Newsletter September |Meeting Your Fav Writer

st week I finished Jesse Ball’s last book called Children 6. Reading it was so fluid and dynamic I just felt like a cozy conversation with the author. This feeling is not always common when you read a book. At least, for me, I experienced it with not so many writers. But with Ball’s books it is always the same: it just flows. I read this book in practically 2 or 3 days. In fact, I devoured most of his books. 

There’s been a long time since I read a book so fast and with such enthusiasm. Being a mother for three months and a bit more kept my head occupied in many things at the same time that there has been little time to read as before. But I tried to re-establish the reading habit while breastfeeding. So, last week when I noticed I read Jesse’s book in 2 days I restored my faith into reading again, something so challenging to achieve in this fast, crazy technology-mediated and overstimulating world. 

In this month’s newsletter I’d like to tell you about my anecdote with a writer who dared and managed to captivate us with his stories in this context. And for that, he’s my favorite writer. 

The first time I met Jesse he took a pen out of his pocket and started drawing in a paper napkin at El Cairo Bar in Rosario. We readers know the magic behind meeting the person behind those words that transformed you in some way or another.  

Back in 2016, I was at University - pursuing another career in literature - I collaborated with a Think Tank called Centro de Estudios Norteamericanos. There, we investigated, read and wrote about new writers in American Literature. Elena, its director, told us that she read a book that blew her mind: it was The Curfew by Jesse Ball. She lent me the book and I loved it. By that time, this was the only book that was translated into Spanish. Having the chance of reading in English, I ordered two more books written by Ball. All amazingly written. 

After we all read his books, we dreamt of inviting him to Rosario, my city. So, I sent him an email just to see if he would like the idea of traveling to Argentina to give a masterclass.

So, I sent him an email just to see if he would like the idea of traveling to Argentina to give a masterclass.  Honestly, we didn’t think there was a chance that he answered this email. But he did. 4 months later, he spent 3 days in Rosario. Meeting him was an extraordinary experience. 

Last year we read The Curfew in our book club online and Jesse coordinated the club as a guest from Chicago. It was an incredible meeting for all members. He is a really modest and gifted writer. Till this day, we keep talking about books and authors. 

So here are 4 books I’d like to recommend to you and I can assure you that you will fall in love with reading again. 

The Curfew (2016) 

This is the story of William and his daughter Molly. All around them a city rages with war in a totalitarian system.  When the uprising began, William's wife was taken, leaving him alone with their young daughter.

They keep their heads down and try to remain unnoticed as police patrol the streets, enforcing a curfew and arresting citizens. But when an old friend seeks William out, claiming to know what happened to his wife, William must risk everything. This book is full of metaphors and beautiful images in which many tales and narratives co-exist. A song to imagination. 

A Cure for Suicide (2015)

This novel was shortlisted for the National Book Award. Imagine being born again, imagine your memory being erased, how would you learn about the world, about the most simple things we are used to doing everyday?

A fascinating novel of love, illness, despair, and betrayal. A dystopia with no zombies, no flying cars, no aliens, just humans… 

How to SetFire and Why (2016)

This is the story of  a teenager, Lucia, a high schooler who suddenly loses her parents, rendering her hapless and vengeful and she also has pyromaniacal tendencies. Her story is told in 1st person and it makes it easier for you to establish a rapport with the protagonist.  I really enjoyed this book, especially listening to the voice of  a teenager. 

Children VI (2022)

Honestly, I can describe this book. You will have to read it. But, this is an amazing review of the book. 

Editorial Sigilo published How to Set Fire and Why in Spanish. And this year, they published Los Niños 6, in Spanish before the novel was published in its original language. Isn’t this amazing? 

Have you read any of these books? I hope you enjoy this selection I’ve made for you. And, if you read them, please write to me. I’d really love to hear your opinions on this author. 

I couldn't leave without an invitation. We are having our online monthly bookclub meeting on September 10th. It's online. Here you have all the info

Happy reading!

See you next month 

Fer