This contest period's winners were Cynthia V., Michelle T. and Nora P., who each received a copy of ABSOLUTION by Alice McDermott and LET US DESCEND by Jesmyn Ward.
Rose
What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall
Three young girls, 11 years old, best friends, went into the woods, but one didn't come out, at least not without help. Now years later, Naomi, Liv, and Cass are struggling with the lies they told about that fateful day in the woods. The man accused of hurting Naomi has died in prison, and now the memories of that day are resurfacing. But, the scars from that day, and the secrets they kept are haunting them, and causing them to be in danger. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the young girls were playing a dangerous game, and someone knew and used this against them. Friendship, family, and betrayal all play a part in this twisty thriller.
Richard N B
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
Bradbury was a master of suspense and sci-fi. Here he turns his imagination loose on every child’s dream – and nightmare. Who doesn’t love to be scared on a carnival ride? Like the best roller coaster, Bradbury S-L-O-W-L-Y drew me up the incline of suspense, dropped me into terror, and then evened out to let me catch my breath, only to realize there was another, steeper, incline ahead. When, finally, the ride was over I was giddy with relief…and wanted to “go again!”
Wendy
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
I was totally immersed in this story. It is multi-layered and the characters are well developed. There are two distinct parts to the story told in different parts of the main characters life. Both narrations are wonderful! It’s the best thing I’ve read yet this year!
Clare
Nights of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty
These short stories come together to form a novel about one native family across the decades of protagonist David's life. Each story/chapter asks the question: what does it mean to be Penobscot Indian in the 21st century? While the characters remain in an existential state of stagnation, hoping for an answer to fix things for the family -- an end to poverty, addiction and hopelessness. Each chapter presents a central metaphor that is beautiful and as the chapters progress. The metaphors echo each other to depend their resonance. A thoughtful, compelling collection.
Karan
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Loved this book. A sad look at the foster care system as told from the child’s point of view - heartbreaking at times.
Rose
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley
Sweet story about friendship. Tanner is bitter. She was a soccer star at college until she suffered a major injury to her leg. Now, she is angry with her best friend and her family since she can't afford to return to Northwestern and her dream of playing. She takes a job as a caregiver for an elderly woman, Louise Wirt. What Tanner doesn't expect is a trip across the country, where she and Louise are wanted for a series of crimes. This is a funny, sweet, endearing story of an unlikely friendship, with a lesson on how important friends are, and how they come through for you when you most need it.
Jane
On Fire Island by Jane L. Rosen
This book was told from Julia, 37 years old, in her afterlife. It was funny and sad at the same time. I didn't know if I wanted to cry or laugh in places and I think I laughed until I cried and cried until I laughed in many places. I loved that she was observing her husband Ben and her friends on Fire Island and commenting and hearing her thoughts and being “there” with them. Poor Ben was so devastated but he had a lot of support (that's if he accepted it) from Fire Islanders (my word not the authors) and just wanted to be left alone with his grief. All the characters were good and the author gave ample space to all of them.
Nancy
Ana Turns by Lisa Gornick
Lisa Gornick’s novel is rich in psychological insight, bringing her characters into sharp focus, allowing readers to be transformed with Ana. It is refreshing to read about a character who has reached the end of her middle years, still young enough to alter the shape of her future. There are so many things that could be discussed by a book club.
Teresa
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
So many different stories are secretly intertwined, finally revealing their connections at the end. Each story is a novel in itself. The way Verghese weaves them together is masterful.
sherry
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
I loved this book. Once you start reading the book, you just want to continue. Good story, told very well.
Pat
The Midnight Library by Matthew Haig
Nora Seed gets a chance to redo life again and travels to the midnight library to determine a better life worth living.
Michelle
The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin
Wow was this good! I listened to the audio, read by the author herself, and from the first chapter I was pulled right in! I loved where she starts the story and how she tells it. And from there, you're on the edge of your seat, at times horrified, at times holding your breath waiting to see what happens next. You're rooting for her and feeling all her emotions. I loved hearing about her writing journey as well. What a story of perseverance! This memoir is exceptionally written. I now want to read everything Lara Love Hardin has helped write, and I can't wait to see what she writes next. One of the top memoirs I've read in 2023 for sure!
Julie
The Moonshiner’s Daughter by Donna Everhart
Set in Wilkes County, NC (the moonshine capital of the world) in the early 60s, THE MOONSHINER'S DAUGHTER is a captivating Southern historical fiction novel that tells a heart-wrenching coming-of-age story. As author, Donna Everhart, gives voice to her 16-year-old protagonist, this beautifully-written story transports the reader to another time and place evoking feelings of angst and compassion as she carries you along on this journey. This was my first novel by Everhart and it certainly won’t be my last!
Cynthia
The Women by Kristin Hannah
The greatest story of the women who went to Vietnam to work on soldiers at war and no one gave them credit or even believed they were there. Vets can be women too…emotionally daring and frustrating for them.
Jayme
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Horny teenagers who want to kill each other and fly dragons.
Elaine
Wait One: A Novel of Vietnam by Tom Deits
Is it a novel or is it a true story of Tom's year in Vietnam? In the years when whether one would be drafted depended on a lottery of one's number, so a decision of whether to enlist or be drafted was faced by many men who had turned 18. Tom ended up in the jungle with other young men and describes in detail what it was like. As I was a draft protester at that time, the Tom's details clarified what was happening during his year in that war and what it was like for those who served in it.
Jayme
Go As a River by Shelley Read
I can't believe this is a debut novel. The writing is exquisitely beautiful and the story was heart-wrenching and liberating. Highly recommend.
Gwen
Bobs, A Girl Detective by Grace May North
A 1928 book, this definitely has elements of the period. The story follows four sisters who lose the family home on Long Island because of unclear title issues (from their grandfather's purchase). The sisters move to the Lower East Side, reside in a mansion (very cheap!) while working at a settlement house and, yes, solving some mysteries. All's well that ends well, which is to say that each of the sisters marries exactly who you think they'll marry, and each remains true to herself.
Nancy
All the Children Are Home by Petry Francis
Beautifully-written story about a family in the 1960s/70s. The parents and their three foster children were living their lives when they took in a fourth child, an indigenous little girl who has a big impact on everyone. Deals with a number of sensitive subjects, include child and sexual abuse.
Gina
North Woods by Daniel Mason
A tremendous, imaginative, poignant, philosophical novel that is unlike anything you have read before. It is about a yellow house in the north woods of Massachusetts and its inhabitants over the centuries. Highly recommend.
Joy
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Loved this book and it is so much better than the series on Apple TV.
Mary Ann
Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
A perfect light read to get you into the holiday spirit!!
Gerry
My Broken Language by Quiara Alegria Hudes
I listened to the audiobook, read by the author, and found it very engaging. Hudes is the co-author with Lin Manuel Miranda of the Broadway hit In the Heights. This memoir is her coming-of-age story, from her early years divided between her Jewish father on suburban Philadelphia's Main Line and her Puerto Rican mother (and her extended family) in the urban barrio of West Philly and North Philly. She was haunted by the secrets of her mother's Santeria worship and the toll taken on her family as so many succumbed to the ravages of poverty, drugs, and AIDS, but grew to love and take pride in her heritage and the stories of her ancestors. Beautifully written and narrated, this is a story of family, of love, and of pain internalized.
Gerry
The Tennis Partner by Abraham Verghese
Though I absolutely loved this memoir, it's only fair to say up front that it's not a book I'd recommend to everyone. I'm sure some would find it slow, or even boring, with its extensive commentary on tennis techniques. I'm neither a tennis player nor a tennis fan, so much of that detail went right over my head. However, Verghese's power of observation is amazing, and his ability to translate his observations into beautiful prose, along with his willingness to share his own vulnerability and emotional responses, made this book a "must read" for me. I borrowed it from the library, but will likely purchase my own copy to re-read, something I very seldom do.
Gerry
The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin
A very interesting account of an event that was previously completely unknown to me. Though the characters are largely fictitious, the events described, and the deaths that resulted, are all too real. The blizzard that arose so suddenly on a day that started out balmy occurred at a particularly bad time, just as school children were being dismissed from school. This account focuses primarily on two sisters, both teachers, who took opposing courses; one told her students to run home as quickly as they could, while the other sheltered with the children in the schoolhouse, hoping to wait out the storm, until they were forced to leave or freeze to death in the building when there was no more fuel for the wood stove. Life-changing decisions!
Gerry
A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea: One Refugee's Incredible Story of Love, Loss, and Survival by Melissa Fleming
5 stars for content, 2 stars for writing. Doaa's story is compelling and tragic, and definitely worth reading. But as others have also noted, I found that the writing in this book seemed bland and simplistic, as if intended for a YA or juvenile audience. That quibble aside, the struggles of Syrians and so many other migrants from war-torn and impoverished countries needs to be more widely publicized so we citizens of privileged Western countries can develop the empathy needed to press our governments to work towards solutions.
Gerry
Learned by Heart by Emma Donoghue
I found this story of a young girl's coming-of-age in an Irish convent school to be an interesting but not compelling read, as I never felt fully connected with the characters. Didn't stand up to this author's previous work.
Gerry
A Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power
This is a powerful story that follows three generations of Native American girls/women and reflects on the impact of their encounters with whites who saw no value in their language, culture, or traditions. Highly recommended!
Shelley
Banyan Moon by Thao Thai
Well-written story of three generations of women who have survived difficult circumstances. The author really developed the emotional character of each one and their individual challenges.
Gerry
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Quite a ride! A mystery within an adventure story, THE HEAVEN & EARTH GROCERY STORE tells the story of a small Pennsylvania town in the early twentieth century, set mostly in the impoverished neighborhood of Chicken Hill, where Negroes and Jews lived peacefully together, isolated from and scorned by the larger and wealthier white society around them. But most of all, it’s a tribute to a man who served as a mentor and role model to the author in his own youth, and to the ideals that man espoused: inclusion, diversity, and service to others as the foundation of a good life.
Gerry
The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church by Rachel L. Swarns
In 1838, a group of America’s most prominent Catholic priests sold 272 enslaved people to save their largest mission project, what is now Georgetown University. In this powerful account, journalist, author, and professor Rachel L. Swarns follows one family through nearly two centuries of indentured servitude and enslavement to uncover the harrowing origin story of the Catholic Church in the United States.Through the saga of the Mahoney family, Swarns illustrates how the Church relied on slave labor and slave sales to sustain its operations and to help finance its expansion. This account is a well-written and informative account of one family's indomitable will to survive and thrive.
Gerry
The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman
I think I’d have connected more with this novel without all the mysticism and magical realism. The golem, the angels, the heron didn’t add to the emotional power of this story of Jewish children and young adults hiding in occupied France during WWII, and in fact, detracted from my understanding of the characters and their experiences.
Gerry
Goodbye, Eastern Europe: An Intimate History of a Divided Land by Jacob Mikanowski
An engaging and very accessible history of a part of the world that's unfamiliar to many westerners, though it's been very much in the news over the past few decades. The unique focus in this book is on common people, their daily lives, their folk tales and fables, their religious beliefs, heroes, and customs. He portrays Eastern Europe as a divided land, often fractured by wars and ethnic conflicts but never completely broken apart, a place where a huge variety of peoples, each with their own language and culture, often -- though certainly not always, or even most of the time -- managed to coexist and live in peace and tolerance. Much of the strife this region has seen has been prompted by outsiders seeking to expand their land and power.
Gerry
Unloose My Heart: A Personal Reckoning with the Twisted Roots of My Southern Family Tree by Marcia Edwina Herman-Giddens
This was a disappointing read. It was very poorly written and organized, with far too much random information that didn't drive the narrative forward. While the subtitle suggests a focus on the author's search for information about her ancestors' involvement in the slave trade, the bulk of the narrative was about her own civil rights activism, mostly centered in Birmingham. The story moved back and forth in time, interspersing hints about past history with long present-day explanations about how she found (or couldn't find) the relevant information, before finally presenting what facts she had pages later. Of most value was the story of the civil rights movement in Birmingham and other parts of the South during the 1960s.
Gerry
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
3-1/2 stars. I found the opening of this novel very odd, as if I’d come in at the middle of the story and had no idea what was going on. I had to go back and read the publisher’s blurb. From there, the first third of the book was very slow, but it finally captured my interest and I did enjoy most of the rest. The surprise of Lara’s last encounter with Duke felt off to me, though, and not consistent with the character I thought I’d gotten to know. The conclusion was just right. A very mixed review, I know. And I followed up by watching the excellent performance of "Our Town", with Paul Newman playing the stage manager.
Gerry
The Great Transition by Nick Fuller Googins
A fascinating, terrifying, and ultimately hopeful glimpse at the future of Earth after climate change has reached an acute crisis point, and finally people begin to come together to save themselves and the only home we have. Good character development, and a very well-developed post-Transition world. My only quibble is the author's invention of terminology with insufficient (or long delayed) explanation of its meaning. Though I don't expect to live long enough to see this sort of transition come to fruition, this novel almost makes me wish I could.
Gerry
Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond
Desmond makes a strong case for his contention that poverty exists in America by design, not by accident. Our economic, social, and political systems are structured to insure that the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. Americans have been fed a doctrine that blames the poor for their misery, and praises the wealthy for their hard work and financial smarts. Especially interesting is his comparison of the different kinds of subsidies the government provides, and identification of who most benefits from each of those. The wealthiest benefit from mortgage interest deductions, reduced capital gains and estate taxes, tax deferment through 529/Roth IRA and other financial instruments, to give a few examples that cost far more than welfare!
Gerry
Beyond the Shores: A History of African Americans Abroad by Tamara J. Walker
BEYOND THE SHORES tells the stories of African Americans who left their home country to live and work abroad. Each chapters is focused on a specific individual or group during a decade of the twentieth century, and is framed around significant events going on in the U.S. and the world at that time. In briefer interludes between those chapters, Walker includes some of her own family history, which also included international travel and opportunities to explore the world beyond the U.S. Just as their expat experiences were often eye-opening to these sojourners in different lands, so their stories opened my eyes to the discrimination that has existed (and still exists) both in this country and elsewhere toward those perceived as "other".
Gerry
Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo
A powerful and well-narrated story of an enslaved couple who escaped from slavery in Macon, Georgia, by posing as a young White man and his slave. Ellen was sufficiently light-skinned (being the product of two generations of rape by White enslavers) to pass as White; she disguised herself as a young man, with her arm in a sling and a bandage on her right hand to explain her inability to write, while William posed as the young man's enslaved servant. Later, William published the story of their escape as "Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom" and much of that narrative is further verified by contemporaneous documentation in newspapers and journals. Highly recommended!
Simonne
The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore
Well-written true story about the revolutionary Elizabeth Packard, in the late 1800s, a mother of six who was unjustly committed to an insane asylum by her minister husband. She fought a long battle for mental institution oversight and women’s rights.
Gerry
The Mistress of Bhatia by Sujata Massey
It's always enjoyable to spend time with Parveen Mistry, the first female solicitor in 1920s Bombay, as she investigates and solves complicated mysteries. This installment focused on issues of women’s rights, especially reproductive rights, which were extremely limited, but also general independence and the ability to work. Love this series!
MH
The Scribe of Siena by Melodie Winawer
The plot of this book is similar to OUTLANDER, but not as suspenseful. There are parts that rely on coincidence (a character being in the right place to witness a clue) that don’t ring true. I did enjoy the story but wished it had had more complexity.
Susan
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
Story/writing good, but difficult subject matter for me to read.
Gerry
Everyone Here is Lying by Shari Lapena
I picked this up because I was looking for an easy, entertaining novel that wouldn’t require great concentration, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. The title is perfect: virtually every character in this book is lying, hiding secrets that they fear will be revealed. A little girl is missing and police have multiple leads but no real evidence to go on. A massive search yields nothing, and every interview seems to lead to more possibilities and contradictions. Suspense continued to the very end. A perfect conclusion to a captivating read.
Gerry
The Address by Fiona Davis
This was an enjoyable read set in one of NY's landmark buildings, the Dakota apartment building in the Upper West Side. The story moved back and forth between the 1880s, when the building was first opened, and the 1980s when renovations in an apartment led to some unusual discoveries. I was disappointed to learn that many of the characters and events that I found most interesting were completely fictional, not based in fact at all. The ending also felt rather contrived to me, lowering my anticipated 4-star rating to only 3. It's generally not a good sign when multiple events and relationships need to be explained in detail in the closing chapters.
Gerry
My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray
Perhaps because I read this very soon after Ron Chernow's excellent biography of Hamilton, this novel seemed rather repetitive and didn't fully capture my interest. Lacking sufficient primary source material, the authors were forced to imagine much of Eliza Hamilton's emotional life, and for my taste, they were far too preoccupied with her sex life and angst over Hamilton's supposed betrayals which, aside from the affair with Mrs. Reynolds, seemed overblown and may or may not have been real. I did enjoy the later chapters of the book, covering the period after Hamilton's death, which was not included in any detail in Chernow's biography.
Gerry
Crow Mary by Kathleen Grissom
Crow Mary lived in the 19th century, and left her tribe at age 16 when a White man asked for her hand in marriage. She grew to love him and had three children with him. Their story is one of colliding cultures, and highlights the increasing pressure on Native Americans to give up their land, their beliefs, and their customs and adopt the ways of the Whites who showed so little regard for them.
Gerry
The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate: Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben
There was a lot of fascinating information in this book about how trees share resources, protect themselves from pests, and communicate with other trees. It seemed to get a bit repetitive, though, after the first several chapters, and toward the end I found myself skimming.
Paula
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
Thoroughly enjoyable! Loved the characters and flow of the story. Ending brought tears to my eyes Definitely recommend!
Gerry
Blood Lines by Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille
The latest thriller by Nelson DeMille and his son Alex is every bit as good as I’ve come to expect from this author. Set in present day Berlin, it features a resurgent white supremacist culture coming into conflict with German’s official stance of welcoming refugees from the Arab world and other areas. Scott Brodie and his former partner, Maggie Taylor have been assigned to work together on a case involving the murder of an American CID agent in Berlin. Higher ups want a quick resolution with minimal embarrassment for either German or US governments, and clues seem to provide just that. But Brodie is sure there’s more to the story, and goes rogue to pursue his own off-the-books investigation. Loved the sarcasm and bravado!
Kelly
Necessary Trouble: Growing Up at Midcentury by Drew Gilpin Faust
Excellent memoir of the troubled times mid century. Civil Rights movement, Vietnam, women’s rights. I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author.
Debbie
Christmas Mittens Murder by Lee Hollis
Three novella centering on murder and mittens, an amusing read. The first story by Lee Hollis and named "Death of a Christmas Mitten Knitter" brings many items into play such as pre-nupital agreements, kleptomania, and jealousy. One of the members of a local knitting group falls victim to death by a knitting needle. In the second novella, "Two Christmas Mittens", witchcraft spirits the story of a cheating professor finding a possessed mitten and falling victim to a tire stick. The third novella, "Murderous Mittens", has the victim hit on the head with a mitten covered bocce ball. I enjoyed two of the stories, but the witchy story flew out of my kettle. The new friendship formed between Cam and Cece in the last novella fell flat.
Debbie
Pocketful of Poseys by Thomas Reed
Death by starvation as opposed to other types of suicide. Why does Cinny Pose not go to neighboring Maine or Vermont instead of harshly starving herself? After all, Cinny survived Woodstock and many other outlandish adventures. The advance copy of this novel is tightly bound and one had to wrestle the book to actually read each page. Another fault rests in the lengthy chapters that endured for too many pages. Thomas Reed follows a misconception that every reader must find delight in the sex life and intimate secrets of all his characters. Jack Tingley projects an image of a middle-aged man caught up in expensive possessions. Brian Posey, Grace’s twin brother, struggles with his sexual identity.
Marilyn
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
Excellent read with twists and turns and the value of love and acceptance.
Rosa
Somebody's Fool by Richard Russo
I did not read the first two books in the North Bath series (NOBODY'S FOOL and EVERYBODY'S FOOL) but will definitely read them now after finishing this book. I loved EMPIRE FALLS and BRIDGE OF SIGHS - they made Richard Russo one of my all-time favorite authors. In SOMEBODY'S FOOL, Russo again shows his fantastic storytelling skill, making me entirely engaged and invested in what happens to the interesting cast: Peter Sullivan (son of Sully from the previous books), Raymer and Charice, Charice's twin brother Jerome, and various other lovable and not-so-lovable characters. It was laugh-out-loud funny at times and close-the-book-and-savor-the words at others. This was a gem.
Nancy
The Exchange by John Grisham
Disappointing because the book is billed as a follow-up to THE FIRM, when in reality it wouldn't have made any difference to the story if the names Joe and Sue were used instead of Abby and Mitch. The story itself is okay, which is the reason for the 4 stars.
Ann Marie
The Fragile Threads of Power by V. E. Schwab
I love V. E. Schwab and she did not disappoint with THE FRAGILE THREADS OF POWER.
Jeanne
The Pomegranate Gate by Ariell Kaplan
THE POMEGRANITE GATE by Ariel Kaplan is an intriguing fantasy that includes lots of Jewish history and folklore. This is not a favorite genre of mine, but I thought the author did a nice job with research and creating the characters. I thought it was slow-paced and hard to follow at times. I received an Advance Uncorrected Proof from the author and Kensington Publishing and these opinions are strictly my own.
Susann
The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede
A very uplifting read showing there still is much kindness in our world.
Linda
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell
Lucrezia, daughter of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, is young and innocent - not ready for an arranged marriage to a much older Duke of Ferrara in 1550s renaissance Italy. The downward spiral and intrigue of their relationship made me a captivated reader. Also, historical fiction is my favorite genre.
Stephanie
The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff
Loved it. Gorgeous writing, vividly describes the "wild" countryside as well as the "wild" feelings of the heart. Provides much food for thought. Not the book for someone who likes madcap adventures or non-stop action.
Agnes
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
This is a literary crime novel inspired by the final killing spree of a real-life serial killer. He was finally apprehended in 1978 after attacking young women at a Florida State University sorority house. This fictionalized account is told in alternating chapters from the point of two narrators: Pamela, the president of the sorority house and Ruth, a missing victim who lived in Seattle. Their stories connect through Ruth’s friend Tina, who travels to Florida when she hears of the latest attacks. She suspects the same man (The Defendant) is responsible for both tragedies, and works with Pamela to catch him. BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN is a really propelling story that I found hard to put down.
Cheryl
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman
It’s Christmas in England and the Murder Club has lost a friend. Don’t worry - they will help the police ID the murderer and bring drug lords to justice.
Francine
Finders Keepers by Stephen King
Fabulous sequel to MR. MERCEDES. Stephen King novels never disappoint.
Amy
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
I enjoyed this recent pick for my book club though it required extra dedication on my part to get through 700+ pages in time for our discussion. At times I was completely engrossed in the plot, which was set in India and spanned several generations of a family of characters who, for the most part, were very interesting and engaging. I found the book to be enlightening and I often looked up details about India and its culture that I was unfamiliar with. Personally, I wish the book was a tad shorter as I didn’t enjoy some of the medical aspects that the physician author included.
PJ
Tatum Comes Home by Mica Stone
I absolutely loved this book. What a wonderful adventure for Tatum and all the people he met on his adventure. And what an adventure it was!!! After Tatum takes an unexpected ride in the back of a strangers truck and ending up hours away from home. Fortunately everyone he meets loves him and wants to help him find his way home. I loved Tatum's 'diary' entries and could hear and see him thinking. I highly recommend this book for anyone that is an animal lover or loves an amazing positive read.
Eileen
The Armor of Light by Ken Follett
Exciting book that continues the saga that started with PILLARS OF THE EARTH. Very long but worth the effort.
Eileen
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylon
Good main storyline but too much detail about how honey is made by bees and also about transexual people and the processes of their transformations. The doctor's testimony should have sufficed to explain everything.
Elly
The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister
Clever approach to telling each cooking school participant’s story and how aromas evoked memories. The unexpected ingredients used in the dish were metaphors for the essential ingredients of life: compassion, gratitude, listening with an open mind, civility, respect, love. Our club meets for lunch. We each brought a dish to share that included an ingredient that reminded us of a memory. As we shared our dishes, we shared our story.
Frank
Vienna 1814: How the Conquerors of Napoleon Made Love, War and Peace by David King
Excellent historical account of the redistribution of European lands following the end of the Napoleonic wars. The ensuing geopolitical structure of Europe framed by the Congress of Vienna resulted to a great extent into the seed for the world wars. Reading the book helps to understand the current conflicts within the continent and the inherited contained aspirations of many of its nationalities and ethnic groups largely ignored at the Vienna Congress. Great read for history fans.
Tracy
A Most Intriguing Lady by Sarah Ferguson
Listened to this book on Audible because it was narrated by the author and it made so much more realistic. Loved the characters and the charisma Lady Mary Montague Douglas Scott showed in balancing being a proper Victorian Lady and being an intuitive detective in a man's world. Liked the relationship as it developed between Lady Mary and Colonel Walter Trefusis. Would definitely recommend this book.
Becky
Devil Makes Three by Ben Fountain
I very much disliked this book. It was too long by at least 100 pages. It was too disjointed as time, place, and characters jumped from page to page, even paragraph to paragraph with not even a line break to give the reader a clue to the jump. There was too much incomprehensible talk among the characters about Haitian politics and too many untranslated French words, phrases and sentences for this German-speaking American. I knew little about Haitian politics before I read this book and I am still in the dark. I often felt I needed to stop reading and consult Wikipedia’s version of Haitian history. Parts of the book were interesting and well written.
Francisca
No Land to Light On by Yara Zgheib
A young Syrian couple, expecting their first baby, is separated by the randomness of political decisions made by others. This hit close to home for me, as I know a couple in a similar situation. This is a book that made me think, and I’ll be pondering it for some time.
Wendy
The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
My book club picked this book for October 2023. I was excited to read it as I have long heard about the mysterious disappearance of Agatha Christie in the 1920s. De Gramont did a lot of research for the book apparently but I have my doubts about whether she discovered what actually happened. Also, there were several instances of mistakes in details (i.e. on one page a character is drinking coffee and on the next page she has tea in front of her) that bother me more than might other characters.
Sean
Across the Broken Bay by Flora J. Solomon
I really like historical fiction and reading about Americans stranded in the Philippines during WWII sounds very interesting. Unfortunately, the plot was generic and the characters more so. Protagonist Gina was incredibly unlikable and seemed so interested in the strangest things at the strangest times. There were so many opportunities for this to get intense but there was rarely intrigue or drama. Throw in a handful of plot holes and and obvious conclusion and you get an extremely lackluster outing. Overall, a depressingly bad read.
Liz
That Others May Live by Sara Driscoll
Meg Jennings is an FBI K-9 handler. One day she gets word that she and Hawk, her dog, must go to the site of a luxury hi rise that has just collapsed. It is their job to recover any survivors. This story has some twists and turns and is overall a good read, if at times it does get a bit technical. I would definitely read something by this author again, even though it is not my usual genre.
Leslie
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
Couldn't put this down! Beautiful story about a close mother daughter bond, and what the daughter learns about her mom and herself after her mother's passing. A beautiful setting, a little romance, and incredibly evocative descriptions of Italy. What more could you want?
Debbie
Before She Was Helen by Caroline B. Cooney
BEFORE SHE WAS HELEN by Caroline B. Cooney falls into that category as a book not to be avoided. I read the book in under two days since Cooney details life before rudeness, texting, etc. The main character, Clementine Eleanor Murray, has two other names: Clementine E. Lakefield and Helen Stephens. The reader must run through the story of the reasons for this dilemma. The high school basketball coach rapes Clemmie, and Clemmie must move to a school for unwed, pregnant girls. Clemmie never reveals how she became pregnant. The story jumps from Clemmie as a young woman to a woman in her 70s living in a retirement village in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Events jump fast and furious: drugs, stolen money, murder, reopening of a cold case.
Debbie
Be More Vegan by Niki Webster
BE MORE VEGAN by Niki Webster led me down a little trodden path that does not interest me. Niki Webster writes an interesting and informative book, but the vegan discipline requires ingredients not found in an ordinary kitchen. The jump to a plant-based diet sends shivers down my spine and longing to my stomach. Yes, vegan cuisine follows the requirements of a healthy diet, but who wants to omit all the delicious non-plant-based cuisine? No meat, no candy, no eggs, and no dairy! My primary food groups must disappear. No way!
Linda
To Hook a Star by Patsi Harvey
Kirsty Green was in a cab when a good-looking man hopped in. She had no idea who Dillon James was or that he was a big Hollywood star who was outrunning some fans. When her daughter Abi sees him, she knows instantly that he is the star of Dead Living movies and has him autograph her t-shirt. She thinks she will never see him again but fate intervenes. Dillon and Kirsty fly back and forth from California to Great Britain and both know this can’t go on. His work is in California and all of her family and friends are in Britain. Can she leave them to go to a new life for her and Abi in California?
Linda
The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy
As Cassie strolls along the beach, she has no idea she is about to meet her soulmate. She overhears a girl telling a guy it is over between them. The girl walks away but the guy sees Cassie. Tate is the blonde, well-built beach person. In addition, he is really a nice guy and he and Cassie hit it off but tell each other it’s just friendship. As the summer rolls on, their feelings grow and both know it’s not just friendship, but Cassie has to return to college in Boston and Tate plans to sail a friend’s boat to New Zealand. They think their summer fling will end, but does it have to?
Kimberley
Extraordinary Tales Book 1: Kinship by Aaron Kiepper
The author has captured this mystical journey of Sergit, his father Mezraen and powerful Lyla as they escaped the dictator Baron and traveled north. The threesome encounter foe, predators, strange lands and powerful allies. Their threesome grows and becomes a huge caravan of warriors. Well written, descriptive and intense, the reader is excited for the saga to continue.
Rose
Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
If you are looking for a novel where everyone sleeps with people that aren't their spouse, and are just despicable people - this is the novel for you. I suppose that with a title BAD SUMMER PEOPLE that was to be expected, but there was not one person in this novel with any redeeming quality. There were gossips, cheats, adulterers, and murderers. As wealthy NY families make their way to Fire Island for the summer, they play tennis and they have sex. Then someone gets killed. Who did it? You may be surprised.
Rose
The Wake-Up Call by Beth O'Leary
Izzy and Lucas work the front desk of a resort hotel. Izzy takes a chance and sends Lucas a note to meet her under the mistletoe at the Christmas party. When she shows up, he is kissing her roommate. So, Izzy decides that she despises Lucas. Meanwhile, the hotel is falling apart. When they find abandoned wedding rings, they compete to find the owners, and hopefully save the hotel by returning the rings. As they compete as rivals, they can't ignore the attraction - although they claim not to like each other. Ultimately, as with any romance, they finally realize that there was a big mistake - and they put their differences aside. Cute - but honestly, talk to each other instead of assuming things!
Rose
Diamond and the Eye by Peter Lovesey
Wise-cracking private eye Johnny Getz is helping Det. Peter Diamond on a case to solve the disappearance of an antiques dealer. As they investigate, Diamond wonders if there is more to the case than initially thought. At the center of the mystery is a painting. Septimus "Seppy" Hubbard, has disappeared, and his daughter, Ruby, hired Johnny Getz to find him. A dead body is discovered in Seppy's locked-up store, and now they have a murder investigation, vs. a missing persons case. There is another murder of an art restorer, which points Diamond and Getz in a different direction. The story is humorous while also being a homage to the private eyes of days and novels past.
Rose
Coyote Weather by Amanda Cockrell
A story of the 60s when the Vietnam War divided the nation. There were those who were drafted, those who volunteered, and those who objected. This is the story of a community that was affected by the war and the men who were drafted to serve. It also explored the volatility of the time - feminism rising, fighting for women's rights, birth control, cults, and drugs. I enjoyed the book as it helped me revisit the time and get a perspective of this era. However, I didn't like the characters.
Karen
The Enemy At Home by Kevin O'Brien
One of the best book of the year. It is about Nora and her family during WWII. The murders of women working for the first time affects Nora, and it will change her and her family lives forever.
Ginny
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
Who knew that Post Grape Nuts and Postum not only transformed American breakfasts but also made Marjorie Post one of the most wealthy women in America? A fascinating look at her life and the decades she lived through as well as the social scene of the time.
Rose
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
At a restaurant celebrating their 45th birthday, Josie Fair meets Alix Summer, who is also celebrating her 45th! They are birthday twins. When they meet again, Josie tells Alix she wants to tell Alix her story. Her story is that she was groomed as a young girl by an older man. Alix creates a podcast to tell the story. Josie tells a tale of her daughters, and her husband, eliciting sympathy from Alix. But, when Alix's husband goes missing after Josie has wormed her way into their lives and their homes, Alix becomes very nervous. When you read the ending of the book, you wonder - what did you read? Was Josie telling the truth? Was she a victim? Or, was she pulling the strings? Another great thriller from Lisa Jewell.
Tessa
The Painted Drum by Louise Erdrich
The significance of a particular, rare, drum is revealed in the novel. From the woman who discovers it in a dusty attic, to the current-day residents of the Ojibwe reservation, to the now-deceased grandfather who originally fashioned the drum, Erdrich gives us a story full of tradition, loss and love. I could have done without Faye’s storyline, however.
Anita
Love and Other Lies by Ben McPherson
This was an interesting, but disturbing psychological thriller. It takes place in Norway where a bomb explodes, and there is also a mass shooting at a summer camp for children. One family has a daughter who is there but her body is never found, and they can't figure out what happened to her. After a year there are many surprises. I thought the ending was predictable.
Dorothy
Fox Creek by William Kent Kruger
I have read and enjoyed many of his books. This one was not my favorite.
Beth
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
My first graphic novel. I enjoyed learning more about the Iranian revolution and the religious fanaticism that followed, but I would have preferred the story in a more traditional form.
Jane
Wyoming Hoofbeats by Susan Page Davis
I highly like Susan Page Davis books. I enjoyed Rachel and Matthew's story. Indians had killed Rachel's parents and took Rachel from her home. The Sioux we're not kind to her. They sold her to Arapaho tribe. The chief treated her with kindness. Matthew goes with his brother to camp to get a stallion to breed. Amy, his sister-in-law encounters Rachel. She tried to talk her into leaving with them. Rachel was afraid to leave since Chief's son wanted her for his bride. The Chief''s daughter told chief Rachel was sad and did not wish to marry his son. Matthew and rest of family kept praying for Rachel to be allowed to leave. Read to find out what happened.
Susan
The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen
A bucolic Maine town, a sheep farmer and his granddaughter, some retired CIA employees, and a hard-boiled acting chief of police. No it’s not the first line of a joke. It the cast of characters and setting for a new series sub-titled "The Martini Club". Gerritsen throws in some flashbacks to an old case, a dead body, a bit of a romance and Malta. It was a breezy read with a couple of twists, charming characters, and I can’t wait for Book 2 to come out!
Kelley
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
This book is heartbreaking and yet incredible. Steep in history you learn so much about the Osage people their land and how seemingly corrupt government and other institutions can be!
Linda
Once Upon a Tome by Oliver Darkshire
Absolutely the best book of 2023! The story of an antiquarian bookshop in London and the 'becoming' of an antiquarian bookseller. Beautifully written with wonderful literary (and London) references and laugh-out-loud humor.
Nancy
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger
I love William Kent Krueger. If this is your first book of his, go back and read them all. They're best read in order. THE RIVER WE REMEMBER is a stand-alone that you can read without being familiar with some of his standing characters. It's a whodunnit that takes place in the late 1950s in Minnesota, when the wealthiest -- and meanest -- man around is found dead. Murder? Suicide? More suspects than you can count, each with their own issues. Ditto for the Sheriff who investigates and his love interest. This book has it all -- a murder, a love story, a character study, messages about human nature and Mother Nature and, best of all, a tale that's well worth your time reading. Enjoy.
Sally-Jo
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead
Interesting read of the corruption in Harlem during the 1950s through 1970s. I'm not sure much has changed today in our cities.
Jayme
The Road to Roswell by Connie Willis
A great combination of science fiction and humor that just might get E.T. to stick around awhile. A fun read.
Jayme
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Heavy on the latte, not so much legend, but it was cute. I think the next book in the series will have more action - at least I hope so.
Paula
Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent
I enjoyed the storyline and suspense of the book, but I felt like the last quarter of the book threw in a lot of information very quickly. As I started the book, the story reminded me of Ariel Castro, the Cleveland psycho that kidnapped three women and held them in captivity for years. Sally’s story varies from that real life scenario, but I still found it compelling.
WENDY
Amazing Grace Adams by Fran Littlewood
I am assuming the disjointed writing style in this story and the jumping back and forth in time with memories is purposefully done. That being said, it was difficult to listen to and trying to figure out what was going on and whether we were in the present or at a point in the past. However, Grace was an interesting character to be listening to while stuck in an hour of stopped traffic. Yes, Grace is on the spectrum, but the real story is how much she loves her daughter and the lengths she will go to for her. What happens to Grace when all she wants to do is bring a cake to her daughter on her 16th birthday is nothing but amazing, and not in a good way.
WENDY
After Annie by Anna Quindlen
This is the story about what happens when the glue that holds everything together is gone. There’s Bill, the husband, Annie and Bill’s four children, there’s AnneMarie, Annie’s childhood friend, relatives, neighbors, and a whole nursing home full of people who loved Annie. It’s the heartbreaking story of how all of them are forced to move forward in their lives without Annie. While the subject matter may not be for everyone, if that’s not the case, this is a very well done story of mourning someone you loved and how you move forward without her presence in your life.
WENDY
Being Henry by Henry WInkler
I love Henry’s favorite quote: "Don’t put a period on the end of a negative sentence." I totally enjoyed reading about his life, how he felt about his parents, his upbringing, and his dyslexia diagnosis at age 34. He turned his dyslexia diagnosis into a series of children’s books, helping so many other families and children learn to thrive with their own different abilities and limitations. Always being told he’s a ‘dumb dog’ led to many years of therapy which he openly discusses. Henry Winkler and his family seem like the kind of people you would want for your neighbors, so kind and caring, and putting out fires as needed, especially during the teenage years of his children, just like the rest of us. If given a choice, listen to the audio.
WENDY
The Women by Kristin Hannah
If you read THE NIGHTINGALE and/or THE FOUR WINDS and you thought those stories were traumatizing and intense, THE WOMEN seems to be a whole other level of heartache. The basic story is about women who went to Vietnam in 1966/67 as nurses. It’s about their experiences there, the horrors they witnessed and lived through, their friendships, loves, and loss. It’s about how their experience in Vietnam changed them as people and how it changed the people they became once they were back in the states. I had a hard time putting this one down and really got absorbed in the story. It moves at a nice pace for those who felt THE FOUR WINDS was too descriptive and dragged.
MH
Somebody’s Fool by Richard Russo
Overall, I really liked the book. Although it followed Russo’s normal pattern of gloom and doom until near the end, it was interesting to see where the plot was going. Part mystery and part family drama, Sully’s ghost overshadowed the plot. I was horrified that his son Peter had not only followed in his father’s footsteps (deserting a son; two in Peter’s case), but Peter carried it a step further and kept one child that he favored over the other two.
Dona
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
Wonderful historical fiction.
Cynthia
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Lovely writing, as usual!
Barbara
The Happily Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
Such a fun read!
Barbara
The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman
The "Thursday Murder Club" group have the best time! Their friendship and sleuthing skills continue in this third book in the series.
Lisa
Maureen by Rachel Joyce
Part of the Harold Fry trilogy, Maureen is Harold Fry's wife and completes the picture with Harold, Queenie and the Fry's son, David. Joyce masterfully brings all the characters together and helps us understand the point of view of a wife and mother. It contains lessons about our reactions to others, both correct and mistaken. Although you don't need to read the other two books in the series, your read will be richer if you do. All three books are worth the time and are quick and heartwarming reads.
LisaMarie
Shark Heart: A Love Story by Emily Habeck
This book was so enjoyable that I could not put it down. It had a love story, abandonment and a very shocking transformation. Highly recommend.
Rachel
Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
This is a riveting coming-of-age story. Burning issues are addressed in an entertaining and instructive manner. Sex, drugs, and greed are all addressed in a YA format.
Sharron
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger
I won this book from Bookreporter.com. It is a story of small town whose citizens all have secrets. Prominent citizen Jimmy Quinn is found murdered and everyone is a suspect since no one liked Jimmy. The blame it on the Indian since everyone thought of Indians as savages. Lots of prejudice is revealed in this small town post-war atmosphere. Krueger's best so far. Highly recommended.
Sheree
Holly by Stephen King
I love this man's writing, I love the way he brings other characters from his other books to his new books. He is witty and cleaver in his writing! I did not think this was a gory book, but I know when you say Stephen King's books people will shy away because they think they are scary and gory. Loved this book!
Linda
Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly by Marie Bostwick
Esme has a very specific plan for how her life will unfold; BUT what if an unexpected plan happens instead? This is a light-hearted, LOL novel that I especially needed after reading darker lit. A treat!
Joan
The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman
Really enjoyed this book. Another take on Nathaniel Hawthorne, but this time some time travel involved. I enjoyed the scenes in Concord, MA, which is a beautiful town I have visited.
Merysa
The Walking Dead: Compendium One by Robert Kirkman (Author), Charlie Adlard (Illustrator), Cliff Rathburn (Illustrator), Tony Moore (Illustrator)
After watching and completing the TV series of THE WALKING DEAD, I decided to read the comics to see what similarities and differences were shown. It's crazy how different the characters' outcomes and actions are compared to the TV series! Some characters ended up with other characters! Some characters died early on in the comics compared to the show! There were even some characters who weren't in the comic but in the show! I really enjoyed reading this book and the graphics are amazing! I would recommend this book, especially if you are interested in an apocalyptic series!
Liz
The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain
Riley MacPherson has returned to her childhood home to settle her father’s estate. While there, she uncovers many secrets and discovers that the life she thought was hers, isn’t. She must now decide whether to look further into these secrets with possible dire repercussions or keep on living the life she is comfortable with. This is a very well-written story with many twists and turns.
Maureen
My Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahon
Jennifer’s books are always creepy and sure not to disappoint. It starts off fast and keeps moving. Alison and the relationship with her mother are strained. Now her mother is dying and moving in with her brings up memories. Perfect read for the season.
Muriel
The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
The authors collaborated well with their excellent book depicting the friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Civil Rights advocate and more Mary McCloud Bethune. During the time of 1927-1945, Eleanor and Mary became close friends as they exchanged ideas and found they had much in common. After meeting Mary, Eleanor expanded her goals of seeking more rights for women to advocating for more rights and better conditions for colored people also. I admire both Eleanor and Mary for the work they did to improve the lives of many through working for justice and equality. Their friendship helped form the foundation for the modern civil rights movement. They showed people of different races could not only work together but be close friends.
Sharon
The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar
Family secrets are at the heart of this novel. As Remy Wadia returns to India from the U.S., he is intent on adopting a baby that his friends have found for him. But of course, there are difficulties, one of the biggest being his mother who is in the hospital and no longer communicating, a situation that Remy feels a great deal of guilt about. He struggles with his long time resentment of his mother, his idolization of his father, the cultural differences, the need to forgive not only his parents, but so many others including himself.
Maureen
Lilac Girls by Mary Hall Kelly
Very interesting. Enjoyed it.
Jeanne
Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CHRISTMAS by Mary Kay Andrews is the perfect Christmas read. When Kerry and her brother leave their North Carolina farm to sell Christmas trees on a charming, quirky street corner in Greenwich Village, the Christmas magic begins as Kerry meets Patrick and his delightful son Austin. This storyline is about second chances, finding love and friendships and learning the importance of family.
Lonnie
Mending What Is Broken by Robert McKean
Beautifully-written tale of a middle-aged man, his 10-year-old daughter, his ex-wife and her husband, and several other characters, including the town.
Kimberley
The Vanishing Type by Ellery Adams
This mystery is packed with intrigue and a cast of memorable characters. Multiple murders haunt this small town and it takes many to attempt to solve. The story does center around the town’s bookstore which is truly delightful to avid readers. Scrumptious desserts and tasty coffees bring the amateur sleuths together. The story is fast-paced, a page-turner and the perfect length. It was reassuring to have the author reiterate that friends often are the family one is missing.
Shelley
The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange
This book captivated me from the start. It moved along quickly but had great character development as well as plot. Can picture this as a TV movie.
Rose
Guy's Girl by Emma Noyes
My heart broke several times while reading this book. Ginny is good friends with four guys. All of them met at Harvard, and Ginny fell in love with Finch. However, Finch had a girlfriend back home, and would never commit to Ginny. Now, the guys live in NYC, and Ginny visits them. She is one of the guys - a guy's girl, because none of them wants to be with her. However, Adrian is interested, but too afraid of being in love, after watching his mother's heartbreak. Ginny develops an eating disorder, becomes dangerously thin. The novel explores the relationships of friends, the complexity of being confident in yourself, eating disorders, love and what we may mistake for love. I rooted for Ginny and railed at her misguided attempts at love.
Carol
The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
Have read two other books by Benedict. Enjoyed this one most. Loved learning more about Bethune and Roosevelt. Good back and forth between main characters. Appreciated the dates on each chapter.
Rose
Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon
I really enjoyed this murder mystery novel wrapped up in a family story. The story opens with Beth burying a body, but it isn't what you think! Her teen daughter, Jack, works at a kayaking club, and is called to the scene of a dead body. Meanwhile, Lana, Beth's mom, finds out she has brain tumors so Lana comes to live with Beth and Jack. Since Lana can't run her business while convalescing, she decides to solve the murder mystery, and to protect her granddaughter. Beth and Lana are at odds with each other. Lana has never visited them before, and now is changing Beth's home decor. This story bonds the three women and also uncovers a shady and greedy person intent on taking control. Enjoyable story.
Rose
The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni
I was intrigued by the mystery and the puzzle element to this book, as well as the relationship between the two main characters, Michael Brink and Jess Price. However, the story got very strange as it dove into the mad dreams of a man who had odd ideas and would condone violent acts as part of his obsession. That part was just too strange for me.
Linda
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I had very mixed feelings about Evelyn and the Hollywood lifestyle!
Robin
Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
If you take a curmudgeonly old man, a family-like neighborhood, a Christmas tree stand, and a canned ham shaped camper, what do you get? BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CHRISTMAS!!! Mary Kay Andrews has long been known as a queen of the beach read, as in "Summer begins with MKA!" With this novel, along with a couple other holiday-themed pieces, including last year's hit, THE SANTA SUIT, we can add another moniker to the crown of Mary Kay Andrews. "Holidays begin with MKA!" Like all MKA novels, this one does not disappoint. A must-read this holiday season.
Jo Anne
These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant
This was my second reading of this book; I originally read it because I was curious about the story; the second reading was my pick for our book club and all 13 of us liked it. A remote setting, character driven narrative, original, suspenseful & riveting. It held my interest as the author gave me insight as to what was going on with snippets of why the parent chose this life. It kept me guessing. Highly recommend.
Beth
Next of Kin by John Boyne
Always anxious to read anything I can find by John Boyne, I wonder how I could have missed NEXT OF KIN for the last 17 years. I think this might be my favorite of his books. Historical fiction that is also a thriller, NEXT OF KIN is set in England during 1936, when Edward VIII was King of England and then abdicated the throne. At the same time as his birthright was being discussed all over the world, when he might have felt that it was being stolen from him, another man, Owen Montignac, is SURE that HIS birthright was stolen from HIM.
Richard N B
The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
Subtitle: How to Get Things Right. Gawande became well-known for his original book of essays COMPLICATIONS: A SURGEON'S NOTES ON AN IMPERFECT SCIENCE, in which he outlined some of the difficulties faced by modern-day surgeons. In this book he explains how a tool used in many industries to ensure that complex procedures are carried out in a “best practices” way consistently might be (and has been) applied to the complexities of modern medicine. It’s interesting but lacked the personal impact of BEING MORTAL.
Abby
Dear Mrs. Bird by A. J. Pearce
A World War II story based in London. The main character is a young lady who takes a position at a magazine in which they write answers to life questions posed by readers. There is much drama but also some light moments, too. I enjoyed the story and the main character, Emmy, and her best friend, Bunty. Brave and interesting heroines. This is the first in a series of three books.
Francine
The Spectacular by Fiona Davis
Excellent read! Interesting facts about the origin of the Radio City Rockettes.
Rita
Random Acts of Medicine: The Hidden Forces That Sway Doctors, Impact Patients and Shape Our Health by Anupam B. Jena and Christopher Worsham
This is a nonfiction book that will open your eyes to the human fallibilities that are present in every one of us and that does not exclude those in the medical professions. It is written by two physicians, one a pulmonologist and critical care physician and the other one a medical professor with backgrounds in both medicine and economics. There is research references which you can review or skim, but the overall understanding you will gain will help you to evaluate your own medical expectations and care in a very practical way.
Claire
House of Ash and Bone by Joel A. Sutherland
I could not get into this story even though I thought some elements had potential. The plot was pretty predictable and kind of cheesy. The characters were undeveloped and uninteresting. The idea that the characters' memories are being erased and rewritten constantly had a lot of potential for unsettling, creeping horror, but it didn't get there for me. There wasn't enough tension caused by it and it got a bit boring.
Rita
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
This is, obviously, a classic that has been on my TBR list for years. It was written in 1890 and, therefore, is written in an old style. My book club decided to delve into it and I chose to listen to it rather than reading it. I think this was a wise choice for this book. It is a story of a man obsessed with youth and willing to commit despicable acts to preserve the illusion. Despite its age, the story definitely reflects the lure of this age obsession that is not absent in today’s culture.
Claire
Godly Heathens by H.E. Edgmon
Perhaps my expectations were too high. The premise isn’t groundbreaking stuff, but it’s a plot line I can enjoy any time, love the identity and morality issues born of something inhuman put into a human life and body. And, as a trans person myself, I like to see trans characters that get to be messy and bastardous, adds a little spice to my life. (Plus that cover is beautiful, I can’t deny that played a part in getting my expectations up.) Unfortunately, I got tired of Gem. They are meant to be, or become, unlikable - they’re a villain protagonist after all - but they became more annoying than anything else.
Carol
The Great Typo Hunt by Jeff Deck and Benjamin D. Herson
Wow, was this a different read. Two guys (other friends at different times) go across country. They hunt and try to correct typos wherever they see them. They correct a sign at the Grand Canyon and it lands them in court with fees and fees. A unique and fun read.
Claire
Who Will Run the Frog Hospital? by Lorrie Moore
WHO WILL RUN THE FROG HOSPITAL? captures the melancholy and angst of growing up and having close adolescent relationships fail to survive that transition. There were poignant moments, but also a lot that was overly familiar and not a standout.
Debbie
Wellness by Nathan Hill
A disturbing view of two young lovers who marry and navigate the hazards of life. Jack and Elizabeth secretly watch one another from the cover of a darkened apartment. They finally meet and begin a roller-coaster saga that every individual rides. Nathan Hill brilliantly portrays both Jack and Elizabeth an the hurdles they must jump in this blasé life and the secrets that each family hides from view and the rest of the family. A fabulous journey through life and death and our perspective of life.
Suzanne
The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo
This wedding will have a surprise as the bride will not announce the name of the groom till Christmas the day of the wedding. We find out she has had three men ask her to marry her.
Claire
Hearts Still Beating by Brooke Archer
I had a hard time connecting with the characters in this. Rory's hatred and anger at Mara did not ring true to me. I can see how someone could develop resentment or fear of the ex-ticks that turns to hatred. It's a little victim-blamey, a little self-centered, but it's the post-apocalypse, all these people are traumatized and grieving; they don't need to be rational or examine their reactions to their emotions. But Rory's (and Carter's, Mara's sister's) hatred felt forced. Maybe their characters just needed more development in general for me to get why they were the way they were. I could probably say the same for the villain, Mal, but he's not much of a character really, bit of a stock villain.
Nora
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
I had very mixed emotions about this book because I felt the characters were all strangely isolated from each other and there was no real bond between any of them. They might all have been robots in the ways they interacted.
Rose
The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok
Jasmine Yang is a victim of the China one-child policy. Since her daughter was unknowingly taken from her at birth (and told the baby died), Jasmine leaves her husband and heads to NYC to find her daughter. She decides to take a job at a dance club to make enough money to re-claim her daughter and raise her. Rebecca Whitney is a publishing executive with a wonderful husband and an adopted Chinese daughter. She comes from wealth but wants to make it on her own. One of her rivals is making her life difficult. Rebecca starts to wonder if the nanny she hired is getting too close to her daughter, Fiona. Jasmine and Rebecca both have the same goal, to protect their daughter, but there are costs-and scandals surrounding them. Loved it.
Rose
The Interpreter by Brooke Robinson
Revelle Lee works as a court interpreter. However, once she made a mistake that led to dire consequences. She feels the stress of this mistake each day. Now that she is close to adopting 6 year-old Elliot, someone is determined to haunt her. But, Revelle wants to be the mother she never had, as her mother was distant to her. When she starts receiving strange messages, Revelle is sure the birth family is behind them. She makes another mistake mistranslating a Polish man's alibi. Since the messages allude to knowing what she did, Revelle feels the need to right the wrong. It all comes to a dramatic head. Good story, but took too long to get to the point.
Donna
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
A novel with its own weight that manages to parody the Hallmark movies. Perfect read. While telling the reader of the formula the protagonist "forgets" the most important rule and we as the reader don't remember that rule until the end (not saying here - you have to read it). The ah-ha moment. A fun read. Even more so if you like Hallmark movies.
Suzanne
Among the Wicked by Linda Castillo
A murder of a young girl in the Amish community in upper New York. The State Police and the Chief of the two counties need help. The BCI is also involved and ask Kate for help. They need someone to do undercover in the Amish area. Kate decides to go into the town area as an Amish widow.
Rose
Not Bad People by Brandy Scott
Three friends set off paper lanterns to celebrate the New Year and let go of things. When they hear that a small plane crashed that same night, and the two in the plane, Pete and his son Lincoln, are in the hospital, one of the friends, Aimee, is convinced the lanterns were the cause of the crash. Melinda and Lou try to convince Aimee not to come forward. However, the guilt eats at her. It becomes clear that the women all have some resentment towards each other, either due to the paths not taken vs. the ones taken, or over men, or children, or wealth. The relationship that lasted 30 years is now beginning to fray. The women are forced to look carefully at their lives. I began to get bored with the novel, and I wanted to get it finished!
Liz
The Lifeguard by Mary Morris
I really don’t know what to make of this book of short stories. Some of the stories seemed a bit weird and some did not have a conclusive ending. I will say it was a quick read and the descriptions of the people and places were very vivid.
Rose
A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
This is a retelling of the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone and their love for each other. I never studied Greek mythology, but I have become more interested in it recently. I enjoyed this up to date re-telling of the myth. The sexual attraction between the two of them sizzled from the very beginning. I also liked learning about a few of the other characters in Greek mythology as they make an appearance in this book. Demeter, Aphrodite, Hecate, and Adonis, to name a few.
I am looking forward to reading more of this series.
Tessa BC
Rilla of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery
Book Eight in the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES series focuses on Anne’s youngest child. Rilla is fifteen, starting to get interested in boys and dances, but needing to worry about her brothers and friends now that World War I has started. There are young women today, going through many of the issues that Rilla experiences: first love, worry about a brother sent to fight overseas, grief over friends or relatives who’ve died too young. I love how Rilla rises to the challenges imposed by the war; I see a lot of the young Anne in Rilla.
Rose
Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall
LOOKING FOR JANE is an emotional roller coaster about motherhood and the choices women face while pregnant. It crosses several timelines, showing the inhumane treatment that some young girls faced when pregnant while single. It looks at the danger of poor medical care and the homes that housed unwed mothers. Reading this book made me sad for the women who underwent such treatment and for those who are facing difficult choices today, as to whether or not to carry a pregnancy to term. The story also follows women who made a choice, willingly or not, and the consequences. It is also a story of a mother and daughter searching for each other.
A moving story.
