Natalie O.'s Reviews

This is a heartbreaking dystopian novel set on an unnamed island oppressed under heavy surveillance. Objects from the island begin disappearing, and the memory police ensure physical objects vanish along with the people who remember them. Ogawa's writing is surreal and unsettling, but the eeriness is balanced by moments of beauty. - Natalie O.

In the Dream House is an incredible follow-up to the glorious Her Body and Other Parties. Carmen Maria Machado has written an honest and harrowing memoir about her psychologically abusive relationship. Machado contrasts her memories with true examples of oppression in queer history and with narrative tropes. A beautiful exploration of the reality of abuse in queer relationships and a necessary account that subverts any idea of what a memoir can be. - Natalie O.

A nostalgic piece recalling first love and the obsession that ensues, this novel is narrated by an adolescent boy living in the Italian countryside in the 1980s who develops a passionate infatuation with a summer guest. Aciman's prose detailing the confusion and lust that consumes Elio is both captivating and sincere. A coming-of-age story that reminds us of the profundity of desire. - Natalie O.

The story of a woman's descent into madness after her husband abandons her with two children to raise. Olga's irrational behavior is the epitome of a woman on the verge. Ferrante's unsentimental descriptions of motherhood beautifully embody the resilience of a complex woman. For fans of Simone De Beauvoir's The Woman Destroyed. - Natalie O.

Jia Tolentino's debut essay collection navigates our absurd modern world. Each one is fatalistic and filled with quick wit covering everything from identity, celebrity culture, feminism, and religion. Tolentino expertly binds these disparate topics with her cynical humor and intelligence. Every essay is filled with Tolentino's refreshing voice and provides empathy and relief when redemption in this country feels impossible. - Natalie

Guojing dedicated this beautifully illustrated book to her lost dog Dou Dou. The story follows a stray whose life is changed when a woman attempts to befriend him. Stormy is wordless, but the stunning illustrations capture all the compassion and empathy embedded in the story. A heartwarming tale about trust, love, and the unbreakable bond that forms between a dog and their owner. A story for dog lovers. - Natalie O.

Jia Tolentino's debut essay collection navigates our absurd modern world. Each one is fatalistic and filled with quick wit covering everything from identity, celebrity culture, feminism, and religion. Tolentino expertly binds these disparate topics with her cynical humor and intelligence. Every essay is filled with Tolentino’s refreshing voice and provides empathy and relief when redemption in this country feels impossible. - Natalie O.

A Little Life revolves around a diverse group of talented young men in New York City set on establishing their adult lives. With some devastating descriptions of childhood trauma, it can be a difficult read at times but the main character’s suffering finds its balance in the compassion of those who love him. The book offers radiant moments of beauty, warmth and kindness. - Natalie O.

Following characters from Paris, New Orleans and Seattle, Robbins creates a complex and hilarious work of magical realism. Shifting between past and present, our story begins with King Alobar as he defies death and aging in search of eternal life. The story's whimsical nature and Robbins’s quirky wisdom will delight and astound you. - Natalie O.

Lucia Berlin's 43 captivating short stories are a sucker punch to your heart. Each one is alluring and provides an intimate insight into Berlin's life full of loss, heartbreak, and addiction. I have fallen in love with her writing and savored this collection with all of its tragedy, humor, and unpredictability. - Natalie O.