Weekly book reviews in most genres, including classics and not-to-be-missed. Books selected and reviews written by a librarian specializing in readers’ advisory.
Where’s the son of a single mom to look for lessons in how to be a man? JR Moehringer’s memoir tells the story of his neighborhood bar, and how that community of hard drinkers gave him those life lessons.
Read MoreLove her or hate her, our media and culture cannot ignore this one. Odell gives a well-researched, insightful treatment to another complicated female icon, Gwyneth Paltrow.
Read MoreContemporary fiction addressing, with humor and a touch of seriousness, societal issues of aging and abortion, with an extraordinary set of circumstances. Biased, but still a worthwhile attempt at debating these issues.
Read MoreSuspenseful historical fiction, set in nineteenth century northern Newfoundland. Three contemptable characters circle one another, vying for power over this remote, forgotten land.
Read MoreIf you loved North Woods, you will really enjoy Mason’s new novel. A tongue-in-cheek homage to the country people of New England, who transform a California family. Loved it.
Read MoreA novel that asks big questions about what motivates our dangerous, expensive explorations in space, with a likeable, decent protagonist. An honest questioning, wrapped in a good story.
Read MoreA history-mystery! Jennifer N. Brown takes a genuine mystery from the tumultuous period of Tudor England and Henry VIII, and spins a tale of mystery, murder, and suspense. Great to take along on vacation.
Read MoreA well-mannered, friendly, discreet elderly gentleman visits the town of Golden, bringing kindness, friendship, and an appreciation for art and nature to this community. The mystery of who Theo is, and why he comes to Golden, is the center of this feel-good novel.
Read MoreMust-read this summer! This might be Strout’s best yet. Be sure to check out my previous reviews of her work—you might be tempted to read all her novels.
Read MoreLearn about Emanuel Nobel, a captain of industry and innovation who should be remembered as easily as Rockefeller— but isn’t. Why? Reads like a thriller, fascinating.
Read MoreA well researched and beautifully written novel to break your heart, uplift your soul, and be one of the best novels you will read in 2026.
Read MoreThe story of two motherless young women, seeking a way forward in life, in spite of their emotional wounds, in the Jim Crow South. Reconciliation with their loss is inevitable. A tragedy with a Shakespearean tone.
Read MoreThird and final novel of the Cal Hooper trilogy, The Keeper is a gripping mystery, set in beautiful rural Ireland, with a very appealing protagonist. French is so much more than a mystery writer, although she is expert at that.
Read MoreMaria Semple returns with another bright, flawed, endearing protagonist you will enjoy, Adora Hazzard. Be sure to check out my review of her previous novel, Where’d You Go, Bernadette? (https://www.margueritereads.com/home/whered-you-go-bernadette-by-maria-semple?rq=semple).
Read MoreParallel stories of a graduate student, and the ancient Greek epic he uncovers, each with relevance for today. Highly recommended.
Read MoreJenny Lawson is the queen of my tribe, and David Sedaris is the king. Here is her new self-help book, filled with ways to trick your mind into cooperating with your goals and wishes for a happier day. Laugh your way to better mental health.
Read MoreEntertaining historical fiction, following two tales of Paris, and two stories of resistance to authoritarian power.
Read MoreFirst person narrative of a middle-aged actress, with two different paths in life described in two parts. Exploration of memory, motive, and how little we know about ourselves, others, and our choices.
Read MoreSlow-paced historical fiction, telling the story of Lexington, a legendary thoroughbred horse of the Antebellum era, unveiling the untold, ugly story of slavery in the development of beautiful racing horses.
Read MoreRead this pair of novels in the order they were published. Stories describing the youthful joys of self-discovery, without concern for the lifelong consequences of choices made in innocence and naivety. An homage to love, and the love of writing.
Read More