Union County Library discussion
What I'm Reading Now
Mod
The Marrow Thieves has such a fascinating premise. Did you love it?
Ripley Under Ground – Patricia Highsmith – 3***
This is book two in the series, featuring psychopath Tom Ripley. Highsmith was a talented writer, and she could craft a chilling psychological thriller. In the first Ripley book we met a charming, somewhat socially inept, closeted gay young man with ambition. But THIS Ripley is a drudge. Still, lies and killing come naturally to him. As the bodies pile up and investigators get closer to the truth, Ripley’s ability to charm his way out of things is taxed to the max. By the end, he seems to be completely unraveling, The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger. But I suspect Highsmith just ran out of steam and decided to stop.
LINK to my full review
A Natural History of Dragons – Marie Brennan – 4****
Subtitle: A Memoir by Lady Trent. This was a wonderful romp of an adventure. Isabella is a wonderful heroine. She’s intelligent, tenacious, curious, and determined. I was completely engaged from beginning to end. I’ll definitely continue with the series.
LINK to my full review
No Exit – Taylor Adams – 3.5***
A taut psychological thriller featuring a college art student, a kidnapped child, and four strangers all trapped at a rest stop during a blizzard in the Colorado Rockies. Darby is a courageous, if naïve, young woman. She never stops thinking of ways to save herself, the child, and the innocent people in the shelter. She certainly got one thing right – the criminal is NOT really smart, just determined and callous. The question is whether Darby can last the night, and that kept me turning pages long past my bedtime.
LINK to my full review
The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller – 4****
Miller turns her remarkable talent to Greek mythology in this retelling of events leading up to and including the Trojan War. The novel is narrated by Petroclus, a young prince who has been exiled to the court of King Peleus, where he meets Achilles. Of course, I knew the basic storyline of the Trojan War going into the book, but Miller makes this such an intimate tale that I felt I was first hearing this story. There are two young men learning about life, honor, duty, and love. I was initially taken aback by Miller’s choice to have Petroclus narrate the tale, but I quickly came to love his point of view.
LINK to my full review
I read The Great Divide
. Worth the hype. 4 stars . My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
. Worth the hype. 4 stars . My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."Ahh, this one is on my (Betsy) list!!! I'm glad to hear you liked it.
Angela M wrote: "I read The Great Divide. Worth the hype. 4 stars . My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."Going to see her at an author event tomorrow night!
Britt-Marie Was Here – Fredrick Backman – 3.5***
I thought this was a lovely little fairy tale. The scenarios were somewhat improbable, and Britt-Marie didn’t always behave the way I would have expected her to, but just as the residents of Borg grew on her, Britt-Marie grew on me. I found her insistence on structure exasperating at times, but I also loved how determined she was. While she kept her emotions in check, she still showed tenderness and genuine caring.
LINK to my full review
I’m currently reading The Complete Stories of Dorothy Parker. And absolutely loving it!
Trunk Music – Michael Connelly – 3***
Book number 5 in the Harry Bosch series finds the detective back on the job after a previous suspension. This is a typical Harry Bosch detective mystery. Lots of twists and turns. Lots of Harry battling against the police force bureaucrats that are the bane of his existence. It’s fast-paced and kept me guessing until pretty close to the end.
LINK to my full review
Strange Brew – Kathy Hogan Trochek – 3***
This is book six in the Callahan Garrity Mystery series, featuring former cop Callaghan and her mother, Edna, who run “House Mouse” maid service in Atlanta. I like this series. I like Callahan, who does have some reason to investigate and is at least skilled at it. She’s frequently helped by the House Mouse crew of eccentric ladies. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep even the best amateur sleuth guessing, and I didn’t figure out the perpetrator much before Callahan did. I’ll keep reading this series.
LINK to my full review
The Daughters of Yalta – Catherine Grace Katz – 4****
Subtitle: The Churchills, Roosevelts, and Harrimans: A Story of Love and War. I found this “behind-the-scenes” history fascinating. I had heard of Sarah and Anna, but knew nothing of Kathleen. These young women – beautiful, wealthy and vivacious – were treated by the press as “society” stories. But they were far more than just photo opportunities. Each was highly intelligent and quite accomplished. They not only witnessed history but helped to craft the world’s future.
LINK to my full review
The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood – Howard Pyle – 3***
A friend loaned me her copy of the “Great Illustrated Classics” edition, adapted by Deborah Kestel. It’s a fast, fun adventure with lots of fighting, competition, disguises, and more than a few near misses. Most of the characters I remember are here, including Friar Tuck, Little John and the Sheriff of Nottingham. But Maid Marion is mentioned only once. I imagine the middle-school audience would enjoy this legend of adventure and derring-do. I wanted more depth to the story, though I doubt I’ll try to go back and read the original.
LINK to my full review
A Corner Of the Universe – Ann M Martin – 4****
This is a wonderful book written for middle-school-aged children. Set in about 1960, it focuses on Hattie Owens and her family, and the summer her Uncle Adam came home. There are some serious issues dealt with in this novel, but Martin handles them deftly, honestly and with compassion. Hattie is a bright girl, curious and resourceful. As Hattie pieces together the truth about her uncle she comes to understand that it is better to “lift the corners” and peek at what is hidden rather than try to forget about what is unpleasant or uncomfortable. She learns, too, that being different does not make you a lesser person.
LINK to my full review
Black Powder War – Naomi Novik – 4****
Book number three in the marvelous series featuring Captain Will Laurence and his dragon, Temeraire. Following their exploits in China (book two), they’ve received special orders to escort three precious dragon eggs purchased from the Ottoman Empire from Istanbul back to England. I love this series and this episode has more of the aerial “dog fights” that first entranced me in book one. Temeraire is a marvel; intelligent, fluent in multiple languages, an astute observer and a skilled warrior. He is also devoted to Will and their relationship is an important part of the series.
LINK to my full review
Dial A for Aunties – Jesse Q Sutanto – 3***
This was really ridiculously implausible, but still quite fun to read! The aunties steal the show at every opportunity, but I mostly liked the relationship between Meddy and her Ma. I’m glad I finally got to this book which so many of my book-loving friends have enjoyed. It was the perfect escapist light read during this time in my life.
LINK to my full review
I read Sisters Through The Ages: A Novella
. 3.5 stars rounded up. My review : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
You, Again – Kate Goldbeck – 2.5**
This is a retelling of the very popular (and brilliant) film, When Harry Met Sally. Ari is a wannabe stand-up comic, making do while she waits for her big break. Josh is a chef from a wealthy family who definitely does NOT want to follow in his father’s footsteps and take over the famous deli he runs. I really disliked these two characters. Ari, in particular, is a hot mess, while Josh is kinda full of himself. Well, you’ve seen the movie, so you know what’s coming. Do yourself a favor. Skip the book and re-watch the movie.
LINK to my full review
Ramón and Julieta – Alana Quintana Albertson – 3***
This is a retelling of Shakespeare’s most famous couple, set in San Diego’s thriving Mexican-American community. Ramón Montez is the scion of a family fast-food empire. Julieta Campos is a celebrity chef who is determined to save her sea-to-table taqueria from closing. Of course, these star-crossed lovers will find a way to join forces despite the bad blood between their families. It was a fast, fun read that made me hungry for Mexican food.
LINK to my full review
Tiger Honor – Yoon Ha Lee – 3***
This is a fast-paced space opera adventure tale. Lee has built a fantasy world that includes various shape-shifters, interplanetary travel, military jargon, and various magical elements. It’s the kind of book my nephew would have loved when he was about 10-12 years old. I haven’t read the first book in the series, so was a little lost in terms of the world-building. Still, it held my attention and I was intrigued enough that I’ll probably read more from this author.
LINK to my full review
I read Table for Two
. The latest from one of my favorite writers . 5 stars . My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Angela M wrote: "I read Table for Two. The latest from one of my favorite writers . 5 stars . My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."Really looking forward to this one. Thanks for your review!
Off Season – Anne Rivers Siddons – 3***
Lilly Constable, reeling from the sudden death of her husband, decides to go to her family’s Maine cottage to regroup and reflect on her marriage to the love of her life, Cam McCall. I thought this would be a book about her marriage, but at least half of it was about Lily’s first love, at the tender age of eleven. Siddons kept me turning pages, but it was far from memorable.
LINK to my full review
Book Concierge wrote: "Angela M wrote: "I read Table for Two. The latest from one of my favorite writers . 5 stars . My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/56..."Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
The Letter Writer – Dan Fesperman – 4****
When a body is found floating in the Hudson, newly arrive detective sergeant Woodrow Cain accepts the help of an odd duck - Danzinger looks like a “crackpot” but he is clearly educated and has means. The question is whether he is helping Cain solve a murder, or ensnaring him in a clever espionage plot. A great historical thriller!
LINK to my full review
The Garden of Evening Mists – Tan Twan Eng – 5*****
What a marvelous book! Poetic writing. Complex characters. Atmospheric descriptions. Eng brought right into this world. I felt the peace and serenity of the garden, and the terror of guerilla attacks. I could smell the jungle, feel the humid heat, hear the rain.
LINK to my full review
Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares – Rachel Cohn and David Levithan – 4****
This is a delightful young adult meet-cute rom-com featuring an implausible quest and two extraordinarily bright teenagers, set in the fabulous city of New York during the Christmas season. It’s charming and clever and the two main characters are very likeable. And I loved the literary references.
LINK to my full review
I’m fortunate to have received an advanced copy of Tell Me Everything
Five stars for one of my favorite writers . My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
All the Ways We Said Goodbye – Beatriz Willliams, Lauren Willig and Karen White – 3***
Three women are linked by the legend of the talisman of Courcelles, across half a century: 1914, 1942, and 1964. The central setting is France. I figured out the big “secrets” as soon as they were introduced. It held my attention, but I’m getting tired of the World War II scenario and the various tropes used.
LINK to my full review
City of the Beasts – Isabel Allende – 3***
Allende has crafted a very engaging, fantastical adventure story, with a fair amount of information provided regarding environmental conservation. A couple of the adult characters were rather cartoonish, but the young people really shone, and I loved the way that the native indigenous tribes were portrayed.
LINK to my full review
A Spy In the House – Y S Lee – 3***
This is the first in a series featuring Mary Quinn (nee Lang), a Chinese-English young woman who has been recruited into The Agency – an all-female organization providing discreet investigations. Mary is intelligent, inquisitive, observant and compassionate. She is also self-possessed, resilient and quite capable of getting herself out of a jam, though Victorian gentlemen are prone to coming to her rescue regardless of her own abilities. I look forward to reading more books in this series, and more from this author.
LINK to my full review
I read Shelterwood
, another excellent work of historical fiction by Lisa Wingate focusing on chikdren. 4 stars . My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The House In the Cerulean Sea – T J Klune – 3***
Linus Baker is summoned by Extremely Upper Management and given a highly classified assignment: go to an orphanage on a remote island and evaluate the six dangerous magical children living there. This is a modern fairy tale for adults with a message of tolerance, kindness, courage and forgiveness. The sentiment is charming and Klune gives us a wonderful fairy-tale ending. But the story fell flat for me. I felt I was “missing the magic” that so many of my friends experienced.
LINK to my full review
The Starlite Drive-In – Marjorie Reynolds – 3.5***
The discovery of human bones when developers begin demolishing the old Starlite Drive-In site takes Callie Anne Benton back to her childhood. She was twelve the summer of 1956, when she experienced first love and began to understand the complexities of adult relationships. A great coming-of-age story that captivated me from beginning to end.
LINK to my full review
The Bear’s Embrace – Patricia Van Tighem – 4****
While hiking in the Canadian wilderness, Patricia and her husband were attacked by a grizzly bear. This is Patricia’s memoir of the years of reconstructive surgery and depression (PTSD) she suffered following that incident. I found this gripping and interesting, a tale of survival, courage and triumph. But I was not prepared for the severity of mental health issues she would suffer as a result of the attack.
LINK to my full review
Fat Chance, Charlie Vega – Crystal Maldonado – 4****
This is a wonderful coming-of-age story that deals with body image, friendship, parent/child relationships, and societal expectations. Charlie is a strong young woman, mostly sure of herself, though plagued with self-doubt. Still, she’s smart, funny, kind, loyal and determined. I liked how Maldonado had the teens deal with expectations, whether those of friends, each other, parents, teachers, or their own. And I really liked how Charlie found a way to shine and show her considerable talent.
LINK to my full review
The Personal Librarian – Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray – 3***
As she has done with other women “lost in history,” Benedict shines a light on a little-recognized woman who had enormous influence on American culture. Belle da Costa Greene, a Black woman who passed as white to work as J P Morgan’s personal librarian. It’s an interesting history lesson and well told, if somewhat repetitive.
LINK to my full review
The Tuscan Child – Rhys Bowen – 3***
Bowen uses the ubiquitous dual timeline to tell this story that spans three decades: 1944 to 1973. Joanna finds some papers among her late father’s effects that indicate he had a love affair with a woman in Italy while serving as an RAF pilot in WW2. Joanna feels compelled to travel to the area where her father’s plane went down to find his lost love, Sofia, and to get answers to what really happened during the war. This was a fun, fast read with some intrigue to go along with the romance. And, I loved all the references to food!
LINK to my full review
One Italian Summer – Rebecca Serle – 3***
Katy has always been very close to her mother, Carol, and when her mother dies Katy is left feeling alone, abandoned and lost. At her husband’s suggestion, Katy decides to take the trip to Italy she and Carol had planned. I was fine with this story at the outset, though I thought Katy was very immature for a woman who is thirty. It held my attention, and it was a relatively fast read. But I’m not sure I’d recommend it.
LINK to my full review
Surely You Can’t Be Serious – David Zucker, Jim Abrahams & Jerry Zucker – 3***
Subtitle: The True Story of Airplane! This is the creators’ memoir of how they came to think of the parody, and their (often naïve) efforts to get it written, produced, cast, made and distributed. Yes, I saw the surprise comedy blockbuster movie when it first came out. I remember little about it. I laughed and thought some bits were hilarious, but I also thought that much of the humor was juvenile and typical of middle-school boys.
LINK to my full review
I read Long Island
. Highly recommended if you ever wondered what happened to Eilis Lacey after Brooklyn. 5 stars. My review : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...Now I want to know more about what the future holds for her .
Vanderbilt – Anderson Cooper & Katherine Howe – 4****
Subtitle: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty. Cooper, the son of “the last Vanderbilt” (Gloria Vanderbilt), and a trained journalist, looks at the family legacy in this work of nonfiction. On the whole, it held my attention, and I learned a few tidbits I hadn’t previously come across.
LINK to my full review
Union County Library
Books mentioned in this topic
Howling Dark (other topics)La Belle Sauvage (other topics)
The Secret Commonwealth (other topics)
Jade War (other topics)
Year of Wonders (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
S.K. Waters (other topics)Amanda Cassidy (other topics)
Emily St. John Mandel (other topics)
The Children’s Blizzard – Melanie Benjamin – 3***
Benjamin is known for writing novelized “biographies” of historical figures (usually women) who have been under-represented (or completely ignored) by history. This time, she turns her attention of an historical event, the blizzard of 1888 that caught residents of the great plains completely unawares, and invents the characters to populate the story. She focused on two sisters, both schoolteachers, who took different approaches which resulted in dramatically different outcomes. Unfortunately for Benjamin, I had previously read David Laskin’s nonfiction account of the same blizzard, and this work fell short of that excellent read.
LINK to my full review