A Dozen Books; Or What I Read in Late January

Happy February! As I mentioned on Saturday, I know I've been little seen on social media as of late, but that suits my current needs. Still, I wanted to share what I've read and listened to since my last summary. If you follow me on Goodreads, then you've already seen my thoughts on these books. Thanks to the publishers, audiobook publishers, and/or Libro.fm for the review copies.

Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder by T. A. Willberg (Park Lane; Dec. 29): Fun mystery/fantasy set in a secret, underground investigation agency in 1950s London. Unsolved crimes, mysterious letters, leftover and unused technology from World War II, and a closed-room-type murder. Can Marion Lane solve the crime, keep her job, and save her innocent colleagues before it's too late? This was good escape reading, with a clever concept and unique gadgets, though the plotting could have been tighter. The audiobook was adequately read by Karen Cass. Her pace was little quick, but she was nicely expressive.

Nick by Michael Farris Smith (Little, Brown; Jan 5): I enjoy books that reimagine classics or are set in the same universe as a well-known novel. In this case, Smith creates the backstory for Nick Carraway (of The Great Gatsby fame) from his Midwest childhood, through World War I, and back to the States, where he eventually ends up in Long Island in the cottage next to Jay Gatsby. The story itself, especially of the war in France and in the trenches, is well done. The section that takes place in New Orleans is perhaps less successful. What's more, I'm not quite sure the book informs or expands on Fitzgerald's original. The good news is that Robert Petkoff did an amazing job as narrator (see my thoughts at AudioFile Magazine).

Grounds for Murder by Tara Lush (Crooked Lane, Dec. 8). This first in a new series is set on a small island off the coast of Florida. When Lana Lewis, an award winning newspaper reporter, needs a fresh start, she returns to her home town to take over the coffee shop opened by her late mother. When her best barista quits and then is found murdered near the cafe's back door, Lana finds herself on the short list of suspects. Lush sets up a fun a cozy mystery, complete with a cute dog, an even cuter police chief, a rival coffee shop, and variety of local characters. Lana, of course, can't help but get involved with hunting down clues and with getting to know Chief Noah. Recommended for coffee lovers and light mystery fans.

People Like Her by Ellery Lloyd (Harper; Jan. 12). A contemporary thriller that focuses on a mommy blogger/Instagrammer who has hit it big. Emmy is a master at creating the illusion of being perfectly imperfect, so her millions of followers can believe she is just like them. Between sponsored content and photos that show her "messy" house or "unkempt" hair, Emmy gives off-the-cuff advice online and at live events. She and her husband, Dan (a one-trick novelist), live off her income and pride themselves on maintaining their privacy. What happens when that privacy is breached and personal photos begin to appear online and they acquire a stalker out to teach Emmy a lesson for perceived offenses? Though the plot was a bit draggy in places, the book does make you wonder about the safety of real-life mega influencers. The thriller part was creepy and there was at least one twist I didn't see coming. (For my thoughts on the audiobook, see AudioFile Magazine).

Shiver by Allie Reynolds (Putnam; Jan. 19). For her debut novel, Allie Reynolds draws on what she knows--competitive snowboarding--to set the scene for this closed-room-type thriller set in the French Alps. Ten years after a tragic competitive snowboarding season left one woman dead and other paralyzed, Milla receives an invitation to meet at the remote ski resort during the preseason to reunite with her ex-teammates. Right from the start, Reynolds paints the scene of cold, isolation, and danger, though the five friends are focused on each other more than their surroundings. Within hours, however, the group begins to suspect that there is more to this reunion than just finding closure, especially after their cell phones are stolen. Mysterious sights, sounds, and smells put them on edge, until they begin to fear for their lives. Who really invited them to the chalet and will any of them survive the weekend? The mystery is nicely set up, with a few good red herrings and revealed secrets. The story is told by Milla and alternates between then and now. I particularly liked the sections dealing with snowboarding. Good escape reading. (For my thoughts on the audiobook, see AudioFile Magazine).

Tales from the Hinterland by Melissa Albert (Flatiron; Jan. 12). These dark tales are perfect for winter reading. Although the stories in this collection are set in the same universe as The Hazel Wood, you don't have to have read the novel to enjoy these creepy fairy-tale-like stories. I don't often read collections straight through, but I was totally caught up in these stories -- they have just right about of darkness. The stories with a moral (for example, be careful of what you wish for) don't hit you over the head with their lessons, and the illustrations (mostly black and red) are gorgeous.

Icebound by Andrea Pitzer (Scribner; Jan. 12). I love these kinds of books! In this well-researched book we learn all about the expeditions led by William Barents, a Dutch explorer who attempted find a northern route to Asia in the late 1500s. He sailed farther north than any other Westerner at the time, fending off the fabled (for the crew) white bears, getting trapped in ice, and facing bitter cold. On the last trip, Barents and his team were forced to spend a winter with dwindling supplies in a hut, they built from wood "borrowed" from their ship. Staying warm, finding food, staving off scurvy, and keeping sane over the long sunless months was amazing in itself. In the spring, however, the men realized they had to abandon their iced-in ship and try to make it home in a couple of small boats. Fascinating details about mutiny, early thoughts on polar ecology, issues with nutrition, confrontations with polar bears, and more. As I often do with nonfiction, I both read and listened to this gripping real-life story. Fred Sanders did an excellent job with the narration, keeping my total attention. Note that my listening experience was much enhanced by being able to follow the voyages on the maps included with the print/digital book.

The Fortunate Ones by Ed Tarkington (Algonquin; Jan. 5). I really liked this coming-of-age story set mostly in Nashville about Charlie, a poor, fatherless boy living on the wrong side of town with his pretty mother and wannabe singer aunt. Charlie's prospects change when his mother gets a job being the "helper" of a rich woman. The job comes with definite perks: Charlie and his mother now live in the pool house of the wealthy family and Charlie attends a prestigious private school on scholarship. Charlie also befriends Vanessa and Jamie, the twins who live in the big house. Charlie's most significant new relationship, though, is with Archer, a fellow student who is tapped to guide Charlie through the intricacies of school life. Archer ends up teaching Charlie much more than the school fight song, helping him learn to live among the rich and privileged. This is an engrossing read that examines boyhood friendship, first love, the choice between following what's expected and following one's own dreams, truths and secrets, rich and poor, white and black. Excellent story and highly recommended. (For my thoughts on the audiobook, see AudioFile Magazine).

The Age of Wood by Roland Ennos (Scribner; Dec. 1). I really enjoyed this fascinating retelling of human evolution that puts trees and wood at the hub of our physical and cultural and technological changes over the last 3 million years or so. As a student of human evolution (I have a PhD), I was interested in Ennos's tweaking of the focus from fire, stone, iron, and bronze through to silicone to our dependence on wood throughout our history, even unto today. His well-though-out arguments include everything from politics (the role of trees in starting the US Revolutionary War) to biology (the development of typical primate traits, such as nails instead of claws) to migration and travel (boats, wheels) and to shelter (even today's houses are still framed in wood or wood products). If you're a student of human evolution, this book will give you much to think about. But in any case, it will make you appreciate the trees and wood products that are part of your everyday life. As is often the case with nonfiction, I both read and listened to this book. (For my thoughts on the audiobook, see AudioFile Magazine).

The Heiress by Molly Greeley (William Morrow; Jan. 5). I generally like books that retell classics or reimagine a fuller life for minor characters. In this book, Molly Greeley turns the spotlight on Anne de Bourgh, the daughter of Lady de Bourgh and the "promised from birth" bride to Mr. Darcy, introduced in Austen's Pride & Prejudice. While the general concept of the novel was good and it was fun to get glimpses of Anne's male cousins and Elizabeth Bennett through her eyes, the novel didn't work for me on a number of levels. Note that the next few sentences hint at some minor spoilers. Here are my negative thoughts in short form: There was not a strong enough driving force to keep me invested in Anne's ultimate fate, which was foreshadowed fairly early on. I would have liked to have seen more direct confrontations between Anne and her mother. Anne's "cure" from her lifelong affliction was in and of itself believable, but the fact that she was so easily able to move on from it did not seem so believable. I questioned some of Anne's choices, especially since she made a major one without consulting her solicitor. Though she reconnected with the Darcys, I think there was a missed opportunity for Anne to have a relationship with Lizzy, especially given Anne's newfound thoughts about feminism. Finally, the ending was a little hokey for me, though it did serve as a means to let us know what happened to various characters. The audiobook was very well read by Ell Potter, whose expressive performance highlighted Anne's transformation and picked up on the various characters' personalities.

The Narrowboat Summer by Anne Youngson (Flatiron; Jan. 26). What a charming and fun story. When Eve and Sally cross paths along the canal and, though strangers, decide to rescue a howling dog who's locked in a narrowboat, they had no idea their lives were about to change forever. After meeting the boat's (and the dog's) owner, the two women, for a number of reasons, agree to take the boat through the canals of England to get it serviced. Meanwhile the owner must undergo some medical treatment. The slow trip through England, the people the women meet, their growing confidence with controlling the boat and going through the locks, and their own personal growth won me over. It made me wish for just such a summer.

The Divines by Ellie Eaton (William Morrow; Jan. 19) This dual-time period coming-of-age story worked on some levels and didn't on others. In the 1990s Jo was a student at an elite private girl's school in England, where she was sometimes one of the cool girls and sometimes not. Even among friends, all the girls experienced at least some level of bullying, but for those who were at all different, bullying was the norm and done out in the open. On her honeymoon decades later, Jo impulsively visits the now-defunct school's campus, and from there, unresolved issues, relationships, regrets, and memories bubble up, haunting her and her marriage for years. Much of this story had a feeling of truth. Girls can be so mean to each other. But do school authorities, even those who work in a private school for the very rich, really allow this much blatant meanness and disregard for their teachers and the rules? What do I know as an American who went to (albeit a small one) public school in more innocent time? Jo's relationship with her husband was also equally believable and not. He seemed a little too perfect, and she seemed to have hidden way more than she needed to. I get why she didn't want to confess all her childhood sins, but she seemed to share very little with him of what happened that final year at the school and the tragedy that occurred. I'm not sorry I listened to this, especially because Imogen Church did such a great job with the narration -- getting the accents, the voices, the attitudes just right.

Click for more

5 Coming-of-Age Stories to Read This Month

When deciding which books to add to your reading list, are there themes, genres, or settings you just can't say no to? One of mine is coming-of-age stories. I love following a character as he or she transitions from innocence to reality. There is something about the arc of personal growth that appeals to me, whether the protagonist is a child, a teen, or an adult.

If you're like me, then January is going to be a great month. Here are five books with coming-of-age elements that made it onto my teetering book stack. I hope you plan to add at least one to your own reading list.

The Truants by Kate Weinberg (Putnam, Jan. 28) follows the transformation of Jess, a small town girl who discovers diversity through the friends she makes freshman year at a college in East Anglia. Although billed primarily as a thriller with literary themes (Agatha Christie looms large), this is also a story of how little we really know about other people and what happens when we begin to see them without our rose-colored glasses. First lines:

It’s hard to say who I fell in love with first. Because it was love, I think you’ll agree, when I’ve finished telling you.

Audiobook: Read by Olivia Dowd (Penguin Audio; 9 hr, 36 min)

The Girls with No Names by Serena Burdick (Park Row, Jan. 7) is set in New York just over a hundred years ago. Two sisters from a well-off family hardly notice the girls living in the nearby anything-but House of Mercy for the wayward, until the older Luella disappears. Young Effie checks herself into the House of Mercy to look for her sister, only to find that she's alone and that life isn't full of fun for everyone living in the city. First lines:

I lay with my cheek pressed to the floor, the cement cool against my spent rage. I’d screamed. I’d bitten and scratched. Now I was paying for it, but I didn’t care. I’d do it again.

Audiobook: Read by Emily Lawrence, Nancy Peterson, and Amy McFadden (Harlequin Audio; 12 hr, 24 min)

The God Game by Danny Tobey (St. Martin's Press, Jan. 7) is a mix of techno-thriller and mystery as a group of nerdy high school seniors discover a cool game hidden in back reaches of the internet. The more involved they get with the game, the more powerful the consequences, until at least one of them has to begin to balance AI with reality and deal with issues of theology, ethics, and friendship. First lines:

The blue light of the computer screen was flickering on Charlie’s and Peter’s faces, making them look like astronauts lit by the cosmos.

Audiobook: Read by Andrew Eiden (Macmillan Audio; 13 hr, 31 min)

Creatures by Crissy Van Meter (Algonquin, Jan. 7) begins as a young women prepares for her wedding on an island off the coast of Southern California. The story is told partly through her memories and partly in real time, as she comes to terms both with her childhood (raised by a charming though drug-dealing father) and with her present (dead whale on the beach, sudden appearance of her long-absent mother, and fisherman groom possibly lost at sea). First lines:

There is a dead whale. It rolls idly in the warm shallows of this island, among cartoonish sea animals with tentacles, suction cups, and goopy eyes.

Audiobook: Read by Piper Goodeve (Highbridge; 5 hr, 58 min)

We Wish You Luck by Caroline Zancan (Riverhead, Jan. 14) follows a trio of graduate students enrolled in a low-residency MFA writing program at a prestigious college. During one of the on-campus sessions, their famous-author advisor goes a step too far in the critique of their work, and the students are left with the stark truths of power, art, competitiveness, and love. First lines:

There is no train ride in the world prettier than the one from Penn Station to Albany. Ten of the seventeen people in our class took that train up to the first June residency.

Audiobook: Read by Kristen Sieh (Penguin Audio; 7 hr, 27 min)

Click for more

8 Books You Don't Want to Miss This Month

You know how you tend to see the same books over and over in reviews and features? Many of us (me included) are drawn to the books that our friends and trusted sources recommend, and it's easy to completely miss other titles that deserve more attention. That's what today's round-up is all about. Here are eight books, all published this month, that might have escaped your attention. The genres are all over the place, so I've listed the books alphabetically, rather than try to group them.

Caroline's Bikini by Kirsty Gunn (Faber & Faber, Jan. 22). This is a novel about unrequited love among the cocktail set of contemporary West London. When middle-aged, successful banker Evan takes lodgings in the top floor of British family home, he's hit hard when he meets his landlady, Caroline. Complete with footnotes and references to the age-old classics, this a modern retelling of familiar, ancient themes. Other things to know: one of the blurbs reads "A gin-fueled love story with one part One Day mixed with one part Zadie Smith and a splash of Ali Smith." Who can resist?

The Current by Tim Johnston (Algonquin, Jan. 22). This contemporary story, set in the icy upper Midwest, involves two college friends, a road trip, and two fatal car accidents that occur along the same rural road but two decades apart. Although the book involves a mystery and an amateur sleuth, this is much more than a whodunit. Other things to know: The author's Descent was one of my favorite books. The novel has won several starred reviews.

The Falconer by Dana Czapnik (Atria, Jan. 29): Set in the 1990s in New York City, this is the story of growing up female, athletic, smart,and talented in a world both full of promise and just about to take a long downward slide. Feminism, art, young love, and the city itself take center stage in this coming-of-age story of a young woman growing up in the shadow of the baby boomers and the light of new possibilities. Other things to know: The author is an award-winning fiction writer with many years as an editor in sports journalism. Tons critical of praise.

The Far Field by Madhuri Vijay (Grove Press, Jan. 15): This contemporary story is set in India and deals with sociopolitical issues, family drama, grief, and religion conflicts. Shalini, a 30-something woman, travels across the country to the Himalayans hoping to better understand her late mother and to look for a man she remembers from her youth. Other things to know: The author, born in Bangalore, won the Pushcart Prize. This debut novel was an Indie Introduces pick. Diversity & Own Voices.

Hollywood's Eve: Eve Babitz and the Secret History of L.A. by Lili Anolik (Scribner, Jan. 8): This is the biography of one-time groupie / sex symbol Eve Babitz, who hooked up (in one way or another) with movie stars, musicians, and artists of the 1960s and 1970s. Yet from the time she was a teenager, she was also a writer and in her later years went on to write several semi-autobiographical novels, to little notice. Apparently, her work is now seeing a comeback. Other things to know: Anolik is a contributing editor at Vanity Fair.

Late in the Day by Tessa Hadley (Harper, Jan 15). This contemporary novel focuses on two couples who have been close friends for decades. When one of the quartet dies suddenly, the dynamics of the remaining interrelationships are thrown off kilter. Themes include friendship, marriage, grief, and dealing with the past. Other things to know: The author has won Windham Campbell Prize and the Hawthornden Prize. The book received much critical praise and at least one starred review.

A Sky for Us Alone by Kristin Russell (Katherine Tegen Books, Jan. 8): Set in an insular Appalachian town in the heart of coal country, this is a contemporary story of a young boy on the brink of manhood who is trying to come to terms with a family death while balancing his desire to escape the poverty and limits of his home town with the strong ties he feels to place and people. Other things to know: A debut novel. Coming-of-age story.

That Churchill Woman by Stephanie Barron (Ballantine, Jan 29): This is a fictionalized account of the life of Jennie Jerome, a daughter of the New York City elite who traveled to England in the 1870s to marry into the landed gentry. Out of her many suitors, she married Lord Randolph Spencer-Churchill and made it her business to help his political career and their rise in British society. Later she supported her son Winston as he made his own name in politics. Other things to know: Barron is not only an accomplished author but once worked for the CIA as an intelligence analyst.

Which of these books would you read first?

Click for more

9 Books to Read in October

I thought I'd do something a little bit different for this week's roundup. Instead of featuring books with a uniting thread (audience, genre, etc.), I'm giving you a peek at my ereader. So here, in alphabetical order, are nine October books I really want to find time to read. They span a range of genres, but nonetheless, each one calls to me. Which one would you read first?

Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller (Tin House Books; October 9). Quick take: This is a thriller set in an isolated English country manor in the late 1960s. An architecture student gets involved with the friendly couple living just below her. Are they as perfect and fun as they seem? Why I want to read this: There has been much good buzz and several starred reviews. I like the setting and the time period, and I enjoy a good psychological thriller. Opening line: "They must think I don’t have long left because today they allow the vicar in."

The Collector's Apprentice by B. A. Shapiro (Algonquin; October 16). Quick take: Set in 1920s Paris and Philadelphia this is the story of a Belgian woman accused of a crime committed by her ex-lover. She is determined to recover her father's stolen art and prove her innocence; along the way she crosses paths with contemporary artists and writers. Why I want to read this: The short version is that I love Shapiro's books and totally trust Algonquin. I also love books set in the twenties and always learn something about the art world from Shapiro's novels. Opening line: "Paulien is aware that being banished to Paris with 200 francs in her pocket isn’t the worst of circumstances."

Dracul by Dacre Stoker and J.D. Barker (Putnam, October 2). Quick take: Set in 1868 in Ireland, England, and Germany. Here's the publisher's tag line: The prequel to Dracula, inspired by notes and texts left behind by the author . . . a supernatural thriller . . . and the tale of the enigmatic woman who connects them. Why I want to read this: Simple curiosity has drawn me to this title. Also, I'm not afraid to admit that I like a good Gothic tale. I understand a movie deal is in the making. Opening lines: "Bram stares at the door. Sweat trickles down his creased forehead."

Go to My Grave by Catriona McPherson (Minotaur Books; October 23). Quick take: This is a standalone Gothic thriller set in a Galloway bed and breakfast where a group of friends are gathering for a reunion. It involves long-buried secrets that are starting to surface. Why I want to read this: I love a Scottish setting and the idea that the past will come back to haunt you. And you have to agree that October is a great month for a good mystery/thriller. Opening lines: "The house was a held breath. Its ten empty rooms waited, polished like a bowl of apples."

In the Hurricane's Eye by Nathaniel Philbrick (Viking; October 16). Quick take: The subtitle gives you a clue: "Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown." Set in 1781, this is an examination of how Washington turned a series of defeats into a much needed victory for the struggling new nation. Why I want to read this: Two things: I'm interested in American history and Philbrick is the author who makes it all accessible and interesting. To be honest, I'll probably listen to the audiobook, while following along in the eBook. Opening lines: "When France entered the American Revolutionary War in the spring of 1778, George Washington dared to hope his new ally had put victory within reach. Finally, the British navy’s hold on the Atlantic Seaboard was about to be broken."

The Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher (Berkely; October 2). Quick take: Set in England and America, this novel is about Kick Kennedy, the rebellious daughter who became a London sensation when her father was the U.S. ambassador to the UK before the start of World War II. Why I want to read this: I don't know much about Kick, and I'm interested because she tried to follow her own path, including falling for a guy who wasn't Catholic. I'd like to know more about her. Opening lines: "Presentation day. Finally, Kick thought as soon as she opened her eyes that morning."

The Library Book by Susan Orlean (Simon & Schuster; October 16, 2018). Quick take: Set in Los Angeles in 1986, this entry in the true crime genre is about the burning of the city's public library, which destroyed or damaged more than a million books. Why I want to read this: I usually like true crime and investigative journalism. I also want to know if the author ever finds the answers to these questions: Did someone set the fire on purpose? If so, who was it? And why was the library the target? Opening line: "Even in Los Angeles, where there is no shortage of remarkable hairdos, Harry Peak attracted attention."

Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy (William Morrow; October 23). Quick take: Set in Prince Edward Island in the late 1800s and inspired by the Anne of Green Gables books, this is the story of Marilla--her heartaches and sacrifices; her strengths and joys--in the years before the red-headed orphan changed her life forever. Why I want to read this: I'm a lifelong Anne fan, so I need to know Marilla's story. I have faith that McCoy is just the author who can bring this beloved character alive. [Full disclosure: although I've never met her in real life, I consider Sarah a friend.] Opening line: "It’d been a rain-chilled May that felt more winter than spring."

Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand (Little, Brown; October 9). Quick take: Set in contemporary times in Iowa and the Caribbean, this is a story of love and betrayal and loss and new beginnings as a woman in a happy marriage learns her husband is not all who she thought he was. Why I want to read this: I've always enjoyed Hilderbrand's summer beach reads, and I've come to look forward to her "off-season" books. I was excited to learn of this first entry in a new series, which is not set on Nantucket. This sounds like the perfect way to escape holiday stress. Opening lines: "It’s the first night of the new year. Irene Steele has spent the day in a state of focused productivity."

Let me know which ones are on your fall reading list.

Click for more

4 Short Story Collections to Read This Month

I used to think that I didn't like short stories because I was often left wanting to know more. That was before I started reading quality stories and before I learned how to read short pieces.

My epiphany came when I realized I didn't have to read a collection straight through in one or two sittings. Yes, I was slow on the uptake. Now my approach is to read only one story at a time, which gives me time to think about the characters or the situation before I'm willy-nilly into the next one. My other eye-opening revelation was that I didn't have to read every piece in a collection. If a particular story doesn't grab my attention, I now turn to the next, rather than abandon the whole book.

If you think you don't like short stories, want not give my approach a try. You may change your mind.

• Black Sheep Boy by Martin Pousson (Rare Bird Books, Feb. 13): Set in Louisiana, this collection of linked stories explores LGBTQ+ themes and life in the Bayou country while introducing us to a young Cajun French man who's trying to find his way to a better future.
• This Far Isn't Far Enough by Lynn Sloan (Fomite, Feb. 20): Many of the characters in this collection of stories experience a shift in perspective when they try to rebalance their lives after circumstances or personal choices throw them off-kilter.
• Dreadful Young Ladies and other stories by Kelly Barnhill (Algonquin Books, Feb. 20): From the author of The Girl Who Drank the Moon, this collection of stories takes us to fantastical worlds with characters who defy fairy tale and fantasy expectations; themes include love, death, and longing.
• We Are Taking Only What We Need by Stephanie Powell Watts (Ecco, Feb. 6): Family and the American black experience are overarching themes of this collection of stories; some focus on large issues, and others show us a more personal sphere.

Click for more

7 Books to Diversify Your Reading List

There are myriad ways to diversify your reading. Some people concentrate on books written by people of color; others diversify by topic, looking for stories that offer a perspective different from their own. Still others look for books in translation, which expand their horizons beyond the English-speaking world. No matter how you define diversity, you’ll find a book or two from the seven novels featured today to add to your reading list. Note too that most of these books were published by small presses, which generally champion diverse voices.

• As Lie Is to Grin by Simeon Marsalis (Catapult, Oct. 10): A young black man tries to find his place at a predominately white New England university and in America in general, while hiding his true story from his girlfriend back in his native New York City. Diversity themes: author of color, the African American experience
• A Duplicate Daughter by Randy Nelson (Harvard Square Editions, Oct. 31): A baby is rescued by a poor man after a 1936 earthquake in Mexico only to be re-rescued 12 years later by a wealthy family, leading everyone to question the girl’s true place. Diversity themes: Latin America, social justice
• The Floating World by C. Morgan Bast (Algonquin, Oct. 17): This much-praised novel follows a mixed-race New Orleans family from preparations for and recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Diversity themes: race, mental health.
• The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmao by Martha Batalha (Oneworld Publications, Oct. 10): In the 1940s, a young Rio de Janeiro woman marries under family pressure, putting her dreams aside until her estranged sister reenters her life and changes everything. Diversity themes: translated from Portuguese, set in Brazil
• This Is How It Begins by Joan Dempsey (She Writes Press, Oct. 3): Contemporary discrimination against gay teachers, rekindles an elderly art professor’s strong feelings of social justice, exposing her secret past as a member of the Nazi resistance. Diversity themes: LGBTQ, Jewish
• Three Floors Up by Eshkol Nevo (Other Press, Oct. 10): The daily lives of three families residing in the same Tel Aviv apartment building provide a cross-sectional look at contemporary middle-class Israel, while exploring the more universal theme of how little we know the people around us. Diversity themes: translated from Hebrew, set in Israel
• The Vineyard by María Dueñas (Atria, Oct. 3):This saga, set in the mid-1800s, takes readers from Mexico to Cuba, to Spain, as the Larrea family tries to rebuild their fortune and escape scandal. Diversity themes: Spanish-speaking world, slavery

Click for more

Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: Holiday Weekend Reading

North America is partying! Happy Canada Day and/or Fourth of July. Many of us had long weekends with plenty of time to relax, be with family and friends, and (duh!) to read.

Although I have had to split some of my free time with cooking ahead for our annual July 4 party, I did manage to spend a few hours with my books. You can't beat audio for keeping you company while you straighten the house, work in the kitchen, or do some gardening. Plus the weather has also been perfect for sitting on the deck with a book (or tablet). Yay for holidays!

What I Read

• The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin (Orbit, 2010). I discovered Jemisin just last year and decided to give her backlist a try. This book is the first installment in her Inheritance Trilogy and is, I believe, her debut novel. The plot explores what happens when humans have a way to control (or, really, enslave) the gods. Of course, only some people are granted such power, and those same people have also enslaved "lesser" humans. When Yeine's estranged and aging grandfather brings her to court to compete for a chance to inherit the throne, she gets a firsthand look at just how cruel unlimited power can be. Although the novel is not as tight as Jemisin's more recent books, it is an admirable debut. The concept is unique, and the plot holds a few surprises. I liked the way the gods were portrayed, but not all characters were fully fleshed out. The book did not end on a true cliffhanger, which means it can be read as a standalone with a satisfying conclusion. This is a good thing, because I'm not sure I'll continue with the trilogy. The unabridged audiobook (Brilliance; 11 hr, 46 min) was read by Casaundra Freeman, who was generally expressive and engaging. Some of her characterizations were slightly inconsistent, but the audiobook is still worth the listen.
• The City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong (Minotaur Books, 2016). I love Armstrong, so I'm not sure why I haven't read her Rockton series yet. Our hero, Casey, is a police detective with lots of personal baggage and a best friend, Diana, with even more issues. When Diana's life is endangered by her abusive, stalking ex-husband, the two apply for refuge in a secret town in the wilds of the Yukon to hide out for a few years until they can reenter society. They are accepted because the town is in great need of good law enforcement in the wake of a couple of murders and one disappearance. From this premise, we meet the townsfolk, learn their backstories, and get a feel for life in a very isolated community. Armstrong is great at creating unforgettable characters, and her plotting of this thriller / mystery is nicely done. I can't wait to read the next in the series. The unabridged audiobook (Macmillian; 13 hr, 47 min) was skillfully read by Therese Plummer. She tapped into the personalities of the characters and her pacing was spot-on. Highly recommended audiobook.
• When the English Fall by David Williams (Algonquin, 2017): I really liked the premise of this novel: after a solar flare takes down most of the grid, leaving people without electricity, money, and food, the Pennsylvania Amish live life as they always have, suffering very few inconveniences. That is, until the English (outsiders) remember the Amish have food and supplies and begin to violently invade their homes. The novel is written in the form of diary entries by an Amish man who recounts the days leading up to and then after the event, noting the weather, his family's activities, and news of his neighbors. While I enjoyed the story, especially because I live in Pennsylvania and recognized many of the towns mentioned in the book, I was not wowed by it. I think I wanted more, and the diary format couldn't provide it. I don't want to give spoilers, but there was one plot line involving his daughter that didn't seem complete to me, I was confused by the fate of another character near the end, and I had questions about the effects of the solar flare. It's important to note, however, that this novel has won starred reviews and much buzz, so maybe it was just me or my mood. (Algonquin provided a review copy.)

What I'm Reading Now

• The Purple Swamp Hen and Other Stories by Penelope Lively (Viking, 2017). This is a short story collection that I'm listening to for a freelance assignment. I love the narrator, Davina Porter, but I'm not sure this book is going to be for me. I'll let you know.
• The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry (Custom House, 2017). This novel is totally holding my attention. I think it might be one of favorites so far this year. Hope it holds up.

A Trio of Fun Links

• 11 Books on Science Bill Gates Thinks Everyone Should Read (from Business Insider)
• 6 Life Changing Lessons for Creatives from Neil Gaiman (from the Mission)
• Writers to Watch Fall 2017: Anticipated Debuts (from Publishers Weekly)

Click for more

8 Speculative Fiction Books for July

Yes, I'm a day early, but I'm already looking forward to my July reading list. Although I don't read every one of the many genres embraced by the speculative fiction label, I especially like books that focus on time travel, fantasy, and dystopian and postapocalyptic worlds. If you're a fan of speculative fiction, like I am, here are eight books you'll want to put on your July wish list.

The Dystopian Future

• Bannerless by Carrie Vaughn (Mariner; July 11): After major environmental and economic disaters destroy the world, a community in what was once California forms a family-based society with strict population control. The illusion of peace is broken when an outcast is found murdered.
• When the English Fall by David Williams (Algonquin; July11): In the aftermath of a solar storm that devastates communication, transportation, and the comforts of modern life, the Pennsylvania Amish continue to flourish, living off their provisions . . . until the English (outsiders) remember their peaceful neighbors and pillage their homes, carting off whatever they find useful.
• Out in the Open by Jesus Carrasco (Riverhead; July 4; young adult): In a world brought down by drought, a boy must find a way to survive in the wilderness, figuring out friend from foe while evading the violent men who are determined to capture him.
• Tropic of Kansas by Christopher Brown (Harper Voyager; July 11): A brother and sister--political fugitives--risk crossing the arid wasteland that was once America's breadbasket in the hopes of finding refuge in the new New Orleans; revolution is in the air.

Fantasy and Beyond

• Age of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan (Del Rey; July 25): Epic fantasy. In this second book in a series exploring the deep history of Sullivan's universe, the world is on the brink of war between humans and elves.
• Talon of God by by Wesley Snipes and Ray Norman (Harper Voyager; July 25): Urban fantasy. This debut novel from a well-known actor is set in Chicago and pits a reluctant doctor against Satan's minions and one of their weapons: a new street drug.
• The Punch Escrow by Tal M. Klein (Geek & Sundry; July 25): Hard science fiction. A teleporting trip gone horribly wrong leaves a man running from enemies in both the tech industry and a religious cult as he tries to find a way back to his wife and family.
• The Alexander Inheritance by Eric Flint, Gorg Huff, and Paula Goodlett (Simon & Schuster; July 4): Alternate history / time travel. During a supernatural storm, a modern-day Caribbean cruise ship is transported to the Mediterranean Sea in the wake of Alexander the Great's reign. Can the passengers and crew survive ancient Egypt's political chaos and return to their own time?

Click for more

8 Books by Women to Read This Month

March 2017 is shaping up to be a stellar month for new book releases. Although I'm still very much a print kind of reader, I like adding books to my eReader so I can carry a piece of my library with me wherever I go. Here are 8 new books by women you'll find on my tablet.

• The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco (Sourcebooks Fire): This start of a new fantasy series involves resurrection, witches, siblings, and self-discovery.
• The Cutaway by Christina Kovac (Atria / 37 Ink): In this psychological thriller set in DC, a TV producer gets caught up in the disappearance of a lawyer.
• The Fall of Lisa Bellow by Susan Perabo (Simon & Schuster): Billed as a coming-of-age story, this novel explores what happens when a teenager survives a crime that results in the abduction of another girl.
• Himself by Jess Kidd (Atria): A man returns to the Irish village of his youth to investigate why the mother he never knew abandoned him to an orphanage. A mix of humor, folklore, and mystery.

• It Happens All the Time by Amy Hatvany (Atria): Can best friends reunite and change the nature of their relationship? A contemporary look at love and gender roles.
• The Night Mark by Tiffany Reisz (Mira): In this time travel novel set on coastal South Carolina a grieving widow finds an unexpected second chance at happiness.
• Our Short History by Lauren Grodstein (Algonquin): A single mother facing her own mortality must find a way to do the right thing for her young son.
• The Wanderers by Meg Howrey (Putnam): When three people agree to live in an isolated simulated environment for the chance to be the first people to travel to Mars, they face unforeseen challenges.

Click for more

12 Nonfiction Recommendations for November

If you've been reading book blogs this week, then you are likely to have seen a least a couple of nonfiction reading lists because (as I mentioned on Monday) Nonfiction November is up and running. Here are just some of the true stories that are awaiting my attention.

About this list: I restricted myself to books published this fall and chose only a few titles in three broad categories. In addition I decided to feature books I own. The backlist is brimming over with fabulous nonficiton titles, and I hardly own even a small percentage of the frontlist. Consider this list a good jumping-off place, and be sure to visit the official Nonfiction November post to learn how you can participate and to discover more recommended nonfiction books.

Memoir

Memoirs come in many forms from inspirational to autobiography to humor. My picks today have a literary foundation and are written by three novelists and the daughter of a publisher.

• The Fortress by Danielle Trussoni (Dey Street Books): The author of Angelology writes about her ex-marriage to a Bulgarian writer and their isolated life in France that she eventually needed to leave.
• North of Crazy by Neltje (St. Martin's Press): The daughter of publishing great Nelson Doubleday takes us inside the life of privilege to reveal its less glamorous side and her decision to take a different, independent path.
• The Pigeon Tunnel by John le Carre (Viking Books): The best-selling author opens up about his work for British intelligence during the cold war, his travels around the world, and the people and events that influenced his work and his life.
• Marrow by Elizabeth Lesser (Harper Wave): The author of Broken Open talks about her love for her sister, her decision to donate bone marrow to her, and their life together.

Food Writing

Oh I bet you're really surprised that food writing would appear on my list of recommended nonfiction titles. I had a hard time narrowing down my choices, but here is a mix of science, history, and cultural perspectives.

• Modified by Caitlin Shetterly (Putnam): When she learned that her son was allergic to genetically modified corn, this journalist set out to investigate the prevalence of GMOs from the cornfield to the food manufactures to the home kitchen.
• Butter by Elaine Khosrova (Algonquin): The fascinating history of butter from early herders to modern-day artisans, told by an award-winning food writer and pastry chef.
• Treyf by Elissa Altman (NAL): A memoir of food, family, cultural  traditions, and adapting to modern life from the 1940s to modern times. (Note: also good for Jewish Book Month.)
• Grape Olive Pig by Matt Goulding (Harper Wave): Part travelogue, part culinary guide, part love story to a country, a well-known food writer takes us on an unforgettable journey through Spain, his adoptive home.

Women in History

From a very young age, I've rated biography among my very favorite books. Today I feature books that introduce us to a variety of fascinating women: authors, mathematicians, trailblazers, and ordinary women in extraordinary circumstances.

• Not Just Jane by Shelley DeWees (Harper Perennial): Meet seven other women--besides Austen and the Bronte sisters--who were writing and publishing books in Brittan from the mid-eighteenth century on.
• Les Parisiennes by Anne Sebba (St. Martin's Press): A well-researched examination of how the Nazi occupation of Paris affected the lives of the city's women.
• Wonder Women by Sam Maggs (Quirk Books): The stories of twenty-five real-life women heroes, who were "innovators, inventors,  and trailblazers who changed history."
• Hidden Figures by Margo Lee Shetterly (William Morrow): A NASA historian tells the world about the five African American women mathematicians who helped lay the foundations of the U.S. space program. (Book to movie alert!)

Click for more

12 Fantasies to Put on Your Reading List

For some people September is back-to-school month or pull-out-the-sweaters month, but for me--at least this year--September is look-at-all-the-fantasy month. The number of great speculative fiction books released in the last few weeks is almost mind-boggling. Take a look at this sampling.

Start a New Series

• A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess: This alternate history / fantasy series stars a powerful teen tapped to be the first female sorcerer. Set in a Victorian England the plot involves magic and monsters and a dangerous game of secrets, manipulation, allies, and traitors. (Random House)
• Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake: Triplet sisters contemplate their sixteenth birthday, when they will be expected to compete--to the death-- for the right to rule their country. Magic manifests itself differently in each girl; which one is strongest? (HarperTeen)
• The Changlings by Christina Soontornvat: When Izzy's little sister becomes lost in fairy land, she must find a way to rescue her from the evils that lurk there. Not only must she tell friend from foe but she needs to find a way to trick the Faerie before her sister is lost forever. (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky)
• Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova: This first in series has already garnered much praise and starred reviews. It features witches and magic and finds its foundation in Latino myths and traditions. A teenage witch must travel to the land of limbo to save her family. (Sourcebooks)

Read a Stand-Alone

• The Graces by Laurie Eve: A much-buzzed novel about witches, black, magic, and sisters. Three powerful siblings are the envy of all who meet them, but the new kid in town wants to do more than admire the Graces, she wants to become one of them--but with secrets upon secrets, she should be careful of what she wishes for. (Amulet Books)
• The Inquisitor's Tale by Hatem Aly: Set in medieval France, this is the story of three children who possess magical abilities and tell their tales--Chaucer style--while outwitting all those who hope to defeat them. Nestled within the humor and adventure are jabs at sociocultural norms and lessons about prejudice. (Dutton)
• The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart: Mix a magical timepiece with a lot of secrets and one young boy and you have yourself a heart-pounding, action-packed mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. Friendly helpers and tricky villains keep our hero on his toes. (Little, Brown)
• Brightwood by Tania Unsworth: This story takes place in a spooky house that happens to be the happy home for our hero, who has befriended live-in ghosts and talking animals. Daisy's life is shattered, however, the day her mother fails to return home from a shopping trip and a stranger appears at her door. Can the young girl save herself, her friends, and her home? (Algonquin Young Readers)

Let the Series Continue

• Mark of the Plague by Kevin Sands: This series involves magic, medicine, and alchemy and is set in the early British Renaissance, rife with politics, the power of the church, and rival apothecaries. Our hero must find a way combat the black death while staying free of the authority of country and guild. Lots of puzzles to solve. (Aladdin)
• Throne & Bones: Skyborn by Lou Anders: This is the latest entry in fun adventure / quest fantasy series involving heroes, traitors, and powerful creatures. Good friends and questionable family are highlights of the story, which is told from multiple points of view. (Crown)
• Masked City by Genevieve Cogman: This alternate history series is set in Victorian England and is perfect for those of us who love books about books. It features librarian spies, dragons, and fae in a very cool world for us bookophils. (Roc)
• The Dark Army by Joseph Delaney: Witches, boggarts, and scary creatures abound in this dark fantasy trilogy set in a medieval-like universe. Our heroes find evil everywhere they turn as they fight to save their country from powerful enemies. Recommended for those who like to be creeped out! (Greenwillow Books)

Click for more