It’s been a little while since I shared a book update so let’s get caught up today with what I’ve read, hmmmm?
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele RichardsonMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
I wanted to love this book but I found it tedious until about the last 1/3. And then that part felt rushed. I did enjoy Cussy Mary’s dedication to getting books and materials to her library patrons and I thought the book illustrated the hatred people have for those who look different than they do, but over all I felt it missed the mark.
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. KendiMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
“We know how to be racist. We know how to pretend to be not racist. Now let’s know how to be antiracist.” An excellent approach to the work we need to do to become antiracist. I liked how Kendi used stories from his own life to illustrate the history of racism and the work we all need to do to counter it and become antiracist.
The Vanishing Half by Brit BennettMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A beautiful story of race, identity, lies, and love, I was captivated by the story and the writing.
Cape Cod by William MartinMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed the way Martin wove legends, facts, and historical figures into this novel about the settling of Cape Cod. A little long but still highly recommended for anyone who has ever wanted to know more about the Cape.
The Giver of Stars by Jojo MoyesMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this historical novel about the pack horse librarians of Kentucky. It was more romance than anything but the descriptions of the mountains are beautiful and the recognition of the importance of delivering books to those who need them warmed this librarian’s heart. It’s a bit predictable and the villains are stereotyped but I would recommend it for anyone looking for a fast read with a heartwarming ending.
Hamnet by Maggie O’FarrellMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh, this book. The writing is gorgeous, every description is precise and important, each character is drawn with compassion and wisdom, as O’Farrell fictionalizes the short life of Hamnet Shakespeare and the impact his death had on his parents, particularly his mother. I devoured it and wish I hadn’t so that I could still be caught up in this time period, in the woods and by the river, in the home of the Shakespeare family, in Agnes’ garden and yes, even in her grief because it’s incredibly spectacular. I haven’t read a book this wonderful in a very long time and I highly, highly recommend it.
The Women of Brewster Place by Gloria NaylorMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This collection of intertwined short stories is exceptional. The women in these stories are real and full of life, love, pain, heartbreak, and loss. I have to admit, though, that the ending didn’t work well for me and that’s why I gave this 4 stars instead of 5. I can appreciate the symbolism of what Naylor does but it just didn’t fit well with the realism of the rest of the book for me. Highly recommended and I’m looking forward to discussing this one with my online book club.
All the Devils Are Here by Louise PennyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
After reading the last Armand Gamache book I just wasn’t sure where this series was headed and I started to fear that it had gotten stale. Now that, I can unequivocally say, the magic is BACK. New characters and a new setting but all of Penny’s style and charm are here and I highly recommend this one.
Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne TylerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Short and powerful, Tyler does what she always does with this book: turns the ordinary into extraordinary by shedding light on the details of life. Highly recommended.
Deacon King Kong by James McBrideMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oh, this cast of characters! They are real and full of life and heart, they struggle and fight and ultimately come together in a completely satisfying and profound ending. Recommended most assuredly.
Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book is good but a tad too academic for me. I think the author does a great job of using biography, literary criticism and social criticism to connect the writings of Baldwin with the things we are experiencing today and I appreciate how he exposes America as a racist nation. Honestly, though, I think my time would be better spend reading Baldwin himself.
The Bass Rock by Evie WyldMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book, comprised of 3 separate storylines (2 historic and 1 current), had great potential but was ultimately disappointing for me. The earliest story was sketched out without enough detail to really connect to the characters or understand what was happening. The other historical story was better but again, details were sketchy and the trail of bread crumbs meandered too much. The current storyline was filled with unlikable characters with self destructive behavior that was very frustrating to witness. And then there were these vignettes of acts of violence against women. I thought they were flashbacks that involved the main characters and that it would all come together in the end but I’ve ultimately concluded they had little to do with the plot and were just meant to illustrate the proliferation of violence women experience. There are nuggets of greatness here (hence the 3 star rating) but it’s just too uneven for me to recommend.
The Guest List by Lucy FoleyMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
A fast paced and easy read, the story is entertaining even if it’s not great literature. It was a little repetitive but it kept me guessing (almost) right up until the end.
And there you have it. I hope you are reading great things right now!
Oh, Hamnet (still my best favorite book this year)! I wish I could read it again for the first time, but since I can’t do that, I will reread it at some point and see what I garner from my second read. I hope to get The Vanishing Half from the library soon.
Hamnet was all that and MORE! Yes, I too loved it 🙂
Great reads and, as always, I have added a few to my “TBR” list!
With each great review of Hamnet, I get more and more excited to read it (I think I have about three more weeks to wait from the library). I haven’t read The Giver of Stars, but when I read The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, I heard there was a lot of controversy about the two and even suggestions of plagiarism on the part of Jojo Moyes. Aside from the fact that they’re both about a horseback librarian in rural areas, did you find them to be similar?
Hamnet will be hard to top . . . like maybe forever??? I loved it! I’m reading another book by Maggie O’Farrell (Hamnet author) right now — an earlier book of hers (obviously) called “The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox.” It’s very good (not Hamnet-good, but very good) and I think you’d really like it. XO
I always look forward to your book reviews! More has been added to my reading list. Thanks!
Always love this post Carole! And I can’t wait to read Hamnet. Saving it for the holiday relax week between Christmas and the New Year. (But not thinking one bit about how soon that will be here!)
I’m so excited for Hamnet! … and Brewster Place. I started it a couple of weeks ago, but had a library book come in. Happily, I finished that one last night, so now it’s Brewster Place!
I always love your book reviews. I’ve found many a good read in your recommendations! Thanks so much!
I have told you so many times that I love these posts, and it continues to be true! I have read most of these, but I added a couple to my TBR list. I have been waiting for my library to get Hamnet, but I think I am just going to go ahead and buy it. I really like Maggie O’Farrell’s books, and from what all of you have said, I must read this. A silver lining to 2020 is that I have had a lot more time to read. Thanks again, Carole.
You read a ton of great books! This has been a wonderful year for reading not just because there were some fantastic books published, but also because we have more time to read!