Dinosaurs: A Novel
by Lydia Millet
Review of Dinosaurs, by Lydia Millet (9/20/2022)
Millet's new novel, Dinosaurs, is the story of a man named Gil who initially appeared as a rather eccentric person who walks for almost five months from New York to Arizona in search of a fresh new start. After losing his parents at an early age and being raised as an orphan, he spends much of his life responding to being wealthy seeking out opportunities to give back and connect to others in the most innocent and heartfelt ways. The story, while rather simple, was rich with material to discuss and ponder. The allegory of the castle next to the glass house, the birds of the desert evolved from dinosaurs, friendships, life and death are all woven into this lovely story.
Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender, and Parenting in America
by Nefertiti Austin
Motherhood So White (8/29/2019)
Nefertiti's story of Motherhood through the eyes of an African American single woman was heartfelt and eye opening. I developed a deep respect for her and her commitment to working against a difficult system in an ever increasing racist world. I can only imagine the goodness her story and her life will bring to her adoptive children and her surrounding community. Her work will go a long way to fill the void helping others to have more knowledge and also break down negative stereotypes that are so prevalent . I look forward to hearing more from Ms. Austin.
Women Rowing North: Navigating Life's Currents and Flourishing As We Age
by Mary Pipher
Women Rowing North Review (7/10/2019)
I delayed writing my review on Mary Pipher's new book, Women Rowing North as I did not want to finish reading it. It felt like a new friend that I could connect with on so many topics. Pipher's outlook on positive aging was just what I needed at this phase in my life. Even though the focus is targeted toward women advancing later years, I think all women can benefit from this special read and look forward to sharing it with my daughters and mother.
Mercies in Disguise: A Story of Hope, a Family's Genetic Destiny, and the Science That Rescued Them
by Gina Kolata
A Family's Generational Struggle (11/9/2016)
Mercies in Disguise, by Gina Kolata, is a story that weaves medicine and scientific discoveries with realistic issues that families face when confronted with a genetic life changing disease. The book starts slowly almost metaphorically like medical research, as the scientists work to identify the underlying causes of the disease,while families over multiple generations try to piece together the debilitating effects on extended family members. Ultimately the reader is drawn into the world of a very loving family, dealing with daily struggles to the ethical decisions that they must confront to stop the genetic transmission onto future family members. Overall, I found Mercies in Disguise to be an emotional, thought provoking and realistic story.