Dangerous, Dirty, Violent, and Young: A Fugitive Family in the Revolutionary Underground
by Zayd Ayers Dohrn
Dangerous, dirty, violent and young....but oh such a great read (4/17/2026)
I was not around for the 60's so I came at this book as someone with only a vague knowledge of the Weather Underground movement from school history class, which means I knew almost nothing. I found that Zayd effectively interspersed his childhood experiences with solid research for an honest, page turning exposure of his life and the turbulent times for his parents and the country. I especially appreciated that contradictions were allowed to coexist, as the truth is seldom a clear path. I kept wondering how if one wants to make significant social change, how does one have a family without sacrificing the personal relationships and family for the greater good.
In our current times, this book is an important addition to the conversation of politics, protests, and dissenting opinions. Read it.
What We Can Know: A Novel
by Ian McEwan
What can any of us really know? (9/18/2025)
Come for the literary mystery but stay for the prose and the big thoughtful ideas! By using the simple plot of a determined scholar looking for a famous lost poem, Ian McEwan extends his story into expansive themes such as the deep ramifications from environmental disasters and poor global leadership. But it is the thoughts expressed in the title that will stay with me, what do we really know about the past? Even when we know so many details, what do we really know? There are limits of what we can know about the past, the future and even ourselves.
But don't worry, the book has humor and is fun, as we learn details about each of the characters so that we keep reshaping our thoughts about the past.
McEwan is at his best, and this book will stay with me for a long time. Be sure to stay away from anyone wanting to discuss the book until you have read it….you deserve to experience the twists yourself!
This will be a top read of the year for me, and I already suggested my bookclub read it.
The Whyte Python World Tour: A Novel
by Travis Kennedy
Join the Whyte Python World Tour (3/30/2025)
Rock On!!
Irreverent and laugh out loud as you become part of the 80's heavy metal music scene. Add in a spy plot and lots of big hair and it is pure joy!
There are some crazy characters, but they maintain believability and are ultimately lovable.
I highly recommend this book as it will be on my list of top reads for the year. So buy your ticket (in this case the book) and fan out…I will be right there with you.
This is going to have a wide audience, those that experienced the 80's and those that wish they did. Rock On!
Thanks to Bookbrowse, the author and the publisher. I already preordered a copy for a friend.
