Vivian's 2019 reading

2013 favorites:

A Constellation of Vital Phenomena
TransAtlantic
Life After Life
The Goldfinch
The Cuckoo's Calling
The Big Rock Candy Mountain
Dog Stars
Flight Behavior
A Land More Kind Than Home
The Hired Man
How the Light Gets In

Going Clear
The Black Count
The Swerve

2014 favorites:

Eventide Kent Haruf
Longbourn Jo Baker
The Martian Andy Weir
Burial Rites Hannah Kent
The Silkworm Robert Galbraith
The Painter Peter Heller
The Rise and Fall of Great Powers Tom Rachman
All The Light We Cannot See Anthony Doerr
History of the Rain Niall Williams
The Bone Clocks David Mitchell
Every Man Dies Alone Hans Fallada
Euphoria Lily King
An Officer and A Spy Robert Harris

Top rereads:

Poisonwood Bible Barbara Kingsolver
Gilead Marilynne Robinson

Top nonfiction:

Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant Roz Chast
Last Days of the Incas Kim MacQuarrie
The Boys in the Boat Daniel James Brown

2015 favorites:

Lila
Nora Webster
A Place of Greater Safety
The Daughters of Mars
The City and the City
Out Stealing Horses
Lamentation
A God In Ruins - #1 of the year
The Illuminations
A Little Life
Sweetland

Top rereads:

Life After Life
Doc
Year of Wonders
Fifth Business

Top non-fiction:

Being Mortal
A Spy Among Friends
When a Crocodile Eats the Sun

2016 favorites:

Non-fiction

Four Seasons in Rome
King Leopold's Ghost
Not My Father's Son
Hero of the Empire
Evicted

Rereads

A Tale of Two Cities
The Manticore

Fiction

A Gentleman in Moscow - #1 of the year
Sacred Hunger
The Glorious Heresies
Commonwealth
News of the World
Moonglow
Black River
The Spinning Heart also loved The Thing About December
Poldark So far have loved the entire series
A Perfectly Good Man

2017 favorites:

all the remaining Poldark novels
The Gustav Sonata
The Painted Veil
Lincoln in the Bardo
Stay With Me
Autumn (Ali Smith)
The House of Names
Days Without End
Sing, Unburied, Sing
Pachinko
Manhattan Beach
The Black Tower

2018 favorites:

Fiction:
The Overstory
Warlight
Go,Went,Gone
The Heart's Invisible Furies
Happiness
Virgil Wander
The Silence of the Girls
A History of Loneliness
Birdcage Walk
Circe

Series:
The Cazalet Chronicles

Non-Fiction:
Spain in Our Hearts
An Odyssey

Graphic fiction:
Sabrina

Welcome back!

Happy reading in 2019, Vivian!

Cheers to a new year, Vivian!

Dropping off my star. :-)
Happy New Year!

>1 vivians:, >2 vivians: There are a lot of books in those lists that I have read and loved too (and lots that are unread on my shelves), so I am eager to follow along with your reading this year!

Happy New Year!

Thanks Jim, Anita, Katie and Ellen. Happy New Year to all! We had a very quiet one and were home in bed by 10!

>7 Cait86: Hi Cait, and thanks for the visit. I've starred your thread as I see we have quite a few favorites in common!

>8 The_Hibernator: Thanks for the good wishes - you too!

Happy New Year, Vivian. Last night was pretty much a normal evening for us. We stayed up a little later than normal, making it to 10:30, maybe 11:00 if you count bedtime reading.

Happy New Year, Vivian. Great list of 2018 favorites. The ones I haven't read are on my WL. I look forward to many more great recommendations from you in 2019.

Happy New Year, Vivian and Happy New Thread. Looking forward to sharing another year of books with you! Love the best of list. Hooray for The Overstory & Virgil Wander! I hope to get to Warlight in the coming weeks.

Happy New Year Vivian! I’m still thinking about the Cazalets. I’m reading The Overstory now🤗

I should just comb through your lists and prioritize everything you haven't read, since I completely share your views on what you HAVE.

I have The Overstory lurking somewhere.

Happy 2019
A year full of books
A year full of friends
A year full of all your wishes realised

I look forward to keeping up with you, Vivian, this year.

Happy New Year, Vivian! I hope to see you again soon.

>2 vivians: Four of your favorites are also on my list, Vivian. No surprise there as we have similar reading tastes. Happy New Year of Reading and Grandparenting!

Hi Laura, Beth, Mark, Bonnie, Suzanne, Paul, Darryl & Donna and thanks for your visits! I've so enjoyed all the LT connections, both in person and virtually, and I'm hoping for more meet-ups this year.

#1 Kingdom of the Blind Louise Penny
Let me first say that I am a tremendous fan of Penny and this series, and eagerly look forward to each one. In fact, it's the first (of many) series I heard about from LT members. I enjoyed the first of the two plots, in which the Chief Inspector is appointed as a liquidator for the will of a woman he had never met. It's an intriguing mystery dating back to a family feud from the 19th century, and it is an excellent showcase for the cast Penny has painstakingly developed. I found the second plot, which concerns the opioid epidemic, too repetitive and unbelievable. Still, a good first book of the year, just slightly disappointing because of my high expectations.



#2 My Year of Rest and Relaxation Ottessa Mosfegh
I enjoyed this author's first book, titled Eileen, and its very unlikable narrator, but this one fell short for me. I know there were a lot of positive reviews and the book received critical acclaim for being darkly funny, but the any hidden meaning was lost on me. The narrator is rich, smart and beautiful, but suffers from grief, depression and an irresponsible (perhaps unhinged) psychiatrist. She retreats into drug-induced sleep, suffers bizarre side effects including coma-like wanderings, and withdraws from the only relationship (a supposed "best friend") she has maintained. And there's a predictable and manipulative ending.

Great comments, Vivian. I think I liked Kingdom of the Blind more than you did. I will pass on the Mosfegh.

>19 vivians: - MYoRaR was not a winner with my book club. I didn't even finish it...

>19 vivians: I love the Three Pines series too, though the ending of this one has me a little worried. Jean-Guy is my favourite character, and I hope he isn't leaving the series permanently!

Hopefully your next book is a great one!

>19 vivians: It's so funny…I just posted my thoughts on Kingdom of the Blind. I had a similar reaction. While I enjoy Penny's books, the plots (and choppy writing) leave me less than thrilled. It's all about atmosphere and the compassion that comes through in the interactions of those quirky Three Pines inhabitants that keep me reading and enjoying her books.

My Year of Rest and Relaxation is waiting for me at the library. We are definitely on the same reading wave length, Vivian.

>19 vivians:I guessed that Gamache had planted his young agent into the drug gang almost from the minute she ventured out onto the streets but it didn’t alter my enjoyment of the story. I’m not sure if that’s what you found unbelievable or if it was something else Vivian.

>24 brenzi: I didn't figure that out right away, Bonnie, but it did start to dawn on me. One part that seemed unrealistic to me was the little girl Gamache was intent on rescuing, and her good fortune at both being rescued and becoming a foster child in Lacoste's family. That was a little too tidy. But I still really liked the book.

Hi Beth and Katie - I was disappointed in My Year of Rest and Relaxation. It had some amazing reviews, and the premise was intriguing.

Hi Cait - next up for me is The Italian Teacher. I remember really enjoying The Imperfectionists a while ago, although no details remain in my brain other than it was about an international newspaper in Rome.

>23 Donna828: I'm eager to hear what you think of the Moshfegh, Donna. We do tend to have similar tastes but I hope you have more success with this one!

>24 brenzi: I guessed that too Bonnie, because it just seemed out of character for Gamache to have tossed her out. No, it was her whole ordeal through the drug world that seemed too clichéd.

>25 lauralkeet: That too, Laura!

#3 Heart: A History Sandeep Jauhar
NPR's first pick of the year in the "Now read This' online book club. I've been following these and reading along when they seem interesting. The author is a cardiologist and a good story teller. Scientific developments are interspersed with personal anecdotes concerning his family and his patients. I particularly enjoyed his description of the breakthrough discovery of the pacemaker.

#4 The Sound of Broken Glass Deborah Crombie
Another very good addition to the series - it's been really consistent all along. I like how the personal lives of the characters are advanced in addition to the mystery (this time the murder of two barristers and the repeat appearance of a guitar player who now has a fleshed out backstory).

>28 vivians: That one is next up in the series for me too although I have one that is not marked on LibraryThing from early. I think I read it before I joined. I may read it again just to be sure. It's one of the early ones. However, I'll probably read The Sound of Broken Glass first.

Four books already, Vivian! You're off to a fast start.

Hi Beth - lots of time in the car has helped!



#5 This Is How It Always Is Laurie Frankel
What a surprise! A well written novel about a large family, one of whom is a transgender child. And featuring, for a change, likable and devoted parents. At times a bit too neat, otherwise a very enjoyable read and I recommend it heartily.

Next up will be the winner of the Costa debut novel winner, The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. (I'm also in the middle of a shortlisted Costa title, Meet Me at the Museum, which I'm loving. And I finally broke down and ordered Normal People, which was on the Booker list and won the Costa best novel award. The long delay in US publication date drives me crazy.)

I just looked for Normal People after seeing it won the Costa and couldn’t find it because of course it’s not available here yet. Drives me crazy too Vivian.

Love the lists up top, Vivian! Thank you for posting them.

>31 vivians: I loved that book. It was really thought-provoking and addressed the issues the family faced in such an affirming way. Did you know the author based the novel on experience with her own child?

>31 vivians: I just picked up this one from the library, Vivian. I'll read it when I'm done with Winter. One of my colleagues also raved about it.

Happy New Year, Vivian!

It's fun to see your favorites lists going back in time. You have a whole bunch that were also favorites of mine. This past year The Overstory and Go Went Gone were standouts for me, and I'm just finishing the very good Happiness today.

I've got Normal People thanks to NetGalley, I think. Not read yet, though. I also have been putting off reading (or rather, listening to) the new Louise Penny. I've begun listening to them on audio, since I can't stand her staccato writing style -- the impact of it on me, visually, is just dreadful. For some reason, I can tolerate it more (like bad grammar?? LOL) when it's spoken content.

Hasn't it been a while since there has been a new novel from Deborah Crombie, or am I just mis-remembering??

>37 Chatterbox: Last one came out in 2017. It looks like we'll have to wait until October 2019 for a new one.

Hmm, perhaps the first in the Deborah Crombie series needs to go to Tucson with me this coming week....

>39 EBT1002: Ellen, Carrie (cbl_tn) usually recommends people start with the second or third one in the series. Just remember the series improves drastically after the first book or two.

>32 brenzi: I'd be happy to pass it along when I'm done, Bonnie! It hasn't arrived yet.

>33 alcottacre: You're very welcome, Stasia!

>34 lauralkeet: I didn't know about her personal experiences, Laura. I'm so interested in this issue as suddenly I know six teenagers who are in the process of transitioning. One is a relative, two are children of clients, and three are friends of my kids. I am awed by the parents who, like the ones in the book, cope with these serious issues in a supportive and loving way, even if mistakes are made. And I wonder how very difficult the lives of countless children have been who are in this situation without support or understanding. It's heartbreaking.

>35 BLBera: Let me know what you think Beth!

>36 jnwelch: Hi Joe! I should really clean up the toppers and add touchstones...but I'm glad you liked them as is!

>37 Chatterbox: Hi Suzanne - I owe you an email - sorry, just have been swamped. Audio for Louise Penny has been the way to go for me. You're right, short sentences aren't noticeable in that format.

>38 thornton37814:, >40 thornton37814: Thanks for the Crombie update, Lori. I still have a few more left but will be sad when I'm finished. It's been a great series so far.

>39 EBT1002: Hi Ellen - another great series is Ann Cleeves's Shetland series. Also I've been reading the Anne Cleeland series that Joe recommended and it's also very good.

#6 Meet Me at The Museum Anne Younson
Costa shortlist, a wonderful surprise. Very reminiscent of 84, Charing Cross Road as a deep and fulfilling relationship develops between letter writers. This is a debut novel and the author is in her 70s. Lovely and highly recommended, if a tad predictable.

#7 Murder in Hindsight Anne Cleeland
Third installment in series, continues to be very enjoyable. Lots of twists and subplots as Inspector Doyle gets used to her multi-faceted husband. Wonderful sequence at his estate as Doyle plays the part of his underclass Irish bride.

A visit with Rafa yesterday!

>44 vivians: You have a Rafa grandchild too? How cool is that! Joe's first grandchild is also Rafa. I have a feeling the Rafa's will be readers.

Happy Monday, Vivian. I hope those books are treating you well.

>44 vivians: Omg how adorable Vivian. You are going to love being a grandma. Meet Me at the Museum sounds wonderful.

>44 vivians: What a cutie. Being a grandma rocks, right?

Aww, what a sweetie pie.

>42 vivians: I brought that one home from the library a few days ago. I hope I enjoy it as much as you did.

>44 vivians: He looks like he is saying "What is this big world I just came into?" and hasn't decided if he likes it yet or not :)

>45 msf59: Hi Mark! I know, how funny that there are two Rafas in the 75s!

>46 brenzi: >47 BLBera: >48 lauralkeet: Hi Bonnie, Beth and Laura! I was just getting used to being a mother-in-law (very cautiously since mine has been the bane of my existence for 35 years...)and now I'm trying grandmotherhood. I totally adore the little guy already.

>49 alcottacre: I'm really eager to hear comments about Meet Me At The Museum Stasia. I usually really like the Costa titles but am in the middle of being hugely disappointed by the Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. I'll probably stick with it a while longer but it's very long.



#8 Evensong Kate Southwood
Recommended by Ellen, very reminiscent of Emily, Alone by Stewart O'Nan. This is a very introspective novel of the thoughts and recollections of an 82 year old Iowan widow. Her early happy life with parents and siblings contrasts with her marriage to a domineering bully, whose early death does not release her from his hold. Not much action but very good dialogue and observations about family relationships.

#9 The Italian Teacher Tom Rachman
Although this Costa-nominated novel had a slow start for me, I ended up loving it. From 1955 to present day, from Rome, London, the French countryside to New York, this novel is the story of an unfaithful, self-centered artist and his son. Lots of questions about the purpose of art, the role of the artist and his/her control of what is created, and whether personality or talent drives fame. I read the second half in one (late) night and was sorry to see it end. Highly recommended.

>40 thornton37814: Okay, that's good to know in advance.

>51 vivians: Adding that to the wish list.

I also love that there are two Rafas in the 75ers group!

Hi Vivian - Great comments on the Rachman. I'll have to add that one to my list. I did love The Imperfectionists.

>50 vivians: So glad you loved Evensong; it was a lovely book.

>40 thornton37814: >53 EBT1002: I tend to use the Crombie series as "palate cleansers" in between other reading. They are now all available on audio at my library so I've been burning through them and will be sorry when I'm done.

>54 BLBera: I think I read another Rachman but will have to look that up. Hope to hear your thoughts if you do read The Italian Teacher.



#10 The Bus on Thursday Shirley Barrett
Wow this was a weird one. I think I heard about it on my new favorite podcast, Books on the Go. I had read and loved Barrett's debut novel, Rush Oh, about a family of whalers, but this took a totally different turn. I'd categorize it as humor/horror/mystery. It's written in the form of a blog by a sarcastic, snarky elementary school teacher who is recovering from breast cancer and moves to a tiny remote town when she's offered a job as a replacement for a mysteriously missing beloved teacher. It is completely bizarre, has some entertaining moments, but the overriding sense was weirdness.

#11 The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle Stuart Turton
I'm really sorry I spent 17 hours listening to this. It had rave reviews, won the Costa award for best debut novel, but I found it confusing and way too long. A man wakes in the forest and finds he’s trapped inside a stranger’s body. A masked figure informs him that he must solve a murder in order to earn his release, and he must do so by reliving the day of the murder eight times. Each morning he will wake up in the body of a foreign soul.

Please tell me you didn't go walking this morning... BRRRR!

>55 vivians: Vivian - Your comments on The Bus on Thursday echoed mine. I'm so glad someone else has read it and can talk about it. So, was she dead at the end? I was wondering if she was actually killed when she was passing the bus.

I'm also very happy to know that Rush Oh is good and unlike this one. I have it on my shelf but have been looking at it, wondering if I dare read another by her.

>57 katiekrug: I did Katie! Although Sunday I did about half my regular route. I was a total Michelin-man, with only my eyeballs exposed. They were pretty cold though.

>58 BLBera: I'm totally confused about the ending too Beth. What a strange book, and so different from Rush Oh.



#12 The Wanderers Tim Pears
I just reread this in anticipation of the third book in the trilogy, due out this spring. Loved this story about 13 year old Leo, wandering the Cornish countryside in 1912, as he meets gypsies, thieves, farmers and an old hermit. Beautiful details about a pastoral England. Highly recommend both books and eagerly awaiting publication of book 3 of the West Country Trilogy.

#13 To Dwell in Darkness Deborah Crombie
The 16th in the series is another good one, with a cliffhanger that bodes well for the next book. Duncan's case involves a protest in St. Pancras Station during which a would-be smoke bomb turns lethal. Gemma's case, a brutal murder with a suspect already in the crosshairs, was given less detail and was not as interesting. As always, descriptions of London and a cast of secondary characters add greatly to the plot.

>59 vivians: Darn, Vivian. I was hoping you could help me shed some light on it. Or maybe for everything after she fell off the cliff, she was dead.?

I remember that you really loved the first in the Pears trilogy. I must get to it.

I am waiting for Crombie's next one.

LT images seem to be having trouble of late. I can't see the images in >59 vivians: or >60 vivians:.

I like the idea of listening to the Crombie mysteries. I'm working on getting more walking into my life, particularly walking to work. My new home is challenging in that the temps hover around freezing a lot, going just above during the day and just below at night. So snow melts and refreezes, melts and refreezes, making sidewalks treacherous. But I'm working on it.

>62 EBT1002: Re: LT images, yes they are having trouble lately. And oddly, I can see the images that you could not.

Happy Sunday, Vivian. How is baby Rafa doing? It looks like I should add The Italian Teacher to my list. I do like Rachman. I am really enjoying Winter, (the book, that is). Have you read it?

>62 EBT1002: I noticed several images not showing yesterday. The ones I couldn't see were hosted at Amazon. The one in at least the second one you mentioned is also on Amazon; however, it is displaying for me.

I think a lot of people have been having problems with images. Someone said the key is to log out and then log back in again?? But don't hold me to that!

Baby Rafa clearly has a strong and distinct personality already!! What a sweetheart!! As long as you are a doting grandma, while not trying to pull stuff like taking him out and stuffing him with treats two hours before dinner (my mother's mother-in-law's favorite stunt... my paternal grandmother was the bane of her existence and kept telling her she wished my father had married someone else... my parents separated six WEEKS after my grandmother died...) you will be fine.

I liked Rachman's debut novel a great deal, then came The Rise and Fall of Great Powers, which was underwhelming, but I very much liked his ability to delve into character and manage all the complex plot strands of The Italian Teacher.

I do want to read the Pears trilogy, but think I have the wrong book (#2) here, and do not have book #1, so will have to hunt it down. Also, I have a surreally large TBR, about to get larger thanks to Marianne's efforts on my behalf at ALA in Seattle.

And thank you for saving me from "Evelyn Hardcastle". Just deleted it from my Audible wishlist. Though honestly, they are SO good at returns -- you can return any book, read or unread (listened, whatever) within a year of purchase, no questions asked, that I do take some risks that I might not otherwise. That said, I'm frustrated that there are gaps in what I'd LIKE to be able to listen to. For instance, I've embarked on a re-read of the Rennie Airth novels, and after listening to the first one, wanted to keep going. Alas: #2 and #3 are NOT AVAILABLE for audio. #4 and #5, are, however. Riddle me that, please. I've just started #3.

I currently have 55 books out from the Athenaeum. I have read two of them. Oh dear. One is due back at the end of the month -- the Jill Lepore tome. I think I will have to bite (gently) the bullet and use the $21.72 I just got in Amazon $$ from the Coinstar machines (I collect my coins and once a month or so turn them into Amazon money -- that's my book budget, essentially) to buy the damn thing on Kindle.

>1 vivians:

I love your running list of favourites.

Lovely to see all the visitors!

>61 BLBera: I wish I could provide some clarity to the ending of The Bus on Thursday, Beth. I thought maybe that Eleanor and the missing teacher (Miss Barker?) were the same person...I think there was some nail polish reference...but I totally wasn't sure.

>62 EBT1002: Hi Ellen! I'm still walking every morning despite the dark and cold, but I'm really diligent about wearing a reflective vest. Ice is definitely a problem. This morning 3 deer popped out about 3 feet in front of me - startling but so beautiful! And a nice sunrise too.

>63 lauralkeet: I'm not sure why some people can see images and others can't....

>64 msf59: I loved Autumn Mark, and Winter slightly less. Very eager for the next one. Rafa is adorable, thanks, and it's so lovely to hold a newborn again! I'm trying to make myself indispensable (and supportive, uncritical, etc.) to his parents so that I can have full access!

>65 thornton37814: I guess there are still image issues, Lori. I'll still try to add them.

>66 Chatterbox: Hi Suzanne - I added the Rennie Airth series, so thanks for that (multiple) BB! I really enjoyed the Rachman and am eager to hear what you think. Same goes for the Pears trilogy which I love (so far).

>67 Nickelini: Thanks Joyce!

I'll add mini reviews later:

#14 Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity and Love Dani Shapiro
I read this in one sitting, just couldn't stop. Subsequently handed it to my mother, same reaction. This is a gripping mystery, a search for answers, a deeply felt story of family secrets and complicated relationships. Her narrative is flawless and I recommend it highly.

#15 The Water Cure Sophie MacKintosh
On the other hand....I really tried to understand and appreciate this very vague, dystopian novel about three sisters living in seclusion forced upon them by their parents. There is tremendous cruelty, deprivation and bizarre rituals which they believe will protect them from some unexplained toxicity. It was on the 2018 Booker longlist but I didn't appreciate the prose, the structure or the story.

I'm # 4 for The Water Cure at the library, Vivian.

Interested in your thoughts on Inheritance - Shapiro is one of the featured authors at the Montclair Literary Festival in March. I am making a list of what I want to read before then. They have several good authors.

Maybe you could hold your nose and come to New Jersey for a day of it... :)

>70 BLBera: I hope you like it more than I did, Beth, and that you'll be able to explain it to me! It has received a lot of very high praise so I think I'm missing something.

>71 katiekrug: Yes to Dani Shapiro! I loved the book and would be happy to hear her. She's doing a round of appearnaces, and I've heard her on two podcasts. Lmk dates!

>72 vivians: - The festival runs 20-24 March but they haven't released the actual schedule yet. I'll keep you posted!

> 72 If you didn't like it, Vivian, perhaps I'll cancel my hold. I've heard varied opinions on it, but I trust your judgment.

>68 vivians: Deer popping out at you! Wonderful!

My closest encounter with deer was several years ago when we were camping at a place called Elk Summit in Idaho. It was a very remote rustic campground -- identified spaces and pit toilets, but the camping spaces had much more room between them than usual and the campground was at the end of a long rough road. I got up in the middle of the night to walk to the pit toilet and I bumped into something. It turned out that a pair of deer were in our campsite and I had bumped right into one of them! It startled both of us. :-)

>73 katiekrug: Thanks - I'd love to hear her.

>74 BLBera: It really was an unsettling book, Beth, and I think I'm just not comfortable with so much mystery and so many unanswered questions. Eager to hear what others thought.

>75 EBT1002: wow - great deer story Ellen! I definitely have never gotten that close. We used to go camping all the time and have great memories. Not sure I miss it too much at this point though.



#16 Normal People Sally Rooney
Booker and Costa longlists. I loved this story about a relationship that develops from a childhood friendship. It tackles class differences, family violence, depression and is sometimes heart-wrenching as the two protagonists can't seem to communicate their deepest feelings. I was surprised to read some of the very mixed reviews. Looking forward to reading her debut novel, Conversations with Friends.

Normal People sounds good, but I couldn't get through Conversations with Friends, so..... ?

>77 katiekrug: Hmmm....I'll probably give it a try, but not right away.



#17 Becoming Michelle Obama
As brilliant, moving and profound as everyone says. Best. memoir. ever.

I'm waiting to get my turn at Normal People, Vivian. It sounds like one I'd like.

Did you listen to the audio book of Becoming Vivian. I've got 2172 people ahead of me at the NYPL for the audio but I really want to hear her read it. Sigh....

>78 vivians: I agree and am glad you enjoyed it so much.

I just got Becoming from the Athenaeum. Will probably read it next week...

Hi Beth, Bonnie, Laura and Suzanne. I did listen to Becoming and thought it was beautifully and sincerely read.

Three books read this week - one fabulous, the other two meh.



#18 Where the Crawdads SingDelia Owens
Thanks to Mark and Ellen for their accolades! This is our book group's pick this month. I loved, it couldn't put it down, and finished it in while sitting in a freezing car after intentionally arriving 30 minutes early to pick Jo up! Simply heartbreaking in the beginning, as young Kya (seven!) is left to manage on her own in the wilderness. Beautiful descriptions of the marsh, of animals and insects and of the water. Ultimately a story of resilience, trust and survival. Really excellent.

#19 Sugar Run Mesha Maren
I found this quite slow moving and somewhat predictable. A woman is released after serving 18 years in prison for murder, and quickly meets and falls in love with a young mother of 3 boys who also has a difficult past. The back stories are revealed slowly and there's a sense of foreboding as drugs, guns, sordid family members and more drugs are involved. Not a hit for me.



#20 Melmoth Sarah Perry
I really wanted to like this but it turned into a very odd ghost story. I liked the main character, Helen Franklin, a British national self-exiled to Prague where she translates appliance manuals. She gains access to letters and memoirs from a variety of sources and time periods, all of which describe encounters with Melmoth, a woman who roams the world searching for evildoers. It was very slow-paced, with constant repetitions (including about a thousand references to "jackdaws" - the point of which I have yet to understand) so a disappointment after The Essex Serpent.

#21 Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert's Story Debbie Tung
Very short, very good graphic novel. Wish I could have read this as an adolescent - would have made high school/college life much easier.

Next up is The Cut Out Girl, this year's Costa prize winner.

I just started Where the Crawdads Sing, Vivian. I hope I love it too.

You've reinforced my view that I can skip Melmoth. I got it from the library, started reading it, put it down, and never picked it up again. I loved The Essex Serpent and will look for others by her.

>86 BLBera: I hate to be harsh about Melmoth because of Essex...but I really didn't like it.



#22 Calypso David Sedaris
My first Sedaris, read because Pamela Paul (NY Times book review) raved about it and because it was available on audio from my library. At time amusing, the stories were more often quite melancholy so that was a surprise. Now I've read him and I'm done.

#23 The Cut-out Girl: A Story of War and Family, Lost and Found Bart Van Es
Costa winner. Very moving and at times devastating account of a Jewish child hidden during WWII. (My mother spent a few years in Amsterdam in the '30s after having been sent out of Germany by her parents.) Many stories of heroism as well as cruelty, isolation and terrible suffering. I found the writing disjointed and sometimes difficult to follow, but the author's connection to the story might have been the cause.

#24 The Blackhouse Peter May
This read like a fabulous mix of Tana French's novels, with its long back story of the tortured youth of the primary investigator, and Ann Cleeeves' Shetland series, with its setting on the Isle of Lewis in the outer Hebrides. The focal point of the murder mystery is the annual pilgrimage a dozen villagers take to a rocky cliff 50 miles offshore to harvest gannet chicks. Can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy.



#25 Take Nothing With You Patrick Gale
Coming of age novel from an author I've really enjoyed. An only child is consumed with his passion for music, and only gradually comes to terms with his own identity and the complicated stories of those around him.

I have The Blackhouse on my Kindle - bought during a random Kindle sale... I'll have to move it up the list!

I bought a copy of The Blackhouse when I was at Powell's - I think Ellen nudged me. I'll have to pull it out and get to it. It sounds great, Vivian.

The Gale sounds good as well.

Hi Katie and Beth! Someone on LT must have raved about The Blackhouse, otherwise I would never have come upon it. It's been on my fictfact list for a while and suddenly my library had it on audio.

I've home alone for a week (joy!!!) while Gary and Jo are off on their annual house-building trip. Unfortunately still have to go to work, but in the evenings I've been bingeing on episodes of Shetland, based on the Ann Cleeves novels. It's terrific! (But I still haven't abandoned Martin Clunes in favor of Douglas Henshall.)

Yet another reason to move Scotland (particularly the islands) to the top of the travel wish list.



#26 Ghost Wall Sarah Moss
At an archeological site in Northumberland, a 17 year old spends two weeks with her obsessed father, passive mother, and a group of students, attempting to imitate life in the Iron Age. Riveting, atmospheric, and political, it explores issues of class differences, feminism, and abuse in a two-sitting read. Highly recommended.

Anyone have any other Sarah Moss recommendations?

I may have been responsible for the Peter May -- I remember chortling with glee over that trilogy. I wish he had continued with hit. Some of his standalone books are great, but others are meh. I'm going to have to read the Enzo books now.

If you like those, also try the series by Michael Ridpath set in Iceland... :-)

I love the Shetland series, Vivian. I'm waiting for the next series; I may have to rewatch the first three.

Shetland is sooo good. How far along are you? We subscribed to Britbox solely on the basis of Season 4 availability. Season 5 is now airing in the UK and will be on Britbox come April.

I'm glad to see you liked Ghost Wall. The only other book of hers I've read is Cold Earth, which I believe was her debut, and I really liked it. I lost track of Moss after that, until the NYT reviewed Ghost Wall.

>78 vivians: "Best. memoir. ever." I LOVE it! It is definitely a keeper.

I am so glad you loved Crawdads. That one has been a solid hit around here. I have a copy of Sugar Run on shelf. It may end up getting buried, under the more promising books. Sorry, the Sedaris wasn't more entertaining. I really enjoyed that one.

I just added the audio of The Blackhouse to my Overdrive list Vivian. So thanks for that.

>92 vivians: Anyone have any other Sarah Moss recommendations?

I read Cold Earth a few years ago. It was good, and unique.

I agree with Laura and Joyce - Cold Earth was good. Not what I was expecting, but very intriguing.

>93 Chatterbox: Well I owe you once again for a great recommendation! I really enjoyed the first installment and look forward to the remaining two. And I'll add the Iceland series to my list, thanks.

>94 BLBera:, 95 I finished seasons 1-3 on Netflix and am also waiting for season 4. I can understand why you subscribed to Britbox, Laura!

Thanks Laura, Katie and Joyce for the Cold Earth recommendation. I'm hoping that Ghost Wall will make the Women's Prize longlist so that it gets even more traction.

>96 msf59: Hi Mark! My book group meets tonight to discuss Crawdads. I just listened to a mediocre review on my favorite podcast (Books on the Go) but I'm holding fast to my high rating. The reviewers felt that the nature writing was fabulous but were less than thrilled with the way Owens developed Kya's relationships. I'm curious to see how my RL book group friends felt.

>97 brenzi: Any time, Bonnie!



#27 Don't Eat Me Colin Cotterill
A consistently good series. The retired national coroner, Dr. Siri Paiboun, and the newly minted chief inspector Phosy, deal with judicial corruption, animal trafficking and a gruesome murder. The dire economic situation of Laos in the post-Vietnam era is contrasted with humor and the good intentions of a whole slew of interesting characters.

It will be interesting to see what your book club thinks of Crawdads, Vivian. I had some issues with the ending.

Well, everyone was really engaged by Crawdads, Beth, and everyone finished it (this crew is a sorry lot when it comes to finishing. They typically give me a hard time, in a friendly way, about how many books I read.) We mostly talked about Kya's isolation, and whether it was realistic that she could have overcome it to the degree that she did. No real complaints about the ending.



#28 The Clockmaker's Daughter Kate Morton
Thanks Beth - this was historical fiction right up my alley. Told from multiple perspectives across many decades, it centers on an old house, a murder, a missing gemstone and a number of families. Among the characters are an archivist, a concert cellist, an archeologist, a painter and pick pocket, all of whom have a connection to the house. I'm usually not a fan of an magical elements, but the ghost in this story totally won me over. I did not, however, like the resolution of Birdie's fate and thought it was not well thought out.

ETA: The audiobook was narrated by Joanne Froggatt (Anna on Downton Abbey) and she did a terrific job.

I am so happy you loved The Clockmaker's Daughter, Vivian. I am also not usually a fan of ghosts, but Birdie totally won me over as well.

What's next for you? Any predictions about the women's prize longlist?

I'm listening to Where the Crawdads Sing right now Vivian and I'm only 32% in but I'm also wondering how Kya is getting along as a seven year old with no parents or siblings. That doesn't mean I'm not enjoying it just wondering if I know any children who could manage this. Nope. I don't.

>103 BLBera: I'm not great at guessing but here are a few: Atkinson Transcription, Rooney Normal People, Moshfegh My Year of Rest and Relaxation, Edugyan Washington Black, Burns Milkman. I'm hoping that there will be many familiar names so that my TBR doesn't explode. The one I really look forward to is the Walter Scott Prize, which also has a longlist coming out this month.

>104 brenzi: My book group had the same response, until someone mentioned that Kya's father was still around for a few more years, although he was completely unreliable and neglectful.

Those are great picks, Vivian. I was wondering about Unsheltered and Happiness as well. It would be nice if some of the titles are ones that we've read.

I did read some good ones from the Walter Scott Prize last year as well...

I thought Kya had basically been taking care of herself for her whole life -- and it did talk about her failures at cooking at first. The things that really affected me were her desire to read and to know what numbers came after 29. I'll be thinking about that for a long time.

Just checking in, Vivian. Did you get much snow overnight/this morning? We had a few inches but it's already melting.

Hi Beth - lots of surprises on the list! I've read seven and have not heard of many of the others. Happily, my library has copies of all but Remembered and Bottled Goods.

Hi Katie - about 10 inches this am and school was closed. But the roads were fine and I made it into work with no trouble.




#29 Tombland CJ Sansom
Despite its length (36 hours on audio!) this novel is totally worthwhile, centering around the historical Kett's 1549 rebellion by peasants in Norwich who were loyal to the 11 year old king but opposed to the wealthy landlords. Shardlake works for Elizabeth Boleyn, half-sister to the king and third in line to the throne, investigating a gruesome murder which has resulted in the accusation of her relative John Boleyn (a fictional character). Excellent historical notes added at the end. Steven Crossley is a first-rate narrator.

>108 vivians: So glad to see this. I hope to receive my library copy in the next few weeks.

Seven! You are way ahead of me, Vivian. I've only read three. My library has most as well.

>108 vivians: Wasn't that excellent??!! I dread the day he gives up on that series.

Can't wait for the Walter Scott prize longlist. There are always some that intrigue me. And some that make me wonder WTF??

>109 lauralkeet: You're going to love it, Laura!

>110 BLBera: We have our work cut out for us, Beth.

>11 BLBera: Hi Suzanne! Yes, I've loved every one. I keep refreshing the Walter Scott website but no release date is on there. For a while it said February 2019 but they've updated it to say March. Not much time between the longlist and the shortlist though.

DNF Mad Blood Stirring Simon Mayo
I so wanted to love this book and may decide to go back to it at a later date. I love Simon Mayo's books podcast and often act on his recommendations. He wrote a great YA series and the premise historical premise of this book was intriguing (captured and segregated US sailors are incarcerated at Dartmoor Prison as the War of 1812 ends, and they become involved in a production of Romeo and Juliet.) I just couldn't get into it so will leave it for another time.

>112 vivians: I wonder if they are struggling to get through all the books, or arguing over the longlist?? :-)

Hi, Vivian. Good review of The Clockmaker's Daughter. I have never read Morton. I may have to track down the audio.

This year's Walter Scott Prize longlist was posted today.

https://www.thebookseller.com/news/walter-scott-prize-unveils-longlist-965421

Oooh, the Walter Scott list!!!

I confess I appreciated the creativity of Little, which I just finished reading, but didn't actually like it all that much. It emphasizes grotesqueries and caricatures at the expense of historical accuracy, which deeply annoys me in an ostensibly biographical novel. There's also no author's note about how to view his narrative, which is traditional in a historical novel that takes this many liberties. I did have fun with the drawings, but...

I have The Western Wind, Washington Black, After the Party, the new novel by Andrew Miller, and an unread ARC of the Peter Carey book. Have already read Warlight, which I liked a great deal, if not as much as others by Ondaatje, and Tombland, which was every bit as good or even better than early books in that stellar series. This is a kick in the pants to me to read the West Country saga by Tim Pears, which I've been wanting to do for some time. That said, I'm "meh" about Anuradha Roy based on previous books, so may not make that or the Robin Robertson book a priority. Dark Water I know nothing at all about...

>115 kidzdoc: Vivian, how many of the list have you read? Just three for me. It looks like there are some good ones there as well.

>117 BLBera: Which ones have you read??

>112 vivians: >116 Chatterbox: Thanks for your comments Suzanne! I almost bought the Peter Carey when I was in a Barnes & Noble yesterday but my library has it so I resisted. I really love the two books ofTim Pears trilogy...I must have read the first when it appeared on last year's list.
to see it.
>114 msf59: Hi Mark - The Clockmaker's Daughter recommendation came from Beth - I can usually count on her to add to my TBR!

>115 kidzdoc: Thanks so much for the link Darryl. I had been checking daily and had given up, so I was very pleased to see it.

>117 BLBera: I've read four and my library has five more, so I'm hoping to read the whole list.



#30 Everything Under Daisy Johnson
I think I'm in the minority in not gushing about this one, which garnered effusive praise as the retelling of a Greek myth (it would be a spoiler to say which one) and was on the Booker Prize shortlist. There is a shifting timeline as Gretel, a 30-something lexicographer, searches for the mother who abandoned her as a teenager. They had lived an isolated life, first on a houseboat around the canals of Oxfordshire, then on a horse farm. The pair had lived in poverty, and had shared a made-up language and a fear of something demonic lurking in the river. A parallel story involves gender fluidity and a runaway. The writing was too dreamy for me but I can certainly see this debut author's potential.

Apropos of our earlier exchange, here is the schedule for the Montclair Literary Festival. Dani Shapiro is on at 12:15. There are some good events, and most of them are free. My friend, Eileen, and I are going to go for most of the day.

https://succeed2gether.org/mlf-main-program/

>120 katiekrug: - Looks like she is actually appearing twice - she's on a panel about writing memoir at 2:45.

I've read Washington Black, the Peter Carey and Warlight; I think Warlight is my favorite of the three. Lots of good reading ahead, Vivian.

Yes that Walter Scott list is one to whittle one's way through, I think, Vivian.

>120 katiekrug: That looks like a GREAT book festival. If anyone goes to the historical fiction shindig -- please take notes for me...

I'm trying to read my way through library books right now, so it may be a week or two before I get back to the Walter Scott tomes...

>120 katiekrug: Wow that's an amazing line-up. Wish I could join you and Eileen - I hope it's as great as it sounds.

>122 BLBera: I highly recommend the Tim Pears trilogy, well at the least two I've read. They are not long and totally atmospheric.

>123 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, it's one of my favorite lists.

>124 Chatterbox: So many books Suzanne!



#31 Garden of Lamentations Deborah Crombie
The last (#17!) published in this series, all of which I have really enjoyed. Gemma investigates the death of a young nanny whose body is found in a private garden. (As do all of the Crombie novels, this one makes me eager to visit the well-described Notting Hill neighborhood.) Duncan's investigation into corruption at the Met resolves a long-standing story line.

#32 Freshwater Akwaeke Emezi
Debut novel, Women's Prize longlist, narrated by the author. Ada is a young Nigerian woman with multiple personalities caused by a variety of traumatic and disturbing experiences. These different selves are portrayed as gods who have taken root in her mind and body. A very intriguing and unique novel, difficult to read. It is played out through the relationship between Ada and her other selves, so the narrative is often unclear. Still trying to process much of it...and can't figure out the relevance of the title. Definitely a unique take on mental illness and sexual identity.

>126 vivians: Great comments, Vivian. I thought from the description that this one sounded challenging. I'm waiting to get it from the library.

Happy Friday.

>125 vivians: Just in time. I think the new one comes out in the fall.

Hi Vivian. I have a copy of Normal People that I purchased right after its Booker nomination. I haven't read it yet and appreciated your encouraging review.

>126 vivians: Freshwater sounds interesting and challenging. The themes sound like they are up my alley so I'll keep it on my watch list.

I think I liked Everything Under more than you did but certainly not as much as some others on the Booker short list.

I loved the Shetland telly series!! I also enjoyed Peter May's trilogy but have only dipped my toe into Ann Cleeves's various novels. I also love that part of the world, both in person and in literature.

>Is there really going to be a new Crombie? I don't know why but I had the idea that the series was finished. Good news, thanks Beth!

>128 EBT1002: I'm going to start the 2nd in Peter May's trilogy later today. It's good to hear you enjoyed it, Ellen. Right now I'm in the middle of Ordinary People, another women's prize longlist title. The writing is riveting but it's getting a little bogged down. I'm definitely going to stick with it.



#33 Pieces of Me Natalie Hart
Debut novel, Costa Prize shortlist. A British refugee worker meets and American medic in Iraq. Both suffer from PTSD and their marriage and subsequent move to Colorado are explored. Not great.

#34 The Golden Tresses of the Dead Alan Bradley
This provided a good break from all the prizes I've been trying to read. Another convoluted mystery, just a showcase for the precocious talents of the teenage chemist. Enjoyable and a good weekend read.

I'm waiting to get Ordinary People from the library, Vivian. You are really zipping through the longlist. How many have you read? Do you have a favorite so far?

Hi Beth - I've read 8 and Ordinary People will be my 9th. Favorites so far are Ghost Wall, The Silence of the Girls and possibly Milkman. I loved parts of Circe too.

Rafa already 3months old!

>133 vivians: - Cutie!

>133 vivians: What a cutie. They do grow up so fast. I can't believe my little Scout will be in kindergarten in the fall. Before you know it, Rafa will be in school, too!

>132 vivians: Wow, you are almost through the list! Of the four I've read, Ghost Wall and Lost Children Archive are my favorites.

>133 vivians: what a sweetheart!

Thanks Katie, Beth and He's smiling and laughing now, so a big change already.



#35 Ordinary People Diana Evans
Womens Prize longlist. Two couples in contemporary London and a focus on the changing nature of marriage and parenthood. Some great writing but way to long and often boring.

>133 vivians: What an absolute darling Vivian😍

Thanks Bonnie - I'm loving being an "Oma"!!!



#36 The Lewis Man Peter May
This second book in the trilogy is equally as good as the first. Fin Macleod has resigned from the police force and has returned to his home on Lewis Island. A well-preserved body is found in the bog, and clues link it to someone from Fin's past who is suffering from dementia. His garbled recollections are interspersed with the investigation. Loved it.

>139 vivians: I'm going to add this series to my summer reading list, Vivian.

>139 vivians: I actually hope I like that one better than the first. I hope to get to it sometime this summer.

> I highly recommend it Beth and Lori!



#37 A Long Way from Home Peter Carey
Walter Scott longlist. Set in the early 1950s in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, the main characters are Irene and Titch Bobs, a married couple whose great desire is to win a Ford dealership. They enter the Redex trial, a car race which circumnavigates Australia through dangerous road conditions. Their neighbor Willie Bachhuber, a schoolteacher with a slowly revealed past, joins as their navigator. I found it very uneven for the first two-thirds, and then a swerve takes the reader into the horrific crimes against the Aboriginal people. Combining that history with that of a road race diminished its impact for me. Overall good but not great, and therefore somewhat of a disappointment from this Booker-winning author.

>142 vivians: I had similar feelings about this book, Vivian. I read it in the fall and remember very little. I did like Irene.

>133 vivians: Rafa is a handsome boy! Thanks for sharing!

Hi, Vivian. It looks like several of your recent reads are missing the bull's-eye. I hope that turns around. I am reading and enjoying Bowlaway. Have you read McCracken?

How are you doing with the Walter Scott longlist Beth?

Hi Mark - I've never read McCracken but will look for your review!



#38 How to Be a Woman Caitlin Moran
Very entertaining and well-read by the author.



#39 Lost Children Archive Valeria Luiselli
Longlisted for the Women's Prize. Such an important look at the child migrant crisis which unfortunately gets bogged down in the narrative structure. I really struggled to finish it but I know there is tremendous appreciation in the literary world.



#40 Murder in Containment Anne Cleeland
Plots in this series continue to be convoluted but I enjoy the characters very much.

I've still only read three, Vivian. I'm waiting for my turn for a couple.

I think I liked Lost Children Archive more than you did, but I am not in love with her writing style. Too many lists and long, convoluted sentences.

>146 BLBera: That seemed especially true towards the end - just pages and pages with no breaks.



#41 When All is Said Anne Griffiths
One of my favorite Irish authors, John Boyne, raved on twitter about this debut novel. My library had a copy and it was a quick and satisfying read. In a hotel bar, an 84 year old cantankerous Irish farmer/businessman takes stock of his life. He toasts the five people with whom he shared joys and sorrow, and although the ending is predictable it's a very enjoyable ride.

#42 The Lost Man Jane Harper
This was a real winner for me, as were her previous mysteries. This one is a stand-alone, but there are a few tiny crossovers to the Aaron Falk series. It takes place in the Australian outback, where the weather is extreme and strangers are rare, and is the story of three brothers who try to eke out a living there. Loved it!

Vivian, you remind me that The Lost Man has been on my radar for awhile. I don’t know when I’ll get to it. So many books...

Rafa is adorable. I want to give him some virtual snuggles!

You are making good progress on some of the many book lists out there. I am living vicariously through you and some others around here who are keeping up better than me. My strategy is waiting for the short lists!

When All Is Said sounds like one I'd like, Vivian. I reserved a copy at my library. I'm # 19 on the list. Oh well, I do have other things to read.

I need to catch up on Jane Harper. I've only read the first Aaron Falk book, which I really liked. Also you've got me interested in When All is Said Vivian.

The Dry is a wonderful first book isn't it, Vivian.

Have a lovely Sunday.

Hi Donna - I really loved The Lost Man and am still thinking about it a week later. Thanks for the Rafa virtual snuggles....the actual ones are quite enjoyable! I'm so lucky that they are in the city, just an hour away. They'll be moving to Brooklyn in the fall, adding another 30 minutes or so of travel time for us, but still close enough for weekend visits.

>150 BLBera:, >151 brenzi: It's a great debut, Beth & Bonnie, and I'll definitely be looking for more by Griffiths.

>152 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul - I thought The Dry was terrific, and The Force of Nature a little less so. I'm glad people are hearing about her.



#43 The River Peter Heller
Like Donna, I've been a huge fan of Heller since The Dog Stars. This was a gripping story of two close and adventurous college friends, who take a canoe trip in Canada late one summer. It begins with beautiful descriptions of nature and wonderful details about self-sufficiency as the boys travel at a leisurely pace, picking blueberries, fishing and contemplating their futures. They soon face both natural and man-made disasters, which caught me up completely. I was in a 6 hour car trip to Maine and read the entire way, unable to put this down. It would make a fabulous movie.



#44 The Chessman PeterMay
The final book in the trilogy, and once again the mystery (a body is discovered in a wrecked plane) does not dominate the narrative. There are historical anecdotes, including the 1919 wreck in which 200 islanders died, mostly enlisted men returning from the war, as well as stories from Fin Macleod's adolescence. Also highlighted are the Lewis Chessmen, likely carved in Scandinavia in the 12th century and discovered on a Lewis beach in the 1800s. All three books were great reads and highly recommended.

Hi Vivian! Just checking in. How is Jo's college decision coming?

Hi Katie - she's going to American in DC and is totally excited and ready for it!



#45 Little Edward Carey
I had high hopes for this Walter Scott longlist historical fiction about the life of Mme Tussaud but found it way too long and tedious. I enjoyed the illustrations and the state of France before and during the revolution. I just saw in the NYTimes this morning that Carey won a Guggenheim. The writing is good but I don't get the hype.

I've read 7 of the 12 titles on the longlist and only one of my favorites (Warlight) made the shortlist. My other two favorites were The Wanderers and Tombland. 6 titles are on the shortlist and I've only read two of them Warlight and A Long Way from Home.

Yay for DC!

I would like to read the first of the May trilogy this year and Dog Stars. They are both teetering on my desk. We'll see.

The River is already on my Overdrive list but it'll be awhile before it gets to me. It certainly sounds like it'll be worth the wait Vivian. I've loved The Dog Stars and The Painter.

Hi, Vivian. It is great to see the Heller love going on over here. I did not care for Celine but was crazy about his first 2. I am also fortunate to have a copy of The River, waiting nearby. I will probably start it soon.

Sorry, to hear about Little. That sounded really interesting.

>153 vivians: I agree that The River would make an excellent movie. Come to think of it, so would The Dog Stars. I think Peter Heller would be a good actor candidate for the latter. I still have a book crush on the man. He was so sweet to me when I met him in Boulder, CO. *sigh*

>156 katiekrug: It's great that we can visit and not be get in her way - enough for us to do there!

>157 BLBera: I can just imagine the teetering pile, Beth. I have several of those!

>158 brenzi: >159 msf59: Hi Bonnie and Mark - you'll both enjoy The River I think. I raced through it because the plot was so compelling but I think I need to go back and reread it because of his wonderful prose.

>160 Donna828: I would love to meet Peter Heller - lucky you! I think Mark met him as well. I'm glad he's getting lots of recognition - there was a review in the NY Times this past week.

#46 The Unquiet Dead Ausma Zehanat Khan
A mystery which is also historical fiction set in Toronto but exploring the war crimes of a Bosnian Serb int he former Yugoslavia. Well-written, interesting characters and history that needs retelling. Very good - thanks for the rec Beth!

#47 Say Nothing: A true story of murder and memory in Northern Ireland Patrick Radden Keefe
This joins the best narrative non-fiction on my list of favorites. Totally gripping and exhaustive without being boring. Highly recommended for a history of the conflict as well as an examination of the lives of key players. A definite 5 star read for me.

>162 vivians: - Both of those are already on my list! And I am pretty sure I actually have the Khan on my Kindle.

I've had Say Nothing on my Overdrive list since I heard the author interview on NPR earlier this year, Vivian. But with you mentioning how compelling it is just pushed it up the list.

>163 katiekrug: >164 brenzi: Katie and Bonnie - I can't recommend it enough!



#48 All the Lives We Never Lived Anuradha Roy
Walter Scott longlist - the story of a Myshkin Rosario, young boy growing up in the 30s in India who is abandoned by his mother. As an old man, now living in reduced circumstances, he recalls his non-conformist mother and tries to understand her artistic soul. The middle section is the cache of letters written by his mother that sheds some light on her departure, but didn't convince me that leaving her son was justified. I found the pacing quite slow but the thoughtful analyses of the political situation (both in India and throughout the world) absorbing enough to keep me reading until the end.



#49 The End We Start From Megan Hunter
This spare (one sitting) novella was blurbed by Emily St. John Mandel, Jim Crace, Hannah Kent and others, but I can't recall where I read about it. The unnamed narrator and her husband face an environmental disaster (London is under water) immediately after having their first child. There are beautiful passages about motherhood and survival but it didn't evoke much of a reaction for some reason.

ETA: Finally remembered where I heard about The End We Start From - I follow Orkney & Shetland libraries on Twitter (both very witty but not too frequent posters) and they've chosen this book for their "Hurricane Book Club."

Hi, Vivian. I will finish The River tomorrow. It has been a lot of fun and pretty intense.

I am on the wait list for the audio of Say Nothing. It looks great.

I'm glad you liked The River Mark! I know you weren't a fan of Celine but I liked that one too. Dog Stars is still my favorite.



#50 The Pisces Melissa Broder
Women's Prize longlist, not a book for everyone and most definitely not a book for me. An unlikable narrator wallowing in her break-up misery despite her incredibly entitled circumstances, an abundance of cringe-worthy sex scenes, a love addiction support group with cartoonish participants, constant selfish and destructive choices, and animal abuse on top of it all. Would love to hear what others think of it and why it warranted the Women's Prize nod.



#51 An Irish Country Girl Patrick Taylor
A very pleasant accompaniment to many, many hours of cooking & set-up for a Passover seder of 24 guests! Well worth it. This is the fourth in the series set in the mid-1960s and it focuses on the doctors' housekeeper's childhood in the late 1920s in a tiny farming town. A wonderful tale filled with religion and folklore, romance and heartbreak.

Vivian: I do have The Pisces sitting on my desk. Now I'm not sure I want to read it. However, since you want to hear what others think, I might have to return the favor you did me by reading Bus on Thursday.:)

>168 BLBera: I'd love to hear your opinion Beth, but it's not one I'd recommend



#52 The Silent Patient Alex Michaelides
This is an over-hyped psychological thriller. I heard about it on Simon Mayo's podcast and was surprised when it shot to the NY Times bestseller list. It's the first book published by a new imprint so I guess someone deserves a big bonus. The plot: A psychotherapist’s interest in a convicted murderer in a psych facility borders on obsession. The patient, a talented painter, does not speak. It was predictable but still gripping for most of the time. My guess is it will be made into a movie - it definitely read like a screenplay.

>169 vivians: I'll pass on this one, Vivian.

#53 Travelling in a Strange Land David Park
This was one of my rare 5 star reads, recommended by my new favorite Australian podcast, "Books on the Go." I had never heard of this very accomplished Irish author but will be sure to check out his other works. This beautiful story is about a father driving from his home in Ireland to pick up his stranded (and ill with flu) son in Sunderland during a blizzard. The journey involves a treacherous landscape and ample time for the father to contemplate his life, his marriage, his children and his tragic losses. Beautifully written, a real gem.

>171 vivians: - Adding it to the list!

#54 Murder in all Honour Anne Cleeland
I'm getting a little bogged down with series I've started and am trying to make progress. The problem is so many are active series with new installments being added yearly, if not more frequently. This is the 5th Acton and Doyle, still enjoyable although the plots are somewhat repetitive and continue to refer to earlier conspiracies. I do like the relationship between the two and the class and other differences that are present but discounted. It does seem as if Doyle has been pregnant for far too long.

>172 katiekrug: Short and terrific - hope you get to it!

>171 vivians: This one goes on my list, Vivian.

>173 vivians: Hmm. Maybe I should check this one out...

>173 vivians: The problem is so many are active series with new installments being added yearly, if not more frequently.

Oh, don't I know it. I don't have that many series on the go compared to others around here, but I still feel overwhelmed. There are a couple of series where I only have one or two books left and I'd just like to hunker down and finish them, but instead I'm lured by the shiny new releases (C.J. Sansom, Kate Atkinson, Louise Penny, Julia Spencer-Fleming ...). There's no hope.

Hi, Vivian. The Anne Cleeland series: Doyle does stop being pregnant(!), and the series continues to be high quality. It’s one of my favorites right now. A new one came out just recently.

>171 vivians: this sounds like my kind of book Vivian. Hmmm apparently it has no eBook edition which I find astounding since that's my most frequent reading choice unless I take a book off my shelf. My library doesn't own a single physical copy but it sounds so good I may have to buy a copy from Amazon because the local indie never heard of it! Gah! That's what I'll probably do. Temptress.

>178 brenzi: - I am having the same issue, Bonnie.

>175 BLBera: I really recommend the Park, Beth. I believe he's very widely known in the UK but just hasn't made it here. There are so many Irish authors on my favorites list, and I'd be happy to add him as well.

>176 lauralkeet: You're right, Laura, no hope of completion, just keep plugging away!

>177 jnwelch: Yet another Cleeland to add!! The recommendation came from your thread, Joe, so thanks! My library had the first two on audio but not the rest, so I've been using valuable audible credits. Great narrator.

>178 brenzi:, 179 Sorry Bonnie & Katie! I'd offer you my copy but just passed it on to my mother who is loving it too. I ordered it from Book Depository after hearing the rave from my Australian podcast "friends." I find it very curious that I feel as if I know them just because of their weekly updates. There's something about hearing those voices in my ear, I guess.



#55 The Western Wind Samantha Harvey
Longlisted for the Walter Scott prize. I'm somewhat conflicted about this one. On the one hand, it was right up my alley: a 15th century impoverished village in Somerset is cut off from its neighbors by a raging river and the collapse of its only bridge. The narrator John Reve is the parish priest, an honest and empathetic man who is plagued by self-doubt and insecurity. When the town's only rich citizen dies mysteriously, it is Reve's task to unravel the events. Rich details that I found fascinating (neighboring monastery vying for the land, anonymous confessions, food and drink, religious observances) and beautiful prose. My difficulty was in the timeline, which moves backwards for four days from the day of the rich man's death. I was confused in the beginning and almost stopped, but I'm very glad I kept going. In fact I was tempted to reread it immediately. So overall, much more good than bad.

#56 Case Histories Kate Atkinson
A reread in anticipation of the newest Jackson Brodie. Loved it when I first read it, loved it even more the second time around.



#57 The Language of Secrets Ausma Khan
Second instalment, loosely based on the thwarted Toronto 18 plot to blow up the Canadian Parliament. Very thoughtful portrayal of the difficulties Muslims experience re assimilation, identity, observance and family. Great dcharacters, good writing.

#58 Praise Song for the Butterflies Bernice McFadden
Women's Prize longlist - very simply written and horrifying story about ritual slavery in a fictional African nation. Pretty gut-wrenching and a very contrived ending.

>182 vivians: - Hmmm... that one's been on my list.

>183 katiekrug: It's a very quick read but its effect lingers. It definitely wasn't enjoyable and I had stylistic issues but I'd say overall it was worthwhile.

Ok, good to know. I'll keep it on the list then.

Always interesting books being read over here. Good review of The Western Wind. I have added it to the list. I should also revisit Case Histories and I also loved Praise Song for the Butterflies.

Hi Katie and Mark! Next one was not so interesting...



#59 Next Year in Havana Chanel Cleeton
This came close to being a DNF for me, but it was on audio from the library and I could listen at 1.5x speed. It's a highly politicized tome masquerading as romantic fiction, and since I disagreed with the point of view, I found it annoying. A wealthy and entitled Miami journalist, whose grandmother fled Cuba with the rest of the landed gentry when Castro came to power, visits the island in an attempt to unearth family secrets. She meets a gorgeous, unattached history professor, who concurs with her opinion about the evil dictatorship. I strenuously object to the influence this wealthy minority has had on US policy for the last 60 years, and to the US embargo that has caused (and continues to cause) such suffering for the Cuban people. I feel a rant coming on so will stop here.

>187 vivians: - Pass.

#60 The American Agent Jacqueline Winspear
This is the 15th in the series, which has had its ups and downs. I appreciate the author's willingness to let time march on: the series began at the onset of WWI and is now set during the 1940 Blitz. I enjoy the recurring characters as well as the focus on historical detail. An American journalist, on the verge of being hired by Edward R Murrow (whose daily reports on the courage of Londoners had a profound impact countering US isolationism) is murdered. With the help of embassy staff (some great tidbits about the slimeball, Joseph Kennedy), Maisie investigates even as she is distracted by personal doings. Enjoyable.

>187 vivians: I'll pass, Vivian.

I wasn't thrilled about the ending for Praise Song for the Butterflies, either. I was expecting more from the book, I think.

>189 vivians: I'm behind on my Maisie reading. I must catch up.

I'm waiting for The Western Wind.

Hi Beth! I just stated the Jonis Agee this morning on audio, but sadly there was no traffic so I didn't get very far!

Yesterday I took my daughter to a concert in Philly. It was a 3 hour, rainy drive but the performer was her hero (Tony-award winning Ben Platt, who is only 24 and has now released his first solo album) and his NY show had sold out too quickly for us to get seats. This performance was also a sell-out, and was well worth the drive. A very enthusiastic, mixed-age crowd, and tremendous talent. We both really loved it. Tough drive home, though.



# 61 >Sapphira and the Slave girl Willa Cather
Cather's last (and only Southern) novel, written in 1940, about a pre-Civil War Virginia mill town. The miller is a deeply religious man who is conflicted about slavery; his wife is of a higher social class and has brought slaves into the marriage. Apparently this is a fictionalization of a story Cather had been told as a child. Worthwhile.

I hope you like the Agee, Vivian.

>191 vivians: Oh, you saw Ben Platt! Your daughter must have been thrilled. And you win the BEST MOM award for all that driving!

Oof, don't envy you having to drive in all that rain yesterday - and on Mother's Day, no less!

>192 BLBera: So far I'm liking it a lot, Beth. I have it on CDs from the library so I can only listen during my commute (about 25 minutes each way) so it will take some time!

>193 lauralkeet: She was ecstatic, Laura, but still crabby getting up for school on Monday morning! I thought he was terrific and expect him to continue to do great things in the music world. He just announced Radio City Music Hall shows in the fall but by then Jo will be away at school. Yesterday was her last AP and last day of high school and she now has a 5 week internship (at an organic farm and fish pond!) until graduation.

>194 katiekrug: Actually I prefer that kind of day! I had a great time with Jo. I'm really lucky and see a lot of my kids and I absolutely HATE to force them into a family gathering as my in-laws insisted on for too many years. Plus she slept the whole way home which gave me several hours of quiet (Audible) time!



#62 Prodigal Summer Barbara Kingsolver
I really loved this 2001 book which I had never read. Strong, capable, independent women in Southern Appalachia, all filled with a deep appreciation and gratitude for nature. Beautiful, passionate writing, with a focus on the loss of the American chestnut trees and the treatment of forest predators, particularly coyotes. The three threads begin with "Predators" which follows Deanna, who is a Forest Preserve ranger and lives alone in a small cabin high upon Zebulon Mountain. She unexpectedly begins a romance with a roaming coyote poacher, although Deanna is working tirelessly to protect a hidden den of coyotes. Next is "Moth Love" about newly married scientist Lusa and her adjustment to life on her husband's family farm and the large family that comes along with it. Finally there is "Old Chestnuts" which focuses on Garnett and Nannie, two old folks who have lived next door to each other their whole lives. The cantankerous relationship between them eventually arrives at mutual understanding and a unique sense of harmony. Some object to Kingoslver's "preachiness" about ecology issues in all her books, but I didn't feel any heavy-handedness in this one.

>195 vivians: - I just meant driving in the rain is the pits, not that spending time with your daughter is :)

Prodigal Summer was actually my first Kingsolver - read in 2001 or 2002 for a short-lived book club I belonged to in DC. I remember liking it but nothing else about it. It's on my mental "To Re-Read" pile.

ETA: My trusty spreadsheet tells me I read it in January 2002.

>195 vivians: Prodigal Summer was on my Top Ten list in 2001. I’m glad to see you loved it as much as I did. I plan to read it again one of these years.

Your Mother’s Day sounds pretty fine to me. I like having one-on-one with my kid or grandkids. It’s a whole different experience without the rest of the family around.

I loved Prodigal Summer too, Vivian. It's tagged "read before 2000" in my library, with a 4-star rating based on some sort of gut feel the day I entered it into LT. But still that sounds about right.

We keep Mother's Day pretty low key as well. Our family is small so big get-togethers are not a thing, and I have never felt the holiday deserved all the Hallmark-y attention that it gets. By virtue of our vacation we were together as a family on Mother's Day, but otherwise I wouldn't have expected either of my kids to go to all kinds of extra effort.

Hi Vivian: You make me want to reread Prodigal Summer; I don't remember much of it. It's nice to have something good to listen to for the commute, right?

I'm another one who read Prodigal Summer back around 2001 Vivian. I also remember very little about it but I'm glad to see others have similar memories and it's not just me with the awful memory lol.

>196 katiekrug:,197, 198, 199, 200 Hi Katie, Donna, Laura, Beth and Bonnie and thanks for all the Prodigal Summer love! I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who suffers from memory lapses, even when it comes to favorite books.

I'm enjoying my Jackson Brodie rereads and looking forward to the new one, Big Sky.



#63 One Good Turn Kate Atkinson
Still a late-night page turner, even the second time around. Among other witnesses, Jackson Brodie sees a road rage in front of his girlfriend's theater at the Edinburgh Festival. Assorted characters, all with rich back stories, include a wimpy crime writer novelist, a sleazy real estate developer, a hard-boiled (and single) police detective dealing with her truant son, and a number of Russian domestic workers, all of whom are connected in the end. Loved it.

Hi Vivian.

Oh, I have the Olive Edition of How to Be a Woman so I'm looking forward to that!

I've not read Sapphira and the Slave Girl but will add it to my list. I have several of Cather's works yet to get to but I have loved everything I've read so far.

You also make me want to reread Prodigal Summer. In fact, when I retire (39+ months to go, but who's counting?) I might do a reread of several of Kingsolver's works. That would be a good project for that first year of freedom....

I love the idea of rereading Kingsolver, Ellen, she's definitely on my favorite author list. 39 months will pass in flash!

I had a wonderful day yesterday with my 4 kids and grandson Rafa. Here's a photo of them on the stoop of the Brooklyn brownstone to which Marcus (oldest and dad of Rafa) & family will be moving after renovations are completed this summer. They're all very different but are fabulous kids and I'm feeling very lucky and grateful!

#64 Queen Lucia E.F. Benson
This 1920s social satire has been on my TBR forever, and I was excited to find it on hoopla audio. In a small village, far enough from London to be considered rural, a pretentious and snobbish woman rules over her neighbors and directs the life and culture of the community. Although it's a great caricature of the British class just below the titled gentry, I found the characters wearing. Not sure I'll continue the series.

>204 vivians: - Great photo!

>204 vivians: Beautiful family, Vivian.

>205 vivians: Oh wow, I sort of love that series. The humor just struck me as, idk, just so funny. I need to read that last couple in the series. Yes, Lucia is insufferable but that's the point I think lol.

>191 vivians: Love the cover of the Cather book. I was not familiar with this title.

>195 vivians: Great review of Prodigal Summer. I have this on shelf and need to pluck it down.

>204 vivians: I love this family photo. Such a good looking bunch. Go Rafa!

Thanks Katie, Bonnie and Mark! I'm conflicted at times about posting family photos, but you all seem like friends so I guess it's appropriate!



#65 The Long Take Robin Robertson
Short-listed for the 2018 Booker, long-listed for the 2019 Walter Scott, and winner of many other awards. It's a long narrative poem, about a Canadian soldier suffering from PTSD after his Normandy landing. He travels to LA and San Francisco, experiencing these cities as they transform in the 1950s. Heartbreaking examinations of homelessness, racism, fascism, poverty. Not my choice of form but beautifully written - I may revisit on audio to hear rather than read it.

>204 vivians: Excellent photo!

>209 vivians: Nice review of The Long Take. I should have read it last summer, but I'll try to do so by the end of this year.

>204 vivians: What a lovely picture. And, oh that Rafa. I want to give him some snuggles.

Thanks Darryl and Donna!



#66 When Will There Be Good News Kate Atkinson
I'm loving my reread of the Jackson Brodies. Characters just leap off the pages, especially Reggie Chase,a smart and funny 16 year old mother's helper, and her employer, Dr. Joanna Hunter, generous and accomplished survivor of an unspeakably sad childhood. Not getting enough sleep these days, but it's worth it.

Vivian, are you listening to the Jackson Brodie series or reading? I thought about revisiting them on audio but I'm afraid the various story threads would get confused for me...

I'm doing a mix. I HAD to read One Good Turn because the library audio was (shudder) abridged. It said "abridged by author" but that wasn't tolerable at all. This last one was on hoopla and was read by Steven Crossley (who just kept me company for 37 hours of Tombland). Great voice. And there are several story threads but Atkinson does a great job of reviewing events, often through the eyes of another character, so that everything seems clear and straightforward.

Okay, good to know. Thanks!

Sure thing!

#67 The Bones of Paradise Jonis Agee
Beth's recommendations usually really resonate with me but this one didn't. Parts were fascinating, especially the examination of the atrocities of Wounded Knee and the relationship of native Americans and ranchers in the Nebraska Sandhills. But I found it long and confusing at times, and there was no suspense about the murderer. I listened to CDs from the library and therefore couldn't adjust the speed, so it was painfully slow.

Very sad literary news - Tony Horwitz died suddenly today while on book tour. He was a Pulitzer Prize winner (as is his wife, Geraldine Brooks), and one of my favorite non-fiction authors. He was only 60.

Spring Ali Smith
A highly politicized 3rd volume of the quartet, with a focus on immigration policy but also with nods to Brexit, Trump, the rise of populism, cable news, rape threats to British MPS, and more. Many connections to earlier volumes but still a stand-alone. Once again a look at under-recognized women artists, this time the New Zealand writer Katherine Mansfield and the painter Tacita Dean. (Once again, a lot of googling while reading.) There are two storylines which eventually merge: an elderly film/TV director Richard Lease falls into a deep depression after the death of his best friend and collaborator. Rather than compromise his talents, he heads to Scotland, all the while carrying on conversations with his imaginary daughter. And then there's Brit, who works in a particularly horrific detention center for migrants. They are brought together by a mysterious schoolgirl, who, in my mind, represents the Parkland kids and Greta Thunberg - the ones who hold out the prospect of change and hope. There were many connections and references, from Dickens to Beethoven to Charlie Chaplin. It would be wonderful to read an annotated version because it is truly a brilliant novel.

>218 vivians: ooh, I didn't realize the third volume was out. I liked the first two a lot and this one sounds very interesting.

>216 vivians: Sorry this didn't work for you, Vivian

>218 vivians: I can't wait to get to this one. Sometime this summer. :)

>204 vivians: You have a beautiful family.

One advantage of not remembering much about books is that rereads of mysteries can be satisfying. :)

>The first volume, Autumn, is still my favorite. I understand and sympathize with Smith's anger about the state of the world but it comes off as quite overwhelming in this volume.

>Thanks Beth, and you're absolutely right about rereads. I can't believe how frequently I draw a blank about the tending of a book.



#69 Lanny Max Porter
I picked this up at the library after reading about it on Darryl's thread. It's short, extremely inventive (can't imagine that it would work on audio), and reminiscent of Reservoir 13, Booker nominee and Costa winner about the effects of the disappearance of a young girl in an English village. An eccentric and creative boy and his mundane and entitled parents move away from London (although the father still commutes). Lanny forms a friendship with a famous, reclusive artist with whom he develops a strong bond. The part that worked less well for me was the supernatural character of Dead Papa Toothwort, who has lived in the village for centuries and is both a protector of and a threat to Lanny. The middle and end were riveting.

#70 Started Early, Took My Dog Kate Atkinson
Slightly less fantastic than the other Jackson Brodies. Multiple storylines, complex characters, back-and-forth timelines, somehow all these work in Atkinson's hands. Several children feature in this installment, as well as a retired and disgruntled police detective, Tracey Waterhouse. The setting, Leeds and its environs, has a prominent place, and is quite a change from the Edinburgh of earlier novels. I'm eager to read Big Sky, the newest in the series, to see if it measures up.

Nice review of Lanny, Vivian. That was one of the two books that Rachael (@FlossieT), my book sister, recommended to me during my visit to London last month. I'll probably read it within the next week or so.

>222 vivians: I had similar feelings about Started Early, Took my Dog. I read it when it was first released, so I just read my review to refresh my memory. I liked the multiple storylines but thought Jackson's investigation felt almost superfluous. My review also mentions a "tiny cliffhanger" for the next book, which of course I've completely forgotten. You'll have to let me know if there's any connection between this book and Big Sky.

>223 kidzdoc: I'm curious to hear what Rachael's other recommendation was. She seems to have a good sense of what you'll enjoy. I'm eagerly awaiting the Booker nominations, as those provide much of my summer/fall reading choices.

>Atkinson definitely didn't wrap everything up at the end, but I was satisfied nevertheless.



#71 Gratitude Oliver Sacks
I originally bought this slim volume for my mother, hoping the positive sensibility of the dying Sacks would penetrate the difficult and sometimes lonely existence of a 94 year old widow. I listened to these essays on audio and found them to be profound reflections on how to reach life's end with dignity and grace.

#72 Kings of the Earth Jon Clinch
Recommended by Katie and I think Beth too. Harsh landscape, grueling farm life: three elderly brothers on a derelict dairy farm in upstate NY. Somewhat confusing timelines and narrative voices but totally compelling and gritty and unforgettable.

Gratitude sounds wonderful, Vivian.

>226 vivians: I haven't read this, so it wasn't me, much as I would like to take credit.

Have a wonderful weekend.

>226 vivians: I read Kings of the Earth recently, when Jon Clinch was the AAC author of the month. So good.

I also loved Kings Of The Earth when I read it several years ago Vivian.

I'm really torn about the Ali Smith novels. I was ready to give them a shot even though I've been completely let down by the two that I read several years ago. You don't seem completely sold on this one and Donna recently panned this latest one completely. I think I'll put off the reading of these novels for the time being.

On the other hand I think I have you and Mark to thank for The Hearst's Invisible Furies. I'm absolutely loving it. And also I think you're one of the ones who raved about Peter May's The Blackhouse which is absolutely fabulous on audio. I may go right on to the next book in the trilogy.

>225 vivians: The other book that Rachael recommended to me is The Heartland: Finding and Losing Schizophrenia by Nathan Filer, a former mental health nurse who wrote the Costa Book Award winning novel The Shock of the Fall, a book that I enjoyed. The only reason I didn't buy it last month is because it was only published this week. Rachael knows that I follow the Booker and the Wellcome Book Prizes closely, and both of the books she recommended would seem to be string candidates to be chosen for the prizes' upcoming longlists.

>227 BLBera:, 228 I credited Beth for the Kings of the Earth recommendation and it looks like it was all Laura (and Katie's) fault. I have to find a better way to remind who is sending me BBs.

>229 brenzi: I'm ambivalent about Ali Smith too, Bonnie. I was not a fan of her earlier novels, and thought both were over-hyped. But I've really admired the first three of the quartet, in particular their immediate political relevance.
Yay for the Boyne (Mark definitely deserves credit for that one) and for the Peter May trilogy. I am so eager to travel to Scotland after reading that series, the Shetland novels, Kate Atkinson, etc. Definitely high on my list.

>230 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl, I'll definitely add both Filer books.

DNF Trust Exercise Susan Choi
I got about halfway through then had to give up. Students at a highly specialized performing arts school (first set in the 1980s then jumps ahead to present day) have passionate adolescent relationships and are manipulated most horribly by their teacher. I found it overwritten and the jarring shift in narrator and timeline just were too much for me.

Glad Kings of the Earth worked for you, too, Vivian!

Thanks for the plug, Katie!

Just read that Ann Patchett has a new novel coming out in September: The Dutch House. Can't wait - she's one of my favorites.



#73 The Overnight Kidnapper Andrea Camilleri
Less aging angst from inspector Montalbano made this installment better than the last few. It was also more gruesome, and more of a straight police procedural.

Also....Paris suggestions anyone? Looks like we'll be going from 6/28 to 7/7. Thanks!

Ooh a new Ann Patchett! That's exciting news, she's one of my favorite authors too.

I'm also a Patchett fan, Vivian. Thanks for the heads up.

Ooh! Ooh! Me three! Have put it on my Amazon "Not Yet Released" list...

>234 lauralkeet:, 235 One more to add to the list!

>236 katiekrug: Katie, I called Greenlight Books and they will be hosting Patchett at St. Joseph's sometime in September. They're not disclosing moderator or date yet, but I'll keep an eye out for the press release. Any interest?



#74 Disappearing Earth Julia Phillips
Really terrific debut novel. It takes place on the Kamchatka peninsula (lots of googling went on throughout), where two young girls are lost/abducted/missing. All the subsequent chapters circle this mystery, with peripheral characters (all women) affected as the months go by. Each chapter reads like a short story, which was the only downside: I wanted more resolution for each one. Great sense of place, of different cultures (ethnic minorities as well as Russians), of political realities after the fall of the USSR. Highly highly recommended.

>237 vivians: - I might be but it would depend when in September. I'll be out of town toward the end. Keep me posted!

>237 vivians: Ohhhh I have that one on my Overdrive list and you've just made it Must Read, Vivian so thanks for that.

>237 vivians: this does sound great, Vivian. I'm # 12 on the wait list. :(

>233 vivians: I'm behind on the series, but I'll keep in mind the "aging angst" as I get further into the series. I've read the series out of order, but the highest sequential one to which I've read or listened is 16. I still have many early ones to go!

>238 katiekrug: Greenlight usually announces only a month or two in advance so I'll keep checking and will let you know. Gideon (son #2) is getting married in September in Maine so it'll be a busy month for us.

>239 brenzi:, 240 SO eager to hear both of your thoughts on Disappearing Earth. The (American) author was interviewed on the NY Times book review podcast last week and talked about living on the peninsula for a year or so. I'm still thinking about it and for me that's a sign of a really good read.

>241 thornton37814: Hi Lori - I was sorry to read an LT post about Camilleri being admitted to the hospital. He's 93 and still cranking out the Montalbano series. Amazing.



#75 Murder in Shadow Anne Cleeland
I think this is book #6 in the Acton/Doyle series. (Really missing FictFact). I find these mysteries very convoluted, involving lots of corruption and double-crossing, but I enjoy the characters and that makes them worthwhile. The class difference between the two is wonderfully written.

#76 Coffin Road Peter May
Another Hebrides hit for me. I loved his Lewis Trilogy, and there was one overlapping character in this one. A man is washed up on a beach on Harris Island with no memory of who he is and how he got there. The mystery unfolds slowly and in a very gripping manner, and the environmental message it conveys is very timely. Thanks to Richard for recommending this - I plan to read May's others as well.

>242 vivians: That is sad news about Camilleri's condition.

Hi Vivian, I'm nearing the end of The Lewis Man and I'm once again amazed by the incredible narration of a terrific story. The narrator (Peter Forbes) has done a yeoman's job with the character with dementia and communicating that dementia so compassionately. Just a wonderful series. Thanks so much for your recommendation.

Congrats on zipping past the goal!

Congratulations, Vivian!

Congrats on reaching and passing 75, Vivian. I don't know how you do it.

Congrats on reaching 75 and beyond, Vivian!

>242 vivians: I'm another fan of the Acton/Doyle series (starting with Murder in Thrall. Like you, it's the characters, particularly the two principals, who make for me. I don't mind the convoluted plotting so much, but I think Cleeland needs to stop relying so much on Acton holding back key info from Kathleen, and Kathleen always, eventually, sorting it out. His reasons for holding back never seem very convincing to me, especially now that he's seen Kathleen figure it out over and over again. Having said that, I'm caught up on the series and already looking forward to the next one!

>244 thornton37814: So sad; I haven't heard any updates.

>245 brenzi: So glad you're enjoying Peter May, Bonnie! I loved the audio too.

>246 drneutron:, 246, 248 Thanks Jim, Darryl and Beth. I didn't even realize I had hit the 75 mark. LT has definitely improved both the quality and quantity of my reading.

>247 kidzdoc: The recommendation for that series came from you, Joe, so many thanks! I'm still enjoying them as well, although the "prickling scalp" seems to be a bit overused whenever a detecting leap has to be made.



#77 Bibliophile Jane Mount
I read through this twice and loved every minute! Beautiful illustrations, great trivia and quotes, lovely images of bookstores and wonderful recommendations. I think I need to buy my own copy.

>242 vivians: Congratulations on reaching 75, Vivian!

Thank you Anita!



#78 After The Party Cressida Connolly
Walter Scott shortlist. Fascinating look at the British Fascist Party from 1938-1942 through the lens of a well-to-do family. Lots of interesting historical details about the nationalist movement widely regarded as traitors and Nazi sympathizers. The story itself made me uncomfortable: there was never a sense that the participants, even after years of confinement, came to understand the odious ideology. The fascists were presented as peace-loving people running lovely summer camps. Perhaps it can be read as a warning about the naiveté of "respectable" citizens.

#79 Dreyer's English Benjamin Dreyer
Who knew that a style guide by a copy editor could be so engaging? Witty, interesting, pragmatic and a delight for "word-nerds."

>250 vivians: Yes, you do need to own a copy of Bibliophile, Vivian. I have been working my way slowly through my copy.

>252 vivians: I've wondered about this one. I think my library has a copy.

>253 vivians: This sounds like my cup of tea!

>252 vivians: "There were good people....on both sides" is what this reminds me of Vivian. I think I'll pass. But Dreyer's English sounds like my cuppa too.

>255 BLBera: Agree!

>256 brenzi: Yes, good point Bonnie. I'm not sure if that's what the author was going for but it sure seemed that way.



#80 An Absolutely Remarkable Thing Hank Green
I had absolutely no expectations when I started this on audio, I just had read some of his brother's John Green YA works. It was a quite diverting premise: a 20-something bisexual art school grad stuck in a dead-end NYC job makes first contact with an alien. All the YouTube, Instagram and FB content was too much internet culture for me though. I believe this will be book 1 of a series as it ended in a cliffhanger. I don't regret reading it but wouldn't recommend.

#81 Miss Mapp E. F. Benson
In the second of the"Mapp and Lucia" novels, published in 1922, Benson shifts the scene from the village of Riseholme to that of Tilling. The focus shifts to Elizabeth Mapp, who rules with rather a heavier and more judgmental hand. She is unlikable, nosey, pretentious and small-minded. It's very out-dated but still entertaining. Audio was available on hoopla so I'll likely continue the series.

We're leaving tomorrow for a week in Paris (can't wait) so thanks in advance for keeping the thread warm and I'll be back in July!

Have a great time in Paris, Vivian! Hopefully the heat wave there will have passed by the time of your arrival.

Safe travels, Vivian, or should I say bon voyage! What books are you taking?

I hope you're having a good time in Paris in spite of the heat wave!

>204 vivians: I love that photo of your kids (and grandkid).

Enjoy Paris!

>237 vivians: I really want a copy of Disappearing Earth.

Will catch up soon, in the meantime:

>263 vivians: Nice; enjoy Paris!

>263 vivians: - Cute!

Hope re-entry into RL isn't too painful...

>263 vivians: I love it! It looks like you had a great time.

>263 vivians: oh how cute is that. I hope you had a nice trip, Vivian.

>263 vivians: Sweet!

>263 vivians: Hooray for Baby Rafa! He is a cutie!

I am waiting for my audio turn at Disappearing Earth. It sounds great. I am just about finished with The Great Believers and it has been excellent.

Hi Darryl, Beth, Judy, Ellen, Katie, Laura, Beth and Mark! Thanks for your visits and good wishes. Our Paris trip was wonderful, despite the heat. We stayed in an airbnb (without A/C, unfortunately) in a wonderful neighborhood. My definition of wonderful involves a patisserie on every corner, of course. We walked an average of 9 miles a day, went to many museums (not the Louvre - crowds were too massive), ate very well, and even had the terrific experience of watching the US-France quarterfinal soccer match in a park with enormous screens. Had a fabulous stop at Shakespeare & Co where I bagged the Booker Int'l winner Celestial Bodies as well as a paperback of Big Sky.

Babysitting Rafa was hugely fun too. His parents had a number of wedding events to attend, plus we always took him in the evenings so they could go out to eat.

We had a disastrous return trip - flight was cancelled and American told us it would take 3 days to rebook. We purchased new tickets from Norwegian and left after spending a stressful 9 hours at DeGaulle. Hoping for a refund.

I only read one book the entire week, and I'm still jet-lagged and catching up at work. It was worth it though.

#82 Now We Shall Be Entirely Free Andrew Miller
Walter Scott longlist. Author of Pure, a terrific historical novel which won the Costa Prize a number of years ago. This is a historical novel and an adventure story about a British army captain who returns home wounded after the British army's retreat through Spain after battling Napoleon. He flees to the Hebrides in order to assuage his guilt over a brutal incident, and is tracked by a vicious army officer. I really enjoyed this one and it probably would have been a rave if I hadn't had such interrupted reading.

#83 The Body Lies: A Novel Jo Baker

Having loved two of Jo Baker's earlier novels, Longbourn, Pride and Prejudice from the point of view of the servants in the Bennet household, and A Country Road, A Tree, a fictionalized account of Samuel Beckett's years during WWII, I had no idea what to expect. I remain amazed at Baker's ability to change genres, voices, time periods and style. This is a literary suspense novel, written in multiple voices, focused on a young writer who accepts a teaching position at a rather isolated university. The creative writing discussions were fascinating, and the plot was gripping.



#84 Grief is the Thing With Feathers Max Porter
Novella, read after being entranced by Porter's Lanny. The sudden death of a beloved wife and mother leaves the small family reeling. The father is a Ted Hughes scholar, and the black crow from the Hughes poem appears as a guide though the mourning process. Beautifully written: sad, funny, a definite re-read.

"Moving on, as a concept, is for stupid people, because any sensible person knows grief is a long-term project. "

Vivian - All of these books sound wonderful >270 vivians:, >271 vivians:! Off to check to see if my library has copies. I hope you're starting to feel rested. It took me about a week when I returned. It didn't help that I was waking up at 3 in the morning.

Your trip sounds wonderful. Yes, babysitting the grandchildren is never a burden.

Hi Beth - I've had a run of a couple of really good ones! I'm still feeling sleep-deprived from the trip - it's always harder coming home.



#85 Celestial Bodies Jokha Alharthi
Purchased at Shakespeare & Company! I'd be happy to pass it on to anyone who's interested. Man Booker International Prize winner. Traditional vs modern in a family saga set in Oman (plot points contain slaves and Range Rovers!) I had trouble with both the shifting timeline and the complicated family tree but overall thought it very interesting.