Booking Forward January 2020

American Dirt

by Jeanine Cummins

A story of migrants struggling to make it to the US to escape targeted cartel violence in Mexico. Should be required reading for all US citizens who have no empathy for those who give up everything they have for a chance to live in safety. The path to and across the border is dangerous, deadly, and demoralizing, and American Dirt provides a glimpse into that experience, with a mother’s love and determination overcoming all. Painful but necessary reading.

For fans of: 
The other Americans by Laila Lalami

Where We Come From by Oscar Casares

Dear Edward

by Ann Napolitano

Eddie gets on a plane with his parents, older brother, and more than a hundred strangers. Only Edward survives. In this story of finding yourself after losing everything, readers see the last few hours of a handful of lives, and the first few years of a life forced to move on without them.

For fans of: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

Ask again, yes by Mary Beth Keane


In the Shadow of Vesuvius

by Alexander Tasha

History and mystery in one book. Lady Emily discovers a body among the ruins of Pompeii. When the police dismiss the case as the work of gangsters, Lady Emily and a team of and archaeologists are on the case. Soon her fate becomes tied to that of a woman from almost 2000 years before. Intriguing. Of course I want to read this!

For fans of: The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King

Thomas & Charlotte Pitt mysteries by Anne Perry

Martha Stewart's Organizing: The Manual for Bringing Order to Your Life, Home & Routines

by Martha Stewart

Organize, purge, tidy, and simplify.

In her latest book, Martha Stewart offers helpful tips for organizing by room and by season. With guidance for continued success.

Ahh the life of Hygge, who wouldn't want to take a look at this book?

For fans of: Spark Joy by Marie Kondo

Remodelista: the organized home by Julie Carlson

The Contact Paradox 

by Keith Cooper

Cooper, editor and science writer at Astronomy Now, makes the case for seeking out extraterrestrial life. I’m expecting him to delve into whether aliens will have welcoming or malicious intentions towards humanity, their possible intellectual levels, and what types of physical forms they might take. But, more than anything, I’m intrigued by the technical aspects of how the search will continue going forward.

For fans of: Imagined Life by James Trefil

Exoplanets by Michael E. Summers

Imperfect Union 

by Steve Inskeep

John and Jessie Fremont explored and expanded the western half of the United States, and in doing so became national celebrities in the late 1800s. Through Jessie’s senator father, the couple gained access to both political and media exposure, culminating in John’s presidential nomination. I can’t wait to take a glimpse - through the eyes of these charismatic figures - into one the most important times in American history.

For fans of: Buffalo Bill's America by Louis S. Warren

John Brown, abolitionist by David S. Reynolds

When we were Vikings

by Andrew Macdonald

Zelda is like a lot of 21-year-old women. She enjoys spending time with friends and is trying to gain a sense of independence. She is also obsessed with Vikings and was born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. When her older brother, struggling to pay the bills and keep the family together, becomes involved with drug dealers, Zelda knows she must follow in the footsteps of her Viking heroes and save him whatever the cost.

For fans of: Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig

The curious incident of the dog in the night-time by Mark Haddon

Heart of Junk

by Luke Geddes

The vendors at Wichita’s Heart of America Antique Mall are struggling to stay afloat and hope the upcoming visit from TV’s Pickin’ Fortunes will bring in more customers. When a young beauty pageant star goes missing, the show’s visit is placed on hold, and the mall owner calls on his rag-tag crew of colleagues to help find her. Can they get over their own problems long enough to be of any help?

For fans of: The Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich

Where'd you go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

Review: The Family Upstairs

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell is a domestic-psychological thriller about a wealthy family stripped of their elaborate lifestyle by a cultic maniac. This novel is written from the point of view of three characters: Libby, Henry, and Lucy.

On her twenty-fifth birthday Libby receives a letter, informing her that she has inherited a beautiful home in one of London’s wealthiest neighborhoods. Libby, shocked and confused, is eager to find out how she could possibly be heir to this home. Libby knows she was adopted, but to belong to a wealthy family piques her curiosity.

Henry, the son of the socialite family, speaks about a man named David Thomsen, who moves in and seems to place a spell on his mother. David was a god to her. It didn’t take Henry long to figure out what David is doing, and it didn’t take long for David to usurp Henry’s family and everyone who lived there. David’s smooth-talking, holier-than-thou attitude, and a seemingly bewitching power over everyone (aka cultic leader), slowly changes the dynamic of the home.

In the midst of all this we also learn about Lucy, Henry’s homeless sister who has two children and a shabby dog. Lucy and Henry both wait for the day that Libby turns twenty-five, the day where they know that Libby will be at their home, and the day they will all eventually meet.

A journey of a family’s slow death, this is an engaging read that will leave you wanting more.


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Our Favorite 2019 Reads

What books did your librarians love this year? Read on to find out!

The Bird King by G. Willow Wilson

Set in the Iberian Peninsula during the height of the Spanish Inquisition, The Bird King tells the story of Fatima, the sultan’s concubine, and Hassan, the palace mapmaker. When the inquisitors come to the palace, Fatima and Hassan make a daring escape before Hassan’s magical gifts are discovered. What follows is an epic adventure of love, friendship, and found family that is at once fantastical and relatable.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

I have to admit that I am predisposed to love everything Ann Patchett writes. That is my default setting. But the Dutch House checks all the boxes for what I consider a great book. Characters that you want to hug, slap, or invite over for dinner. Or all of the above. A story about a family and a house that demonstrates how that house can be so much more than a structure. It can represent the bones of the family, a symbol connected to love or loss or achievement or abandonment. And a bringing together of people who were flung away and then return to the fold, for comfort, understanding, closure. What a pleasure to read.

Frogcatchers by Jeff Lemire

Jeff Lemire, the writer/illustrator of JUNO and Eisner award-winning graphic novels such as Black Hammer and Essex County, is quickly becoming one of the industry’s most outstanding - and my most anticipated - graphic novelists working today.  And his latest Frogcatchers does not disappoint.  This Stephen King-esque mystery focuses on an old man and a frog catching young boy who unexplainably wake up in a “haunted hotel on the edge of reality,” and must fight, lock-pick, and think their way out of this trapped and strange existence.  Although, there are some doors in this bizarre place that should never be opened… but of course they are!  This book’s for those who enjoy heartfelt tales of mystery, The Twilight Zone, minimalist storytelling and illustrations,  and twist-endings that leave you feeling satisfied.

How to Send Smoke Signals, Pluck a Chicken, & Build an Igloo by Michael Powell

I really loved the concept of this small survival guide that would easily fit in the side pocket of your backpack, which is simply to provide “clear instructions on important life skills to tackle and tame the great outdoors.”  Being a person who only hikes or fishes on occasion, a lot of the skills seemed like outlandish ideas I’d never use.  But as I read more closely, I began to imagine scenarios that could happen to me – and I’d definitely want this little book as a companion.  For instance, if my plane crashed on the side of a freezing mountain and I happened upon a wild sheep, I now know how to properly shear it for its warm fleece without terrifying the poor thing.  Most of the guide does focus on methods of survival like how to start a fire with ice, survive an avalanche, or store food without a fridge, but some just focus on outdoor fun like panning for gold, making bone flutes, and stopping a runaway horse.   Overall, this book is full of sage survival advice you’ll hope you never have to use but will enjoy learning about.       

The Mister by E.L James

Thrilling and Romantic, my kind of book! Loved it!

  

The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

You'll be on the edge of your seat until the very last page!

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

There is a world beneath our world, and it is filled with bees, pirates, and lost love. Zachary Ezra Rawlins is unwittingly thrust into this magical land when he discovers a mysterious book in his university’s library. Every bit as engrossing and imaginative as The Night Circus, The Starless Sea is full of beauty and imagination and love. Readers will find themselves revisiting the places and characters long after they finish.

  

Whisper Man by Alex North

A twisty novel with a ton of suspense.

Review: American Dirt

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A story of migrants Lydia and her son Luca, struggling to make it to the US to escape targeted cartel violence in Mexico. Should be required reading for all US citizens who have no empathy for those who give up everything they have for a chance to live in safety in “el norte.” The path to and across the border is dangerous, deadly, and demoralizing, and American Dirt provides a glimpse into that experience, with a mother’s love and determination overcoming all. Painful but necessary reading.


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Review: Ninth House

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yale freshman Alex Stern is a non-traditional student in every sense of the word. Not only is she a few years older than her classmates, she is also a dirt poor, ex-junkie, high school dropout. Also, she can see ghosts, which is what gets her recruited to Yale. The eight secret societies (Skull & Bones, Scroll & Key, etc.) aren’t just the playgrounds of the wealthy and connected; they are also where members perform dark occult rituals that can yield amazing results but can also have dire consequences if anything goes wrong. Keeping things from going wrong and fixing them when they do is the job of Alex’s new employer, Lethe house. Alex’s ability to see ghosts, called Grays, is especially helpful as Grays are drawn to dark magic and can wreak havoc during rituals. But the members of the houses aren’t content to just stay within the limits placed on them, but try game the system and perform darker magic no matter the cost to others. That’s when things really begin to go wrong, and when Alex begins to realize that her job is less about keeping people safe and more about keeping things quiet and the societies out of trouble.
Alex is a compelling character: deeply flawed, yet understandably so; irascible yet surprisingly empathetic. Her sketchy past leaves her vulnerable to the allure of the rich and powerful, but also gives her the insight to see beyond the veil of refinement behind which the societies try to hide. The realness of Alex and other characters is what makes “Ninth House” so compelling: the characters are so well crafted the outlandish events become realistic when seen through their eyes. After turning the last page, a reader might take a few minutes to look around and reassure herself that no Grays are lurking nearby.


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Review: Ninth House

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yale freshman Alex Stern is a non-traditional student in every sense of the word. Not only is she a few years older than her classmates, she is also a dirt poor, ex-junkie, high school dropout. Also, she can see ghosts, which is what gets her recruited to Yale. The eight secret societies (Skull & Bones, Scroll & Key, etc.) aren’t just the playgrounds of the wealthy and connected; they are also where members perform dark occult rituals that can yield amazing results but can also have dire consequences if anything goes wrong. Keeping things from going wrong and fixing them when they do is the job of Alex’s new employer, Lethe house. Alex’s ability to see ghosts, called Grays, is especially helpful as Grays are drawn to dark magic and can wreak havoc during rituals. But the members of the houses aren’t content to just stay within the limits placed on them, but try game the system and perform darker magic no matter the cost to others. That’s when things really begin to go wrong, and when Alex begins to realize that her job is less about keeping people safe and more about keeping things quiet and the societies out of trouble.
Alex is a compelling character: deeply flawed, yet understandably so; irascible yet surprisingly empathetic. Her sketchy past leaves her vulnerable to the allure of the rich and powerful, but also gives her the insight to see beyond the veil of refinement behind which the societies try to hide. The realness of Alex and other characters is what makes “Ninth House” so compelling: the characters are so well crafted the outlandish events become realistic when seen through their eyes. After turning the last page, a reader might take a few minutes to look around and reassure herself that no Grays are lurking nearby.


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Review: Let's Make Ramen!: A Comic Book Cookbook

Let's Make Ramen!: A Comic Book Cookbook by Hugh Amano
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Let’s Make Ramen! is a hybrid cookbook and graphic novel written by foodie Hugh Amano and illustrated by Sarah Becan – who also pens the food-based webcomic I Think You’re Sauceome. This comic book cookbook contains over forty ramen recipes that are at the same time easy to understand, funny, and beautifully drawn.

The book starts off with Ramen 101, giving the reader a thorough introduction into the world of this Japanese dish by discussing its cultural history, etiquette (it’s OK to slurp!), and many of the best ways to enjoy ramen including the best drinks to pair with it.

From there it prepares the reader for making ramen on their own by showing what ingredients to have stocked in the pantry and what cooking equipment to get for the kitchen, including a few items most Americans might not already have like noodle baskets and pasta rollers.

The bulk of the book goes on to break down a variety of ramen recipes like miso ramen, veg head’s deluxe, and tonkotsu ramen. A lot of time and illustration goes into how to make and store the wide array of stocks & broths that can be used in ramen dishes. For instance, it shows how to make instant ramen cubes by freezing stock in an ice cube tray. This handy trick saves a lot of time and energy when preparing future bowls of ramen. The noodles are also a major focal point in the book, discussing the best brands if buying in the store as well as how to prepare your own at home. Although, I would have liked some information on gluten-free noodle preparation for those sensitive to that ingredient.

Overall, I’d recommend this unique graphic novel cookbook for anyone looking to expand their ramen horizons beyond the 25-cent, plastic-wrapped, store-bought version that you might have survived on at some point in your life. Even if you don’t read this one from cover to cover, I’d invite you to browse as each page and section is full of colorful artwork and insightful information. Now let’s make ramen!


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Review: The Oysterville Sewing Circle

The Oysterville Sewing Circle by Susan Wiggs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caroline Shelby left her Oysterville, California, home never to return. But here she is 10 years later, returning with 2 children, 5 and 6 years of age, not belonging to her. She had been in New York pursing a career in garment design and doing very well when another designer stole some of her designs. Caroline did not feel like standing up to this designer and therefore decided the only option she had was to return home. When pulling into town the last person she expected to see was her best friend from their high school days. They both said when they left this town they would never return. Will Jensen had spent time with the Navy Seals until being wounded overseas and he returned home.

Domestic violence played a part in Caroline ending up with the children. The children's mother had modeled for Caroline and also for the designer who stole Caroline's designs. She was in an abusive relationship with him in order to keep her job.

The Oysterville Sewing Circle is a book showing strength in the healing powers of friendship and love, support and sisterhood.


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Review: Brother’s Ruin

Brother’s Ruin by Emma Newman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brother's Ruin is the first novel in Newman's Industrial Magic series, set in 1850 London where people who have magic within themselves become members of the Royal Society of Esoteric Arts. The mission of this society: to seek other mages, train them, and place where needed to protect the Queen as well as making sure things are running smoothly in all of Great Britain. There are certain things one must give up to become part of the Society. Charlotte Gunn, the most powerful mages of her time, is not willing to abandon her dreams. Everyone knows what will happen to those who knowingly withhold their “gifts,” so Charlotte decides to play her weak brother’s caretaker in order to carry out her plans to marry her beloved George. All this changes the day Charlotte finds out that her family is about to lose everything, including her father! You can follow Charlotte's continuing story in the second book in this charming and adventurous series, The Weaver's Lament.

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Review: Steel Crow Saga

Steel Crow Saga by Paul Krueger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A soldier, a thief, a prince, and a detective from different backgrounds must band together against an enemy determined to destroy their world. Unexpected bonds and alliances are formed as the four fight for their lives and their peoples. Tala, Lee, Jimuro, and Xiulan are such well-crafted characters that their stories will resonate well after the last page is turned.
The world Kreuger has built is a magical one where humans can enchant metals and forge soul bonds with animal companions. It is also a deftly held mirror reflecting our world's history of imperialism and oppression. The ability to so seamlessly merge imaginative fantasy and stark reality is what first drew me to Kreuger's writing in his first novel, Last Call at the Nightshade Lounge. Steel Crow Saga proves that the bright spark of talent shown in his debut has grown into a shining star.
For fans of R.F. Kuang's The Poppy War and Roshani Chockshi's The Gilded Wolves.


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Review: The Quintland Sisters

The Quintland Sisters by Shelley Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fictionalized novel about the Dionne Quintuplets, born in 1934, and exploited by doctors and their parents during the height of the Great Depression. The novel is told from Nurse Emma Trimpany's perspective. Just 17 years old when the Quints were born, she remained a presence throughout their early childhood. Emma witnesses the Quints' difficult and frightening birth, the removal of the babies from their parents' home to become wards of the British King, the endorsements, and visitors viewing and observing the girls every day. She and the rest of the nursing team strived to create some sense of normalcy to these extraordinary children living under a microscope.

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Review: The NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System

The NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System by Chris Scullion
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With The NES Encyclopedia, author and retro-gamer Chris Scullion has released a compendium of all 714 licensed videogames ever released for the original 1980s Nintendo Entertainment System – as well as a huge chunk of unlicensed games that are still being created today.

The encyclopedia opens with a quick author introduction and history of the Kyoto, Japan, based Nintendo company, which was founded in 1889 (yes, 1889!) and got its start manufacturing toys and playing cards. The intro also has plenty of vintage advertisements that were originally found in the backs of comic books or in the Sears catalog, including several for R.O.B. (robotic operating buddy), the console accessory who looked strikingly similar to #5 from the Short Circuit movies.

Of course, the bulk of the book consists of all the videogames themselves. From the games you’ve probably never heard of – Banana Prince, The Trolls in Crazyland, Panic Restaurant – to the classics you and all your friends owned – Tetris, Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out, Super Mario Bros. – this encyclopedia does a detailed job of including game cover art and screenshots, release dates, software developers, and seemingly unknowable facts for each and every title. The entries also delve into each games’ gimmicks, player reception, innovations, and any controversy resulting from the release of the game.

This blast from the past is recommended for any level of gamer or collector, young or old, that holds a fascination for the beginnings of videogame history.


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Review: Where the Crawdads Sing

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story of Kya Clark, or “The Marsh Girl,” as the locals liked to call her, is a coming-of-age tale of a very resilient and resourceful young lady. Her family consisted of seagulls and the creatures of the marsh. Abandoned by her mother, her siblings, and eventually her abusive father, Kya had to survive off of the land. She wanted to be a part of society, but the townspeople's judgmental remarks and glares pushed Kya into becoming more of a recluse. This story reminds me of Circe, by Madeline Miller, a girl who was used and abused but in the end became resilient and unstoppable. There are a few key people that Kya allowed in her life, two of whom she fell in love with, and one of whom was found murdered. Of course, the people in the small town in North Carolina pointed at Kya because she was so different. With complex characters (specifically speaking of her parents), abandonment, infidelity, heartbreak, revenge, and mystery, this book can seem like a “soap opera” but none-the-less a great one. In fact, it is so widely loved, it is being made into a film (Thank you Reese Witherspoon!). I recommend that you read this book before you see the movie adaptation of Delia’s New York Times bestseller, Where the Crawdads Sing.


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Review: Keeping Lucy

Keeping Lucy by T. Greenwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Set in the 1960s and early 1970s, Keeping Lucy is the story of a young mother’s fierce love for her children. Ab and Ginny have a son named Peyton, whose birth had redirected and speeded up all their plans for their futures. Then, in 1969, Ginny gives birth to their second child, Lucy. The doctors tell Ginny that Lucy has heart defects, hearing and vision problems, and would never speak. Lucy was placed in a state mental health hospital. Ginny never had the chance to see her or hold her, and is never allowed to visit Lucy.
In 1971, Ginny’s best friend Marsha sends her a newspaper article about the horrible conditions of the hospital where Lucy lives. With Marsha’s help, Ginny gets a weekend pass to meet Lucy, who is now two years old. While attempting to get her out of the hospital, Ginny discovers that Lucy is a ward of the state, thanks to Ab’s father Abbott, Sr. Ginny and Marsha decide to take off with the children on a long road trip. Along the way, Ginny begins to see that Lucy’s only problem is that she has Down syndrome. This is a heartbreaking yet delightful story of a mother’s unconditional love and her fight to regain custodial rights to a child that was essentially stolen from her.


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Review: Ask Again, Yes

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kate and Peter meet as childhood next-door neighbors, and the bond between them grows strong. A tragic event when they’re 8th graders links them and their families together forever. Readers see the long-term effects of their childhood and their relationship on family members throughout the years. This is a beautiful look at love, family, forgiveness, mental health, and healing. A gem.


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Review: The Orchardist

The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

William Talmadge is a gentle, solitary man living in the Pacific Northwest at the turn of the twentieth century. His orchard grows in the foothills of the Cascade mountain range where he tends his crop of apples and apricots with great care. The orchard and foothills have been his home since the age of nine. When he was just thirteen, he buried his widowed mother and lost his teenage sister to an unsolved disappearance. His life the last fifty years has been simple, uneventful.

One day two teenage girls steal apples from him at the market. He doesn't chase them, assuming from the way they look they must be hungry and alone, one of them obviously pregnant. Puzzled, Della and Jane follow him to the outskirts of his orchard and watch him from a distance. Talmadge feels sorry for the two and begins to earn their trust by leaving food for them when he goes to work on the trees. Just as the two are feeling safe, the calm of the orchard is shattered by men carrying guns.

This is just the beginning of a sweeping story, set in a time when the American west was still a bit wild, where trains were new transportation, and bands of men still wrangled wild horses. Even though this is the author's debut novel, it certainly doesn't read like one.


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Review: The Loyal One

The Loyal One by Shelley Shepard Gray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Walnut Creek, there is a group that call themselves "The Eight." They are a mix of Amish, Mennonite, and English. They lead different lives, some in the modern world and others in the traditions and rules of the generations before them. The Eight grew up together, went through hardships as well as accomplishments, and celebrated when the time was right.

Katie lives in the family home, which needs lots of repairs. Her parents had kept the outside in pretty good shape but did nothing to the inside. Her thoughts are to turn it into a bed and breakfast. A friend of Katie's, Harley, does construction around the little town, and Katie contacts him regarding the remodel. It seems there had been some friction between Harley and his former girlfriend Melody with Katie, but Katie wants the situation talked out and dissolved before she and Harley can work together on the remodel.

This story shows how love and support, pain and forgiveness, friendship and grief have held this community together over the years, and they have grown from it.

This is the second book in the Walnut Creek series, and I would recommend also reading the first one, The Patient One.

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Review: The Name of the Wind

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Name of the Wind is the first book in the epic fantasy Kingkiller Chronicles, and is also the first novel written by wordsmith Patrick Rothfuss. In this tale, Rothfuss introduces us to the enigmatic character Kvothe, who appears to be but a humble, stoic innkeeper in an unnamed world and in some unknown time. After a few rounds of ale with his guests—and a demonic spider attack—Kvothe is coaxed into sharing his mysterious past; its telling takes up the bulk of this book.

Kvothe’s story reveals a world full of theatre, music, family, and magic… as well as poverty, fear, loneliness, and vengeance. Early on we get superbly detailed descriptions of lute playing, which Kvothe uses as therapy to deal with a tragic loss. These pages of the book are by far the best written description of music I have ever read. The author also builds Kvothe’s world with an intricate money system, unusual trade skills and academics, and a functional, well-explained system of sympathetic magic that relies on discovering the true names of all things.

The Name of the Wind is a richly worded, leisurely paced tome full of a good amount of teaching and learning. If you’re looking for a quick page-turner, this book is not for you. The second book in the trilogy (The Wise Man’s Fear) and a supplemental novella (The Slow Regard of Silent Things) have already been published, but fans are still eagerly awaiting the third and final volume—and the end to Kvothe’s epic tale.


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Review: The Book Charmer

The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you’re looking for a cozy little book with magic, romance, and appealing (if slightly quirky) characters, then Karen Hawkins’s The Book Charmer may very well be for you.
Dove Pond’s local librarian Sarah Dove has a special gift: books speak to her. If the books of Sarah’s library aren’t offering her advice, then they’re suggesting placement with specific members of the community. Sarah often argues with the books when they’re particularly bossy and ignores them on occasion, but they’re wise and persuasive and usually get their way. Recently, the books have been whispering about the arrival of a woman named Grace Wheeler. Dove Pond is in need of a miracle, and according to the books, Grace Wheeler is that miracle.
Grace has moved back to her hometown of Dove Pond along with her niece and foster mother Mama G. Mama G is suffering from Alzheimer’s, and Grace is hoping that living somewhere familiar to Mama G will provide some comfort to her foster mother as the disease progresses. Grace takes a position as the town clerk and soon discovers that the town is suffering from major financial issues. Prompted by the town’s social committee, Grace takes charge of planning the Apple Festival and makes a heroine’s attempt at saving Dove Pond. In turn, the townsfolk (and local biker Travis) offer Grace community support as she struggles with parenting a niece and providing loving care for her foster mother.


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Review: Under Currents

Under Currents by Nora Roberts
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There are two main characters in this story: Zane Bigelow and Darby McCray. The main location is a town called Lakeview in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Zane comes from a wealthy family. His father, Dr. Graham Bigelow, is Chief of Surgery of Mercy Hospital near Asheville. His mother, Eliza Bigelow, is a stay-at-home wife whose main job is to host dinner, cocktail, and garden parties. Zane also has a younger sister, Britt. Dr. Graham is a violent man. Eliza and the children are subject to much abuse but never in public view where anyone can see. One evening the children come home to a fight between their parents. Things turn very violent, and both Graham and Eliza are arrested. Eliza only serves a short sentence, but Graham gets 18 years.
Fast forward 18 years. Zane is now a lawyer in his home town. Darby McCray comes to Lakeview to start her own landscaping business. Darby, too, has been abused by a loved one, her husband. Zane and Darby become friends and then lovers. Together, they help an abused wife, and end up being followed and attacked multiple times.
Note to readers: This book contains a lot of violence and blood in it, which may overwhelm some readers.


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Review: The Apology

The Apology by Eve Ensler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eve Ensler’s The Apology is an inspiring story of a life resurrected. The book is “an apology” that Eve never received from her father. This letter of apology, written by her and for her from her father’s point of view, is not an easy read. At the age of five Eve’s innocence was destroyed by her father. Throughout her life, she struggled due to the sexual abuse and violence of her narcissistic father. The mental, physical, and emotional parts of her became tainted and left her empty. Her grades started to drop, she secluded herself, and her hygiene was atrocious. In her teenage years she led a life of promiscuity, drugs, and sex, which drove her father into rage fits. At one point in her life, she saw hope, she needed to fight back---she was resurrected.

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Review: The Mister

The Mister by E.L. James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Erika Leonard, known by her pen name E. L. James, wrote the bestselling romance trilogy Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, and Fifty Shades Freed, which sold over 150 million copies. She recently released her new novel called The Mister.
Fifty Shades lovers, don’t fret, there are some similarities between that series and this title, but rest assured that they are two totally different stories as well as two different characters. Although they are both wealthy, “The Mister” inherits his fortune, whereas Christian works hard for his. As in Fifty Shades, the lead female character comes from a different social class, but Alessia Demachi is a woman of danger and intrigue.
Maxim Trevelyan is a handsome aristocrat, living a life of comfort and inheriting his family’s noble title, wealth, and estates. Women can’t keep their hands off of him, and he can’t keep his hands off of women, until he meets Alessia, a beautiful and talented young Albanian with a dangerous and troublesome past (not of her own choosing).
When Maxim learns more about her, he finds himself having to use his connections to protect her and at times himself. Their relationship blooms throughout the novel despite their differences and the dangers they face.
I really enjoyed the audiobook, because it is narrated by Dominic Thorburn and Jessica O’Hara-Baker, representing the male and female roles.


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Review: Alice Isn't Dead

Alice Isn't Dead by Joseph Fink
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Keisha doesn’t want to believe it when her missing wife, Alice, is declared dead. Six months after the funeral, she sees Alice on TV in the background of a news report. If Alice isn’t dead, why hasn’t she come home or called? Keisha gets a job as a long-haul trucker with Alice’s former employer and begins crisscrossing the country to find her. A disturbing encounter at a diner leads Keisha into a dark and terrifying underground world of people-eating monsters, government conspiracies, helpful yet mysterious Oracles, and even friendship. Along the way, Keisha learns to work with her crippling anxiety so that she can continue the good fight for her wife and her country.

This book is based on the podcast of the same name, but knowledge of the podcast is not needed to enjoy this creepy, beautiful, and ultimately hope-filled book. The audiobook, voiced by podcast narrator Jasika Nicole, is a special treat. A great read for fans of TV’s “Stranger Things.”

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Review: What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions

What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Have you ever asked yourself, “If someone’s DNA vanished, how long would that person last?” Or, “Is it possible to cry so much you dehydrate yourself?” How about, “If every person on Earth aimed a laser-pointer towards the moon at the same time, would the moon change color?” Well if you’d like the answers, just open up What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe. What If? had its start as a blog on the webcomic xkcd, which primarily dedicates itself to the exploration of science and technology using stick figure art and humorous language.
This book is a compilation of the Q & A section of his website entitled What If?, in which fans of the site send in their questions, mostly absurd hypotheticals, for the author to do actual research on and to then explain the answers. And, to make his readers laugh! Some example questions include:
“Is it possible to build a jetpack using downward firing machine guns?”
“From what height would you need to drop a steak for it to be cooked when it hits the ground?”
“What would happen if you tried to pitch a baseball at 90% the speed of light?” After extensive research into aerodynamics and physics, the author concludes the speed of the baseball would super-heat the air into a radioactive plasma, which would detonate like an atom bomb destroying everyone attending the game and most of the surrounding city.
I found one of the best ways to enjoy this book was by listening to it narrated by actor Wil Wheaton (The audiobook version can be found on Libby/OverDrive at: https://iddc.overdrive.com/iddc-delph...). Although you miss out on the stick-figure art and other illustrations, you’ll be mesmerized by Wheaton’s excellent job of articulating the scientific jargon as well as making the funny moments zing! The book overall was a joy to listen to, and was oddly enough very informative and educational.

But, to really get the full effect of the humor, you have to look at all the stick-figure and simple-art comics that aid in the explanation to the absurd questions. They serve not only as a visual guide, but also cause you to have a terrible pain in your side due to extreme bouts of laughter.

What If? also has outstanding cover art which depicts a T-Rex being lowered into a desert pit containing tentacles… think the Sarlacc from Return of the Jedi. Oh, and a tiny stick figure watching the whole thing! This cover on the hardback edition is definitely what drew me in for further investigation.
You can’t go wrong with this book on the coffee table, serving as a conversation starter for friends and family!



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Review: The Damascus Road: A Novel of Saint Paul

The Damascus Road: A Novel of Saint Paul by Jay Parini
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Written in the voice of Paul, with alternating chapters from Luke’s perspective, this novel follows the ministry of Paul after his conversion on the Damascus Road. The supernatural interaction with Jesus changed Paul from a Pharisee only interested in Jewish rules to a follower of Christ.

This book is a work of fiction, but the author has done extensive research of this time in history. Included are interesting descriptions of how Paul the man may have looked, what he probably ate, how people traveled long distances, and the customs of the day. Descriptions of sailing ships, desert passages, and cities are brought to life as are Paul’s many arrests and time in jail.

A different take on the life of a well-known biblical character, this book is recommended for readers interested in an account of Paul’s life that views him as a mortal, flawed, eloquent, educated, arrogant, and divinely inspired human.


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Review: Educated

Educated by Tara Westover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Educated by Tara Westover is an amazing read, which is why I couldn’t agree more with what Susannah Cahalan, author of Brain on Fire, said. “The book made me cringe, cry out, cover my eyes, shake with anger, beam with pride, and appreciate the trials that led to my own education.”
This remarkable memoir is about Tara’s experiences growing up in an isolated family in the mountains of Idaho. Her father had extreme ideologies about his faith that caused him to distrust medical and government establishments, so his children never had the opportunity to receive an education or medical assistance. When Tara’s older brother decided that he wanted to go to college, he encouraged Tara to do the same thing.
After she worked up her courage and told her parents that she wanted to pursue college, her father tried to manipulate her into not going and so she endured a new set of struggles. She persisted, and her decision drove her to teach herself enough mathematics, grammar, science, and history to take the ACT. She passed, was admitted to Brigham Young University, and her education and transformation began. She later traveled to England, where she attended Cambridge University and studied under a professor who saw and valued her potential.
Tara endured many hardships but braved through them all. This inspirational memoir is a must read. I also recommend The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie. Entering into a world that we are not a part of can help us gain a better understanding of another culture or ethnic group, or as in Tara’s case, a religious group. These books can teach us not only to become more compassionate of others but also that no matter where you are from, you can achieve anything.




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Review: The Scar: A Personal History of Depression and Recovery

The Scar: A Personal History of Depression and Recovery by Mary Cregan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mary Cregan is 27 years old and living in New York. She has a fulfilling career as a book designer and is happily married with her first baby on the way. When her daughter is born, she names her Anna, but almost immediately the newborn is diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Anna dies two days later. The death of her baby causes Cregan to descend into a suicidal depression called melancholy.

This memoir is a personal history of the author's illness and recovery. Written years later, with the scar of her suicide attempt still visible, she chronicles the treatment she received for depression. As she weaves her narrative, she chronicles some of the history of mental illness treatment. Included are descriptions of asylums of the past, the advent of shock treatment, and how scientists have made advances in the study of mental illness.

I found this to be skillfully written and a hopeful story for anyone suffering from depression.

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Review: One Summer in Paris

One Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan is a sweet and heartwarming novel about two women who carry a burden of pain and suffering. This is a story of unlikely friendships, old flings, love, and forgiveness.

“My Grace.” He gave a half smile. “Always making the safe, sensible choice.”
Grace thought about her family. About David.
“You’re wrong,” she said. “There is nothing safe about love. Commitment takes bravery because there is every chance you’ll be badly hurt. Not ever getting involved, just moving from one experience to the next----that’s the safe choice.”

Grace the planner, Grace the perfect one, Grace the sensible one, Grace who has everything together, and finally, the Grace who has been married for twenty-five years to the perfect man. During dinner, she plans to surprise David with a getaway to celebrate their anniversary in the “City of Love.” But she never expected the surprise that he was about to give her…he was having an affair! Shocked, angry, and hurt, Grace runs for comfort to her grandmother, who talks Grace into going to France alone to escape the everyday hurt.
Audrey the reckless, Audrey the poor student, Audrey the liar, and Audrey who is embarrassed of her family situation, runs away to Paris after lying about her credentials so that she can work at a bookshop. After arriving and getting settled in, she decides to stroll the Paris streets, where she rescues a stranger (Grace) who is being robbed. Grace, after calming down, invitedsAudrey for dinner as a gesture of thanks. They instantly bond and become best friends.
A series of events (including working in the bookshop together) draws Grace and Audrey closer and strengthens them both. Grace learns to forgive, and Audrey learns to let go, which ends this story of a great and sweet ever after.


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Review: Before She Was Found

Before She Was Found by Heather Gudenkauf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I chose this particular book because it was written using text message exchanges and journal entries. Translation: A quick read. As it turns out, I was pleased by this sinister little page-turner. In a small rural town in Iowa, 12-year-olds Cora, Violet, and Jordyn are working together on an urban legend school project. The legend selected is that of John Wither, a local who was accused of burning down his family’s home and simply vanishing afterwards. During the process of diligently searching for legit information for the project, Cora is informed of a website where users open up discussion forums regarding dark topics. She soon becomes entangled with another user who claims to be the infamous John Wither. Within hours of embarking on a secretive midnight outing to an old rail yard, one girl would be discovered stabbed and beaten near the tracks. The remaining two girls and a well-liked teacher in their community would be questioned and looked upon as potential suspects of the crime.


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Review: Binti: The Complete Trilogy

Binti: The Complete Trilogy by Nnedi Okorafor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Binti
In her Hugo- and Nebula-winning novella, BINTI, Nnedi Okorafor introduces us to Binti, a young Himba girl and a brilliant mathematician who painstakingly runs away to attend Oomza Uni, the most prestigious university in the galaxy. Unbeknownst to her, the Meduse, an alien race, was at war with the University, and Binti was caught right in the middle of it. She will have to use her intelligence, cultural background, and relics to stop the Meduse from killing her and waging war on all races.
Binti: Home
Since her transformation by the Meduse, Binti starts uncovering many things about herself and decides she needs to return home to participate in a pilgrimage that the women in her tribe practice. She is not quite sure how her family will receive her since she snuck away to attend this University, but she feels that going back and taking part will help restore the tranquility for which she so desperately searches. However, she discovers a family secret that will open up a whole new world to her. Binti, now part Meduse and part human, has another part of her that is waging these internal wars.

Binti: The Night Masquerade
This concluding volume will have you gasping for air. Binti has returned home and is now with her grandmother in a far village, attempting to discover who she truly is. News comes to her that the Khoush have stirred up war once again against the Meduse by trying to kill Okwu, Binti’s dearest friend, a Meduse! Binti rushes home to find that her village is burned to the ground. Now it is up to Binti once more to try to prevent a war between the Meduse, Khoush, and her people. These books are very heartfelt, full of diversity, struggles, and cultural rivalries. This series demonstrates that it just takes one person, no matter how different, to show an unconditional love to unite mankind.


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Review: Children of Blood and Bone

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sometimes I get a little worried when I read a book that has gotten a lot of hype. If I don’t like it, does that mean there’s something wrong with me? Will the praise heaped on it raise my expectations to unattainable levels? Will my hold ever come in?

Children of Blood and Bone by Tom Adeyemi was one of the hottest YA books of 2018. It won a number of awards, including the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Debut and was the Audie Audiobook of the Year. Entertainment Weekly even called Adeyemi “the new J. K. Rowling.” With all the excitement, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I wanted to find out!

Right away, I was drawn into the story of Zélie Adebola. When magic disappeared from the last of Orïsha, the king took the opportunity to murder all the maji. He also implemented ruthless new laws that punished all who had inherited the maji traits, even though they no longer had the possibility of doing magic.

When the opportunity to restore magic to the land lands in Zélie’s lap, she knows she has to take it. Even with the odds stacked against her, she will do whatever it takes to regain her magical inheritance and restore power to those who have been oppressed for so long.

Believe the hype. This was a fun, action-packed read full of well-drawn characters that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I listened to the audiobook, and Bahni Turpin's narration was amazing. Check out the book in the teen room or the audiobook through Overdrive.

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Review: The Coroner

The Coroner by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Emily Hartford, the daughter of a medical examiner, is following in her father's footsteps.

When she turned thirteen, her parents told her to make a wish for anything she wanted (within reason). She chose to ride along with her father on his investigation of an accident case. She also wanted to be included when the autopsies were done. That was the beginning of her planning and working towards her career in medicine.

She was in her third year of surgical residency in Chicago when her father suffered a heart attack, and she returned home to Freeport, Michigan, to help him recuperate. She and her father had been estranged for several years, since her mother's death. Emily never thought she would return to Freeport and its small town atmosphere.

She had become engaged to a doctor in Chicago, but her return to Freeport put that into question, and Freeport seemed more exciting to her all the time.

First in a series mystery for this author, readers will look forward to her next book.


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Review: Becoming Mrs. Lewis

Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many readers know C.S. Lewis as the beloved author of the children’s series the Chronicles of Narnia and his nonfiction Christian writings such as The Screwtape Letters. However, many are not familiar with his beloved wife, the American divorcee, Joy Davidman.

Patti Callahan does a remarkable job in giving the reader a glimpse into the private lives of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis in her novel, Becoming Mrs. Lewis.

Joy, who is struggling in an unhappy marriage, decides to write C.S. Lewis about matters of the faith and for spiritual advice. Doubting that he will ever respond, she is surprised to receive a letter back. Joy and Jack (Lewis) develop a warm and intellectual friendship. Her drunken and raging husband brings her to her wit’s end, and her doctor advises her to take a holiday. She travels to England hoping to restore her health and, most importantly, finally meet her trusted friend and confidant C.S. Lewis. In this historical fiction novel, readers meet a woman and mother whose broken heart has been made whole. A love story worth telling over and over again.

Jack:
It is only in the giving up of ourselves that we find our real self. Giving up the rage, your favorite desires and wishes.
Joy:
Oh, how is that possible? I want to know. My mother always wanted me to be someone else, comparing me to my cousin Renee and to the beautiful women of the streets. My father, well, I’d never be good enough for him, much less be understood. My parents believed criticism was a show of love. And Bill? He wants from me the kind of wife I cannot be no matter how hard I pray or try. These hurts don’t melt easily under the “giving up” of a false self to a real self.


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Review: The Sisters Hemingway

The Sisters Hemingway by Annie England Noblin
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

Following the death of their Great Aunt Beatrice, sisters Hadley, Pfeiffer, and Martha return to Cold River, MO, their hometown, for her funeral. Aunt Beatrice raised the girls after the death of their mother and sister. None of the sisters has been back in the town for many years.

Once there, they get the shock of their lives when they learn that Aunt Beatrice left the farm estate to them. They decide to clean the old place up so they can sell it and get back to their own lives back in the big city. While working in the flower garden, some human bones are found, scaring them all half to death! They then try to find out who these bones belong to and why they were buried in the flower garden. Pfeiffer finds an old journal that belonged to Aunt Beatrice, but the last three pages are missing. She has a feeling that those pages would reveal just whose bones they found.

This is a great book that tells the intertwining stories of each of the Hemingway sisters.

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Review: Pachinko

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee


"Sunja imagined the bright, sturdy house that her father had taken care of so well by the green, glassy sea, the bountiful garden that had given them watermelons, lettuces, and squash and the open-air market that never ran out of anything delicious. When she was there, she had not loved it enough."

This saga begins in rural Korea just before and during World War II, chronicles the Japanese occupation of Korea and follows the story of Sunja and her family. Sunja's parents, Hoonie and Yangjin, run a successful but simple and plain boarding house in Gohyang. One of her chores is going to the market every day where she meets and falls in love with the worldly and wealthy Hansu. He takes advantage of her innocence and trust but never mentions that he is married with three daughters. When Sunja becomes pregnant, Hansu offers to take care of her but cannot marry her, bringing her deep shame. When she refuses, Isak, a resident at the boardinghouse and devout christian pastor, offers to marry Sunja and take her to live with his brother in Osaka.

Follow Sunja through the harshness of the war years as she raises her sons. Although this is fiction, you will learn about this period in history through descriptions of Korean and Japanese customs, dress, food and traditions.



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Review: Even If I Fall

Even If I Fall by Abigail Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brooke's brother, Jason, is in prison for the killing of his best friend, Calvin. The entire family become pariahs in their small town. They are haunted by neighbors and friends and even each other. The family is so broken. There is a good deal of focus on the family members' struggles with reconciling the son and brother they all loved with this killer he became. My heart ached for the family because I could only imagine how hard their situation was. There were times I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster with every emotion while reading this book.

Brooke gives up her dream of ice skating as she felt she needed to stay home with her family so they wouldn't fall apart more than they already have. She develops a relationship with Calvin's younger brother that is complicated and messy. They are able to understand and talk to each other, and enjoy support that they couldn't get at home. They have both lost someone they loved.

This book covers family drama, friendship, and a bit of mystery. Overall, a beautiful story of broken people trying to pick up the pieces and begin living again.

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Review: The Tattooist of Auschwitz

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meet number 32407, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew who led a life full of promises until it was ripped away in April of 1942. Confused, Lale waited in line to board a train along with many others who were awaiting the same unknown fate. With their belongings, they were all transported like cattle to Auschwitz, a concentration camp.

Meet number 34902, Gita Furman, a Slovakian Jew who was re-tattooed by Lale in Birkenau. When Lale first saw Gita, it was love at first sight. Because of Lale’s relatively privileged position, he kept her and other prisoners alive with his extra rations. He was also involved in trading contraband (jewels) that were given to him by other prisoners. He took those in exchange for food and other provisions provided by locals who came into work camp.

A remarkable, true story of love and survival, The Tattooist of Auschwitz is an extraordinary story about two people who fell in love during horrific and unforgiving times. I highly recommend this book to anyone!


“I tattooed her number on her left hand, and she tattooed her number in my heart.”
-Lale Sokolov, in an interview with Heather Morris

~Dani


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Review: Red Clocks

Red Clocks by Leni Zumas


Set in a near future US where there are severe restrictions on women’s reproductive rights, we meet several women in an Oregon community who are facing crises. Labeled the biographer, the mender, the daughter, and the wife, their lives intersect and influence each other. Explores the contradictions and complications of women’s hearts and desires. Extraordinary book!

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Review: The Gilded Wolves

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

This alternate history is set in Belle Époque Paris right before the opening of the Exposition Universelle. During this time of technological, scientific, and cultural innovations, the all-powerful Order of Babel still rules through magic and intimidation.

Séverin Montagnet-Alarie, is not just the owner of the most glamourous hotel in Paris, he is also the leader of an elite group of thieves who execute elaborate heists to steal magical artifacts from the ruling families. Séverin and his band of misfits and rogues aren’t just in it for the money, though. They each have a personal reason for pilfering from the ruling class. There is a baker with a mysterious past, a historian who has lost his home, an engineer looking to repay a debt, and a friend willing to sacrifice anything for Séverin. When the Order offers him his rightful inheritance in exchange for finding an artifact, Séverin and his crew begin a hunt that takes them far beyond the glittering homes of the rich and into a world they never expected.

Chokshi has an amazing ability to create immersive worlds and engrossing characters that draw the reader in. This is so much more than just a fun caper, it’s a story about friendship, colonialism, loyalty, and the struggle for power.

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The Splendor Before the Dark by Margaret George

In her first book, The Confessions of Young Nero, Margaret George takes you through Nero's younger years and as a young emperor. The Splendor before the Dark covers Emperor Nero's last four years, beginning with the fire and then ending twenty-three years after his death.This complex and detailed story of Nero's end is reported with passion and insight.  
  
Nero is best known for his debaucheries, political murders, the persecution of Christians, and for the rumor that he "fiddled" while Rome burned during the great fire in 64 A.D. Many people forget that Nero was also an actor, poet, and architect, and supported athletics, in which he himself competed.

Margaret George follows the conviction of Edward Champlin, who, in his book Nero, explains, "I have assumed that his actions were rational--that is, he was not crazy--and that much of what he did resonated far more with contemporary social attitudes than our hostile sources would have us believe." 

The novel is narrated by three characters: Acte, who is Nero's young lover and dearest friend; Locusta, an herbalist who sees Nero's dark side; and Nero himself. In her review, Stephanie Dray says, "Wow! Margaret George--the reigning queen of historical fiction--is back with this epic saga that vividly reimagines the life of young Nero in all its operatic, dramatic glory." Author Diana Gabaldon, of Outlander, says, "Messy lives make good stories." And Nero's life truly is a remarkable story.

"Why have you come?" I ask one of the families, a mother and two children. 

"I have told the children about him,"the woman says. "As this is a lovely day, I thought I would take them here."

"What have you told them?" That he was insane, a tyrant, a monster? That was the official story, peddled by the Senate. "That he was the most remarkable emperor we have had," she says. "He was not a warrior but an artist; he wanted to please the ordinary man, not the aristocrat; he raced chariots!" she laughs. "When shall we have such another?"

"Never, I fear," I say. Never, I know.  -The Splendor before the Dark by Margaret George

   
~Dani