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Constant Reader
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What I'm Reading - Nov.- Dec. 2020
Kiki wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Patty, just so you are aware I’m Scottish not English, although I live in England. A very important distinction for us Scots. :)"I just got my Ancestry DNA results back, and to my ..."
Kiki, I had a similar experience at 23 & me, and since the subject is not about reading books, I'm going to start a thread on this subject in Salon.
A Bend In the Stars – Rachel Barenbaum – 3***
A debut work of historical fiction set in 1914 in Russia and featuring a brother and sister who are brilliant scientists determined to succeed and worried about escaping. I think the many subplots were a bit too ambitious. I was interested, but I was exhausted by the constant danger, and longed for peace for the characters and for me.
My full review HERE
Kiki, Scots got everywhere, like the Irish we emigrated to everywhere
OK, back to the Scots and the borderlands!A Chorus of Innocents (Sir Robert Carey #7) by P.F. Chisholm was another entertaining instalment in this historical fiction mystery series set in 1592 on the English/Scottish borderlands. Ah, the intrigue! Such a great way to soak up a bit of history. But mind the bloodshed!
4.5★ Link to my Innocents review
Patty — thanks for the recommendation. I read your review of the first in the series & I’m looking forward to reading it.
The Nickel Boys – Colson Whitehead – 5*****
In the 1960s Jim Crow South, a young man on his way to college makes a life-changing mistake and winds up in the notoriously draconian Nickel Academy reform school. I was completely engrossed in this story. I loved how the relationships between the boys at Nickel developed, how they helped one another even when they could not understand one another. The last part of the novel moves forward in time when one of the boys has grown up and is in New York. But while he’s achieved a measure of success, he is still haunted by what happened in his youth. Whitehead’s use of this structure made the pivotal scene all the more impactful.
My full review HERE
I just finished Small Days and Nights, a beautiful and absorbing novel by Tishani Doshi, an author who is also an award winning poet and dancer. It's narrated by Grace, who returns home to India from America upon her mother's death. Grace is leaving a failing marriage behind and is surprised to discover that her mother has left her a beach front property in a remote area of Madras and also that she has an older sister who has Down' Syndrome and has lived all of her life in an institution.Grace struggles with how to accommodate these revelations as well as unresolved issues from her childhood. She is adrift in many ways and doesn't always make the best decisions. Although I did't really like Grace, I loved this novel with it's evocative settings and the narrator's authentic - though often maddening - voice.
Julie – Jean Craighead George – 3***
Book two of the Julie of the Wolves series, has our heroine returning to her father’s home and trying to reconcile the traditional Eskimo ways with the newer structure of village corporations, industry and working with the white man. The push/pull of old vs new, of childhood vs adulthood, of nature vs business form the central conflicts in the story.
My full review HERE
I just finished Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. I knew very little about Alexander Hamilton except that he was the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and that he died as a result of a duel with Aaron Burr. I learned a little more from Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical. This biography provided so much more. It filled a lot of holes in my knowledge of U.S. history and reminded me of what I once knew. It was also a little comforting to know that the people who founded my country were flawed. Aaron Burr reminded me of some politicians who are in the news today though still not quite that bad.My only problem was that Chernow's prose was not as good as a few of my other favorite biographers such as David McCollough. I think part of the problem was that Hamilton's genius was often in the realm of finance and economics. There was a lot to tell about that but my brain tends to glaze over after too much of that talk. Also, Chernow obviously had done a enormous amount of research and he wanted to give us the benefit of all of it. I felt like he could have done a bit more picking and choosing.
I listened to an audiobook production of it read by Grover Gardner. He was adequate by not outstanding.
Barbara, I just heard about this new research on Hamilton as a slave owner. I have not yet read the article.https://www.smithsonianmag.com/histor...
Daniel Mason’s THE WINTER SOLDIER, narrated by Laurence Dobiesz. I added this book to my TBR when you all were discussing it a year or so ago. I dropped in on your discussion from time to time and decided to read it soon. Well...soon became now. I read through your discussion again when I was about 2/3 of the way through. This is indeed a powerful novel of the atrocities of WWI, a first love, and a young man gaining practical skills, a small measure of wisdom, and coming-of-age maturity. It’s so tempting, at the end of the novel, to wish him well and send him off to live happily ever after, but we all know WWII is coming and by that time this Austrian character will be middle-aged and facing even more atrocities and destruction. I’ve been thinking that “the winter” could be WWI and that “soldier” could refer to all the men and women who were in their late teens to mid-20’s who were profoundly affected by that war and - if they survive - will face another in 20 years.
Thank you, Joan. I'm bookmarking that article about Hamilton to read soon while he is still so in my head.I'm glad that you read A Winter Soldier, Mary. The ending definitely was ominous, and poignant, with a little knowledge of history. Mason's writing really appeals to me. I'm hoping for another book from him soon.
I read CARIBOU ISLAND by David Vann last night. It's well written as far as the prose goes, but it just goes nowhere, and we can see the ending coming almost from the first page. All of the characters are odious. I just couldn't care about them. The author seemed more intent on describing Alaska and how not to build a cabin to us than on creating a story. There is no story arc at all. One might as well read the first chapter, then skip to the end. I gave it one star. Not recommend at all unless you want to bore yourself to sleep.
I am one of the many who are enjoying Graham Brack's Christmas gift to readers of In Dulci Jubilo, a free, charming, short Christmas mystery for Master Mercurius to solve. 
5★ Link to my In Dulci Jubilo review
When Darwin Sailed the Sea: Uncover how Darwin's revolutionary ideas helped change the world by David Long is a great little book that should be in all school libraries. Attractive and informative, even for old folks like me. :)
5★ Link to my 'Darwin' review with several illustrations
The Girl Who Drank the Moon – Kelly Barnhill – 4.5****
This is a delightful fantasy / fairy tale that deals with prejudice, fear, the importance of family, and the courage to do the right thing. I loved these characters (a witch, a swamp monster, a tiny dragon, and a magical child) and their “family dynamic.” While it’s aimed at the middle-school crowd, it is easily enjoyed by adults.
My full review HERE
Clayton Byrd Goes Underground – Rita Williams-Garcia – 4.5****
This was wonderful on so many levels, from the history of the blues to the serious work of grieving over the loss of a family member to the need to face our troubles and talk about problems so that we can understand and forgive one another. Appropriate for middle-school readers and adults.
My full review HERE
I'm now reading one of the best books I've ever read, in my life! THE HEART'S INVISIBLE FURIES by John Boyne. Has anyone ever read this one? I am very seldom blown away by a book, but this one is just magnificent. Just magnificent. Leaves me speechless, so far.
Kiki wrote: "I'm now reading one of the best books I've ever read, in my life! THE HEART'S INVISIBLE FURIES by John Boyne. Has anyone ever read this one? I am very seldom blown away by a book, but this one is j..."Me too - lovely book!
Author Catherine Ryan Hyde is a favourite of many readers for her hopeful, heartwarming books. Seven Perfect Things: A Novel is the first I've read, and it was a happy break between heavier reads.
4★ Link to my 'Seven Perfect Things' review
I just finished the wonderful Song of the Crocodile by Aussie Aboriginal author (and Nardi Simpson. Just great!
5★ Link to my 'Crocodile' review
Doña Barbara – Rómulo Gallegos – 3.5***
This classic of South American literature was first published in 1929. It is an epic tale of two cousins who are fighting for control of a vast estate / ranch in Venezuela. The novel is an early example of magical realism and Gallegos weaves together adventure, fantasy, and romance, using vivid description and outlandish storytelling. The various outdoor scenes were particularly exciting – I could practically taste the grit and feel the dust in my nostrils. If there was any element that made me downgrade the rating, it was the tendency towards melodramatic soap opera.
My full review HERE
I am reading 2 books. The Haunting of Coyote Island by Alexandria Clarke and The Pursuit of Happyness by Chris Gardner.
I read the 4th book in Charlie Garratt's Inspector James Given series, Where Every Man, and I'm sure readers of the earlier books would like this one, where he is facing the fast-approaching Nazis in France in 1938.
3.5★ Link to my review of Where Every Man
I also read the 4th book in Graham Brack's delightful Master Mercurius mystery series. Mercurius is a 17th century Dutch minister/priest/university lecturer who has a talent for investigation. The Noose's Shadow is another entertaining adventure!
4.5★ Link to my Noose's Shadow review
After watching the excellent TV series DNA https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9472282/ I decided to go back and read some more Nordic Noir. I plumped for Petrona Award (Best Scandanavian Crime Novel) winning author Yrsa Sigurðardóttir and her book The Legacy, first in her series entitled The Children's House. I'm not going to say anything about the storyline or plot but will say it is probably the best thriller / police drama I've read in a long time.
The author is called the Icelandic Queen of Nordic Noir and that is very fitting. It is a tremendous read, it held me all the way through. A real page turner. Yes the murders are gruesome but the first one which has the detail is in my opinion well written. I did not guess the perpetrator and I have already bought the next in this series. Highly recommended.
I recently read Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon, which earned 5***** from me. Here is my review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wow, Mary Ann, along with your review, those elsewhere are outstanding too. Did you listen to the audiobook? I'm wondering how Laymon does as a narrator.
Barbara wrote: "Wow, Mary Ann, along with your review, those elsewhere are outstanding too. Did you listen to the audiobook? I'm wondering how Laymon does as a narrator."The author does indeed do the narration, and he does an excellent job, Barb.
I finished THE HEART'S INVISIBLE FURIES, and I must say, it's one of the best books I've ever read. In the top five, along with ANNA KARENINA. Its first person narrator is an Irishman, Cyril Avery, who takes us through his life from seven to seventy. This is a character study, and it's about what it was like to be homosexual when homosexuality was anathema to just about everyone. Although there is no real plot to speak of, the characters do intertwine very nicely and they develop and change. There are some real surprises along the way, at least they were for me. The prose is glorious and is infused with that subtle wit that only the Irish seem to do well. I loved this book. I'm sure I'll never forget it, or Cyril, for the rest of my life.I've now moved on to SQUEEZE ME by Carl Hiaasen, which I'm loving. I had to laugh at the first page because the missing woman's name is "Kiki" same as mine. Love that!
Caroline: Little House Revisited – Sarah Miller – 3.5***
Readers familiar with Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series, will find this very familiar. Miller chooses to retell Wilder’s stories for an adult audience, focusing on Laura’s mother, Caroline. I really enjoyed this work of historical fiction, though I cringed at the lead character’s attitudes towards the Native American population. Miller does not gloss over the very real challenges of pioneer life – the lack of supplies, or routine comforts we take for granted.
My full review HERE
I just finished reading The Element of Lavishness: Letters of Sylvia Townsend Warner & William Maxwell, 1938-1978. I have discovered William Maxwell as a writer in the past 6 years and have read a number of his books. Possibly the most surprising for me is how much I seem to like him as a person and particularly as a letter writer. I have never enjoyed reading collections of letters. However, before this book, I read his correspondence with Eudora Welty, because I like her so much too, and I couldn't put it down. Maxwell mentioned Sylvia Townsend Warner frequently to Welty which sparked my curiosity in her which led to this collection which I loved as well. They wrote to each other for 40 years and, after her death, he became her literary executor. It's a fascinating relationship between two accomplished, creative people who respected each other immensely.
Michael Ondaatje’s WARLIGHT. I loved the writing! I compensated for the complexity of the plot by turning virtual pages and reading along while listening to Steve West’s narration. That technique aids my concentration and attention to detail. In many ways I think this is a novel about protection - acts of protecting, protecting oneself, protecting others, protecting one’s country. At one point Rose is sitting by the river with Rachel in the dark waiting for dawn’s light and the text reads: “”The important thing is I need to teach you to protect those you love.” She still has some of Marsh’s long-ago words in her.”I read this book because of the discussion here earlier this year, which I have now re-read. And yes, Sheila, I have added THE ENGLISH PATIENT to my TBR.
Kiki wrote: "I finished THE HEART'S INVISIBLE FURIES, and I must say, it's one of the best books I've ever read. In the top five, along with ANNA KARENINA. Its first person narrator is an Irishman, Cyril Avery,..."The Heart's Invisible Furies is one of my favourites, Kiki! John Boyne hasn't let me down yet. :)
I finally read the disturbing, macabre, sometimes hilariously slapstick historical fiction that is Richard Flanagan's celebrated Gould's Book of Fish: A Novel in Twelve Fish. What an important, unique talent this man is!
5★ Link to my Gould's Book of Fish review
Fraternity – Diane Brady – 3***
In 1968, a visionary priest recruited 20 black men to the College of the Holy Cross and changed their lives and the course of history. This was a very interesting look at how their experience influenced these young men. Brady focuses on seven of the recruits, but the person who really stands out in this tale is Rev. John Brooks, the priest who recruited the students, fought for funds, mentored them, and championed their causes.
My full review HERE
I read Carl Hiaasen's SQUEEZE ME. Since it's set for discussion, I'll just say I enjoyed it and save the rest for later.
The Lost Soul Atlas by Zana Fraillon is a fantastical book for young readers, but it's just as entertaining for grown-ups. Life or afterlife or somewhere in between? Twiggy tries to find himself and his Da. 
4.5★ Link to my Lost Soul Atlas review
I started reading ...AND LADIES OF THE CLUB by Helen Hooven Santmyer, which is a book I've wanted to read for years. It's a whopping 1,176 pages long, and Mrs. Santmyer didn't write it until she was in a nursing home in her 80s, I believe. She had worked for years as a college dean, I think, and had a degree in English.Everyone I know raves about this book, so I finally took the plunge and bought a used copy. People were asking extraordinary prices for new ones!
If you can identify with women in small town Midwest or East, I think you would like it. It's not a man's book, though. Men play only supporting roles in this giant tome. It's for people who know about church picnics, church socials, strawberry festivals, the town fish fry, etc. In other words, Andy Griffith's Mayberry. This is what Goodreads has to say about it, and I'm finding it to be true: "A groundbreaking bestseller with two and a half million copies in print, "...And Ladies of the Club" centers on the members of a book club and their struggles to understand themselves, each other, and the tumultuous world they live in. A true classic, it is sure to enchant, enthrall, and intrigue readers for years to come."
The author based the town in the book on her hometown of Xenia, Ohio, but the town in the book is prettier than Xenia. I have relatives who live in those type of towns in Virginia and North Carolina, and they live a slow, relaxed way of life. This is a book populated with wonderful characters, not plot driven. I think I'll be reading it for months to come because I'm not going to force myself to finish it before I read other, shorter books as well. I'm going to read it in a slow, relaxed way.
Tim O’Brien’s THE THINGS THEY CARRIED. Brilliant! One of the most powerful books about war I’ve ever read. This book was published 30 years ago. Somehow I missed it. Probably because, for a very long time, I refused to read anything that had to do with the Vietnam war. Now, in my old age, I seem to have a need to work through all of that and I’ve been beginning to read non-fiction accounts and fictional interpretations. I’m so glad I stumbled upon this collection of connected short stories.
Mary, a brilliant collection. I heard him read live when I lived in the US. That title story is so powerful and totally memorable. He is interviewed in Ken Burns’ documentary about the Vietnam War and it is worth a watch if you missed that as well.
This was a very moving story about Vietnam. The writer questions whether the stories are actually true - yet at the end I believed they were. There were stories of childhood, but mostly of the war, the deaths, the humor, and how the soldiers lived and died there.
PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Olav Audunssøn: I. Vows takes place in Norway in the 1200s. This translated edition was released just this month. Author Sigrid Undset won the Nobel Prize for Literatu..."Because my husband was from Norway I thought I should give Sigrid Undset a try quite a few years ago. Besides it was one of my mother’s favorite books. I absolutely could not labor through it.
PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Olav Audunssøn: I. Vows takes place in Norway in the 1200s. This translated edition was released just this month. Author Sigrid Undset won the Nobel Prize for Literatu..."Because my husband was from Norway, I decided to read some Sigrid Undset. Since her most famous, Kristin Lavransdatter was one of my mother’s favorite books I started there. I absolutely could not wade through it!
I kind of liked THE SNAKE PIT. Didn't love it, but I liked it.
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I just got my Ancestry DNA results back, and to my surprise, because my family always considered themselves Spanish since our parents were born in Spain, I am 84% Scottish, 6% German, 4% Norwegian, 3% French, and only 3% Spanish! Talk about surprises! I'm going to have to trade my paella for some haggis! I guess this explains why I loved Scotland so much when I visited. Ancestry now tells people who've submitted DNA what country their ancestors are from. If you want to be surprised, like me, I can highly recommend it. I found 27,000 people who share my DNA. Granted, most were distant cousins, but it was still enlightening.