Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known
by Scott Simon
Ulysses S. Cat. (3/17/2026)
Scott Simon's new book Ulysses S. Cat is a warm hug. As is a storyteller these stories reflect his gift. At the end of a hectic day I'd settle in grateful to escape into Scott's world of animals. Lenore and Daisy became a balm for my racing mind.
I'd highly recommend this book for those who follow Simon as well as those who need an escape into the world of animals.
The Pie & Mash Detective Agency
by J.D. Brinkworth
Would be detectives? (1/14/2026)
It took me awhile to adapt to the pace of this story. Once I did I found the theme fascinating and I quickly read it straight through. The two authors seem to work well together and hopefully will follow with a second in a series.
Alfie and Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe
by Carl Safina
The relationship between an owl and his human friends (10/3/2023)
This beautifully written book chronicles the journey of the author with a rescued bedraggled owl, Alfie. If this is the only story told it would be special. Carl Safina describes how Alfie caused him to reflect on relationships. Relationship between humans and animals as one example. He weaves Plato's idea of dualism and how this idea impacts Western thought today. An owl and Plato hard to believe but this makes for an enjoyable read. I highly recommend it.
This is the first book I've read of Safina. I look forward to reading his other books.
A Piece of the World: A Novel
by Christina Baker Kline
The quiet beauty portrayed in Andrew Wyeth's Christina's World (12/29/2016)
Often when I stand before a captivating painting such as Christine's World I wonder what is the story? Why is this woman lying in a field stretching toward a forlorn house on a hill? Odd but memorable. Christine Baker Kline brings to life the world of woman searching to find herself in a pain filled mundane life. Beautifully written.
After reading this book I searched the Internet for more information on Andrew Wyeth and found his art is coming to the Seattle Art museum this coming October. A sign of an excellent book is wanting to learn more about the subject, I plan to travel to Seattle.
Jade Dragon Mountain
by Elsa Hart
Jade Mountain Dragon (6/17/2015)
I was intrigued and a bit skeptical by the description of this book, a murder mystery set in eighteenth century China. Elsa Hart has woven a silken tapestry of intrigue and fascinating characters set against the vibrant landscape of China. Her descriptions of people and places are so real. Li Du the librarian reminds me a bit of Colombo but much more complex.
I am looking forward to reading more novels from Ms Hart
Mimi Malloy, At Last!
by Julia MacDonnell
Mimi Malloy At Last (3/4/2014)
This well written book teaches the reader to listen and look for stories. It is so easy to judge Mimi brushing her off as a contrary old woman. We learn of her black holes of memories as she struggles to revisit her painful childhood. Her evil Stepmother whose actions are appalling and very creepy are based on the Irish beliefs of fairies, changelings, and potions. We can not judge.
The "Irishness" that permeates this story is fascinating. The Stolen Child by Yeats now has new meaning.
I'm looking forward to reading more of the author's works.
How the Light Gets In: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, #9
by Louise Penny
How the Light Gets In (7/23/2013)
Penny is a gifted writer! Having read her previous books in the Chief Inspector Gamache series I wondered how she would tie up loose ends. She did so in unexpected ways which left me marveling at how it she made it work.
She has the ability to make you feel the stinging cold of driving snow on hot July day.
This book does stand alone if you've not read the others in this series but why deprive yourself of a good read.
