I "read" two non-fiction books this week. I put that in inverted commas, since one was The Queen's English, by Chloe O Davis, a dictionary of terms related to the LGBTQI community. It is beautifully presented and put together, with descriptions, definitions and warnings. Oh yes, the warnings, which are basically "be careful using this language if these are not your people". Very true. I don't want to appropriate another culture's language. In fact, the production of a book like this is part of the gentrification of certain subcultures, some parts of which are quite happy to be joining the mainstream, and other parts who are not. So I don't know who this book for - I feel like "if you know you know" and if you don't know you can't use this language anyway. But it is a very pretty book.
I also read Blackface by Ayanna Thompson, another in the Object Lessons Series. I requested this one because I know that blackface is wrong, but I didn't quite know why. I don't mean just dressing up a generic Black person, I mean darkening the skin to dress up as a specific person - possibly in respectful homage. And now I know. It's a well written, focussed book that somehow tackles this topic from a wider perspective than simply racism.Not that racism is ever simple, but there is more to it than that. This simple book enlarged my understanding of an interesting, if fraught, issue.And I'm reading Mexican Gothic, which I bought because a bunch of reviewers I follow liked it, and it was the Kindle Daily Deal a little while ago. It's atmospheric and creepy, and so far I'm enjoying it. And look at that stunning cover. Beautiful.
I've just about finished my Sock-Arms Foot Socks, which have been my "in public" project this week, just the toe to go.
I got up early before work on Tuesday and cut the steeks on my Tracery vest - now it's just the sleeve and neck ribbing and I'm done. I'm pretty excited to get this epic project off the needles and on to my body.
As usual on a Wednesday I'm joining in with Kat from As Kat Knits for Unravelled Wednesday. there is no Yarnalong for the time being, Ginny is expecting another baby (her ninth!) and is rather tired at the moment.
In live with vest, and nothing better than a pair of stripped socks! I wish I would come out of my reading slump, very little is appealing to me.
ReplyDeleteI'm finding I'm pickier about what I read than usual, I wonder if a lot of people are feeling a bit disconnected from reading right now.
DeleteWhat a lovely vest!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's been a fun knit.
DeleteYour vest is just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks. FO photos coming on Friday
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