This contest period's winners were Annie A. from Albuquerque, NM; Pamela M. from Albertville, AL; and Rosemary S. from Scranton, PA. Each received a copy of GOD'S COUNTRY by William Kent Krueger and UNDER THE FALLS by Richard Russo.
Jeffrey
1984 by George Orwell
Of course I read it before. A long time ago. Before 1984. It was grim then. It seems grimmer now. The book was originally published in 1949, and Orwell has constructed a society based on a vision of the future based on what he saw of the communist societies at the time. The projected technology may be wrong in detail, but the human drama still resonates with great power. It is truly one of the most important novels of the 20th century. Haunting in every way.
Carol
Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
A satisfying story of an elderly woman with a deadly past. The characters in the story are worth getting to know. You’ll be glad you read the book.
Darlene
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
Very good. Different.
Michele
It Girl by Allison Pataki
Great historical fiction about the life of a famous model in New York in the early 1900s.
Christie
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Another wonderful story about female characters in difficult times who find their way through with humor and humility. The insight into women’s rights (or lack there of) in the 1930s was eye-opening as well as the depression’s impact on the South. There was a wide cast of heroes and villains, and the book gave us insight into both types.
Maryann
The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson
I laughed out loud several times while reading this book. Perfect antidote for all the terrible news in the USA!!
Karen
Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
I really enjoyed the book. I did the audio version and it was great with all the voices!
Michelle
Meet Me in the Garden by Nina LaCour
Set against the backdrop of The Great Migration, a Black family makes it way from New Orleans to Los Angeles. Secrets follow them and impossible decisions lurk around every corner. A beautiful story about the roads we travel to keep a family together.
Judie
A Pair of Aces by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
This historical novel pairs Eunice Carter, the first female Black assistant district attorney for New York with the city’s most famous madam, who runs an exclusive brothel to bring down mobster Lucky Luciano in the 1930s. The interior look into prostitution as well as the pressure of a high stakes case against the mob makes this an intriguing book.
Debbie
Land by Maggie O’Farrell
Beautifully-written story about the the geography of Ireland and the people who live and work that land, told through the eyes of a surveyor and his family as they live and work that land.
Pam
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
A 1930's classic thriller with twists and turns on love and revenge.
Aida
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan
Fun read.
Wanda
Amil and the After by Veera Hiranandani
I understand this is the sequel to THE NIGHT DIARY, which I've not read. It is a good story with great illustrations that help with the visual. A good pick for YA. Hardship is what this young boy is feeling, but he is not quite understanding how to deal with the situation and has a lot of questions about life. Shows family support, showing of love.
jana
Helpless by Jessica Knoll
This book left me twisty and turning, not believing if the ending is even real.
Giarnese
Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann
Irish sheep solve a murder.
Carol
The River by Peter Heller
THE RIVER is a blend of beautifully descriptive writing, character study and suspense. It’s an intense great story and an iconic American novel. Why did it take me 60 years to read this one? I have no idea. This is the story of two young college men who are canoeing and camping in northern Canada. They encounter obstacles along the way, and this is that story, but the real delight in this book is the nature writing - it is addictive! It’s vivid and engaging, and it makes you feel like you are in this canoe with these two young guys. It is sharp and descriptive, and the story is great. It is hard to put down. It’s a joy to read this book. I ordered two more of David Heller‘s books to read because of this one.
MH
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
This book is a sad commentary on the abuses in the foster care system. Three girls, aged 11-12, are taken in by the same woman, who appears kind at first, but turns into a monster without warning. When the woman starts taking in babies, the girls are given the care of the babies, who soon disappear.
Lori
Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander
Good read about the lasting effects of earlier trauma and the healing power of friendship.
Laurie
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
I was surprised by the language and some of the violence. I did not like Joseph's voice. Most of the characters were unlikable, but I am glad I read it.
Rosa
Land by Maggie O'Farrell
This epic story is an ode to Ireland, its history and its land. The central character is Tomas, a map maker and surveyor hired by the British soldiers. It is 1865, after the Great Hunger. Tomas and his family - wife Phina, daughters Enda and Rose, sons Liam and Eugene - struggle through the years, many decisions in their lives dictated by fate and a quick turn of events. Maggie O'Farrell is an amazing storyteller. The writing is lush and poetic. The story winds through history, twists and turns, and I was so happy to go along for the ride. I did not want this story to end.
Lynn
The Sapphire Sea by Davis Bunn
Quite possibly the best book I'm going to read this summer!
Nancy
A Pair of Aces by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
This book proved to be interesting in its presentation of the realities of a mob-controlled Chicago in the 30s. The use of characters on both sides on the law was an interesting device that was only enhanced by the realities of race relations at the time. The novel was entertaining as well as informative.
Muriel
The Mountains We Call Home by Kim Michele Richardson
Ms. Edward’s love for Kentucky and the people who live there now and in the past is evident in this well-researched book of the 1950s time period. She has created a beautiful character, book lady Cussy, to share her story and information of the time. In the third book of the series about the pack horse librarians, blue skinned Cussy is in prison for marrying a Caucasian. The reader is left with a picture of prison life at the time, women’s place in society, lack of literacy for many adults, and inequality between the races. An important theme would be how literature and literacy can open doors for people and give them hope for a better future, as was evidenced in many of the people Cussy worked with as a prison librarian.
Lynn
The American School of Spies by Stephan Talty
Another look at WWII, this time in Greece. Archeologists led the way in hiding ancient artifacts from Hitler's grasp.
Kathy
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni
Another of my “favorite” books! Dugoni is a master at bringing characters alive, and he certainly does so here, with Sam, his Black friend Ernie, and the wild, rude and crude Mickie. Sam is born with red eyes, an affliction which has people making fun of him; classmates calling him the Devil Boy” and other cruelties. He endures much pain growing up, especially in the all-boy Catholic school he attends; some of the cruelty from a few nuns in the school. As he grows up, he becomes a successful doctor and yet his past comes back when he is confronted by the worst bully of his childhood, still the bully. There is a satisfying ending to a novel which is heartbreaking, funny, poignant and full of love!
Debbie
The Five Widows Club by Dr. Tina Fornwald
THE FIVE WIDOWS CLUB by Dr. Tina Fornwald presents a misleading title. I thought this book was a murder mystery. The title should have been Five Grieving Widows. The book explores the grief of five women and how they deal with this event. June Wells leads the meeting of five women attempting to come to terms with the death of a husband/wife. Trish lost her military husband in a convoy. Grant, feeling this would be his last mission, left his dog tags for Trish. Grant has been dead twelve years and Trish holds on the her release of grief that long. Monique lost her husband, Darnell, to a heart attack that she failed to notice. Joyce lost Evelyn, her wife.
Cheryl
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Great character development, and brings back memories of my parents’ stories about the Depression. But NO ONE needs to write a 609-page book. Stockett needed an editor with a firmer grip to help her rein in every thought she had. I had to do the perp walk to return the overdue book to the library. The book does offer great weight-training opportunities.
Karen
Good People by Patmeena Sabit
Intriguing style and story. Very relevant to today's world. A must-read.
Lisa
Helpless by Jessica Knoll
Not as good as I thought it would be. The ending was disappointing. It really needed trigger warnings.
Lynn
This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page
Loved it! Recommending it to everyone!
Donna
The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage
Alexandrina is third in line to the British throne and has left royal duties behind as she goes to school in Australia to become a doctor. She's in the last year of residency when the helicopter lands telling her that her father and brother have died and she is now first in line when her grandmother dies. I enjoyed the peak into all the pomp and circumstance behind the crown and also comparing the characters to the current royal family.
Annie
The House at Tyneford by Natasha Solomons
Captivating, memorable and unforgettable novel that tugs at the heartstrings. Beautiful and extraordinary writing and descriptions of the locale.
Eileen
Whistler by Ann Patchett
As usual, Ann Patchett has written a stunner. The love story of a woman reconnecting with her beloved stepfather tugged at my heartstrings. Highly recommended.
Carolyn
The Names by Florence Knapp
This novel takes on many topics in a truly unique manor and is equal parts confusion and sophistication in the telling. Through Cora’s story, we experience it through the eyes of her son Bear, Jules and Gordon, depending on which storyline we are following. This makes for an interesting book club if your group is willing to dive into hard and often harsh topics.
shelly
A Matter of Life and Death by Keith Russell Ablow, MD
Riveting, unexpected, suspenseful, and exciting. That is how you feel after reading just a few pages. Looking in from the outside, Alex Kane, who is 39, has it all. He founded a hedge fund, his partners are willing to buy him out for 300 million. Wouldn't you think that would make a person deliriously happy? Unfortunately, Alex has a troubled past: a father who committed suicide, a divorce that is in the process of ending his seven-year marriage, and an alcoholic mother who is now suffering from dementia. Is that all there is? Well, in a moment of weakness, Alec is about to end his life when a phone call from a college buddy, Hank Kline, with OCD, calls for help since he has just been fired. They meet and decide they need to change things.
Sandra
Whistler by Ann Patchett
This was an enjoyable read, however, not my favorite of her writings. I felt the picture of Whistler on the cover was a bit misleading as it was not a real strong “character “. A more profound story of the horse’s history would have made this better.
Elizabeth
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
I read this because it is a classic and was short! It wasn't what I expected - it is short vignettes of a young Hispanic girl growing up in Chicago, probably autobiographical. I grew up in a Chicago suburb around the same time as the author but had quite different experience. So this book was an eye-opener to me.
Mary
The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay
A little romance and a lot of skullduggery keep this book entertaining and suspenseful. There's 1970s London and perhaps a Picasso forgery at the great Tate Gallery which has the art world in an uproar. Toss in some paintings that the Nazis had stolen during the war, and you have a fascinating book. I highly recommend it.
Jean
King and Maxwell by David Baldacci
Two former Secret Service agents, now PIs, are hired by a teen to find the missing father he is sure is still alive. The plot is unnecessarily complicated. There is way too much technical jargon (including a detailed description of the protective devices in the limo used by the President of the U.S.) Lots of people die, most of them evil. The ending was a let down.
Gerrie
Banyan Moon by Thao Thai
Characters that become etched in your soul. Fabulous for book clubs as there is much to discuss.
Christine
Meet Me in Paris by Kristin Harmel
As with most Kristin Harmel books it literally hooked me from the start. Even though it started out with a lot of characters, it quickly became apparent that each person was totally different from the other, and it was very easy to follow. As all the characters come from different places into Paris and for different reasons, it struck me how much these people had in common. Each person had a story to tell, and the twisting and turning of how these couples came together made the book exciting! I especially loved the older couple who were brought back together after many years, but each couple had own very special story to tell. I would recommend this book to everyone as it makes you believe that dreams can come true.
gina
If Looks Could Kill by Kate White
Sassy woman narrates murder mystery.
Betty Jo
White Fragility by Dr. Robin DiAngelo
It is difficult to talk about racism, and this book explains the deep roots of racist thinking in our country. It is so embedded that it is hard to recognize for many people. Trying to learn more and hopefully when I know more I will do better.
Janet
Salty by Kate Myers
It was good but I kept thinking it would be better.
Tessa
Sheltering Rain by Jojo Moyes
Moyes’s debut novel follows three women: Kate Ballentyne, her mother Joy, and her daughter Sabine over forty years, from Hong Kong in 1953 to Ireland in 1997. The novel reminds me of works by Maeve Binchy in that there are many characters in the town who all play a part in the total storyline. It’s a coming-of-age novel, as well as an exploration of family dynamics, loss and new relationships.
Jeanne
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
THEO OF GOLDEN by Allen Levi is a heartwarming story that everyone should read. It’s intense, inspiring, insightful, thought-provoking and a treasure that in my opinion is a classic. The writing style was brilliant. The author did an outstanding job in creating the dimensions and depth of the character Theo that allowed me as a reader to connect with Theo because he was unbelievably kind, relatable and someone you would like to know. The storyline will put a smile on your face and touch the hearts of people who read it.
Kimberley
Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman
This historical fiction unveils the much unknown Hawaiian right after December 7 and Pearl Harbor. The author reveals the WARDs, strong, intelligent and determined female residents of Hawaii were recruited for the top secret division of radar detection. Using their diaries, shared stories from their children and grandchildren, the author used a touch of fiction to share the fascinating work of the WARDS. Hawaii had some attempted attacks thwarted by the radar specialists but more importantly, the WARDS saved many pilots using the new technology. It is an awesome novel.
Donna
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
I am sure you have seen the numerous reviews on this book like me. Well, now I am a believer after I just finished reading it. All the reviews are absolutely the truth! You have to get this book! I had it on my TBR book list when three friends recommended it in a short span of time. I thought I'd better get it now, this must be good, and it did not disappoint! A woman of faith, I often think of simple beauty of this created life and world, but Theo was at a new level. I learned from him, cried, laughed, enjoyed the characters and their stories. Uplifting, powerful, sad ant times and gives us all a new sense of purpose in what kindness really is and to share it. So I share THEO OF GOLDEN. Now enjoy!
Sean
Invisible Prey by John Sandford
Another Lucas Davenport case and somehow another interesting new take on murder and police work. The killer(s) here were unique and awful and as bodies/crimes piled up. Davenport and crew struggle to pull all these disparate threads together. When things come together it's incredibly solid. The procedural police work is top-notch, and Davenport continues to entertain. I still enjoy the steps of solving a case, politics, and media manipulation. It's a choreographed ballet. I wished we got more from Weather and Letty as they are afterthoughts too often. Overall, another solid novel from John Sandford.
Linda
Becoming Madame Secretary by Stephanie Dray
Fascinating historical fiction novel about Frances Perkins the first female cabinet member if the Department of Labor, under Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Her incredible journey is written here: her part in FDR's New Deal and her vision and making it true for the current Social Security system. I never heard of Frances, nor did other members of my book club, and you will certainly learn a lot about this period of history reading this book.
Linda
This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page
An author's husband gifted her a book a month after he died. Books were based on what he wished for his wife to continue on and help her through her grief. Along the way a new relationship develops with the owner of the bookshop where she had to go to pick up her book.
Sandy
Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister
Great story about the love between a mother and a daughter, and how far they will go to save each other. The ending is so surprising I had to read the last chapter twice.
Barbara
Country People by Daniel Mason
Wonderful entertaining novel, quite unique in its main character and his journey of growth and change. Engaging characters, plot with unexpected developments leading to a lovely ending.
Shelley
The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout
Poignant. Good character development.
Iris
Whistler by Ann Patchett
I loved this book about the relationship between a young girl and her stepfather. They were separated after his marriage to her mother fell apart. The girl blamed herself, finally learning the truth when she and her stepfather ran into each other years later. Rekindling their relationship, incorporating each other into their current lives is a beautiful story of family, love and trust.
Dona
Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke
Racism and troubles in a small Texas town draws Black Texas Ranger to solve two murders. Power and racism.
Susan
The Amateur by Chris Bojahlian
Diffrerent from most of the author's other books. Being a golfer, I liked it.
Judy
This Changes Everything by Lisa Scottoline
Julia is living the life in Tuscany with husband and little girl, but when her best friend’s aunt is murdered she goes back to states to help her.
Marilyn
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
After all the publicity surrounding this book and many glowing reviews, I was disappointed. The book had some positive points in that Theo was prepared to see the goodness in everyone, but on the whole the plot seemed 'contrived', and most of the characters lacked depth.
Katherine
The Litigators by John Grisham
Very enjoyable story of a young lawyer that works with a couple of sleeze bag lawyers.
Randy
Standing Dead by Margaret Mizushima
I love this series and the K-9 team.
Brenda
Daughters of the Sun and Moon by Lisa See
Brilliantly-written historical novel of three Chinese women living in 1870s California. See beautifully tells the tale of how culture clash, racism, and heartbreak bind these women in their struggles to survive this strange, alien world.
Karan
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Beautiful story - loved the characters.
Ivy
The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perrotta
A sex education teacher meets ridicule and self-reflection in a town overshadowed by a Christian group at a local church.
Lee
Angel Down by Daniel Kraus
When I saw the subject matter, this book did not sound like something that would interest me. But rave reviews from a few friends convinced me to try it. Three pages in, I was sure I wouldn't be able to stand the writing style, but about 10 pages in, I settled into it and it never bothered me again. The book is so intense and so visceral that you feel a physical relief when you finish it. I loved WHALEFALL by this author, and ANGEL DOWN is even better.
Ann
The Jackal by Joby Warrick
Excellent look at the life of the most infamous of the 1970s.
Ame
Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann
Great, funny mystery, basis for "The Sheep Detectives".
Pattie
No Time Like the Future by Michael J. Fox
I am astounded by his perseverance and his fortitude. His family is amazing. Terrific story.
Donna
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Wonderful characters. This book has you laughing out loud and crying.
Tiffany
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Enjoyed the book, but the ending was very dissatisfying.
Wanda
The Murder Book by Frank F. Weber
A true crime novel, well written and an intense, page-turner. Once I started I could not put down. I am a big fan of this author whose writing is incredible in setting the scene and describing the characters involved in this horrible crime.
Patricia
The Original by Priya Parmar
The golden age of Hollywood with the rising star of Katherine Hepburn. A look into the making of her and other famous names. The difficult road that Kate led to become a famous actress.
Rhonda
Murder at 30,000 Feet by Susan Walter
I enjoyed the investigation into discovering the murderer. Well written with a great plot.
Susan
Whistler by Ann Patchett
Thought-provoking story about love, loss and family ties.
Denise
This Changes Everything by Lisa Scottoline
Two girlfriends separated by a continent. Julia now living in Tuscany and Courtney in the states. Julia has a strong intuition to contact Courtney and decides to catch up with a FaceTime conversation. Courtney entering her grandmother’s home where she finds her murdered and a man running out the back door. Leaving her husband and young daughter behind, Julia rushes off to be at Courtney’s side during this terrible time. While the two try to figure out what and who is behind the murder they come across a cast of corrupt characters, a ghost town contaminated by a mine disaster, illegal activities, possible domestic terrorism, even racism. If all that’s not enough to keep you reading all night, Courtney suddenly becomes a suspect.
Jen
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
A multi-layered family drama that is exceptionally well written. There's so much to think about and discuss in this story. It was a fantastic book club selection and provided plenty of differing viewpoints. Highly recommend.
Rita
Famesick by Lena Dunham
A little harsh for my tastes.
Pamela
Judge Stone by Viola Davis and James Patterson
This novel has it all: courtroom scenes, a sassy judge, a small southern town, bigotry, prejudice, justice, sacrifice, etc., etc. The knowledge of law is there, as well as humor and pathos. Above all, the clear, clever voice of the main character is so real and enticing that I couldn't put the book down. This is NOT a typical James Patterson, although his name is on the cover.
Luella
The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse
This book had several strange mysteries. It's a complicated story and difficult to follow at times.
Amy
Ariel by Sylvia Plath
I found ARIEL by Sylvia Plath to be a powerful but very heavy collection of poems. The writing is beautiful, emotional, and often dark, exploring themes of identity, pain, relationships, and death. Some of the poems were difficult to understand, but the emotion behind them came through clearly. It’s not an easy or light read, but Plath’s writing is striking and memorable.
Heather
Somebody Worth Killing by Jessica Payne
Despite my mediocre rating, I did finish it and I wasn't miserable doing it - that counts for something. It's a fine airport read or beach book: low commitment, moderate payoff, and a fun-enough premise even if the execution (pun slightly intended) doesn't fully capitalize on it. Familiar territory, competently handled, but Nadia could've dialed back the murder monologuing. 3.5 stars - solid enough to enjoy, forgettable enough that I probably won't remember much about it in six months.
Christine
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
Found it was interesting since living in Georgia. I read the book in book form. My book club has been interested in reading this. The author really started out slowly in building up the world that the book is set in - in reality it's Columbus, GA - but it reaches out and pulls you in with the interaction of all the different individuals that are in the pictures.A lot of revelations of these people. Enjoyed it so much.
Kimiko
Coded Justice by Stacey Abrahms
Avery Keene (and her team) are hired to investigate a brand new medical AI company wanting to go to public IPO. However, one of their team leaders ends up mysteriously dead in a company totally run by AI and computers. Although Avery is not hired to investigate the death, in the end she finds out whodunit.
Carole
Go as a River by Shelley Read
Coming-of-age story and historical fiction. Set in Colorado from 1948 to the 1970s, this follows a young woman who bears the burden of running her family's peach farm before a tragic life-altering encounter with a Native American drifter. A story of survival and resilience. Great read.
Carol
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
I loved this book! The characters came to life for me because of the great descriptions. It tugged at my emotions, too. I laughed, I cried, and I was surprised at how it ended.
Paula
The Cloak and Dagger Club by Jackie McMahon
This book was delightful. I enjoyed it a lot. It was a mystery, a story of a broken relationship, a romance and of course a “who done it”. I liked all the members of the club. I enjoyed figuring out each of their secrets. This is book one of a series. I will be looking forward to reading more from this author.
Dianne
The Wishing Trees by John Shors
Travel journal detailing a trip Ian and Mattie make after Kate's death. The trip was meant to help them heal.
Linda
The Half Life by Rachel Beanland
Set in the 1970s on a Mediterranean island called La Maddaleni. U.S. Navy, submarines and research and testing of the local environment for radioactivity. Interesting history.
Rebecca
Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks
A true, raw and honest reflection on the immediate and lasting moments of grief.
Donna
Conviction by Elizabeth H. Winthrop
CONVICTION, Elizabeth H. Winthrop’s July 14th release, is a mother/daughter story unlike any I’ve ever read before. Compelling, heartbreaking, thought-provoking and beautifully written, this is an emotional, haunting story. As the mother of two adult daughters, I could not even fathom being in Ann’s position. I highly recommend to those who enjoy well-researched fiction.
Melissa
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin
Very entertaining and touching.
Beth
The Weight of Angels by John Boyne
John Boyne's books are fabulous. So I was pleased to win this advance copy of his THE WEIGHT OF ANGELS even though it's such a door-stopper. Its size might have scared me if it was written by almost any other author. The beginning of this book put me off, though. It gave me the same kind of feeling I got from the beginning of WAR AND PEACE. But Boyne's way with words surpasses, I think, Tolstoy's. The conversations in THE WEIGHT OF ANGELS made me want to read it, all 577 pages. In this book, we are to suppose that Oscar Wilde never went to prison for his homosexuality and didn't die soon after.
Nadine
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
A heartwarming novel about how a mysterious list of books brings together a grieving widower and a curious teenager, forging an unlikely friendship and exploring the healing power of literature.
Priscilla
The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand
I thought this book was just okay. It was pretty long and could have been shorter. It seems as if the end is just an afterthought and they had to end the book abruptly.
Agnes
Orbital by Samantha Harvey
It was hard to warm up to these characters at first in this short novel without much of a plot. But stick with it, dear reader. Samantha Harvey weaves together bits and bobs about six individuals on the international space station, their ties to each other and the rest of us on planet earth. She has done careful research to give us one day in the lives of these astronauts. We get to see our world from a new perspective, all its beauty and fragility. Take your time and savor her prose. I grew to like this book very much in the end.
Francisca
A Palm for Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman
Book Four in the delightful series of espionage/mysteries featuring the intrepid Mrs. Pollifax, senior citizen and secret CIA agent. I love this series. Mrs P. is quite the character. She frequently goes “off script” finding interesting dilemmas to pursue rather than the main objective. But, of course, these distractions almost always prove to be important to the mission, from enlisting unlikely compatriots to stumbling on significant clues in unexpected places.
Barbara
The Women on Platform Two by Laura Anthony
Great read after reading her other book, THE FORGOTTEN MIDWIFE.
Darcy
The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett
Just the kind of book I enjoy at the end of summer. The right vibe. I enjoyed watching this eccentric cast of characters work their way across the country.
Darcy
Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden
An absolutely diabolical character who I enjoyed following through the book from beginning to end.
This was my first book by the author and I will be looking for more titles from her backlist. The plotting throughout the book was fantastic - very clever.
Gerrie
Her America: Eight Women Who Transformed the Nation by Heather B. Moore
This an accessible history of eight women. While many of the women are well known, the author provides lesser known facts, and even readers of women's history will learn something new. There are also biographies of lesser known women whose contributions have been overlooked. Moore is an historical fiction writer by trade, and she particularly excels at this portion of the book. Her combination of historical fiction interplayed with nonfiction should make this book very popular with more casual readers of historical nonfiction.
Gerrie
What the Ancestors Say: One Journalist's Intimate Investigation into Indian Boarding Schools by Sierra Biidaaban Nadeau
While I appreciated the historical detail of the book, at times the meticulous listings of treaties stunted the flow of the story. The author's background in journalism was apparent in her structure of the book and did not always make the story as captivating as it could have been. Small sections of her personal experiences at times seemed out of place and forced. However, I still learned a lot and enjoyed the book.
Bonnie
How to Read a Book by Monica Wood
The book, HOW TO READ A BOOK was a delight! The plot revolves around three people: 22-year- old Violet who is a member of a prison book club, 64-year-old widowed Harriet, who is the volunteer who runs the weekly book club, and then we have widowed 68-year-old Frank, who is intertwined in the two women’s lives. This lovely story is about redemption and forgiveness of self as well as others. The three figures were all very likeable. Yet, the author gave us a couple of unlikable characters just to keep it interesting and more real. The growth of the Violet, Harriet and Frank encouraged me to remember that change happens, even when we don’t expect it.
Lisa
An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton
A beautiful love story set in the 1960s. Vivian meets dashing Joe at a bar and is intrigued by him. They stay in touch over the years and meet up again in Texas unexpectedly. Their relationship moves forward afterwards. Joe’s dreams of becoming an astronaut come true and they move to Florida. His flight loses contact with Mission Control and Vivian’s life changes in an instant.
Kimberley
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
A witty and impressive romantic novel that tugs at your heart strings. Nora, our main character, the big sister, the grieving daughter, the jilted girlfriend, the gifted book agent and the lost soul fills the pages with thoughtful interactions. The story is deep in its own way and have a tissue handy. The cast of characters is delightful.
Allison
Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane
I’ve never read a more compelling character and her story.
Teresa
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Here is one of those books you miss when you’ve finished reading. Set in the Great Depression days of 1933, this story weaves together the lives of various women and girls who are struggling through those harrowing times, sometimes helping one another, sometimes turning a blind eye to the needs and struggles of others, and sometimes making life worse for them. At one point, the choices made by the characters seemed downright silly, but the author is a true storyteller, and she makes it all work. Loved this book.
Jeffrey
Regime Change by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan
Utterly fascinating. A worthy successor to ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN. A friend said, "I can't read that. It's all too depressing." But this book is anything but depressing. It's exhilarating due to the detailed research, the revelations, and most of all, the quality of the writing. This is the story of the century, and these are just the right people to tell it.
Suzanne
The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian
I enjoyed this book immensely, finishing it in just two days.
Darlene
Summerland Cove by Ellen Baker
Great read, as always, by this author.
Jayme
Mothers and Sons by Adam Haslett
This very slow story is about two boring, self-absorbed workaholics - mother and son who seem to only find meaning in their work while they keep everyone at arms length (though they don't think so.) The book focuses so much on inner discovery - mindlessness about mindfulness. The navel gazing was overwhelming. What saved the book for me is that I found the son's job as an immigration lawyer in New York City fascinating and very timely.
Nancy
Little Wonder by Sophie Chen Keller
I loved this book. The story starts out in northeastern China, when Song, a poor single mother, discovers that her young son, River, is a piano prodigy, and opts to take him to Beijing, where he can further develop his talent. At the train station there, they get separated and are unable to find one another. The story then breaks into two -- what happens to each of them in the coming years, plus flashbacks of their earlier lives. The story covers so much -- love, loss, Covid, friends as family, perseverance, the control of the Chinese Government over its people, and, first and foremost, the steady and unbreakable bond between a mother and child. I recommend this book highly.
Wanda
The Devoted by Catherine Cho
A devastating story of love and loss, haunting story of family, isolation and betrayal. Thriller, pager-turner from the first page. Unputdownable tale of a world of viciousness and wealth. A must-read.
Rhona
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
The author developed the characters so well that I could picture them easily. Her writing evoked laughter and sorrow for me. Her use of accents and dialect was fantastic. It also was historical fiction, which I loved.
Rhona
Whistler by Ann Patchett
I loved her easy to read but emotionally full book. The way her characters connect with each other is a testament to her beautiful writing. They are full of surprises, and as always, there’s more than meets the eye. She transitions from past to present easily. Her family drama feels so real.
Richard N B
Sanibel Flats by Randy Wayne White
Book One in the Doc Ford series, featuring the former CIA agent. Doc has retired to Sanibel Island, where he enjoys the sunsets over the bay, chatting with neighbors over a cold beer, and cooking dinner for his beautiful neighbor. But when his old friend Rafe Hollins calls and asks for his help, Doc can’t refuse. And so, he finds himself in the jungles of Costa Rica, dealing with a guerrilla group. This is pretty typical for the genre. There are a number of twists and turns in the plot, and the final one is a real doozy. Great vacation read!
Peri
This American Woman by Zarna Garg
Zarna Garg is now a stand-up comic. This book tells about her life and it was not funny. Her early life was actually tragic. Her mom got sick and died when Zarna was 14. Her father, who looked on her as an unwanted obligation, tried to marry her off. She was only 14! I once heard that comics became successful because of horrible backgrounds. Zarna managed to come to America and get a law degree. She accomplished this without help from her father. Instead, her sister took her in and helped her. Her big break as a comedian came when Tina Fey and Amy Poehler asked her to be their opening act for their shows. It was interesting to learn about Indian culture and weddings.
This book was not the best biopic I’d ever read.
Barbara
Getting Away With Murder by Shari Lapena
Another unputdownable novel by this queen of domestic thrillers! She had me from the first page of the prologue. The characters were deliciously evil; peering into what drives them to unimaginable ends is what her writing is all about. The local color, that was actually a main character, was spot-on, too. A great read!
Elizabeth
Rules for Aging and Larceny by Julia London
I really enjoyed the sassy characters. The plot moved quickly and included lots of twists. It’s a great reminder that relationships are the center of life.
Laurie
Canticle by Janet Rich Edwards
I enjoyed learning about religion and the church in 1299 Brugge. Loved the book.
Terry
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
I'm not a prude, but the sex scenes slow the story down! Bobby is dead, but who killed who?
Emily
Land by Maggie O’Farrell
A masterpiece. Brilliant writing. Descriptions of Ireland are beautiful and atmospheric. It’s a dense read but worth the time and effort. I loved it.
Lisa
Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein
Good story about sisters and soccer. Just missed five stars for me. I really liked it, but I didn't love it.
MH
The Housemaid’s Wedding by Freida McFadden
I bought this book knowing it was short, but this story only covered half the book. The other half was a lead-in to another book. That said, the story was easily read quickly. There wasn’t much of a mystery, and I just found I could have bought the Kindle version for much, much cheaper!
Teri
I See You Called In Dead by John Kenney
Fabulous story that will stick with me for a long while.
Teri
When Mikan Road Was Ours by D. K. Furutani
Debut novel describing the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII.
Lynda
How to Read a Book by Monica Wood
I liked this feel-good novel that is mostly about forgiveness, second chances and how books bring readers together. The dialogue is sharp and edgy. I couldn't help but feel sorry for the young, remorseful woman who killed someone in a DUI car crash and then faced jail time. But how would I feel if the victim was my mother? Thought-provoking!
Luella
The Key Biscayne Affair by Xita Rubert
This is an amusing and poignant story of a divorced father who recently gained custody of his two kids and moved to another country. It was a good read.
Elizabeth
John of John by Douglas Stuart
This is a beautiful book that transported me to a remote Scottish island and a way of life foreign to me. The characters are complex. I ached for the father John and his son Cal who loved each other despite their flaws but who could not be honest with themselves or each other.
Gerrie
Almost Animal by Amy Irvine
I received this book as an ARC, and I had never read anything by the author previously. I most enjoyed the sections where Irvine recounts her adventures as her descriptions are vivid and riveting. I also enjoyed learning more about the history of the Mormons, although at times I did find this a bit overly in-depth. There were some slow sections, but overall it is a fast-paced read about adventure, womanhood and motherhood, and a story about trauma, survival and resilience.
Rosemary
Rocket’s Red Glare by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann
Very ood book. Somewhat deep with attacks on our government elected officials and Secret Service, but it held my interest all the way to the end.
Jan
Meet Me in Paris by Kristin Harmel
Loved the book. Quite a change for this author who normally writes historical fiction. Interesting how she intertwined seven lives who happened to be in Paris at the same time. Brilliant.
Jayne
Murder on the Upper East Side by Gigi Waldorf
This is a mystery set at an exclusive high school in NYC. The book will be released in September. Writer Hannah Miller attends a charity gala for her former high school. The class queen is poisoned, leading to a murder investigation by the police, but they also suspect Hannah. A good mystery and look at how upper crust teens live.
Liz
The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick
Women’s roles are beginning to change in the 1960s, especially for those who have read THE FEMININE MYSTIQUE. In a planned community in Virginia, four very different women form a book club and their lives are all changed upon reading this book. They supposedly “have it all”, but after reading this book they realize the truth. Throughout the story their lives are changed, and tough decisions are made. One thing is certain, they all come to the realization they can do anything they set their minds to! The sisterhood that is formed is an incredible thing.
Gerry
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
Sadly disappointed in this book so many have praised. For me it was over-the-top melodrama, unbelievable super-hero antics, and too many improbable (impossible?) coincidences (Anna, Tulio, Tito) to credit. The writing was pedestrian and dry, the characters one-dimensional, and the details soaked in gore. Yes, war is messy, but Sullivan's endless descriptions of dead bodies in the streets went far beyond what was needed to show the chaos in Milan at war's end. Marketed as a novel based on a true story, it didn't work for me as either a well-written novel or a good narrative nonfiction.
Gerry
Amongst Women by John McGahern
3-1/2 stars. This is the story of a family in Ireland in the 1920s, in the part of that country from which my own grandparents emigrated to the U.S. only short time earlier. That connection made it an interesting read for me. I saw in some of these characters some definitely similarities to my own relatives: especially the close family ties, coupled with a sense of isolation and intentional withdrawal from others in their community. Moran, the patriarch, was for me a very distasteful character: moody, demanding, and sometimes violent. I did find the novel well written and the characters well developed, if not all lovable, and I do plan to read more from this author.
Gerry
Ghost Eye by Amitav Ghosh
4-1/2 stars. When we saw him interviewed at the Free Library of Philadelphia in June, Ghosh said a main theme of his latest novel is, “The world is far more strange than we have imagined.” GHOST EYE opens with a three-year-old young girl from a strictly vegetarian family suddenly announcing that she needs to eat fish, and refuses to eat anything at all until her demand is honored. When questioned about this, she claims she caught, cooked, and ate fish often for her "other mother" at her "other house". Her family fears she's having some sort of mental breakdown and brings her to see her pediatrician. And so begins this fascinating tale of reincarnation, dissociative memories, synchronicities, and other strange occurrences.
Gerry
Sold by Patricia McCormick
This is a powerful novel written in short vignettes about a 13-year-old girl in an impoverished family in Nepal. When her stepfather tells her she must go to the city to earn her keep, Lakshmi is happy to help, and looks forward to seeing the big city of her imagination. But what she finds is not at all what she hoped for. Her father has sold her into prostitution, and her new "home" is a brothel in India where she is brutally beaten until she gives in to the madam's expectations. I listened to this short novel, well narrated by Justine Eyre, in one afternoon. While it's a valuable story, I can't imagine recommending it to its intended YA audience unless it could be accompanied by discussion and additional reading.
Gerry
The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
The novel opens as Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard lies fretful and bored in his hospital bed, where he's been confined after a fall that injured his leg and spine. A friend suggests that, although he cannot pursue his work as an investigator, he might consider engaging in some historical investigation, and provides him with a group of portraits to consider. He becomes increasingly interested in the portrait of Richard III that bears no resemblance to the wicked uncle of history. Could this sensitive, noble face actually belong to one of the world's most heinous villains, a man who murdered his two young nephews in cold blood? Or could he have been turned into a monster by means of a conspiracy by the usurper, Henry VII?
Gerry
An African History of Africa: From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence by Zeinab Badawi
Seeking out occluded histories from across the continent, meeting with countless historians, anthropologists, archaeologists and local storytellers, and travelling through more than thirty countries, Badawi weaves together a fascinating new account of an epic, sweeping history of the oldest inhabited continent on the planet, told through the voices of Africans themselves. I found it both interesting and very informative, and it gave me lots of reasons for further reading.
Gerry
Honestly Elliott by Gillian McDunn
This is a delightful middle-grade novel with themes of friendship, identity, and coping with big feelings. Struggling with ADHD, loneliness, and connecting with his divorced father who would rather see him embrace sports instead of cooking, sixth-grader Elliott finds an unlikely friend in popular, perfect Maribel when the two are paired in a school-wide contest.
Gerry
This Changes Everything by Lisa Scottoline
Julia, the main character, is living in Tuscany with her husband and three-year-old daughter when a spontaneous phone conversation with her best friend back in the U.S. reveals that the friend's beloved grandmother has been murdered. Julie hurries back to the U.S. to support her friend, and the two get caught up in investigating the killing when police seem less than fully invested in the case. I was interested to learn more about a couple aspects of the novel that are based in fact: the underground fire that destroyed Centralia and some neighboring small towns was vaguely familiar to me from my college days in northeastern PA, but I was completely unaware of the long-time presence of a large white supremacy group called Keystone United.
Gerry
A Pair of Aces by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
Though built on a partnership that was completely fictional (Eunice Carter and Polly Adler both lived in NYC, but never actually met), A PAIR OF ACES provides an interesting account of a major investigation and trial in 1930s NYC, under the leadership of District Attorney Thomas Dewey, that brought down the infamous mob boss, Charles "Lucky" Luciano. Fun fact: ADA Eunice Carter's grandson is Stephen L. Carter, author of several excellent novels and nonfiction books, including INVISIBLE: THE FORGOTTEN STORY OF THE BLACK WOMAN LAWYER WHO TOOK DOWN AMERICA'S MOST POWERFUL MOBSTER, a nonfiction version of this same story.
Gerry
The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson
This enjoyable novel focused on a group of thirty-something adults who've had close relationships for years, until one of them guys brings a new girlfriend into the group. An aspiring writer, Caroline struggles to find her place within the group, and later turns her observations into a story that gets published in The New Yorker, goes viral on social media, and creates a huge rift between her and the group. The character were generally realistic, mostly representing a wealthy, privileged set similar to the characters in Jackson's debut novel, PINEAPPLE STREET. The plot was somewhat predictable, but still engaging. Reading it definitely made me happy to be past this particular stage of young adulthood.
Debbie
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Barbara Kingsolver writes interesting, but sometimes too lengthy novels. I have read the majority of her tomes. DEMON COPPERHEAD presents the young boy, Damon, born to a teenage drug addict. The reader witnesses Damon terrible life with his young mother and then move to a foster care farm house. Damon constantly tries to be a better individual for his mother and for his friends, but life gets in the way. As many gifted people, Damon finds his niche in drawing and in sports. But trouble follows Damon like his shadow. Kingsolver’s writing style does not work well with the long, long novel. A reader falls behind and then hurries to catch up. Could not wait for the story to end.
Gerry
Country People by Daniel Mason
4.5 stars. COUNTRY PEOPLE is something of a mid-life coming-of-age story. (Is there such a thing?) Miles and Kate met in grad school, fell in love, married, and brought two children into the world. Some twelve years later, while Kate's career is thriving, Miles is still working on his dissertation, having changed topics more times than he can count. When Kate is offered a visiting professorship at a prestigious small college on the other side of the country, Miles is happy to pull up stakes and move the family from California to the woods of Southern Vermont. There, he thinks, he will finally move on with his research and writing, and finish his dissertation. Until, that is, he encounters strange occurrences and even stranger neighbors.
Debbie
When Christmas Comes by Andrew Klavan
WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES by Andrew Klavan is a recommendation from my cousin. Klavan’s writing style shines in this short novel. The reader feels the coldness of the winter and experiences the joy and hope of Christmas. One character appears in his random notes about his life. At first, no indication emerges as to the identity of this individual, but soon, Cameron Winter enters as the writer. We learn through Cameron’s musings that he is a poor little rich boy that grew up in a cold and heartless home. Now Cameron, a college professor, teaches literature. Cameron also has a uncanny sense of aiding in solving crimes. A local school librarian is murdered, and her boyfriend confesses to her murder.
Gerry
The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison
4.5 stars. Jonathan Evison puts the "real" in realistic fiction. In each of his books, he creates characters and places them in settings and situations that are so completely realistic that the reader recognizes them as familiar people dealing with issues and emotions we've all experienced, or certainly could expect to. This latest novel features an older couple, Abe and Ruth, looking back over their lives as Ruth copes with a serious illness and Abe struggles to provide the care and support she needs. The novel recalls their first meeting, early dates, their marriage and the four children they brought into the world, interspersing these reminiscences with the ongoing story of Ruth's illness. Beautifully written and deeply compassionate.
Sandy
The First Day of Spring by Nancy Tucker
I had a kind of love/hate relationship with this book. One moment I loved it and one moment I hated it. Most of all, I loved it!
Gerry
The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian
THE AMATEUR is written in the first person as a memoir by a female novelist looking back on her past, and the author has noted that in many ways this is for him an autobiographical novel. The main character and narrator is Mira, a high schooler and competitive golfer who seemed to have a glorious life ahead of her, until the day she hit a golf ball that killed a seventeen-year-old caddy who was hanging out nearby. But perhaps that glorious life was a mirage after all; Mira reveals quite early in the novel that she's sleeping with a 47-year-old married man, and has been doing so regularly since she was fifteen. This incident from her past (and other incidents as well) clearly haunt her for the rest of her life. Listen to Carol's interview!
Gerry
That Summer by Jennifer Weiner
This is a well-written novel with some important and timely themes. The main characters are two women, but we meet the first when she was a 15-year-old girl working as a mother's helper on Cape Cod during the summer before tenth grade. Something happens that shakes her, and she returns home at the end of the season somewhat changed, more withdrawn, but telling her parents that everything's fine. The second woman is introduced as the wife of a wealthy lawyer, and the mother of a 13-year old daughter. The events that bring these two women together introduce a thread of mystery that the author spools out slowly and quite effectively.
Gerry
When Mikan Road Was Ours by D. K. Furitani
2-1/2 stars rounded up for this "Winner of Simon & Schuster’s Books Like Us contest, a gripping, earnest debut novel set across four generations of a Japanese American family, exploring California’s vibrant agricultural heartlands, the sharp edges of inheritance and what it means to truly belong." I learned a lot I had not known about the conditions under which Japanese people, many of them U.S. citizens, were imprisoned as "enemy aliens" during WWII, and for that, I appreciate the opportunity to read this novel.
Gerry
The Astral Library by Kate Quinn
Kate Quinn clearly has a mission here, and it's one I happily support: to promote the value of public libraries and to push back against recent trends that threaten them, especially groups promoting the removal of books they consider inappropriate for public consumption and those who seek to privatize and monetize government-sponsored institutions. But as an enticing read, this novel failed for me, as none of her historical fiction has before. The world-building in this fantasy is very limited, the characters flat caricatures, the dialog and plot often silly, and the preachiness of the final chapters just annoying. I stuck with it to the end just to see where it would go, but sadly, it didn't improve.
Gerry
I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes With Death by Maggie O'Farrell
The publisher's blurb notes say O'Farrell wrote this book for her daughter, who lives with a severe and life-threatening autoimmune disorder. It's a memoir of sorts, about a series of events in O'Farrell's own life that brought her close to death. The events are described in a sequence that seems random, moving back and forth in time, leaving the most serious and threatening to the last couple chapters. Beautifully written, with incisive descriptions of O'Farrell's sensory experiences and emotional reactions, this memoir carries an important message, not just for O'Farrell's daughter, but for her readers, too. O'Farrell's emphasis is on the life message she takes from all these events: the importance life, never taking it for granted.
Gerry
London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth by Patrick Radden Keefe
"A spellbinding account of a family devastated by the sudden death of their nineteen-year-old son, only to discover that he had created a secret life which drew him into the dangerous criminal underworld that lies beneath London’s glittering surface." This turned out to be a bit different than I'd expected, with less about the family and more about the criminal underworld in London, which appears to be quite international in scope, and populated not just by common thieves and grifters, but by men with immense wealth and power. Patrick Radden Keefe spent more than two years interviewing and researching for this book, and the result is a deeply detailed account of Zac's masquerade as the son of an oligarch, and its sad consequences.
Gerry
Song for Another Home by Bora Lee Reed
SONG FOR ANOTHER HOME is a beautifully-written family story set in 1950-51 after China entered the Korean War. Told mostly from the perspectives of two teenage cousins, it's a story of displacement, adaptation, and survival, or in the author's words, "the ways in which families torn asunder look for ways to be, if not whole again, at least strengthened." The narrative is structured around the seasons, with alternating chapters focused on cousins Oksoon and on Junho, showing both their struggles and their amazing resilience. I found all the characters quite relatable and sympathetic, and the novel as a whole an engaging portrayal of both the suffering caused by war and the tenacity and adaptability of the noncombatants who bear its burdens.
Gerry
Woodworking by Emily St. James
WOODWORKING is a novel set in the small town of Mitchell, South Dakota, in 2016. It's a story about identity, gender, the awkwardness of growing up, and the love between friends. The two main characters are Erica Skyberg, a 35-year old HS English teacher, secretly a transgender female but still living as Mr. Skyberg, and Abigail, a 17-year-old student and the first transgender student in the school. Abigail is defiantly proud of her status as a transwoman and a liberal thinker in this conservative community, but secretly wishes she could just hide her past and be left alone, both by those who taunt her and those who seek to protect her. Erica sees Abigail as something of a role model, as she continues to struggle with her hidden identity.
Gerry
Whistler by Ann Patchett
This is a novel about people, and especially about the deep connections we can forge that can withstand long separations, and the memories we carry about the smallest of moments. Daphne is 53 years old and is spending the day with her husband Jonathan before he leaves on a trip. They are visiting the Met, when Jonathan realizes that an older man appears to be following them. Daphne would prefer to ignore this, but Jonathan can't resist going to talk with the man, who turns out to be Daphne's stepfather, a man she hasn't seen in over 40 years since his sudden divorce from her mother. This unexpected reunion brings back some puzzling memories and questions Daphne hasn't resolved, but also brings the joy of reunion. Best book of the summer!
Gerry
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
4.5 stars. This family story set in Kerala, India, occurs mostly over the course of less than two weeks, but also includes events from the past interwoven with the present. At the center of the story are “two-egg twins,” a boy and a girl being raised by their mother in her parents’ home in a small village after she and her husband divorced. Much of the story is told from their perspective as 7-year-olds, too young and inexperienced to understand and interpret the words and actions of the adults around them, though not too young to react to them. It’s clear from early in the book that something terrible will befall them, but the suspense builds slowly until the heartbreaking reveal.
Roy won the 1997 Booker Prize for this, her first novel.
Gerry
Foreign Correspondence: A Pen-Pal's Journey From Down Under to All Over by Geraldine Brooks
Geraldine Brooks mentioned this memoir when she spoke recently at the Free Library of Philadelphia about her more recent memoir, MEMORIAL DAYS. I requested this from inter-library loan because it was the only book of hers I had not read. As always, her writing is beautiful, and this story of her growing up in Australia, her feelings of isolation from the larger world, and her reaching out to pen pals from around the world was consistently engaging. As an adult and a seasoned and well-traveled journalist, she decided to reconnect with these voices from her past, and this book was the fascinating result. Very enjoyable reading!
Gerry
The Women in White by Sarah Pekkanen
Narrated in dual timelines in the 1960s and present day, this is a mystery involving paranormal research at a Virginia university. Some 60 years later, Betty, one of four female research subjects, is living alone and in need of a caregiver. Betty asks he young woman she hires to search for the other research subjects. Moving back and forth between stories of the experiments the women were subjected to in the 1960s and Riley's search for the women in the present day, the story held my interest for the most part, but began to lose me a bit as the search dragged on and introduced multiple red herrings potential suspects, so that it only grew more puzzling as the story progressed. Excellent narration by Saskia Maarleveld.
Gerry
Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon
3-1/2 stars. Nancy Wake's story of smuggling people, documents, arms, and money in and out of France, becoming one of the most powerful leaders in the French Resistance, is certainly interesting and well worth reading. So I did enjoy this book, but I take issue with the author's choice to go back and forth among interwoven timelines (all within less than a decade), rather than telling her story in straightforward chronological order. I puzzled over the question of how this young female freelance journalist managed to enlist in the British SOE's effort to support the French Resistance and become so proficient at assessing groups of resistors to determine whether they warranted British support (arms and money), distracting me from the plot.
Rose
The Great Wherever by Shannon Sanders
4 of 5 stars. Aubrey Lamb is grieving her father's death when she receives the news that she has inherited a family farm in Tennessee. Since her life in DC is at a standstill, she views this as a possible opportunity to get out of debt, if she can sell the farm. Aubrey travels to TN where she learns the family history of how the farm came to be in the family. This is also a ghost story, as ghosts tell their tale of their right to the land. As Aubrey and her relatives realize the signifcance of their family's story and the farm's history, they have to come to some decisions. A unique story. I enjoyed it.
Rose
The Anniversary by Alex Finlay
4,5 of 5 stars. This was one of my favorite Finlay thrillers. Jules Delaney is a popular high school teen. She is acquainted with Quinn Riley. But on May 1, 1992, their lives changed when Jules was brutally attacked and mysteriously released by the May Day Killer. Quinn is arrested for breaking up a fight that results in a serious injury to someone. After a year in juvie, Quinn returns home to find that his mother's murder is unsolved. For the next 10 years, the novel revisits Jules and Quinn on May 1. It follows their lives as they try to understand what really happened on May 1, why Jules was spared, who killed Quinn's mother, and the reason for it all. I was immersed in the story from the beginning.
Terry
Night Music by Jojo Moyes
Good book, many stories of different lives, sometimes interwoven.
Rose
Good Joy, Bad Joy by Mikki Brammer
I loved THE COLLECTED REGRETS OF CLOVER, so I was really excited to read this book. It was very different, but quite a delight to read. Joy has been a good person her entire life. Her best friend, Helen, who was the more adventuresome of the pair, gives Joy some bad news. Helen has only a few months left to live. Helen has no regrets because she has lived her life to the fullest. Joy takes a page from Helen's book and decides to become more adventurous. She begins doing minor things, and feels emboldened to be more drastic. She even does some petty crime, and tells Helen all about her adventures. Helen delights in hearing Joy's new zest for life. A fun and funny novel. Mikki Brammer is a must-read for me!
Liz
A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner
This dual timeline story goes back and forth following the lives of two women who are connected by a scarf. Taryn’s journey takes place in Manhattan in September 2011 after the horrific devastation of 9/11. Clara’s journey is also in NY but on Ellis Island where she is a nurse after the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. The story is well told about love, loss and sacrifice. My only issue with the way it was written is the dual timeline. I much prefer, as do most of my friends, a book that goes from start to finish; something is always lost when when you go back and forth in time.
Rose
Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise
This was billed as reminiscent of Colm Toíbín novels, and I agree that it had similarities. Saoirse is a young girl escaping a bad childhood in Michigan. When she had an opportunity to escape, she did, assuming an identity and moving to the coastal town of Donegal, Ireland. She is now an artist, living happily with her partner and two daughters. Her artwork is noticed during an exhibition in Dublin, and her newfound fame brings scrutiny around her identity. Secrets about her past life begin to surface, and her carefully curated life begins to unravel, threatening her freedom. I enjoyed this novel and will look for more from Hurtubise.
Betty Jo
Whistler by Ann Patchett
A wonderful story about the power of love.
Rose
The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts by Robert Thorogood
I have followed the Marlow Murder series from the beginning, and I have been curious about Judith and her marriage. This book provides some insights into Judith and her husband. Celebrities are being killed and Judith and her sidekicks, Suzie and Becks, team up again to untangle the mystery. Their police contact is suspended, so the team must work without police approval. Meanwhile, Judith's past is threatening her independence and the secrets she has worked to conceal for years.
I was a bit surprised at some of the twists!
Rose
Marguerite by the Lake by Mary Dixie Carter
This was almost a 4-star read for me, but the ending was so odd that it dropped by a point.
Marguerite is a socialite and is known for her famous gardens at Rosecliff. She was also the inspiration for the painting "Marguerite by the Lake". At one of her infamous garden parties to launch her latest book, a storm topples a tree, and Phoenix, their gardener, warns Marguerite's husband, Geoffrey, of the danger, saving his life. Thus begins an interaction between Phoenix and Geoffrey that leads to an affair. Marguerite becomes suspicious of Phoenix and grows distant from her.
When a tragedy occurs, Phoenix wonders if she will be implicated and what this will do to her relationship with Geoffrey. Bizarre ending.
Rose
The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston
I always enjoy Ashley Poston's novels. They have a bit of magical realism mixed with romance. Sophie Drear accepts a temporary position as head gardener at Lilymoor House in Maine, a place she and her best friend, Harriet, planned to revisit 10 years after their initial visit. However, Harriet has died and Sophie is grieving. As Sophie works to restore the gardens for its grand reopening party, she discovers a secret garden and a man trapped inside. The man is Rus, the nephew of the owner, Eula Beck. Eula is grieving her husband's death and trying to determine which of her nephews, Rus or Oliver, will take over the property when she retires. Sophie realizes that Rus can't leave the garden until the night of the party. Sweet romance.
Rose
Rules for Aging and Larceny by Julia London
What do you do when you are 70 and have been told you have a terminal disease? Well, you reach out to your 3 former best friends and plan a heist to spice things up! This is exactly what Frances does. She convinces her friends, Joan, Edie, and Irene, to join her in one last heist. They had planned and executed heists when they were younger, but after Edie's husband threatened to turn them in, the friends became estranged. Now their target is Rocco Vitali, a Crypto scammer. Edie’s beloved granddaughter just lost everything to him, and the friends vow to get it back. This is a fun novel with themes of friendship, forgiveness, and a bit of revenge.
Rose
First and Forever by Lynn Painter
This is a cute romance about a fan and a football player. Duffy gets into an altercation with the team mascot and becomes fodder for internet hate. Determined to restore her image, she agrees to an interview on a morning show. A star football player, Connor, joins the interview and the two have a sparring match. The interview is a hit with fans, and the team's PR department convinces Connor to ask Duffy on a date. The two really enjoy each other's company and continue seeing each other. Connor is kind to Duffy and her ill father, a huge fan. When Duffy finds out that this was originally a PR stunt, she is dismayed and thinks their romance was all for show. This romance had many tender moments and was an easy, enjoyable read.
Rose
Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain
2018: Morgan Christopher is offered a lifeline. She is in prison for a crime she did not commit. She is given a chance to get out of prison and restore a piece of artwork. She isn't an art restorer, but she jumps at the chance. As she cleans the work under a strict deadline, she uncovers the piece's history, which reveals a secret. 1940: Anna Dale was selected as the winner of a contest to paint a mural in the small town post office. She is excited but doesn't realize the anger and jealousy of the local artist who was not selected. As she creates the scene, she works with some teen artists to assist her. She embeds secret details that tell of the horror she experienced. As always, Chamberlain creates a vivid narrative. Wonderful.
Rose
Someone Else's Husband by Kimberly McCreight
I enjoy McCreight's novels. She always surprises me with a twist! Gretchen and Richard seem happily married, living a life of wealth and privilege. Richard and his college friends usually take an exotic trip, but Gretchen asks him not to go this time. The trip is to Mt. Kilimanjaro, and a beautiful female artist, Frankie, is accompanying the men. Sadly, one of the group dies. After the trip, the police come to their door, evidently Frankie has been killed, and Richard is arrested. Gretchen realizes there is more to the story of Richard and Frankie, and the twists in the novel will surprise you, especially the final one! Always a thrill ride!
Rose
So Old, So Young by Grant Ginder
I didn't love THE PEOPLE WE HATE AT THE WEDDING, so I was hesitant to read this novel, but I did enjoy it. It follows six college friends over two decades. It primarily centers on Marco and Mia and their love story, which has its ups and downs. Sasha and Theo, and Richie and Adam are also featured. All three of the couples change over the years and experience life's many changes.
It is a reflective story on adulthood, love, family, friendships, life, and death. It is very realistic in its portrayal of expectations, failures, and missed opportunities. I really enjoyed it.
Rose
The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman
I really didn't like this book. I don't watch "The Bear", but I have watched many food/cooking shows.
Aunt Orsa's restaurant is expecting a VIP for dinner. It is a highly regarded restaurant, but on this important day, they find that 22 rib-eye steaks are missing. The novel then focuses on various characters at the restaurant and their stories. It tries to place suspicion on each person working there. Everyone is a suspect. This book had promise, but I didn't get it. I say skip it.
Rose
So Happy Together by Olivia Worley
I didn't expect this story based on the title and the cover. It is a story of obsession and revenge.
Jane is sure that she and Colin are meant to be together forever, so she is shocked when he breaks up with her. She later attends his birthday party, invited by his new girlfriend, Zoe. Even after seeing them together, she is convinced he will return to her. Jane does all sorts of things to gain Colin's affection. After she sneaks into his apartment and makes a horrifying discovery, she isn't sure if she knows the real Colin. There are some surprising twists in this one. Creepy!
Jane
Best Dad in the Galaxy by James Sylan Russell
Reading this book can help you walk through Alzheimer's with some suggestions, and also help you feel not alone in situation.
Rose
Go Gentle by Maria Semple
I liked this book so much better than WHERE'D YOU GO, BERNADETTE! I was hesitant to read it, but I am glad I did. Adora is a philosopher, works as a tutor for the wealthy Lockwood family. Now divorced, and an adoring mom to Viv, she has put together a coven of women on her apartment floor. As single women, they join together to share expenses, i.e. groceries and other amenities to take advantage of specials. The women live contentedly. But one night at the ballet, she meets a handsome man, Digby, and is surprised when he pursues her. However, he needs her help with a plot. The story gets crazy! There is art, an "arms" deal, possibly a plot for ammunition and C4, and so much more craziness. Pretty hilarious, and silly and overall fun.
Rose
No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding by Catherine Mack
Book 2 of the series. Eleanor is attending her best friend Emma's wedding on Catalina Island, but things go awry very quickly. Emma stars in the movie adaptation of Eleanor's first novel, "When in Rome". The groom is her co-star, Fred, who plays Connor, Eleanor's ex. When Emma receives a note claiming that "someone is going to die at the wedding", everyone is cautious. Then people do start dying and Eleanor needs to figure out who is the murderer before more die - especially as they are trapped on the island due to a storm. A lot of red herrings, but overall a fun read.
Rose
Nine Lives by Catherine Steadman
Frankie is a recent divorcée and has moved to a London neighborhood with her cat, Blue, one of the only things she took from her marriage. Blue gets out one day and when he returns, Frankie finds a note etched into his collar, asking for help. Frankie is concerned and wonders who needs help and why. So, she finds a cat cam collar and starts recording Blue's forays. She is spying on her neighbors, learning their secrets, and someone is not going to like it! While she knows that the person needing help is near, she can't quite determine where, and she begins suspecting various neighbors. The truth is more terrifying than you would think! A scary thriller.
Jane
Scent of Peril by Darlene L. Turner
Danger abounds. A small boy abducted, a crooked cop, a K9 dog, and a ranch set the scene. Mistakes and forgiveness occur. God is with them in the storms of life. You never know how close the enemy is. Taylor was sent to find an abducted boy who is his son. Wyatt Hoyt is the dad. I hadn't read one of Darlene 's books in a long time, but I have loved every one. All "Love Inspired Suspense" books will keep you up and reading. Love the cover. God bless Darlene.
Rose
Under Water by Rachel Callaghan
While renovating a home in Pennsylvania during Covid lockdown, Iris and her husband, Benny, discovered the body of an infant. Iris is determined to understand what happened, so she researches the house's history for clues. She discovers the story of Aoife, an Irish immigrant who tried to keep the farm while her husband fought in the Civil War. Thomas, a free Black man, helped her on the farm. Thomas's wife was jealous of their friendship, and after it deepened, his wife made demands that Aoife and Thomas had to accept. This closely aligns with Benny and Iris's story, allowing them to deal with their grief and past hurts. It also links the couple to the past through the woman Iris used for historical research help. Beautiful narration.
Rose
26 Beauties by James Patterson
I love the Women's Club and all the characters! It is a quick read and I feel like I know them after 26 books. At a celebration honoring Claire as ME of the year, someone crashes the party demanding to speak to Cindy, the investigative reporter. He claims his daughter is missing. Lindsay wonders how this missing girl is tied to the deaths of other young women recently murdered in San Francisco. The connection? They are all beautiful. Naturally, these cases also tie into Yuki's court case. I enjoy how these women lead separate careers but all come together to help each other. Strong women!
Rose
How Freaking Romantic by Emily Harding
A fun and witty romance! Bea is an aspiring lawyer, trying to make her way into a prestigious firm. Her best friends are getting divorced, and Bea, taking her female friend's side, barges into the opposing counsel's office to defend her friend and denounce the alimony petition he crafted. Thinking that was the end of it, Bea is surprised when Nathan/Nate appears at her NYU Law office as an adjunct professor. Now, she must work with him! She is determined to hate him, but over the course of their meetings and talks, they become friends. Nate comes to Bea's aid a few times, and they realize they are falling for each other. If Bea is with Nate, is she betraying her friend? And why did the marriage end? I enjoyed this one!
Rose
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel which followed the lives of two families in Ohio beginning in WWII and over the next decades. Cal Jenkins is married to Becky, and they have a son, Skip. When WWII ends, Margaret Salt, comes into the shop, asking him to confirm the victory in Europe. They share a moment which changes them. Felix Salt, is serving in the war. Margaret was abandoned at birth. Becky has a connection to the dead, people seek her help to contact loved ones, but Cal is uncomfortable. Cal was unable to serve. Felix has a secret. Cal and Margaret begin a secret affair, while Felix is away. Felix returns, the affair ends. The Salts have a son, Tom.
Families navigate life, war, loss, love, forgiveness. Engrossing.
Melinda
The Lost Girls of Willowbrook by Ellen Marie Wiseman
I just loved this book. It for sure kept my attention page after page. This was a book I didn't want to end.
Roe
A Pair of Aces by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
Loved this book, aquick, engaging read. Great character development. Made me want to know more about these two amazing women and the challenges they overcame.
Amy
This is Happiness by Niall Williams
I usually love the books Ann Patchett recommends, so I was really looking forward to THIS IS HAPPINESS. Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me. I found it incredibly slow and, honestly, pretty boring. The writing is beautiful, but I never connected with the story or the characters.
Karen
The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout
Strout doesn't disappoint with one of her best novels yet. The story centers around a teacher named Artie Dam. Strout's exquisite writing takes the reader through the emotional highs and lows of Artie's relationships with family, friends and students. There's a lot to unpack in this book, which makes it an excellent choice for book groups.
Lesley
The Austens by Sarah Emsley
A delightul read! I didn't want it to end. Other books have explored Jane Austen's romantic life or her relationship with her sister Cassandra. This novel explores other Austens, in particular her brother Charles who served in the Royal Navy and his young wife Fanny. We learn about the relationship Jane has with her sister-in-law who lived in Bermuda and Halifax. We also get glimpses of how Jane Austen worked and imagined her novels, from the first to the last. I highly recommend this one!
Luella
God Won't Leave You There by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright
This was a beautifully-written book of Joseph's story. It's comforting and leaves you with a sense of peace.
Luella
The Art of Vanishing by Morgan Pager
An enchanting read. It's a mystery and a sweet love story. A janitor works in a museum and is able to "cross over " into a world more than a century apart. Somehow it works.
Vicki
A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena
This audio definitely kept me interested. This is the third book of read by this author and I have enjoyed all of them.
Jessie
Heaven's Graveyard by Grace Curtis
Regrets, scholarly obsession, war tensions, abandoned relationships, religion and myths: I loved HEAVEN'S GRAVEYARD and all of its themes. I read this novel before IDOLFIRE, which takes place thousands of prior, so figuring out the world of HEAVEN'S GRAVEYARD took some doing, but I didn't figure I was missing much as this book was set so far in the future. I had to take a break after a certain unexpected event in the novel, but I finished it all in one go today. I'm really interested in reading IDOLFIRE now, at the very least to see what had changed from the past vs. present.
Beth
The Names by Florence Knapp
First, THE NAMES is marketed incorrectly as a story about how one's name can change the course of his (in this case) and his loved ones lives. In fact, this book is about a monster and how his reaction to certain names for his son affected the lives of his wife and daughter and, of course, his son. So I was unhappy with THE NAMES for the first three chapters, even as I wanted to read more. I wasn't going to rate it more than two or three stars in spite of all the raving reviews of it. But the more I read, the more I wanted to read. Then I understood all the raves.
Sean
City of Thieves by David Benioff
I'm a big fan of historical fiction, especially those set in Russia. This story by David Benioff, is set in WWII and has such a different tone that I was unprepared for. The book, like most from this era, is dark, violent, sad, and weirdly very funny. The character of Kolya is hilarious. The book serves as a coming-of-age story as main character Lev and new co-conspirator Kolya embark on a ridiculous journey that is fraught with everything imaginable. The book did a great job with the imagery and depressive atmosphere. The relationship between Lev and Kolya is great, but the book did seem so preoccupied with sex in the strangest of times. It was so funny though, making the tone uneven but enjoyable. Overall, one of a kind and enjoyable.
Chet
God's Country by William Kent Krueger
I was able to get my hands on an ARC of Kent Krueger's latest Cork O'Connor mystery, GOD'S COUNTRY, and it amazed - but didn't surprise - me that we're 22 books into the series and I'm still using superlatives to describe a new Cork book. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - "God's Country" to many of us in the northland, though the name is used ironically here - is the setting for the darkest entry yet in this series, a story that plumbs the ugliest and most unforgiving depths of our hero's soul when he crosses paths with two of the most brutal killers he's ever encountered. Kent continues to raise the bar.
Debbie
The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian
THE AMATEUR stands as a haunting and disturbing look at a teenager in 1978. Mira Winston boldly narrates her life filled with sex with older men, her excessive use of marijuana, cocaine and alcohol. Why does her stay-at-home mother does not notice the deviant behavior of her daughter. Is Mrs. Winston too involved in her own illicit affair with a neighbor? Mira begins her affair when she is only 15, and the affair ends abruptly when a neighbor sees Mira and Theo at a motel. Nick Foster reports to Mira’s father the terrible behavior of Mira. Before starting college, Mira accidentally hits a golf ball that kills a caddie, Kenny Foster. Mira narrates the story of her troubled life as a privileged and spoiled girl.
Susan
The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout
It's Elizabeth Strout. Say no more! Heartfelt people trying to do the right thing. One of her best, but her worst is worth more than so many others. Strout's protagonist becomes the epitome of sadness when the worst is revealed to him, yet he, and his son and daughter-in-law, struggle to put the pain behind them. To seek life. Real people, real situations, real emotion.
Tessa
Things I Wish I Told My Mother by Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo
After her mother has a heart attack, Laurie suggests they take a trip together to recuperate. The story follows the adventures, misadventures, arguments, tours, feasts and friends they make during the two-week journey to Paris and Norway. It’s an enjoyable, quick, feel-good read – just the kind of book you want to take on a vacation.
Rosemarie
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
I devoured this as an audiobook in 9 days. It was just so engrossing, funny, sad at times but the story was enthralling! I deliberately did the audio because I wanted to hear the accents and they nailed each character! Dear author, please do not wait so long to write another novel!!
Donna
Trouble Was by Charlotte Edwardes
Taking place during the severe heatwave in the summer of 1976 England, this coming-of-age tale is narrated by nine-year-old Frank. As Frank, his two younger siblings and their mother move in with their aunt, the reader experiences mental illness, economic inequality, and family neglect through the innocent eyes of a child. My heart was shattered as these three children tried to live their lives simply as children while everyone and everything around them seemed to be against them. Ms. Edwardes has penned a raw, heartbreaking debut reminding us of the resilience and imagination of children.
