I am interested in other cultures and this novel does not disappoint. This story with the Deshmukhs in Irumi, Telangana speaks of the landlords to the fertile earth after India's post independence. There are Indian words that were not familiar to me so I would have appreciated a glossary to guide me. Vijaya is a daughter of the aristocratic Deshmukhs who meets Krishna a son of a servant. They have a deep bond. Caste differences play a part in how they see political peasant uprisings, traditions, and love. The writing draws you in and along the way you learn about the intricacies among the well developed characters and the deep connection to the fertile earth.

This is a pleasant book about immigrants seeking opportunity for their child by coming to America. Tony, Kim, and Tammy struggle economically and culturally. Tony is a doorman for The Rosewood where we meet Oliver. This neighbor generously offers to teach Tammy piano, and a friendship develops. We learn about the parents' engineering and physician jobs in China but now they have low-paying jobs. We are given a peek at Tony's temper but we don't SEE it again until much later. Characters are written in a way that mirror perceived stereotypes; persuading readers to the morally correct way. There is a surprising incident at the end that still leaves me wondering about Oliver and Tammy. Interesting read that would be great to discuss.

This book is not my usual genre; I found it fun but implausible. This is a cozy mystery involving a young woman, Tanner, who needs a job and an older lady, Louise Wilts, who needs some help. The repartee between these woman, who can barely tolerate each other, grows into a friendship as they make a road trip. There is clever dialogue bringing in pop culture that will make you chuckle; however; for me, it didn't have depth. If you enjoy feel-good stories that debunk preconceived notions, how words can build or destroy a person, this light mystery may be for you.

This book's likeable characters, story, and great writing drew me in; however, the Asian discrimination and government interference disturbed me. The title, OUR MISSING HEARTS, captures how society could allow removing children from parents... and yet, that happens in this novel. Bird, the son, lives with his loving Dad but his mother is somewhere else. She wrote a book that was censored by the government. It wasn't "in line" with the pro American PACT passage. Bird sets out to find his mother. So many themes that resonated while reading such as divisions politically, economically, culturally, religiously; how government interference can frame restrictions over freedoms. As I keep thinking about this book, I will recommend to my book club. I welcome discussing differing perspectives on these themes.

Upon opening the book there lies a newspaper headline, "HINDU WOMAN SUES BROTHERS WHO KILLED HER MUSLIM HUSBAND." HONOR is an absorbing, captivating book I could not stop reading. You will be transported to India where you will learn about the American journalist who tells the story of Meena and Abdul. As the novel unfolds, you will meet other characters that allow us to comprehend Indian culture and traditions. These pages are written with reality, tenderness and give insight into how we are more alike than different. HONOR allows the reader to truly experience the angst of these characters through their ordeals. The book has much discussion for book clubs: oppression, opportunity, hope, religious differences, familial devotion, misogyny, friendship, betrayal, love, and HONOR. I LOVED this book and I will recommend it to my book club.

This namesake author, with his father, searches for the truth of his Mafia grandfather. From the early 1900's, you will learn immigrant history and the connection to the expectation and search for a better life. This nostalgic, heart rendering truth of this Mafia family shows what most of us realize in our families. The universal traits we all can appreciate, minus the gritty Mafia life, demonstrates love, betrayal, loyalty, forgiveness, and diametrically opposing values. Well written, engaging, and thought provoking about grandparents and parents who impact us simply by learning our family history. SMALL TIME Will draw you in!