General Fiction on My June Reading List

June is one of the big publishing months of the year. What follows are general fiction titles that caught my attention. Some of these books are perfect for light reading on a hot day by the pool; some are heavier and will make you think.

The blurbs are taken from the publishers' summaries. I've also provided the names of the audiobook narrators.

The Angel of Rome by Jess Walter (Harper): A stunning [short story] collection about those moments when everything changes—for the better, for the worse, for the outrageous—as a diverse cast of characters . . . [question] their roles in life and [find] inspiration in the unlikeliest places. First line:

Mother was a stunner.

Audiobook: Read by Edoardo Ballerini and Julia Whelan

The Beach Trap by Ali Brady (Berkley): Two best friends torn apart by a life-altering secret. One Summer to set the record straight. First line:

There’s something unique about friendships forged between girls at summer camp.

Audiobook: Read by Brittany Pressley and Imani Jade Powers

The Catch by Alison Fairbrother (Random House): A story of the gifts we’re given over the course of a lifetime—the ones we want and the ones we don’t yet understand that we need. First line:

My father, a minor poet, celebrated holidays out of season.

Audiobook: Read by Julia Knippen

Dele Weds Destiny by Tomi Obaro (Knopf): The story of three once-inseparable college friends in Nigeria who reunite in Lagos for the first time in thirty years . . . about mothers and daughters, culture and class, sex and love, and the extraordinary resilience of female friendship. First line:

In the photo they are eating something out of frame, pounded yam, perhaps, or maybe eba.

Audiobook: Read by Tarlye Peterside

Gilt by Jamie Brenner (Putnam): A luxurious and richly compelling . . . novel . . . about a famous family jewelry dynasty and the hidden past that could topple it all. First line:

She reached for her mother's hand, excited and just a little bit afraid.

Audiobook: Read by January LaVoy

Girls They Write Songs About by Carlene Bauer (Farrar, Straus & Giroux): A thrumming, searching novel about the friendships that shape us more than any love affair. First line:

Rose and I moved to New York to be motherless.

Audiobook: Read by Cady Zuckerman

The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand (Little, Brown): An immensely satisfying page-turner . . . about a summer of scandal at a storied Nantucket hotel. First line:

Nantucket Island is known for its cobblestone streets and redbrick sidewalks, cedar-shingled cottages and rose-covered arches, long stretches of golden beach and refreshing Atlantic breezes—and it's also known for residents who adore a juicy piece of gossip (which hot landscaper has been romancing which local real estate mogul's wife—that kind of thing.

Audiobook: Read by Erin Bennett

The Measure by Nikki Erlick (William Morrow): Both heartbreaking and profoundly uplifting, [this] is a sweeping, ambitious meditation on life, family, and society that challenges us to consider the best way to live life to the fullest. First line:

It was difficult to imagine a time before them, a world in which they hadn't come.

Audiobook: Read by Julia Whelan

Nora Goes off Script by Annabel Monaghan (Putnam): Filled with warmth, wit, and wisdom, [this] is the best kind of love story—the real kind where love is complicated by work, kids, and the emotional baggage that comes with life. First line:

Hollywood is coming today.

Audiobook: Read by Hillary Huber

Out of the Clear Blue Sky by Kristan Higgins (Berkley): A funny and surprising new novel about losing it all—and getting back more than you ever expected. First line:

Six months ago, if you had asked me what I thought I’d be doing today, the answer would not have been transporting a drugged skunk to the house where my soon-to-be ex-husband lived with his much-younger fiancée.

Audiobook: Read by Xe Sands and CJ Bloom

These Impossible Things by Salma El-Wardany (Grand Central): A paean to youth and female friendship—and to all the joy and messiness love holds. First line:

"Do you think Eid sex is a thing? Like birthday sex, but just the Muslim equivalent?"

Audiobook: Read by Shazia Nicholls

Tracy Flick Can't Win by Tom Perrotta (Scribner): A pitch-perfect new satirical novel about ambition, coming-of-age in adulthood, and never really leaving high school politics behind. First line:

There was another front-page story in the paper.

Audiobook: Read by a full cast

Truth about Ben and June by Alex Kiester (Park Row): This . . . novel explores the complexity of a modern-day marriage and motherhood, when a new mother vanishes one morning, and her husband must retrace events of their recent past to bring her home. First line:

On the day everything fell apart, Ben awoke to the sound of the baby crying.

Audiobook: Read by Brittany Pressley and Pete Cross

Vacationland by Meg Mitchell Moore (William Morrow): A delicious summer read set in midcoast Maine, tackling family secrets, marriage, motherhood, and privilege. First line:

The Greyhound from Altoona, Pennsylvania, to Rockland, Maine, takes twelve hours and thirty-three minutes with three stops, all of them in the places where you don't necessarily want to use the bathroom but may find you have no choice.

Audiobook: Read by Stacey Glemboski

Who You Might Be by Leigh N. Gallagher (Henry Holt): A fiercely original debut that takes readers from 1990s Southern California to a UFOlogist holdout in Nevada, the graffiti playground of Detroit, and a self-important New York art scene in an unflinching examination of how life’s most unexpected turns—and the people we meet along the way—shape who we become. First line:

Two fourteen-year-old girls, one beautiful and one just okay, are running away from home on a northbound Amtrak.

Audiobook: Read by Aven Shore

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What I Read in November

November turned out to be an okay reading month for me. Most of the nine books I read were winners or at least fun or entertaining.

Note that the following thoughts are also available on Goodreads. Thanks to the publishers and to Libro.fm for the print, digital, and/or audiobook review copies.

As the Wicked Watch by Tamron Hall (William Morrow; Oct.): This mystery is set in Chicago, where a bright teenager is reported missing. Police dismiss the case, saying the Black girl likely just ran away, and there's nothing they can do. Meanwhile, up-and-coming Black TV journalist Jordan Manning takes an interest in the case and begins to investigate. She has training in crime scene analysis and other investigative techniques, which helps her finally figure out what happened to the teen and who was responsible. The novel examines many complex themes such as the difference in press coverage between missing Black and White teens; issues faced by professional women who try to advance their careers; and how race, socioeconomic class, politics, and more affect criminal justice. Jordan is portrayed with all her flaws and insecurities.

Not a bad debut from Hall, though there is quite a lot going on not related to the case. On the other hand, if this is the start of a series, then perhaps the information was needed to set the stage for future adventures.

Cokie: A Life Well Lived by Steven V. Roberts (Harper; Nov.): A very well done tribute / biography written by Steven Roberts, the husband of NPR star, journalist, and historian Cokie Roberts. The book is set up not in chronological order but by topic, and thus we see many sides of Cokie--as a mentor, a friend, a mother, a reporter, a wife. We learn about her spiritual and ethical/moral beliefs and about her great sense of humor and kindness. Rather than a series of facts and figures, Steven talks about Cokie through stories. The book is (as I wrote for my AudioFile magazine review) the perfect balance between well-written biography and loving tribute.

Cokie led an honorable life, demonstrating that personal success is enhanced not only by working hard and standing up for oneself but also by maintaining a sense of humor and always helping others.

A Side of Murder by Amy Pershing (Berkley; Feb.): This fun cozy mystery is first in a series with a lot of potential. I listened to this because book 2 in the series just came out and I wanted to start from the beginning. Samantha Barnes left her hometown on Cape Cod to pursue her dream of becoming a chef. She was on her way to a promising career in New York, when some personal issues sent her back the Cape to regroup. Her parents owned the local newspaper, but they recently sold their business to one of Sam's old friends and retired to Florida. So instead of moving back into her childhood home, she decided to clean out her late-aunt's house and prepare it for sale. Looking for work, she takes a job as the newspaper's new restaurant critic. On her first night on the job, she almost literally stumbles across a dead body in the alley behind the restaurant she wanted to review. From there, the book has all the fun cozy mystery action one expects--plus a lot of good foodie scenes.

My only complaints are (1) that Pershing does quite a lot of telling instead of showing and (2) that she apparently thinks anyone over about age 55 has no clue how to use a smartphone, take a photo, send email, or send a text. I found the ageisms to be kind of annoying. Still, this promises to be a fun series for escape reading. Audiobook: The unabridged audiobook was read by Patti Murin who did a fine job with characterizations; her expressive reading kept me engaged.

The Month of Borrowed Dreams by Felicity Hayes-McCoy (Harper Perennial; Nov.): I stopped listening to this audiobook at about the 25 percent mark. My issues with the novel were twofold. I started the book not realizing that it was fourth in a series. The plot assumed you knew what happened in the other books, so I felt somewhat lost and had trouble getting in to the story. In addition, narrator Marcella Riordan didn't draw me in. I had trouble telling the characters apart (even men from women), and her delivery style wasn't engaging enough to make me hang in there to see if things improved.

O Beautiful by Jung Yun (St. Martin's Press; Nov.): The novel is set in contemporary North Dakota, where a budding journalist takes an assignment from a major magazine to write about how the Bakken oil boom has affected local people and communities. Elinor grew up close to the Bakken, so her college mentor and the magazine's editor think she'll be able to provide an insider's look. The truth, though, is that Elinor is half Korean and has never felt like a insider, and not just because she's biracial. She left home as soon as possible and had a successful modeling career before studying journalism. Now, she's tired of being objectified and of dealing with #MeToo moments.

Yun's evocative, sparse style matches the beauty of the land and the bleak outlook for many of the local women and families. So many dilemmas, including weighing self-worth with the chance to make money; weighing the environment and the family farm against the pressures from big business. Well worth your time. Audiobook: Narrator Catherine Ho shines here. She captures the moods, the personalities, the feelings.

Everything We Didn't Say by Nicole Baart (Atria; Nov.): This mystery is set in two time periods. Juniper and her half-brother, Jonathan, grew up in small-town Iowa. While Jonathan stayed in the area, June left town for bigger dreams, especially because her last months at home were complicated by two events: she found herself pregnant and the couple living on neighboring farm was murdered. June left her baby in the care of her parents, and saw her only on annual visits. The murder case was never solved, but June never stopped trying to ID the killer.

Returning home 13 years later to help her childhood friend deal with cancer and to attempt to reconnect with her daughter, June has some trouble fitting back in. Meanwhile, as a result of her continued investigation into the murder, she and her family come under danger. The plot was slightly convoluted, though the story kept my interest. Audiobook: Narrator Emily Tremaine's performance of the audiobook is expressive and clear, though her delivery is somewhat deliberate.

A Blizzard of Polar Bears by Alice Henderson (William Morrow; Nov.): This is the second in the series starring field wildlife biologist Alex Carter. In this outing, Alex travels to the shores of Hudson Bay to study the health of the local polar bear population, especially in light of climate change and the melting ice cap. Besides the thriller aspect of the novel, involving several crimes, which I won't spoil, there is good information about Arctic wildlife and other sorts of field research that takes place in the area. The thriller itself was well done and action packed. I figured out one bit of the mystery part, but not all of it. I really hope Henderson continues this series.

Audiobook: The audiobook was read by Eva Kaminsky, who read the first book as well. She adds drama without going overboard and keeps the characters distinct. Note that the audiobook comes with a PDF of the map that's included in the book as well as the list of resources for learning more about polar bears and Arctic conservation.

Miss Moriarty, I Presume? by Sherry Thomas (Berkley; Nov.): This re-imagining of the Sherlock Holmes character as an independent woman was only okay for me. I think the main issues I had were (1) I haven't read the first five books in the series so I didn't fully understand the overarching premise or the characters' relationship to each other and (2) I'm not a Sherlock Holmes aficionado. In this outing, Charlotte Holmes and her partner the widow Mrs. Watson are pitted against the evil Mr. Moriarty, who is attempting to control the life and money of his adult single daughter. The story started very slowly, and honestly, I would have given up except I was listening to the audiobook for a freelance review (see AudioFile magazine for my thoughts). I found much of the drama surrounding the ending of the book to be unbelievable. Your mileage may vary.

The Unseen Body: A Doctor's Journey through the Hidden Wonders of Human Anatomy by Jonathan Reisman (Flatiron; Nov.): I alternated reading and listening to this terrific book. Reisman introduces readers to, as the subtitle says, the hidden mysteries of what goes on in our bodies beneath the skin. He is both a doctor and an avid traveler and outdoorsman, and I loved the way he drew on his other interests to enliven his descriptions of human anatomy and physiology.

Whether you hardly remember your high school biology class or you (like me) have studied or practiced in a medically related field, you will find this book to be fascinating. I did. Audiobook: The audiobook was brilliantly read by Robert Petkoff. He perfectly captured the author's enthusiasm and deep interest. Note that the print book does not include illustrations, so you won't miss any visuals if you decide to listen instead of read.

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What I Read in October: Part I

I read 11 books in October, one of which was a DNF. Here are my brief thoughts on the first six; see my post on Monday for the remainder. The books are presented in no particular order.

Note that the following thoughts are also available on Goodreads. Thanks to the publishers and to Libro.fm for the print, digital, and/or audiobook review copies. "AFM" means you can find my thoughts about the audiobook production over on the AudioFile Magazine website.

Fault Lines by Emily Itami (Custom House, Sept.): This is the story of Mizuki who once dreamed of becoming a singer but is now a proper Japanese wife and mother who often feels invisible. When she meets a handsome, charming restaurateur who seems to really pay attention to her, she lets the friendship evolve into an affair. All the while she struggles to balance her love for her family with the need for something more. The novel includes beautiful descriptions of Tokyo--the sights, sounds, smells, and food. In the end, the was book only okay for me.

Audiobook: Lydia Wilson did a fine job with the narration, but her British accent was off-putting--the main character of the book is a Japanese native who became proficient in English after spending a few years living in New York. I would have preferred an audiobook narrator who had an American accent or who had a slight Japanese accent.

The Ballad of Laurel Springs by Janet Beard (Gallery; Oct.): Set in the mountains of Tennessee, this book follows the lives of several generations of women from the early 1900s into the 21st century. One common thread through time is the story told in the folk song "Pretty Polly" and the nearby Laurel Springs, where the murder outlined in the song took place. Generally, this is a "men do women wrong"--again and again--kind of book.

Audiobook: The audiobook was read by Jennifer Jill Araya, Andi Arndt, Robin Eller, Angel Pean, Candace Thaxton, Megan Tusing, and Nancy Wu, each of whom performed chapters told by different women through time. The performances were solid, with no weak links.

The Guide by Peter Heller (Knopf; Aug): Peter Heller is one of my favorite authors. This book is a followup to The River, his 2019 book. As always, Heller writes beautifully about the outdoors and about fly fishing. He captures the sounds, the moods, and the excitement. He also writes a good thriller. This story is set in Colorado, where Jack (one of the main characters in The River) was lucky enough to get a mid-season job as a guide at an exclusive resort. The fishing is good, and his client is a famous singer, who wants to spend some down time away from prying eyes. She's at home in the outdoors, so Jack enjoys the time he spends with her. The lodge is upscale, but Jack and Alison begin to notice that something's off--and soon their curiosity puts them in danger. Though this isn't Heller's strongest novel, it's well worth your time.

Audiobook: Mark Deakins is the voice for Heller's work. The performance is stellar.

When Two Feathers Fell from the Sky by Margaret Verble (Marinar; Oct): I liked this story of Two Feathers--the stage name of a Cherokee woman who pretty much grew up in the Wild West show arena. It's 1926, and she's one of the star attractions at a Tennessee zoo. Her act involves diving into a pool of water while on horseback. After an accident makes it impossible for her to perform, she begins to observe the goings on of her fellow performers and staff. There's a lot in this book about Two's uncertainty of where she fits in society, based on her skin color and her heritage. Among the other characters are a white World War I veteran who suffers from PTSD, a black man who didn't live up to his family's expectations, and a Native American ghost. The plot is sometimes bogged down with the serious themes and issues, but the book held my interest.

Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki (Tor; Sept.): This is one of those books that's difficult to explain. It's a mashup of fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary fiction. I'm not quite sure how or why this book works, but it does. There are three basic plot lines that converge and twist together. Katrina Nguyen is a trans girl who ran away from the parents who don't understand her to pursue her dream of becoming a musician. Shizuka Salomi is one of the most famous and respected violin teachers in the world. What the public doesn't know is that decades ago she made a deal with the devil; in order to regain her own soul she must deliver the souls of seven brilliant violinists -- Katrina may be her key to freedom. Meanwhile Lan Tran, a starship captain, fled from intergalactic war to hide out on Earth with her family. They blend in with Earthlings by running a doughnut shop.

As improbable as it seems the stories of these three women work and tell a tale of self-acceptance and finding safety even in the bleakest of times. The major themes are love, friendship, family, and loyalty, and Aoki's descriptions of the power of music and the tastes and meaning of food are powerful. CW: Katrina's transitioning experiences are sometimes rough. AFM

My Monticello by Jocelyn Nicole Johnson (Holt; Oct.): Sharp, moving, thought-provoking collection of stories and the title novella. Johnson explores the legacy of slavery and ongoing racism in a variety of situations.

The title novella is set in the immediate aftermath of a white supremacy takeover of Charlottesville. A group of neighbors from a predominately Black neighborhood flee the violence and destruction, ending up at Jefferson's Monticello. Two of the characters are in fact direct descendants of the president and Sally Hemings. Besides issues of survival (including medical care), the novella explores relationships among the refugees and their sometimes uneasy connections to the estate, the house, and the artifacts stored there.

Audiobook: The unabridged audiobook is narrated by Aja Naomi King, January LaVoy, Landon Woodson, LeVar Burton, Ngozi Anyanwu, and Tomiwa Edun. Excellent performances all around.

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What I Read in August 2021

It's been a hot minute since I last wrote about what I've been reading and what's on my reading radar. Today, I'm sharing what I read in August.

I struggled a bit last month and had trouble becoming totally invested in the books I chose. The books are presented here in the order in which I read them; I've also posted these thoughts on Goodreads. Here's hoping September treats me better!

Thanks to the publishers and/or Libro.fm for review copies (digital, print, and/or audio).

The Glorious Guinness Girls by Emily Hourican (Grand Central Publishing): Hourican focused on the Guinness sisters as a way to examine the post-World War I years in England and the changing rules and social life of the privileged in both Ireland and England. Because this is historical fiction based on real people, other famous individuals of the era make appearances (such as the Mitford sisters). The time span is from 1918 to 1930 and is told through the eyes of a fictional character, a poorish cousin who comes to live with the sisters and be their companion. The author examines the elaborate rules of courting and having a season, the education of girls, women's changing opportunities, marriage, sisters, politics, labor, and the effects of the stock market crash. Worth the read. The audiobook is read by Roisin Rankin, who uses light, believable accents and captures the emotions and moods of the fictional cousin and the sisters.

Noyln by Michael J. Sullivan (Grim Oak Press): I just can't get enough of Sullivan and the universe he has created. I love the characters, the way the different series are linked, the world building, the action, the heartbreak, and the relationships. This book begins a new series that takes place after the "age of" books. I loved meeting new characters, visiting with a few familiar friends, and hearing how others became the stuff of legend. I can't recommend these books more highly for readers who like sagas, fantasy, great characters, and solid plotting. Note that if you're new to Sullivan, you can start at the beginning of any of the series and not be lost. I read the books in order of publication date, but you could also read chronologically, starting with the Age series. If you're an audiobook fan, you'll be happy to learn that Tim Gerard Reynolds is back as narrator. Truly, no one else could possibly be the voice for Sullivan's work. I bought both an audiobook copy and a print copy.

Home Waters by John N. Maclean (Custom House): This is more than the story of a family; it's a tribute to Montana, especially the big waters and the men who influenced both John and his father, Norman Maclean, the author of the novella "A River Runs Through It." In this well-crafted memoir, John tells the true story behind his father's fictionalized account of the Reverend Maclean and his sons, Norman and Paul. He also introduces us to his mother's family, the Burnses. John looks back at his family's history and recounts how he learned to fly fish, how five generations of Macleans have maintained the cabin built by his grandfather on the shores of Seeley Lake, and how Montana itself--with its wildness, waters, and beauty, shaped them all. For fans of his father's famous story, John writes about how the book came to be published by the University of Chicago Press, the factual account of his uncle Paul's death, and behind-the-scenes glimpses at how the movie was made. A beautiful book. For my thoughts on the audiobook, please see my review for AudioFile Magazine.

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarity (Holt): This story of a missing sixty-something woman set in contemporary Sydney has some of the hallmarks of Moriarty's earlier work. The book starts with the disappearance of Joy Delaney on Valentine's Day 2020. Then the story looks into to the past, starting with the day about 6 months earlier that Joy and her husband answer their door to a young woman, clearly hurt and in distress. The present and past are revealed by introducing us to the four grown Delaney children and their father. We learn about their youth, their family dynamics, their relationships, their ambitions, and their connection to the sport of tennis. While the mystery of Joy's disappearance (a murder? a kidnapping? a running away?) and who may have been responsible is at the core of the novel, this is really the story of a family. For me, this was only okay. I didn't really connect to any of the characters and never got caught up in finding out what happened to Joy. The audiobook was read by Caroline Lee, who has narrated several of Liane Moriarty's books. Her performance was very good in terms of characterizations and expressive delivery.

Forestborn by Elayne Audrey Becker (Tor Teen): I really wanted to love this book, but it didn't hold my interest in either print or audiobook format. It took forever for the action to pick up, though we know quite early on that this will be a quest / journey type of story. And even when that quest starts, the drama wasn't really there for me. The author drummed home & overemphasized some of the bigger issues of the story instead of allowing us to experience and feel them along with the characters. I quit reading at about 56% in. The book has gotten good reviews and praise from both print/professional sources and consumer/social media reviewers. I'm in the minority.

All's Well by Mona Awad (Simon & Schuster): I picked this up because the audiobook is read by Sophie Amoss, who is one of my go-to audiobook performers. I should have known better, however, because I had mixed feelings about Awad's previous two novels (13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl & Bunny). Awad excels at creating strange situations and unique characters. Miranda, the main character in All's Well, is an actor-turned-drama professor who has been in horrible pain after sustaining an injury that ended her acting career. The plot revolves around pain, Miranda's relationship with her students, a little magical realism ... and I just couldn't take it anymore! I DNF'd at about halfway. Sophie Amoss was *brilliant* -- she absolutely understands where Awad is going and is the perfect narrator for the book. I doubt I'll give Awad another chance, no matter who is performing her next novel.

A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins (Riverhead): Hawkins's latest thriller / mystery starts with the murder of a young man who lived in a shabby narrowboat. The larger concern of who killed Daniel and why is revealed through the stories of nosy neighbors, relatives, a one-night stand, and others. Everyone has something to hide or has survived a previous traumatic event. Family relationships are strained at best. Too many unbelievable connections and coincidences and too many characters with too many problems bog down the plot. For my thoughts on the audiobook, see AudioFile Magazine.

The Turnout by Megan Abbott (Putnam): I love Megan Abbott's work and I danced well into my 30s, so I had high hopes going into this thriller centered around two sisters who inherited a well-respected dance school from their mother. Sisters Marie and Dara Durant and Dara's husband, Charlie, grew up together and, in fact, lived together in the Durant family home until a few months before the story opens, when Marie moved out to live in a room above the dance school. It's fall, just weeks before the annual Nutcracker performance, when disaster strikes: there's a major fire in one of the practice studios. Enter a smooth-talking contractor who infiltrates the trio's lives, eventually threatening to expose their secrets and destroy all they hold dear.

The descriptions of the dance studio, the rehearsals, the jealousies, and the competition ring true. The relationship among Marie, Dara, and Charlie was formed when they were still children, all living with the Durant parents and all dancing under the tutelage of the girls' mother. The contractor is creepy and sleazy. It isn't easy to tell who is bad and who is good; you wonder whom to trust. The novel has the bones of a good thriller and held my attention, but I don't think is Abbott's strongest work. The tension gets derailed by too much description and I found it hard to root for any of the characters. The audiobook is read by Cassandra Campbell, who captures the characters' feelings and voices.

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams (William Morrow): Set in north London, the story is told from the viewpoints of two very different people. As they get to know each other over their newly discovered love of reading, they provide mutual support and stability at a much needed time. Seventeen-year-old Aleisha takes a summer job at the library only as a means to help her overworked brother and to bring extra money to the household while their mother is experiencing a particularly bad bout of depression. Mukesh turns to reading as a way to keep his connection to beloved late-wife and to forge a connection with one of his grandchildren. When Mukesh gets his first library card, he asks Aleisha for a book recommendation. She doesn't have one until she discovers a reading list tucked inside a returned library book. As the pair reads each of the books on the list, they discover how much reading has to offer and how important it is to let others into one's life. Sweet without being cloying; escape with some good messages. Recommended. The audiobook is performed by Tara Divina, Sagar Arya, and Paul Panting -- there are no weak links here; each narrator delivered on expression, characterizations, and emotions.

Invisible Years by Daphne Geismar (David R. Godine; my personal collection): An important and moving true story of the fate of an extended family during the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands. Told via letters, interviews, photographs, and more, this is an incredible book. Sometimes emotionally difficult to read. This family story is made all the more important as eyewitnesses to the horrors of the Holocaust are aging and dying. It's nonfiction books like this that keep the true history alive and help prevent revisionist accounts.

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What I Read in July: Brief Thoughts

July was a super reading month for me. I read or listened to 13 books and almost all of them were winners. Here are my brief (sometimes very brief) thoughts (also posted on GoodReads).

All titles are currently available unless otherwise noted. Thanks to the publishers and/or Libro.fm for review copies (digital, print, and/or audio).

Across the Airless Wilds: The Lunar Rover and the Triumph of the Final Moon Landings by Earl Swift (Custom House): Interesting history of the development of the lunar rovers. Swift introduces us to the people and technology and explains the importance of the rovers for furthering our understanding of the moon. Memorable moments include the various proposed designs, the testing of the rovers, and the accounts of the rovers in use on the moon. The audiobook was nicely performed by Adam Verner, who kept my attention throughout. Note that the audiobook does not come with a PDF of the photos, which is too bad--the visuals in the book really help bring the text to life.

Exit Strategy, Network Effect, & Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells (Tor.Com): I continue to love this series about a (mostly) IA security unit who has essentially become his own boss. His thoughts on other types of units and on humans makes me smile. Good action, too.

People Love Dead Jews by Dara Horn (Norton -- out in September): Dara Horn speaks the truth. I swear I underlined or highlighted most of this book. For many people, what she writes about the history of antisemitism, current violence against Jews in America, historical violence against Jews around the world, memorial museums around the world, and the general arc of the vast majority of World War II novels will be eye-opening. This is an important book that deserves great attention and discussion.

The Great Glorious Goddamn of It All by Josh Ritter (Hanover Square Press -- out in September): Set in Idaho at the very end of the true lumberjacking era and during Prohibition, this is a coming-of-age story, a snapshot of the past, and the story of a family. I loved Ritter's writing with its vivid descriptions, fully developed characters, great balance between action and reflection. This is going on my top ten of the year list. Loved this so much, I preordered a finished copy for my permanent collection. Also, if you're into audiobooks, note that Ritter is the narrator and he does a fabulous job with expression and pacing. And the audiobook contains a bonus song (which has ties to the plot).

Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy (Flatiron -- out tomorrow): On the surface, it's the story of a woman who moves to northern Scotland to head a team of scientists attempting to reintroduce wolves to the area. There are conflicts with the local farmers. On the deeper levels, it's a story of sisters (twins) and domestic violence against women. I love McConaghy's style and her ability to create a mood and take me inside the heads of her characters. This is a powerful book that will stick with me for a long time. Audiobook fans: Saskia Maarleveld does a fine job with the narration, though her accents could have been stronger and more distinct.

The Startup Wife by Tahmima Anam (Scribner): This was only meh for me, but I wanted to like it because I liked the premise. A brilliant coder (female) and an alternative spiritual consultant (male) marry in haste and together with their best friend (male) start a social media app that helps users create rituals to celebrate or honor the important moments of their lives and connect to like-minded others. How does success affect their relationship and what issues does Asha (the main character) face? Unfortunately, the outcome was heavily signaled and, in the long run, I couldn't quite tell if Asha ended up being a feminist or if her ultimate rise in business was actually the result of her husband “giving” it to her. My reaction to the book may also be influenced by the narrator, Tanha Dil, whose delivery was choppy and somewhat flat. My full audiobook thoughts will be available through AudioFile Magazine.

Appleseed by Matt Bell (Custom House): I really enjoyed this book which takes place in three time periods: late 1700s North America/United States, the not-so-distant future, and the far future. The three stories are told in rotating chapters and seem to have a uniting theme of humans' interaction with the environment. But as you read, further connections are revealed -- not in big twists or information dumps, but subtly and in a way that allows each reader to draw conclusions in their own time. Very nicely done. Lots of things to think about here in terms of climate change and technology. I suspect this will be one of those polarizing books -- you'll either love it or not at all. Audiobook: Mark Bramhall is the narrator. He's one of my favs, and he didn't let me down here.

Made in Korea by Sarah Suk (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers): Note that I didn't finish this. I liked the premise of this rom-com and the teenage characters, most of whom are Korean Americans, but I got distracted and never came back. I hope to pick this up again soon, as this is a light, fun read. I listened to the audiobook read by Raymond J. Lee and Joy Osmanski, both of whom are engaging and pick up on their character's personality.

Midnight, Water City by Chris McKinney (Soho Crime): Set in the future when Earth is pretty much destroyed by climate change, but technology has managed to keep people alive. A veteran police detective is invited to visit one of his best friends and erst-while boss--when he arrives at her underwater "penthouse," he discovers she's been murdered. This woman is famous, often considered the savior of the planet because she was the only person who figured out how to divert the path of an asteroid headed straight to Earth. The main character has a couple of unique traits (which I'll leave for you to discover) that make his investigation especially interesting. Lots of side themes of friendship, power, technology, politics, climate change, and families. I'm so glad this is the start of a trilogy -- I want more! Audiobook fans: Richard Ferrone is the narrator, and he really nails the noir, first-person style of the book.

Maiden Voyages: Magnificent Ocean Liners and the Women Who Traveled and Worked Aboard Them by Siân Evans (St. Martins Press -- out next week): In this book, Evans explores the ways transatlantic sea voyages changed women's lives --from Victorian times through to the age of air travel. The book introduces us to a variety of women (some we meet in more detail than others) and explains how their lives were affected by their time onboard. Some women went to sea for work, others sailed to help with various war efforts, some were immigrants, others were traveling for pleasure or business. Some were rich; others were poor. Some were seeking independence; others were looking for blackmail targets, husbands, or adventure. All the stories are tied into feminist or women's issues and concerns, and while most are about everyday life, some are connected to major moments in history. I listened to the audiobook read by Jilly Bond, who did an okay job. She was slightly over the top when reading quoted material, but otherwise I liked her performance. I wish the audiobook came with a PDF, because the print book contains photos, which I think would have really enhanced the listening experience.

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (Tor.Com): I'm not sure how I missed this series, but if the other books are as good as this first one, I'm in for the ride. This is a unique portal fantasy, in which the characters have each found a doorway into an alternative world. Each child enters his or her own world (for the most part, tho there can be some overlap) and stays for what feels like years, but in Earth terms they've been gone only a short time (days, weeks). The children's parents think their kids were kidnapped or that they ran away and have been traumatized. The lucky kids catch the attention of the head mistress of a special boarding school, which is supposed to help these "wayward" children. In reality it's a place where the kids can finish high school while living with others who have also walked through a magical door. This first book involves a mystery (not sure if the others do too), introduces us to the school, and to a group of characters that we may or may not see again. The characters seem to be diverse and are very relatable. Now to get a hold of book 2!

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What I Read in April, Part 2

Welcome back! As I said on Tuesday, I finished 16 books last month. I shared my thoughts about the first 8 books in that post; today I talk about the rest. I present them here in the order that I finished them.

Note that the following thoughts are also available on Goodreads. Thanks to the publishers and to Libro.fm for the print, digital, and audiobook review copies. "AFM" means you can find my thoughts about the audiobook production over on the AudioFile Magazine website.

Empire of Ants: The Hidden World and Extraordinary Lives of Earth's Tiny Conquerors by Susanne Foitzik (The Exmperiment, April): This is a very accessible and fascinating look at everything ants. Foitzik and Fritsche take us around the world and into the lab to tell us about that pesky bug that invades our homes and gets into our picnic food.

The book is full of interesting and eye-opening facts about ant behavior and biology and ants' interaction with the world around us. The tone is conversational and sometimes funny. If you're interested in the natural world, you should give this book a shot.

As I often do with nonfiction, I both read and listened to the book. The audiobook was really well performed by Cat Gould, who did a super job conveying the authors' tone. If you listen instead of read, you'll miss the fabulous photographs in the digital/print edition.

Summer on the Bluffs by Sunny Hostin (William Morrow, May 4): Bring on the summer reads! I really liked the concept behind this beach book set on Martha's Vineyard. The story revolves around Ama Vaux Tanner, her late husband, and their three god-daughters, who are are now in their twenties.

What makes this book a little different from other beach reads is that uber-wealthy Ama is Black, as are her daughters. The book includes themes of systemic racism and colorism along with the expected plot lines concerning family drama, romance, life on the island, past secrets, and finding one's way in the world. The plot could have been a bit tighter, but overall an enjoyable read. I'll likely look for the next book in the series. (AFM)

Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau (Delacorte, April): Because I danced in my youth, I always like a good ballet story. Mia, an American teen, has had only one dream since she was a very young child: to be a professional dancer. Fortunately, she has the talent and focus to make that dream come true. Her summer internship in Paris is a crucial step in her career. Female friendships and frenemies, lots of ballet, and a complicated summer crush add to the story. Yes, mostly predictable and a few plot tangents, but still a fun rom-com for escape reading.

The audiobook was delightfully read by Imani Jade Powers, who captured the ups and downs of Mia's summer in Paris.

The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon (Gallery, April): I like McMahon's ability to layer on the creep factors, and this Gothic story about a Vermont resort turned private estate doesn't disappoint in that regard. Set in two time periods, 1929 and modern times, the story focuses on a spring that is fabled to cure ailments and grant wishes. Of course, nothing is given for free or without consequences.

In the past, Ethel Monroe and her doctor husband visit the springs during its inaugural year as a luxury resort. While there Ethel caves to the rumors and asks the waters to cure her infertility. After the resort burns to the ground at the start of the Depression, the couple buys the property, builds a home, and turns the springs into a kind of natural swimming pool. In modern times, two sisters who spent their summers at the house with their grandmother have their own interactions with the waters.

I loved the creepy atmosphere of this book and the complex, fragile characters. McMahon did a good job weaving local tales about the spring's miracles with the personal interactions of the characters, whether they swam in or drank the water. The two time periods worked well and most of the surprises hit the mark.

The audiobook was read alternately by Joy Osmanski and Imani Jade Powers, who added to the Gothic elements and brought the characters (and the spring) alive.

Gut Feelings: The Microbiome and Our Health by Alessio Fasano (MIT Press, March): A well-researched and well-presented summary of current research on the human microbiome and its relationship to many aspects of our overall health and well-being.

Fasano's account is non-prescriptive and straightforward. We learn about the microbiome throughout human evolution, in traditional cultures, and in today's world. If you don't have a basic understanding of human (or mammalian) physiology, this could be hard going. For those of us with a solid background in biology, this presents a nice overview and good starting point for further investigation through the medical literature.

Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand (Little, Brown, June 1): I'm a Hiderbrand fan and look forward to her Nantucket novels every summer. Her latest doesn't disappoint.

When 50-something Nantucket novelist Vivian Howe is hit by a car when out for her daily morning run, her death and the search for the hit-and-run driver sets off a far-reaching chain of events. We hear from Vivian in heaven limbo and from those she left behind. There are fun literary references, not only to Hilderbrand's own books but also to other writers and the book world in general. The drama, the food, the relationships, the satisfactory ending -- put this on your summer reading list.

Audiobook fans will be relieved that Erin Bennett was available to narrate. She and Hilderbrand make a perfect audiobook marriage.

Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey (Gallery, April): I picked this up because of the cover; I've been in beach-reading kind of mood. In her latest, Harvey tackles cancer, love, loss, infertility, infidelity, friendship, families, and second chances. Despite the tougher issues at the core of this book, it was only okay for me, probably because the ultimate outcome was so clear from the start and I wasn't invested in the characters enough to be all caught up in how they got to the last page. Note however, that I'm not much of a romance reader, so your mileage may vary.

The audiobook was alternately read by Cassandra Campbell, Michael Crouch, Rebekkah Ross, and Karissa Vacker. They all put in a good performance, blending well.

Mirrorland by Carole Johnstone (Scribner, April): I have a weakness for stories about twins. When Cat's identical twin, El, is lost at sea in a presumed sailing accident, she leaves her apartment in California to return to her native Scotland to help her brother-in-law deal with the aftermath.

This novel is complex and engrossing, taking us along on several well-developed threads. First is the investigation of El's accident: staged escape? murder? unfortunate accident? Through this, we gain insight into the nature of El's marriage and her husband's personality. El had been living in the girls' childhood home, and being back releases Cat's memories. She remembers her mother reading to them and especially the many hours they spent in "Mirrorland," their make-believe world, in which they pretended to be Caribbean pirates, for example, or characters in a movie, especially Shawshank Redemption.

As the investigation of the accident continues, we learn more and more about the twins, their upbringing, and their lifelong relationship to Ross, El's husband. The tension builds incrementally until we are totally immersed in Cat's world, trying to figure out which of her Mirrorland memories were real and which were those of a child trying to make sense of the really bad things about her childhood.The truth changes as Cat forces herself to brush aside her strong, deep self-defenses.

I was completely captured by Johnstone's debut, with its difficult themes, good plotting, and growing suspense. What is real in Cat's world? Highly recommended.

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What I Read in April: Part 1

Time for another quick round-up of the books I've read and listened to lately. I finished 16 books in April, most of them audiobooks. Why so many books? I spent the month doing some major paper shredding and cleaning out a storage room. All that gave me hours of good listening time!

Here is part 1 of what I read last month, in the order I finished each book (part 2 will go live on Thursday). Note that the following thoughts are also available on Goodreads. Thanks to the publishers and to Libro.fm for the print, digital, and audiobook review copies. "AFM" means you can find my thoughts about the audiobook production over on the AudioFile Magazine website.

The Babysitter: My Summers with a Serial Killer by Liza Rodman (Atria, March): In the 1960s, author Liza Rodman spent the summers in Provincetown, MA, so her schoolteacher mother could take on seasonal work and party with her friends. Liza and her little sister were left in the care of whomever their mother could find. One of their favorites was Tony Costa, a charming local handyman who would buy the girls ice cream and take them on drives to the nearby woods. When Liza was 10, Tony disappeared from her life, and it wasn't until years later that she learned he had been sent to prison for the gruesome murder and dismemberment of several young women.

The story alternates between Liza's memories of the two or three summers she knew Tony, including her interactions with her neglectful, heavy-drinking mother, and sections based on investigations into Tony's life and crimes. I love true crime, but this book seemed to lack a gripping element. The murders were, of course, horrific, but Liza herself didn't seem to be in any danger. In addition, Tony is described as being well liked, despite the fact that he was into drugs and had a checkered work life. You may have better luck.

The audiobook was read by Andi Arndt and Aida Reluzco, who alternated between the chapters based on Liza's memories and the chapters based on Tony. Their performances were fine; nothing particularly outstanding or problematic.

Lightseekers by Femi Kayode (Mulholland, March): I like a good mystery and was drawn to this book because it takes place in contemporary Nigeria. The general set up is this: Philip Taiwo and his family return from a long residency in the United States to their native Nigeria. Philip is a criminal psychologist with an interest in hate crimes. He's picked to investigate a brutal murder that took place in a small university town.

The narrative is full of interesting details about life in modern Nigeria, from university life to the courts, the law, and the power of the wealthy. The characters were well wrought and multidimensional. Despite these strengths, the novel, as a mystery, didn't hold up for me. By the middle of the book, I felt lost--partly because the book itself lost focus and partly because I'm not familiar with Nigerian university culture and politics, which played large roles in the story.

Narrator Cary Hite did a fine job with the audiobook. His expressive delivery; varied tempo, cadence, and volume; and good accents strengthened the setting and enlivened the characters.

Anna K: A Love Story by Jenny Lee (Flatiron, 2020): I'm not sure how I missed this contemporary retelling of Anna Karenina when it first came out. Set in Manhattan, this novel includes the familiar characters (like Count Vronsky) of the original but adds in pop and social media references and places most of the upper-class diverse cast in high school. The story follows Anna K and her brother and friends over the course of a party- and drama-filled school year and veers from Anna Karenina in a couple of significant ways.

Despite the multiple brand name references (it got a little tiring), it was easy to get drawn into the YA story, and you don't need to be familiar with Tolstoy to like Anna K. The author's note at the end explains Lee's choices for her version of the classic. I'm looking forward to reading the just-released follow-up novel, Anna K Away. (library book)

All Girls by Emily Layden (St. Martin's, Feb.): Set in 2015 over the course of a school year in a prestigious private all-girls high school in Connecticut, this story is told from a variety of perspectives. From the opening pages we learn about a 20-year-old rape accusation, which the school has buried and for which the male teacher has suffered no consequences. The over-arching thread of the novel is the mystery of the rape: Did it happen? Who did it? Was it a one-time event?

Each female voice has something to say about the case and its affect on the school. The students also reveal their inner life and the personal issues they face, from their own #MeToo moments to bullying, eating disorders, family pressures, and feminism. The chapters flow well with each other, and the story gives us lots to think about. A complaint is that it's easy to lose track of who is who among the students and staff (AFM).

Dust Off the Bones by Paul Howarth (Harper, June 8): One of the best books of the year. Note that this is a sequel to Only Killers and Thieves (2018), which you should read first. (Click the link for my thoughts on book 1.)

Brothers Billy and Tommy McBride were forced into estrangement after their unwitting and complicated involvement in crimes against an Aboriginal community in the 1880s, when the boys were young teenagers. Now adults, Billy has become a wealthy landowner and seemingly has moved on from the tragedies of his youth. Tommy has changed his name, has rarely settled in one place, and has struggled all his life to come to terms with the events of his childhood.

Now almost 20 years later, a two-bit lawyer is hired to prosecute Noone, the brutal Native Police Inspector who was responsible for the crimes and for involving the boys. Noone, now a powerful and still cruel-man who is able to control a wide network of evil men, sets out to murder all witnesses to his earlier offenses. The McBride brothers are principal targets.

As in the first book, Howarth pulls no punches: there are no fairy tales in real life, and cold, calculating men don't soften with old age. Billy, Tommy, Noone, and others are vividly drawn and evoke strong and true emotions. The pace and tension are so tightly constructed it's almost impossible to put the book (or in my case, audiobook) down. Australia itself--the land, the people--plays a central role. This duology should be on your must-read list. Please try to avoid spoilers.

The unabridged audiobook was brilliantly read by David Linski, who also performed book 1. Linski portrays the characters perfectly and matches his tempo and volume with Howarth's style.

One Two Three by Laurie Frankel (Henry Holt, Feb.): This is the story of triplets, born in a town that has been scarred after a chemical plant contaminated their drinking water. Nearly everyone in the community has been affected, especially the children, most of whom are disabled in some way. Everyone who had any kind of money long since left the area; the ones who remain suffer in some way.

The Mitchell girls refer to themselves as One, Two, and Three (based on birth order). Mab, seems to be a typical teen, and Monday, the middle triplet, is on the autism spectrum. Mirabel is severely physically disabled, unable to speak or control her body, except one arm and hand. She is, however, intellectually brilliant and communicates through an app, which vocalizes what she types. Their father died from the poisoning and their mother has spent 16 years trying to get a class-action suit off the ground.

The story takes place over the course of a few months when the son of the original factory owner returns to town with his family to try to reopen the factory. Reminiscent of Love Canal or the PG&E case in California, this story is about the battle between big business profits and real people with real lives. The girls and other characters are sensitively and realistically portrayed. Very worth your while.

The unabridged audiobook was read by Emma Galvin, Jesse Vilinsky, and Rebecca Soler, who alternated the chapters told from the perspectives of the sisters. They conveyed the personalities of the girls nicely.

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price (Harper Teen, April): This was fun. Using the characters from and general time period of Austen's Pride & Prejudice, this first in a cozy mystery series works on a number of levels. While the characters are recognizable from their personalities, this book places them in a completely different context from the original. Longbourn and Pemberley are family law firms, and Bingley's family is in shipping. When Bingley is accused of murdering his brother-in-law, Lizzie Bennet and Mr. Darcy are both determined to solve the case.

Readers familiar with P&P will smile at the reconfigurations of Mr. Collins, Charlotte, Wickham, and others. The mystery itself was less engaging for me than Price's take on Austen. I enjoyed the book, though, and am looking forward to the next in the series.

The audiobook was nicely read by Morag Sims. Some listeners may have trouble with her accent and tone, so I advise giving the audio sample a try before buying.

Lost in Paris by Elizabeth Thompson (Gallery, April): I picked this one up because the summary indicated a Jane Austen tie-in. That link turned out to be a very minor piece of the story, though Thompson includes a number of literary and and art references. The story is set in two time periods. In modern times, Hannah, an American woman living in London is surprised by a visit from her unreliable, alcoholic mother (Marla) who has been settling her own mother's estate back in their native Florida. Marla's showing up unannounced is only part of the surprise: Hannah's grandmother has willed the two women a paid-for apartment in the heart of Paris. In the past, we hear from the grandmother's mother, who lived in Paris in the 1930s, where she met many of the great writers and artists of the time.

This was only okay for me. The story was completely predictable and at the same time fairly unbelievable. I didn't connect enough to the women to root for any of them. Others will likely enjoy the details of Paris, the light romance, and the various mother-daughter themes.

The audiobook was read by Emily Tremaine and Imogen Church, who alternately took on the sections that were set in the present and past. I like both these narrators, but I don't think these were their best performances.

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Late Winter Reading: Part II

Here's the promised second part of what I read in February and March. (For Part I, see my earlier post.) As before, I present the books in the order I read or listened to them and have taken the text from thoughts I posted on GoodReads. "AFM" means I reviewed the audiobook for AudioFile Magazine, and you'll find my review of the audiobook production there.

I have no idea why I was suddenly attracted to books about women during World War II; I read three nonfiction and two fictionalized accounts.

All but one of the books were provided by the publisher in one or more forms (digital, auido, print). Thanks too to Libro.fm.

Dark Horses by Susan Mihalic (Gallery, Peb. 2021): Kind of a domestic thriller and coming-of-age mashup. Roan is an Olympic-class equestrian athlete who is coached by her father, who is also a world-famous equestrian. Her fans and friends think her life is blessed, but what they don't know is that her father is controlling and physically and sexually abusive. This is the story of how Roan negotiates the mine field of her life, trying to find a clear path to the other side.

The book is a little difficult to read because of the tough subject matter, but the information about equestrian riding and training is interesting and provides welcome breaks, and the complexities of Roan's feelings are well done. (AFM)

The Initial Insult by Mindy McGinnis (Katherine Tegen, Feb. 2021): I'm a fan of McGinnis's, and this creepy, twisty book didn't disappoint. In this retelling of Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado," teenage Tress seeks revenge and information from her ex-best friend, Felicity, who was the last person to see Tress's parents before they disappeared. McGinnis also provides a look at what might happen when contemporary teenagers party unsupervised, except by social media. I can't wait for the second book in the duology.

The audiobook is nicely read by Lisa Flanagan, Brittany Pressley, and Tim Campbell. Flanagan and Pressley read the sections told from Tress's and Felicity's viewpoints, each perfectly capturing her character's personality. Campbell reads the sections told from the point of view of a panther (I won't say more, so as to avoid spoilers), and does a great job with the free verse.

The Invisible Woman by Erika Robuck (Berkley, Feb. 2021): Robuck's latest historical fiction introduces us to Virginia Hall, who overcame a number of hurdles to become a key player in the French resistance during World War II. Despite being a woman, being American, and needing a wooden leg (the result of an accident), she was sent to Occupied France by the British government to gather information, transmit messages, arrange supply drops, and aid the resistance.

I had never heard of Virginia Hall, who earlier served in the diplomatic core and later in the CIA. Even if you think you're over WWII stories, this one is very much worth your while. (AFM)

The Power Couple by Alex Berenson (Simon & Schuster, Feb. 2021): A very twisty thriller with some political and domestic aspects. Rebecca, a CIA operative, is married to Brian, a tech expert who recently sold a gambling app for buckets of money. To celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary and their new wealth, they decide to take a family trip to Europe. While in Barcelona, their college-aged daughter, Kira, sneaks out to have a drink with a guy she met the day before. She never comes home. A day or so later, her parents receive a ransom note.

The story, told alternately from Rebecca's, Brian's, and Kira's perspectives, is believable and scary. I loved the surprises. If you're into thrillers, give this a try. The audiobook is brilliantly performed by Steven Weber and Marin Ireland, who nailed the pacing and the characters' personalities.

Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson (William Morrow, March 2021): I like a good domestic thriller, but the premise of this one was hard for me to buy. On her destination bachelorette party (paid for and arranged by her fabulously wealthy groom), Abigail gets drunk and has a one-night stand. She decides she shouldn't tell her groom. Everything is back on track until Abigail begins to feel uneasy just hours into their honeymoon on an isolated, tech-free island off the coast of Maine.

Yes, there were tense moments, and yes, I ended up rooting for Abigail. However, I found much of the book a little out of my ability to suspend disbelief. Also, it wasn't hard to predict the ending. The unabridged audiobook was read by Karissa Vacker, who did a good job with the material she had to work with.

The Forever Sea by Joshua Phillip Johnson (DAW, Jan. 2021): I wanted to love this eco-fantasy, but instead it was just okay for me. In this world, boats sail on the surface of a vast, deep "ocean" made of prairie grasses. Boats are powered by magical fires tended by hearthkeepers. The story focuses on a young hearthkeeper and her first crew, both on the sea and in port. Themes include loyalty and betrayal, friends and family, loss and love (LGBTQ+), and politics.

This first in a new series ends not so much on a cliffhanger but certainly without resolution. The world building is well done, but the characters lack depth and the plot is meandering. (AFM)

You'll Thank Me for This by Nina Siegal (Mulholland Books, March 2021): Set in a national park in Netherlands, this thriller finds its foundation in a local tradition in which a small group of teens are blindfolded and then dropped off in the woods with a map and compass. Though adult guardians are nearby, the kids are meant to work together to find their way to a camp, a few miles away. Quickly after young Karin and her group are left on their own, everything starts to go wrong, and as night falls, she is alone and lost.

Though the general plot was predictable, there were some surprises and the suspense and creep factors were well done. I really liked Karin's ability to draw on her knowledge and experience, even when she was really scared. Maybe not the best thriller, but I liked it. The unabridged audiobook was read by Tavia Gilbert, who did an excellent job with the characterizations, pronunciations, emotions, and tension.

Three Ordinary Girls by Tim Brady (Citadel, Feb. 2021): This is mostly a "just the facts, ma'am" kind of book. It introduces us to three teenagers who got caught up in the resistance movement in the Netherlands during World War II. The author learned about sisters Truss and Freddie Oversteegen and their colleague Jo Schaft from his agent, who saw one of the Oversteegens' obituaries. This journalistic account covers the girls' success and failures as they learned to steal, lie, kill, plant home-made bombs, deliver underground newspapers, hide Jews, and help Jewish children find safe homes. The girls were all under the age of 20 when they started.

Their story and their heroism teaches us all that even ordinary people with few skills can become heroes and make a true difference to help others. It's a lesson that is particularly important today. (AFM)

The Light of the Midnight Stars by Rena Rossner (Redhook, April 2021): Part magical realism, part historical fiction, part midrash, part kabbalah, part folk tale retelling, this is a powerful book that's deep in Jewish tradition. Told from the perspectives of three sisters, this is the story of ethnic violent prejudice, love, faith, family, and--sadly--reality, even with the more mystical elements. There is an LBGTQ+ element and a strong theme of not being able to escape one's fate, of being tied to one's ancestral history and faith no matter how hard you try to outrun it.

This book is much, much stronger than Rossner's first, and I can't wait to read whatever else she has to write. The audiobook was read by Ana Clements, who did an excellent job conveying the different personalities of the sisters and infusing her delivery with power and emotion.

A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell (Viking, 2019) After reading Erica Robuck's fictionalized account of Virginia Hall (see above), I had to read this biography of the woman who overcame many barriers to help the French resistance and feed information to the British government. This book goes into more detail about Hall's life before and after the events told in the novel.

Hers is an amazing story. Don't miss learning about Virginia Hall, whether you choose to read this biography or Robuck's novel. (library book)

Northern Spy by Flynn Berry (Viking, April 2021): Emotional, strong look at how two sisters became involved in the contemporary IRA movement. Count me as one of the people who thought the Troubles were over in Ireland. In fact the IRA is still active and both sides--the activists and British government--attempt to recruit followers/informants in subtle, incremental ways. This book explores several sides of the ongoing conflict and the way it affects a single family. A powerful story, highly recommended, despite some problems with the plot details.

The audiobook was wonderfully narrated by Katharine Lee McEwan, who infused her delivery with the complex feelings of the characters without crossing the line into the melodramatic. Gripping performance that will make you want to listen all in one go.

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