This contest period's winners were Alice P., Linda H. and Lisa N., who each received a copy of AFTER ANNIE by Anna Quindlen and END OF STORY by A J. Finn.
Tessa
The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel
There are a number of historical threads woven into this melodrama: the Nazis penchant for stealing art, the role of the French Resistance, the many Jewish families who sent their children into hiding, and the post-traumatic stress survivors had to deal with. In general, Harmel’s story kept me interested, but I thought the writing was just okay. I guessed the central plot point VERY early in the book and noticed the foreshadowing as a result.
Claire
The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman
The modern-day portions of the book were quite good. They followed Ivy as she fell in with a cult after facing rejection from her family and unborn baby’s father. Then, for a greater portion of the book, her daughter, Mia’s deprogramming and escape from the cult. Ivy’s feelings of entrapment and lack of options even as realizes she has made a mistake in joining the Community were heartbreaking and understandable, as was Mia’s awakening to all that the cult denied her. It was painful to see how their love and concern for each other both kept them trapped and gave them the strength to seek escape.
Karen
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
What a crazy book! It really kept me guessing.
Sara
Absolution by Alice McDermott
Written in the epistolary form, ABSOLUTION gives insight into what it was like for the wives of spies, engineers and advisors sent to Nam in early 1960s. Memories shared between two American women some 60 years after they left Saigon. Tricia who went to Vietnam with her husband, Peter, a civilian engineer to Navy Intelligence, and Rainey whom she knew as a child in Vietnam. It's Rainey's mother, Charlene, now deceased, around whom the two women's memories orbit. How time changes the way one felt at this pivotal time and discovering in later years how their own lives as women on the edge - of politics, of history, of war, and of convictions, have been shaped following the Vietnam War.
Rebecca
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
A story of forbidden love results in the birth of twin boys in Ethiopia. Without their natural parents to raise them, we watch as they become men.
Jennifer
Holly by Stephen King
It took me a long time to finish HOLLY. While I love the characters and the story was interesting, I just wasn’t ready to read so much about Covid, masking, etc. The stress of 2020-2022 is still too close in my memory, even for a King novel, a book I usually devour.
Maureen
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
Pamela is the president of her sorority. One night tragedy strikes, her sisters are attacked. Loosely based on a true story. Reads like a true crime novel with family drama mixed in.
Peri
The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali
This novel centers on Iran and its history from the 1950s. I was a little girl then and knew very little about the struggles there. The main character, Roya, meets her love in the stationery shop. He is an activist at a time of great turbulence. I couldn’t put this book down because it was so engaging.
sherry
Coco at the Ritz by Gioia Dilliberto
Did not like this book, and do not like Coco.
Elena
Breaking Stories by John Armstrong
Wow! What a great read. Good character development. Good plot. Keeps your interest and you don't want to put it down. Could Jake be returning as a series character?
Charlene
Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark
The author captured my interest from the very first chapter. The author’s style made it seem as if I was a visitor on Fellowship Point and listening to the two main characters conversations about life. The plot was intriguing and kept me wanting to read more. The subtle twists leading to the end were so well developed. And I love a book with a map!
Judi
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
Brilliant! Peters' characters are brought to life in this story that focuses on loss, guilt, the consequences of our actions and most of all on family. The setting of Maine is so well done. While this book deals with loss and sorrow the conclusion is satisfying and uplifting.
Michelle
When the World Didn’t End by Guinevere Turner
3.5 stars for me. This memoir had lots of different elements to it, from the interesting look into her childhood, growing up in a cult, to the horrifying turn into her adolescent years with her mother and monster of a boyfriend. The ending left me wanting to know more of what happened to her and her mother, boyfriend and siblings.
Teresa
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
I always meant to read this book, but recent book banning controversy drove me right to it. Having taught middle school for decades, I could identify with these characters in the ways that all kids go through emotional/social trauma at that age; but the Native American aspect was new to me. What a terrific book this is! I recommend it to adults and teens alike.
Jacqueline
Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon
This book was dear to my heart because the author writes it while her mother is battling cancer. I enjoyed the book but I felt like it would have been better if the story went more towards the relationship between the three women or more towards a murder mystery. Both were in the story but it needed more of both. It felt like she wrote it as she went along, not having a story plot ahead of time. This is the author’s first book.
Dawn
All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby
This is a gritty, disturbing tale, but I am really enjoyed it, especially Titus Crown, the main character.
Jane
Mercury by Amy Jo Burns
Baylor, (Bay) Waylon (Way), and Shay (baby) (and they called him that too) Joseph are brothers and roofers who live in Mercury, PA, a suburb of Pittsburgh and they are all in the roofing business with their father except for Shay since he was too young at first. Marley moves to the town with her mother. She first dates Bay and then falls in love with Way. Marley just wanted to fit in with this family of men and her in-laws. Elise was a stiff one and Mick was a tough one. All the brothers are different in their personalities and demeanor, and I can personally say that I liked Shay, the youngest, the best who wasn't prominently portrayed for me when he was 10 in the beginning of the book.
Kathryn
The Spy Coast by Tess Gerrittson
I read this thinking it might be lighter fare like the Richard Osman spy series, but this is a good read to keep you going with interesting characters. I could feel I was in Maine and far from my warm Florida days. I like the interplay between the "retirees"; there is life left is us old folks. I liked her writing style, read it in two days.
Jayme
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
The banter was smart and funny between the two main characters, but the sex and eating of pastries got in the way of any plot development. Not necessarily a bad thing, just know before you read.
Terry
How to Know a Person by David Brooks
Great insight and approach, but he’s wordy and repetitive at times. I listened to it and found him to be a well-spoken narrator. At times I felt like he was reading us a series of quotes from other authors or researchers, all strung together to tell a story.
Jayme
The Cherry Robbers by Sarai Walker
This book started off really well with a slow, haunted, creepy build to the deaths of the first sister and second sister, but by the time sisters 4 and 5 die the book started to lose some of its flare (not a spoiler). I think I know how it ended and the message, but maybe not. A great book to read during the spooky month of October.
Jonell
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Clever, thought-provoking, hopeful - a joy to read!
Judie
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
The premise of this book is fascinating: one morning every person on the planet over the age of 22 receives a box containing a string. The string’s length indicates the life span of the recipient and soon scientists and the media are reporting exactly how many years and months one has left by the length of the string. The question of whether to open the box or not is soon a moot point as the military requires that all enlisted must reveal their string. Soon there is prejudice against the “short stringers”. Erlick creates several characters and scenarios depicting string dilemmas. To me, the stories and characters were confusing and not well developed.
Sharon
The Obituary Writer by Ann Hood
Vivien spent 13 years searching for the man she once loved. She found out that he had died in the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. When writing the obituary for people, she would want to know what they were like, not so much the dates and the details. She wanted the reader to know the person. This story was so good, there should be a sequel.
Ellyn
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger
Couldn't put it down, thought I'd figured it out, but I was surprised.
WENDY
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
This was a fast-paced suspense thriller that reminded me of Charlie’s Angels. The angels were given jobs to do for their boss, Charlie, who they did not know and never met. Well, our heroine is hired to do jobs for Mr. Smith, who she does not know. The difference is, Mr. Smith does what works best for Mr. Smith, regardless of the law or anyone else. We learn about Eve and her relationships through past jobs and the intrigue builds. This story would make a great movie (Oceans Eleven comes to mind) or a series (think Lincoln Lawyer and Reacher).
Diane
Prima Facie by Suzie Miller
As a trial attorney I really loved the detail to court procedures and criminal law in England!
Michelle
The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker
Depression era circus story with a DNA testing element many years later which reveals long-held secrets. Cecily from age 4-94 is a lovable character I will not forget!
Jackie
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris
A great historical fiction novel that keeps you reading! Writing that makes you feel like you are there in the story. The importance of friends and family supporting each other is first and foremost.
Marne
The Hunter by Tana French
If you enjoyed French’s 2020 book, THE SEARCHER, you’ll want to run to get a copy of THE HUNTER. I loved the first novel in the series, and this one is even better. It showcases the evolution of relationships, sharp dialog, and complex small-group dynamics. This novel had everything for me: hilarious one-liners and descriptions, a fascinating character-driven plot, interesting and appealing characters (even the morally grey ones), underscored by a heartwarming “found family” element. Top all that off with a deliciously satisfying ending, and I’ve got another “Best Book of 2024” book, and it’s only February!
Alice
The Maid by Nita Prose
Wonderful story, my book club loved it. Some have already purchased THE MYSTERY GUEST, her next book. We had a really good discussion, which was wonderful. I highly recommend it.
Karen
My Name is Barbra by Barbra Streisand
Loved it.
Margie
The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr
I was so intrigued by the title of THE FELLOWSHIP OF PUZZLEMAKERS that, even though I wasn't familiar with debut novelist and British TV producer Samuel Burr, I took a leap of faith and am profoundly thankful that I did. I discovered an indelible story of found family, unforgettable characters, and the wondrous concept of puzzles as a way to bring people together. Pippa Allsbrook is a brilliant cruciverbalist, or crossword puzzle designer, who works under a male pseudonym since puzzlemaking has been a primarily male-dominated occupation. She proposes to surround herself with the brightest minds in the puzzle business.
Chris
The Shift by Theresa Brown, RN
Eye-opening and powerful memoir: 12 hour shift in Oncology - joys, sorrows, frustrations. After reading this, you'll have a more in-depth understanding of the nursing profession.
Cynthia
The Summer We Started Over by Nancy Thayer
Reconnecting family is one of my favorite themes! Two sisters on Nantucket, another great place to read about. Great characters and finished this one with a feel-good feeling.
Susan
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
I found this an interesting story about the writing the first Oxford English Dictionary, written by men only, and the girl who set about writing her own "dictionary of lost words" that weren't included in theirs. The book seemed to repeat itself and the story could have been told in fewer words. I would give it 3 !/2 stars.
MH
Everybody’s Son by Thrity Umrigar
I enjoyed the book, especially the evolution of how a good man can make a mistake that impacts his life. However, the author really goofed on the Georgia geography near the end of the book. Thomasville is NOT on the way to Augusta.
Donna
The Women by Kristin Hannah
THE WOMEN takes us from the posh island of Coronado, CA to the hellhole of Vietnam during the 1960s. Told from the perspective of newly hatched, idealistic nurse, Frankie McGrath, the story brings to light the horrors of what it was like to be in a field hospital during the war. Also explored is the way Vietnam vets were treated (or mistreated) on their return home and how the women were ignored. The novel weaves family dynamics, friendships born in adversity, and love stories throughout. This book is a must-read. Warning: some of the descriptions of what goes on in the field hospital may seem graphic to some readers, but as an emergency room nurse, I wasn't bothered.
Lynn
Family Family by Laurie Frankel
Another wonderful book from Laurie Frankel! A beautiful exploration of what family means and how family is family, whether biological or not.
Linda
The Magic All Around by Jennifer Moorman
What a cute story. It was just pure magic. At least to me it was. A little bit of sadness but overall this was a story of a family touched by magic. I've not read any of this author's books before. This one was a good one to start with. It left me feeling happy, lighthearted and with a song in my heart.
Linda
The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok
Another new author for me. This book was SO good. A bit edge of your seat thriller in part, a bit of a love story. Adoption. It has a lot of emotions. An Asian American literature book. This book is so good. Even better than I had hoped. I had heard a lot about this book and was so excited to have won a copy on Instagram. It's got a lot but is so easy to follow with a bit of a twist that I didn't see coming. Not that I would have even ventured a guess at this. It was just so good.
Linda
One Wrong Move by Hank Phillippi Ryan
This author never disappoints me. She knows how to weave a thriller that will keep you interested and watching for clues. While I did figure out one of the "bad guys" in this story, it didn't take away from it at all. The other was a total surprise. Until it wasn't. Way to pen a twist.
Brenda
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
Loved the way the story was woven, and includes bits of history and NYC scenery. Just a very nice read!
Lisa
The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate
An interesting story connecting two characters, from different time periods. The story of Hannie, a freed slave searching for her family who she was separated from after the Civil War and Benny, a school teacher in Louisiana during the 1980s, connect in fascinating ways. I enjoyed this historical novel and learned about the actual Book of Friends in which former slaves searched for their relatives.
Katheen
What Happened at the Abbey by Isobel Blackthorn
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE ABBEY by Isobel Blackthorn is a very Gothic-style story that has the main character, Ingrid, along with her daughter, escape her abusive husband and take a job as housekeeper at Strathbairn Abbey in the Scottish Highlands in the late 19th century. She decides to be a 'widow' so that her husband cannot find her. The position is not what she thinks it is as the McCleod siblings are at each other all the time. So she needs to find out why and what secrets do they have? The patriarch of the family has put Gertrude in charge of the household which is not the greatest idea as she is just a mean-spirited person. Then there is Miles who likes to wander at night in the bogs looking for different kinds of moss. Why?
Shelley
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
This story about readers discovering a handwritten list of eight books to read was pleasant but not compelling. I would have preferred to know why the person who composed the list suggested those titles.
Lori
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Lovely story about the relationships that develop among characters looking for closure on lost loved ones.
Susan
Heaven's Keep by William Kent Kruger
I am working my way through the Cork O'Connor series and this one was very sad because we had to say goodbye to Cork's wife, Jo, who died in plane crash. I always find William's writing flows so well in his books. On to the next one in the series.
Laura
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It's set in 1851 in Oregon and California. Two brothers, Charlie and Eli, are hired killers on a mission to take out a man for the Commodore. They travel from Oregon City to the gold rush region of Sacramento. Along the road they meet interesting characters and animals and have entertaining adventures along the way.
Claire
These Fragile Graces, This Fugitive Heart by Izzy Wasserstein
More than the mystery itself, what stood out and made this book enjoyable was the exploration of how self-identity is impacted by experience and the friction between freedom and security. These themes are hashed out through the protagonist’s relationships with her former community and the clone sent to kill her. Dora, a trans woman and security consultant, returns to the anarchist commune she cut ties with years ago to investigate her ex-girlfriend’s murder. In doing so, she stirs up the same conflict that led to her departure the first time — what security measures or curtailing of freedoms is acceptable to keep the community safe?
Gretchen
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Terrific book. I used audio to read this book so I was walking around the house listening for hours. The storyline was great and the history (and horror) of the Vietnam War was well done.
Eileen
Go As A River by Shelley Read
Good depiction of a peach farmer's life. I wish there had been more dialogue. Reading that much narrative (almost the entire book) became tedious for me.
Kate
Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray
Ms. Dray is among the finest writers of historical fiction out there. The research she puts into her subject matter is herculean. Her characters are well developed and exquisitely human, with all the qualities and sometimes shortcomings one might encounter. The interactions among her characters are plausible and flow naturally. To some, the list of characters may sound like name-dropping, but in fact, Frances Perkins was well connected. The book focuses upon a few of those connections and delivers the relationships beautifully. The historical notes following the story are rich and informative - definitely worth reading. If well-written and well-researched historical fiction is your jam, then I highly commend this book to you.
Kate
All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore
This was a compelling and powerful read about the abolitionist movement of 1837 in Philadelphia. It focuses on the lives of three disparate women of color: a runaway slave, a young slave and a freeborn woman. The historical research which went into its telling is vast and spot-on. The writing is smart, evocative and rich. The characters are well and carefully developed. The setting of scene is exquisitely rendered. Ms. Lattimore's understanding of the law is apparent in the telling. It's truly difficult to imagine this being a debut novel, it's just that good. If well-written historical fiction appeals, then this may well be an excellent choice for you.
Jeanne
Opening Belle by Maureen Sherry
I can’t believe I missed this book when it was published in 2016. The author explains how the mortgage crisis happened in 2008, and tells the story through a cast of fictional characters. The narrator of the story is a working mother not able to break through the glass ceiling in high finance. It’s also a bit of a love story as she reconnects with her “first love” at the same time she is trying to boost the morale of her husband, now a stay at home dad, and is desperate to maintain their very fragile marriage.
Anne
The White Hare by Jane Johnson
Captivating, unforgettable and well-written historical. This novel lingers in your heart and tugs at your heartstrings. Emotional, enthralling and beautifully-portrayed story.
Linda
Astor by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe
A fascinating biography of the Astor family, the wealthiest in our country for generations. The account of ambition, rivalry and fame also includes NYC history during their time. The nonfiction writing was entertaining.
Joan
The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
I am lukewarm on this book.
Janet
The Boy of Chaotic Making by Charlie N. Holmberg
The third book in the Whimbrel House series is charming and delightful.
Sheree
Rabbit, Run by John Updike
I didn't like the story; it was well written though. I did not like the characters. We read this book because it was on the banned book list and the author's childhood home is in Reading, PA which we visited. I learned a lot about the author and I know he was a well respected author. I just didn't like him personally.
Shannon
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
This was our last book club pick. It was not one of my picks, and it honestly was not a book I would have chosen to read myself. I was pleasantly surprised that I really enjoyed it. While I do enjoy historical fiction, 1500s Italy is not usually my choice. But, this story was captivating, and Lucretia was a force to be reckoned with, even at the age of 15.
Jeanne
Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon
MOTHER-DAUGHTER MURDER NIGHT by Nina Simon is a well-written story involving a “who did it” murder mystery combined with an intriguing story of a family, centered around Lana, a successful woman who has built a real estate empire, her daughter Beth, and Beth’s teenage daughter, Jack. Lana who is battling Stage 4 cancer goes to stay with Bethany. Jack uncovers a dead body and the mother-daughter-granddaughter team bands together to solve the crime. The author did a great job in creating and developing the characters who fit perfectly with the storyline. Despite the danger they found themselves in, at the end of the day they discovered all that mattered was family love and that they were together. I received an uncorrected proof.
Elizabeth
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
This was my book club's pick and it was my second time reading it. I loved it every bit as much as I did the first time. What a wonderful story!
Jan
Absolution by Alice McDermott
This is a wonderful book about women who are married to men at the very beginning of the Vietnam War. They move to Vietnam and find a different culture. While their husbands are working these women find ways to occupy themselves. I found it interesting the role the Barbie doll played in this novel. The story is told by one of the wives looking back on her life as a young bride and how Vietnam changed her life. She is now a very old woman and locates the daughter of her friend in Vietnam.
Vickie
The Women by Kristin Hannah
The best book I have read in a very long time. It was a very unsettling time in our country.
Suzanne
The Spectacular by Fiona Davis
What a SPECTACULAR read!! Wow, when you think you have it figured out, it twists to yet another subplot. The Radio City backdrop gives this book great authentication. Leave it up to Fiona's historical delving!
Jane
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
Loved the way these two authors blended their writing styles with this book.
Muriel
The Manicurist’s Daughter by Susan Lieu
In trying to find herself and like the person she is, the author needed to know more about her mother and why this attractive lady felt a need to have plastic surgery that resulted in her death at the age of 38. No one in the family wanted to talk about it. The extended family lived and worked together at the nail salons her mother started after arriving in California from Vietnam. Their culture seems to be dominated by food, visits to psychics, and attempts at communication with those who had passed. Body image was important, with author Susan experiencing body shaming by the family. Ms. Lieu’s book brings one into the world and culture of the Vietnamese people. It helps one to understand the immigrants’ experience in general.
Victoria
The Bittlemores by Jann Arden
Jann Arden is a Canadian songwriter and singer with an amazing sense of humor. She has written a few memoirs but this is a fiction about a family, dysfunctional of course, three cows and a cat who understand humans and are able to converse, which feels totally normal and carries the narrative along.
Donna
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah is an amazing storyteller. In THE WOMEN, she transports us back to the 60s and the Vietnam War. I had barely started the book, yet I was already reading through tear-filled eyes. Frankie McGrath, an Army nurse, is a strong female character whom I will not forget. As heartbreaking as her journey was, I treasured every minute of it.
Jill
Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini
An excellent novel that conveys what the World War I switchboard soldiers went though during the war. These switchboard operators worked under the aegis of the U.S. Signal Corps. The ads for the operators noted that they needed to be fluent in French and English and that they worked as switchboard operators already. It follows Grace, Marie, and Valerie as they prepare for and work in France during the war. I gave it 4/5 stars because I felt that the earlier part of the book when they prepare for their job could have been better edited so the book would focus more on their time in France, the more interesting part of the book. Otherwise, a great read!
Karen
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
This is a story within a story. Jake, a creative writing professor, had a bright student in his class, Evan Parker. Jake saw a few passages of Evan's new novel and was impressed and assured Evan he had a winner. Soon after, Evan dies. Jake takes Evan's idea and publishes his own book. It is a success. Someone sends Jake emails and letters telling Jake that he knows Jake stole the story. Jake goes on a long search for the person who is taunting him.
Marilyn
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Our book club had mixed reactions to this book, and many of us felt it was certainly not our favorite of Ann Patchett’s past novels. We did think that this book, written within the framework of Covid, presented an interesting point of view.
Warren
Lion and Lamb by James Patterson & Duane Swierczynski
Good story, cute, funny smart dialog. Quick read. An enjoyable Patterson novel.
Elizabeth
Luster by Raven Leilani
I listened to this book. It was the story of a Black twenty-three-year-old New Yorker who has an affair with a married 40-something White man in an open marriage. She gets fired from her job and ends up living for a time with the family of her lover, who has an adopted Black daughter. I gained some interesting perspectives on race from the protagonist's point of view, but her sentence structure drove me mad - maybe it would have been better if I had been reading it rather than listening to the narrator.
Linda
The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson
Shifters Dr. Noah Taylor and Dr. Mackenzie Carter agree to a fake relationship. She wants to get her grandmother off her back with forever asking her to go out and date a nice young man. Noah lied to the hospital board and said he was mated. A fake relationship would solve problems for both. This is just a business arrangement and neither meant for it to get real. But it has, so now what shall they do?
Sandy
The Ghost Orchid by Jonathan Kellerman
I think this is his 39th novel. I have enjoyed them all!
Joanne
Becoming Madame Secretary by Stephanie Dray
This is an interesting story about a woman, Frances Perkins, who, as far as I am aware, has never been offered recognition for the role she played in history and the FDR administration. Against all odds, she rises to become an important lieutenant in FDR's presidency and a successful woman during a male-dominated time in the world.
Connie
Where'd You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple
A woman who is very creative is also dealing with mental problems, trying to raise a daughter with her husband, but doesn't like people and is a recluse, even after creating an impressive home.
Elizabeth
Night Shift by Robin Cook
Another Dr. Laurie Montgomery and Dr. Jack Stapleton book that did not disappoint. I love Robin Cook's medical thrillers. Jack investigates the death of his wife's friend and gets in the middle of a deranged killer and the next victim.
Claire
Birding to Change the World by Trish O'Kane
Trish O’Kane’s BIRDING TO CHANGE THE WORLD covered both the author’s personal journey to become a birder after facing tragedy and her growing role as an educator and activist within her community. Through her, it was easy to empathize with how people become enamored with and connected to birds and how important they can be in people’s lives. She also explored, with a fair and open mind, the various conflicting interests and sociological issues around environmental activism. These included a look into environmental classism and racism, and the complexities of conservation in areas of importance for human use.
Betty Jo
Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas
I just read this book for my correctional center book club. The members loved it, and I liked it also. To gain a bit of knowledge about gangs and the past lives of some members, this was a start. Now to find the next read that my members will both relate to and will be inspired by to participate in another lively conversation.
Claire
After That Night by Karin Slaughter
I won this book in a giveaway and had not read any of the previous books in the series, so I can only review it as a standalone story. I found it easier to jump into than I expected; while the characters clearly had history before this point, it rarely felt like I needed more of the specifics. However, at the same time, in terms of character development through the course of the book, I didn’t have a deep sense of how these events were affecting most of the characters (maybe with the exception of Sara) or what their arcs were supposed to be. Perhaps that’s because this is one small segment in their ongoing evolutions as characters and a fan of the series would find it more impactful and less static. The plot was decent, but not riveting.
Rose
Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons
A very interesting re-imagining of ROMEO AND JULIET, giving a new perspective to the Shakespeare play. Rosaline is featured in the play with no lines, a former date of Romeo. In this, Rosaline's father plans to send her to a nunnery after the death of her mother. She falls for Romeo, but then finds he is a cad, romancing and impregnating various girls, and then having the friar take care of them with poison potions. When Romeo sets his sights on Juliet, Rosaline's cousin, she devises a plan to protect Juliet. I really enjoyed this story, and I am thankful for the author's notes on why she wrote this. Romeo was much older than Juliet, preying on young girls. She claims Shakespeare was trying to bring this to light.
Simonne
The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray
Historical fiction tracing Adrienne Lafayette and her home, her marriage and her legacy through the American and then the French Revolution, followed by Beatrice Chandler who purchased the castle and turned it into a hospital and orphanage during WWI, and finally Marthe, a fictional composite character bought up in the castle and leading up to and during WWII.
Rose
A Calder at Heart by Janet Dailey
3.5 rounded to 4 stars. I read the Calder series by Dailey years ago, and it was nice to return to the family saga. This is the 3rd book in The Calder Brand series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Set in 1919, after the war and the flu epidemic, the town and families are trying to recover. When Major Logan Hunter and Dr. Kristin Dollarhide meet, there is instant distrust as he is related to the Calder family, and the Dollarhides have a feud with them. However, their attraction is too great. Kirstin's half-brother, Mason, a rogue, returns to town and causes havoc. Unplanned pregnancy plays a role, as does bootlegging, raising cattle in drought conditions, and land rights.
Enjoyable as a family saga.
Lily
You Only Call When You're In Trouble by Stephen McCauley
The more you read the more you realize that every character is not only in trouble but their troubles ultimately are connected. Once a long kept secret is revealed, the path to self-help becomes evident, regardless of the twists and turns required.
Susan
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
Tough read. Interesting back stories. Really didn't like the main protagonist. Introduction to new, interesting history of Iran.
Tessa
All the Days of Summer by Nancy Thayer
A novel that explores what a woman’s “second act” might look like. Like most of Thayer’s novels, this feature a woman in her middle years, finding new purpose as her children are leaving the nest. Heather Willette rents a cottage on Nantucket for the summer to think on what her next chapter of life might look like. But, of course, there are bumps in the road. Will everything work out? Well, there are no pretty ribbons tied around a perfect ending here, but there is positive movement and hope for a splendid future. A totally enjoyable read, and a nice break from winter weather.
Jean
The Night Fire by Michael Connelly
Connelly, a former police reporter, has several main characters he has used several times in his novels. Here he includes three: Detective Renee Ballard, former detective Harry Bosch, and attorney Mickey Haller. This was my first introduction to Ballard, who has quirky habits Ballard and Bosch work together to solve three murders. It turns out all the cases are unexpectedly related. There is more description than I prefer, but the story is fascinating and moves along quickly, alternately told from the POVs of Ballard and Bosch. One big loose end remains which I found annoying, but was a good read overall.
Liz
Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins
Nico is hired by by Amma and Brittany to sail them to the deserted island of Meroe for a two week adventure. He brings along his girlfriend Lux. When they reach the island they find another couple already there, Jake and Eliza. They quickly become friends. When Robbie also appears on the island, things start to go horribly wrong. Meroe has a terrible history and it seems as if history is about to repeat itself. I would have given this story 5 stars except for the dual time line, which made the story confusing at times.
Sandy
The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict
When I first started this book I didn't care for it, but I kept reading and once I learned that it is based on a true story of the Mitford sisters during the beginning of World WarII, I was captivated. I never knew there were people in England who were pro-Hitler. This is the story of sisters with different beliefs, and also their parents.
Deborah
Bird on a Wire by Mary Lahaj
BIRD ON A WIRE is a well-crafted, beautifully written memoir. The clever storytelling style carries the reader from Lebanon to America, with later side trips to Bahrain and Saudia Arabia. In addition to the insightful and long process of coming to terms with her religion, the author also shares her experience with discrimination, her angst as a teenager in the 60s, and her pursuit of a career in music. Although the book deals with the serious question of what it means to be a Muslim in America, it also entertains with stories of the author's ancestors and the author's own antics growing up and making her way in the world. Be ready - the author's humor pounces at you when you least expect it!
Elizabeth
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Loved this book, as I love all Ann Patchett's work. This is a story of memory, first love, family and life as a cherry orchard owner in Northern Michigan. It helps if the reader is familiar with Thornton Wilder's OUR TOWN, as the play's characters are a major point of the novel.
Elizabeth
The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
THE HUNGER GAMES with dragons. Read like a YA book.
Rose
The End of the Affair by Graham Greene
3.5 rounded to 4 stars. Simply heartbreaking book of a man, Maurice Bendrix, in love with a married woman, Sarah Miles. She is in love with him as well, but because she wishes to become Catholic, she is told by a priest that she can't divorce Harry to be with him. They carry on an affair during WWII, but when Maurice is hurt during a bombing of his building, Sarah makes a deal with God that if Maurice lives, she will stay away from him. She breaks it off, and Maurice can't handle it. He then goes to a PI, who gives him evidence of an affair. He is angry, and claims he hates Sarah. Devastating news follows. This short novel, which is semi-autobiographical, is very sad and leaves you emotionally drained.
Chris
The Blind Mechanic by Marilyn Davidson Elliot
A great story of not giving up, whatever the challengers in life you are facing!
Brian
Dead Man's Hand by Brad Taylor
Awesome thriller. Pike Logan is a boss I can't get enough of!
Abby
The Little Liar by Mitch Albom
One of Mitch's best. It's a holocaust story narrated by "Truth". I was hooked and was so invested in the characters and what happened to certain characters who we continue to follow post WWII. I believe this book will impact many and be talked about for a long time.
Janet
The Still Point by Tammy Greenwood
This was a great book that kept me reading.
Beth
Schroder by Amity Gaige
I let SCHRODER languish on my bookshelf for years before I finally got to it. I didn't know what I was missing. This is a book I can readily add to my list of favorites. SCHRODER is more than a story of a divorced man who kidnaps his six-year-old daughter for a week. It is Eric Kennedy's (a.k.a. Erik Schroder's) explanation to his wife not only of what happened during that week and why; this letter to Laura also tells her some of his history that he has been hiding from her all along. Although the name-change explanation sounds implausible, especially since Eric/Erik got away with it for so many years and never adequately explains how he did that, just go along with it. You'll not only love his story, you'll love the way he tells it.
Sean
A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins
Paula Hawkins delivers a twist-filled book that might have too many plot elements. There is an incredibly satisfying mystery with multiple red herrings involving a murder on a boat. There are solid characters throughout, but Hawkins weaves in too many plot elements and each one more insane than the next. The book was entertaining and had me flipping pages furiously, but I think it needed editing badly. I also think there so many damaged female characters that it seemed forced. Overall, a flawed but absorbing read.
Andi
The Head That Wears the Crown by Mariah Stewart
I highly enjoyed this sweet book. Think THE PRINCESS DIARIES for a 40-something divorcee raising two teenagers on her own. Of course she has her crew of sisters and friends around to her help turn the country's economy around, all while fighting against some who would rather she not be the Duchess at all.
Andi
The Manor House by Gilly Macmillan
An atmospheric novel about a lottery-winning couple who built their dream glass barn. Next door sits an old manor house with a seemingly nice couple along with their housekeeper. Chaos starts when someone ends up dead and your thoughts on who done it and why keep twisting and turning. I like how the investigators had a POV in this book as well. There were moments when I wanted to jump in the pages and shake someone!
Norma
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Excellent story. Very pertinent to the times of the late 60s/early 70s. Part 1 related Frankie’s tours as a combat nurse. Part 2 was her "after" when she returned to a divided country with Americans showing shame, apathy and non-appreciation for returning veterans.
Rita
The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose
Hang on to your hats with this book. You never really knew who was a liar in this book and yet you wanted to trust everyone. Sarah, a successful attorney, and her loving husband Adam seemed to be the perfect couple and madly in love. Adam has published a very successful first book and Sarah is so proud of him. Lately though, Adam's last two books haven't done as well and so he is struggling to have his next book become a record-breaker. Sometimes too much work interferes with a couple's marriage and sometimes bad decisions are made. Kept me thoroughly engaged.
Claire
Everything We Never Said by Sloan Harlow
It's got a good hook -- wondering what really happened to Hayley and Ella the night that Ella can't remember. The writing style is quick and easy to read. I did not get enough of a sense of Hayley's and Sawyer's characters.
Claire
Granite Harbor by Peter Nichols
Nothing stood out in the writing, the characters, or the set-up of the plot to draw me to this over any other mystery-thriller. The quick perspective changes didn't give me much of a chance to be drawn in by any of them.
Claire
Blizzard by Marie Vingtras
The short chapters with oscillating perspectives made this a quick read, although the plot did not move as quickly nor was the tension as high as the summary would lead you to believe. More focus was put on the characters and their various reasons for choosing such a remote and dangerous life.
Kim
No One Will Miss Her by Kay Rosenfield
A twisted mystery packed with unforgettable characters. A murder in rural Maine and it looks like the husband did it. Detective Bird is given what appears to be an obvious domestic case and the husband is on the run. To Bird’s surprise, another couple appear as to have been involved. The murder case quickly takes an unexpected turn. The two women and their stories are very complicated. It is a page-turner.
Cindi
The Women by Kristin Hannah
This was very informative about the part women played during the Vietnam War. It took a very long time for them to be recognized for their war efforts. It was a divisive time where both the men who fought and the women who played various other roles were treated poorly or ignored completely. Protestors were right in declaring this war an unwinnable and immoral war.
Francisca
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Gosh but Keegan packs a lot into a small volume! There is not a wasted word or extraneous thought. Furlong’s inner struggle is evident in the way he behaves and the things he thinks about as he walks the streets of town on a snowy evening. When he makes his decision, he acts on it, deliberately, quietly, resolutely. He is confident he is in the right, and that gives him some comfort despite the possible (probable) consequences.
Donna
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
Beautifully written, this unique love story uses magical realism to blend past and present. Perfect for Leap Year. I loved getting to know Ricki and Ezra. I also enjoyed learning about the history behind some famous Harlem landmarks, and also about the musical culture of a bygone era.
Rose
The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard
This book was mind-bending, and caused me to think about what I would do to prevent someone's death, by going back in time to change a situation. Would I act if I could? 16-year-old Odile is starting to fall for Edme, another student and talented violinist. Her mother wants her to be part of The Conseil, where she will decide if someone can cross the town borders to another time (20 years past, or 20 years future). However, she glimpses Edme's parents trying to cross to see him when he is 16, so she knows he will die. What she does with this information changes the course of her entire life. To follow the book, you have to suspend time and recognize that Odile is seeing herself at 16, 36, and 56. Very unique.
Connie
Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane
Excellent story of revenge, power, racism and family love in the 1970s
Connie
The Kindest Lie by Nancy Johnson
Set in 2008 as Barack Obama becomes President, a well educated Black woman comes to terms with the whereabouts of the baby she was forced to give up when she was a teenager. She cannot agree to starting a family with her husband until she returns to her home town to deal with her past.
Claire
Magic By Any Other Name by Alison Levy
The characters and their relationships didn’t quite land for me. This might have been in part due to awkward pacing and frequent point-of-view changes. It was sort of unfortunate since that really defines the novel. Georgette’s story is one of escaping an abusive family and Ishak’s is trying to reunite with his family. Along the way, all the main characters’ journeys involve finding comfort, trust, healing, etc. in found family and, in Georgette’s case, romance. While I understood the aim there, the character dynamics fell a little flat and didn’t always feel natural.
Susan
Being Henry: The Fonz...and Beyond by Henry Winkler
What surprised me most about this well-written book was that it not "just" an autobiography. It's that and more! Mr. Winkler is an excellent storyteller and I learned a great deal from him. He writes with candor about his struggles with learning disabilities. Through out his life he has been a life-long learner, so to speak, and also discusses his decades long marriage, working on Happy Days in detail, and his childhood with parents who did not understand him very well at all. His friendships mean a great deal to him and it's no surprise that Ron Howard is an important friend. Fatherhood, being a husband, therapy, and more are discussed in an open manner by a gifted writer. OH! We also get the true story of "jumping the shark."
Rose
Black Candle Women by Diane Marie Brown
The Montrose women are living under a curse. They believe that any person they fall in love with dies. So, when Nickie brings home a boy, they freak out, and start telling her the stories of their past, including the men they have loved and lost. The story has a bit of magic, a bit of mystery, and a lot of love of the family members (and the various men). I read this book as part of a challenge to read a debut book. I found it funny at times and liked the ending.
Rose
The Color of Water by James McBride
Ruth McBride Jordan was a fierce woman. She was born a Polish Jew, emigrated to the U.S., and changed her name 2x to disassociate herself from her past. She also fell in love with, and married 2 Black men, which caused her to be shunned by her family. Along with her husband, Dennis McBride, she had 8 children, converted to Christianity, and began a church. She then married Hunter Jordan, and had more children. All her children grew to be successful. This is an amazing story told by her son, James, and is interspersed with Ruth telling her life story to him, while he weaves the tales into his own life. I loved it. I thought it was remarkable the way Ruth forged her own path, and although naive at times, was able to make it through. Moving.
Marilyn
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
I’ve recommended book to so many friends. It simply gave me a warm sense of our relationship with each other and with the creatures with whom we share our world.
Janis
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
I loved this book...it has several stories going on amd you wonder how they are all going to come together - but they do! The characters are great and the writing is descriptive. I don't usually listen to books but was able to get this one quicker on audio than print. Very glad that happened! The author narrates it and uses different voices and accents!
Barbara
The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali
Really great historical novel. 1953 Tehran upheaval. A love story about a couple who fell in love in a stationary shop. But girls had to come to the U.S. for an education. Great book!
Agnes
The Vulnerables by Sigrid Nunez
Sigrid Nunez writes in a style all her own. Her prose is rich with wisdom and insights.
Andi
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
What a ride! While the beginning and middle was a bit slow in my opinion, boy did it pick up by the end. A great "who done it" filled with crazy twists that I didn't see coming!
Liz
Elevation by Stephen King
Scott Carey is strangely losing weight. His neighbors are battling discrimination among the residents of Castle Rock. This is not your typical King book, but there is a touch of magical realism in it.
Debbie
Buttermilk Graffiti by Edward Lee
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina chose BUTTERMILK GRAFFITI as a Community Read for March 2024 and has many events promoting this book. Edward Lee writes an interesting and educational book on the various hometown favorite recipes, but the font of the book ruins the book. Due to the lousy font, reading this book provided a terrible journey instead of a delightful voyage into different cultures. The recipes faded on the black background. The discussion in the book showed many areas of delicious recipes and cultural background, but the font and lack of dark lettering drove this reader to boredom and wishing the book to end. I felt that my eyesight suffered with this book, and I could not enjoy Edward Lee’s writing style and comments.
Rose
The Silence In Her Eyes by Armando Lucas Correa
Wow, this was a unique and explosive psychological thriller. Leah has akinetopsia (motion blindness). She lives in NYC and travels around the city. People don't realize that she can see, but cannot see motion. Leah's other senses are heightened, esp. hearing and smell. Alice moves next door, and Leah's life changes. She can hear Alice's conversations, and Alice's disagreements with her husband. Leah and Alice become friends, and Alice convinces Leah that the husband is abusive. One night, Leah wakes to smell bergamot and is sure she is danger, and is wary of those with that smell. Leah likes Mark from the bookstore, and hopes for a relationship. I didn't see the twists but did have questions early on - so the twists made sense. Well done!
Rose
The Sunday Girl by Pip Drysdale
Taylor Bishop's boyfriend, Angus, breaks up with her. She vows to get revenge, especially after an explicit video is uploaded to the internet. She consults The Art of War and plans her strategy to get back at Angus. But, Angus begs her forgiveness, and she takes him back. Her mom and her best friend beg her not to do it. Then, when her career is threatened, Taylor begins to wonder if Angus is really in love with her. So, she investigates and searches his apartment, finding things that cause her angst. I liked this quick novel told in a day by day format. I also liked how Taylor used the strategies of war to strategize her escape from Angus.
Sandy
Layover by David Bell
I usually love any book by David Bell but this one wasn't as good as the others. Joshua Fields meets some woman in a bar at an airport and feels a deep connection with her immediately. He starts following her around Kentucky and Tennessee even though she tells him not to. The ending wasn't as spectacular as his others.
Rose
The Red House Mystery by A. A. Milne
THE RED HOUSE MYSTERY is a classic English mystery. When a stranger enters the Red House, he unwittingly involves himself in a murder mystery. Mark Ablett's brother, Robert, has arrived from Australia, but stranger Antony Gillingham, an amateur detective, arrives just after Robert has been murdered. Along with his friend, Bill Beverley, they investigate the murder. There are secret passages, a disappearance of Mark, and amateur sleuthing. The mystery is fun and a very different tale than what is expected from A.A. Milne, beloved writer of the Winnie the Pooh stories. Enjoyable, quick read.
shelly
The Quilt Room Secret by Lisa Jones Baker
Trini and Jacob were friends since she was nine and he was five. At that time he said he wanted to marry her. Trini Sutter did not want to hurt Jacob's feelings and tells him she will consider his proposal. Now nearly twenty years later, Jacob and his two brothers return because their aunt has passed away. In her will she leaves the house to them. When Jacob who is now older and more handsome then ever realizes he still has the same feelings for Trini. Trini is a very organized person and great list-maker. She is independent and besides being the youngest of eleven children, she owns a home and business on her own. Most of her other siblings are married and have children, but Trini has other plans.
Claire
Let's Go Let's Go Let's Go by Cleo Qian
There were interesting elements in most of these stories, including the surreal mix and exploration of modern technology and the supernatural. The themes of alienation, disconnect and loss were conveyed well. But I think there needed to be a little more to these stories - maybe more solid conclusions or clearer purpose. They didn't really stick with me after reading.
Claire
Here in Avalon by Tara Isabella Burton
The main character is straight out of a rom-com - the practical, type-A businesswoman, successful but secretly unfulfilled. Her sister, in contrast, is the manic pixie dream girl - an impulsive and whimsical artist, living halfway in a fairy tale. I enjoyed some of the attempts to explore the appeal and danger of cults. The darker aspects of Avalon were weaved in subtly enough that I could see how the characters could justify or overlook them, while they still felt unsettling and built the tension for the reader. But the simplistic nature of the main characters and their rote development took something away from that.
Tessa
A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn
The first book in the Veronica Speedwell mystery series, set in Victorian England. Veronica is quite the heroine! An independent woman with a healthy appetite (and attitude) regarding her own “physical needs” and a no-nonsense approach to solving problems. Veronica doesn’t need much but her wits, her butterfly net, and a sharp hatpin, but she forms a partnership with the enigmatic “Stoker.” I look forward to more books in the series to see how their relationship fares.
Judy
Nineteen Steps by Millie Bobby Brown
Fascinating tale following a family living in London’s East End during the Second World War. It was an intense story of love and loss and heartbreak and was, I believe, based on the true story of the author’s aunt. I thoroughly enjoyed this author’s debut novel, and became totally immersed in the story.
Karan
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See
Loved this book - strong interesting female characters.
Susan
Like A River by Granger Smith
This is about the loss of Granger’s young son and Granger’s life-changing story of healing and redemption. It is a very heartfelt book and can speak to anyone. I highly recommend this book.
Susan
Only One Wave by Jenifer Ruff
Timely subject matter.
Peg
The Judge's List by John Grisham
An excellent cat and mouse game between a serial killer and an amateur detective.
sherry
Speaking Yiddish to Chickens by Seth Stern
Interesting and informative, but too many characters.
Kim
The Teacher by Freida McFadden
Great twisty book! Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Teresa
My Name is Barbra by Barbra Streisand
Reading this memoir feels like I’ve sat down and had a long (albeit very long) conversation with Barbra Streisand. Imagine having the opportunity to do that! Her writing style makes it so easy to keep going, wanting more, and so hard to stop. Don’t let the length bother you; the book will fly by.
Teresa
The Sweet Spot by Amy Poeppel
Light, charming, and funny - just what I needed on these dull, grey winter days. A mixed-up group of New Yorkers bond over taking care of a newborn baby, and comedy ensues.
Natalie
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Intriguing story set in post WWII Spain. You’ll be drawn into the mysteries of the Cemetery of Forgotten Books and a host of shady characters.
Darlene
It All Comes Back to You by Beth Duke
Sooooo good!!
Joan
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
A beautifully-written story about a young man’s adventures as he and an older man transport two giraffes from the east coast to the San Diego zoo in 1938. Based on a true event, this historical fiction is told in the voice of the young man who has escaped the Texas panhandle Dust Bowl. You will love the characters…and the giraffes!
Dawn
Diva by Daisy Goodwin
I started this book with no expectations since I had never read anything by this author and was not very familiar with Maria Callas (except knowing that she was an opera singer). I really enjoyed it! The characters were engaging, there was plenty of drama, some of which was mirrored in their lives with the operas, and I actually did look up their photos online and listened to a couple of Callas’ arias after I finished, which I rarely do with historical fiction.
Jacqueline
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
I enjoyed reading this story about Marjorie Post. I’ve toured through her house in D.C., but this story was a much more interesting view of all that she did for others and the war efforts, but also seeing how she grew up without needs and still showed care and concern for others. Not just a life of parties and travel.
Michelle
Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne
Lenny is such an endearing, albeit quirky, main character and the supporting characters are equally lovable. While this book deals with heavy themes, there is also redemption and hopefulness. This book made me smile at times but also made me want to cry. I highly recommend this debut coming out July 9, 2024.
Joni
Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad
Beautifully-written account of a harrowing period of her life’s battle with AML starting in her 20s, and once in remission learning to live again. There were times I was reading through tears. I have since watched the documentary “American Symphony” by her husband Jon Batiste, when after 10 yrs remission Sulieka had to have another bone marrow transplant as the leukemia returned. This book wasn’t easy to read but I’m so glad it was a pick of my book club to read for this month as I loved her spirit and her beautiful telling of the story.
Jeanie
The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose
My book club read THE MAID and loved it, so decided to follow up with the sequel. We all really enjoyed it. The plot was not quite as complicated as the first book, and Molly didn’t keep quite as much of what she knew about the crime to herself until the end as she did in THE MAID, but we still all really enjoyed it, and we liked finding out so much of Molly’s backstory. Although as most of us are educators, we were disgusted by how Molly was treated at school. Our favorite part is all of Gran’s sayings that Molly remembers and repeats, which kept Gran alive in this book, and also the sense of community among the characters. So nice to find a feel-good book.
Jeanne
River East River West by Aube Rey Lescure
RIVER EAST RIVER WEST by Aube Rey Lescure is an intricate story set in an east-to-west immigrant storyline in a developing modern China. It is the story of fourteen-year old Alva and her American mother, Sloan. When Alva’s mother marries their landlord, Alva’s life is forever changed. This is a well-written intense story about a young girl growing up, family drama in a world where politics and society are changing. The author provided insight into who the characters were and how they dealt with how the world was changing around them. I received an uncorrected proof of this riveting, emotional book from the author and Harper Collins Publishing through Goodreads. At times I found it a little hard to follow.
Barbara-Ann
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Amazing woman.
Julie
Middletide by Sarah Crouch
Where do I begin? Let’s start with the atmospheric cover art, which sets the stage for this suspenseful debut by Sarah Crouch. I was immediately drawn in as the opening pages took me to the scene of Dr. Erin Landry’s lifeless body hanging from a tree on the property of prodigal son and failed writer Elijah Leith. As the next chapter unfolds, I was transported to a scene between two young lovers in the 70s, including Leith himself, who soon becomes a prime murder suspect. As Crouch masterfully weaves these two stories/timelines together with descriptive narrative and well-developed characters, the reader is left guessing what really happened on that fateful night and the days/months leading up to it. A story of love, loss and redemption.
Rebecca
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
This is the telling of the life of twin boys raised in Ethiopia. Their birth is a shock as their mother is a nun and the father a surgeon who abandons them at birth. They are raised by a loving couple who serve at a poor hospital. We watch the boys grow and develop their careers as they grow apart and hope for a reconciliation.
Marilyn
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
This is the second reading of this book as I enjoyed it so much. It reminds us of how much we lose when secrets are kept.
Sally-Jo
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
Loved the story. I liked how the story jumped from the past to the present and how the stories come together.
Rosemary
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
A story of fiction, based loosely on the true story of the writing and printing of the original Oxford Dictionary, it tells the story of the young daughter of one of the men who worked on the book. She becomes fascinated by the "lost words", the ones rejected by the writers. It begins in the early 1900s and includes the era of WWI and the suffragette movement. An interesting tale and good read; a book to curl up with on a cold or rainy day!!
Laurie
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Brava! Don’t miss excellent author, Kristin Hannah’s THE WOMEN, which features the unappreciated females/nurses who worked endlessly alongside the Vietnam War soldiers and physicians. Perfect for book clubs with a plethora of discussion themes.
Lisa
The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis
A delightful book that I hadn't heard about until I saw a blurb about it somewhere. I loved the story, the characters and the settings. Davis does a wonderful job of describing the relationships between the characters. It has a happy and somewhat predictable ending that I loved. Also, it is a quick read that is hard to put down. Highly recommend it.
Linda
The Women by Kristin Hannah
As I grew up during the Vietnam War this book has really “hit home”. My brother volunteered and served during the Tet Offensive during 1968. Every night we lived with this war in our living rooms on nightly TV and through his letters. The book captured our innocence and loss of it.
LisaMarie
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
We just read this book for our book club and it was very thought-provoking, to say the least. There are eight ordinary people with one unbelievable choice. It starts with a wooden box waiting for you on your doorstep. The box holds your fate! How many years will you live? Would you open the box to find out or leave it unopened? We will have a lot to talk about for sure come March in our book club.
Melissa
There There by Tommy Orange
This was an incredibly moving look into the "urban Indian" experience, or rather experiences. Moving through multiple characters, a wide range of Native American lives are all moving toward a single Powwow event. It is both beautifully written and powerfully devastating. Listening to audio gave an even deeper sense of emotion while stepping into these shoes.
Elizabeth
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Second time reading this and loved it just as much as the first time. So many quotes and lessons to take away. Everyone in book club loved it, too.
Aida
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni
Excellent read. Great characters. Kept my interest with struggles that occur during life and trying to fit in.
Maryanne
You Look Beautiful Tonight by L. R. Jones
Very unsettling. Only one likable character but interesting plot.
Sheree
The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose
I loved her first book and I loved the sequel. This is such a good character and I love the way the book is written. The way she ended the book you know she will be writing addition books on this character and I can't wait!
Linda
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
This thriller has an unusual twist - the mother of a son who has stabbed someone (as she watches in horror) time travels backwards in a desperate attempt to prevent the murder. At first, the time loop premise was weird, but then I was intrigued and anxious to find out if/how she rescued her son.
Michelle
1000 Words: A Writer's Guide to Staying Creative, Focused and Productive All-Year Round by Jami Attenberg
So much love for all of the words in this book. It felt like a gift just for me. Some of the words, the messaging, has and will continue to help propel me forward. They’ve helped get me out of bed before 5 a.m. to keep going on this craft I love. Thank you, Jami Attenberg.
Michelle
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
Not spectacular writing by any means - at times there were definitely problematic elements that made me cringe over the contemporary writing we seem to be seeing more and more, and in some of the stereotypes that were portrayed and even glamorized. But this story is unique in the premise and Kuang definitely takes it to a creative place. Like a tabloid story, you get sucked into, you can't help but to keep reading as outlandish as it sometimes got. It definitely dished about the fascinating details behind the world of book publishing, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Four stars for originality and creativity.
Michelle
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
I read this at my daughter’s request who just finished it in school and absolutely loved it (which makes me so happy). It’s a Young Adult book, written in verse unlike anything I’ve read before. The overall message is excellent, such a strong, meaningful message about gun violence and revenge. But the mysterious way it is told, elevator floor by elevator floor, all in verse, is brilliant. I can see why this would capture the attention of kids and stay with them.
Joan
The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
This book was just too violent for me.
Michelle
Crow Mary by Kathleen Grissom
Excellent writing, especially the beginning. A compelling story that is inspired by true events. Very eye-opening and moving. Crow Mary is a central character you won't soon forget.
Janet
At the Stroke of Midnight by Jenni Keer
Inventive and creative with a plucky heroine who learns how to be assertive and take charge.
Jane
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
Held my attention.
Donna
The Women by Kristin Hannah
This book is so good. Hannah writes about the nurses in Vietnam in such an open and honest way. This war was a huge part of my life as my husband flew the C-141 planes delivering troops and cargo to Vietnam and bringing wounded and bodies home. She would mention songs playing on the radio or fashions of the day which reminded me so much of the 1960s and 70s. The first half of the book goes by so quickly because of the frantic pace of war time, but the second half is so true the way the veterans were treated and before PTSD was recognized.
Michelle
Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder by Kerryn Mayne
Lenny is such an endearing main character and the main supporting characters are all equally loveable. While this book deals with heavy themes, there is also redemption and hopefulness. This book made me smile at times but also made me want to cry. I highly recommend this debut coming out July 9, 2024.
Elizabeth
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
This book is beautifully written - the story of a 12-year-old boy who is the sole survivor of a plane crash. It alternates between his life after the crash and the thoughts and lives of the some of the other passengers in the hours leading up to the crash. Full of complex emotions. I just shouldn't have read it right before an 8 hour flight!
Betty
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
I thought the book read more like a long magazine article. I couldn't get into the lives of the Osage. I kept thinking that Edna Ferber's CIMARRON told more about that time than this book did.
Connie
The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn
Sniper from Russia during the time of Hitler's invastion and how Eleanor Roosevelt became involved.
Monica
The Spanish Daughter by Lorena Hughes
This book is about family, truth, and chocolate, with some Ecuadorian history thrown in the mix. There is a mystery with several twists. The characters are intriguing, and the plot does not drag. This was a fun book to read!
Claire
Up in Flames by Hailey Alcaraz
The first half was, frankly, hard to get through. I was not enjoying any part of it. Ruby was somehow both boring and extremely irritating, and all her romantic drama was insufferable. Even if that was the point, it was not something I felt compelled to keep reading. Around the end of Part Two, it started to pick up. Yes, Ruby’s loss forced her to mature, become more self-aware, and positively develop as a character, but also her more questionable character traits start to manifest in more interesting ways. She still has plenty of moments of being manipulative, selfish, and judgmental, but it’s not so one-note and focused on getting this one guy.
Kimberley
House of Thieves by Charles Belfoure
Through the eyes of an architect, early Manhattan is unveiled in this eye-opening, crime-filled story. Controlled by the social mores dictated by the class structure of the late 1800s New York City, the Cook family is compelled to experience how the lower class lives even if it’s illegal. Gambling, crime rings, gangs, takes the family where other dare not go. It is a page-turner.
JULIE
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
Meet Lucy and her grandmother, two unapologetic characters who speak their minds. This book also includes a podcast narrative that will leave you on the edge of your seat! Hosted by the oh-so-sexy Ben, the podcast probes into the unsolved murder of a young woman in a small Texas town. Lucy is the main suspect but can't even remember what happened that night. Did she do it? The fact that even she isn't sure will have you biting your nails with suspense. Lucy returns to her hometown to face her demons and the podcaster who has unburied them. Trust me, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a thrilling mystery with a healthy dose of humor and sarcasm, but I recommend the audiobook. The narrators are fabulous!
Chris
Refugee by Alan Gratz
Three beautifully-braided stories of survival.
Rose
The Busy Body by Kemper Donovan
This is a quick, witty murder mystery set in Maine, paying homage to the Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes sleuths. A ghostwriter is given an assignment to write the memoir for Sen. Dorothy Gibson, failed presidential candidate, blamed for the election going to a terrible man. When the ghostwriter shows up to the estate, she begins gathering notes, but this is interrupted when a woman they met the day before ends up dead. Now Dorothy wants to solve the murder, and has enlisted the ghostwriter's help. It is a fun and engaging mystery, and I did laugh many times. I did suspect something similar to the reveal, but couldn't quite work it out. Clever, and the start of a new series, which should be fun to read.
Rose
Evergreen by Naomi Hirahara
Aki Ito and her family are returning to Los Angeles in 1946 after being resettled to Chicago, where her sister Rose was killed. Newly married, her husband left for war. Now, she works as a nurse's aide, and is shocked to find that an injured man's son is her husband's best friend, Babe Watanabe. She wonders if he is abusing his dad. Later, a murder happens, and Aki decides to hire a PI to investigate Babe. Meanwhile, her marriage is suffering. This is a continuation of the Clark & Division story, and the heartbreak of the Japanese American family is still felt throughout this novel. The story is both crime novel and a look at the struggles of a Japanese American family in the U.S. after WWII, facing racism and financial issues post war.
Rita
In a Book Club Far Away by Tif Marcelo
First of all, I want to acknowledge that I won this book through the Goodreads giveaway. Life in the military isn't easy. This book tells the reader about three women who become close friends while at a book club. Regina, Soph and Adelaide must learn to cope to the unsure timing of when they will have move or their significant other is being deployed. So, the women make a pact that if ever they need each other no matter where they are living and an SOS is received the women will move heaven and earth to help each other. However, friendships sometimes become challenged. Great book and I am glad I won this book.
Muriel
The Miracle at Speedy Motors by Alexander McCall Smith
I like books in The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series better each time I read one. These are slow-paced books with a small mystery to solve and many times problems in their own lives for the characters to work through. In this one Mma. Ramotswe was trying to help a woman, adopted when young, find family members. I like the twist at the end with this situation. She was also trying to figure out who was sending threatening letters to her. The author lets Precious Ramotswe’s love of Africa and its people flow throughout the books in the series. The author has given Mma. Ramotswe wonderful insight into people and what motivates their actions. I’m way behind in the series, but will seek out more books, I’m sure.
Kim
The Other Mothers by Katherine Faulkner
The synopsis didn't really grab me, but I kept seeing good things said about this book, so I recommended it to my book club. I'm so glad I did! The story got off to a slow start, but once it got going, it didn't quit. While none of the characters were truly likable, or even relatable, they were interesting and I wanted to find out what happened! And let me tell you, this book will have you guessing. I don't think I've ever read a book with so many twists! I read the book with my book club and it was enjoyed by all, with only one reader giving it less than 4.5 of 5! The book also led to a great discussion! I very much recommend this book to book clubs or individuals!
Claire
Like Happiness by Ursula Villarreal-Moura
Tatum is a somewhat frustrating main character. Her life is directionless, not so much because she doesn’t know what she wants from it, but because she is unwilling to pursue her desires beyond taking what falls directly in front of her. She stagnates while fantasizing about what life should be - a charmed existence as an intellectual immersed in the world of fine art, romanced in relationships that flounder in reality.
Ginny
Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall
A very timely topic, even though the majority of the story takes place in the 1970s and 1980s. As abortion rights issues still plague women today, it is important to realize where we were. The story is told in a sensitive and factual manner. I did find the ending to be a bit contrived, but one must grant the author freedom to wrap up the storyline in a way she sees fit.
Jill
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris
This is the story of British, Australian and Dutch women who were captured and imprisoned by the Japanese on Bankra, Sumatra, Indonesia during World War II after their ship, the SS Vyner Brooke, was bombed by the Japanese army in 1942. It centers on Norah Chambers (and husband John), an English ex-pat, and Nesta James, head of the Australia Army nurses stationed in Singapore. It tells of how the women survived in horrific conditions and honors those who did not. The women relied on each other for survival, nursed each other through illness and kept each other's morale up mainly through music, thanks to Norah, a classically-trained musician. This is a fascinating re-telling of a little-known part of the war.
Francisca
The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick
This was exactly the kind of “coming of middle age” adventure I wanted to read as an escape. The characters are interesting and sometimes surprised me, and the setting was gloriously depicted. I felt as if I were in Venice or Florence. And I loved the food descriptions! A fun, fast, enjoyable read.
Rose
Pony by R. J. Palacio
A bit of coming-of-age, a bit of history in this story of a young boy, Silas, who attempts to find his father who was captured by a group of horsemen. Silas, along with his friend, Mittenwool - a ghost - rides a baldfaced pony to rescue his father. Along the way, they meet a marshal, and then a sheriff (Cornwall), as they attempt to save his Pa from the men. Silas's dad is a brilliant man, applying for a patent for irontypes, a form of photography. But, the men wanted Pa for another reason-they suspected him to be Mac Boat, a notorious counterfeiter and thief. Silas's story is tender and sweet, and your heart will go thru various emotions as you read this tale of a young boy with a deep love for his parents, and ability to talk to ghosts.
Katie
The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden
This was my first book by this author and I found it to be a unique thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat, turning pages and devouring the story while trying to figure out what was really going on. I found the story to be scary at times as I imagined myself living within this scenario. I found all the characters unlikable, which is sometimes a deal-breaker for me, but for this story it worked. The reveals were surprising, and continued right up until the very last page. I have recommended this book to several friends and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Debbie
At Bertram's Hotel by Agatha Christie
I enjoyed a delightful romp through the Bertram Hotel closely resembling Brown’s Hotel in London. The fascinating journey into the bygone Edwardian Era demands a trip to London to enjoy the past era of niceties. But trouble and mayhem interrupt Jane Marple’s vacation with mail train robberies and relationship problems. The story centers on a young lady, Elvira Blake, an heiress waiting to turn twenty-one, and her wayward and famous mother. Elvira falls in love with an undesirable racing car driver and rogue, Ladislaus Malinowski. A clergy member, Canon Pennyfather, descends into the story as a forgetful old man. Where does Agatha find these names? This story has very little violence except for one death.
Andi
The Women by Kristin Hannah
An amazing story of one women’s struggle of being thrown into the grips of chaos in Vietnam and returning to another type of chaos at home. Such a heartbreaking story. It was one of those books that I needed to discuss while reading it and after. It wasn’t just a "war" book. This book was filled with family drama and relational issues that stem from mental health issues (PTSD). It was eye-opening. I’m excited for book club to see what others have to say about it.
Barbara
Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
This was an interesting story about several generations of women who have "the sight". They are able to see the future and read tea leaves and coffee grounds. It is a story about how history can repeat itself and how one wrong decision can change your whole life. The story jumps between each of the women's lives and provides background for each story and the visions the current generation is seeing. I really liked this book and have actually recommended it to a couple of people since finished it just a few days ago. I look forward to more books written by this author.
Barbara
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
I was on the wait list for this book for over a year at our library. It was definitely worth the wait! This book takes you on a journey through the hidden life of the matriarch of the story while reflecting on the impact of the news on the adult children that find out her history only after she has passed. The trials of leaving a Caribbean Island where you were one of many, to England and then the U.S. where you are a minority. Having to figure out how to navigate the perils and challenges of life without extended support and the cost it takes to keep secrets for your whole life. This is a book that I will continue to think about for a long time to come.
Beth
Unsaid by Neil Abramson
If you are an animal lover, UNSAID is a great book for you. No, it's not great literature. But it's a great novel about animals and their people. The best word I can think of to describe it is "sweet."
The narrator of the story is a dead veterinarian, Helena. The main character is her devastated husband, David. She also left behind a household full of animals, both inside and outside. David is a lawyer. A little more than halfway through the book David takes on a case unlike any other he has defended before. Helena's dear friend Jaycee, another veterinarian, may go to jail because she tried to kidnap a chimpanzee, Cindy, that belonged to the government. Jaycee had been in charge of an teaching Cindy to communicate by sign language.
Rose
The Intern by Michele Campbell
An ambitious Harvard Law School student, Madison Rivera, has been a fan of Judge Kathryn Conroy since Conroy spoke at her school years earlier. When Conroy offers her an internship, Madison is excited. However, her brother Danny has just been arrested on drug charges, and Madison fears that telling the judge this will ruin her chances. Madison lies by omission, and fails to tell the judge this info. Then, Madison hears that the judge is working with a dirty cop, and he is being framed. Her mother begs her to help free Danny. Madison agrees to help, but the judge surprises her by asking Madison to pet sit her cat. Madison doesn't realize it, but she is being pulled into a messy and dangerous situation. Who can she trust? Enjoyable!
MH
One Summer in Savannah by Terah Sheldon Harris
I read this book because Libby said it was the Georgia Book of the Year (that everyone was to read). It tackles tough subjects like rape and the blame that often falls on rape victims. Several things in the book were not explained sufficiently: why Hosea speaks only in poems; how he came to let Jacob be part of his life (hard to believe he wouldn’t feel fiercely protective of his daughter); what he wrote in the final letter to his daughter. However, the book was thought-provoking, and I appreciate that.
Rose
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
3.5 rounded to 4 stars. I thought it was a bit long and the abundant use of the F word turned me off. But, the story was interesting and a look at what is happening to the environment in the name of profit. Starts with a landslide closing the Korowai Pass on New Zealand, isolating Thorndike and a farm owned by the Darvishes. A guerilla gardening collective has moved into the farm without permission. An American billionaire, Lemoine, purchased the land anonymously from the Dervishes, catches Mira and her group, telling her he plans to build a bunker there.
Mira and her friend, Shelley are at odds over how to run Birnam Wood, and when Mira's old flame, Tony, a journalist, returns, tempers flare, leading to an explosive ending.
Claire
But Everyone Feels This Way by Paige Layle
It was interesting to see Layle’s personal journey, the way her autism manifested, and especially how going undiagnosed affected her. The attempts at more generalized educational sections left something to be desired. Neither the writing nor the content was very compelling, whereas Layle’s personal experiences were.
Kimberly
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
Superb all the way around. I will be shocked if this book isn't nominated for multiple awards. I thought it was so well written and such a testament to trauma and addiction. Now I need to go back and revisit THERE THERE.
Gretchen
Lone Wolf by Gregg Hurwitz
This is 9th in the series and I have read (or listened) to them all. Looking forward to the next ORPHAN X.
Claire
Nuclear Family by Joseph Han
3.5 stars. The many perspectives started to make the story feel unfocused. Everything to do with the ghosts and afterlife was unnerving in a way that I enjoyed and it tied in well with the family trauma and dysfunction the author addresses. But the structure of the book and the attempts to follow so many characters and do so much got in the way of really caring for the Chos individually.
Sandy
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris
This is a true story and the names are real, too. In the midst of WWII several English women and Australian nurses are crammed aboard the Vyner Brooke merchant ship. Only two days later, they are bombarded from the air off the coast of Indonesia and in a matter of hours their ship lies broken at the bottom of the sea. After surviving 24 hours in the brutal sea, they reach the beaches of a remote island only to be captured by the Japanese and held in one of their POW camps. The camps are places of starvation and brutality. Very difficult book to read but also very uplifting.
Donna
A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm
I was completely captivated from its chilling prologue to its shocking ending, binge reading it in a day and a half. Every time I thought I knew where the story was headed, I was pulled in a completely different direction. Such a compelling mystery. Plus, I learned some interesting facts about crows. If you enjoy a well-written mystery involving murder and family, then you need to add A RIVER OF CROWS to your TBR list!
Sally
Death at a Scottish Wedding by Lucy Connelly
Easy and fun read. Reminded me of an Agatha Christie mystery.
Rose
The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner
Abby Stern is on a girls weekend in NYC when she meets Sebastian and has an unforgettable night with him. But, she leaves before he awakens and she heads back to Philadelphia and begins a relationship with her childhood sweetheart, Mark. She met Mark at "fat camp" and he was her first love. They reconnect as adults, and Mark is now thin, Abby is plus-size. She is self-conscious about it, but along with her friend Lizzie, enjoys cycling. She is asked to lead a bike tour to Niagara Falls, and is shocked to see Sebastian on the trip (2 years after their night). She wants to avoid him, but finds herself falling for him and questioning her relationship with Mark.
Cute rom-com with a heroine who has some issues and is learning to love herself.
Claire
Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
The last remnants of humanity -- after several generations, only 125 strong -- live a peaceful existence on a small island that makes up the only land protected from the deadly, insect-filled fog that coated the planet and devoured the rest of humanity. Life is tranquil and idyllic for most of the inhabitants until they awake to find one of the three revered elders, Niema, and several other villagers dead and the fog rolling in. The A.I. overseer, Abi, explains that Niema's death triggered the barriers holding back the fog to drop and they can only be brought up again if Niema's murderer is found and brought to justice. The investigation is complicated as everybody's memories of the night the murder took place have been erased.
Anita
Try Not to Breathe by David Bell
This was an excellent mystery about an ex-cop who sets out to find her missing half-sister after she disappears when her roommate is found murdered. As she delves into where her sister Anna is, they both discover shocking secrets about their family which they had no knowledge of. Very fast reading, a page-turner.
Sean
Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson
Peter Swanson writes a fantastic, twist-filled novel that didn't go any of the ways I thought it would. The creepy neighbor book has been done before, but this was different to say the least. There were multiple narrators and it was great way to see inside the minds of those with different levels of mental illness. The book seemed like it was going to take a certain path and it surely did not. The characters were frighteningly real and I felt bad for many of them. Coincidence does happen to play a significant role in this, but its easy to overlook for pure entertainment value. Overall, a great thriller.
Barbara
The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan
A brutal portrayal of yet another WWII situation, but this time set in Malaya (now Malaysia). The stories of a mother and her three children against the backdrop of Japanese Occupation, in the days that follow Hiroshima, interspersed with the mother's pre-war espionage. Each story is more heartbreaking than the next: the hardships, the anguish, the hysteria, the guilt, the struggle to survive, and the loss of innocence, in the face of brutality and betrayal. By the end, the reader will understand the full meaning of the title.
Cynthia
The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict
While I usually love anything Marie Benedict writes, this book was a flop for me. It read like a dull history book. I couldn't get engaged with it. I did not feel a kinship with the characters and, although I know these events really did happen, I cannot imagine how these young ladies could have been so gullible as to follow these ideas and dictators. It is important to learn about unsung women, but this family could remain lost in history for me.
Jeannette
The Women by Kristin Hannah
This book was so well written. Frankie was so wonderfully portrayed as a nurse serving in Nam who witnesses the horrors of war and yet unselfishly devotes herself to saving lives under impossible circumstances. Hannah’s book reawakens the raw emotions in so many of us baby boomers who participated in protests against the war. Her honest portrayal of the effects of the war on the soldiers returning home to a less than hero’s welcome, including the lack of appreciation for the contribution made by female nurses serving in the war, was poignant and truthfully portrayed. A wonderfully written book!
Roxanne
Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan
I enjoyed this story because of the way the author weaves historical events into modern times. As a reader I learned of people whose lives are still impacted by those who came before them, how people persevere no matter their obstacles and how the love for others can keep us going during those turbulent times. One never knows how their actions and choices in life can impact people in real time or 200 years from now.
Elizabeth
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Loved this story of a mother and her three adult daughters who come home to ride out the COVID quarantine on the family cherry orchard in Northern Michigan. Reminiscing on her life before children, her lovely observations of them and how lucky she feels to have them all together, her wonderful husband and his backstory. Just loved it. It is helpful to be familiar with Thornton Wilder's "Our Town", as the play is a big part of the book.
Elizabeth
It. Goes. So. Fast. by Mary Louise Kelly
Loved this book by the NPR journalist I listen to each evening on "All Things Considered". Her book is based on all the things she wants to do before her eldest son leaves for college and starts a life away from the family household. She has missed so many things with her busy career and she sets a year aside to "do everything I've missed". I enjoyed her descriptions of juggling a full-time job with being a mother, her work (interviewing people in Kiev during the Ukraine war, her infamous interview with Mike Pompeo) and her touching memories of her recently deceased father. Highly recommended.
M.
A Frog-In-The-Well Solution - The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict by Doc Ngu
Like the author, I am a Vietnamese American, and the book has the 1st chapter recounting his young life in Vietnam, which is very interesting to me, before introducing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This conflict is all over the news lately, but I am not sure who's right and who's wrong. I appreciate the next chapter, which explains the background in easy-to-read prose. What follows is the author's solution, which he claims is unique. I am in no position to evaluate this, but the writing is easy enough that I can understand his plan. I also enjoy his anecdotes about the Palestinians, Israelis, and others. The last chapter returns to his biography and ties his experience as a refugee and a citizen with the lot of the Middle East people.
Sandy
My Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahon
Alison has never been a fan of Christmas. But with it right around the corner and her husband busily decorating their house, she has no choice but to face it. Then she gets the call. Mavis, her estranged mother, has been diagnosed with cancer and has only a few weeks to live. She wants to spend the rest of her short life with her daughter and her family. Alison agrees to take in Mavis, hoping that she and her mother can finally heal their relationship. But when mysterious things start happening when Mavis arrives, Alison begins to believe her mother is not quite who she seems. This book is very unusual and not for everyone. I am glad I read it though.
Tessa
Bull's Island by Dorothea Benton Frank
Oh, what tangled webs we weave when first we practice to deceive. Southern drama with a touch of Italian mobster.
