I’m largely out of the office these days so starting to pile up some book challenge numbers – so tonight I’m doing a twofer catch-up.

Elaine Feeney’s How To Build a Boat was a very small story that explored some very big truths about the human condition. It’s the story of Jamie, a young teen somewhere, I’m guessing, on the autism spectrum struggling with the absence of his mother in his life. His teacher, his father, and a supporting cast of characters from his school clash and collobarate to build the titular boat. The characters are likeable if not necessarily deeply drawn, and readers will undoubtedly root for Jamie and his loved ones through the heartwarming, loving and communal conclusion. I gave this one a four on the strength of its writing and Feeney’s seemingly effortless and evocative prose.

Zahra Hankir’s Eyeliner: A Cultural History casts a much wider net but doesn’t get any deeper than How To Build a Boat. Hankir explores cultures on nearly every continent in this brisk look at eyeliner. At times fascinating, we’re told the role eyeliner, kohl or similar eye-makeup has played everywhere from Egypt, the Levant, and NYC drag balls to rural Chad. Hankir has an inclusive, feminist and anti-capitalist agenda and her focus is on the unifying thread of eyeliner through Black and brown cultures, which makes the inclusion of Amy Winehouse and her use of eye decoration a little awkward in spots. There are appropriate nods to the academic literature throughout, though, and readers seeking a heavier summer read will have no problem using this otherwise snack-sized book as a launch pad.