San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
RECOMMENDED READS Welcome to our literary circle, in which San Diegans pass the (printed) word on books
Kylie Owens
Job: Bookseller, Mysterious Galaxy
She recommends: “The Invisible Life of Addie Larue” by V.E. Schwab
(Tor Books, 2020; 448 pages)
When a girl strikes a deal with the darkness, things go awry. Addie Larue wishes to be free to live her own life, on her own terms, not beholden to the strictures and censures of her small, isolated 18th century French village. But when she sells her soul for this freedom, the darkness with whom she makes her deal curses her to live an immortal life, forgotten by everyone. So begins her journey through the intervening centuries. Addie learns how to carve her place upon the world, not with scratches of a pencil or the sharing of words, but through ideas and inspiration. And then one day, after 300 years of being forgotten, she meets a 20th century man who remembers her. “The Invisible Life of Addie Larue” is a heartaching, twisting journey about time, memory, love and one woman’s unceasing efforts to make her mark.
Job: Youth Services Librarian, Lakeside Branch, San Diego County Library
She recommends: “Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic” by Michael Mccreary (Annick Press, 2019; 169 pages)
“Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic” is an autobiography by a young man, Michael Mccreary, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 5. Michael shares his experiences, trials and triumphs through the eyes of someone who is autistic. Growing up in Canada, he discovers at an early age that he loves to perform. He later discovers his talent as a comedian and ventures across Canada as a young adult trying to find his way. This book was inspiring to read, as a parent of a child with an autism spectrum disorder. No matter the challenge, Michael finds his way and teaches others to have the courage to live life and learn lessons as you go. I listened to the audiobook, read by Mccreary himself. He is a funny and charming young man, and I enjoyed listening to his book. It gives me a better understanding of those who are on the autism spectrum.
Why?
Why?