A Perfect Hand: A Novel
by Ayelet Waldman
More Romance Than History (5/31/2026)
Although classified as historical fiction “A Perfect Hand” only superficially touches on relevant femininist themes of 19th century England. This Bridgerton-esque story reads more like a YA romance novel. With that said, it is a light and humorous book which makes for a quick read.
Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block
by Jesse Q Sutanto
Cooking Up a Smile (4/25/2026)
A large spoonful of self-discovery plus a dash of spicy revenge served up in this delightful cozy fiction book. “Ms Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block” is a quick and entertaining read chock-full of snort-worthy laughs and heartwarming moments. A story of 63 years old Mebel’s journey as she redefines her life and realizes what is more important than a Birkin bag.
A Flower Traveled in My Blood: The Incredible True Story of the Grandmothers Who Fought to Find a Stolen Generation of Children
by Haley Cohen Gilliland
The Power of a Grandmother's Love (3/22/2026)
Extensively researched and well-written this non-fiction book is not for the faint of heart, however, it is a story that needs to be told. It is a story of how for almost forty years a group of determined and courageous grandmothers moved mountains to find their grandchildren, abducted after their daughters and sons “were disappeared” out of their homes and off the streets of Argentina. From 1976 - 1983 an estimated 30,000 men and women, including the pregnant, perceived as enemies to the military dictatorship were kidnapped, tortured, and murdered, while the Catholic Church and foreign governments, including the US, turned a blind eye to blatant human rights violations and in some cases, even justified the atrocities. Despite denials and threats from the government and other civilians, Las Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo worked tirelessly to find and identify the missing and hold those responsible for the deaths of their children and the abduction of their grandchildren accountable. Despite numerous obstacles and setbacks, equipped with dogged determination and endless hope, their own ingenuity and pioneering genetics research, the Grandmothers made a difference.
“Wherever he is, I want him to know that his grandmother has looked for him since the day he disappeared, when he was still in his mother’s womb,” Rosa said about her grandson. “Until the last day of my life, I will not stop looking for him.” - A Flower Traveled in My Blood
The Wives: A Memoir
by Simone Gorrindo
5 Star Non-Fiction Read (1/17/2026)
Enjoyed this memoir beyond expectations. Simone Gorrindo candidly writes of the challenges to fit into the insular military community of Ft. Benning as well as attempting to keep her own indentity while being a Special OPs Army wife, a life where personal choice and home life are secondary to the military and missions. In addition to learning to navigate an unfamiliar military culture, a Southern mindset, and maintain a marriage with a husband in abstentia, she also struggles to reconcile her beliefs and values with her husband’s job.
Honest, vulnerable, well-written.
Hole in the Sky: A Novel
by Daniel H. Wilson
They Are Here (10/8/2025)
The premise of a science fiction read uniquely infused with Native American lore made this book intriguing to me. The first part of the book with the build up to the first contact was fast-paced and extremely engaging — quite a page turner. However, the actual encounter fell flat for me, feeling a bit stereotypical as I expecting and hoping for a stronger and more developed tie-in to the Mississippian / Cherokee cultures. I also liked the story told from a three character perspective but did find the female character's storyline somewhat confusing. Despite a mixed reaction, I enjoyed "Hole in the Sky" and would recommend it to readers looking for a quick and entertaining sci-fi read.
Madame Fourcade's Secret War: The Daring Young Woman Who Led France's Largest Spy Network Against Hitler
by Lynne Olson
A Look Inside the French Resistance (5/27/2025)
A beautifully written book about the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of the women and men of the Alliance French resistance organization lead by Marie Madeline Fourcade. This book brings to life the work of this indomitable woman and her dedicated agents as they risked their lives daily to deliver to MI6 information that ultimately would help change the course of WWII.
An exceptional read - perfect for non-fiction history reader and intrigue lovers. Also, would recommend for historical fiction lovers - this book reads as easily as fiction but is definitely better.
The Café with No Name
by Robert Seethaler
Welcome to the Cafe with No Nmae (4/13/2025)
Within these pages I sat in the Café with No Name and watched as life unfolded for Robert Simon, the proprietor, while also catching a glimpse at the daily lives of the friends and customers who came through the door. A simple but beautifully written story by the Austrian author, Robert Seethaler, it has no plot but rather is a snapshot of a small community of people in the Vienna of the 1960s-1970s. Masterfully translated from the German novel, this book does an eloquent job conveying the emotional highs and lows of the characters. 4.5 stars
The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking History
by Karen Valby
A Standing Ovation for The Swans of Harlem (2/3/2025)
The Swans of Harlem is a long overdue celebration of five African-American pioneers of the Dance Theater of Harlem. With the leadership and vision of Arthur Mitchell, these five ballerinas and others in the company paved the way for decades of Black dancers to come. They achieved many “firsts” in a classic dance discipline which was considered by some people of the time to be a white dance discipline.
The book follows the lives of these five amazing dancers during and after their years with the Dance Theater of Harlem - their sacrifices, their successes, their challenges, and their sisterhood. It is an inspiring story which sent me down a rabbit hole as I researched additional information and watched video clips of their performances. I loved this book.
An added bonus - the audiobook version had sections towards the end in their own voices.
The Excitements: A Novel
by CJ Wray
A Hidden Gem (2/6/2024)
Historic fiction meets Robin Hood in this delightful book about two nonagenarian WWII veteran sisters and a much cherished grand-nephew who is there as the sisters’ past unfolds into the present. Heartfelt, and sometimes heart-wrenching, this is a story of service, courage, friendship, love, and secrets.
Based on the descriptions, I expected a faster paced “Thelma and Louise”- type story, but this book was so much richer and involved. And, while I found the story a bit of a slow build, sticking the book out to the end was definitely worth it!!! Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Alfie and Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe
by Carl Safina
Not What I Expected - 2.5 Stars (9/24/2023)
Natural science and ecology are among some of my favorite non-fiction genres so I wanted to love this book. While following Alfie's growth into an adult Eastern Screech Owl was interesting, the owl (and related nature) facts enlightening, and the two-way relationship with her humans inspiring, I found "Alfie & Me" exceedingly difficult to read. The book read like two separate books meshed together, the transitions choppy and threads unclear. There was the story of Alfie which frequently took a secondary position to a far-reaching cultural anthropological and philosophical discussion of the beliefs of previous civilizations, current indigenous societies, and Western economies regarding the natural world's role in communities. While the author's point about the varying perspectives of nature across societies/civilizations is clear (for example, the connectedness of all versus the separation of physical and spiritual) the linkage to the author's journey with Alfie was too vague.
Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone: A Novel
by Benjamin Stevenson
A Killer Mystery (4/12/2023)
It happened one snowy weekend…
Ernest Cunningham attends an ill-fated reunion of the notorious Cunningham family at an Australian ski resort - a reunion which turns into a weekend of family drama and murder. As Ernie investigates the murder of an unknown man, he encounters a multitude of twists and turns, secrets are unveiled, and the past becomes entangled in the now.
The book was written from Ernie’s perspective as a family member and a self-appointed sleuth. However, what distinguishes the book even more is that he also writes from the perspective of an author of books about how to write crime fiction - very unique and entertaining.
“Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone” kept me guessing until the very end and is easily one of the most captivating and amusing crime mysteries I have read in a long time. Heard somewhere this is the first of a series, I hope so. I loved it.
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
by Colleen Oakley
Need a Smile? (4/10/2023)
(No spoilers)
I absolutely loved this entertaining feel-good book. An easy low-key read about female friendships with a dose of intrigue and twists and turns.
Readers who liked “Killers of a Certain Age,” “The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett” or Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series are likely to find this book delightful…as well as anyone looking to smile.
The Bangalore Detectives Club: Detective Kaveri Mysteries #1
by Harini Nagendra
A 5 Star Start to a New Cozy Mystery Series (6/28/2022)
“The Bangalore Detectives Club” is a cozy mystery with a touch of historical fiction and international flavor.This gem of a book set in Bangalore in the 1920s features a cast of diverse characters and a realistic plot. Beyond the intrigue, the book introduces the reader to the local culture (caste system, gender roles, food, etc.) and events of the period set against the colonial British back drop - written from an Indian perspective, I found this interesting and enlightening.
While I have read and enjoyed many books in the cozy mystery genre, “The Bangalore Detectives Club” is among one of my recent favorites. Now, I can’t wait for the next in the series!
Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting: A Novel
by Clare Pooley
All Aboard (6/20/2022)
When a myriad of events bring an unlikely group of train commuters into each other’s lives, these strangers seemingly with little in common find precious friendship and new beginnings. The characters, relatable and likable, are a celebration of diversity in terms of life stages and circumstances. In particular, Iona, a 57 year old woman who is vibrant, smart and resilient with so much to contribute to society is a welcome stomp on ageism!
While contemporary fiction is not generally my genre of choice, this book was an entertaining, lighthearted read, yet importantly, not lacking substance. The pages found me cheering on the characters and left my heart happy.
“Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting” is a must-read for those looking for a delightful feel-good book!
The Ghosts of Rose Hill
by R. M. Romero
Mesmerizing and Haunting (6/4/2022)
A one-of-a-kind coming of age story about a young Jewish teen sent off to spend her summer in Prague. Written in lyrical verse, this book enchanted me from the start. It is a love story and a ghost story intertwined by myth. Not usually one to read YA fiction or fantasy, I’m so glad I stumbled onto this exquisite and unique read.
Surviving Savannah
by Patti Callahan
How to Survive Surviving (3/23/2022)
(No spoilers)
I went into “Surviving Savannah” expecting to love this book as historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and the premise of this book sounded fascinating. Unfortunately, I found the book just fair - a bit underwhelming. I liked the parallels and the intersections of the two story lines - 1838 and current day. I especially enjoyed learning more about historic Savannah, the USS Pulaski shipwreck, and the impact on the survivors. Where the book fell a bit flat for me was in the pace. The story, especially the modern day sections, felt too slow and drawn out. As a result, the book didn’t hold my attention and kept setting it aside.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
by Robin Wall Kimmerer
The Natural World Revisited (3/2/2022)
What an amazing and beautifully written book. I read a chapter, each an essay, a day and then reflected on it…savoring the messages. Braiding Sweetgrass, as the title implies, spoke to my mind, body, and soul. A melding of science and the learning passed down through generations of Native Americans, this book is a unique and refreshing glimpse at the natural world, the gifts from Mother Earth. Respect, gratitude and reciprocity “for all that we have been given, for all that we have taken” from Mother Earth are themes central to each of the essays. The book is a moving call to action to reframe how we think of the natural world and how we weigh the choices we make with regards to our planet.
As someone else mentioned, this book should be required reading in all natural science classes. I was thrilled to read that a Youth Reader edition of this wonderful book will be available in 2022.
For audiobook lovers, Braiding Sweetgrass is narrated by Robin Wall Kimmerer herself. She brings the words to life as only someone who feels them with her heart could.
Crying in H Mart
by Michelle Zauner
A Taste of Korea (2/13/2022)
“Crying in H Mart” is a heartfelt memoir of a daughter looking back on her relationship with her mother. The story is a recounting of the age-old challenge of a mother and daughter struggling to relate to one another’s worlds and the resulting tensions from differing perspectives and expectations. Beyond generational differences, cultural differences further complicate communication for this Korean-American daughter and her Korean mother. Their one common ground - Korean food which serves as a means to nurture and show love as well as an expression of their cultural identity and sense of self. And, upon her mother’s death, Korean food is a means for the daughter to deal with loss as each dish brings with it a cherished memory.
The Magnolia Palace: A Novel
by Fiona Davis
Mystery Enveloped in Art (1/27/2022)
Set against the backdrop of the art-filled Frick Mansion, a renowned sculptor’s muse, hiding in plain sight as a private secretary, finds herself in the middle of Frick family drama and entangled in a web of accusations. Decades later a winter storm brings together an unlikely pair, a Frick Museum intern and a would-be model, who complete a scavenger hunt to unravel an almost 50 year old legacy of intrigue leading them full circle to where it all started. A captivating read for mystery and art lovers alike.
A Million Things
by Emily Spurr
Friendship Across The Ages (1/20/2022)
For readers who loved “The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett” - here is another exceptional book about a very special and heartwarming friendship, forged by tough life circumstances, between a young girl and her elderly neighbor. I loved it - but needed a few extra tissues on hand.
