sneha

• football: a game of two halves and its interconnectivity to politics and wider society *
  
  Simon Kuper's book, I believe, was the first proper anthropological account of a game beloved by millions. I read this for The Athletic's Book Club for June. It talks about the deep routed affect the social, political and economic systems have on football and how it has been used as a tool of revolution and human rights over the years, across the globe. Some stories are heartwarming, some are heart-shattering. And I really enjoyed it.
  
  Let me get the sucky bits out of the way first. I couldn't find a copy of “Football Against the Enemy” so had to settle for “Soccer Against the Enemy”. If you've read my review on Rudd Gullit, you might know about my annoyance of the global usage of the term soccer just to accommodate American readers. But the problem with “Soccer Against the Enemy” is that whoever was in charge of the changes did a global search and replace of the word football with soccer and it didn't work in so many places. It took me around 100+ pages to get immune to seeing the term and it really felt like a hurdle in the process of reading. Secondly, it is an old book so few stories feel dates but a lot of stories and comparisons remain relevant. But I felt that chapter on Africa was written with a lack of empathy that I find non-fiction writers perform while discussing difficult social issues. (again, this is my opinion) I am unsure if this is was a stylistic choice. Kuper was in his 20s when he wrote this so it could be a result of his age? I dunno.
  
  okay, now to the things I loved.
  I like his whole “shoestring football wanderlust” style. I was a bit surprised as to how well received and invited he was at so many clubs. It was nice that the (most) officials and staff members welcomed him and shared their stories in detail. I wonder if something similar can be done in the current time if someone were to attempt it? (is it even possible?) I did feel that he has a bit of an anti-English bias, again, just my opinion. His chapter on Gazza, juxtapositioned with the Thatcher rule felt a bit forced. Even his chapter on criticism of Bobby Robson felt unfair. (I adore Robson so maybe it's my bias, I dunno)
  
  The chapters on Berlin and East Germany was nothing like I have read before. But my favourites were the ones on Soviet Russia. That is one region who football and politics is something I am broadly uneducated in and therefore reading these fantastic stories Mr Kuper uncovered through this extremely intimate conversations were infortainment. The chapter on Helenio Herrera was another charming piece. Altho now, every store with footballing books has shelves crowded with pieces on Barcelona, I believe Kuper's piece was one of the early ones to discuss the relation of the club with the Catalan independence and chart the rivalry with Real Madrid through the dictatorial regime of Francisco Franco. The chapter on Argentina was all flavours of anger, frustration, sadness and hope. So many spectacular stories. I find myself tempted to give Jonathan Wilson's Angels with Dirty Face a solid try sometime this year. The story of Celtic and Rangers is also quite well known and yet it was nice to read about authors experience over there. The last chapter made the journey a bit sombre but also pulled focus on how big the game has become over the years. I think with the involvement of shady money deals ranging from Russian Oligarchs and Saudi national funds and violation of UEFA rules * cough * this chapter can get a revamp with spicy new content, starting debates on the value of ownership of clubs.
  
  All being said, I loved the whole “football from an anthropological perspective”, thoroughly enjoyed it. I would love to read more such books by authors focusing on the socio-economic impact of PL going so global (with foreign takeovers and Brexit and such).

** If Knives Out was written after a bottle of whiskey two hours before the deadline **

medium: audiobook

I was 13 when I read my first Agatha Christie novel for a summer book review project. It was The Mysterious Affair at Styles . I absolutely hated the book then; unable to understand why it was such a hit and considered as an iconic detective murder mystery story. Ten years on, I still feel that way with Ms Christie's works.

I listened to The Unexpected Guest over a week while cooking my meals and prepping the veggies. A little over 3 hours, it's a fairly short book and quite a breeze to go through. Originally written as a play, the entire book unfolds in one room over a few days. The remarkable voice of Hugh Fraser is the only saving grace. The plot is predictable from the first scene and despite being a short book, I felt like it dragged on too far. It hits every murder mystery cliche like a winning bingo ticket. If someone figures out by Agatha Christie is considered the queen of murder mystery and mayhem, please let me know. I am searching for the answers harder than Poirot the culprit.

I have started Death on the Nile and let's see how that unfolds. (I think I just want to listen to Hugh Fraser's voice)
I

for me, this book has all the ingredients for DNF-ing. Magical fantasy, multiple POVs, a long timeline, and a star-crossed love story at the centre of it all. But what a fantastical journey these 11 hours were. Erin Morgenstern's writing made me grin ear to ear while chopping veggies. It made me push for one more kilometre while running. I slipped into the dreamy land of Night Circus as I fell asleep.
This book at the innocence and spirit of a childhood bedtime story, but this one heals adult hearts. <3 Some health insurance these circus workers had, man.

I want my money (and time) back thanks.

more like 3.5
I don't want to be all “I kinda saw the end coming,” but I did!
I knew there was s serious misdirect going on and the beginning of the book gave that away. Nonethelessss, it was a really fun book. I wish we explored the characters more but despite the early reveal, the pacing did not bore me at all!

** the most cultured and sophesticated conversation I'll ever be a witness to? **Umberto Eco is a well known literary icon, author and historian and Jean-Claude Carriere a filmmaker, critique and collector. Both these stellar, well-read, cerebral personalities discussing relevance, evolution, birth-death of books was such an enriching journey. This is one of those books that talks about so many books that you find a new gateway to many more books. This book is a glowing tribute to the books - old and new, disappeared and forgot, Avante-Garde and downright stupid. They talk about filmmakers and forgotten rolls of master cinema, of burnt scrolls of Alexandria. They talk about Italian poets and French “live writer”, there is such so much to learn from their conversations, this definitely requires you to follow through with a pencil. I see myself revisiting this book, re-reading parts I highlighted and maybe even charting out some fancy libraries and bookstores to visit taking this as a guide. Overall, this is slightly exhausting but stil a wonderful piece of literature. :)

One book everyone should read!

** how and why was this such an iconic YA romance book back in 2011-2012?! *This book is absolute sht! I think it might be the worst one I read all year. It is so bad and I am so mad that I won't be getting back those 2.5 hours. But Sneha, I hear you say, why did you go through with this? Here's why - when I was in ninth grade, this was the book. Everyone was reading it, raving about it, loving it! And in my lockdown state of mind, I thought “what could be more comforting than maybe reading a book my ninth-grade self wanted to read and enjoy that nostalgic ride and forget the reality!”. And oh boy, was I wrong.

To be clear, I am fine with characters been bad, incapable, ignorant overall shtty human beings. I get that, a book doesn't owe it to be to provide brilliant characters whom I'll marvel and adore and idolise. What I don't enjoy is a celebration of these subpar fictional human beings as “heroes” and “heroines” - making them an aspirational figure. When you show a troubled protagonist, you see their stories and their flaws with it and all of that is inculcated in the narrative with ease and intention. So, my problem with this book is two-fold. If this is meant for a teenage audience then you're selling some really dodgy and questionable romantic aspirations for teens here, Ms Perkins. Which would be okay if you projected them as problematic issues instead of absolutely romanticising them. We have this “adorkable” female lead whose ignorance isn't cute but recanting the male-gaze of cute young dumb blonde - that its okay to be dumb if you're cute trope and no, we are not having any more of that nonsense, thank you very much! The lead male is, well, a cheater. Spin it the way you want but if you want to be with this girl just end things or clarify things with that girl before. You're not hot enough to be that emotionally unstable, sorry. I am just so annoyed that a book as recent as 2011 is still selling and propagating these toxic, 19th-century ideals of romance, male-female dynamics, pumped with pure annoying American-French stereotypes. This is a book about the top 1% complaining about how hard the first world problems are and that's not even the most annoying bit. This lead is a brilliant example of why Americans enjoy the “ignorant, bigoted and privileged” stereotype. I primarily picked this book to enjoy Paris and read more about the city through the eyes of late teens but this book doesn't completely acknowledge the city, let alone give it respect. If your book is centred around “being in Paris”, do the city some justice?! tl;dr I dunno why this book enjoys such popularity, love and appreciation. It is beyond me. The story is a snowman made out of cliches, characters are lousy, writing is lazy and I couldn't find one redeeming quality. Do yourself a favour, don't let its 4+ rating on Goodreads trick you - it's absolute sht, don't read.

“why has no one told me this before” the kind of stuff you wish your parents, educators, GP OB/GYN, friend, coach should tell you about.
I know the book can be tl;dr into 30-40 mins of cardio most days and some strength training too. I know exercise is necessary and good but the HOW of it, impact and effects of it on body and brain was really fun to read and learn from. I'll be revisiting this every time i feel like i am falling off the wagon.
if only the science of it all was gelled a bit smother with case studies (really enjoyed those) but really i am being being nitpicky.

I wonder what's behind the rise in senior-citizen-focused books, particularly in the true crime genre. In the last quarter alone, I've read five books where elderly women living alone have been the main characters, and I've really enjoyed their portrayal – independent, cheerful, and happily surrounded by their older female friends. This one doesn't do anything particularly unique, but it was a pleasant, cosy read. Engaging enough for me to reach for book two. :)

3.5 ⭐️

“My voice had been used for me, and against me, so many times that I was afraid nobody would recognise it now if I spoke freely.”

Crazy

I was caught up between two intense books. One that talked about the real harsh truths of this world and the other philosophising the transcendental. Amidst this chaos, I took an hour off and finished this gorgeous little break book Inna corner at crosswords today.

Ah, the familiar quirkiness of a good Ronald Dahl, it just felt like the perfect break from all the adulting and just the escape from reality I needed. Some books are timeless and this one came in at the right time :)

Having said all that, the story is quite meh. Pick up some other exceptional Dahl books before you come for this. Won't say this often but the movie (by Wes Anderson) is better.

3.5 ⭐️ actually
I support women's rights, but more importantly, I support women's wrongs.

see, I am a simple true crime girly - when I saw a female serial killer story plot, I loved it. its such a male-dominated field, we really need to break the glass ceiling on this one.

the story started so strong, in fact, until the 60% mark, I wasn't worried about the plot. the writing does come off a little try-hard in some places but that's alright since it's a debut novel and kitty did have her own fun voice. her professional, class and background really played into her motivation and methods. 10/10 for that (spoiler alert from here)

BUT I got worried when I was reaching the final third, pages were running out and plots remained to be unveiled, consequences remained to be dealt it. kitty's killing was smooth sailing, any conflict on that front did not last for more than a couple of pages to resolution. the final reveal of stalker was deeply underwhelming and twisted her stance. While Katy Brent has written a fun bingeable book, kitty does suffer in terms of lacking a clear personality. she isn't committed enough to be blood thirsty murders and isn't exactly delulu to think she is a punisher/vigilanty killer. she yoyos but its not intentional and it gets confusing for the reader. the tone in the last few pages also felt very different? i see that she ended the book with a bit of a portal to book two, I hope she spends the second book finding out who kitty really is and gives some consistency in her tone and thought.

In the midst of a war, this man manages to date while having both Germany and Britain fund his three girlfriends, continues to party like it's his last day (again, on the dime of two opposing nations), then seamlessly returns to a successful criminal life—avoiding prosecution under the guise of his “wartime secret service.”

I want to dislike him, but my God, it's hard not to be weirdly impressed.

IMO this book went a little heavy-handed with Ben Macintyre's pro-British leaning.

As it is always with collection of shorter writings, some hit different than others. I think a lot of people were expecting the shades & tones of her previous book and were disappointed when that did not happen. Which seems unfair given that she sets the expectations right in the opening. I enjoyed some more familiar questions and its necessary compassionate responses. I can see myself revisitng some section.
medium: audible.

I hate read the last 40% of the book. god it was so frustrating.

It was “I skipped work and laid on couch reading it for 3 hours to finish it” good. I am not easily pleased by murder/mystery, as a junkie I reallyyy enjoyed this book. Didn't see things coming yet it was solvable(ish). Worth the hype.

I felt so let down in the final 20% of the book. if you are going to take a somber and slightly problematic take for your character, you better have a compelling narrative to defend that to convince your reader. It was going 4 stars till 80% mark but after that it is like - why did ya give up?

I, too, can be fixed with a vacation in a small second hand bookstore in tokyo and walks to a neighbourhood cafe. very cosy moody book, better in first half than second.

okay, it's been a few days, and I am ready to do a proper review. so I loved it. it's a 4.5/5 for me.

She is unlikeable, but she's great. Here's how you do that right! I am convinced that if a man tried to write this character, he would prolly fail. TJR nails the unlikable women's character with this. She has flaws; she is rough on the edges, but she is a good woman and a remarkable player, and she deserves your goddamn respect!

Couple of things I liked:

the story is so simple. it's in the title, but it works. I enjoyed the tennis; the sports and the two main characters were introduced smoothly. recreating the action, the pause, and the thrill of the next move in sports writing is HARD. I rarely see it written in a way that I can visualise AND be invested throughout. Esp for a sport that I have watched maybe five times? I was invested in action. I binged the chapters because I wanted to know how the game went.

So few characters <3 After Malibu Rising and Daisy Jones, I have happy to have a book with fewer mains. central characters. We have three key figures and then a few that comes and go. I enjoyed getting to them well and seeing their growth trajectory. I got a chance to get attached to them. I am a do-or-die for Carrie's dad now, and he ain't even real.

The slow burn but its fast pace. We have seen her travel through years in her books before. This one goes through the past fairly quickly (?), and the “present” is done linearly. I liked the singular timeline for a change.

The sports commentaries were so well done. As someone who does consume a lot of football, I could see the “commentators” switching sides, calling names, and being disrespectful. it felt real. TJR always adds these little newspaper/tv clips situation, and i love it.

Taylor Jenkin Reid Universe - Carrie refers “Daisy Jones & the Six” in this book. She has created her own cinematic universe and referenced it. Good for you!

All in all, I 10/10 rec this book. this was a fun ride, I had a good time. Thank you very much.

This is more A Man Called Ove in the backdrop of a murder and barely a murder-mystery. Not complaining, just observing. Cute chill read.

if you ever thought your ex was a psychopath, well, this will make you feel less of that

DNF - 60% completion

One advice I find myself giving to people who want to get back into reading is - give up a book the moment it stops being fun or valuable to you. I decided to take that advice up for myself.

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think the life, fears and struggles of Liz Kendall is not of value. But after reading 60% of the book, I found it to be a bit repetitive and decided to stop. Here's my review of the portion I read.

I don't really care for Ted Bundy or the hollywoodisation of his crimes. He is an absolutely shitty human being who committed “extremely wicked, shockingly evil and vile” acts on unsuspecting women. He does not deserve any celebration and definitely should not enjoy “pop cult” status.

But out of boredom, I did find myself watching the Ted Bundy docu-series on Netflix and found myself curious about how the women in Bundy's life felt. What were their emotions, struggles and experiences. I randomly found The Phantom Prince and started reading it on kindle on my phone.

It was a revelation to read how ridiculously “normal” Ted was in his everyday life and relationships. How he fits into the mould of a “perfect man and boyfriend”. It is remarkable how many times Elizabeth reached out to the authorities because she had a gut feeling of something not being right and how many times it was ignored. I can't fathom how she managed to be functional (slightly alcoholic) life after getting to know the extent of fuckery Ted Bundy spread. Reading about victims of such crimes and individuals close to them reminds us to not fall into the trap of “sensationalizing” these criminals. Brings a lot of empathy and kindness to the surviving victims of these crimes. (Also, reminds creeps to not label criminals “hottie” on Twitter, sigh)

Yes I have read three volumes in 24 hours so clearly I enjoy this. I have no more comments to add.

HOLLY JACKSON I LOVE YOU.

the premises and starting was really fun but then it kept dragging on and the audio production felt very wonky (clearly this was a high budget production with the kind of people they got to perform). the mixing made certain parts vvv hard to hear. not super fun.