Quick Book Reviews

matrix by lauren groff

10/8/2021

Matrix by Lauren Groff
257 pages

What’s it about?
Marie is a 17-year-old half royal orphan when Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine sends her to live in a an impoverished abbey, where she will eventually become the prioress. She is deemed unfit to stay at court because of her ungainly appearance and perhaps her strange ways. She is initially inconsolable under the care of the old abbess, but she soon finds her place. The story is based loosely on the life of the 12th century poet Marie de France.

What did it make me think about?
Faith, mysticism, and the sheer power of women.

Should I read it?
This is a very different review than I thought I would write. Initially I was forcing myself to read a few pages of "Matrix" and thought I would just plod through it for the beautiful sentences. Little did I know that as I read I would slowly be drawn into the world of the Abbey and I would look forward to some time with the nuns. This is by far my favorite book by Lauren Groff, and while it might not be for everyone, it is a masterful story from a very talented writer.

Quote-
"The need to enlarge the abbey she has thought of as an extension of her own body. Her actions always in reaction to the question of what she could have done in the world, if she had only been given her freedom."

"All souls are limited in the circles of their own understanding."

If you liked this try-
The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish
The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton

9 stars

the sweetness of water by nathan harris

10/2/2021

The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
358 pages

What’s it about?
The Civil War is ending and brothers Prentiss and Landry have been freed. They walk off the plantation and find refuge nearby in the Walkers' woods. When George Walker comes upon them he hires them both to work his farm for a fair wage. The plan is for them to save money and make their way North after the Walker crops come in. When the Walker's son, Caleb, unexpectedly returns from the war, a chain of events is triggered that will have an impact on everyone at the Walker farm.

What did it make me think about?
How difficult change is- individually and as a society.

Should I read it?
I enjoyed this novel set after the Civil War and during reconstruction. Nathan Harris writes characters that are nuanced and complicated. What a time in history. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys historical fiction.

Quote-
"What went unspoken was the burden of freedom. Not that Landry missed Mr. Morton's ownership- far from it. No, it was rather that he and his brother had been tethered to each other then. The chains that held them down also held them together."

If you liked this try-
The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr.
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
LaRose by Louise Erdrich
Lazaretto by Diane McKinney-Whetstone

8 stars

end of watch by stephen king

10/2/2021

End of Watch by Stephen King
429 pages

What’s it about?
In this last novel of the "Mr. Mercedes" trilogy, Detective Hodges and Holly Gibney continue their mission to stop Brady Hartsfield from hurting anyone else.

What did it make me think about?
All good things must come to an end.

Should I read it?
I came to Stephen King novels a little late in life. I was under the impression they were all too scary for me. I am so glad I tried his books. Stephen King can write a thriller! Of course you should read the whole trilogy.

Quote-
" 'I'm at the scene of a murder-suicide. I'd like you to come out and take a look. Bring your sidekick with you, if she's available and agreeable. I hate to say this, but I think she actually be a little smarter than you are.' "

If you liked this try-
American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson
Bearskin by James A. McLaughlin
My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent
The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld

8 1/2 stars

the beauty in the breaking by michele harper

9/28/2021

The Beauty in the Breaking by Michele Harper
280 pages

What’s it about?
Michele Harper is a Black woman who works as an Emergency Room doctor. Her memoir is one woman's journey of self- growth and discovery.

What did it make me think about?
What an interesting perspective.

Should I read it?
Through her stories of life in the E.R. (treating all kinds of patients) we see Ms. Harper's intellect, her kindness, and her compassion. What we do not see is much joy, or any humor. This makes for a rather preachy book. I must say that I admire Michele Harper and if I ever find myself in an E.R. I would consider myself fortunate to see her standing by my bedside.

Quote-
"I knew myself well enough to know that when I leave, I leave for good. First comes the physical separation; the emotional disentanglement follows in time,"

If you liked this try-
On the Move by Oliver Sacks
Crying in the H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Fire Shut up In My Bones by Charles M. Blow

7 stars

the song of achilles by madeline miller

9/27/2021

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
372 pages

What’s it about?
In this retelling of "The Iliad" Madeline Miller reimagines the tale of Achilles through the eyes of his best friend Patroclus. Patroclus is an awkward young prince when he is stripped of his title and exiled from his homeland. He is sent to live in the small country of Phthia where he meets the truly remarkable young Prince Achilles. They forge a bond that will last throughout their lives.

What did it make me think about?
A good story can be retold forever.

Should I read it?
I really enjoyed "Circe" by Madeline Miller and promised myself I would get to this book as well. It took me a while but I finally read it. This is an adventure story, a love story, and a lesson in the Classics all at once. I would definitely recommend this book!

Quote-
"Who was he if not miraculous and radiant? Who was he if not destined for fame?"

If you liked this try-
Circe by Madeline Miller
Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeymii
The Enchanted by Rene Denfield

8 1/2 stars

agatha of little neon by claire luchette

9/14/2021

Agatha of Little Neon by Claire Luchette
271 pages

What’s it about?
Agatha takes her vows to become a nun in her early twenties and spends the next nine years under the care of Mother Roberta and alongside Therese, Frances, and Mary Agatha working in the nursery. Over time more and more professional daycares open and fewer and fewer babies come for the nuns to take care of. The church decides to close the nursery and move the nuns to a new location. Mother Roberta retires and the three sisters are moved together and put in charge of a halfway house serving recovering felons and addicts. "Four sisters in heavy habits, muttering Glory Bes, who slept with their mouths open and ate beef jerky straight from the plastic. We were the opposite of invisible, but still difficult for people to see. When people saw our habits, they ceased to see our faces."

What did it make me think about?
Who is called...

Should I read it?
This slim novels reads like a series of short vignettes. Sister Agatha really touched my heart. She is worth getting to know.

Quote-
"We'd come to Woonsocket to care for these people, but we had no idea what that meant. We thought we had things to give them, prayer and compassion and mercy and home-cooked meals, but none of this was enough.
It's truer to say that we -or, I, at least-had come because we'd been told it was God's plan, which a lot of the time has nothing to do with what you had in mind for yourself."

If you liked this try-
All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews
Driftless by David Rhodes
What Are You Going Through by Sigrid Nunez
The Weekend by Charlotte Wood

8 1/2 stars

Crying in the h mart by michelle zauner

9/9/2021

NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER • A Best Book of 2021: Entertainment Weekly, Good Morning America, Wall Street Journal, and more

From the indie rockstar of Japanese Breakfast fame, and author of the viral 2018 New Yorker essay that shares the title of this book, an unflinching, powerful memoir about growing up Korean American, losing her mother, and forging her own identity.

Crying in the H Mart by Michelle Zauner
239 pages

What’s it about?
The old adage that "complicated relationships bring complicated grief" is demonstrated in this memoir. Michelle is only in her mid-twenties when she realizes that her mother is seriously ill. She is just beginning to come to terms with her immigrant mother and their complicated love when she finds herself having to say goodbye. Mother and daughter relationships are always complicated but this memoir shows us the added burden of being from distinctly different cultures.

What did it make me think about?
Mothers and daughters and food!

Should I read it?
If you are a fan of memoirs then pick this book up. I learned of Michelle Zauner through her music, but she is a talented writer as well. This is a clear, candid look at growing up biracial in America. Her mother's use of food to show love and care plays a central role in this slim book and I found these references especially illuminating. "I wonder how many people at H Mart miss their families . How many are thinking of them as they being their trays back from the different stalls. If they're eating to feel connected, to celebrate these people through food. Which ones weren't able to fly back home this year, or for the past ten years? Which ones are like me, missing the people who are gone from their lives forever?"

Quote-
"It was difficult to write about someone I felt I knew so well. The words were unwieldy, enforced with pretensions. I wanted to uncover something special about her that only I could reveal. That she was so much more than a housewife, than a mother. That she was her own spectacular individual. Perhaps I was still sanctimoniously belittling the two roles she was ultimately most proud of, unable to accept that the same degree of fulfillment may await those who wish to nurture and love as those who seek to earn and create."

If you liked this try-
Forty Autumns by Nina Willner
H is For Hawk by Helen Macdonald
My Brother Moochie by Issac J. Bailey

7 1/2 stars

ramadan ramsey by louis edwards

9/4/2021

Ramadan Ramsey by Louis Edwards
383 pages

What’s it about?
It is 1999 and Ramadan Ramsey is 12-years-old and living in New Orleans with his grandmother, Mama Joon. His mother passed away when he was small and he has never known his father. When his grandmother dies and leaves him alone with his Aunt Clarissa (and lots of cousins) he struggles with what to do. Ramadan decides to sneak away and travel around the world to find his father. His unexpected journey is at the heart of this story.

What did it make me think about?
This book is filled with great characters.

Should I read it?
This is a book that I have great admiration for. For me the beautiful, descriptive writing (and the writing is beautiful) could sometimes actually get in the way of the story that Louis Edwards was telling. I feel the plot was sometimes bogged down by all the words... Having said that Mr. Edwards writes some of the best characters. I really liked this book but I would have loved it about 30 pages less.

If you liked this try-
Everywhere You Don't Belong by Gabriel Bump
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

7 stars

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

8/30/2021

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
478 pages

What’s it about?
When Ryland Grace wakes up to find himself in a small bunk with tubes attached to his body he is confused. He soon realizes that the two people in the bunks next to him are dead. He can’t remember who he is or why he is there, but he is definitely on a rocket ship hurtling through space. It slowly dawns on him that he is on a mission to save humanity and he is all alone. Now, if he can just remember what the mission entails…

What did it make me think about?
Science, space, and what’s out there?

Should I read it?
Andy Weir is such a unique talent. He takes complicated science and sprinkles it throughout his stories to make a novel that challenges and entertains. He is certainly making new science fiction fans everywhere. Anyone who enjoyed “The Martian” will love “Project Hail Mary”.

Quote-
“ I glanced at the pile of papers on a desk. The scientific community had moved into overdrive in a very unscientific way. Gone were the days of careful peer review and published articles. Astrophage research was a free-for-all where researchers posted their findings immediately and without proof. It lead to misunderstandings and mistakes, but we just didn’t have time to do things the right way.“

If you liked this try-
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell
The Dog Stars by Peter Heller

9 stars

the last thing he told me by laura dave

8/15/2021

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
303 pages

What’s it about?
Hannah Hall is thirty eight-years-old and a successful woodturner when she meets Owen Michaels and falls in love. She soon finds herself moving to California where she becomes Owen's wife. Hannah also becomes a step-mother to Owen's daughter Bailey. Bailey is a sixteen year old teenager with no interest in a new mom. When one day Owen goes missing Hannah and Bailey find a way to come together and find Owen.

What did it make me think about?
What happened to Owen?

Should I read it?
I love a book that is clear about what it is- this book is a good old fashioned mystery. What happened to Owen? Is there something in his past that Hannah is unaware of?

Quote-
"You see it all the time on television. There's a knock at the front door. And, on the other side, someone is waiting to tell you the news that changes everything."

If you liked this try-
My Sunshine Away by M.O. Walsh
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
The Long and Faraway Gone by Lou Berney
These Women by Ivy Pochoda

9 stars

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favorites from 2020

some favorites of the last decade

best of winter 2020

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best of summer/ fall 2018

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2017

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2016

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2016

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2014-15

best of fall 2014

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last spring favorites

A sad, poignant, mystical read. I won't give too much away. Quick and well worth it! 9 1/2 stars!

A coming of age story set in Mexico. It certainly gives you a whole new view of all the people coming over the border. 9 stars

Quirky characters and the story told through letters to Richard Gere. Who could ask for more? 9 stars

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“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”
― Charles William Eliot

ratings

1 to 2- I did not enjoy this book.
3 to 4- I found some aspect of this book redeeming but would not recommend it.
5 to 6- I really enjoyed something about this book (characters, plot, meaning etc.) but it was uneven. Some aspects were stronger than others.
7 to 8- It was a good book. I liked lots of aspects of this book. I would recommend it.
9 to 10- I was sorry to turn the last page. I highly recommend this book!