year-old Ph.D. student, the book explores her awakening to the nuances of internalized racism and microaggressions that have followed her entire life.

The campus satire also takes on cultural appropriation, even featuring a professor who seems to be based on Jordan Peterson. Although the breadth of subjects explored are serious, Hsieh Chou approaches them with humour and Ingrid’s deadpan narration is often laugh-out-loud funny. Disorientation is filled with plot twists and turns, with an ending that few could predict.

Despite the serious subject matter, the memoir is extremely difficult to put down, with the flow of Healey’s prose sweeping the reader in immediately. It’s very rare to see a writer discuss the financial details of their career with such honesty, making Best Young Woman Job Book a welcome example in the genre of literary memoir.

Best Young Woman Job Book by Emma Healey (Random House Canada, 2022) 

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Best Young Woman Job Book is the first long work of nonfiction from Toronto-based poet and writer Emma Healey. Written like an extended prose poem, in the memoir Healey explores her journey of becoming a working writer under late-stage capitalism, as well as her experience with sexual assault faced at the hands of a creative writing professor.

Despite the serious subject matter, the memoir is extremely difficult to put down, with the flow of Healey’s prose sweeping the reader in immediately. It’s very rare to see a writer discuss the financial details fo their career with such honesty, making Best Young Woman Job Book a welcome example in the genre of literary memoir.

Son of Elsewhere: A Memoir in Pieces by Elamin Abdelmahmoud (Ballantine Books, 2022)

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Another “just-one-more-page” memoir is Son of Elsewhere by Buzzfeed writer Elamin Abdelmahmoud. Drawing on his experience of immigrating to Kingston, Ontario from Khartoum, Sudan at age 12, this essay collection explores family, culture, language and identity. 

Abdelmahmoud’s writing is sincere and often bittersweet, a prose style that’s tempered with a healthy dose of pop culture obsession. The essays that spoke to the latter element were standouts: I particularly enjoyed his writing about Linkin Park, wrestling and The O.C. Still, it’s the fragmented essay “Roads,” a breathtakingly beautiful ode to the 401, that shined the brightest out of the entire collection.

Manhunt by Gretchen Felker-Martin (Nightfire, 2022) 

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From horror writer Gretchen Felker-Martin, Manhunt is a trans take on the gender-apocalypse story. The novel is set in the near future in a dystopia where most men have transformed into feral, violent monsters due to a virus. It’s told from the perspective of two trans women, Beth and Fran, as they try to avoid an army of TERFs who’ve gained political control and kill anyone who isn’t a “real” woman.

If that sounds brutal, it is! Manhunt is one of the most terrifying books I’ve read in a while. Still, it’s written in such a scene-focused and cinematic way that it feels like you’re watching a dystopian horror action movie instead of reading a book. It’s a compelling and original story, although it’s definitely a LOT to stomach at times, so it’s certainly not for the faint of heart.

Acts of Service by Lillian Fishman (Hogarth Press, 2022) 

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Acts of Service is the debut novel from young queer writer Lillian Fishman. Bringing to mind the style and themes of Sally Rooney, this novel is told from the point-of-view of Eve, a 28-year-old New Yorker who becomes entangled in a sexual relationship with another couple, Olivia and Nathan, over the course of a year.

While the set up is interesting and the sex scenes are definitely alluring, Acts of Service’s most unique quality is the way it deconstructs power dynamics, patriarchy and bisexuality. It’s a philosophical read, with the narrator’s thoughts about what she’s involved in working out on the page in what feels like real time. Although it might strike some readers as too subtle or introspective, fans of contemporary literary fiction will certainly find it fascinating.

Alanna Why is a culture and fiction writer living in Montreal. To read more of her book reviews, subscribe to her newsletter Why’s World and follow her on Instagram.

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Book Review Roundup: April 2022

Illustration by Malaika Astorga

Welcome to our latest column, Book Review Roundup. Every season, writer Alanna Why will share the best books she’s read in the past few months, with an emphasis on highlighting recent works, small press releases and Canadian writers. 

Personal Attention Roleplay by Helen Chau Bradley (Metonymy Press, 2021) 

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Published last fall, Personal Attention Roleplay is the debut short story collection from Montreal-based writer Helen Chau Bradley. The stories are narrated almost exclusively by LGBTQ+, mixed-race protagonists, who contemplate unreciprocated crushes, political solidarity and existential dread. Set predominantly in Toronto and Montreal, readers can easily recognize the streets, buses and bike routes as they take in Chau Bradley’s urban malaise. 

While all the stories feel fresh, I was especially struck by those that played with a surreal element. The title story —featuring a narrator becoming obsessed with AMSR videos on YouTube after a falling out with their roommate— is a collection standout. Likewise, the last piece “Soft Shoulder,” about a band touring on the road who finds out unexpected information about their manager, features a plot-twist ending that made me gasp out loud. Overall, the collection is yet another strong work from Montreal-based small publisher Metonymy Press.

Made-Up: A True Story of Beauty Culture Under Late Capitalism by Daphné B., translated by Alex Manley (Coach House Books, 2021)

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Originally published in 2020 as Maquillée by francophone publisher Marchand des feuilles, this slim non-fiction work was recently translated into English. Made-Up takes on the beauty industry, feminist ethics and late capitalism in a style that combines non-fiction facts with a poetic prose style similar to books by American writers Maggie Nelson and Anne Boyer. Both B. and Manley are poets, making the translation beautiful to read.

I really enjoyed the particular emphasis on B.’s analysis of YouTube beauty influencers like Jeffree Star, Shane Dawson, Tati Westbrook and Jaclyn Hill. I haven’t seen a lot of critical writing about these beauty gurus, so it was refreshing to read a young perspective that truly understands their cultural importance to an entire generation of people who grew up on the Internet. Throughout the whole book, B. grapples with what it means to desire beauty and ethics at the same time. Even though it’s a short, quick read, there’s a lot to chew on, long after you’ve finished reading.

Margaret and the Mystery of the Missing Body by Megan Milks (Feminist Press, 2021)

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New York City writer Megan Milks published four (!) books last year, including Margaret and the Mystery of the Missing Body, their debut novel. The novel is set in South Chesterfield, Virginia in 1998 and narrated by Margaret, a teenager in treatment for an eating disorder. 

This hybrid work mixes and matches genre styles to experimental delight, incorporating everything from YA fiction to crime to video games into a work of literary fiction. As one can expect from that description, it’s definitely a wild ride! But the undercurrent of the importance of friendship and navigating queerness as a young person made all the genre shifts come together for what is ultimately a moving and true-to-life ending. 

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (Knopf, 2014)

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Although this fourth novel by Canadian writer Emily St. John Mandel was released in 2014, it’s recently gained a wider audience due to its 2021 adaptation into a miniseries for HBO. This sci-fi novel follows a group of characters in Toronto as they survive the Georgia Flu, a viral disease that kills 99% of the world’s population in a matter of days. 

Much of the book takes on the Travelling Symphony, a group of actors and musicians who tour around the GTA twenty years after the flu’s outbreak. While I can understand that many people don’t want to read about a pandemic while we’re currently still in one, I found Station Eleven to be oddly comforting, reminding me of the strength of human resilience and the power of art in difficult times. I especially love the interconnectedness of the characters, which reminded me a lot of Lost.

The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi (Riverhead Books, 2020) 

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Released two years ago, The Death of Vivek Oji is the third novel from Nigerian writer Akwaeke Emezi. The novel blends the genre conventions of murder mystery with the stunning prose of literary fiction to showcase a queer story filled with equal parts tragedy and beauty. The Death of Vivek Oji begins with just that: the death of Vivek, who’s body is placed on the doorsteps of their parents. 

The novel switches between perspectives of Vivek, their childhood friend and cousin Osita and various family members to explore the grief of the loss and its effect on the whole community. But greater than that is the story of LGBTQ+ desire, community and chosen family. It reminded me strongly of Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin, which is also a tragedy. It’s heartbreaking, but overall an incredible read with the final twenty pages making the entire novel soar (and sending any reader into major tears).

Alanna Why is a culture and fiction writer living in Montreal. To read more of her book reviews, subscribe to her newsletter Why’s World and follow her on Instagram.

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Also Cool Astrology: August Horoscope 2021

Illustration by Malaika Astorga

Also Cool Astrology is a monthly column by Autumn Fox (@autumnfox) & illustrated by Malaika Astorga

Summer is in full swing as we bask in the playful, affectionate and courageous energy that Leo season is known for. As we move through August, we’re collectively asked to tap into our inner Leo, opening up our hearts and fearlessly expressing the unique parts of ourselves that make us each individually shine. On August 8th, the Sun and Moon will both meet up in fun loving Leo. This New Moon invites us to set intentions over the next four weeks. This is a beautiful energy to begin a new chapter, initiate projects and take steps to turn our dreams into reality. With Mercury, the planet of communication and intellect entering devoted, sensible Virgo on August 11th, we’ll have help approaching our goals with a pragmatic curiosity. Then on August 16th, relationships may take center stage as Venus, the planet of beauty and pleasure enters into harmonious, sociable Libra. Finally on August 22nd, our second Full Moon in Aquarius arrives, breaking us free from the current status quo. Full moons can often be emotional, closing certain chapters of our lives. It’s important to take time to rest and allow ourselves to bask in the warm and generous Leo sun, tapping into our individual creativity that will pave a way for the beautiful, new opportunities to come. 

Your monthly horoscopes are here to inspire you! Take what serves you, and forget the rest. If you know both your rising sign and sun sign, it may be helpful to read both horoscopes as one may resonate more than the other.

ARIES & ARIES RISING

Leo season has you feeling extra social and creative this month, Aries! With the New Moon in your 5th house, you may be feeling an urge to put yourself out there as you feel more playful and inspired. As Mercury enters Virgo in your 6th house, your mind may become focused on your routine and how you're spending your time, which will come in handy as Venus enters your 7th house of relationships. Venus in Libra loves to socialize so you may be spending more time with your partner or you could even find a new relationship starting if you’re single. As the Full Moon in Aquarius approaches, you may find yourself continuing to reach out to your inner circle as you yearn for a greater sense of connection and support within your community. 

TAURUS & TAURUS RISING

You're striking a balance between work and home life this month, Taurus. As the Moon joins the Sun in your 4th house, you could be setting intentions around your home or making long-term plans for you and your family. Mercury in Virgo in your 5th house will have you thinking about the different ways you express yourself. You may also find you have a lot of creative ideas and could even feel inspired to start a new creative project. Venus in Libra in your 6th house will bring harmony to your day to day. Perhaps you’re really valuing your routine or getting on well with someone you work with everyday. Your job will continue to be on your mind with the Full Moon entering your 10th house. You might be wrapping up any unfinished projects at work or figuring out how to pursue what it is you really want to do in your career. 

GEMINI & GEMINI RISING

Leo season has you feeling like a social butterfly, Gemini and you’re ready to expand your wings this month. The New Moon in your 3rd house gives you the perfect opportunity to set intentions around any ideas you have or how you want to show up in your local community. When Mercury enters Virgo in your 4th house on August 11th, your mind will be on your home life. You may be reflecting on the past, reorganizing your space or connecting with those closest to you. You’ll be feeling extra creative as Venus approaches your 5th house. A new romance may come your way or you could find that the work you’re creating is receiving a lot of praise and attention. The Full Moon in Aquarius in your 9th house will bring some insight into your current beliefs. You could feel the need to let go of anything that is no longer sitting firmly within your heart. With an urge to expand your horizons, you may find yourself taking on new subjects, signing-up for a new course or planning a long trip. 

CANCER & CANCER RISING

You’re working on yourself this month, Cancer. With the New Moon in your 2nd house, you may be setting intentions around your finances, sense of security or the way that you value yourself. As Mercury enters Virgo in your 3rd house, you’ll feel inspired to share your ideas. You could be organizing your thoughts into a new writing project, connecting with new people or getting involved with your local community. On August 16th, Venus enters Libra in your 4th house. This is the perfect time to fill your home with the people you love and spend time decorating your space with beautiful things. The Full Moon in Aquarius in your 8th house will bring a heavier energy your way. You could be feeling particularly vulnerable during this time or may find that you're letting go of any past wounds or self-limiting beliefs you have in order to transform and grow. While it’s important work, it could also feel emotionally taxing, so don’t forget to give yourself a lot of love and compassion during this time! 

LEO & LEO RISING:

It’s your time to shine, Leo with the sun in your sign! On August 8th, the moon is meeting up with the sun in your 1st house. This powerful New Moon is perfect for setting intentions around your appearance and how you want to  express yourself to the world. When Mercury enters Virgo in your 2nd house, your thoughts might shift to your money and spending habits. You may be strategizing on how to save more money or thinking of different ways to raise your income. With Venus in Libra entering your 3rd house you could feel inspired to write more or share your ideas with those around you. Then on August 22nd, the Full Moon in Aquarius will shift your thoughts from working on yourself to your relationships. You may find you’re paying more attention to how the relationships in your life are really making you feel. This could cause you to deepen your relationship or close the chapter completely. 

VIRGO & VIRGO RISING

The month may begin a bit heavy, Virgo, with the New Moon in your 12th house. This New Moon energy is asking you to practice self-care as you may be feeling really burnt out. Tapping into your creative side or taking time to journal may help you sift through any emotions that come up. When Mercury enters Virgo, you’ll be thinking a lot about yourself in terms of who you are, what you want and how you hope to present yourself to the world. As Venus in Libra enters your 2nd house, you’ll begin to feel more confident about yourself. You may even get a pay raise or recognition at your job. This is the perfect time to treat yourself and celebrate you! The lessons you learned during the New Moon will help you lean into the energy of the Full Moon in Aquarius as it makes its way into your 6th house. You may be thinking about your routine and how you feel in your body. Make sure to nourish yourself through healthy food and practice mindfulness through activities like yoga or meditation to help you get back to center. 

LIBRA & LIBRA RISING:

You’re setting intentions around your future, Libra as the New Moon enters your 11th house. You may find yourself making new connections with like-minded people, volunteering with organizations you care about or creating goals to accomplish all of the dreams you have for the future. When Mercury enters Virgo, you could feel reflective or have a lot of internal chatter. Writing or meditation may be helpful as you sort through any emotions and recurring thoughts that are coming up. Then on August 16th, Venus enters Libra in your 1st house. This is an invitation to indulge and pamper yourself. Embark on a solo date or treat yourself to a fresh new haircut! You’ll continue to feel more confident in how you express yourself as the Full Moon illuminates your 5th house. This playful energy is perfect for scheduling a fun outing with friends or spending time on a creative activity. 

SCORPIO & SCORPIO RISING

Leo season is shining a spotlight on your future, Scorpio with the sun in your 10th house! When the moon joins the sun there on August 8th, you may find yourself setting intentions around your job. Whether you’re initiating a big project, starting a new role or pursuing a different career route all together, you’re looking for clarity around what steps you want to take over the next four weeks. The future will continue to occupy your thoughts as Mercury enters Virgo. You may be thinking about goals you want to accomplish, seeking advice from friends or brainstorming ideas as you figure out your hopes for the future. Towards the end of the month, you might find yourself going inward a bit. Venus entering Libra in your 12th house is a great time to reflect, create art and show yourself some love by practicing your favorite self-care routines. You may also find yourself spending more time at home, connecting with family as the Full Moon illuminates your 6th house on August 22nd. 

SAGITTARIUS & SAGITTARIUS RISING

You’re all about the journey this month, Sagittarius! The New Moon will be in your 9th house, inviting you to expand your horizons. You may find yourself planning a long trip, taking up a new interest or discovering faraway places through art and literature. As Mercury enters your 10th house, you might begin to think about what’s next in your career. This is a great time to visualize what you want, create a mood board or connect with friends to brainstorm with and bounce ideas off of. Spending time with those close to you will be especially rewarding when Venus enters your 11th house on August 16th and then later when the Full Moon illuminates your 3rd house on August 22nd. You may feel the urge to connect with new people, plan a night out on the town with your best friends or share your ideas through an online writing project. 

CAPRICORN & CAPRICORN RISING

Leo season has you keeping an open mind, Capricorn! As the Moon meets up with the Sun on August 8th, you may be setting intentions around your close relationships. This could be through forming a deeper connection with a loved one, creating goals around your finances, or starting therapy. The urge to transform your mindset will continue as Mercury enters Virgo in your 9th house. You may be exploring different cultures, studying a new subject or thinking about your beliefs and what they mean to you. When Venus enters your 10th house, you may receive an unexpected pay raise, recognition from your boss or find inspiration to begin a new project. The Full Moon has you focusing on your sense of security as it illuminates your 2nd house. Perhaps you’re creating a budget, thinking about your spending habits or rewriting the current narrative for how you see and value yourself. 

AQUARIUS & AQUARIUS RISING

This month is all about relationships, Aquarius, kicking things off with the New Moon in your 7th house. You’re paying attention to how the relationships in your life make you feel and setting intentions accordingly. This could be the start of a new relationship or a brand new chapter with your current partner. When Mercury enters Virgo, you may begin having intimate conversations with your loved ones, diving deeper into your relationship and uncovering any secrets or fears you both may have. This is also a potent time to release any negative habits you may want to shed in order to allow room for self-transformation. The urge to grow will continue as Venus enters your 9th house. This transit is a catalyst for opening up your mind and broadening your life experience through art, travel or connecting with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Finally, the Full Moon exposes your heart on your sleeve as it enters your sign on August 22nd. You may find yourself feeling emotional and reflective, especially when it comes to your relationships. This is a great opportunity to explore the delicate balance between tending to the needs of your loved ones while leaving enough energy to nurture the relationship you have with yourself at the same time.

PISCES & PISCES RISING

Leo season has you thinking about the way you take care of yourself, Pisces with the Sun in your 6th house. Your habits and routine will take the spotlight on August 8th when the Moon meets up with the Sun in Leo. You may be setting intentions around your daily routine, creating healthy boundaries at work or starting a new exercise regimen. When Mercury enters Virgo in your 7th house, you’ll shift your focus to your relationships. You might be thinking about a current business partnership, having important conversations with a close friend or reflecting on what it is you want in a future relationship. Your partnerships may feel supportive as Venus enters your 8th house. You may even find that you're forming a deeper connection with someone close to you. Then on August 22nd, the Full Moon will enter your 12th house, asking you to take some time for yourself. There may be a lot of heavy emotions that come up during this time and you could find yourself reflecting on the past. Spend time with your thoughts, let yourself rest and allow the door to close on anything that no longer serves you. As difficult as endings may be, when you close one chapter, you’re allowing yourself to open up to the beautiful possibilities of new, brighter opportunities ahead. 

Autumn Fox

Instagram I Canvas & Cassette

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Olive Andrews Shares "orange glow" From Three-Part Poetry Series

Artwork by Olivia Meek AKA Regularfantasy

I spent all night in the bathroom pissing blood and crying

everything painted bright blue even the hardware

and the fan whirring

if I wanted I could give it all up

be hooked by a finger over my bottom teeth

and pulled liked a fish

in the morning now the wind whistles

I’m in the waiting room still bundled and

fantasizing about being picked up

and falling asleep in the car

what would I look like stripped of everyone I love

would the light through the curtain still glow orange

it doesn’t matter we’re all spun together in the washing machine

turning our whites pink

Previously published in rock salt, baseline press 2020

Via Olive Andrews

Olive Andrews (they/them) is a poet living in Tiohtià:ke (Montréal). Instagram I Twitter

This is the second of three poems they’ll be sharing via Also Cool. Olive’s work has been published in a number of magazines, including PRISM International and Plasma Dolphin. Their debut chapbook, rock salt, was published with Baseline press in 2020. They are currently interning at Canthius mag.

Artwork by Olivia Meek AKA Regularfantasy Instagram I Paintings I Design

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