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Reviews by Gabi

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The Excitements: A Novel
by CJ Wray

A Hidden Gem (2/6/2024)

Historic fiction meets Robin Hood in this delightful book about two nonagenarian WWII veteran sisters and a much cherished grand-nephew who is there as the sisters’ past unfolds into the present. Heartfelt, and sometimes heart-wrenching, this is a story of service, courage, friendship, love, and secrets.

Based on the descriptions, I expected a faster paced “Thelma and Louise”- type story, but this book was so much richer and involved. And, while I found the story a bit of a slow build, sticking the book out to the end was definitely worth it!!! Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Alfie and Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe
by Carl Safina

Not What I Expected - 2.5 Stars (9/24/2023)

Natural science and ecology are among some of my favorite non-fiction genres so I wanted to love this book. While following Alfie's growth into an adult Eastern Screech Owl was interesting, the owl (and related nature) facts enlightening, and the two-way relationship with her humans inspiring, I found "Alfie & Me" exceedingly difficult to read. The book read like two separate books meshed together, the transitions choppy and threads unclear. There was the story of Alfie which frequently took a secondary position to a far-reaching cultural anthropological and philosophical discussion of the beliefs of previous civilizations, current indigenous societies, and Western economies regarding the natural world's role in communities. While the author's point about the varying perspectives of nature across societies/civilizations is clear (for example, the connectedness of all versus the separation of physical and spiritual) the linkage to the author's journey with Alfie was too vague.

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone: A Novel
by Benjamin Stevenson

A Killer Mystery (4/12/2023)

It happened one snowy weekend…

Ernest Cunningham attends an ill-fated reunion of the notorious Cunningham family at an Australian ski resort - a reunion which turns into a weekend of family drama and murder. As Ernie investigates the murder of an unknown man, he encounters a multitude of twists and turns, secrets are unveiled, and the past becomes entangled in the now.

The book was written from Ernie’s perspective as a family member and a self-appointed sleuth. However, what distinguishes the book even more is that he also writes from the perspective of an author of books about how to write crime fiction - very unique and entertaining.

“Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone” kept me guessing until the very end and is easily one of the most captivating and amusing crime mysteries I have read in a long time. Heard somewhere this is the first of a series, I hope so. I loved it.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
by Colleen Oakley

Need a Smile? (4/10/2023)

(No spoilers)

I absolutely loved this entertaining feel-good book. An easy low-key read about female friendships with a dose of intrigue and twists and turns.

Readers who liked “Killers of a Certain Age,” “The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett” or Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series are likely to find this book delightful…as well as anyone looking to smile.

The Bangalore Detectives Club: Detective Kaveri Mysteries #1
by Harini Nagendra

A 5 Star Start to a New Cozy Mystery Series (6/28/2022)

“The Bangalore Detectives Club” is a cozy mystery with a touch of historical fiction and international flavor.This gem of a book set in Bangalore in the 1920s features a cast of diverse characters and a realistic plot. Beyond the intrigue, the book introduces the reader to the local culture (caste system, gender roles, food, etc.) and events of the period set against the colonial British back drop - written from an Indian perspective, I found this interesting and enlightening.

While I have read and enjoyed many books in the cozy mystery genre, “The Bangalore Detectives Club” is among one of my recent favorites. Now, I can’t wait for the next in the series!

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting: A Novel
by Clare Pooley

All Aboard (6/20/2022)

When a myriad of events bring an unlikely group of train commuters into each other’s lives, these strangers seemingly with little in common find precious friendship and new beginnings. The characters, relatable and likable, are a celebration of diversity in terms of life stages and circumstances. In particular, Iona, a 57 year old woman who is vibrant, smart and resilient with so much to contribute to society is a welcome stomp on ageism!

While contemporary fiction is not generally my genre of choice, this book was an entertaining, lighthearted read, yet importantly, not lacking substance. The pages found me cheering on the characters and left my heart happy.

“Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting” is a must-read for those looking for a delightful feel-good book!

The Ghosts of Rose Hill
by R. M. Romero

Mesmerizing and Haunting (6/4/2022)

A one-of-a-kind coming of age story about a young Jewish teen sent off to spend her summer in Prague. Written in lyrical verse, this book enchanted me from the start. It is a love story and a ghost story intertwined by myth. Not usually one to read YA fiction or fantasy, I’m so glad I stumbled onto this exquisite and unique read.

Surviving Savannah
by Patti Callahan

How to Survive Surviving (3/23/2022)

(No spoilers)
I went into “Surviving Savannah” expecting to love this book as historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and the premise of this book sounded fascinating. Unfortunately, I found the book just fair - a bit underwhelming. I liked the parallels and the intersections of the two story lines - 1838 and current day. I especially enjoyed learning more about historic Savannah, the USS Pulaski shipwreck, and the impact on the survivors. Where the book fell a bit flat for me was in the pace. The story, especially the modern day sections, felt too slow and drawn out. As a result, the book didn’t hold my attention and kept setting it aside.

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
by Robin Wall Kimmerer

The Natural World Revisited (3/2/2022)

What an amazing and beautifully written book. I read a chapter, each an essay, a day and then reflected on it…savoring the messages. Braiding Sweetgrass, as the title implies, spoke to my mind, body, and soul. A melding of science and the learning passed down through generations of Native Americans, this book is a unique and refreshing glimpse at the natural world, the gifts from Mother Earth. Respect, gratitude and reciprocity “for all that we have been given, for all that we have taken” from Mother Earth are themes central to each of the essays. The book is a moving call to action to reframe how we think of the natural world and how we weigh the choices we make with regards to our planet.

As someone else mentioned, this book should be required reading in all natural science classes. I was thrilled to read that a Youth Reader edition of this wonderful book will be available in 2022.

For audiobook lovers, Braiding Sweetgrass is narrated by Robin Wall Kimmerer herself. She brings the words to life as only someone who feels them with her heart could.

Crying in H Mart
by Michelle Zauner

A Taste of Korea (2/13/2022)

“Crying in H Mart” is a heartfelt memoir of a daughter looking back on her relationship with her mother. The story is a recounting of the age-old challenge of a mother and daughter struggling to relate to one another’s worlds and the resulting tensions from differing perspectives and expectations. Beyond generational differences, cultural differences further complicate communication for this Korean-American daughter and her Korean mother. Their one common ground - Korean food which serves as a means to nurture and show love as well as an expression of their cultural identity and sense of self. And, upon her mother’s death, Korean food is a means for the daughter to deal with loss as each dish brings with it a cherished memory.

The Magnolia Palace: A Novel
by Fiona Davis

Mystery Enveloped in Art (1/27/2022)

Set against the backdrop of the art-filled Frick Mansion, a renowned sculptor’s muse, hiding in plain sight as a private secretary, finds herself in the middle of Frick family drama and entangled in a web of accusations. Decades later a winter storm brings together an unlikely pair, a Frick Museum intern and a would-be model, who complete a scavenger hunt to unravel an almost 50 year old legacy of intrigue leading them full circle to where it all started. A captivating read for mystery and art lovers alike.

A Million Things
by Emily Spurr

Friendship Across The Ages (1/20/2022)

For readers who loved “The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett” - here is another exceptional book about a very special and heartwarming friendship, forged by tough life circumstances, between a young girl and her elderly neighbor. I loved it - but needed a few extra tissues on hand.

The Island of Missing Trees: A Novel
by Elif Shafak

As Told By A Fig Tree… (1/9/2022)

The Island of Missing Trees is undoubtedly one of my lifetime favorites. Cyprus, is an island divided, in turmoil, and people and nature alike are suffering years of unrest, escalating violence and the atrocities of an ethnic war. Cultural clashes, national identity and extremism, forbidden love, family and friendship, loss, survival and renewal as well as the connectedness of nature are themes tied together by a unique and unlikely storyteller who was witness to it all. I loved this beautifully written, lyrical novel. It will stick with me for a long time.

For those who like audiobooks, I strongly suggest the audiobook version of this novel. The narrator is exceptional, further enhancing this amazing read.

Fencing with the King: A Novel
by Diana Abu-Jaber

Family Secrets Unveiled (1/1/2022)

An elegant novel "Fencing With the King" is unlike anything I have read recently. Throughout the book I felt transported to Jordan while watching the story unfold. Intricate and poetic storytelling, not always easy to follow, was fitting to the Hamdan family dynamics as well as the history, the politics, and cultural nuances of this region of the world. And while the story builds slowly, a twist makes the waiting all worthwhile. It was a fascinating read.

The Lincoln Highway: A Novel
by Amor Towles

Another Towles “Must Read” (10/23/2021)

“The Lincoln Highway” is another beautifully written book from Amor Towles. Admittedly, I was initially unsure about the book but about one-third into it I was totally engaged in the four boys’ individual tellings of how the fascinating events of their 10 day journey unfolded. While the book couldn’t be more different
than “A Gentleman in Moscow” in terms of plot, setting, and complexity the two books are similar in that remarkable and endearing characters come alive on the pages, Towles’ deep understanding of human nature and emotions evident in the well-defined personalities and actions of the characters. Also, like “A Gentleman in Moscow,” I found “The Lincoln Highway” uplifting, hopeful, and scattered with humor.

“The Lincoln Highway” will sit among my favorite books on my bookshelf to be read again.

Take My Hand
by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Left Me Smarter and Needing to Know More (9/11/2021)

The highest praise I can give "Take My Hand" is that it left me a smarter person for having read it. This book engaged me from the very first page. The book made me think and opened my eyes, leaving me wanting, actually needing, to learn more about the historical backstory —- for me, the hallmarks of an exceptional book. I loved it!

Powerful, thought-provoking, beautifully written. The characters - their emotions, convictions, struggles, and relationships, came alive in the pages of "Take My Hand." The story, built around a candid and troubling look at a case of reproductive injustice in Alabama, flowed easily going back a forth between the 70's and current (2016).

This book, while historical fiction, tackles topics still very relevant to our time. It is "must read" for book clubs willing to have meaningful, and possibly tough, discussions - not only about the book, but about the topics of civil rights, structural racism, and women's reproductive rights.

The Turnout
by Megan Abbott

“The Turnout” a Turn Off (8/27/2021)

I had such high expectations for “The Turnout.” I even pre-ordered it based on the early reviews by the critics and because I was intrigued by the book having ballet as the backdrop. After all, “Every girl wants to be a ballerina” as it says in the book.

Not finishing a book is a rare occurrence for me. I read lots of genres and really like to give books a fair chance. However, in the case of “The Turnout,” I set the book aside after forcing myself to read at least half of it. It was kind of dark and disturbing...not a “thriller.” The storyline didn’t resonate with me at all. The characters were not likable or relatable. Disappointing - this book sounded like it would be a great read.

A Woman of Intelligence
by Karin Tanabe

A 3.5 Star Worthwhile Read (8/20/2021)

It’s NYC in the 1950’s, the early years of the Cold War Era. Communism is a perceived threat. McCarthyism is in full swing. Katharina Edgeworth is living a privileged life as a wife of a doctor and a mother of two healthy spirited boys. An d yet, an educated, worldly, career woman, Rina is being suffocated by the traditional roles and expectations of “wife and mother” dictated by society and others in her life. When her days are at their bleakest, a past relationship with a known Communist brings the FBI into her life. The assignment they ask of her, not only allows her to play a role serving her country, but is also the lifeline Rina needs to find herself.

A 3.5 star read. “A Woman of Intelligence” started off a little slow with the crux of the story not unfolding until at least the midpoint of the book and even then, I was left wanting for more detail about Rina’s role and more intrigue. With that said, the book was an easy read and the premise was interesting enough to hold my attention until the end of the book.

A Peculiar Combination: Electra McDonnell Series #1
by Ashley Weaver

Criminals, Soldiers, Spies…oh my! (7/30/2021)

As fate brings them together, a spirited thief and a straight-laced Major become unlikely allies in war-time England as they join forces to thwart an attempt to deliver critical documents into the Germans’ hands. Intrigue, murder, and a sprinkling of romance, combined with engaging “good guys” and a handful of suspects, are the perfect ingredients for this entertaining WW2 mystery.

The first in a new series —- I am already eagerly anticipating the next Electra McDonnell series!!!

4.5 stars “light” read (easy straightforward read, not overly graphic violence)

The Personal Librarian
by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray

A Fascinating Life Story (7/21/2021)

A fascinating story of the life of Belle da Costa Greene (née Belle Marion Greener), J P Morgan’s trusted personal librarian, partner-in-art, and confidant. The book follows Belle as she, a colored woman passing as white, learns to navigate among a male-dominated art world and mingle with high society across continents as an influential representative of J P Morgan (and later his son) and his John Pierpont Morgan Library. While her path brought Belle professional success, influence, acclaim and rewards, it didn’t come without high risks, personal sacrifices, the burden of familial responsibilities and loneliness as told in this compelling novel.

“I wonder sometimes if the sacrifice I made to have this success is worth it.” (Belle in a conversation with her father)

As a side note - this book will be an excellent read for book clubs! There are many potential topics for engaging discussion.

Reviews by Gabi

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