2 minute read
Culture
C Book Talk CULTURE
Three incredible books by women authors, for your summer reading pleasure
Advertisement
By Jared Rasic
So many powerful books were written during the height of the pandemic by the finest women authors on the planet—books that are just getting released across 2021 and 2022, making for some very powerful and multi-layered novels…most of which have nothing to do with COVID whatsoever. Here are three novels from women writers that I’ve read over the last few months. Check them out if you need some deep ideas and big thoughts.
“I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness” By Claire Vaye Watkins
One of the most honest and unflinching novels I’ve ever read about motherhood and the fine line between good and bad parenting. The prose is breathtaking, the characters are vivid and lived-in and the balance between fiction and autobiography is astounding.
“Sea of Tranquility” By Emily St. John Mandel
From the brilliant author of “Station Eleven” comes the most original science fiction novel I’ve read in years. Spanning hundreds of years and multiple characters, Mandel connects this with “Station Eleven” and her last novel “The Glass Hotel,” making somewhat of a Mandel-iverse and I’m absolutely here for it.
“The School for Good Mothers” by Jessamine Chan
A woman leaves her baby at home for hours and is sent to a re-education camp that ostensibly forces women to learn what it is to be a good mother. If you loved “The Handmaid’s Tale,” this is another dystopian think piece that will create a whole new generation of activists.
for Munch & Music
By Chris Williams
Courtesy Dylan Stoddard
Munch & Music, a staple in the Bend music scene, returns this Thursday for its 31st rendition. The free music series has always been a welcome addition to the weekly music lineup when other venues lay dormant mid-week—though this Thursday deserves a shout out because it is packed with high quality live music across Central Oregon (Phutureprimitive at High Desert Music Hall, Marchfourth at Sisters Artworks and Khruangbin at Hayden Homes Amphitheater).
This week Munch & Music will host The Yachtsmen. The group pulls experienced musicians from across the Portland area including those from other tribute bands such as the Journey tribute Wheels in the Sky and a fan favorite Excellent Gentleman. The Yachtsmen’s music captures the energy of the yacht rock heyday of the ‘70s and early ‘80s and is sure to have audiences stripping their shoes and loosening up a couple buttons. In essence, the Drake Park stage will be the best beach show of the summer without all the messy sand and shirtless bros.
Aside from the music are local food vendors, so show up hungry. There’s also a marketplace of local craftspeople for those looking to do some shopping. Deschutes Brewery will be the beverage provider with its beer lineup and a weekly special cocktail. A kids’ area is also in place with bouncy houses and child-friendly activities.
Munch & Music is every Thursday until Aug. 11. This year’s lineup is:
