Miss_Liz

The Insomniacs

The Insomniacs, Allison Winn Scotch's 11th novel had me intrigued by the title. I chose to read this book based on the title and story line involving four complete strangers all who suffer with insomnia. Four individuals from completely different backgrounds are drawn together by their affliction, which leads them to join a chat group. They decide to meet in person, and soon find themselves involved with one another, albeit reluctantly and guarded as they all come with personal baggage. Sybil, the mother figure who wants to fix all, Zeke, the sports hero struggling with his identity, Julian, who is retired but not forthcoming about much at all and Betty, who is young and the most guarded and secretive of all. The story is a wonderful psychological study of human desires, needs and the longing to belong. The character study in this story is what held my attention. The story does develop into a mystery of sorts as the group worries and struggles to find the member of the group who has gone missing. The twists and turns this takes as more is revealed about each character holds your attention. I found their journey of discovery into themselves to be the most fascinating aspect of this story. Anyone who enjoys learning and understanding human behavior along with some mystery will find this a worthwhile read.

"When We Were Brilliant" by Lynn Cullen is a work of historical fiction that reads like a biography. Lynn Cullen has written many books about women whose lives she finds intriguing. Her research into her characters takes her beyond just research, but into their lives, homes, birthplaces and most importantly their thoughts. It is written that Lynn Cullen starts her books with a question and in the case of "When We Were Brilliant" that question is: Who is the woman behind the most famous face in the world? The story revolves around two women, one being Marilyn Monroe, and the other Eve Arnold a photographer. The story is written in the voice of Eve talking to Marilyn. There is a quote in the book said by Marilyn "I mean show people something they've never seen before." Between Marilyn's quote and Eve's response in the book - "As I stared at you. How'd you know I live for that? You put out your hand. 'Deal?'" we are helped to understand what these two women embark on as they journey to make their way in a man's world. Specifically, a world that views women as sex symbols, mothers and objects to enhance a man's place in the world. Lynn Cullen does a remarkable job at bringing the real Marilyn Monroe out which is so much more than what the public saw. She brings to light the brilliance of Marilyn who knew exactly what she needed to do to get what she, Norma Jean, wanted to achieve. Her friendship and partnership with Eve Arnold did not start out as an easy relationship but grew into friendship, respect and understanding. Both women knew what they had to fight against to be taken seriously in the time and place they lived. Marilyn is portrayed as a bright and driven woman, as is Eve. Eve is a photographer who really knew how to get to the heart of her subjects. Eve herself struggled to be seen - just like Marilyn. And the title "When We Were Brilliant" is perfect for describing their lives, friendship and struggles. Lynn Cullen wrote a brilliant, beautiful book that shows the lives of two remarkable women.

The Botanist's Assistant written by Peggy Townsend is a whodunnit with a quirky and mostly misunderstood lead character Margaret Finch. Peggy Townsend does a good job developing and describing her characters in this story as they all have a story Margaret can be quoted as saying, "There is work to be done!" She does not believe in waste of any kind, especially time. She runs her life with order and discipline in so much as her daily schedule is laid out down to the minute. This philosophy also carries over with what she wears each day and eats. All of her quirky traits help Margaret run the research lab for Dr. Deaver who she greatly admires. What Margaret does not know is that her ordered world is about to be turned upside down. What she thinks she knows and who she trusts is about to be tested.

The path she embarks on is full of ups and downs sometimes scary for Margaret as she is forced to try and understand things outside of her comfort zone. Margaret also has to come to the realization that first impressions are not always right. Her journey through out the story is fun to read as she searches for the answer to the disaster she discovered. The end of the book finds you cheering for her growth and her first time encounters with those she now can call friends. I found this a fun read for anyone who likes what is so often termed a cozy mystery.

Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray is a wonderful historical fiction read. The book begins in 1909 and ends in 1963. Stephanie Dray's research into the life and career of Frances Perkins is very well done. Frances Perkins lived in a time of great societal change in the US, and became the first cabinet level secretary in the Roosevelt administration. I did not know anything about this remarkable woman and I am very happy to have learned about her and her career. The book is written in the voice of Frances Perkins and so well done that you feel you are right with her witnessing her life. Her struggles to overcome the horrors of unfair, cruel and unsafe work environments, poverty and her own personal struggles at home are a testament to her strength and character so very well portrayed in the book. The book caused me to research her and learn more about the different events and people she worked with and against. Stephanie Dray does a good job giving all who read Becoming Madam Secretary a history lesson well worth knowing. I would highly recommend everyone read the authors notes at the end of the book as well.