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(11/14/21): Let me first say that I do not read Phryne Fisher mysteries as crime novels but as entertaining stories that make me smile (and admire Phryne of course). Here the different mysteries are rather thin but most characters are - as always - interesting and well constructed, although some are schematic. The entourage and household turns and twists (Mr Butler, Lin, Jack, Hugh etc.) are rather fun. I enjoyed very much discovering Phryne in Montparnasse just after the war and learning on her upbringing there. But as I am French, there is the snag ! A lot of small details are absolutely wrong... Just three examples, but there is more of course : one does not say "vin DU table" but "vin DE table" (n.f.) and yes it's a current joke to say it is made of a real wooden table; the "chien qui fume" in Montparnasse did not exist before 1930 (but the "chien qui fume" in old Paris center, near Les Halles, did exist since 19th or even 18th century) ; it is impossible that Phryne coud see laundry drying on a line from window to window in rue Saint Honoré (where is supposed to be Hotel Magnifique): this street is elegant and rather posh... and only low classes did such etc. That makes reading sometimes irritating, winch is too bad. On the other hand, the novel is really pleasant.

(11/11/21): Frank, Honest, Thoughtful.

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(11/10/21): Literally and metaphorically, Charles Person describes the road to and his actual involvement in the protest action of May 1961 called Freedom Riders. He manages to render the clear chronology and facts which led to the event while also reconstructing the lineage of people and actions which had preceded and then followed the Freedom Riders. A group of white and black people, under the guidance of CORE (the Congress of Racial Equality) and CORE leader James Farmer decide to force an awakening, that of the unjust, inhumane and not lastly illegal way blacks were discriminated against in everyday life. So, on the ride from Washington DC to New Orleans, while travelling by bus, the Greyhound or the Trailways, Charles Person and his fellows test time and again the forms of segregation blacks encountered when trying to use bus services and accommodations in the South of the US. They pay severely for the risk taken and demonstrate that America was not ready then to treat its citizens equally even if mandated by law, and even more, it would put black lives and white supporters’ lives in danger. By also referring to later, current events, Charles Person points to the fact that inequality continues to plague the American society. The vivid memories gush from a depth of feeling, not at all blunted by the passing of time or the loss of the recording tool. Adding pervasive and eloquent rhetoric enhances the intensity of feeling and we, the readers, see in vivid images the hope and desolation, the inflicted cuts and blood, the fierceness and despair but all the while the non-violent determination of the Riders and of all their supporters and helpers along the way. The writing is an emotional piece as much as it is an accurate account of events. It is a captivating and illuminating read which is worth spending time with and reflecting upon, the more so since it challenges us all to activism for the abundant causes that arise in the present world.

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(11/01/21): While reading Beloved, I found myself enjoying Morrison's eloquence. Although the book is set in the 1800s, I found myself understanding it easily after I got the timelines. She drew me in and made my experience what the characters were going through. She made me judge Setha, Beloved and Paul D, which is weird since they all had different beliefs. I would like to analyze it in class and understand it better in terms of symbols and characterization. I found it a little bit challenging because of the timelines and the flashbacks employed to discuss the character's past. However, as I progressed, it was easy to understand the order of events. I found Sethe's character to be fascinating because she was dealing with so much and it was not clear whether to blame her, understand her or empathize with her. Some archetypes in the novel are the mother archetype, rebirth and the child archetype.

(11/01/21): A fascinating memoir told in the personal and interesting voice of the author, Dani Shapiro. Its subject is very germaine to issues with adoption and ancestry problems in today's world. Thoroughly fascinating read.

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(10/24/21): Culture is the invisible string that controls our behavior. This author illuminates that philosophy in the characters of this book. A Palestinian family seeking refuge in the United States settles in a New York City of like minded immigrants in a tight knit community of Arabs and attempts to bring their Middle Eastern lifestyle with them.The story centers around the life of Isra, the young woman who is brought from Palestine to the U.S. when marrying this family’s oldest son, Adam. And woe is the life of an Arab woman whose first responsibility is to produce sons. Isra births four daughters. She is abused by her husband, becomes a slave to the family and lives a life devoid of pleasure and filled with acts of duty. She befriends her sister in law, Sarah, who fights against the arranged marriage her mother tries to force on her. The culture clash between the generations plays out as it pits the grandparent’s wishes against those of their children and grandchildren. The book is well written and structured to keep the reader’s attention as the story advances. It also delves into the story of Palestinian refugees and gives a broader appreciation of the challenges faced by immigrant communities, especially as they attempt to exist within American culture.

(11/13/21): I think one would be hard pressed to find a librarian (as I am) who would not love this book. While it’s packed with characters, sci fi/futuristic elements, and a complex plot—at heart, it’s about the power of books and the strength of the human spirit. Totally appropriate for strong teen readers as well.

(10/12/21): Having been to Hawaii, the storyline was so eye opener to the history of sugar cane and the life led by the multiple nationalities. There was spirituality and great respect shown for the land and for life. Well written and an easy read with excellent characterization.

(10/09/21): I found this book was deeply affecting. The different narrators brought their perspectives in, adding layers to the story that enhanced the tale. Also, while Iris is a very modern woman, Esme is also modern, just placed in a different age that wouldn't accept her.

(09/28/21): I absolutely loved this book. I gave me such a beautiful cultural aspect that I have been missing my whole life. I grew up as a black girl in America with no cultural background to my roots. I have friends of multiple ethnicities who can say, "I'm Irish, Swedish, Mexican, German, or Hmong." My family and I have no knowledge if our African roots are Nigerian, South African, Ghanian, etc. I was never able to relate to the kids in my class who knew their backgrounds. Although with this book being based in Orisha which I believe is Nigeria in our world. I loved the description of the land, the people and most importantly, the use of Yoruba (an language used in Nigeria as well as other African countries). This book was soooo relatable, it is the me. There was so much politics, economic hardships, prejudice that made this so real. I enjoyed every aspect of this book. I am a slow reader, so it took me time to get through this book, but part 2 Children of Virtue and Vengeance there was so much action that I could not help to but read that rapidly!