tiny library: dept. of speculation

Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill

Five words: Endearing. Heartbreaking. Raw. Poignant. Human.

Plus a few more: This came recommended by a few of you here and it was so good. Heartbreakingly good. Sharp-intakes-of-breath good. Though I’m actually pretty sure that I read the entire second half of the book with my breath held. Offill’s stacatto sentences lept along in a way that made me feel like my heart could hardly keep up. I read it in one sitting and was honestly relieved when it was over even though I enjoyed it immensely. Baby, marriage, career, navigating the grocery store; it’s all in there, wrapped up like a heartbreaking poem that sometimes makes you laugh but definitely puts a lump in your throat.

Here’s a tiny taste: “She does not say, Last night, I pulled his hair. Last night I tried to pull his hair out of his head. 

It is so easy now for the wife to be patient and kind to the daughter. She will never love anyone or anything more. Never. It is official. 

She remembers the first night she knew she loved him, the way the fear came rushing in. She laid her head on his chest and listened to his heart. One day this too will stop, she thought. The no, no, no, of it.”

For bookshelf or borrowing?: I borrowed this copy from the library, but this book would definitely be worth keeping on your shelf.

Your turn: What are you guys reading?

More tiny library reviews, HERE.