I was entranced from the very beginning. This book is a truly delightful experience. Anyone who has a cat (or any pet), understands the incredible ability of pets to bring love and warmth to their life. In this novel, cats solve a variety of critical problems for their human characters: suffering from an unpleasant workplace, inability to create closeness with their family, lack of empathy for people in their life and loneliness. It's a very simple and powerful story of the magic a pet can bring to its human. The story also has some mysterious and magical aspects which I didn't really understand. After finishing the book, I took a few minutes to read about cats in Japanese culture, history and mythology on the internet. I recommend readers spend a little time browsing Japanese culture and mythology to help solve the book's mystery.

David Grann's latest book, "The Wager," is an extremely well-documented tale about life and death in the 18th century British navy. "The Wager" is one of a group of British naval vessels sailing to Cape Horn in pursuit of the Spanish enemy, to hopefully, capture a Spanish galleon filled with treasure. It's a riveting, page-turning adventure, complete with shipwreck, mutiny and murder. What makes this book so compelling, is that it is fact-based. Grann carefully documents his sources (and there are many), from the archives of the British Navy to books published by actual participants in the tragedy. The story details the harrowing attempts of these sailors to survive in one the most dangerous areas of the world. The most thought provoking aspect of the book for me, is the insanity of war, all of the suffering and loss of life accomplishing nothing.

"Widowland" is a powerful tale that presents an alternate history of the aftermath of the Nazi invasion of Europe and conquest of Europe and the UK. The main character, Rose, a young British woman initially accepts, like other countrymen, the "Alliance" (as the German control of UK is called). However, in her position in the Culture Ministry she becomes increasingly aware of horrors around her. In this world, women are classified by beauty and usefulness to the "Alliance." Living necessities (housing, jobs, and food) are dispensed by class with the lowest class of women receiving barely enough food to survive. Rose's view of her world and her purpose changes when she has connection with the lowest class of women. "Widowland" deals many of the same issues as "Handmaiden's Tale"--women's rights, racism, and a Fascist government. An important distinction between these books is that the oppressors in "Widowland" are Nazis, and their disregard for human rights is historically well known. That we are still today struggling with these same issues, the author presents us with frightening images of a world order that we may eventually be a part of.

The Widow Queen is a reasonably historically accurate account of tenth century political rivalry in Northern Europe. At the heart of the story are the marriages of the Duke of Poland's daughters to form strategic alliances with royalty from other countries. The author guides the reader in understanding the many complex relationships between Poles, Vikings in Sweden, Denmark and Finland and the Saxons. The book is intriguing with background on religious, cultural and political beliefs of the people of that time. I particularly enjoyed the story of the main character, the princess and later Queen Swietoslawa, who despite being a puppet in her father's political maneuvering, rises to cleverly manage her fate. She approaches her life with logic and intelligence and makes the best of each new situation. Unfortunately, the book ends very abruptly without a meaningful conclusion. A note at the end of the book from the author informs the reader that a sequel is coming. This is a big disappointment after 496 pages. Overall, it's a good and informative read, despite a poorly crafted ending.

The Stone Girl is a fairly good read. Lots of plots twists and turns. The characters are interesting and things move along. I rated this book average because some aspects of the plot seem unrealistic and overblown. Also, it's primarily about an un-empowered, abused woman fighting back against an evil group of men. Unfortunately, I'm getting very tired of that story line.

The Splendid and the Vile is an extraordinary book. Erik Larson does not disappoint. I've read several of Larson's previous works and had high expectations. This is his best book to date. Far from being a ponderous tome of non-fiction, this book reads more like a thrilling novel. Larson zeroes in on a critical year in WWII history breathing life and insight into Churchill, his family and close associates. Larson's research creates a very detailed picture of a blitz besieged England and the impact on everyday life. Even his footnotes are interesting. This is an excellent book for book club discussion as it addresses many issues; war, leadership, family, and even romance. I highly recommended it. One of the best books I've read in a long time.