Writers & Lovers by Lily King is a 2020 Grove Press publication.
Casey is holding on to her dream of being a novelist, even though she’s deeply in debWriters & Lovers by Lily King is a 2020 Grove Press publication.
Casey is holding on to her dream of being a novelist, even though she’s deeply in debt and grieving both the loss of her mother and a bad breakup. As she muddles through life, she begins dating two men, working several jobs, while hoping her novel finally sees the light of day…
I had the wrong idea about this book, based on its promotions, both the editorial and reader reviews. So, I went into it in the wrong frame of mind, I suppose.
Ultimately, though, this book should have been right up my alley in many ways. I read contemporary women’s fiction/romance on a regular basis, though these days, I’m looking for books featuring more mature- chronologically- characters than the ones in this book. Still, though, I know exactly how this should go and mostly it followed the formula, with a few exceptions.
The thing is that somehow this book managed to get a lift from the ‘literary’ crowd. The publisher or whoever- masterfully crafted promotions to draw in those who wouldn’t ordinarily read contemporary women’s fiction, or a book labeled as a romance. But, at the end of the day, that is exactly what this book is.
As such, for the veteran reader of books in this category, this one was just okay. Part of my discontent is the age of the characters- and while I would agree with some who have said there are ‘coming of age’ elements in the story- I thought Casey was too old to be ‘coming of age’.
I did appreciate the writing, the lack of uncomfortable and unnecessary content, and of course, I’m will always be a sucker for a happily ever after- even if it all comes hastily together in the last ten percent of the book. I even agreed with her love triangle choice, but as far as drawing me into the drama, eliciting strong emotions, or creating great chemistry, I’m afraid the story fell woefully short.
Overall, it’s not a terrible effort by any means- it just not as good as the hype would have you believe. That said, I can see where folks who seldom read this type of material found themselves wrapped up in it. But I can assure you there are many, many others out there that can really hold you spellbound- but sadly, they will probably never get this level of credit because people just won’t give them an open-minded chance to impress them...
The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a 1922 publication.
"Gatsby" was a school assignment for me- and although it was rare for me toThe Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a 1922 publication.
"Gatsby" was a school assignment for me- and although it was rare for me to enjoy assigned reading, I liked it. But, for some reason, I have never read another book by Fitzgerald. I have, though, been quite curious about him and his wife in their private life- which has been the subject of books and movies for years. I have several books on my Kindle about Zelda, which I had planned to work into my reading schedule sometime this year. But, in the meantime, I thought it would be a good idea to read another book by this author. I chose this one for two reasons- the simplest one was that I already had it on my Kindle, and because allegedly Fitzgerald had modeled the characters after himself and Zelda.
Unfortunately, the book fell flat for me. To begin with the characters are not at all likeable. They are too empty, shallow, lazy… and BORING- with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. I kept thinking things would pick up- but they just kept getting worse with the characters circling the drain, even after they finally get what they thought would bring them happiness.
My experience with this book has given me second thoughts about reading anything about the Fitzgeralds- but because so much has been made about that marriage- and Zelda in particular, I’ll still probably delve into their lives at some point- but I’m not in a big hurry to tackle those books anytime soon, if they were anything like the couple in this book. Oy!
Overall, this book isn’t terribly long- but I felt like it took ages to read it and that’s never a good sign. I’m not sure I’ll ever tackle another novel by this author- but if I do, I’ll approach it with caution.
A Bridge Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith is a 1943 publication.
This is another book that I’ve long been curious about but never got around to readin A Bridge Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith is a 1943 publication.
This is another book that I’ve long been curious about but never got around to reading. It is a much beloved novel, but with some recent bad experiences with ‘much beloved classics’, I approached this one with some caution.
Thankfully, despite the often-bleak circumstances, I found the book to be an accurate depiction of the time, never flinching from hard themes. Our Francine is a character we root for, hoping her future is more promising.
The love of reading and books plays a big role in Francine’s life, which also gives her a yearning to write. Naturally, this appeals to this voracious reader, as did the family saga, another favorite of mine.
Many, many reviews, doing the book far more justice than I ever could, have been written, so anything I might add has all been said before- and more eloquently, as well.
I will say that I ended up truly loving this novel and can understand why it has appealed to so many people and why it has endured for all these years. For once, a classic novel lived up to its reputation- and then some!!
Overall, if you haven’t read this classic family drama, I hope you’ll squeeze it into your reading schedule someday. You’ll be glad you did!
*Fun fact: I read this book in digital format. This edition has an introduction written by Ann Patchett. Because the novel is rather lengthy, I found the audio version on Hoopla and switched back and forth between both formats. Interestingly, the audio version, recorded many years ago, also came with an introduction by Jacqueline Mitchard. I am glad I was able to enjoy hearing both authors’ comments about this book!...more
Strange Flowers by Donal Ryan is a 2020 Penguin publication.
This is my first book by this author and from what I could tell this book had been very wStrange Flowers by Donal Ryan is a 2020 Penguin publication.
This is my first book by this author and from what I could tell this book had been very well received. It is supposed to be a lovely family drama, set in Ireland, and it sounded like something I would like.
I decided to add audio to my Kindle book, to complement my reading experience. Unfortunately, I did not have the same positive experience as many of my reading peers.
The story is slow, and the shifts in chapters do not explicitly make clear the various time passages. The narration was too brisk, with little emotional inflection. For a short book, it took me a long time to finish it.
I was bored, confused by the stories Joshua wrote, which weren’t always clear in the audio portions, and kept trying to figure out who was blind because it was hard to tell when the story started or ended. It all seemed to bleed together- so eventually, I stopped the audio, switched back to the ebook, which helped. But after all those struggles, I was just ready to get it read and move on to something a little less depressing.
I didn’t get the ‘lovely’ part and was very disappointed at the turns the story took. I am not going to address the religious allegory as I’m not entirely sure what the author was getting at.
Overall, this wasn’t the right book for me, I guess. It’s a quiet book- which is good when I’m in the mood for that type of novel- but mostly I found this one to be either bland or utterly depressing. I’m an outlier this time around....more
Mother in the Dark by Kayla Maiuri is a 2022 Riverhead Books publication.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book, but I certainMother in the Dark by Kayla Maiuri is a 2022 Riverhead Books publication.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book, but I certainly didn’t expect this type of story. It is one I’ve had to let swirl around in my head for a bit before my mind could land on a firm decision on how I felt about it.
This novel is moody, bleak, and melancholy, but it somehow takes hold of the reader, and demands your undivided attention, even when you desperately want an escape. It holds one in a vise grip, while you gasp for air in a nearly claustrophobic panic, but then it slowly releases the tension, so that you can feel the bitter cold, see and hear the birds, and then quite suddenly, the connections click into place, and then one is left to ponder the wonder of this journey.
This novel is a strong examination of family, mental illness, coping mechanisms, and mother/daughter/sister dynamics. It is compulsively readable, despite the weighty dramas, and the emotional conclusion leaves a very strong impression that will stick with you long after you turn that final page…...more
Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng is a 2022 Penguin Press publication.
I had such trust in Ng that I downloaded this book without hesitation… and withouOur Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng is a 2022 Penguin Press publication.
I had such trust in Ng that I downloaded this book without hesitation… and without reading the synopsis. My faith was tested when I finally settled in to read this book. I don’t like dystopian novels. I don’t read much science fiction- which is the way this book is categorized. I cringed, uncertain of how this was going to work out for me. But, I already had the book and this is Celeste Ng, after all, so I soldiered on and hoped for the best...
The story is set in a time after a ‘The Crisis’- after certain laws have been passed to protect America from those being blamed for said crisis. In this world, Margaret, a Chinese American poet, is blamed for stirring up protestors – so for the sake of her son, Bird, she goes into hiding, before they can take him away.
Bird is being raised by his father, who goes along with everything the government requires. He’s lost his position, and his home, and works in a library now. He keeps his head down and does his best to protect his son, by disavowing all his wife stood for.
They shuffle along day in and day out, avoiding conflict or trouble, flying under the radar, until one day Bird gets a message from his mother, one that stirs up memories and longing, and creates an urgent need to find her. His quest is a dangerous one, but it may be the journey that finally sets him free…
My concerns about the categorization of this book were unwarranted. This is an incredible novel- heartbreaking, terrifying, but ultimately empowering. There are silences and complicity- but there is also great strength and courage in these passages.
In a year when every social issue under the sun is crammed inside of every single book- from cozies to romance, to historical fiction, horror, and all points in between, I feared this book might be padded a bit too heavily, and at times Ng did overplay her hand. But the story still serves as a cautionary tale, as a reminder to be vigilant, to be on your guard, to rise to the occasion, though it is not the easiest path to take.
The book is so well-written, with much thought behind it, I could literally feel the oppression leaping off the pages, the fear palpable, but I also felt it ease, as hope eventually settles in, despite the bleakness of the moment.
That said, after reading so many ‘message books’ this year- not by choice for the most part, I don’t think I felt the full impact of this novel as I might have if I’d read it at the end of 2021, or earlier this year. It’s a dark, reflective novel, and one I might revisit someday, after my head is relieved of such weighty topics for a while.
Overall, I can’t say this is my favorite novel by this author- at least not right now- but I appreciate what she was going for, and thought she did a brilliant job at creating the world in which the story transpires and the truths behind the dystopian style fantasy. Ng is a great writer, and once again I walk away deeply impressed with her talents.
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead is a 2019 Doubleday publication.
Drawing from the events of real-life Dozier School for Boys, this novel is centerThe Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead is a 2019 Doubleday publication.
Drawing from the events of real-life Dozier School for Boys, this novel is centered around ‘The Nickel Academy’- a similarly nightmarish reform school.
The story follows a good kid named Elwood Curtis, who is in the wrong place at the wrong time and gets sent to the notorious reform school, and the more worldly and street smart, Jack Turner, who takes Elwood under his wing.
Years later, the discovery of an unmarked graveyard catapults the school into the spotlight, and prompts Turner to reflect on his time as a ‘Nickel Boy’ and to finally confess to his wife the atrocities of the school and the truth of what happened to him and Elwood.
This book, short though it was, is a harrowing novel, right from the first chapter to the final page. Its passages are tense and difficult and then ultimately it rips your heart out. I was icy hot with rage, and utterly gutted by this story. To think this book borrows from true events makes it more tragic and disturbing.
This novel is well-written as it certainly drew me in and held my undivided attention, and brought to life the possibilities that died, the lives destroyed and ruined, and the scars that followed the survivors the rest of their lives.
I must admit this is my first book by this author. I’m always very, very, very late to add Pulitzer Prize winners, or any other award-winning novels, to my reading list- If I add them at all- which is why I am just now getting around to reading this book.
With all the big prizes and awards attached, I wasn’t expecting such a raw, minimalist approach – but it was much more effective- and realistic, to be totally honest.
While I normally feel these great award winners have a short shelf-live on relevancy, I certainly don’t think that is the case here- or with ‘Railroad’, though I have yet to read that one.
Despite the straightforward, bare-bones prose, the story knocked me back on my heels and left me feeling numb, and unable to process it fully for a while.
Several reviews have been honest in saying that as a follow up to the massively successful ‘Railroad’, this one didn’t quite have the same impact. Be that as it may, for now, I have to say this is an exceptional novel, which should stand on its own merits, away from the shadow cast by its immediate predecessor. The story packs a heck of punch and is important enough that I urge everyone to read it.
Nobody’s Magic by Destiny O. Birdsong is a 2022 Grand Central Publication.
This book is a trilogy of stories centered around three black women born wiNobody’s Magic by Destiny O. Birdsong is a 2022 Grand Central Publication.
This book is a trilogy of stories centered around three black women born with albinism.
The first story features Suzette, a young woman of some privilege whose parents are alternately overprotective, manipulative, and controlling.
Suzette is now in her early twenties, but has never learned to drive, has never held a job or seriously considered her future. But she’s becoming restless, ready to break free from her parent’s restraints and live a normal life.
The second story involves Maple who is reeling from the aftermath of her mother’s murder. She leaves her grandmother’s home, finds a part-time job and a place to stay, then meets Chad, a man struggling with his own tremendous loss. Through the sharing of his grief and pain, Maple is able to come to terms with her own.
The third story is centered around Agnes, who appears to live in the shadow of her sister and harbors intense resentment towards her family. She’s struggled to find her niche, barely scraping by- but then she meets ‘Prime’ who could be the person she’s been longing to find. But she does something that propels her to finally return home to confront the family she’s avoided for so long.
All three stories are set in the deep south along the ARK/TX/LA area- primarily in Shreveport, Louisiana-which is key in setting the stage and creating the atmosphere and undertones.
Of the three stories, the second one is the strongest and Maple was the character I was most connected to. The third story is the weakest and felt out of place compared to the first two.
Overall, I rarely read short stories- but this was a well-written collection, despite some unnecessary content and inconsistencies, and touches on a variety of topics and emotions. It was an enlightening change of pace for me, and I will certainly be keeping an eye on this author....more
Honor by Thrity Umrigar is a 2022 Algonquin Books publication.
Smita, an Indian American journalist, has been summoned back to India at the behest of Honor by Thrity Umrigar is a 2022 Algonquin Books publication.
Smita, an Indian American journalist, has been summoned back to India at the behest of a friend, who is facing a medical crisis. Upon arrival, she discovers her friend doesn’t so much want her presence by her side as she wishes for Smita to take on an assignment in her stead.
The case in question is centered on Meena, a Hindu woman who married a Muslim. Members of her own family murdered her husband, while Meena was severely burned trying to save his life. Now Meena’s brothers are on trial, while she and her young daughter reside with her bitter mother-in-law.
Smita agrees to cover the case for her friend, albeit reluctantly. Accompanying her, is Mohan, who serves as a host/ guide/assistant, and occasional devil’s advocate, helping her navigate a country Smita has a hard time reconciling, but is still helplessly drawn to at the same time.
This is a powerful, gut-wrenching story, highlighting two very different, but very brave women, who sacrifice all they know for love and for the true, rightful meaning of ‘Honor’…
Overall, the book absolutely deserves all the praise bestowed on it. This book will linger in your mind and heart for a long time after you turn the final page.
When Ghosts come Home by Wiley Cash is a 2021 William Morrow publication.
Sheriff Winston Barnes, and his wife, are awakened by a low-lying plane, proWhen Ghosts come Home by Wiley Cash is a 2021 William Morrow publication.
Sheriff Winston Barnes, and his wife, are awakened by a low-lying plane, prompting Barnes to get dressed and head out to the airport for further investigation.
Upon arrival, he discovers the plane has crashed and the lone occupant has been shot to death.
Barnes recognized the deceased man-remembering he went school with his daughter, Colleen.
The crash stirs up a hornet’s nest of racial tensions, rumors, and accusations.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the sheriff as his bid for re-election, already precarious, could fall apart completely.
To complicate matters, Colleen, still recovering from a stillborn birth, has come home, and his wife, who is suffering a recurrence of her cancer is dependent on his job's healthcare benefits, making his bid for re-election even more urgent.
As the mystery deepens, Winston must contend with his election opponent, discord within his own office, and the racial threats made against the widow of the murdered man…
I have only read one other book by this author, but it was good enough to convince me all the praise heaped upon Cash was well-deserved.
This novel, however, was not as gripping as I had anticipated.
The story moves at a brisk pace, and there’s a lot going on, both on the criminal and political front, but also behind the scenes, with Winston’s wife and daughter.
We also learn that the sheriff has a troubled past, and that this case has dredged up some painful memories.
While these uncomfortable and emotional topics, create more depth to Winston’s character, and are compelling threads, they do not have a connection to the criminal elements in the story.
The underlying web of racism that suddenly floats to the surface, is the most important thread of the story, but it doesn’t get the full exploration it needed or deserved.
There was something lacking in this story, along with some pretty big plot concerns that gave the story a lack of cohesiveness and a rushed feel to it.
Major hints point to unpleasant future developments- but the conclusion was no less shocking- because of it.
I have very mixed feelings about this one. I think this author is very capable of writing higher quality material. Fans will give him the benefit of the doubt, understandably, (I do the same thing sometimes with favored authors), but I hope his next effort is more on par with his previous work.
That said, despite not measuring up to his reputation, this book is still on a level with other novels of its caliber and is not a bad way to spend a rainy fall afternoon.
Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West is a 2020 Park Row publication.
Friendship, family, the church, and murder all converge with a reckoning withSaving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West is a 2020 Park Row publication.
Friendship, family, the church, and murder all converge with a reckoning with the past…
This debut novel is set in the south side of Chicago, and is mainly centered around Ruby King and her best friend, Layla. When Ruby’s mother is murdered, in the minds of all those concerned, the prime suspect is her father, Lebanon, a man known to horribly abuse his wife.
Layla’s father is the pastor of the Calvary Hope Christian Church, and for some reason, seems to defend Lebanon, and sternly warns his daughter to steer clear of the situation- despite Layla's deep fear that Ruby may do something drastic.
The church is a focal point for the characters, as it raises its unheard voice to reveal long buried secrets that overlap with current events. The true heart of some of its congregation is illuminating, as well. The book describes the importance of the church and how it is a cornerstone of the community. But, it also draws attention to true Christian faith- which is more than warming a pew on Sunday morning by calling out the way some folks conduct themselves outside of the church.
This is a resonant story, with strong elements involving family loyalty, strong friendship bonds, religious faith, trauma and abuse, but also forgiveness, understanding, and healing.
The author employs several unique tactics giving the story a wide -ranging reach, somehow managing to make the location and the church, significant characters, with important roles in the story.
As praiseworthy as the book is, I did have a some issues with the book:
While I love the author’s boldness, the freshness her style offers readers, there are too many first -person points of view, in my opinion.
This is a writing technique I have always struggled with. It seldom ever fully works for me because I have a hard time keeping up with the numerous characters, plus it prevents me from making a deep emotional connection to the characters. This book also has the added challenge of navigating multiple timelines, which made me work much harder than should have been necessary. It was slow going for a while, but I did eventually find a rhythm and flow.
That said, the book, overall, is very good. There is a restless, uneasy quality about it, a strong sense of foreboding that haunted me all throughout the story. It is dark, and it could be intense at times. It is a crime novel, and a mystery, as advertised, but it also touches on deeper, important, subject matter. I would think this book would be a great book club selection!
Although I struggled with this one a little, I still felt this was a strong debut for this author and is one to keep an eye on!...more
The Lives of Edie Pritchard by Larry Watson is a 2020 Algonquin Books publication.
Magnificent character study- great writing!
Montana- 1967
Edie is a bThe Lives of Edie Pritchard by Larry Watson is a 2020 Algonquin Books publication.
Magnificent character study- great writing!
Montana- 1967
Edie is a beautiful woman, married, but feeling unfulfilled. Her husband is bland, and jealous, but his twin brother, Ray is standing by, hoping for a chance with Edie, himself. Life takes an unusual turn, which gives Edie a nudge, and the perfect opportunity to take her leave.
From there we catch up with Edie at various turning points in her life. In each segment, Edie must make decisions to save herself from the machinations or obsessions of the men in her life- her attractiveness working against her as she struggles to be seen as a person, not an object to owned.
This is a fascinating character study. Edie is a sympathetic character, overall, although she is not perfect. One can feel her palpable feelings of suffocation, and her burning need to live life on her own terms.
She does rise to the occasion, despite the hurdles blocking her path, when necessary, although she is usually forced to unravel a bad situation before any real progress can be made.
The story covers three generations- skipping over decades of Edie’s life at a time, only checking in with her when she faces a hurdle large enough to prompt a complete do-over. In my opinion, there were people who may have been collateral damage in Edie’s pursuit of independence, tragically so, and at other times, Edie was forced to cut her losses.
What stands out, is the sparse prose and the moody atmosphere, which is quite effective. I was riveted to the pages, deeply involved in Edie’s world.
I can’t say this is the type of novel I’m normally drawn to, or that I got from it everything the author intended. The last portion of the book is slightly melancholy, and maybe a little contrived, too. Yet, it is Edie’s strength and resilience that makes the story a triumph.
Because I am still pondering Edie’s choices, and the events that spurred them, I would say the novel did what it set out to do. This is, to my knowledge, my first book by this author. I'm very keen to read more of his work.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett is a 2020 Riverhead Books publication.
Stella and Desiree, twin sisters from a small town in Louisiana leave home tThe Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett is a 2020 Riverhead Books publication.
Stella and Desiree, twin sisters from a small town in Louisiana leave home together, but years later Desiree returns with her young daughter, Jude, in tow, while Stella lives a very different life passing as a white woman.
Desiree, and by proxy, Jude, can’t fully move forward with their lives, always looking for Stella., wondering where she might be, hoping and hoping to see her again someday…
This is a deeply absorbing novel, exploring various relationships within families- with a primary focus on mothers, daughters, and sisters, while the undercurrent of racism hums and throbs just beneath the surface. Eventually, decades of secrets and lies boil over, exposing raw truths, examining race, skin tone, acceptance, and the unsettling consequences of living a lie…
There is so much going on in this story. It’s one that honestly needs to be read more than once to absorb all its complexities, letting them into your consciousness on a deeper level.
I’m not even sure where to begin here, and so many others have rated and reviewed this book, I’m thinking I should simply say it was worth all hype and the rewards were well-deserved.
Naturally, though, despite all the amazing writing and the layers of depth to this story, I had a few quibbles. Mainly, I felt the story was powerful enough without throwing in a kitchen sink full of other themes into the mix. It was overwhelming at times, and at other times I felt these additions were unnecessary, or left underdeveloped, distracting, diminishing some of the impact from the main thread.
Besides that, I thought this was a weighty, effective family saga, coupled with compelling character studies.
Overall, I am glad I finally got around to reading this book after it sat on my shelf for the past couple of years. It has given me a lot to think about, and is one of those books that lingers in your mind long after that final page is turned.
Friends & Strangers by Courtney J. Sullivan is a 2020 Knopf publication.
Elisabeth and Andrew are a married couple who have left Brooklyn, if not for Friends & Strangers by Courtney J. Sullivan is a 2020 Knopf publication.
Elisabeth and Andrew are a married couple who have left Brooklyn, if not for greener pastures, at least calmer ones, after the birth of their first child. Elisabeth misses the city, while Andrew strongly believes in an invention, he thinks will solidify their future. But Elisabeth is harboring some secrets, while Andrew is living a life of illusion- and both are coping with extended family issues where money plays a key role.
Meanwhile, a nanny is needed, and Elisabeth hires, Sam, a college student with a much older British boyfriend. It doesn’t take long for Elisabeth and Sam’s relationship to deepen into a stronger bond that goes well past the employee/employer norms.
Elisabeth begins obsessing over Sam’s personal life and confiding in her, sharing her darkest secrets. Sam looks up to Elisabeth and begins to think of her a mentor and friend- someone who is very important to her… but is their relationship a healthy one?
I do not recall how this book came to my attention, but it’s been languishing on my TBR list for at least three years. The synopsis mentions the dynamics of motherhood, betrayals, etc., which sounded intriguing. I also noticed the ratings were a bit mixed, so I didn’t go in with inflated expectations….
Which turned out to be a good idea…
The biggest problem I had to start with was how slow the pacing was. The story was only moderately interesting to me. There were moments that held my attention, and I wondered how things would turn out for Elisabeth and Andrew and if he would ever discover her secrets. As for Sam, I couldn’t have cared any less about her private life, though her romantic dramas played a key role in later developments.
The hypocrisy was incredible, and the characters were hard to relate to or even like most of the time. They all needed to grow up- the grandparents, the parents, the young people, every single one of them were so self-absorbed and immature, manipulative and selfish. Maybe some lessons were learned over the years, but we never really get a chance to delve into any sort of personal growth with the passage of time. There was too much ambiguity at the conclusion for me to feel satisfied with it.
I’m a strong believer in letting people make the hard choices themselves. You might not agree, you might worry, you might be disappointed, but ultimately, you must let people make their own mistakes and let the chips fall where they may. But that is not exactly what this story seems to be about or what most people took from it. Yes, I got the gist of the story… about friendships that develop immediately, are strong and intimate, but then fall away just as quickly, even though they had a huge impact on how one proceeded with life. I get it- but for me the whole thing just fell flat. I’m running out of patience with shallow characters with no redemptive qualities. Feels like a waste of my time....more
The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson is a 2019 Penguin Books publication.
A stirring and bittersweet coming of age story!
Jake is a bit difThe Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson is a 2019 Penguin Books publication.
A stirring and bittersweet coming of age story!
Jake is a bit different from other kids his age. But, he’s nowhere near as eccentric as his lovable Uncle Calvin. Calvin owns an occult shop and has a hotline for UFO sightings or other paranormal occurrences. Naturally, he knows all about the local ghostly legends. So, when Jake makes a couple of new friends, Calvin invites them to join his ‘Saturday Night Ghost Club”.
Jake feels like he’s a part of a special group and enjoys spending time with Calvin. However, there is an underlying sense of unease as one begins to suspect there is more to Calvin’s ghost stories than a few good thrills and chills.
Jake narrates this story, as an adult, reciting his adventures through the eye lens of his twelve- year old self. Jakes occupation often urges him to ponder the many mysteries of the mind, especially where our memories are concerned.
When it comes to horror or the paranormal, ghost stories, which I hope are making a comeback, are always a favorite of mine. I also love the local legends each town seems to have, and here in my neck of the woods we have one famous enough to make it into a few ghost -story books.
So, I thought this part of the story was fun, because I may have gone on a few paranormal investigations myself in the early eighties- although I was little older than Jake. We usually ended up scaring ourselves to death more than anything else. So, this story does stir up one’s feelings of nostalgia.
Niagara Falls, though I've never been there, seems like an awesome setting for this short story, creating just the right tone and atmosphere for a good ghost story, while exposing a darker, secret part of the location we don’t typically consider.
I think many people can recall that time in our youth when a part of us desperately wanted to hold onto the innocence of our childhood, while simultaneously longing to prove our maturity, to understand the unspoken and still hidden mysteries of adulthood. It’s a wistful feeling, saying goodbye to one’s childhood as we step over the threshold and take our first tentative steps towards adulthood.
Jake, who has already taken a few lumps in life, learns a bit sooner, and in a more personal way, just how dark the world can be. The summer of his twelfth year understandably stands out in Jake's memory- so much so it most assuredly propelled him towards his ultimate career choice, as he devotes his life to learning and correcting the vast mystery and complexities of the human brain.
His recollections are vivid, and his tone is as introspective as it is retrospective. Although sadness and helplessness lie just underneath the surface, Jake's fond sentimentality often creeps into his voice as his recollections surge to life.
Because I was unfamiliar with this author, I had to do a little research to see what else he may have written. I was very surprised to learn the author also writes under the name “Nick Cutter’. Looking at those books, it is obvious this story certainly is not his usual style. Just goes to show how versatile he can be and how far he could take his talent, if he chooses to.
A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza is a 2018 SJP for Hogarth publication.
The incredible amount of time I waited to read this book was worth it. ThA Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza is a 2018 SJP for Hogarth publication.
The incredible amount of time I waited to read this book was worth it. This book is everything my peers said it would be. What can I add, at this stage, which hasn’t already been said, and far more eloquently than I? A formidable task, but I couldn't leave all these powerful emotions bottled up inside, needing to express some of my own personal thoughts on it.
I’m a big fan of family sagas, and no matter which way you slice it, this book falls into that category. However, this is also a story about the struggle for individuality within the family unit. It’s about generational divides, traditions, religious customs, and rigid expectations, which tilts the dynamics, especially between father and son.
These themes, (despite the added elements of cultural and religious diversity, and the examination of gender roles within the family unit, which certainly makes this story a unique experience for most readers), are not necessarily new. Any parent, any child, any family, with similarities, such as disciplinarian parenting, often coupled with deep religious fervor, could relate to this family, at least to some extent.
While Layla and Rafiq are in an arranged marriage, and their faith is important to them, their children often question the answers, perhaps in a way their parents never dared.
But, invariably, there is at least one child who rebels, who feels stifled or repressed, who challenges with a sense of pride and stubbornness, the principles and expectations the family imparts upon them. In this case, Amar and his father Rafiq, clash in such a harsh and heartbreaking manner, leaving the reader feeling bereft, with a keen sense of loss, for what might have been, what could have been...
If only people had the benefit of hindsight, if only our mistakes could be taken back, if we could have a do over, knowing exactly where things went awry, if only blame was placed where it should be placed, if only we were not all flawed humans - if only this were a perfect world.
As the tragic events unfold, the characters each come into their own, confessing horrible secrets, admitting complicity, guilt, blame, and expressing overwhelming regret.
This is family. This is parenting. This is life. There is pain, there is progress, there is forgiveness, there is hope- and 'a place for us'.
This novel is eloquently written, so fresh, so raw and emotional, and so very real. This is not a flashy story, sidestepping pretentiousness, while replacing it with a beautiful, understated quality, which is quite effective.
It is this sense of realism, the feeling of being, not on the outside looking in, but of being present, in the moment, right there with the characters, as the story unfolds, that held me firmly in its grip.
I was far more in tune, listening to the silence, carefully watching, and waiting with bated breath to see how events would unfold. As the conclusion draws near and the second person narrative of Rafiq begins, the silence is finally heard.
These passages nearly ripped my heart out. If this were a movie, showing in a crowded theatre, there wouldn’t be a dry eye in the house.
I’m not normally swayed by celebrity book clubs or in this case, imprints, but SJP picked a winner with this one. A very impressive debut for Fatima Farheen Mirza, for sure. I feel she is light years ahead of many of her contemporaries and can envision a very bright future for her in literary land.
Ohio by Stephen Markley is a 2018 Simon & Schuster publication.
New Canaan, Ohio
The Rust Belt-
By now the plight of those living in a what is commonly Ohio by Stephen Markley is a 2018 Simon & Schuster publication.
New Canaan, Ohio
The Rust Belt-
By now the plight of those living in a what is commonly known as ‘The Rust Belt", is etched into our consciousness. A marginalized area simmering in hostility, hammered by a stubborn economic depression, and an unprecedented epidemic opiate crisis.
This atmosphere is more in the forefront than in the background as Stephen Markley captures the mentality of those born and raised in this environment. Four high school friends, all of whom took a different path in life, all of them haunted by actions, decisions, and memories of the past, compounded by their current day realities, return home at the same time, with shocking results.
The novel begins in 2007 with the funeral of former football star Rick Brinklan, killed in Iraq. This surreal parade sets the stage quite effectively as the author leads the reader quickly to 9/11- the event that cements a ‘before and after’ time frame for our main characters.
Separated into four segments, giving each character the power of the first person narrative to describe their youthful experiences, the angst of needing to belong, the compulsion to express individuality, or their forced conformity.
All four voices are connected by their upbringing, their history, and their knowledge of certain crimes, their mistakes and regrets.
Their shared memories, especially centered around rumors of and evidence of certain events that took place in high school, still binds them. But, the unspoken jealousies and competitions build to a point that eventually boils over, the consequences that follow them into adulthood, and will eventually bring terrible tragedy, which now begs for justice.
This is a very impressive debut novel. It is thought provoking, with very strong characterizations, and vivid depictions of time and place. It is, however, very laborious, and verbose, perhaps in need of a more aggressive editor. Despite some clunky sections, the author’s prose is magnificent.
In my opinion the mystery is not the most prominent element of this book even though it is firmly placed in that category. In fact, I wondered at times, if the author intended to write a true mystery or was using it as a means to an end, with a fictionalized social commentary being the ultimate goal.
Yet, at the end of the day, there is a mystery, one that took me by surprise, the outcome of which never really crossed my mind, as my attention was diverted by the rich characterizations. The story eventually merges the four individual segments with a surprising turn of events.
Some of the vignettes, if you will, reminded me of many typical small town scenarios, not just those who have come under such intense scrutiny as of late. I live in a small town in Texas, surrounded by even smaller towns, some which have dried up the same way those in the heavily maligned rust belt. Factories closed, drugs took over, bored teens did what bored teens do, creating cliques and fiefdoms, and in a football obsessed mindset- similar crimes are committed, overlooked and unreported. Some are trapped in a vicious, never ending cycle going back generations with no end in sight, and others got away only to find themselves right back where they started, or curiously enough, unable to find contentment in any other way of life.
Stiff conservative values, hard wired patriotism, and God and country still rule in the hearts and minds of small town America- and God help you if you go against the grain with sexual identity or liberal leanings. My point being that the rust belt in not unique in this. My next point is – don’t stereotype- of presume this is a searing portrait of the entire state of Ohio- despite the book’s title.
The story takes a very long and rambling way around to linking the threads together, perhaps too long if the goal was to keep the reader invested in the mystery elements.
But, if you want to get a very realistic look at the issues that still very much divide our country, dissect the long road leading to this point; if you want to see why there is such a fierce loyalty to this way of life, or if you just enjoy strong, well- drawn characters, placed in a dense and gritty atmosphere- and don’t mind depending on those characters to carry you through to the ultimate moment of truth- then the mystery, which doesn’t come on strong until the bitter end, will be worth the extended wait.
The book is a riveting combination of narratives, quite absorbing, albeit violent and pretty darned bleak and melancholy. So, my only caution to readers is to keep in mind that small towns everywhere suffer some of these same plights, these exact same attitudes, and personalities, but that is not a rebuke of all the residents, or the state in which they are located and hope the urge to group everyone together in the blame game will be avoided.
Wisely, the author added diversity to the story, which hopefully will help to combat strict preconceived notions about rural or blue- collar areas. However, it would serve us all well, from small communities to large cities, from the east to the west, and all points in between, to step outside our own insular world to consider the challenges and fears of others. Compassion may begin at home, but it doesn’t have to stop there - it is limitless.
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