Plant Lady
by Kang Minyoung
Left me hanging (6/6/2026)
This novel begins with little teases and slowly the reader begins to understand the sequence that will evolve with each miserable man that stumbles into Yoohee's path. As much as the reader understands the 'just desserts" of each event, there doesn't' seem to be a reconciliation or completion. I was kind of left hanging. Even with the detective that was following and getting near to the resolution. I felt the novel ended too quickly with nothing to tie it all together..
The Night Hunter
by Natalie Moss
Safari sensational! (6/6/2026)
From the very beginning, the stage is set for adventure and realism. Dani and Grace are two sisters who are as different as night and day. The reader is strung along with each event that shocks and confuses. The realism is amazing and it was interesting to note from the author's bio that her background made all her descriptions accurate. Enough background is revealed to understand the politics of poaching and hunting, but not too much to take away from each characters' motivations. This is a thrilling read that keeps you guessing and reading on to the end. Exciting read!
Feast
by Catherine Kurtz
sensory overload (4/3/2026)
All the descriptions in Feast take you to a different time and place through sight, sense, smell and even taste! Do not read this book if you plan on going on a diet. The descriptors are intense and beckoning. Minha's amazing gift is shared with the reader through good times and bad times. As she grapples through one hardship after another, you are her cheering section. This book is a testament to the undying perseverance of one woman and helps remind us that we are (indeed) the stronger sex! (smile).
Each chapter brings the reader a plethora of sensations and engages you till the end. A very good character analysis and development.
An Infinite Love Story
by Chanel Cleeton
Space? or Love the Final Frontier? (3/23/2026)
Having grown up during the Space Exploration era, I enjoyed reminiscing about the many times, we, as a family watched launches with a mix of excitement and trepidation. It was also sobering to realize how the life of an astronaut, his wife and his family were impacted by this stress, this need to succeed and the public face of every aspect, good or bad. The love story was sweet and realistic as both thought of the impact of a relationship so fraught with the impact of one career path.
However, I felt there was a disconnect with what Vivian experiences after Joe's last mission. We are taken on a scientific review of wormholes. But that's not the answer. And I felt it just wrapped up too quickly with no explanation. I am glad she continued to fight for Joe and the other astronauts, but I felt the ending was abrupt. The epilogue was painful as well.
The Take
by Kelly Yang
Different take on feminism (3/18/2026)
At first glance, this book appears to be a Hollywood/beach read. Fast intro to characters and then onto a situation or problem. Don't be quick to judge either the book or the two main female characters. I started agreeing with one character, then switching to the other and then...examining both of them with a more critical eye. I sided with youth at first, remembering how no one thinks a young person has experiences more worthy than those of a more seasoned person. "You have to earn your stripes." And then, I switched to the more mature character, thinking, "yeah, I worked hard to get here." But in the end, both are wanting the same thing - success and recognition. But at what cost? This is the ultimate decision, I believe. What are you willing to give up, lose or sacrifice - your youth, your family, your dignity?
Interesting and thought provoking read. Good book for book club discussions.
The Young Will Remember
by Eve J. Chung
I Hope They Will Remember (3/15/2026)
Knowing nothing of the Korean War, I was interested in learning the history. This book delved into the politics and humanity with biting awareness. The writing was evocative and plunged me into the time frame and climate. Every page was ripe with creating a visual and a feeling. The characters each had a story to tell and despite coming from different backgrounds, love and respect was interwoven in each.
The depravity and senselessness of war continued throughout the novel. And given the current state of affairs in the world, saddened me even more. It seems no one remembers the pain and loss. Ms. Chung researched this novel well which brought the reality and pain even more to the forefront. I highly recommend this novel...so that, yes, hopefully, the young WILL remember.
Boring Asian Female
by Canwen Xu
Generational??? (2/27/2026)
I really tried to like this book. Don't get me wrong, it is well written and somewhat entertaining. But I could not like the main character or the concept. I slogged thru and halfway thru it began to change in the sense that there was an action that changed the storyline. The first half was the worst bemoaning and complaining of life. I couldn't empathize at all! And then, boom, an action that for me was unthinkable as a human being. From there until the end, I was hoping for redemption for the main character. I kept hoping that she would become a better person and see how lucky she really was instead of this insufferable whining complainer. But nope, the miserable human being had yet to show remorse or exult in being alive.
Thistlemarsh
by Moorea Corrigan
Escape from the present!! (1/24/2026)
In most choices, I choose the reality based, dramatic book. This time, I was intrigued by Thistlemarsh. As a child, I adored fairy tales and I thought, "maybe you need a break from reality". So glad I did! It was a much needed escape and from the onset, you are pulled into the story. Mouse brings us along with her feelings and thoughts as she struggles with life, loss and the unexplained.
The story moves along at a perfect pace, keeping us interested and giving lush details to frame the moments. You can almost see the magical world and sense the smells and sounds. In our world where everything is helter skelter, there is a feeling of a clear demarcation between good and evil...although the doubts exist with who is there to help or harm.
Not a bodice ripper which makes me pleased to return to the old time romance - just like a fairy tale. You will finish this book with a smile on your lips and contentment in your heart.
A Beautiful Loan: A Novel
by Mary Costello
Insight!! (1/4/2026)
For most of us, we find something to connect with in a book...be it the place, time or a character. A Beautiful Loan was like a coming-of-age bio. Some of us growing up were not sure of who we were as women and what our value was in a relationship. Anna is such a woman; cerebral, kind, considerate. Always looking to please, to offer affection and desperately wanting to understand why she is not cherished. What is she doing wrong? What is she missing? How can she change?!
Her thought process is nuanced and excellently described by Ms. Costello. You feel her pain so keenly and that resonated with my growth as a woman. Ms. Costello does not coddle her description of Anna and that is what is so perfect about this book. You, the reader see her choices and her thought process which makes it all the more poignant. Who amongst us, man or woman, has not attempted "to change" for a romantic partner? And how did that work for you? Smile...wonderful book.
The Midnight Taxi
by Yosha Gunasekera
Melting pot of good clues (12/2/2025)
This was a thoroughly enjoyable mystery and a great reminder of the beauty of NYC and its melting pot. Having lived all my life there, it is spot on with the comments regarding food, people and social commentary. Nice twists and turns and perfect for a snowy weekend treat.
I was also able to read part of the next book and looking forward to her next venture.
Too Old for This
by Samantha Downing
Great chapter cliff hangers! (4/3/2025)
What a read! The author takes you to the curmudgeon aspect of getting old and spicing it up with hilarious dark humor. Just when you think you are tsk tsking her choices, you find yourself thinking, "yeah, s/he deserved it!" Delightful at every turn and teasingly makes you wonder about that "sweet old lady neighbor" down the street. Great read!
The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant
by Liza Tully
Nuanced and engrossing (3/3/2025)
Finally someone who sticks to the PI genre!! Both main characters have believable interplays as professional and newbie. The storyline gathers momentum and the ending is a surprise. I could see this being a screenplay and an ongoing series because of the the main characters having a connection. Delightful read.
Making Friends Can Be Murder
by Kathleen West
sweet good lifetime movie (2/17/2025)
I really had to slog thru this. It was a sweet concept of same-named characters and how they all met. It just didn't have any fire or suspense for me. Might make a nice Lifetime movie but no excitement build up.
Serial Killer Games
by Kate Posey
Keep 'em guessing! (1/5/2025)
Thought I knew how this would go and then, slam, another way. Great twists and turns of suspense and getting to "dissect" the characters. lol. Deliciously suspenseful and entertaining. Ending is superb and unexpected. Just take the author's hand and follow the delightful journey.
One Death at a Time
by Abbi Waxman
Delightful mystery! (11/28/2024)
Yes, it's a mystery but the beauty of this book is in its dialogue!! Cheeky, irreverent and totally real. You can "hear" the conversations!! Didn't want this to end because I had a wonderful time getting to know the characters and delight in their wit and attitude.
Everything We Never Knew: A Novel
by Julianne Hough
Sweet summer reading (7/26/2024)
This was a sweet book in that it explored astrology, coming into one's own and learning to take chances. It just didn't pull me in. I understood her concerns of occurrences that she couldn't explain but the main character seemed to lack a reason for everything. She wasn't sure of her husband, her girlfriends, the "witchy" teacher. It lagged quite a bit for me and I failed to connect or feel any empathy for the protagonist.
Migrations: A Novel
by Charlotte McConaghy
Migration of feelings (4/6/2020)
This book was a delicious "trail" of imagery, feelings, times and locations. It was like unwrapping a present. At first, I was a bit confused with the different time frames, but then it was like an unfolding rather than a jumping. An exploration of a character but of what life holds and brings us and how we evolve to encompass the sadness as well as the joy.
On a personal note, I began reading this book shortly after the death of my daughter. The main character had lost a child and her journey through each experience and relationship resonated with me. The end did much towards my approaching healing as opposed to bitterness.
Ordinary Girls: A Memoir
by Jaquira Díaz
passionate but distracted (9/16/2019)
In the vein of Nicolasa Mohr and other Puerto Rican writers, Jacquira weaves her story with the history and culture of Puerto Rico. She tells the story of a confused girl who grows up to be a confused and angry young woman. Then there is a disconnect. We move from her time in the army and then off to her being involved in a literacy program and her return to Puerto Rico and some salient Puerto Rican history. It is almost as if she got tired of telling her life story and decided to come to the present quickly. This is quite a shame because the beginning of her memoir has a nice pace and intensity. I would have liked to have heard of how she got into college (again) and worked her way towards becoming a writer. That would have been a more powerful message of her journey and success and who she is as a woman now.
Travelers: A Novel
by Helon Habila
Poignant and timely (5/10/2019)
I have read many stories of the Hispanic migration into the US, but none of the African diaspora. Initially one is just drawn to someone so like themselves (American) and little by little the view is widened and seasoned with the events and feelings of other characters. The events are interwoven into a tapestry reflecting current events. This becomes not a "story to tell" but rather a saga of pain, empathy and heartbreak. I keep reflecting on how I would handle the need to leave my country of origin with no idea of what to expect in my new home. Added to that would be the factor of inability to "blend" due to skin color and language. In all walks of life, I am constantly reminded: "There, but for the Grace of God, go I."
The Last Year of the War
by Susan Meissner
On so many levels (11/20/2018)
On the heels of having read The Lilac Girls, I thought I knew what to expect from The Last Year of the War...historical fiction. This novel is so much more. While capturing and educating me on the German internment camps, it brought forth comparison and consideration of present day detention facilities. It followed the path of young women approaching adolescence and all the confusion we have of our bodies and self worth. And then came full swing to how we women approach old age through past friendships. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
