Crucible
by John Sayles
Corporations versus the workers. (1/4/2026)
Spectacular historical fiction - again, as I have written before, giving us insight into something forgotten or lost in our history (which is why historical fiction is such an important genre). This book takes on the history of the Ford Motor Company between the 1920s-1940s. Henry Ford has launched a plan to create a rubber plantation in the Brazilian rainforest called Fordlandia, to grow his own rubber. This part of the story involves the local man, João, hired to run the plantation and the American man and Ford employee, Jim, who's sent to manage the clearing of the land. The undertaking is fraught with problems: blight on the trees, worker revolt and a romance between João's son, Flavio, and Jim's daughter, Kerry. While things happen in Brazil, things happen in Michigan where the multicultural workers in the First plants are upset over working conditions and call a wildcat strike. Both the American and Brazilian workers are being exploited (my word). These revolts test the powers that be. Subplots also abound: it's the Prohibition Era and Diego Rivera is making his brilliant murals in the Detroit Institute of Art.
This is an epic novel exploring the plight of workers, the dehumanizing of their work efforts - all in the name of capitalism and greed (which in today's context seems to be returning). The book is rich in story and history. It's difficult to look away when reading from what is happening in this book as the message is so striking and sad. The book also captures the period of American industrialization and offer a glimpse into why the wealth of the billionaires are built on the backs of the worker who get shafted all the time. Greed is America's great sin.
I want to thank NetGalley and Melville Publishing for granting me access to read this book.
Maya & Natasha: A Novel
by Elyse Durham
Beautifully told historical fiction (12/31/2025)
I was intrigued by the beautiful cover for this book and the topic of Russian ballet. While a bit slow in starting, the story of twin girls, Maya and Natasha, rescued by a friend of their mother, shortly after their birth and her death is compelling. Each girl is different and each girl has dreams and aspirations but a rivalry for a position at the Kirov Ballet leads to a tragic choice affecting each girl. As Maya and Natasha go their separate ways we experience the repressive life in Russia in the 1950s and 1960s and how that affects new choices the sisters face. Both are deeply affected by the Cuban Missile crisis and an unexpected outcome occurs that again shatters the sisters who appear to be reconciling. As their lives converge but separate, Maya feels she’s betrayed Olaf, a young man from her ballet school days who has emerged as a world-respected dancer and Natasha wants to see her sister again when given a chance by the government to go to America but her handlers thwart that. The ending is reaffirming though the breach in the sisters relationship is sad. The author’s note at the end gives interesting historical information about people and events in the book. I listened to this book; it was well narrated. And the story was so interesting.
Victorian Psycho: A Novel
by Virginia Feito
Weirdly odd but captivating (12/31/2025)
Weirdly horrifying but oddly comedic is this tale of a governess who definitely is nothing like any governess you’d find in a Dickens, Elliot or Austin book. Winifred Notty arrives at Grim Wold Manor to tutor the two children of the Pounds, Andrew and Drusilla. Miss Notty tells her charges to call her “Fred” for the demon who lives inside her - hint, hint! Told with in an almost whimsical manner (each chapter begins with a statement in the manner of many a 19th c novel), we follow Miss Notty’s thoughts and dreams as she starts acting out her bloody revenge (you have to read the book to find out what this is). If you like the strange and bizarre, this book is definitely a must read.
We Were Never Here: Reese's Book Club: A Novel
by Andrea Bartz
Can't put it down thriller (12/31/2025)
An intense atmosphere surrounds Emily and Kristen’s friendship. They are almost bonded at the hip before their adventures around the world and these tie the bonds even tighter especially after the last trip Chile leaves another man dead! The tension is taut as you read the book and an eerie feeling creeps in as Emily grapples with what happened in Cambodia and Chile. And then there Kristen sudden return to Milwaukee to be with Emily. Where is all this leading? Except for a few things about the ending, I could not put this book down. No spoilers here; you have to read the book to know know.
The Road to Tender Hearts: A Novel
by Annie Hartnett
Enjoyable read (12/31/2025)
What a sweet, tender book, if a bit edgy and dark at times, it is filled with humor and fun. PJ Halliday is a bit of a loser, an alcoholic he’s lost a daughter to a tragic accident, and a wife, Ivy, to divorce (though she remains the love of his life). After inheriting a niece, Luna, and nephew, Ollie, Pj, 30-days sober, takes them and his surviving daughter, Sophie and a cat, Pancakes, on a cross country journey to unite Luna with her biological father, and reconnect with his high school sweetheart, Michelle. Along the way they meet bite people, see some unique sights and experience family and love. As secrets unravel, PJ grows into the man he’s always wanted to be. This is an enchanting book because of PJ, a truly marvelous character.
The Amalfi Curse
by Sarah Penner
Mystery lurks around the Amalfi Coast (12/31/2025)
A bewitching and captivating story of what really matters in life. Set in the beautiful Amalfi Coast, Penner creates a story that alternates between 1821 and present time. Positano, one of the Amado Coast cities, never has pirate ships come to its shores. A strong coven of witches (strenga),led by Mari, prevent the waters from allowing them in. Two nefarious brothers are bound to find these women and stop them and break “the curse.” In present time Haven has been given charge of an archaeological dive, Project Relic, to explores wrecks in the area, only to have it taken away when it appears the waters may be affected by volcanic activity. These two stories collide as we find out what happened to a ship whose wreckage is found by Haven that goes back to 1821. No spoilers here; you must read the story to find out more. Suffice it to say, these stories review that treasure is less that matters then relations.
The Hollow Half: A Memoir of Bodies and Borders
by Sarah Aziza
A poignant memoir (12/31/2025)
I had the pleasure of meeting the author recently when she was moderating a discussion for another’s author’s book. I was struck then by her uncommon serenity and insightful observations about the other author’s book. So it was no surprise that her book reflects this. It is insightful in her exploration of her Palestinian roots as well as she tackled her own “war” and displacement with eating. Yet it is so raw by so rich in laying bare who she is, who she discovered she was and how it is important to know where you come from. For those who do not like nonlinear books, the book’s structure may be off putting, but in putting together her story this way, I think the author was trying to show she came to more awareness - which is never often a linear process. Finally, this book is beautifully written. I enjoyed how she tried to explain Arabic words and how language influences so much; it was this in particular that I thought brought serenity to the book. Also I learned so much about Palestine since the British gave away these people land. I appreciated this book.
Fair Play: A Novel
by Louise Hegarty
A homage to the detective novel (12/31/2025)
This is a homage to the detective story, particularly those of the 1920s. A group of friends meet at a house to celebrate one of their birthdays and complete the annual “who dunnit” charade. The next morning one of them is dead. At this point the book takes a different slant to give the reader the outline of what detective stories of the 20s should/should not do and the “game is afoot” as we are introduced to a fictitious detective on the order of Hercule Poirot. While working on solving a mystery, the book also explores grief. Who is the culprit? You have to read the book to find out. I listened to this book and enjoyed it immensely.
Eat the Ones You Love
by Sarah Maria Griffin
Little Shop of Horrors (12/31/2025)
Continuing with my horror reads, this book is “Little Shop of Horrors” meets Dracula. This is a horticultural horror book but with an underlying theme of what happens when you stay in an abusive relationship. Shell, coming off numerous setbacks finds herself back st her family home at age 33. She’s debated and demoralized but when she sees a sign that says “HELP NEEDED,” she goes in and gets the job. What she doesn’t know is that an evil orchard, Baby, has ensnared the shop’s owner and is slowly invading her physically and emotionally. I will stop at this point because to have to read the book in order to know what happens. Baby is pure evil and his creepy, destructive ways are those of an abuser. This is not a book for everyone but I did enjoy its complexity.
Big Chief
by Jon Hickey
Okay read (12/31/2025)
Greatly anticipated reading this book but found it rather disappointing. The theme of politics on a Native American reservation was intriguing and that held me during the read. The corruption and dictatorial governing helped the story along and that kept me reading. But the side story of Mitch and Layla was off putting and I don’t think added much to the story or Mitch’s character development- and he wasn’t a very likable character in the beginning. The book had some good moments like Mitch being sent to his supposed death in the winter only to survive. It was an okay read for me.
The Bookbinder's Secret: A Novel
by A. D. Bell
Delightful historical mystery (12/28/2025)
A delightful mystery that keeps you riveted! Lilian "Lily" Delaney is an apprentice binder and n Oxford. It's 1910. Lily is quite talented and she is requested by a customer to do a binding for a business ok that belongs to his wife. While there she obtains a book that has been partially burnt. When the binding comes off, Lily finds pages detailing a story of girl being forced into a marriage.... And we are off into a journey to find out more about the people written on these pages. The book twists and turns and Lily meets interesting people along the way. While there are things that can be easily figured out, these do not detract from this well written book. I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC.
When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America's Black Botanical Legacy
by Beronda L. Montgomery
A delight excursion into black history (12/28/2025)
An absolutely delightful and important book! I really didn't know how trees were important in black history, so this is what drew me initially to this book. And, having read Finding The Mother Tree by Suzanne Simand, I'm hooked on books about trees.
The author takes us on an historical journey - and in part memoir - about how trees impacted blacks or how blacks contributed to American agriculture with the knowledge they brought over to this native country as slaves (and important piece of history that has been erased or forgotten and needs to be brought to the light). And then as she highlights each tree's significance, we are called to see the beauty of the tree as well as at times its tragic relationship to black history, such as the willow or the sycamore tree.
I really enjoyed the history in this book. The author highlights a tree in each chapter and points out important facts about it in history - whether they are associated with black history or not, these should not be forgotten. In particular I enjoyed the Willow chapter and its discussion of the Elaine Massacre.
One of my favorite books is On the Laps of Gods by Robert Whitaker which is about this event - and when the case came before the Supreme Court (lead by Scipio Africanus Jones), it set legal precedents for the civil rights movement. I also enjoyed learning about all the oak trees associated with significant black events. Blacks may not have erected vile civil war statutes whites seem to need to do, they did whites one better: their monuments are living in nature. I especially was stirred by the sycamore chapter and its reference to it being a tree associated with lynchings. To violate a living and beautiful piece of nature this way is a sad statement on man.
In our days of craziness over "woke," this book points out why "woke" is important: you may think you can erase history but you can't. Thank you, Brenda! Truth will always prevail. This is a must read!
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for allowing me to read this exceptional book.
The Poet Empress
by Shen Tao
Fantasy at its best (12/28/2025)
I listened to this captivating fantasy (granted through NetGalley and publisher, Macmillan Audio). It is a splendid debut novel of intrigue, suspense, revenge and hope.
Wei Yin, a peasant girl, seeks to become a concubine to a prince of the Azalea House, to bring prosperity and hope to be beleaguered family and community. While the odds are against her, she is chosen by the cruel prince, Guen Terren, who is at war with his older brother, Maro.
The magic of this world lies in the poetry of its princes. Terren, the second oldest, is named heir because his poetry. Wei Yin as a woman and peasant cannot read so once in the duplicitous world of the Azalea Court she seeks someone to teach knowing if found out she could lose her life. She does this so she can compose a poem of love to save herself and her country. But this can be no ordinary poem either - it must come from the heart challenging Wei in ways she's never known. The book's themes of feminism, courage, and the power of words are beautifully expressed in the atmosphere of an atmosphere of dark political intrigue.
I enjoyed this epic fantasy excellently narrated. Highly recommend.
Discipline: A Novel
by Larissa Pham
Tender coming-of-age story (12/28/2025)
What a passionate, enchanting, and tender coming-of-age novel. Frankly I didn't know what to expect when I was approved to read this ARC (thank you NetGalley and Random House) and even the beginning threw me off, but once Cynthia's voice reached out to me, I was hooked. This is my first book by this author, though she has published a nonfiction book (essays). Pham tells a story with such honesty and clarity.
Cynthia, a young writer, is on a book tour for her novel which is appears to be autofiction of her affair with her graduate art mentor. Cynthia chronicles her tour stops and her experiences filled with exceptional observations of places, things, art and observations of people she sees or meets. In doing this we enter into Cynthia's inner turmoil, wrestling with her earlier decisions particularly the one that took her from painting to writing. In a moment of insight, she goes to Maine to confront her former mentor whom she now calls the "old painter." While the ending may be a bit expected, it still wrenches the heart.
This short novel is beautifully written. While I usually don't like reading long paragraphs, somehow there was a fluidity and pacing to the works that I didn't notice length. I loved the art description and how each piece aligned with Cynthia. And the poetic introductions to each character was so clever.
Highly recommend.
Butterfly Games: A Novel
by Kelly Scarborough
Lovely historical fiction (12/28/2025)
A lovely piece of historical fiction based on true events set in post-Napoleonic Sweden. The setting itself is unusual which is what intrigued me as someone who had enjoyed Desireé by Annemarie Selinko (and has seen the 1956 movie of the same name). Jaquette Glydenstolpe, a real person, falls in love Prince Oscar (Desireés son), a forbidden love.
Times are chaotic as Prince Charles Jean has been placed on the Swedish throne by Napoleon. There are factions (the Gustavians who favor the deposed Crown Prince and those favoring the French usurpers) which adds tension to the novel. As Jaquette's and Oscar's love becomes complicated and the tensions between the factions erupts into conflict, events overtake the two. No spoilers here; you must read the book. This was a fascinating book.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC.
This Is Where the Serpent Lives
by Daniyal Mueenuddin
Caste never changes (12/28/2025)
This is simply brilliant! I don't know what I expected when I read this but as the story went on, I was so locked into the characters it was difficult to put the book down. And, the writing is beautiful and stirring. First, the pacing and structure of this book is excellent. I particularly liked how the author told the interconnected stories of two different set of castes - the servant and the master. Starting with ambitious Yazid and ending with Saqib, the gardener's son turned outlaw and the with the obnoxious Atar family in between. Like bookends, this story is written to show how the caste system in feudal contemporary Pakistan works - the have-nots always being crushed by the haves. But this happens on all countries making this a universal story.
The tile's clever reference to "serpent" plays out as the author shows that there is always someone bringing spite into one's life. In particular the upper caste's disdain for their servants (never paying them well) but their expectations of loyalty is so distorted: the servant is there for one purpose only and the servant must never forget that. So the serpent must be wary. The ending to the book is stunning. As always the upper caste can be disdainful of their decisions but the lower caste must never forget their place.
I really enjoyed this novel. My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Knopf, for allowing me to read this ARC.
Highly recommend.
The School of Night: A Novel
by Karl Ove Knausgaard
What happens when you get too much (12/28/2025)
This author has intrigued me for sometime but l've never read anything by him until now. As I learned when I finished, this is the fourth book in The Morning Star series which to date has six books. However, not knowing this before I began, I would note you can read this as a stand alone.
This book is a long suicide note by the character Kristian Hadeland who appears in other books in the Morning Star series. Kristian is a most unlikable character as you soon learn. He starts his tale in the 1980s when he was in London studying photography.
He comes from Norway at 20 with a narcissistic belief in his talent and character. But things aren't going so well for him when he meets the enigmatic Hans, and Vivian who is staging Christopher Marlowe's Dr. Faustus. These two become pillars of opposition in his contentious life. Things spiral when Kristian goes home for Christmas and hears his parents say disparaging things about hum. He leaves without a word goodbye and plunges himself into attempts to prove his artistic uniqueness when he chances upon a homeless man and his life changes from near ruin to glory.
The Faustus subplot reveals itself when Kristian is helped by Hans and upon this help he is moves on a trajectory toward greatness. However twenty-four years later, Kristian's life starts to unravel. In Dr. Faustus, Faustus asked Mephistopheles why he left hell to which the answer he didn't. And indeed, that is the core around this novel merges. What world do we live him? This is a character driven novel and driven by a really awful character. Kristian is so self-absorbed (in deed his father's description of him being a black hole is spot on - he destroys even when he thinks his creations are making the world better). The book's jacket is perhaps the best illustration of this - a winter road on which the tire tracks swivel all around in no clear direction. Kristian is a mess of a person.
Knausgird's popularity I'm told is his relatability - his characters resonate with us because their struggles are like our own. In this book Kristian for me was someone I wouldn't want to be or know. And maybe that's a good thing because most books don't show the main character as one so unattractive. I admit never having read any of Knausgärd's book or any in this series and am probably missing something but I crazily did enjoy this book - in spite of Kristian!
I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin Press for allowing me to read this ARC.
The Murder at World's End: Stockingham & Pike #1
by Ross Montgomery
Exceptional mystery read (12/28/2025)
This is a must read for mystery lovers of the locked room murder and cozy historical mysteries. A twisty, humorous - there's lots of fun moments in this book - mystery, this book delivers on suspense, plot, characters and excellent narration if you happen listen to the book as I did (thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio for allowing me to listen to this gem)!
Stephen Pike arrives to assume a job at a remote Cornish manor at the height of the panic over the arrival of Hailey's comet. It's 1910 and the comet has not appeared in 75 years. The manor is one of the most technologically advanced for its time and the Viscount of Tithe Hall believes the comet is headed straight for earth, presuming the end of the world. He has worked out a method to seal the house and protect its residents. The day after though finds the Viscount dead and a houseful of suspects. Stephen, assigned to Great Aunt Decima whose sharp tongue and impervious ways make her the scrounge of Tithe Hall, joins forces with Decima and you're off to the races! Hold onto your seat too!
While the book has been described as "Downton Abbey meets Knives Out," I think given a cast of characters with buried grudges and deep secrets giving off suspicious vibes, it's more "Gosford Park meets Downton Abbey." Nonetheless, the book has classic British elements found in Downton Abbey with a most clever plot as Gosford Park had.
I can't give enough high marks to this book. It's probably 10 stars for me. The plot is masterfully maintained, the red herrings purposefully relevant and the denouement you don't see coming. I can hardly wait for the sequel.
Skylark: A Novel
by Paula McLain
Good historical fiction (12/28/2025)
Two stories beautifully interwoven, separated by centuries, telling of the will to survive in the face of cruelty and evil. One tale is that of Alloute Volland, who is sent to Saltpêtérie, instituted as an almshouse but later moved urned into a hospital where "bad" women were kept. In Alloute's case she is falsely confined. This story takes place in the 17th C. Fast forward to 1939-1942 Paris where Dutch psychiatrist, Kristof, works. He soon joins the resistance to help bring Jews to freedom. Both stories are poignant and compelling. I enjoyed the read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC.
The Storm: A Novel
by Rachel Hawkins
Another Hawkins winnet (12/28/2025)
Short but gripping psychological thriller taking place on a peninsula off Alabama. Three hurricanes have battered the Rosalind Inn on St. Menhard's Bay, one in which a wealthy playboy, Landon Fitzroy, scion of an old Alabama family, was killed. Returning 40 years later is the alleged murderess, Gloria "Lo" Bailey along with a journalist, August, who is writing her story about the murder. Lots of twits and secrets are revealed. Alternating in time between the present on various points in the past, what happened is slowly revealed. While there are some flaws, it really enjoyed and was engaged with this book. I want to thank NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book.
Power Reviewer
