6 True Stories for Adult Readers
Happy holiday weekend if you’re celebrating something in your part of
the world (it’s Father’s Day for some, Labor Day for others). We don’t
have any particular plans, but I sure hope to get in some reading time. I
am backed up on my adult nonfiction (I read and reviewed kids’ nonfiction last week),
and I’m bummed because there are so many great titles this month. Here
are six that remain on my list. If I’m lucky, I’ll have a review for at
least one of these on Monday.
Death on the Derwent: Sue Neill-Fraser’s Story by Robin Bowles (Scribe US, Aug. 27). What it’s about:
In the summer of 2009, a man disappeared from his yacht on Australia
Day. His partner of almost 20 years was convicted of the murder, despite
the lack of evidence, including a body and a weapon. Thanks to a change
in Tasmanian law, Sue Neill-Fraser has recently been given a chance to
prove her innocence. Why I want to read it: The tagline of book
caught my attention—“Don’t fool yourself that the innocent never go to
jail.” Bowles is a well-known true-crime writer. Reviews: The
book hasn’t gotten stellar reviews, though the story is definitely
timely, with a potential witness coming forward and Neill-Fraser's new
trial on the horizon.
Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table by Carole Bumpus (She Writes Press, Aug. 27). What it’s about:
Part travel writing, part culinary adventure, Bumpus introduces us to
the French families who invited her into their homes and to their dining
tables to talk about food, life, wine, and cooking. The book is
organized by regions and is full of stories and musings on everyday food
and kitchens, gathered from more than 70 interviews. Why I want to read it:
This is so me and sounds like something I’ll eat up (pun intended).
Even better, the book is subtitled “Book One,” so I hope there’s more to
come. Oh, and did mention the included maps and recipes? Reviews: This book has gotten universal praise from both everyday readers and professional reviewers.
Five Days Gone by Laura Cumming (Scribner’s, Aug. 27). What it’s about:
When the author’s mother was three years old (in the 1920s), she was
kidnapped but recovered five days later, apparently unharmed. Her
parents sheltered their daughter thereafter but never told her about the
incident. Later, however, Betty learns about the kidnapping as well as
other secrets concerning her early life. This book is Cumming’s attempt
to help her aging mother uncover all the truths. Why I want to read it:
It sounds like a fascinating story that is a mix of investigative work,
the story of a family, and the story of a mother and daughter. Reviews:
Reviewers have good things to say about the way Cummings was able to
tease out the facts from the family stories, photographs, documents, and
other sources.
Faber & Faber: The Untold Story by Toby Faber (Faber & Faber, Aug. 13). What it’s about:
On the 90th anniversary of the publishing house that brought many of
the greats—T. S. Eliot, Sylvia Path, Lawrence Durrell, and Marianne
Moore among them—to print, the founder’s grandson, Toby Faber, tells us
the stories behind the books and authors, including how the company
survived the war and which books they rejected. A story of publishing,
books, and a changing world. Why I want to read it: As a book lover and a long-time book editor, I must read this. I particularly relish and celebrate what the New Yorker calls “small major” independent publishers. Reviews: The history has been earning many positive reviews for its insights and behind-the-scene stories.
The Mosquito by Timothy C. Winegard (Dutton; Aug. 6). What’s it about:
The subtitle explains why you should be interested in the annoying
mosquito—“A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator.” You may find it
hard to believe, but the mosquito has been a direct driver of human
genetics, human migrations, human conflicts, and so much more. It has
killed tens of billions of people throughout history and hasn’t stopped
yet. The mosquito is much more than a summer annoyance. Why I want to read it:
As a former anthropologist and geneticist, I’ve been thinking about the
interconnections between humans and mosquitoes for decades. I want to
know the newest research. (I’m planning on an audio/eGalley co-read.) Reviews: This book has gotten mixed reviews, the negatives mostly related to its length and style.
Travel Light, Move Fast by Alexandra Fuller
(Penguin Press, Aug. 6). What's it about: In her latest memoir, Fuller pays tribute to
and tells the story of her father, Tim. Fuller morns her father’s loss
while celebrating everything about him that made her life what it is:
living in the moment, hanging on to hope, embracing everything life
gives you. She writes about how Tim ended up in Africa after he left
England, about how he met his wife (Fuller's mother), and about his life
in Zambia as a family man. She also writes about what her life has been
like without him. Why I want to read it: I’ve read pretty much
everything Fuller has written, and I love her observations about her
family and life in general. I’ve always wanted to know more about her
father. Reviews: Reviewers have nothing but positive reactions to Fuller’s storytelling abilities.
