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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10 Books for Your June Wish List

June marks the official start of summer, which means we can look forward to vacations (or staycation, as the case may be), lazy days on the deck or porch, and maybe even some afternoons at the pool or beach. Hand in hand with warmer weather comes more time for reading.

Throughout this month I will be sharing my picks for the week's new book releases. For the most part, the books on my lists are for summer escape reading, though you'll also find a few nonfiction titles mixed in. I also include a few books in translation.

Note: For a variety of reasons, publishers have changed the release dates of many of this season's titles. When I wrote this post, the following books were all set to publish on June 2; check dates before ordering. [This list was postponed from last week; look for the second post on Thursday or Friday.]

Head to the Beach

• The House on Fripp Island by Rebecca Kauffman (Mariner) Setting: South Carolina. What happens? Two families on different sides of the economic divide vacation together. The adults have secrets, and the children are on the brink of change. Before the trip is over, one person has been killed. The novel is introduced by the ghost of the victim, leaving the reader to figure out the clues as the story progresses.
• The View from Here by Hannah McKinnon (Atria) Setting: Connecticut. What happens? Three adult siblings and their families reunite at the family lake house to celebrate their grandmother's 97th birthday. One brother and the sister have led conventional lives, but the other brother has been distant. His arrival, with a woman and her daughter in tow, foreshadows change for the family dynamics--but what kind of change is uncertain.

Read with the Lights On

• Seven Years of Darkness by You-Jeong Jeong (Penguin) Setting: South Korea. What happens? Sowon was only 11 when his father was sent to prison for killing his wife, a young girl, the girl's father, and two security guards before opening a dam and flooding an entire village. Sowon grows up under the shadow of his father's crimes, until seven years later he receives information that could clear his father's name. This promises to be a complex thriller. (in translation)
• The Guest List by Lucy Foley (William Morrow) Setting: Ireland. What happens? What could possibly go wrong at an opulent celebrity wedding held on an island with with iffy cell service? Long-festering jealousies, too much alcohol, and exposed secrets lead to murder. This is a twisty closed-room-type mystery/thriller.

Prepare to Discuss

• The Choice by Gillian McAllister (Putnam) Setting: London. What happens? The choice making up the book's title is multilayered. First, a woman chooses to believe the man walking behind her is up to no good. Second, she decides to strike first by turning around and pushing him. Third, she must choose what to do when she realizes she may have killed him: call for help and face the consequences of her actions or keep walking and live the rest of her life as if nothing happened. What does she do? What would you do?
• The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (Riverhead) Setting: United States; last half of 20th century. What happens? Twin sisters grow up in a small Louisiana town where the black community has been consciously self-selecting for lighter skin tones. After running away from home as teens, the girls make very different choices to escape their past: Stella runs a second time, this time to live in the white world, disappearing from her family forever; Desiree marries the darkest man she can, though ends up back at her mother's house. The paths of the twins may have diverged, but those of their daughters intertwine in unexpected ways. Race, socioeconomics, transgender, love, family, self-identity, and many more themes to think about.
• An Elegant Woman by Martha McPhee (Scribner) Setting: United States; 20th century. What happens? How four generations of women coped with their differing circumstances, reinventing themselves as necessary and informing the lives of their children and their grandchildren to follow. This family saga takes us from the East Coast to the upper Plains, from richer to poorer, from supportive to indifferent as a set of sisters in contemporary times try to understand the lives of the women who came before them.
• Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan (Ecco) Setting: Hong Kong. What Happens? A contemporary Irish expat living in Hong Kong must decide who she really is. While eking out a living teaching English to the wealthy, Ava meets a rich male banker and soon allows herself to become a kept woman, entering a social stratum she could never afford. When he is transferred to London, Ava meets a powerful female lawyer and is soon attracted to her and her lifestyle. When the banker returns to Hong Kong, Ava must decide who she is and what she wants.

Pick Fantasy or Reality

• The Court of Miracles by Kester Grant (Knopf BYR) Setting: alternate Paris; 1828. What happens? After the failed French revolution, Paris is ruled by two courts: that of Louis XVII, which remains indifferent as ever to the plight of the poor, and that of the underworld guilds, who control the people. Nina has found a place in the Thieves Court, building her reputation as a skilled burglar, but when her BFF attracts the attention of the Guild of Flesh, Nina becomes determined to save her friend and the others enslaved by that guild. Action and adventure mixed with themes of class, race, and human trafficking.
• The Inner Coast by Donovan Hohn (Norton) Setting: United States What happens? This collection of 10 previously published essays explores our relationship with the landscape, with our past, and with some of our literary heroes. Several essays focus on water, ranging from ice canoeing to scuba diving, droughts, and the Flint, Michigan, water crisis. In some pieces, Hohn turns to his family, writing about his mother's struggles with mental health and his uncle's passion for collecting antique tools. His discussions of literature include Henry David Thoreau, Adrienne Rich, and even the Bible. Put these though-provoking, prize-winning essays on your reading list.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: Preholiday Reading

This has been a crazy two weeks: I've been working hard, reading a bit, finishing the shopping (we're done!), and getting the house holiday ready. I swear, every second of my time has been taken up.

The good news is that we're in great shape and it's only December 10. For the first time in years, we'll be able to relax and enjoy the season. My stress levels are near zero!

Have you seen Netflix's version of Dumplin' yet? We really liked it, and I thought the film stayed true to the spirit of the book, even if some things were different. But isn't that always the case when a book is adapted for the screen?

For example, I love the series Outlander, even if the arc of a few characters has changed and even if the show isn't 100 percent following the books. It's still good. I think the writers and directors have captured the magic of the books, and I'm fine with that.

Here's what I read over the last two weeks. If you're interested in food or drink writing, I encourage you to look at my Saturday post, which covers three books that would make great holiday gifts.

Red Sister by Mark Lawrence (Ace, February 2018). This first in a fantasy trilogy starts off slowly, introducing us to the characters, setting up the premise, and showing us the alternate world. I can surely understand why some readers gave up early, but if you stick with this book, you're in for a treat. In the world of Red Sister, nuns do more than hold the faith; they are also warriors and scholars. Our primary hero is young Nona Grey who, despite being just a child, is accused of murdering a grown man who was hurting her friend. Saved at the last second by Sister Glass of the Sweet Mercy Convent, Nona eventually settles into her new life as a initiate in the convent, learning to fight and use poisons along with her regular lessons. Over the course of her youth, Nona also discovers the meaning of friendship and her true heritage. Mixed in with familiar fantasy plot lines are some surprises, a unique universe, and many strong women. I listened to the unabridged audiobook (Recorded Books; 19 hr, 21 min), read by Heather O'Neill. This is my first experience with O'Neill, and I was pretty impressed. I thought she did a great job with the dialogue, giving appropriate vocal tones to each character. Her diction was clear, and she kept my interest throughout. I was relieved to see that she performs the second book in the series, and I sure hope she's also around for the final installment. (library book)

Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (Mariner Books, October 2018). Okay guys, I think I'm now a short-story enthusiast, because this is the second collection that I just couldn't put down. Wow. Some of the stories in this collection are very loosely connected in setting, but they all share similar themes of being black in America, touching on family, power, death, poverty, working for minimum wage, education, and ethics. Adjei-Brenyah's worlds are mostly futuristic or semi-dystopian (some are full-on speculative), and each character's journey grabbed my attention. In one, a young man is working at an outdoor store at the mall, hoping to earn top sales so he can give his mom a new winter coat. In another, a usually straight-laced black teen reacts to a news story of a white man who killed seven very young black children and used self-defense as justification. In the title story, frenzied mall shoppers are afflicted with a zombie like condition, destroying stores in their quest for the perfect gift. I listened to the unabridged audiobook (Recorded Books; 7 hr, 8 min), read by Corey Allen and Carra Patterson. The bulk of the stories are read by Allen, whose performance is near-perfect. Patterson's work is equally impressive. Highly recommended in print or audio. (For more on the audiobook, see AudioFile magazine.)

The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson (Viking, April 2018). So many things about this book called to me, particularly true crime, fly fishing, and evolutionary biology. In 2009, a young, promising American musician, studying abroad, broke into a satellite branch of the British Museum of Natural History and stole 299 specimens of tropical birds. These weren't just any old stuffed birds, but were important examples for scientific study and included many collected by Alfred Russel Wallace, who independently came up with the idea of natural selection at the same time as Charles Darwin. The birds were all rare, endangered, and very important to ornithologists, evolutionary biologists, and even climate scientists. So why did Edwin Rist commit this crime? He was a world-renown salmon flytier, who was obsessed with obtaining the rare bird feathers, which would advance his craft and bring him almost unlimited income from selling the bird carcasses, one beautiful feather at a time. Investigative journalist Johnson, a trout fly-fisherman, became intrigued with the case. Although Rist was arrested 18 months after the heist, he didn't serve jail time, and quite a number of the stolen birds remained unaccounted for. Johnson was captivated by the crime and the idea that someone would be driven to steal feathers just to tie flies that would never actually be used to catch salmon. He also wanted to know why Rist was released by the British courts and whether he worked alone. I was totally drawn in to Rist's story and Johnson's investigation. The crime is heartbreaking and mind-boggling and shows how some passions can have a dark side. You don't have to be a fly-fisherman to enjoy this book; Feather Thief would appeal to anyone who likes true crime. (library book)

Impossible Fortress by Jason Rekulak (Simon & Schuster, February 7). I had absolutely no idea what this book was about when I reached into my backlog of review copies and decided to give this a try. Set in 1987, when few people had a home computer and CompuServe ruled the dial-up-connected world, this is part coming-of-age story and part homage to a simpler, more private era. Billy Marvin has two loves: writing computer games for his Commodore 64 and Vanna White (of Wheel of Fortune fame). When he and his fellow nerdy friends develop a scheme to steal copies of Playboy magazine featuring Vanna in her birthday suit, Billy discovers that he's not alone in dreaming of becoming a world-famous computer game coder and that, despite his better instincts, he's not above getting into very bad trouble. This was a fun, cute, and nostalgic story. I really liked Billy and completely understood the issues he faced--his loyalty to his best friends, his passion for programming, and his budding romance as well as his genuine regret when he becomes involved in something he knows is dead wrong. This novel (not a YA book) is for those of us who remember the 1980s--even those of us (like me) who were well out of high school by then. The plot is somewhat predictable but no less charming and is full of pop culture references. This is the perfect stress-reducing read. I listened to the unabridged audiobook (Simon & Schuster Audio; 7 hr, 23 min), read by Griffin Newman, whose expressive performance added to the emotional depth of Billy's story. I liked his characterizations and good delivery of the dialogue. The audiobook has some well-done sound effects as well. (review copy from the publisher)

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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?

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: Help Needed & 4 Quick Reviews

A Plea for Help!

How organized are you? I'm okay when it comes to my ebooks (thank you, Calibre!), and I have a sort of system for my print books (at least I more or less know where things are and what I own). I keep all my audiobooks in a single folder, so I can always find them.

But here's where I'm a big fail: I haven't yet discovered a way to integrate the data for all my books--print, audio, ebook--in one easy-to-use place. Although the very thought of combining my three catalogs is daunting, to say the least, I'd love to try.

So my big question for the week is this: Do you have one single database for all your books in all media? And if so, what do you use? Are you a LibraryThing fan or do you use GoodReads? Do you have your own database in Excel (or similar)? Do you use your bullet journal? Maybe just a Word file? I really want to know, cause I need some help.

What I've Been Reading

Kat Howard's Roses and Rot: Wow. This one pulled me in right from the start. It's about two sisters involved in the arts, one is a dancer and the other a writer. The plot focuses on love, family, competition, and a reminder that sometimes fairy tales are dark. I loved the writing (though a stronger copyeditor would have been nice), and I liked the way Howard tells the story -- poetic at times. The book is set in contemporary days, though there is definitely a magical  layer. I recommend it. (Saga Press, May 2016)

John Preston's The Dig: This is a pretty quick read and very interestingly set up. There is a mysterious feel to the way the story is told, making you ask, Who are these people? It is set in 1939 Britain and based on true events. On the eve of war, a rich and important archaeological site, later named Sutton Hoo (after the estate), was found on a widow's farm in Suffolk. The discovery stirred up trouble, creating tensions within the family and building competition among scholars and museums. I read it in two short sittings and then looked up more information about the site and the artifacts. (Other Press, April 2016)

Iris Smyles's Dating Tips for the Unemployed: This is next up on my list. I don't know if I'll get through it, but I'm intrigued. Set in contemporary New York, the book has been billed as part memoir, part novel and is supposed to focus on those between years when you're a full-fledged adult but not yet feeling settled. Apparently Smyles writes a lot about the difficulties of making true connections with others. The book is a collection of two dozen essays/short pieces; I'll let you know what I think. (Mariner, June 2016)

Iain Reid's I'm Thinking of Ending Things: Mr. BFR just finished this psychological thriller, which is getting a lot of buzz and starred reviews. He, however, was not quite taken with it. The good news is that he liked the writing style and thought a few parts were creepy. The bad news was that he wasn't as scared as the hype made him think he would be, and he thought the plot had pacing issues. In short, he was disappointed and felt let down by the ending. A glance at the reviews reveals this is one of those love it or hate books. Mr. BFR was more on the hate side. (Gallery/Scout, June 2016)

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12 Books to Read in April

I often talk about the physical (print) books on my reading list, but I sometimes forget to let you know what's new on my eReader. Here are 12 books (all to be published in April) that caught my attention.

Traveling to New Places

• The Alaskan Laundry by Brendan Jones: Set in Alaska, this novel follows Tara Marconi's transformation from Philadelphia athlete and baker to commercial fisherman in the harsh northern latitudes. Themes: friendship, self-discovery, new starts (Mariner Books) • Before We Visit the Goddess by Chitra Banerjie Divakaruni: Set in India and America, this is the story of three generations of women whose choices have unexpected consequences. Themes: mothers & daughters, cultural expections (Simon & Schuster) • Chasing the North Star by Robert Morgan: Set in the 1850s, this novel follows the journey of Jonah Williams who escapes from his South Carolina plantation to find freedom in the north. Themes: human spirit, friendship, survival (Algonquin). • A Fierce and Subtle Poison by Samantha Mabry: Set in Puerto Rico, this murder mystery finds its foundation in folklore and tales of the "girl filled with poison," who may or may not be dangerous. Themes: first love, culture clash, folk beliefs (Algonquin Books for Young Readers)

Nonfiction Picks

• Jungle of Stone by William Carlsen: This is the true story of the early-1800s discovery of the fabled cities of the ancient Maya. Facing an unforgiving environment, two men survived a 2,500-mile journey to tell the world of their discoveries. History (William Morrow) • The Last Voyageurs by Lorraine Baoissoneault: In 1976 a group of Midwestern teens and high school teachers set out to reenact the 3,300-mile journey of French explorer La Salle. This is the story of their adventure told against the backdrop of the original 1680 expedition. History, travel (Pegasus) • The Path by Michael Puett and Christine Gros-Loh: Written for the general public, this book is based on Harvard professor Puett's very popular Chinese philosophy class, which has transformed the lives of hundreds of students. Philosophy (Simon & Schuster) • Pistols and Petticoats by Erika Janik: The subtitle tells it all--"175 Years of Lady Detectives in Fact and Fiction." This book explores the trials and tribulations of the strong women who found a place in real-life law enforcement or in the pages of crime novels. Women's issues (Beacon Press)

Family and Women

• The Railwayman's Wife by Ashley Ray: Set in 1948 in Australia, this is the story of a young widow trying to come to terms with life as a single parent and a World War II veteran whose poetry seems to have been bled away. Themes: healing, moving forward, friendship (Atria) • Sunday's on the Phone to Monday by Christine Reilly: Set over thirty years in New York City, this is the story of a couple and then a family settling into its maturity. Themes: sisters, loyalty, family love (Touchstone) • Three-Martini Lunch by Suzanne Rindell: Set in the late 1950s in New York City, this novel centers on three young adults whose publishing dreams--as authors or editors--are tested by personal choices and cultural expectations. Themes: ambition, friendship, the price of success (Putnam) • The Year We Turned Forty by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke: Set during modern times, this novel gives three fifty-year-old best friends a do-over of their fortieth year. What would they do differently? Themes: friendship, choices, fate (Washington Square Press)

What's on your eReader for April?

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Three Great Reads for Jane Austen Fans

I'd like to continue my Jane Austen theme from last week (see my review of Longbourn and my feature of The Pursuit of Mary Bennet) by introducing you to three more recent books inspired by or celebrating Austen.

Roy Adkins and Lesley Adkins's Jane Austen's England (Viking, ISBN-13: 9780670785841) is a fascinating look at everyday life in England at the turn of the nineteenth century. I am particularly drawn to this book because of the authors' reliance on firsthand records. They scoured "letters, diaries, travelogues, accounts of criminal trials and newspapers" to bring Austen's world alive. The variety of witnesses--the clergy, a man of means, a poor woman, husbands and wives, and tourists--gives us a wide perspective on social customs, politics, the military, the economy, and day-to-day chores. The chapters cover major events, such as births and weddings, as well as everyday concerns, such as childhood, religion, and fashion. I plan to read this book in stages, one chapter/issue at a time, so I can fully absorb the material. Jane Austen's England will appeal not only to Austen fans but also to those interested in history, culture, anthropology, and English customs.

Did you know there was a Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA)? Author Deborah Yaffe, a lifelong Austen fan, first joined the organization when she was barely a teen. Her recent book, Among the Janeites (Mariner Books, ISBN-13 9780547757735) brings to light the many faces of the modern-day Austen enthusiast. Relying on personal interviews and her own observations and participation in events, Yaffe offers a journalist's perspective on Austen's continuing popularity in the twenty-first century. From websites to YouTube spoofs, blogs, and clubs, Austen has found a surprisingly active presence in social media. Off line, fans watch Austen-inspired movies and mini-series, devour the abundant spin-offs, partake in Austen-based tours of England, attend $5000-a-head balls, and buy patterns to make their own period clothing. As one would expect from a diverse group of people drawn together for a single purpose, being a Janeite is not without its drama, but the Austen community has also been a source of friendships and bonding for people all over the world. Entertaining and informative.

I am endlessly curious about contemporary takes on Austen's novels, and for reasons I haven't investigated, Sense & Sensibility seems to be one of the more popular foundations for reimaginings. Joanna Trollope's modern-day version (Harper, ISBN-13: 9780062200464), complete with mp3 players and cell phones, tells the story of the Dashwood sisters after they've fallen on hard times. Staying true to Austen's plot, Trollope's job, as part of the Austen Project, was to modernize the details just enough to bring a twenty-first-century perspective to the story. What's particularly interesting to me is how many themes of S&S remain important today: family duty, the power of money, and the effects of making bad choices in love, for example. On the other hand, what was shocking behavior in the early 1800s is not so bad today, but social media makes it so much more difficult to hide our mistakes. So Trollope was faced with making believable changes that would ring true to both die-hard fans and new readers while retaining the enduring essence of Austen's beloved novel. I'm looking forward to both this version and the entire Austen Project series.

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Review: Heart Earth by Ivan Doig

Ivan Doig's mother died on his sixth birthday, just as World War II was ending. His vague memories of her play out to the sound of coughing and wheezing, a result of her life-threatening bouts of asthma. About forty years after Berneta's death, Ivan was surprised to receive a small box of letters she had written to her brother during the last months of both the war and her life.

Doig's Heart Earth is based on those letters, a tremendous gift from his late maternal uncle. The short book also serves as a prequel to Doig's longer memoir, House of Sky.

Through his mother's letters, Ivan is reminded of how she never let her serious asthma take away from her enjoyment and participation in life and work. She didn't back down from whatever needed to be done: from single-handedly moving sheep to better pasture to pushing the truck out of deep mud, from working a sewing machine to cooking for a crew of ranch hands.

The Doigs were dangerously close to being anachronistic for their time: They were generally more comfortable on a horse herding sheep in the Montana mountains than they were with small-town life in industrializing Arizona. Prompted by Berneta's letters, Ivan recalls the family's trek from Montana to the Southwest in hope of finding a lung-friendly environment. This move from rancher to Defense Department worker was a loving sacrifice made by Ivan's father and no mean feat in the days of gas and food rationing.

Through his mother's own words, Ivan is able to recall with bittersweet fondness some of the golden moments of his fifth year: riding horses, following his uncle's progress across the Pacific, spending a day in town with his dad, and listening in while his mother gossiped with her friends. He also finds an unexpected kinship with his mother as wordsmith.

Doig wrote Heart Earth more than decade after he wrote his first memoir, and if the book has a flaw it's that his loving story of Berneta's final months starts off assuming that you've already read House of Sky. Fortunately, the reader quickly feels up to speed and is easily transported to 1945 America and the world of this close family. Although you know Berneta's fate from the beginning, the memoir is a celebration of a life rather than a sad reflection on what could have been.

I listened to the unabridged audio edition (Recorded Books, 4 h, 36 min) read by Tom Stechschulte. Stechschulte is a veteran narrator who on many levels should have been a good match for Doig's memoir. Unfortunately, his steady intonations had a tendency to drag, and his Scottish accent was disturbingly close to Irish. Although I would not hesitate to listen to another book read by Stechschulte, I do recommend reading Heart Earth in print. My full audio review will be published by AudioFile Magazine in the near future.

For more about Ivan Doig, visit his website, where you'll find information about his memoirs and novels, reading guides, and photographs of his mother.

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Published by Mariner Books, 2006
ISBN-13: 9780156031080
YTD: 32
Source: Review (see review policy)
Rating: B
Copyright © cbl for Beth Fish Reads, all rights reserved (see review policy)

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