This feels like a cop-out version, because I really only finished two books that I already started prior to this month! That said, I read what I read (and I will finish what I started).
- From a Certain Point of View – This is a compilation of short stories in the “Star Wars” canon. Basically, it’s the plot of Episode IV (technically the first movie, AKA not a prequel or a sequel), but told through the eyes of minor or previously unknown characters in the saga. Some of the highlights for me were “Born in the Storm,” which was the story of a stormtrooper rebelling against the Empire; “Eclipse,” which describes Alderaan in its final moments; and “Master and Apprentice;” which was from the perspective of Qui-Gon Jinn (who I don’t really consider a minor character anymore, but… for intents and purposes he is). Because I listened to the audiobook, I had an appreciation for “The Luckless Rodian” and “Added Muscle,” which were from the perspective of Greedo and Boba Fett, respectively. “The Luckless Rodian” was narrated by Neil Patrick Harris, and “Added Muscle” was narrated by Sir Jon Hamm! He’s not a real knight but he could be. I’d allow it. There’s going to be a second compilation later this year for Episode V, and I KNOW I will be enjoying that!
- Bygone Badass Broads – Yes. I FINALLY FINISHED this book. It took me less than thirty minutes. I already wrote a post about this book, but I’m going to share some love for Angela Morley. Born Wally Stott, Angela was a composer and conductor, becoming a household name in the UK for BBC Radio listeners. She transitioned between 1970 and 1972, and came back stronger than ever. She went on to compose and arrange music on both the stage and screen, and collaborated frequently with John Williams. That’s right, in this tiny compilation of amazing women throughout history that we may not know, I found a woman who contributed to the life-changing score of “Star Wars.” She was nominated for an Academy Award in 1976, and was the first transgender woman to receive such a nomination. Bad. Ass.
I hope I read more this month, but in the meantime, both of these books were great! I’ve actually made a list of all the books I want to read (or, ahem, finish) by the end of the year. Fingers crossed I make it!