Recent Reader Reviews

I had looked forward to this book since first seeing it in an ad for books to be published in 2023. As an avid reader of Historic Fiction revolving around WWII, and occasionally delving into the world of non-fiction of the same time period, this was a book that made my "must read" list with no hesitation - and I was not disappointed. The authors took us on a journey though the war with specific attention paid to the Allied leaders and their personal relationships. In my arrogance, I did not expect to be surprised with facts surrounding the attitude of the nation and original tolerance toward Naziism, when, who and how war was declared, the multiple layers of international agencies working independently but toward the same goal, and so much more. We are taken into meetings of planning and layers of deception among friends and allies that made perfect sense and left me hopeful and cautious toward our international future. There is so much more here than just an assassination plot or just another WWII story. I wish all of history could be presented and reviewed in the way this book is constructed - then we might not be so certain to repeat mistakes of the past.

I had looked forward to this book since first seeing it in an ad for books to be published in 2023. As an avid reader of Historic Fiction revolving around WWII, and occasionally delving into the world of non-fiction of the same time period, this was a book that made my "must read" list with no hesitation - and I was not disappointed. The authors took us on a journey though the war with specific attention paid to the Allied leaders and their personal relationships. In my arrogance, I did not expect to be surprised with facts surrounding the attitude of the nation and original tolerance toward Naziism, when, who and how war was declared, the multiple layers of international agencies working independently but toward the same goal, and so much more. We are taken into meetings of planning and layers of deception among friends and allies that made perfect sense and left me hopeful and cautious toward our international future. There is so much more here than just an assassination plot or just another WWII story. I wish all of history could be presented and reviewed in the way this book is constructed - then we might not be so certain to repeat mistakes of the past.

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak is a beautifully written novel that takes readers on a journey through history, family, and love. The story is set on the divided island of Cyprus, where two communities - Greek and Turkish - have been at odds for decades. Through the lives of its characters, Shafak explores the complexities of identity, memory, and belonging.

The novel begins in 1974, with the invasion of Cyprus by Turkey, which led to the forced separation of the island and its people. The story then jumps to the present day, where we meet a young woman named Ada who is struggling to find her place in the world. Ada is the daughter of a Greek Cypriot mother and a Turkish Cypriot father, and she feels torn between these two identities. She finds solace in the stories of her grandparents, who lived through the events of 1974 and have their own tales to tell.

The Island of Missing Trees is not just a story about the events of 1974, but also a story about the power of storytelling. Through the stories of Ada's grandparents, Shafak weaves together a rich tapestry of history and myth, exploring the ways in which these two things are intertwined. She shows how the stories we tell ourselves about the past can shape our present and future, and how the act of remembering can be both painful and healing.

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is the way in which Shafak portrays the island itself. The island is not just a physical place, but a symbol of the divisions and tensions that exist between its people. Shafak captures the beauty and complexity of Cyprus, its history and culture, as well as the pain and trauma that have been inflicted upon it.

The characters in the novel are also beautifully drawn, each with their own unique perspective on the events that have shaped their lives. Ada is a sympathetic protagonist, struggling to find her place in a world that seems determined to keep her divided. Her grandparents are equally compelling, with their own stories of love and loss, hope and despair.

Overall, The Island of Missing Trees is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores some of the most complex issues of our time. Shafak's writing is lyrical and poetic, yet also grounded in a deep understanding of history and culture. The novel is a testament to the power of storytelling, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history, identity, and the power of the human spirit.

Blind Spots by Thomas Mullen is a highly recommended crime novel set in a dystopian world where everyone is blind but can see through a device.

Seven years ago everyone in the world eventually went blind when the Blinding occurred. Technology came to the rescue creating a device called a vidder, a metal disc implant in the temple that approximates vision for people by downloading visual data directly to people’s brains. Mark Owens is a homicide detective who has been on the force before the Blinding. When a scientist is murdered and the perpetrator was invisible to the witness, detectives are dubious that the witness is telling the truth, until Owens actually "sees" the black blob when he witnesses another murder.

Clearly someone has hacked the vidder and can manipulate what people see. Owen must conduct an investigation in which he can’t even trust his own "eyes." How do you investigate when your perceptions of reality can be manipulated and you can't trust what you think you can see?

Blind Spots is a compelling science fiction/dystopian crime novel that features a detective searching for truth in a world of surveillance and disinformation. Mullen provides plenty of details to develop the world he has created and the addition of the crime that must be solved adds another element that helps hold your attention. The crime is complex, as is the backstory and all the details. The plot moves at a steady pace and is interesting throughout. This mix of a procedural with a dystopian will be appreciated by a wide variety of readers.

Owens is a fully realized, complex character and has a backstory that makes him very sympathetic and interesting. The story unfold through his point-of-view as well as that of other characters. Owens is a thoughtful, careful, and intelligent character who you will trust to solve the case/puzzle of the blurry figures.

There are some slower parts of the plot, but that shouldn't deter you from reading this excellent novel. The combination of a police procedural with a cautionary tale about technology and government control rings true.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Minotaur Books via NetGalley.

It’s been awhile since I read this book but what still stands out to me is this book brings the understanding of of the horrific circumstances immigrants from Central America are escaping. While we understand the immigration problem in our country, this book illustrates the other side of the problem. It will always be a top 10 favorite book of mine and I will recommend it to my book club.

Homecoming by Kate Morton is a highly recommended historical fiction and family mystery.

In Adelaide Hills on Christmas Eve in 1959 the Turner Family Tragedy occurs. The shocking crime, the effects of which echo across continents and generations, is never solved. The town of Tambilla becomes the setting of one of the most baffling murder investigations in the history of South Australia.

In 2018 journalist Jess Turner leaves London and travels back to Darling House in Sydney, Australia, after her grandmother, Nora, injures herself in a bad fall and is in the hospital. Nora raised Jess when her mother (Polly) couldn't. Nora learns that her grandmother fell while trying to retrieve a true crime book, As If They Were Asleep by Daniel Miller, chronicling the Turner Family Tragedy of 1959. When Jess looks at the book she starts looking into the decades old murders and the secrets surrounding them.

Homecoming is beautifully written with exquisite descriptions, layered writing, and great character development. The narrative is told through multiple points-of-view. The first part of the novel is mainly told through the perspective of Jess and Percy while the second half adds additional points-of-view, including excerpts from the book by Daniel Miller. It is a complicated web of secrets and a puzzle to be solved.

Admittedly, the pacing is very slow on this one and the middle of the novel requires endurance and patience. The ending will be worth it, but the struggle through the middle may stay with readers. Fans of Morton will love this novel while those new to her writing might need some encouragement to stick it out to the end. The ending is so satisfying and pulls all the complicated plot threads of the mystery. 4.5 rounded down

Beautifully told in her mesmerizing style, Jennifer Rosner introduces us to four characters who suffered through the war and beyond.

We meet Ana and Oskar whose mother had to give her children to a Polish family who would raise them as their own to keep them safe.

The children had a wonderful life of learning and love but a life that heart-wrenchingly changed after the war.

Where will Ana and Oskar end up?

We meet Roger who grew up in a convent to be kept safe, who was very inquisitive, a clever, witty writer of stories and jokes, and sadly had no parents to go home with on holidays.

We find out what happens to him and where he goes.

We meet Renata as an adult who is a scientist in Israel at an archeological dig. We learn of Israel’s beauty as Renata takes side trips to Tel Aviv and other places.

On her shopping trip she finds a hand-chiseled chessboard and an ornately carved set of nesting boxes.

Could the craftsman in the shop be none other than Oskar whose uncle taught him to whittle and make beautiful shapes out of wood?

I will dearly miss the characters…especially Oskar….he was my favorite.

It also was fun to see our favorite violinist again from THE YELLOW BIRD SINGS.

Another beautiful, beautiful but heartbreaking-to-the-core read based on true events.

ONCE WE WERE HOME does have some happy stories tucked inside as well, along with comments you will ponder, and thoughts about life’s worries and lessons.

Historical fiction fans will devour this marvelously written, impeccably researched read where Ms. Rosner introduces readers to a little known program organized after the war for displaced children.

Ms. Rosner’s writing is exquisite. 5/5

The book was given to me by the author for an honest review.

Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls is a very highly recommended historical fiction and family drama which follows a young woman in Virginia during Prohibition.

Sallie Kincaid is the daughter Duke Kincaid, a wealthy man who owns or runs most of Claiborne County, Virginia. At the Emporium general store he owes, the Duke also sells bootleg whiskey he has received in lieu of rent. Sallie is the daughter of his second wife, who is deceased. She adores her father and his bigger than life personality. His third wife, Jane has a son, Eddie. When she is eight-years-old an accident involving three-year-old Eddie results in, at the behest of Jane, the Duke banishing Sallie to go live with her Aunt Faye.

Nine years later, Jane has died and Sallie is immediately brought back into the family by Duke, ostensibly to teach Eddie. Now, however, Sallie understands more of the world full of secrets, conflicts, and scandals around her and her family. She is determined to never marry and make her own way into the family rental property and bootlegging empire, while navigating the conflicts. Duke quickly marries his fourth wife and life becomes much more complicated following this decision.

The writing is wonderful and the plot is compelling. I was fully engaged in this family drama and the many surprising turns and the surprising revelations within the narrative. There is a tangle of family intrigue, complications, questionable morals, and hidden secrets in Hang the Moon. Even when the many complexities seem to be over the top, the fact that the plot was inspired by the life of Elizabeth I of England, daughter of Henry VIII makes it even better. History buffs will be able to pick up on the similarities to Tudor England.

Sallie is a great fully realized, intelligent, and complex character. Walls portrays both her strengths and weaknesses. She can be fearless, reckless, stubborn, and outspoken, but she is also damaged. Due to the many characters, not all of them are as developed as Sallie, but they all still resemble real people with very different personalities and proclivities.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Scribner via NetGalley.

Kathleen Glasgow's book explores the depths of drug abuse though a young girl and her brother. Kathleen focuses on the darker side of drugs and the problems it can bring to family. Kathleen creates a compelling story as she precisely depicts the issues of parent neglect and drug abuse. Overall, this book exceeded my expectations and did the issue of drug abuse justice.

"We Are Not Like Them" by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza has an explosive premise that will make it the water cooler book that "The Hate You Give" was. Two life-long best friends (one black and one white and, yes, their race matters) faced a crossroads when the white one's husband shot an unarmed black kid in the line of duty. Emotion is high at the story's beginning, and your mind wanders to how the characters feel instead of what is happening.

Jenny, the cop's wife, has a single-minded focus with a baby on the way. Riley, the reporter, is responsible for the truth and her race. As a local sports writer stated, both sides may be opposed but acting perfectly rationally. Kevin, the police officer, has an element of guilt that would raise a reaction out of the ardent "Blue Lives Matter" and "Black Lives Matter" communities.

You should read this book either way if you believe you have a "side" in this debate. As a relatively liberal white male, I had a good idea about the argument for the innocent kid. However, promoting empathy for the police officer and his family takes more skill. I could not stop thinking about both of the protagonists and their lives. Imagine being pregnant while all of this went down when you had nothing to do with it.

Above all, this is a novel about friendship. We establish bonds over the years and feel that nothing can break them until an unspeakable tragedy puts that to the test. Where does your loyalty lie when it conflicts with another relationship? Riley and Jen's interactions inspire you. Even though logic tells you their friendship cannot survive this controversy, you root for them and enjoy seeing the smallest act of kindness.

I think the ending will frustrate some people and cause some water cooler conversations that do not end well. The more you read, the less you can imagine a perfect solution. I expect some polarization. One should not go into this with the feeling that you want the book to echo their sentiments and exactly how you want it to go down. Jen and Riley are mature enough to know of no easy answers, and the reader may need the same grace.

"We Are Not Like Them" by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza has an explosive premise that will make it the water cooler book that "The Hate You Give" was. Two life-long best friends (one black and one white and, yes, their race matters) faced a crossroads when the white one's husband shot an unarmed black kid in the line of duty. Emotion is high at the story's beginning, and your mind wanders to how the characters feel instead of what is happening.

Jenny, the cop's wife, has a single-minded focus with a baby on the way. Riley, the reporter, is responsible for the truth and her race. As a local sports writer stated, both sides may be opposed but acting perfectly rationally. Kevin, the police officer, has an element of guilt that would raise a reaction out of the ardent "Blue Lives Matter" and "Black Lives Matter" communities.

You should read this book either way if you believe you have a "side" in this debate. As a relatively liberal white male, I had a good idea about the argument for the innocent kid. However, promoting empathy for the police officer and his family takes more skill. I could not stop thinking about both of the protagonists and their lives. Imagine being pregnant while all of this went down when you had nothing to do with it.

Above all, this is a novel about friendship. We establish bonds over the years and feel that nothing can break them until an unspeakable tragedy puts that to the test. Where does your loyalty lie when it conflicts with another relationship? Riley and Jen's interactions inspire you. Even though logic tells you their friendship cannot survive this controversy, you root for them and enjoy seeing the smallest act of kindness.

I think the ending will frustrate some people and cause some water cooler conversations that do not end well. The more you read, the less you can imagine a perfect solution. I expect some polarization. One should not go into this with the feeling that you want the book to echo their sentiments and exactly how you want it to go down. Jen and Riley are mature enough to know of no easy answers, and the reader may need the same grace.

Commitment by Mona Simpson is a very highly recommended. This is an excellent, heartbreakingly beautiful family drama that explores the dynamics between the family members and the challenges they face.

Diane Aziz is a single mother who works as a nurse to support her three children, Walter, Lina, and Donnie. Now Walter is heading off to college. Driving him from Los Angeles to college at UC Berkeley will be the last thing she does before falling into a debilitating depression. Lina is still in high school and Donnie is much younger when the two have to deal with a mother who won't get out of bed. When Diane needs to be institutionalized in a state hospital, a close friend of their mother, Julie freely chooses to care for them as their father has never been a part of their lives.

Commitments are the thread that weaves this multigenerational saga together. Commitments to each other, between family and friends. Commitments to an institution, school, work. The narrative is also a coming-of-age drama as it follows Walter, Lina, and Donnie from 1972 in to the 1980s as they each endeavor to deal with their individual trials, personal and financial, while finding their way into adulthood and trying to do what they can for their mother.

Commitment excels as an in-depth character study. Anyone who enjoys family sagas with incredible character development will appreciate Commitment, as will those who have experienced life-changing events and have found friends to stand in the gap with them. The emotions and inner life of the siblings is captured in a realistic manner and each of them are full realized characters. You will care about them and wish them well.

The quality of the writing is absolutely exquisite. Simpson captures the realistic, complex emotions and struggles that each sibling faces. There are no dramatic twists other than those experienced as the characters navigate life and all the problems and pressure that can occur. They persevere and manage to make their way to adulthood without parental support but with the support and help of each other as well as others along the way. I love Commitment and it will surely be on the list of my favorite books in 2023.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Knopf Doubleday.

Corrections in Ink is a powerful and gripping memoir that takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows of Keri Blakinger's life. From her passion for figure skating to her struggles with addiction and time in prison, Blakinger's story is one of resilience and determination.

The book is written with searing honesty and a rawness that is both unsettling and captivating. Blakinger's vivid descriptions of her experiences in prison and the broken justice system leave a lasting impression on the reader. Her insights into the flaws of the prison system are eye-opening and thought-provoking.

What sets Corrections in Ink apart is its message of hope and redemption. Blakinger's transformation from a drug addict to a journalist dedicated to exposing the flaws in the justice system is truly inspiring. Her story serves as a reminder that second chances are possible, and that with determination and hard work, anyone can turn their life around.

Overall, Corrections in Ink is a must-read memoir that offers a unique and powerful perspective on the criminal justice system. Blakinger's writing is engaging and insightful, and her story is one that will stay with readers long after they have finished the book. Highly recommended.

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano is a very highly recommended, poignant and complex family saga. One of the best novels and character studies I've read this year. Absolutely excellent!

William Waters grew up feeling completely isolated and unloved by his parents. One world he was accepted in was playing basketball and so he embraced that identity. When Julia Padavano, an assertive young woman who knows what she wants, meets him during their freshman year of college, she decides William will be her boyfriend. She introduces him to her three sisters: Sylvie, Cecelia, and Emeline and then has him come to their home for dinner. William is overwhelmed and immediately accepted by the loving but boisterous family and he is grateful Julia cares and is in charge.

The two marry, according to Julia's plans, and she presses on with her agenda for their future. When events occur in the family that she can't control, it unsettles the foundation of her plans. The sisters continue to hold their strong bond to each other, but when a crippling darkness and depression take William over, Julia and William divorce, and William gives up all rights to their infant daughter, Alice. Sylvie, however, understands Williams struggles and she stays by his side, along with support from Cecelia and Emeline. Julia takes Alice and starts a new life in New York City, apart from his sisters.

The narrative alternates between the voices of William, Julia, Sylvie, and late in the book, Alice. At the beginning of each chapter are the years covered in the narration. The events corresponds realistically to the time periods covered. William is the first narrator and the chapter covers 1960-1978, starting with his birth. This continues until the last chapter set in 2008. Written into the narrative is a homage to Louisa May Alcott’s, Little Women, with the four sisters each taking on a different role.

Hello Beautiful is an exquisitely written, complicated, and perceptive family drama that asks if love make a broken person whole? Beyond that it is so much more. It is an exceptional character study. With great compassion and care, the narrative is an examination of how people can support each other during times of struggle and build a meaningful life. It is a celebration of family and friendship during the difficult times.

Honestly, these are some of the most finely written and well-developed characters I've encountered in a long time. All of the characters in Hello Beautiful are fully realized, and portrayed as authentic, unique individuals with flaws and strengths. They all experience change and growth. There is great insight into their inner lives and relationships with each other. Certainly Hello Beautiful will be on my list of best novels of 2023.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Random House via NetGalley.

From west, We are all common to stories about men who served at the front during World War II , but in this book, we'll get to know about the battles women had to face every day to protect their children and family.

Vianne Mauriac is a school teacher living in a small countryside along her childhood sweetheart and husband, Antoine and their daughter, Sophie. One day, Antoine is ordered to report to the front leaving Vianne alone to protect her daughter and their home.

Isabelle Rosignol ( Vianne's younger sister) is a reckless young girl being transferred from many boarding schools because of her unbearable nature, is sent by her drunkard father from Paris to Carriveau when a sudden war breaks out in Paris. Along with the thousands of refugees Isabelle has to travel barefoot and that's when she bumps into Gaëtan, a handsome communist who manages to steal her first (true) kiss and her first heartbreak.

Stuck to survive together, Vianne and Isabelle have an estranged relationship ever since their mother died years ago. They don't particularly hate each other but they also don't really like each other much. They are completely different poles in characters which makes it more hard for them to live under one roof. With Vianne's only motive being to protect her daughter and Isabelle's patriotic self hating Vianne giving in to the Nazi's orders just like everyone else, the sisters must find a way to survive through this war and each other.

This one is a masterpiece, it makes you laugh, cry and live with the characters as you read each and every chapters. The story is narrated by an old and dying Vianne as a flashback she had never told anyone.

Vianne is a typical strong mother who would do anything, I repeat anything to protect her daughter from the Nazi's. At first, I didn't like her much due to the way she treated Isabelle but slowly we understand the struggles she is going through to protect both Isabelle and Vianne. This character is a sole evidence that even main characters can make mistakes as of how Vianne never believes Isabelle.

Isabelle is a heroine, she is smart, daring , enthusiastic but also heedless. She doesn't think much before deciding or talking something and tends to follow her instincts. Her portray as a patriotic young woman who wills to do anything to help make her country win was something fresh and new to see since it's rare women are portrayed as patriotic.

The male characters, Antoine and Gaëtan are the ones who lift the main characters. Although I wished Antoine could have had more scope in the story , it was all logical since he was in the war. Gaëtan is a tragic hero and a bad boy material that eventually falls in love with Isabelle and leaves her after promising to come back for her - he does without expecting the heart break that's waiting for him.

The Nazi's that come to stay in their house, Wolfgang Beck is the first one. He and Vianne are drawn closer by their similar view on this war, they both hate how it has drawn them apart from their family. Therefore Beck has a compassion towads Vianne and Sophie, much to Isabelle disagree.

The second one, Von Ritcher, I personally wanted to see him die. I wish he did die a painful dead for the things he did to Vianne.

There are other minor characters mostly met by Isabelle after her joining a group of people who work in silence against the Nazi's ,they are all perfectly written and manages to leave an impact on our heart.

Trigger Warning: sad ending, sensitive happenings such as rape and also murders and suicide.

This masterpiece leaves a big impact on our hearts even days after we have finished reading the book, the things that the characters undergo can be deeply felt and connected. Especially the climax of the book comes unexpected and can break hearts but also leave you with a smile when you read the epilogue.

This book definitely deserves more appreciation among the young generation.

This is the second time around reading. The first time I didn't understand the connection with Lindberg until after I learned my history. The book is terrifying, unbelievable our country underground wanted Nazism to spread through the United States. Some of these events were actually true. Lindberg becoming president didn't happen.This actually is an important book to read. Even though it is a novel. If you end up reading the book. Do some research on the 1940's and Nazism in America. It will open your eyes.