As we say bon voyage to summer and begin willing autumn into existence, we are thrilled to release the Mach 1 Reading List: 2024 Fall Edition.
Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova
Mach 1 Reader: Caroline Payne
“Monstrilio” is a dark, gross, beautiful but disturbing tale on grief written by Mexican-American author Gerardo Samano Cordova. It is the story of a grieving mother who tries to bring a form of her son back to life following his death, but instead she creates an iteration of him she names Monstrilio. The tale follows Monstrilio’s life, existing somewhere between a Frankenstein-like animalistic creation and a human. The prose is written as an emotional, cathartic stream of consciousness, and offers different narrative points of view throughout Monstrilio’s existence. I adored and am horrified by this book and would not recommend to anyone. Five stars.
I, Claudius by Robert Graves
Mach 1 Reader: Katherine McLane
Years ago, I happened upon a “100 greatest novels of all time” list and have been making my way through it ever since. (The problem is, authors keep adding to it!) Robert Graves’ “I, Claudius” was near the top of the list and I fell in love with it and reread every so often. It’s historical fiction – my fave – and a first person “auto-biography” by the Emperor Claudius who survived his terrible clan and came to power despite all the odds. A brilliant read I couldn’t recommend more highly.
My Name is Barbara by Barbara Streisand
Mach 1 Reader: Sharon Chapman
Barbra Streisand conquered stage, screen and of course song in her storied career. Add memoir to that list: “My Name is Barbra” is a dishy, in-depth and singular tome from the legendary entertainer. I recommend listening to the 50+ hour audiobook, narrated by La Streisand herself. Her voice and asides add another layer to stories of her beloved father, who died too young; triumphs as Fanny Brice, the role that skyrocketed her fame and kicked off her path to becoming the first EGOT winner; and her laser-focused commitment to authenticity and truth in all pursuits. Along with her relationships, she shares in great detail her passion for art, fashion and delicious food. “My Name is Barbra” is a funny, bold and inspiring reminder about staying true to your ethos in everything you do.
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
Mach 1 Reader: Jamie McCormick
I am a fiction addict with many well-formed and occasionally arbitrary opinions, like “I don’t care for time travel books.” This is an opinion I may be forced to revise as “The Ministry of Time”is the third such book I’ve read recently and enjoyed. Set in England, people from the past are “expatriated” to modern times and monitored by a top-secret ministry in the government. The expats are monitored for physical and psychological effects and supported by a “bridge” employee as they acclimatize to modern society. Our main time traveler is an Arctic explorer and naval officer from centuries past that learns to ride a motorbike and loves to cook. That all sounds very sweet but not everything is as it seems. This is part time travel and spy thriller, a touch of romance and with some bureaucratic dynamics thrown in. You’ll have to trust me that it works.
A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire), George R.R. Martin
Mach 1 Reader: Talan Tyminski
How I managed to make it through the last 13 years without having the Game of Thrones series spoiled for me is truly astounding. Having never seen the show, this series is my first real deep dive into the world of Westeros—and what a world it is. The depth of the characters, the intricate political maneuvering and the sheer scale of the story blew me away. Every chapter introduces new layers to the complex relationships and shifting alliances between houses, which makes the world feel incredibly immersive. The writing pulls you in, making it easy to get lost in the intricacies of each character’s arc. If you loved the show but never read the books, I highly recommend diving into the Seven Kingdoms.
The Goldfinch, Donna Tartt
Mach 1 Reader: Mary Love
As an avid reader, this is tough for me, but if I had to pick a favorite, I’m pretty sure it’s The Goldfinch. This is one of those books that pulls you in from the first page – it is exquisitely written and has unforgettable characters. It follows Theo Decker, who survives a tragedy that shapes the rest of his life. At over 700 pages, the story has some slower moments, but the way Tartt brings these characters to life makes it more than worth it. You feel like you’re right there with them, experiencing every emotional high and low, and it’s hard not to get completely absorbed in their world. If you love beautifully crafted stories where you really connect with the characters, this is one to pick up!
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Mach 1 Reader: Katie Zarate
Working in the policy realm, especially for us PR gals, it can be difficult to truly disconnect and step away. I typically reach for a biography (“Unbroken”) or true crime (“Say Nothing”), but a lot of books can seem a little too… real. Might I convince you to read “Fourth Wing?” This fantasy fiction is escapism at its finest. You could be physically squished in the middle seat on an airplane, but mentally vacationing in a world of dragons, magic – and dare I say – romance. This is such a gift for anyone who grew up on Harry Potter and is ready for something with a little more umph.
A Night to Remember by Walter Lord
Mach 1 Reader: Alice Claiborne
“A Night to Remember” is a historical account of the sinking of the Titanic, written by Walter Lord in 1955. Lord interviewed 63 survivors of the disaster, chronicling their experiences. After reporters got word about the “unsinkable” ship striking an iceberg, newspapers started publishing information that later proved to be incorrect, like how the Titanic was merely damaged and was being “towed” to New York City. Concerned family members started flooding the NYC “White Star Line” office demanding answers about the fate of their loved ones. When the Carpathia finally arrived in NYC with the Titanic survivors, newspaper reporters rode alongside the ship in a tugboat shouting questions at survivors with bull horns. Once newspapers finally got interviews from survivors, many of the survivor accounts were embellished or incorrect, leading to “tall tales” about the sinking of the Titanic for generations to come. It’s a great early case study of public relations and crisis management.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Mach 1 Reader: Sarah Allen
I read the “Vanishing Half” a few years ago now, but it stuck with me because of the concept. The premise is that two sisters are born in the South, both Black, but one can secretly pass for white. The book follows both of their stories throughout their lives and raises thought-provoking questions about identity. Even though one moves away, their stories continue to intersect through their daughters. I really enjoyed it!
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