Missionaries, by Phil Klay
Stories of war told by four voices, uncovering the true trauma, violence, and desperation experienced by many in our world. A timely and important novel, given the conflicts in the world today.
Read MoreVerity, by Colleen Hoover
Enjoy this titilating, suspenseful novel. Don’t expect literature— but expect to be entertained.
Read MoreGoing There, by Katie Couric
Enjoy Katie Couric’s story, both the dishy insider’s view of television journalism, and the serious evolution of news coverage, and the role of women as part of those changes.
Read MoreThe Anthropocene Reviewed, by John Green
John Green is personal and self-revelatory in this series of essays on cultural touchstones of this current epoch on earth, the human-dominated period.
Read MoreState of Terror, by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny
My favorite mystery writer provides a decent suspenseful story, that Clinton mucks up with her political views.
Read MoreAnd Now I Spill the Family Secrets: An Illustrated Memoir, by Margaret Kimball
A graphic memoir that shows the impact of a parent’s mental illness on a child, and the power of love to nuture and heal. Highly recommended.
Read MoreMurder Book: A Graphic Memoir of a True Crime Obsession, by Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell
Excellent graphic memoir about the true crime obsession shared by many women, fellow murderinos.
Read MoreCraig & Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other, by Craig Grossi
A genuine story of love and survival, Craig Grossi speaks to the importance of these bonds for our humanity, and finding perspective and meaning in the good and the bad experiences of life.
Read MoreFuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law, by Mary Roach
Mary Roach is back, with stories of unfortunate human-animal failed relationships, how humans try to fix the conflicts, and animals succeed in evading those efforts. Highly recommend.
Read MoreNo 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.
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