Winter Reads

image via Little City Books

My beloved blog! I miss you so. I miss being in the writing groove. I have been preoccupied offline; lots to share in coming posts! For now I need to catch up on my book recommendations. The last few books I read are as follows...

Private Equity by Carrie Sun

This memoir delves into the plight of Carrie Sun, daughter of Chinese immigrants and assistant to a hedge fund founder. Private Equity is enticing, and a bit juicy, but I had a hard time buying into any sort of conflict in the storyline. Of course I can relate to having a grueling assistant job: I worked as an underling at Conde Nast and was treated horribly. I also got paid very little, and received no perks. Sun, on the other hand, was rewarded generously for her hard work, and lavished with gifts.

It does sound like she was overworked, but she also explains that her boss offered to accommodate her, hire additional support, give her time off, etc. In fact her boss, the pseudo named "Boone" (seemingly based on billionaire Chase Coleman) seems like a standup guy based on Sun's portrayal of him. Sun takes issue, throughout the book, with income inequality, the unfairness of the privileges afforded to the rich & famous, etc., but what did she expect when she took a job at a top hedge fund, signing on to support one of the richest men in the world?

I can commiserate with having wearying assistant duties, but I had a hard time connecting with the writer's message of victimhood. She accepted her role with eyes wide open, her boss was kind to her, and she could've left at any time. Her parents had to endure much as immigrants, and Sun's childhood wasn't a walk in the park, but that doesn't seem to account for her taking this particular, ill-fitting job. Private Equity reads like a venting session, not a book.

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

This novel has a dark premise but conveys levity and wisdom throughout the storyline. Vogue said it best: "A formerly famous gay sitcom star is suddenly tasked with raising his niece and nephew in this sweet, saucy novel." Adds The Christian Science Monitor (of all publications!), "Rowley hits the sweet spot between hilarity and heart in this endearing charmer." It's true; amen!

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley

The follow-up to The Guncle is, dare I say, better than the first installment. The Gungle is back with his niece and nephew, and this time they're traveling in Europe, headed to the kids' dad's wedding. Rowely weaves in tons of The Sound of Music references, which motivated me to watch the movie for the first time. (Now I get why it's a classic!) I really enjoyed this sequel. Again, Rowley delivers a storyline that is heartbreaking, raw, tender--and fun. The Guncle Abroad would make a great movie... the hills are alive...

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