New Animal | 
pickSympathetic, endearing, informative, observant, intense, fever dream. The journey of processing grief and acceptance of one's own body in dissociating and experimenting with kink and BDSM culture. Recommended for readings in perspective. Come to learn and grow, open your mind and heart toward differences in experiences and method. Put your compassion and empathy hats on. One to own and come back to for the lessons and insight. Refreshingly honest.
My bookish vacation day, apart from reading on the beach, was acquiring a new book I had not before seen (tagged) at The Book Nook and Java bookstore/coffee shop/wine bar in Whitehall, MI and going for a walk where several times, we came across Read Octavia Butler. Particularly fitting as yesterday was Butler‘s birthday.
panI‘m not a fan. #NewAnima by #EllaBaxter is about a woman who works as a make-up stylist for a funeral home. When her mother suddenly dies, she runs away and joins a BDSM club.
It‘s very sexual and very uncomfortably.
#novel
Rating: ⭐️/5
pickI loved this. Fresh, original, strong writing and Amelia is a great character. A real insight into working in the funeral business & experimenting with the kink community, and I loved her offbeat but caring family. This is the millennial novel I‘ve been waiting for, not writerly or self-absorbed, just telling the story of a young woman who feels real, a distinctive voice, earthy prose. Highly recommended.
Yesterday‘s scores from my building‘s book exchange. I would never pay for crap magazines but I am happy to read them for free.
pickNew Animal is a rare beast, a thoroughly-devourable debut novel from Ella Baxter. “Raw” is an over-used word for honest and forthright stories about sex and death, but that‘s exactly what this book is: it‘s the steak tartare of literature. I loved, loved, loved this book and snort-laughed all the way through. Extended review: https://keepingupwiththepenguins.com/new-releases/
