No One Goes Alone, by Erik Larson
An early twentieth century investigation into supernatural phenomena at an island home off the coast of England, spearheaded by William James, goes dangerous and deadly in this gothic tale by Erik Larson.
Read MoreCrying in H Mart, by Michelle Zauner
A memoir of love and loss of a mother, and the comfort of favorite, shared foods to preserve memory.
Read MoreCloud Cuckoo Land, by Anthony Doerr
An epic ode to the enduring value of stories, the librarians who preserve and share them, and the libraries that preserve and make them available to all.
Read MoreOn Animals, by Susan Orlean
Be you animal lover or merely animal curious, you will find much to love and learn in Orlean’s recent compilation of essays.
Read MoreThe Murderbot Diaries, by Martha Wells
The Murderbot Diaries, a series of novellas and one novel, following the story of rogue SecUnit, Murderbot, as he tries to find his place in the world of a distant future. Highly recommended.
Read MoreBest Books of 2021
Before saying goodbye to 2021, here are my choices for books worth your time and attention.
Read MoreKurt Wallander series, by Henning Mankell
Excellent detective fiction series, set in Sweden of the nineties and oughts. Enjoy spending time getting to know Kurt Wallander, as he solves ghastly murders.
Read MoreMy Name Is Lucy Barton, and Oh William!, by Elizabeth Strout
Read these in order: My Name Is Lucy Barton, followed by Oh William! to truly appreciate the character development achieved by Elizabeth Strout. Highly recommended.
Read MoreBeautiful World, Where Are You, by Sally Rooney
Rooney is the reporter on the psyche of the Millennial generation. Enjoy her latest exploration.
Read MoreMatrix, by Lauren Groff
Enter the world of late twelfth century abbey life, in this story of a powerful abbess, her loves and ambitions, in a male-dominated world. Beautifully written, with many questionable liberties taken with the historical record.
Read MoreMexican Gothic, by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
A well-crafted gothic novel, which will put you off mushrooms.
Read MoreThe Dutch House, by Ann Patchett
A richly layered novel about the meanings of house and home. Highly recommend the audiobook read by Tom Hanks.
Read MoreThe Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller
Enjoy this retelling of Homer’s epic story of the Trojan War, the hero Achilles, and his great love for Patroclus.
Read MoreThe God Equation: The Quest for a Theory of Everything, by Michio Kaku
From gravity to the multiverse, theoretical physicist Michio Kaku takes you on a tour of how scientists seek to explain the universe and everything in it. Required reading for all thoughtful people.
Read MoreThe Quiet Boy, by Ben H. Winters
Part legal thriller, part science fiction, and part detective fiction, this mashup by Winters is entertaining, and asks bigger questions.
Read MoreThe Final Girl Support Group, by Grady Hendrix
Grady Hendrix does it again! A great successor to “The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires.” Enjoy this send-up of 70s and 80s slasher movies, told in a darkly funny way.
Read MoreLeave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park, by Conor Knighton
Conor Knighton takes us on his yearlong journey to all our country’s national parks. Check out his fun Instagram, too!
Read MoreThe Authoritarian Moment: How the Left Weaponized America's Institutions Against Dissent, by Ben Shapiro
Are you tired of cancel culture, the majority shut down from honestly expressing opinions in a civil manner? Ben Shapiro lays out the way we got here, and what needs to happen to restore honest, open debate. This must happen to assure our democracy going forward.
Read MoreGreat Circle, by Maggie Shipstead
Great historical fiction novel, following the life of Marian Graves, female aviator, from her beginnings flying liquor from Canada to the U.S. during Prohibition, through World War II, to her flight around the world at the Poles. Exciting, and much to learn.
Read MoreThe Writer's Library: The Authors You Love on the Books That Changed Their Lives, by Nancy Pearl and Jeff Schwager
Enjoy these fascinating interviews with accomplished authors, and compile your reading bucket list!
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