101 Books to Read Before You Die discussion
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Ironweed by William KennedyIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Ironweed | Goodreads
Kennedy invites the reader to spend a few days in the company of Francis and Helen, two homeless, cold, hungry friends. During the hours we walk beside them, we meet others in their orbit and glimpse the life that brought them to this point. Both reached early adulthood full of promise and expectation. Although this is set in 1938, the Depression is not to blame for their circumstances. These were not likable or sympathetic characters, but they retained their innate human dignity. There are moments of casual cruelty and casual kindness, transactional sex and alcohol abuse, friendship and the flicker of beauty. I did not exactly enjoy this book, but I did appreciate it.
How Language Works by David CrystalIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of How Language Works: How Babies Babble, Words Change Meaning, and Languages Live or Die | Goodreads
This is a survey of the field of linguistics. The topics that are addressed are as wide ranging as the physical anatomy used in speech, the function of each punctuation mark, pedagogic theories around reading instruction, and the classification of language groups. Chapters are short, 6 to 8 pages, so no topic is treated in depth. The author achieves his purpose, to introduce his audience to this field of study and to encourage the reader to a greater appreciation of language.
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan SlocumbIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Violin Conspiracy | Goodreads
The mystery of a stolen Stradivarius frames this novel about a poor kid overcoming every obstacle to excel as a violin virtuoso. This was more an account of the unending prejudices faced by young black men in America than a mystery. I did not resonate as strongly with this novel as many others have. A good editor might have tightened it up by reducing the number of times we were told that the protagonist loved his grandmother or that music was his life or that his mother had fake nails. I found parts of the book a bit hard to believe, particularly the way the mystery was solved. And the cast of characters felt two dimensional.
The Riverbones by Andrew WestollIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Riverbones: Stumbling After Eden in the Jungles of Suriname | Goodreads
I enjoyed learning about Suriname in this travel book. The author fell in love with this small Caribbean country when he spent time at a primate research station as part of his university studies. Although he traded a career in primatology for one in writing, his love for this island never left him. In this book, he returns to Suriname for several months, traveling from its capital to its industrial gold mines, from its coasts to its sparsely inhabited rain forests at its interior. Woven between the accounts of the people he met and the experiences he had are the history, politics, culture and ecology of this very young country. 3.5 stars
Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria RussellIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Dreamers of the Day | Goodreads
I usually appreciate this author. But this book did not work for me. A 40 year old spinster school teacher suddenly finds herself free of family responsibilities and flush with inherited cash in 1920. So she books a trip to Cairo. On the first day, she runs into Winston Churchill, Lawrence of Arabia, Gertrude Bell and other luminaries of Middle Eastern politics of that day. They instantly befriend her and entrust her with all the details of the negotiations which lead to the creation of modern Iraq, Israel, Jordan and Syria. This far-fetched scenario is peppered with lectures on political theory, cultural sensitivity, religious beliefs and skepticism, Egyptian history and more. All of this is filtered through the narrator’s attitudes which mirror that of the author. Although I did not disagree with her opinions, I still felt as if I was being lectured at. This short novel felt as if it would never end.
The Magic Barrel by Bernard MalamudIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Magic Barrel | Goodreads
Thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories. It was the perfect mix of quirky characters, humorous behaviors, thought-provoking endings and stellar writing.
A World of Curiosities by Louise PennyIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of A World of Curiosities | Goodreads
Although I enjoy this detective series, I am sure glad I don’t live in this remote Canadian village that seems to attract a frightening number of murderers. As usual, the ending is not exactly believable. But, then again, this series is my escape from reality.
Our Missing Hearts by Celest NgIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Our Missing Hearts | Goodreads
Set in a near future dystopia, this novel depicts an America which has codified anti-Asian prejudices into laws couched in patriotic language. The protagonist is a 12 year old boy whose Chinese American mother has disappeared. When he discovers clues that she might still be alive, he embarks on a quest to find her. This novel seemed to straddle the line between realism and myth. Ng uses this novel to condemn many trends in current American society: book banning, anti-Asian attacks, police violence, separation of children from parents, etc. This felt more like a morality play than a work of fiction. Her flowery language was a distraction for me. Of the three novels I have read by Ng, this is my least favorite.
American Midnight by Adam HochschildIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of American Midnight: Democracy's Forgotten Crisis, 1917-1921 | Goodreads
This was a piece of U.S. history that I was not familiar with. From 1917 to 1921, many in the U.S. saw their civil rights revoked or ignored. German speakers were attacked by mobs and sometimes killed. Union members were arrested on trumped up charges and given long sentences. Conscientious Objectors were subjected to torture by prison staff. Members of the Socialist Party were accused of sedition brutalized, jailed, deported and their elections invalidated. The government organized, trained and commissioned volunteer councils throughout the country to spy on neighbors. The Post Office was given authority to censor and destroy all publications and private mail that contained any comments with which the Post Master disagreed. African Americans, German Americans, Socialists, Cos, union members and more were lynched in town after town. Campaigns were won on violent anti-immigrant rhetoric. The atrocities are mind boggling. All was accomplished in the shadow of a war to make the world safe for democracy and with the silent acquiescence of a president who could win international acclaim for his plan for world peace and justice while being a racist at home. Hochschild narrates this period in detail, but manages to keep the story moving and engaging. 4.5 stars
Tommy knockers Stephen king mixed blessings and precious gifts both by Danielle steel
After Anna Lisa scottoline
Cat who saw red Lillian Jackson Braun
Inn at Rose Harbor Debbie Macomber
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip WilliamsIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Dictionary of Lost Words | Goodreads
The protagonist is the only child of a lexicographer working on the Oxford Dictionary. Growing up literally beneath the work table, she grows into a love of language, particularly those words and definitions discarded by those in official positions. As the calendar rolls into the 20th century and her peers fight for the woman’s vote, she quietly gives women a voice by recording the words they use, from vicious insults to maternal endearments. This was a sweet story with not much depth. The characters never came to life for me.
Violeta by Isabel AllendeIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Violeta | Goodreads
The narrator is a 100 year old woman who is recording her life story for her grandson. This is both a fictional memoir and the history of an unnamed Latin American country which closely resembles Chili. For the most part, the writing had an intimacy that drew me in. There were also times when the narrator told her grandson things about his own adult experiences or motivations that seemed designed to educate the reader rather than being a natural part of this correspondence. 3.5 stars
Women Who Wrestled With God by Irmtraud FischerIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Women Who Wrestled with God: Biblical Stories of Israel's Beginning | Goodreads
This was an outstanding exegesis of biblical texts concerning female characters in the foundational stories of the Hebrew Scripture.
A Chorus of Mushrooms by Hiromi GotoIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of A Chorus of Mushrooms | Goodreads
This novel explores the immigrant experience, questions of identity and integration, the power of story to create reality and even the question of what is “real”. Three generations of Japanese-Canadian women offers three vantages from which to observe what it means to be Japanese, Canadian, female, a story maker. The language was lush, the layers of meaning were rich, the characters were compelling, the entire book deeply thought-provoking. I just wish I could read this with someone smarter and more attentive to detail than me. 4.5 stars
The Reading List by Sara Nisha AdamsIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Reading List | Goodreads
A list of 8 classic books is serendipitously found by a teen dealing with family trauma and a lonely widower. Although neither were readers at the time the list was discovered, both are captivated by the titles and both find the wisdom and strength they need in their pages. The list also unites these individuals in a mutually supportive friendship. This is a predictable, sweet novel that had the feel of a young adult book. Thinking of the masterpieces on this list made the mediocre quality of this novel the more evident. This is not my taste in books.
Otherlands by Thomas HallidayIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Otherlands: A Journey Through Earth's Extinct Worlds | Goodreads
The author describes the various landscapes, the geological and climatic characteristics, the plant and animal life and the range of adaptations for survival that would have been found on planet Earth at each of the epics prior to the arrival of humans. The writing was clear. I could picture each scene. The epilogue argues that current climate change is moving us into a prior set of conditions, one that will force dramatic changes on life, changes that may not be favorable to humans.
The Gathering by Anne EnrightIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Gathering | Goodreads
This is a very well written book. The author brings us inside the mind of a woman spinning through an emotional breakdown following the suicide of her brother. Despite its literary merits, I struggled to engage with the novel. The narrator moves rapidly between present and past, between fabricated memories and actual memories and memories that are comprised of both fabrication and fact, leaving the reader unsure what to believe. Somehow what was quite clever resulted in my feeling manipulated.
Sacred Strangers by Nancy HaughtenIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Sacred Strangers: What the Bible's Outsiders Can Teach Christians | Goodreads
The author selects 6 scriptural characters who are not part of the Israelite community and reflects on lessons they might provide. This was both accessible and insightful. I wish she had included more figures. 3.5 stars
Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon MeachamIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power | Goodreads
This is a detailed biography of the third U.S. president focusing on his political career and influence. The portrait is of a man of solid character, great intellect, outstanding instincts, and generous personality. Although Meacham acknowledges that he advocated for harmful policies toward native peoples, recognized that slavery was wrong while owning many slaves and refused to acknowledge or provide for his children by Sally while being very solicitous toward his children and grandchildren by Patty, Meacham chalks it up to being a man of his time. I have a new respect and new outrage for this significant historical person.
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony DoerrIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Cloud Cuckoo Land | Goodreads
This is a well written novel that kept me engaged until the end. I could not figure out where the story was going and how the ancient story would tie everyone together. But, either I am missing something or the end was a bit of a letdown, rather trite.
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoultwww.goodreads.com/review/show/5494275035
I appreciate the social issues which Picoult tackles in her novels. But I don’t like her style of writing. I dislike the perfusion of similes and metaphors and adverbs that pile up precipitously like shiny apples at a farmer’s market stand. I am not a fan of the multiple narrator technique, especially when every narrator, no matter age or gender, sounds exactly the same. I feel manipulated by surprises which seem to have little purpose other than to shock the reader, a sort of gotya game. I did not find the teen age dialogue remotely believable. I know that she is a very popular and successful author, but she is just not my cup of tea, even with honey.
The Reason I Jump by Naoki HigashidaIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism | Goodreads
This was authored by a 13 year old non-verbal youth living with autism. He explains why a person with autism behaves in certain ways. I don’t know if the mind of all those with autism processes things the same way or if they are each unique. So I don’t know if I should extrapolate from this one person’s experience to that of many others or not. But, either way, it did offer me new insights and perspectives for which I am very grateful.
Archduke of Sarajevo by Gordon Brook-ShepherdIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Archduke of Sarajevo: The Romance and Tragedy of Franz Ferdinand of Austria | Goodreads
I knew nothing about the life and political context of this heir to the Austrian throne, except for his fateful assassination which precipitated the Great War. This was engaging, readable and interesting.
Open House by Elizabeth BergIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Open House | Goodreads
Sweet, simple, predictable plot, shallow characters, formulaic dialogue, this is a fine beach read, but not a book to engage the reader.
Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions by Omolola Ijeoma OgunyemivEdit Review - Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions: A Novel in Interlocking Stories | Goodreads
I loved this collection of interlocking short stories that revolve around 4 Nigerian friends from boarding school. Each story is narrated by a different character and each voice is distinct. I appreciated the opportunity to spend time in a different culture and to view reality from a different vantage.
The Collected Stories of Katherine Anne Porter by Catherine Anne PorterIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Collected Stories of Katherine Anne Porter | Goodreads
I could appreciate the technical quality of these short stories, but I never found myself engaged by them. The endings did not seem to resolve the plots. I usually wondered what the point of each story was.
The Daily Show by Jon StewartvThis is a laudatory history of The Daily Show told through numerous voices: writers and producers, Democratic and Republican politicians, CNN and Fox News commentators, voices from Egypt to Hollywood. This felt like a TV documentary in which many interviews are spliced together to tell a story. There is always just enough counter opinions to give the feel that this is objective while actually telling a very carefully crafted narrative.
The Secret River by Kate GrenvilleIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Secret River | Goodreads
I loved this book on so many levels. The writing was excellent. The setting transported me to Australia in the early 1800s when it was seeing its first European colonists. The characters were portrayed with depth and compassion. The difficult relationship between Europeans and native Australians was depicted with sensitivity and honesty. This was the rare book in which I was so absorbed that I lost track of my surroundings. 4.5 stars
When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay PenmanIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of When Christ and His Saints Slept | Goodreads
This is historical fiction depicting the decades of war over the English crown upon the death of Henry I. I know very little about the 12th century, so enjoyed learning of this period in history. The author notes at the end were helpful to know what was fictionalized and what was based on legend or on documents of the time. Despite being researched, there were many details that were not historically correct such as furniture, eating utensils, idiomatic expressions. This became distracting and made me wonder what other liberties the author took. That said, the writing kept me interested despite the length of the novel.
Hello Beautiful by Ann NapolitanoIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Hello Beautiful | Goodreads
This novel explores the friendship between 4 sisters who came of age in the early 1980s. When circumstances lead one sister to create emotional and physical distance from the others, a hole is created in the lives of everyone. I expected more from this novel which has received so many positive reactions. I found the plot to be predictable and highly dependent on contrived plot points. Similes were as ubiquitous as ants at a picnic and just as helpful. The characters were believable, but their lives were less so.
American Sirens by Kevin HazzardIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of American Sirens: The Incredible Story of the Black Men Who Became America's First Paramedics | Goodreads
Prior to the late 1960s, there were no paramedics, no trained medical personnel to stabilize a patient prior to transport or offer any treatment. The only goal of the ambulance was to get a person to the hospital as quickly as possible with no other thought. It was the vision of a pioneering doctor who believed lives could be saved if medical care could be administered on site that gave birth to a radical new way of providing emergency care. In a segregated, economically depressed section of Pittsburgh, 44 black men were recruited to be trained as the first group of paramedics. They faced opposition from police who believed emergencies in this neighborhood were most likely social disturbances, from doctors who resented black men with no medical degree working on their turf, from white politicians who refused to fund or recognize their work. Despite all the roadblocks, this group quickly proved their value. In a few years, they had gained national and international attention and other communities wanted to copy their program. With recognition came funding for state-of-the-art ambulances which went to white neighborhoods, funding for training which went to white applicants, and a recognized new profession with jobs that went to less qualified white trainees. This is the story of the founding of the Pittsburgh group that turned emergency medicine around, the prejudices they faced and their heroic efforts to succeed despite systemic discrimination. 3.5 stars
The Lieutenant by Kate GrenvilleEdit Review - The Lieutenant | Goodreads
This second in the Thornhill trilogy is only connected to the first book by location and theme. I was surprised to see that this story is based on the life of a historical figure. The protagonist, a brilliant mathematician and linguist, is part of an early navel outpost in New South Wales. Unlike his fellow officers, he is fascinated by the local people and sets out to learn their language. In his efforts to communicate, he comes to befriend and respect. Eventually, this will result in a serious moral dilemma. I love Grenville’s spare writing which trusts the reader to make sense of what is seen and heard.
Autumn In The Heavenly Kingdom by Stephen Pratt Irene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Autumn in the Heavenly Kingdom: China, the West, and the Epic Story of the Taiping Civil War | Goodreads
I knew nothing of the Taiping Rebellion or Civil War before this book. I wish I had. Some basic knowledge of this conflict and of mid-19th century Chinese politics would have been very helpful. This is well researched. It focuses on how the British and French altered the outcome of this bloodiest of battles. Estimates are that between 30 and 70 million people died from this conflict, either from starvation, cholera, formal executions or general pillaging. This was a hard book to read.,
Armchair Mystic by Mark ThibodeauxIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Armchair Mystic | Goodreads
This is a good overview of the practice of prayer rooted in the best of Catholic spiritual tradition. The examples make concepts clear. Although I have read all of this before, I heard so much as if for the first time.
Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared DiamondIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Guns, Germs and Steel: A Short History of Everybody for the Last 13,000 Years | Goodreads
Diamond argues that the reason some cultures developed greater technology, became colonizing empires, were military conquerors, is ultimately due to their environment, the amount of food for foraging, the presence of large mammals for domestication, the presence of plants that were easily cultivated, to what degree they were isolated by geography. It is an interesting thesis that I do not have the expertise to evaluate
The Accidental Tourist by Anne TylerIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Accidental Tourist | Goodreads
I have a hard time connecting with the stories and characters of this award-winning author. We meet the protagonist a year after the murder of his son, on the day his wife asks for a divorce. Over the next year, we witness a man break out of his emotional isolation, his need for control, his commitment to routine. His losses broke him open rather than breaking him.
Sarah Thornhill by Kate GrenvilleIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Sarah Thornhill | Goodreads
This continues the story of the Thornhill family who arrived in New South Wales on a convict transport in the first years of the 19th century. Sarah, the youngest daughter, was born in Australia and has grown up with the relative prosperity previously unknown to the family. Although she had no part in the atrocities committed against the native peoples, she has inherited the benefits of the land that was stolen. She must confront her own complicity in her family legacy. It is a guilt that many readers will have to acknowledge.
Out of the Easy by Ruta SepetysIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Out of the Easy | Goodreads
I liked this more than I usually enjoy young adult novels. Characters may not have had great depth, but they were “characters”. There were some rather improbable elements to the plot. And, I aw the end coming, although I did not anticipate all the twists.
The Last Thing He Said by Laura DaveyIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Last Thing He Said | Goodreads
This was a good lazy day read. When a company is raided by FBI for fraud, one of its top employees disappears leaving his wife and teen daughter a backpack filled with $600,00 and a note to care for each other. Not trusting the authorities, the woman and her step daughter conduct their own investigation and uncover astounding secrets he was hiding. If you are willing to suspend skepticism, this can be a fun ride.
A Column of Fire by Ken FolettIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of A Column of Fire | Goodreads
Since it has been many years since I read the first two novels in this series, I was concerned that I had forgotten too many details, that I would be disoriented. But this book picks up generations after the last ended. We are now in the second half of the 16th century. Although it begins and ends in the shadow of the great monastery, it takes the readers across most of western Europe and even to the Caribbean. The bloody conflict between Catholics and Protestants in England and France are central to this story. This conflict becomes a lens through which to understand the entire era. The Catholics represent all that should pass away: absolute power, intolerance, corruption, rigid social structures and the Protestants represent the potential in the dawning era: individual freedom of thought, opportunities for social advancement, new discoveries and larger horizons, equality under the law. Many historical figures and events are seen in these pages. 3.5 stars
Harriet Tubman by Catherine ClintonIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom | Goodreads
No surprise that an illiterate former slave who did much of her work clandestinely would not have left much of a written record. This forces the biographer to rely on conjecture and speculation drawn from what is known of the period. This biography of a truly remarkable woman is filled out with much historical detail: the implementation of fugitive slave laws, information about freed slaves living in Canada, biographical sketches on most of those who crossed paths with Tubman. My admiration for this courageous, intelligent, resourceful, hard-working, selfless woman has deepened.
Crusaders by Dan JonesIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Crusaders: The Epic History of the Wars for the Holy Lands | Goodreads
My head is spinning with all the names and places and dates contained in this book. Jones managed to present the story of multiple wars fought in many lands by numerous kingdoms over centuries causing enormous devastation and brutally killing countless innocent people in a way that was understandable to the non-expert. Reading this bit of history is not for the faint of heart. Humans are a cruel and greedy species.
Trinidad Noir by various authorsIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Trinidad Noir | Goodreads
I enjoyed this anthology of short stories by a range of Trinidadian authors. Each featured some aspect of the dark side of society. Many had a pleasantly surprising twist.
Kintu by Jennifer Nansubuga
Irene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Kintu | Goodreads
I wish I had not read this while traveling; it deserved more of my attention. In this story of a clan and the curse that plagues generations, the author is telling the story of a nation and exploring the way a society carries the burden of the past into the promise of the future.
Learning To Pray by James Martin S.J.Irene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone | Goodreads
Fr. James Martin offers a manual for prayer in the Catholic tradition. Topics include prayer methods, obstacles in prayer, the role of human experiences such as emotions and memories, aids to prayer, legitimate expectations from prayer and more. Maybe it was more basic than I wanted or maybe it felt too much like a “how to” set of instructions, but it failed to engage me. I started this over a year ago during Lent and set it aside for months. Although it did not inspire me, I would recommend it to anyone who is approaching prayer with little background.
Days of Honey, Days of Onion by Michael GorkinIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Days of Honey, Days of Onion: The Story of a Palestinian Family in Israel | Goodreads
The author captures the stories of an extended family of Israeli Arabs. The memories and experiences range from the 1920s to the 1980s.Through their voices we learn of changing attitudes to gender roles, educational opportunities, the practice of revenge, marriage and funeral rituals, relations with Jewish Israelis and more. I love oral history, so really enjoyed this. I only wish I could learn what has happened with these individuals over the past 30 years.
Writers and Lovers by Lily KingIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Writers & Lovers | Goodreads
This novel of young adult angst is well written. The characters are fully realized and the ending is satisfying. Despite recognizing its strengths, I was unable to connect with the protagonist. I did not care which man she chose or whether her novel was published.
Will I See My Dog In Heaven by Jack Wintz, O.F.M.
Now Is Not The Time To Panic by Kevin WilsonIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Now Is Not the Time to Panic | Goodreads
I do enjoy Wilson’s writing and the characters he conjures. This novel does not skate nearly as close to the ridiculous as the prior novels I read by him. Nonetheless, I always have the sense that he is winking at me knowing that he is pulling my leg. 3.5 stars
The Shadow Docket by Stephen VladeckIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Shadow Docket: How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic | Goodreads
I don’t have the legal background to evaluate the scholarship in this book. But the author makes a credible argument that the Supreme Court has abandoned any impartiality and become a political hack relying on decisions made without oral argument and accompanied by little to no legal rationale. I suspect that many readers will be as concerned and frightened as I am.
101 Books to Read Before You Die
Books mentioned in this topic
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Irene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid | Goodreads
Bryson brings his wit to these musings on growing up as a white suburban boy in middle America in the 1950s. It was an easy, fun read. Typical of Bryson, it was punctuated with many factoids. I might have enjoyed it more if I had lived through this decade.