I think my ability to read is finally returning to normal. I’m still 4 books behind on my reading challenge for the year (thanks for that reminder, GoodReads) but I do have a bunch of reviews to share with you today.
The Stationery Shop by Marjan KamaliMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A very entertaining book that I’d classify as historical romance. Set in 1953 in Iran and also the present day, it tells a story of enduring love despite time and distance. Is it a little contrived? Sure. But it’s a lovely story and the descriptions of food are fantastic.
The Lost Husband by Katherine CenterMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
A light and predictable romance with a few little twists, I enjoyed this one greatly and it was just what I needed to read right now.
Murder on Cape Cod by Maddie DayMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
An adorable cozy mystery with a local to me setting, I enjoyed this one very much and look forward to reading the next in the series when it becomes available.
Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me by Adrienne BrodeurMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir; I found the story utterly compelling and the setting is vivid, particularly the descriptions of summer on Cape Cod. As someone who also had a mother who was the star of every show, I really related to Ms. Brodeur’s relationship with Malabar and the difficulty she had separating herself from all that came with being the daughter of such a self-absorbed woman. Highly recommended.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. MontgomeryMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Surprisingly enough, I never read this series as a child. I’m glad to have read it now and truly enjoyed reading about Anne’s exploits and adventures, her incredible imagination, and her love of the natural world. Highly recommended.
The Women of the Copper Country by Mary Doria RussellMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
I wanted to love this book but I just didn’t. The historical context is interesting and it’s a story that should be told but I just never connected with the characters enough to care all that much about what happened. I was invested enough to finish but it was a slog.
The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John MandelMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
It took me a while to get into this book but once I did I was hooked and amazed. The writing is gorgeous, the characters are fascinating, and the plot itself is almost irrelevant. Everything comes together in a surreal way and the ending is just right. Highly recommended.
We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan BarryMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I love the concept of this book (think A League of Their Own meets Charmed) and the late 1980s setting is terrific and totally accurate but I think it could have used better editing as it dragged in parts and then other parts (like the ending) didn’t get the attention they should have. I’d recommend it for anyone who played on a sports team in high school.
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing BrownMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A short but powerful book, I would say this is a must read for white people working on recognizing the burden people of color in this country have carried for hundreds of years. I particularly appreciate how Austin Channing Brown points out that it’s not enough to be nice, we have to be anti-racist. Highly recommended.
I don’t have a Bingo yet but I’m closing in on several so I predict I will have a bunch by the next time I do a reading update.
I hope you are reading something you love right now!
What a fun round up of books! I also loved The Stationery Shop and The Glass Hotel. Anne of Green Gables is such a favorite of mine 🙂
I’m glad you’re getting back into the reading groove!
Your reading roundups always include books new to me. Thanks! Guess you can take the librarian out of the library, but you can’t take the library out of the librarian. Glad your reading enjoyment is returning.
Reading is an important part of life, so I’m glad your ability to read is returning. Anne is one of my all-time favorites, and I’m glad you loved it as an adult. I might have to take a look at The Stationery Shop. Thanks!
What a great round-up of books! I’m glad your reading mojo has returned, and I’m sure you’ll catch up to be on pace for your challenge in no time.
Hooray for reading in challenging times! I have been reading a lot, but I find I am not interested in reading anything too serious, dark, or cynical. I think I am reading mainly for escape these days. I appreciate your recommendations very much as always, Carole. I will put several of these on my list.
Looking good Carole! I had Murder on Cape Cod but it got lost in the shuffle…I’ll grab it again. I’m also reading pretty light these days but have just begun something with a little more substance.
My book group read The Stationery Shop and had one of our liveliest discussions about it. Lots to talk about. 🙂
A great round-up Carole! My mom was telling me that she and my sister have started watching Anne on Netflix; she says it’s really well-done. I never watched it, but I did re-read the first 3-4 books in the series a few summers back and enjoyed them … maybe even more now as an adult than I did as a teen. I re-reading Austin’s book now (thanks to her marvelous appearances with Brené Brown a few weeks back) and I’m going to shout it out for the wonderful and practical advice she provides. I love that she teaches by example. I was cringing as she described ALL the micro-aggressions in a typical work-day … gah!
I have added a few of these titles to my read sooner list! I also loved Austin’s book… lots!
I read Women of the Copper County and thought it was pretty terrible. I really wanted to like it, but . . . UGH what a dud. You really ARE on a reading spree! Yippee!!!
Thanks for the book recommendations [or nots]. Our book club is back to meeting so having some suggestions is always helpful.
I love reading posts about books! There are always a couple that make my To-Read list longer…
😉
I adored We Ride Upon Sticks. It just hit me perfectly. And Wild Game is on my nightstand waiting its turn.