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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A Bookish Miscellany

This week's roundup is a departure from my norm. Besides my weekly book list, I want to tell you about a couple bookish events this month plus alert you to a super podcast. So let's jump right in.

For Audiobook Fans

It's November, which means it's one of the biggest travel months of the year. And you know what I like to do when driving or flying? That's right, I listen to a good audiobook, which makes the time zip on by and the trip that much more fun.

If you're not sure what to listen to next or which audiobooks to pack for your holiday travel, put aside your worries. The Audiobook Publishers Association teamed up with 21 bloggers, who have some great listening recommendations and who are offering one of their readers the chance to win 8 audiobooks. Visit the APA's website to get the list of participating bloggers. Don't be shy, enter for a chance to win. Good luck!

If you need even more audiobook recommendations, be sure to tune in to AudioFile Magazine's new podcast, Behind the Mic. The podcast airs every weekday and is available via whatever podcast app you use and whatever operating system you like.

The really cool thing about this podcast is that it lasts only about 5 minutes! Each episode (they're up to about 60 now) focuses on a single book, which means you can listen quickly whenever you have a spare moment: while getting ready for work in the morning, when settling into your office for the day, or while walking to your car at lunchtime. Check out the list of available episodes and get ready to add to your wish list.

Giving the Gift of Reading

It's that time of year when we're reminded to be grateful for what we have and to give to those who are less fortunate. Zulily and Penguin Random House have once again joined forces to provide books to children in need.

When shopping for books for the kids on your holiday list, be sure visit the Zulily website or app and look for the Buy One, Give One banner. For every book you buy, Penguin Random House will donate one book to First Book, which provides quality books to families, children, and classrooms across the country. Here is a list of holiday books that are part of this generous program.

Borrowing Books

This week's roundup is quick look at some random books I have checked out of the library.

The Red Sister by Mark Lawrence (Ace, February 2018): This is the first in an epic fantasy trilogy that a friend of mine told me about. Here's the short blurb from the publisher: "A brand-new epic fantasy trilogy about a girl of rare talents who enters a convent to learn the art of combat and is drawn into a battle for empire." I didn't want to research the book too much (for fear of spoilers), but I think the main character is harboring secrets and powers. Reviews have been mostly glowing, noting that the world and concept are fresh. Most also mention how quickly they were drawn to the characters and their plight. I'm intrigued by the fighting nuns! Book two is already out and the final installment is just a few months away.

My Twenty-Five Years in Provence by Peter Mayle (Knopf, June 2018): you may recall that I reviewed this memoir in September. So why did I wait in the library hold line to get a copy of the book? I listened to the unabridged audiobook for a review assignment, which meant I missed out on the photographs that were included in the memoir. The library ebook became available just yesterday, so I haven't had a chance to flip through it, but I plan on spending an hour or so this weekend just looking at the pictures. As much as I love audiobooks, I hate missing out on the visuals and wish audiobook publishers would include PDFs of the illustrations.

The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson (Viking, April 2018): Speaking of missing out on visuals, I held off starting the audiobook of this true-crime story because I wanted to see the photos while I was listening. This book is about an obsessed American fly-tier who stole 299 rare bird carcasses from a branch of the British Natural History Museum. Why? So he could sell the feathers to fellow fly-fishing enthusiasts and make a fortune. What was so devastating about this strange crime is that many of the birds were collected over 150 years ago by the famous naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace. Johnson, also a fly-fisherman, became fascinated with this story and wanted to know more about Edwin Rist, the music student who became a feather thief. The book won all kinds of starred reviews, and I'm really looking forward to being able to view the photographs while listening to this weird twenty-first-century heist.

At My Table by Nigella Lawson (Flatiron, April 2018): I have a major weakness for cookbooks. In an effort to feign restraint, I've developed the habit of delaying buying a new one until I've had a chance to check it out of the library or at least look through it at the store. Last week one of my Weekend Cooking participants wrote about Nigella's newest cookbook, and I couldn't resist taking a look. I've gone through this cookbook only very quickly, but it looks like it's focused--as the subtitle says--on home cooking and geared to cooks of a variety of skill levels. There are about 275 recipes that take you from breakfast to cocktail hour drinks and nibbles all the way through to after-dinner dessert. The photographs are stunning, and I'm afraid I can already tell that this is a must-own book. There are a couple of fall/winter recipes that are calling my name, such as a beet and goat cheese salad and a pork with prunes dinner. God save my wallet. Full review sometime in the future.

Death at the Chateau Bremont by M. L. Longworth (Penguin, June 2011): Not long ago a friend of mine recommended a mystery series set in Aix-en-Provence, featuring a chief magistrate and his law professor girlfriend. I love the concept and setting of these mysteries. It's the south of France! I expect to read about the beautiful countryside, good wine, and excellent food . . . n'est-ce pas? In this first installment we meet the investigators and learn of the importance of an excellent neighborhood cafe. Oh, and there's the murder of the count and whodunit puzzle. Reviewers comment on the vivid descriptions of the town, the chateau, and the secondary characters. I always seem to find room to add just one more series to my reading list.

I'm not quite sure who the library gods are, but I do know they like to play with me. No matter how spread out I make my library requests, all the books always seem to become available within a few days of each other. I waited months for some of these, and others I got right away. In any case, I'd better get reading or resign myself to the sadness that is returning books to library before I've had a chance to read them.

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12 Ways into Colonial Africa

I don't know why I'm endlessly fascinated with colonial Kenya and the people who left Europe to start a new life there in the early 1900s. My interest has been given a boost by this month's release of a novel about Beryl Markham, who chalked up several "first woman to" accomplishments in her life. Whether you find the actions, attitudes, and lifestyle of the British ex-pats and the Happy Valley set horrifying, fascinating, or cringe-worthy, here are a dozen ways to transport yourself to the Africa of a century ago.

Beryl Markham

Beryl Markham grew up in colonial Kenya, earning a reputation as an excellent horse trainer and as an accomplished pilot. Circling the Sun by Paula McLain (Ballantine, 2015) is a well-researched don't-miss account of Markham's life. As I wrote for Readerly, "Told from Markham’s perspective, the novel resembles a well-crafted memoir, taking readers on a roller-coaster adventure of incredible successes and deep sorrows." For Beryl Markham's story in her own words, pick up West with the Night (North Point Press, 2013). This autobiography is a very readable account of her African childhood and how she came to be the first woman to fly solo west across the Atlantic Ocean. Nonfiction fans might be more drawn to Mary S. Lovell's Straight on Till Morning (Norton, 2011), which has been proclaimed Markham's "definitive biography."

Karen Blixen & Elspeth Huxley

Most people have heard of Karen Blixen from the movie named after her memoir Out of Africa (Penguin, 2011). Although the movie has a strong focus on Blixen's romantic relationships, the author wrote about her love of the country and its people, her thoughts on white colonialism, and her struggles to make her coffee farm at "the foot of the Ngong Hills" a success. Elspeth Huxley grew up in Kenya on her family's coffee plantation. Among her memoirs are The Flame Trees of Thika (Penguin 2000), which focuses on her childhood and the difficulties British expats had in adjusting to the rigors of Africa, and Out in the Midday Sun (Vintage Digital, 2011), which is set in the years between the wars and includes her experiences as a young adult, returning to Africa after college.

The Happy Valley Crowd

Even if you're not familiar with the names of the British expats who lived in Kenya a hundred years ago, you may have heard stories of the bohemian, jazz-age lifestyle of the Happy Valley set. These are the men and woman known for their lavish parties, heavy drinking, and liberal attitudes about sex. One of the more recent entries in the colonial Kenya canon is Juliet Barnes's The Ghosts of Happy Valley (Aurum, 2013). Part travel memoir, part archaeology, and part social commentary, this is the story of Barnes's journey to find the remaining traces of the people who gave Kenya its scandalous reputation. The Bolter by Frances Osborne (Knopf, 2009) shines the spotlight on Idina Sackville, one of the free-loving ringleaders of the Happy Valley crowd. Relying on letters, diaries, and family stories, Osborne gives us an unvarnished look in to the world of her great-grandmother. In Child of Happy Valley, Juanita Carberry (Random House, 1999) gives us a darker view of life in colonial Kenya. As the adults played, their children were largely ignored, all the while bearing witness to their parents' behavior.

Colonial Days on the Screen

If you need a visual introduction to the Happy Valley lifestyle, you should start with White Mischief (1987), which is all about the infamous murder of the earl of Errol. The investigation of this case showed the world the intimate details of Happy Valley socializing. Many of the major players are portrayed in this film, including a young Juanita Carberry. Do I even need to tell you about Out of Africa (1985)? This film shows colonial Kenya from the eyes of author Karen Blixen. Beryl Markham's character is given the name Felicity in the movie. Huxley's memoir The Flame Trees of Thika (1981) was made into a 7-part miniseries and depicts the author's childhood experiences up to about World War I. The scenery alone is worth watching.

Of course many more books, movies, and television shows are available for those of us who are interested in Kenya in the early 20th century. Do you have any favorites?

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Review: Green River Killer by Jeff Jensen and Jonathan Case

In the 1980s, Seattle, Washington, was one of the most dangerous cities in the country. The reason? A serial murderer, dubbed the Green River Killer, had killed more than 80 women, leaving their naked bodies to rot in the woods. After a decade of work, the local police remained stymied in the investigation and, in 1990, put Tom Jensen in charge of the case.

Despite dead ends and false leads, Jensen never gave up hope in his quest to find the killer. He dedicated his career to the case, and his perseverance paid off. After a 20-year investigation, the detective finally heard Gary Leon Ridgway confess to the murder of dozens of prostitutes. Jensen sat across the table from Ridgway for 188 days in 2003, until he had the definitive proof he needed to put the Green River Killer away for life.

Jeff Jensen, senior writer for Entertainment Weekly, knows just a little bit about this case; he's the son of retired detective Tom Jensen. In Green River Killer: A True Detective Story, Jeff teams up with illustrator Jonathan Case to tell the story of Tom's journey to find the killer and give 84 families some peace and closure.

I don't know at what stage the designers or authors decided to go with the stark black-and-white drawings that make up this graphic book, but it was a brilliant move. The murders, the frustration of the police force, and the creepiness of Ridgway come across cleanly. The addition of color would have sensationalized the crimes and investigation, making it more difficult for the reader to connect emotionally. (Click the scan to see it full size; it's p. 27.)

Some of the more interesting aspects of the police work have to do with the incredible changes that have occurred in the last 30 years in terms of computers, DNA analysis, and forensics technology. Thanks to the long duration of the investigation, by the time Ridgway was caught, more than one crime scene had been transformed from woods to parking lot, the result of urban sprawl, increasing the difficulty of finding clues.

If the book has a flaw it's in the abrupt jumps in time from the present (2003) to past episodes in both the detective's and Ridgway's lives. Regardless, the story is fascinating, and it's easy to root for Tom Jensen. You'll read this illustrated history in a single sitting.

According to Jeff Jensen, The Green River Killer was "not intended as history or memoir." It is perhaps best read as a tribute to his father's career and to remind readers:

The Green River Killer's victims were prostitutes, but to their families they were daughters, sisters, and mothers.

This is something that Detective Tom Jensen never forgot.

The Green River Killer at an Indie

The Green River Killer at Powell's

The Green River Killer at Book Depository
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Published by Dark Horse Comics, 2011
ISBN-13: 9780062049698
'Source: Review (audio) (see review policy)
Rating: B
Copyright © cbl for Beth Fish Reads, all rights reserved (see review policy)

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Review: Flawless by Scott Andrew Selby and Greg Campbell

Flawless by Scott Andrew Selby and Greg Campbell tells the true-life story of the robbery of the underground vault of the Antwerp Diamond Center. This is true crime at its best: from the personalities involved to the months of planning, to the investigation, and to the aftermath of the heist.

On February 15, 2003, the School of Turin (as the gang of thieves is called) entered and robbed one of the most impenetrable vaults on earth. The millions of dollars worth of diamonds, gold, gems, and currency has never been recovered.

Flawless reads like a fast-paced novel or movie script, moving seamlessly among the criminals' work setting up the robbery, the history of the diamond district, the nature of the diamond business, and the personalities of the people investigating the crime. The story of the diamond heist covers more than two years of hard work on the part of the thieves, who operated out of at least two countries. We learn how Leonardo Notarbartolo infiltrated the Diamond Center and managed to relate even the most minute details of the security system to his co-conspirators. From these data, the School of Turin was able to devise the tools and methods for circumventing numerous security blocks and pulling off the robbery without resorting to violence.

Throughout the story, we are struck with the amazing mix of skill and luck on the part of both the thieves and the investigators and the subtle and obvious gaps in the Diamond District's anti-theft measures. At times we are left shaking our heads as we learn of the center's policies: What were they thinking?

On a more personal note, one of my favorite parts of the book is the description of the diamond business. Yes, indeed, millions of dollars worth of sales are done on the basis of a handshake and reputation alone. My grandfather was a jeweler who dealt in diamonds and other stones and often told stories of this: no contracts, no lawyers, just a handshake and a promise, often between strangers. The contrast of that trust among the diamond dealers with the high security, alarms, and thick vaults of the individual jeweler's place of business has intrigued me since I was quite young.

Flawless tells an exciting story that shines light not only on a specific crime and group of criminals but also on the many faceted world of diamonds.

Be sure to see Scott Selby's fabulous guest post for Beth Fish Reads, which includes the book trailer (posted yesterday).

Flawless at an Indie

Flawless at Powell's
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Published by Union Square Press, 2010
ISBN-13: 9781402766510
Challenges: New Author, 100+
YTD: 25
Source: Review (see review policy)
Rating: A

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Thursday Tea: Flawless by Scott Selby and Greg Campbell

Although I usually highlight my audiobook on Thursdays, I'm still listening to The Two Towers, and I think we can safely give the Hobbits a rest for a while.

I am currently reading Flawless by Scott Selby and Greg Campbell. It's a true crime book about (as the subtitle says) "The Largest Diamond Heist in History." The theft was set up by Leonardo Notarbartolo, a jewelry designer and owner of three jewelry stores in Italy. I'm still just meeting the major players and haven't yet gotten to just how Notarbartolo and his colleagues managed to penetrate the fortress of the Antwerp Diamond District.

You'll get my full review and Scott Selby's first-ever guest post next week. I can't wait to share Scott's post with you.

The Tea. I'm drinking Harney & Son's Panyang Congou. This black tea is made in northern Fujian Province and is a "blend of medium-body teas with toasty flavors." This tea brews up quite dark and has a nice rich flavor. I'll be drinking Panyang Congou again.

The Assessment. I have no clue what the tea-drinking habits of Leonardo Notarbartolo are. But if he's drinking tea at all, he might just go for this one. It certainly would hold up to robust Italian food. On the other hand, Notarbartolo might be hesitant to order a tea that would make him stand out in a crowd.

It's still hot tea season around here. How about you? What are reading this week and are you drinking anything interesting?

Flawless at an Indie

Flawless at Powell's
Flawless at Amazon
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Thursday Tea is hosted by Anastasia at Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog. Here's how it works: Tell us what tea you are drinking (and if you like it). And then tell us what book are you reading (and if you like it). Finally, tell us if they go together.

FTC: I buy all teas myself, I am not a tea reviewer.

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