Let’s do a book update, shall we? Because I have been reading. And also because I’ve been at a library conference for the past three days talking about books and reading. A lot. Finally, after 3 days of conference programs and gala dinners and exhibitor halls, my brain? Mush. About all I can muster right now is a list – and a list of books I’ve read lately is just somehow really appropriate right now.

The Midwife’s Revolt by Jodi Daynard, 4 stars
I enjoyed this book for several reasons, including the setting which is local to me, the historical context of the Rev War, and the story itself. It started off quite well, dragged a bit in the middle, but then redeemed itself for the final third. Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction.

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, 3 stars
Amusing and clever, often ironic, but not uproariously funny, this is my first book by Sedaris. I’m not sure if I will read more but reading this was still a pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

The Tsar of Love and Techno by Anthony Marra, 5 stars
A collection of short stories yet it reads like a novel because of the brilliant way Mara connects them. Truly, I’m overwhelmed at how beautiful it all is. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time.

Wedding Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke, 2 stars
I used to really enjoy these cozy mysteries but I don’t so much anymore. I don’t know if it’s because my standards are higher or the writing has slipped but the stories are now trite and predictable, the dialogue is simple and full of cliches and the recipes are way too folksy. Still mildly entertaining but I may be done with this series.

10% Happier by Dan Harris, 4 stars
A terrific memoir on Dan Harris’ meditation practice and how it changed his life. There is good, practical advice on how to start meditating and the benefits it can bring into your life.

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon, 4 stars
I read this almost in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down. Yes, it’s another YA novel about a sick teen and a healthy teen falling in love. It’s also so much more and serves as a wonderful reminder to enjoy every single moment.

Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff, 5 stars
I loved this book. It claims to be about marriage – and it is. But it’s also about childhood and how our childhoods make us the adults we come. It’s about love and hate, about not giving up and the reality of being with someone day in and day out. It’s not romanticized or brutalized, it’s just an incredible portrayal of life. At the halfway point I was a little ambivalent but then it all comes together in such a clever way that I zoomed through the second half. Highly recommended for those who enjoy literary fiction.

H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald, 4 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir in which Helen Macdonald shares her experiences training a goshawk after the unexpected death of her father. While I found some of the parts about T.H. White tedious, I was inspired and moved by the raw grief Macdonald expressed and the way she connected with her hawk Mabel as a way of coming to terms with life, death, and the beauty of the world.

Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon, 2 stars
I thought this book had great potential – who isn’t curious about the Hindenburg disaster? But it fell flat for me. Characters I couldn’t keep track of, plots I didn’t really care about, and conspiracies I couldn’t make sense of. Your mileage may vary but for me this was a non starter.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, 5 stars
This is the best book I’ve read in ages and I want to hand it to everyone I know and say, here! read this! right now! It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and you will fall in love with Ove and all of his people. And his cat.

Splinters of Light by Rachael Herron, 5 stars
A sad book about a heartbreaking disease – and yet – it’s a hopeful book, too. Rachael Herron has this way of showing us that life is full of all kinds of things, some good and some terrible, but that ultimately hope is what comes through. I loved this book and recommend it without reservation.

Still Life with Breadcrumbs by Anna Quindlen, 4 stars
Another winner by Anna Quindlen, especially appealing to me since the main character is a photographer. The story of how she changes and becomes someone very different yet more authentic than ever is something I could truly relate to. The various characters feel like real friends and the overriding feeling of hope in spite of life’s tragedies is lovely.

The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent, 2 stars
This historical novel set in and around Salem in the 1600s gets off to a slow start and, while it gets better, it’s never gripping the way it could be. I found it tiresome albeit historically accurate.

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin, 2 stars
In a very rare occurrence, I must say that the movie was better than the book. The characters have no depth and the story is told in a very simplistic manner. Watch the movie – which is fantastic – and don’t waste your time with the book.

The Children Act by Ian McEwan, 4 stars
A wonderfully quiet book, simple on the surface but with so much going on underneath that you can’t help but be moved by the story and characters. Highly recommended.

The Night Sister by Jennifer McMahon, 3 stars
Creepy and suspenseful, this audio-book did not disappoint. While I didn’t love it as much as McMahon’s Winter People, I definitely enjoyed this book, which is sort of a cross between two movies: I Know What You Did Last Summer and The Grudge. Recommended for those who enjoy this genre.

Ruby by Cynthia Bond, 5 stars
A difficult read due to the intense subject matter but so worth it because of the extraordinary writing. The author truly captures the ability human beings have to hurt one another, both physically and emotionally, but at the same time she shows us what can happen when we love one another deeply. While the characters lives are full of pain and darkness the book ultimately shows the triumph of love and goodness over hatred and evil. Reminiscent of The Color Purple and Beloved, this is a must read.

The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler, 3 stars
A modern day librarian receives a centuries old book and sets about figuring out how it’s connected to his family. Full of curses and magic, tarot cards and carnival acts, mermaids and floods, it’s a terrific and compelling story that I couldn’t put down.

Two if by Sea by Jacquelyn Mitchard, 4 stars
I read this book for the Mass Library Association conference and, as part of that, I participated in a book discussion with the author. After reflecting on the story and hearing Mitchard talk about the book and her process of writing it I have to say that I really enjoyed it. The characters are strong and I was unable to predict the ending, something that is unusual for me. The suspenseful parts kept me engaged and I’d recommend this to anyone.

A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny, 4 stars
Louise Penny never disappoints, this is another wonderful Armand Gamache mystery.

I hope you find something on that list that you’d like to read.

I’ve been on a mad reading tear the last few weeks because I was horrified to discover that I had fallen behind on my 2016 reading challenge. Now that I’m on track again it occurs to me that I could take this opportunity to fill you in on the books I’ve finished recently.  There are 15 so far for 2016 and I have listed them below, along with the number of stars I gave them and my Goodreads review.

After You by JoJo Moyes, 4 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to Me Before You. I think that Moyes describes grief in all facets perfectly (what is up with all of the books I’m reading lately with grief themes, though?) and I loved reading about how Lou handled life after Will and all of the blessings and changes that came her way because of him. Moyes now has the perfect set up for another in this series should inspiration strike and I’m sure I’d eagerly read that as well. Recommended for those who enjoyed Me Before You.

The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider, 3 stars
I liked this book very much – right up until the ridiculous reveal near the end. It felt forced and contrived but it honestly didn’t spoil the story for me. I liked that the narrator is a young man as so many YA novels seem to be from the perspective of young women. And I liked that Ezra tried, and sometimes failed, to live his life in a new way. Stereotypes abound but the main characters felt real and I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys YA fiction.

X by Sue Grafton, 4 stars
When I started this book I though, oh ho hum, another Kinsey Millhone story, more of the same. But, you know what? This one is better than the last few and Sue Grafton is definitely not coasting towards the letter Z. Well written, with some of the same characters and settings, but new ones, too, and enough of a mystery to keep me guessing.

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante, 2 stars
It seems like everyone I know that read this book loved it but it left me cold. I found it repetitive and uneventful and I had a hard time keeping track of all the characters. I am slightly curious about what happens in the other books in the series but I can’t picture myself actually reading them.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews, 4 stars
This book is like a real life version of The Fault in Our Stars, a book that I loved but that has a completely romanticized approach to teenage cancer. In this book, there is still a teenager with cancer but she’s not a saint and neither are her friends. No one has a great epiphany about the meaning of life, no one falls in love and there’s no big tear jerker moment. But it’s great. Sad and funny and definitely recommended.

A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny, 4 stars
While I didn’t love Still Life, the first in this series, I completely fell in love with the community of Three Pines when I read this one. Gamache is wonderful and the setting is beautifully and perfectly described. The mystery itself had me guessing (almost) until the end. Highly recommended for those who enjoy mysteries.

Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight, 4 stars
I love when you have a whole day to read and a book that is utterly compelling falls into your lap. Intriguing, fast-paced and unpredictable, I highly recommend this one.

A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson, 4 stars
A companion to Life After Life and, for me anyway, not quite as good but still amazing. Atkinson writes so beautifully and opens up a way for us to think about life in a non-linear way that is eye-opening. Life is truly full of “what ifs” and the only thing that’s real is right now.

The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure, 4 stars
I’m a sucker for any story set during WWII so it’s no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A little predictable and definitely some stereotyping of characters but a great story nevertheless.

The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, 4 stars
This is an awesome book about figuring out who you really are, coming alive by breaking out of your comfort zone, and feeling the sun on your face when it’s your moment to shine. If you happen to love Grey’s Anatomy it’s even better. Highly recommended.

Wreckage by Emily Bleeker, 4 stars
Fast paced and entertaining, a little predictable but I didn’t see the end coming. Recommended for those who like survival stories with a bit of mystery and romance thrown in, too.

600 Hours of Edward by Craig Lancaster, 3 stars
Quite good and rather similar to The Rosie Project. I do sort of feel like Edward’s change is a bit unrealistic but this is entertaining, amusing and heartwarming nevertheless.

The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny, 4 stars
My favorite in this series so far. Such beautiful writing, the setting is idyllic and the descriptions of the food make my mouth water. The main story – another murder in Three Pines – is interesting but what’s truly compelling is the back story about Gamache. How I love that man and all he represents! Highly recommended for lovers of well written mysteries.

The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey, 3 stars
I’m not one to read horror novels (unless it’s Stephen King) and I’m not a big fan of zombie stories but for some reason this book appealed to me. It’s not for the squeamish but it presents a new concept and a ray of hope for the post apocalyptic zombie world and for that reason I enjoyed it.

The Ballad of the Sad Cafe by Carson McCullers, 4 stars
A beautiful collection of short stories. My problem with short stories, though, remains: I’m just getting into it and it ends. Highly recommended.

Have you read anything great lately? Tell me about it!

With a lot of print screen commands and some careful resizing, I am able to present to you the books I read in 2015 – information and stats courtesy of Goodreads.

My total came in at 82, way above my goal of 52. And, almost all of them were read on my Kindle. I prefer the Kindle because it’s lightweight, it goes easily in my purse, I can read outside in the sunshine, I can read in bed without the light on, and (although I can’t prove this scientifically) I swear I read faster. I very rarely buy books for the Kindle, I get them through Overdrive at the library.

I have been following a thread on Facebook where people were debating electronic devices vs. printed books and someone said they prefer a book because there is magic in holding a book. While I love books and I can (sort of) understand that mentality, I truly believe that the magic, my friends, comes from the words you read not from the way you read them. But it’s all good because what really matters to this librarian is that people are reading.

 

Summer Book Bingo may be long over but there is still lots of reading around here. With nothing else inspiring me today, you are about to get a rundown of the 9 books I have finished since Labor Day. Exciting? Innovative? Not really. But you might find something good to read.

Every Secret Thing by Laura Lippman

• Fast paced and intriguing with an ending that surprised me. Very good and recommended for those who like suspense without blood and guts. 4 stars.

The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff

• Going back and forth from the present to the late 1800s this book tells the story of the origins of polygamy and the current state of the practice as well. I enjoyed the fictionalized account of historic events and would recommend it to anyone interested in the topic. 3 stars.

At The Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen

• I enjoyed this book a great deal. The main character evolves from a spoiled and pampered brat into a caring and selfless woman, all in Scotland during WWII. It was a little predictable and some of the Loch Ness monster stuff is a bit unbelievable, nevertheless, it’s ultimately a romance and I’m a sucker for a Scottish romance. Recommended. 4 stars.

The Orphans of Race Point by Patry Francis

• I enjoyed this book immensely. It’s maybe a little longer than it needs to be but it’s satisfying and unpredictable and ultimately gives a message of hope and love in the face of hatred and manipulation. It’s also great to read a book set in a place that’s so familiar to me – Cape Cod and Provincetown. Highly recommended. 4 stars.

Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll

• What do you get when you cross Gone Girl with a typical Lifetime movie? This book. It’s good, though, and there are few twists I didn’t see coming. Recommended for those who enjoy this type of story. 3 stars.

The Children’s Crusade by Ann Packer

• It took a while for me to get into this book and once I did I enjoyed it but it was a little too similar to A Spool of Blue Thread and reading it so soon after I finished that might not have been the greatest timing. It’s definitely not as good as The Dive from Clausen’s Pier but still a solid read, particularly for those who enjoy family dramas. 3 stars.

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

• This book is for anyone who experienced first love, particularly as a teenager. All of those feelings and emotions are described in such a fantastic way, the agony of being apart, the idea that no one has ever felt this way before, the wonder of it all. There is a dark side, too, though, and that’s what keeps this from being just another teenage love story. Eleanor and Park are two characters that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommended. 4 stars.

The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson

• A “what if” story, very compelling, and ultimately a quick read simply to find out how it would resolve. The narrator’s voice is a little stilted at times, perhaps that’s intentional due to the story itself but sometimes it just felt awkward. I pretty much “figured it out” halfway through but then second guessed myself since others had said the ending was hard to predict. I enjoyed the setting of the early 1960s and would recommend the book. 3 stars.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

• Set in France during WWII this book is heartbreaking and haunting but also hopeful. Yes, it’s fiction and certainly not high brow literature but it’s good writing and I learned about the French Resistance, the evils of the SS, the horrors of starvation and war, and so much more. Highly recommended. 4 stars.

What are you reading these days?

When I last updated you on my Summer Book Bingo progress I was lamenting that, while I knew I’d finish with several bingos, I didn’t think I could manage a CoverAll. I realized last week, though, that by the time I finished my last book of the summer I would have read 27 books from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It takes 25 books for a CoverAll and Kym urged me to use some poetic license and find a way to make those books I had read match up with my available squares.

And so I did.

Here are the books I read and their correlating squares. My review from GoodReads are also included.

1. Small Mercies by Eddie Joyce for the free center square.

I absolutely loved this book. The setting was so well detailed and described that I felt like I could taste the baked ziti and meatballs and chianti. Each character was human and flawed and real – like people I actually know. The title is reflected throughout the book in the small mercies that we recognize when not everything goes as badly as it could. This is the type of book that I want to hand to my friends and say: READ THIS. Highly recommended.

2. World Gone By by Dennis Lehane for an author of a different gender square.

This was quite good but I was disappointed when I realized, when I was already half through it, that it’s the 3rd in a series. I won’t go back and read the first two since I think I already know too much about what happened to enjoy them, but knowing this explains why I was sometimes confused about the plot and characters in this one. It stands alone but I’m sure I’d have been more invested in it if I had read the first two. I enjoy Dennis Lehane’s writing very much, his style is gritty and his subjects always make me think.

3. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hossein for a topic currently in the news square.

What can the human spirit endure? How much hurt and war and poverty and restriction can someone overcome? A lot, if you believe the message delivered in this book. I learned about Afghanistan history and more than I wanted to know about the horrible treatment of women under Taliban rule. The thing that sticks with me, though, is that grace and hope endure, that love can save us, and that good is stronger than evil. Highly recommended.

4. Mink River by Brian Doyle for a mythological creature on the cover square. Yes, a crow is a mythological creature. At least the crow in this book certainly is.

This is a story about nothing. And everything. About life in a small town and the people who live there. About mysticism and magic and nature, all told in an incredibly beautiful way. Brian Doyle has a way with words and descriptions unlike anyone else, at times this felt more like a long and amazing poem than it did a novel. This may not be for everyone – if you like a heavily plot driven story, for instance, you probably won’t like this – but if you love language and the outdoors, if you have thoughts about a world in which everyone is connected by threads and heritage and old ways and new ways then I think you will love this book. I adored it.

5. Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan for a subject that challenges you square.

Two boys set out to break the Guinness world record for the longest kiss. Two other boys meet for the first time at a gay prom. Another boy runs away from parents who don’t understand him. And two others challenge their families to accept them for who they are. All of these stories are connected through the narrator – a group of gay men who have died of AIDS. Tragic and hopeful at the same time, this is an excellent story.

6. Doc by Mary Doria Russell for a western square.

I can’t say I loved this book, certainly not the way I loved The Sparrow, but I can say it was very good and I learned a fair amount about Doc Holliday and his relationship with the Earps. It was interesting to contemplate the realities of these people rather than the myths and that made this read more like a biography than a novel at times, possibly accounting for my lack of enthusiasm towards it. That said, I’d recommend it to anyone with an interest in this period of American history, and I will probably read Epitaph at some point.

7. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart for a random book from a shelf square. I chose this by bringing up my “to read” list on my iPad and then closing my eyes and sticking my finger out. This is the book my finger landed on.

Read this in one sitting – very compelling and I literally couldn’t put it down. A little more sophisticated than most YA novels, I definitely didn’t see the twist coming. Recommended.

8. Serena by Ron Rash for the that you think you will dislike square.

I read this book for the bingo square “a book I think I will dislike” and I was right. It was just okay. Not great. Interesting enough but honestly, if I hadn’t wanted to check off that square, I’m not sure I would have finished it. That said, the ending was very satisfying.

9. In The Unlikely Event by Judy Blume for the currently on the bestseller list square.

I truly enjoyed this book although it did take a while to get into it and I definitely had a hard time keeping track of the various characters. (x-ray on the kindle is a great help in situations like that.) The story is built on true life events in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1952 and I enjoyed the setting of that time very much – the music, the house parties, the clothing – all brought back a great feeling of nostalgia. The ending was truly satisfying and I’d recommend this highly.

10. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee for a banned book square.

This is either the 3rd or 4th time I have read this book and it never fails to amaze me. It’s timeless and beautifully written, full of heartbreak and hope. I have no problem calling it the greatest novel I have ever read.

11. Double Fudge Brownie Murder by Hannah Swenson for the cozy mystery square.

If you enjoy a cozy mystery and you like to bake then this is a series of mysteries for you. Light, predictable, and thoroughly enjoyable.

12. Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen Dubner for the popular science square.

Intriguing concepts and ideas – economics for the rest of us. I can’t believe I didn’t read this 10 years ago but I’m glad I did now, totally inspired by the “popular science” square on my summer bingo card.

13. The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach for the longer than 500 pages square.

What could be more perfect for a summer read than a book about baseball? Set at a college in Wisconsin, this book centers around 5 flawed and wonderful characters. I was drawn in immediately and literally could not put this book down until I finished it. Highly recommended.

14. The Water Museum by Luis Alberto Urrea for a short story anthology square. One of two audio books on this list.

I’ll just say it: I’m not a fan of short stories. Just when I’m getting involved with the characters and understanding what’s happening – it ends. And that’s definitely my issue with this collection of stories – there is so much more that could happen, so much more that could be told – each one of these stories could be a whole book of their own. They are all excellent, depicting despair and culture clashes and the heartbreaking reality of everyday life. Not a lot of hope in these, though, and that was a downer.

15. Snow Flower & The Secret Fan by Lisa See for the set in Asia square.

Excellent story about the lives of women in a small village in China in the 19th century: foot binding, secret languages, arranged marriages, and social order that left women with few choices do their own. Highly recommended.

16. Thanksgiving by Ellen Cooney for the revolves around a holiday square.

I chose this book for a bingo square and didn’t expect much but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading it. It tells the story of Thanksgiving with the Morley family, year after year, starting in 1662 and ending in 2012. The changes are many over the years but the family home and stories provide a continuity that is comforting and a sense of tradition that we all associate with this holiday.

17. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher for the recommended by a family member square. Okay, this wasn’t actually recommended by a family member but it was recommended to me and I’m going with it.

This book was okay but not great. Teen suicide is a difficult subject, to be sure, but I feel manipulated by the author. The lesson at the heart of the story – be careful how you treat people – is valid but I think the overall handling of the topic was melodramatic and trite. Or maybe I’m just too old and jaded for this story.

18. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn for the religion with which you are unfamiliar square. This is a real stretch but the book is about cutting and I’m calling that a religion for these purposes. Work with me here, people.

Probably my favorite of Gillian Flynn’s novels, mainly because I actually liked the main character – something that definitely didn’t happen with Gone Girl. Creepy and disturbing, this book will make you cringe in a completely entertaining way.

19. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman for the set in a foreign country square. The square was supposed to be set in South America but I changed it and then counted this book which is set in Australia.

I found this book to be compelling and beautifully written. The descriptions of living in a lighthouse, the tragedies that can lead someone to make a terrible mistake, the love that exists between a man and a woman, a parent and a child, and the power of the ability to forgive, made it a book I couldn’t put down until I finished it. As I was reading I kept trying to figure out how it would end – I knew the ending had to be satisfying since so many of my friends said they loved the book – but I couldn’t have predicted it. It left me in tears, of course, but in a completely acceptable way. Highly recommended.

20. The Half Brother by Holly LeCraw for the presidential biography square. It’s not a biography, it’s fiction, but it does revolve around a college president. Yeah, I know, it’s lame.

The description of this book makes it sound much more intriguing than it actually is. Nothing much happens and I kept waiting for the dramatic moment and the big reveal. By the time it came it was anticlimactic and I just didn’t really care. I finished it because I actually cared about Charlie, the narrator, but I kept thinking I was missing something due to the style of the narration. Not recommended.

21. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein for the you’ve pretended to have read square. I changed that square to a book that made you made you cry. Because this did make me cry and it was so wonderful and I just had to make it count for something.

If you’ve ever loved a dog then you simply must read this book. It will make you smile, it will make you look at dogs with a whole new understanding, and it will break your heart. Highly recommend.

22. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens for the published before 1900 square.

Dickens sure can take a while to get to the point. But when he does it’s brilliant and perfect. I was familiar with this story but had never actually read the book and honestly, I think the story itself is almost secondary to the setting. The language he uses, the description of the poverty and living conditions, and all of the stuff in between is what makes this a classic.

23. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad for the classic that you should have read in school square.

I rushed through this for a bingo square and I have to admit I’m grateful that it’s short. The language is beautiful and the story is okay but I felt like something was missing.

24. Before I Go by Colleen Oakley for the biography or memoir square. Okay, okay, it’s a fictional memoir. So what.

Sad, oh so sad, but also good. A little predictable, a bit sentimental, but still excellent, mostly due to the insight into the effects of a terminal diagnosis on a marriage. I didn’t cry but I did feel devastated for these characters.

25. Yes Please by Amy Poehler for the humor of satire square.

I knew this book would be funny and entertaining but I didn’t expect it to also include valuable life lessons and wonderful advice. Highly recommended.

Phew – that was a lot of links and copying and pasting! You guys are totally worth it, though, and I hope you find something on that list that you want to read!