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A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them
by Timothy Egan
Chilling (11/23/2023)
This is a chilling and riveting read of the KKK in the 1920’s. A work of narrative nonfiction. Timothy Egan writes a compelling nonfiction excellent book that all should read. I’m sure, this book too will be banned, if not already.

The Klan was resurrected in the early 1900’s and one man in particular from Indiana becomes so powerful that he actually controls the state on all levels. D. C. Stevenson is a maniacal monster who has an evil charisma that allows for him to come in, and in a manner of short time take over the state of Indiana. Everyone from governor, police, ministers, judges and more were owned by Stevenson. He owned the state and he become a powerful Grand Dragon of all the Klan in the country. He was meticulously planning to live in the White House and this is terrifying.

One woman, Madge Oberholtzer, who was kidnapped, beaten and tortured by him was able to halt the Klan on her deathbed.

I thought I knew what the KKK is, but it is so much worse and mind boggling. There are too many parallels of this horrible time and what is presently going on in our country today. We need a wake-up call people, because there is definitely a pattern here.
Above the Salt: A Novel
by Katherine Vaz
Poetic Love Story (10/18/2023)
This 19th century read follows soulmates John Alves and Mary Freitas, over eight decades across Portugal and the United States. Meeting at a young age and becoming friends during the blood tide of warfare between Catholics and Protestants in Portugal, their families must flee and go to the United States, where they are separated till meeting again a few years later.

Katherine Vaz's exquisitely written love story will pull you in from beginning to end. Because it is written in the the language of its time, it isn't a quick read. I found I had to slow down to savor the lyrical writing style of this beautifully told love story. An author I did not know of and look forward to reading more from her

Thank you to BookBrowse for the ARC of this delightful poetic language read.
The Book of Everlasting Things: A Novel
by Aanchal Malhotra
Beautiful writing (10/16/2023)
The Partition of India is at the heart of this debut tale of love cut short by the Partition of India.

Touching on love, loss, remembrance, perfumery, calligraphy and war.
All You Have to Do Is Call
by Kerri Maher
A Timely Read (9/21/2023)
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of Kerri Maher’s book, All You Have To Do Is Call.

This is a timely read given the decision of the overturn of Roe v Wade. This decision overturned the longstanding Constitutional right to abortion and eliminated federal standards on abortion access. To think we have gone back 50 years and now have to start over fighting for a God-given, free-will right for women to determine what is best for them and not the government making their decision.

Kerri Maher has written a powerful and compelling novel that is loosely based on the true story of the Jane Collective, based in Chicago, in the early 1970’s. It pays tribute to these brave women who fought for a woman’s right to choose.

This is a pre-Roe v Wade read and the author brings a group of ordinary women together to fight for the right to choose. It is illegal to provide abortions and these women have trained to do a safe abortion, if a woman decides it is best for her. The group of Jane’s lead double lives because of the secrecy of the group and their personal everyday lives. It’s a story of sisterhood and the camaraderie of women helping women; knowing that they can be arrested because of the illegality of what they are doing.

This is a first read for me by this author and I enjoyed reading the advance copy of her book.
The Paris Daughter
by Kristin Harmel
War and the After Effects (9/10/2023)
I listened to this audiobook and the narration read by, Madeleine Maby, was good. I enjoyed, The Paris Daughter, and I like Kristin Harmel’s other book, The Book of Lost Names.

The story begins in Paris 1939 and two mothers meet and become fast friends. Soon after, the German occupation arrives in Paris and Elise, must leave Paris because she becomes a target. She leaves her daughter with, Juliette, to be safe.

This touches on the war itself, but more of a story of the after effects of what war does to people, families, communities, etc.
Two broken women; one that is stuck in the past and another drowning in regret and trying to find peace.

The story spans decades and we get to know more of the characters lives and personalities during this time. Then the story moves to New York where these two mothers meet up again.

Make sure to read the author’s note at the end.
One Summer in Savannah: A Novel
by Terah Shelton Harris
Heavy topic, but a very good read. (9/5/2023)
One Summer in Savannah by Terah Shelton Harris and narrated by ZuZu Robinson

The narration was a challenge because of the cadence. The reading is stilted for a few characters, but once in it, it became easier to listen to.

The story is about forgiveness and all the complications involved with it. Sara has to decide if she can forgive the unforgivable act, of sexual assault, that resulted in the birth of her daughter, Alana. Sara is forced to return home and face ghosts of her past. A lot of emotional baggage with secrets.

This story gives a voice to all Sara’s of the world. It brings difficult things to the forefront for discussion. I am intrigued that this debut author is a rural librarian and wonder if her book will be one of the thousands being banned from libraries and schools. I enjoyed the book and look forward to more from Terah Shelton Harris.
Tell Me What I Am: A Novel
by Una Mannion
Suspenseful Read (8/23/2023)
This novel portrays complexities of domestic abuse, psychological abuse, along with family relationships and the grieving. Multiple layers in this suspenseful novel are slowly peeled back, revealing more and more of the truth that has been hidden from, Ruby, since she was a small child.

Narration was very good and read by, Sophie Amoss. I liked the writing style of Una Mannion and I want to read her debut, A Crooked Tree.
All You Have to Do Is Call
by Kerri Maher
A Timely Read Not To Be Missed (6/6/2023)
Thank you to the publisher and BookBrowse for an advance copy of Kerri Maher’s book, All You Have To Do Is Call.

This is a timely read given the decision of the overturn of Roe v Wade. This decision overturned the longstanding Constitutional right to abortion and eliminated federal standards on abortion access. To think we have gone back 50 years and now have to start over fighting for a God-given, free-will right for women to determine what is best for them and not the government making their decision.

Kerri Maher has written a powerful and compelling novel that is loosely based on the true story of the Jane Collective, based in Chicago, in the early 1970’s. It pays tribute to these brave women who fought for a woman’s right to choose.

This is a pre-Roe v Wade read and the author brings a group of ordinary women together to fight for the right to choose. It is illegal to provide abortions and these women have trained to do a safe abortion, if a woman decides it is best for her. The group of Jane’s lead double lives because of the secrecy of the group and their personal everyday lives. It’s a story of sisterhood and the comaraderie of women helping women; knowing that they can be arrested because of the illegality of what they are doing.

This is a first read for me by this author and I enjoyed reading the advance copy of her book.
Take My Hand
by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Take My Hand (9/4/2021)
Take My Hand, touches on issues that I knew little about. I enjoyed reading this book although at times it was heart wrenching; especially when dealing with minor girls. Certain government agencies took advantage of underprivileged people; largely poor black families and minor children.

This book would be an excellent choice for book clubs, as it provides topics that would stimulate a lively discussion. It did remind me of the book, The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks.
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