Super Sad True Love Story

If you've ever felt like your phone is not up to speed, this book is for you.
If you've ever left a note, or been left a note, about replacing toilet paper, this book is for you.
If you've ever been the bottom of the totem pole at work, this book is for you.
If you've ever called someone, or been called, a "tuna brain", this book is for you.
If you've ever had a best friend that lives far away and you miss and email everyday, this book is for you.
If you are an older sister, this book is for you.
If you are Jewish, this book is for you.
If you are Korean, this book is for you.
If you are neither Jewish nor Korean, this book is for you.
If you are a sad sack, this book is for you.
If you spent time in Italy, this book is for you.
If you are willing to snort from laughing, on the bus, this book is for you.
If you read one book this year, this book is for you.
Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart.
5/5 netflix stars

The Tiger's Wife: A Novel

I didn't set out to read a book about the death of a grandparent so soon after my own grandma passed away, but Tea Obreht's debut novel piqued my interest. The Tiger's Wife is equal parts fable, memory and nostalgia.
Natalia is a young doctor in her imaginary Balkan country, war torn and ravaged. On a mission to "the other side" she learns of her grandfather's passing and spends the next few days remembering him while she attempts to find the belongings he had on him when he died, including a copy of The Jungle Book Natalia remembers well. Natalia carries her memories of her grandfather, but also two stories her grandfather told her: one, the story of the Deathless Man and two, the story of the Tiger's Wife. Both recall the best writers of magical realism.
Natalia struggles with fulfilling her professional role and being with her grandmother to mourn. I was able to empathize; contemporary society doesn't allow time for grieving, or death. But this book reminded me that I can take my time, that the memories I have of my grandma will stay with me, and I can recall them at will, just as Natalia did.
The Tiger's Wife is remarkable in part because of Obreht's young age and for that I'm thankful. I look forward to many more novels from her.
4/5 netflix stars