so-soI listened to this on audible. It was loud and had a lot of extreme language. I almost gave up as I found it too stressful to listen to because of that. The jumping timelines also made me dizzy. However I‘m glad I persevered as it finally came together and the message and theme was ultimately great. However it did take a very long time to get to the point. Judge for yourselves.
pickWeaving together art history student Raquel‘s story in the 90s with artist Anita‘s starting in the 80s, this book explores art, gatekeeping, misogyny, and more with vibrant characters. Overall really good, though I have small quibbles. Anita is based on Ana Mendieta, and I feel like with this Gonzalez has given Ana the final word, which I love.
1. Watching the eclipse in a little bit if the clouds cooperate.
2. I am a beverage goblin, so I usually have 3 different beverages going at once. Gummy nerds are my current treat of choice.
3. With a bookmark. If that's not handy, I'll use any paper that's nearby.
4. Today I'm starting Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez. #litsymademedoit
#motivationalmonday
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Overall, this was a compelling read examining class, race, and gender inequities in the academia and art worlds. It was also interesting to go down an internet rabbit hole learning about Ana Mendieta, the Cuban artist whose life (in part) inspired Anita de Monte‘s character. Anita‘s sections were passionate, vivid, and urgent; I thought they were the most impactful. 🎧 #reesesbookclub
pickCome September I‘m able to nominate three books for consideration of my 2025 IRL Bookclub, and I may have a lock on my first nomination. This story was fascinating. I‘m left with so much to consider and talk about that I don‘t even know where to begin. Kudos for giving Frida Kahloa shout out because Anita was gave me Frida vibes all day long!
pickHistory repeats itself…and this book goes to show that white men really do rule the art world (like so many other things). It is truly sad how often minorities are written out of history, dialogue, movements. Well in this story, one Latina proves she will not let that happen.
#BOTM choices! I am curious about Shark Heart and it was the only one of the choices for #BOTY that I didn‘t have. The tagged sounds intriguing and of course I had to get the St James book! 📚
What did you choose?!
My cataloging cart is full of books coming out on Tuesday.🤩
March #botm selections for me! I have three of the main picks already via ARCs or pre-orders so I struggled to find a main pick this month. Maybe I‘ll be pleasantly surprised by this main pick which is definitely not one I would have picked normally.
pickXóchitl González‘s sophomore novel stars strong, creative women of color. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#anita-de-monte-laughs-last
Publication is expected March 5.
#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #AnitadeMonteLaughsLast
pickHell hath no fury like a woman scorned! Pero una Latina enojada es peor que todos los demonios en el infierno!
Xochitl Gonzalez does it again! Another great read from her! This story is set in the world of art in 1985. It goes back and forth from the tragic death of Anita de Monte and the struggles of Raquel, a third-year art history student in 1998. Art history, love, power between the genders, and a vengeful ghost!
Anita de Monte Laughs Last: A Novel | 
