What Did The Elm Editor Team Read in 2021?
Throughout the long and complex year of 2021, many found a sanctuary in reading. I for one found reading to be an opportunity to take a break from the hustle of day-to-day activities and relax. I ventured into various stories and realms of thought in the comfort of my own room. In 2021, I discovered so many new favourites and I thought I would see what the rest of The Elm Editor team read this year as well. Here are some of the exciting finds.
Bluets, Maggie Nelson
Vita J. K, Grade 12: Co-Editor-in-Chief
“Suppose I were to begin by saying that I had fallen in love with a colour.”
In Bluets, Maggie Nelson gives her interpretation of love, grief, death, and self-worth through her obsession with the colour blue. Nelson animates blue; it takes on its own distinct character in her writing. Her prose is poignant and striking as she discusses her life with references to various scholars, writers, and artists who have also explored colour in their works. It feels very personal and presents an expansive dive into the inner workings of Nelson’s psyche. There are some truly beautiful moments, like her eventual acceptance of “the fundamental impermanence of all things”. I really loved this prose collection, reading it in one day and repeatedly going back to my favourite sections. If you are looking for a short and unique read, I highly recommend it.
Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe
Sophie S, Grade 12: Co-Editor-in-Chief
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe provides a fascinating window into late 19th-century Nigeria through the story of Okonkwo, a respected man from the village of Umuofia. Structured into three parts, Things Fall Apart reveals the heartbreaking realities of colonialism and its effects on the longstanding culture of Umuofia. The story unfolds as Part 1 focuses on Okonkwo’s youth and his relentless pursuit to distance himself from his father. In Part 2, Okonkwo is exiled from his fatherland and seeks refuge in his motherland, where he spends seven years with his family. In Part 3, Okonkwo returns home to the village of his fatherland to find it transformed under the heavy influence of Christian missionaries. Achebe’s writing is striking yet simple, with the power to evoke emotion. Things Fall Apart was an impactful and thought-provoking read, I highly recommend it!
Beautiful Boy, David Sheff
Cayden F, Grade 12: Global Affairs Editor
There are not many books that have been able to evoke such emotion from me as Beautiful Boy by David Sheff. The novel was definitely a heartbreaking read and at times even difficult to get through. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend it. In this true story, Sheff details his first-hand account of navigating his son’s addiction to methamphetamine. His heartfelt retelling examines addiction in a way I have never seen before, breaking down preconceptions and stereotypes that have wrongfully made addiction synonymous with shame and secrecy. I honestly believe that this novel leaves readers with newfound compassion and understanding for a disease that is incredibly prevalent in our world, it definitely reconstructed my view. Perspectives like Sheff’s are crucial in making greater strides towards education and action to eradicate addiction. His poignant writing allows you to empathize with a loving father constantly worried for his son’s safety and with an intelligent and passionate boy caught in the cycle of his addiction.
No One Is Talking About This, Patricia Lockwood
Finn L, Grade 12: Branksome Community Editor
“It was a mistake to believe that other people were not living as deeply as you were. Besides, you were not even living that deeply.”
From the inescapable grip the internet holds on society to the instability of America and the incomprehensible nature of illnesses, Patricia Lockwood creatively explores numerous themes in her debut novel. This is the kind of book that will have you abruptly stop mid-laugh to highlight a paragraph and contemplate your culpability in society’s shortcomings.I was struck by the creativity of Lockwood’s writing, which is composed of a mix of tweets, rambling inner monologues and gripping dialogue. Her ability to delve into deep themes with a unique (though at times, startling) humour made this deceivingly simple book easy to read. While the first half of the book focuses on our current obsession with social media, the second half focuses on the narrator’s discovery that her sister is carrying a baby with the rare Proteus syndrome. From her aching grief emerges an aching sublimity. Lockwood reminds readers of an important lesson, which is what is largely drawn from this arresting novel; “There is still a real life to be lived, there are still real things to be done.”
Daisy Jones and the Six, Taylor Jenkins Reid
Claire P, Grade 11: Lifestyle and Culture Editor
Daisy Jones and The Six is about Daisy, a girl coming of age in the sixties of LA. She joins a rock band called The Six and they become an international hit. The band in the book was influenced by Fleetwood Mac, which is my favourite band and definitely contributed to why I liked it so much. It is written in a past tense interview format which I really enjoyed because it made you feel like the band was real and you were reading about their life stories. As per usual, Taylor Jenkins Reid did an amazing job with the characterization in this book. Her ability to write realistic characters and take you through the complexities of these relationships is phenomenal. I’m pretty sure I read this in one sitting and it was a great read that I highly recommend!
In the Shadow of Man, Jane Goodall
Thea M Grade 12: Design and Production Head
One book I read early on in 2021 that has stuck with me ever since is Jane Goodall’s In The Shadow Of Man. Jane Goodall was able to chronicle her journey into the Gombe Stream and illustrate her many discoveries in a compelling and page-turning fashion. Her experiences with the chimpanzees are incredibly one-of-a-kind and shocking and they certainly keep the reader wanting more. Because of Goodall’s fearlessness, passion, and intelligence, In The Shadow of Man is an absolute treasure. This book helped me understand humankind and modern society in a whole new light, as there are a couple of lessons we could learn from chimpanzees. Although it’s non-fiction, Jane familiarizes the reader with many of the monkeys, who the reader learns to know and love. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It’s incredibly engaging and a great way to get into reading non-fiction books and expand your knowledge of our ancestors.
Where the Crawdads Sing
Emma K, Grade 12: Sports Editor
My favourite book that I read this past year was Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. I really enjoyed this book because it takes you through two different time periods of the protagonist Kya’s life, eventually merging together. I think it is a really interesting take on a coming-of-age novel, mixed with romance and mystery, and I loved it because it was different from any other book I have read. I tore through this book very fast and loved following along with Kya and the twists and turns her life takes in the bayou of North Carolina. I definitely recommend this book and the ending is amazing!
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid
Tiara K-Z, Grade 12: Design and Production Head
One of my favourite books that I read in 2021 was The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I saw it trending on Booktok and heard so many good things about it so I had to pick it up! Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. This book was an exhilarating blend of fast-paced drama and bittersweet romance, the plot was filled with complexity and emotion. I especially loved the way relationships and love are portrayed. It was so well written, and it will keep you savouring every page until the very end. Overall, 10/10 and one of the best books I’ve ever read. You seriously need to pick up this book!