The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl is one of a kind and a book that I believe will be talked about for many years. Isaac's life, 96 years long, is encapsulated in 12 chapters that dig deep into not only Isaac's psyche but in what was happening in the world and how it both swelled around snd intersected Issacs' life. In 226 pages we learn more about Isaac than any epic of 500 pages could ever cut through to the heart of theatter. Isaac lived a life that was full of poignancy that will resonate with anyone who reads it. He is, to me, the common man who experiences both the joy and pain of living. And in that experience allows us to realize what we have lived, still have to live and how it will affect us and our loved ones.

Widowland by C.J. Carey is the "what if" story of WWII had fascism won and took over the "Alliance". Alternative history paralleling current events? The "what if" premise eerily becoming "what is". The timing of this publication is eerily timed also.
Alternative history paralleling current events. Instead of books being totally banned, they are subtly rewritten to reflect the reality that the "Alliance" decided is for the good of the children. They will believe the written word, a subtle brainwashing technique. Females are categorized by "childbearing" abilities and those who are not married or widowed are "put out to pasture" literally and figuratively. Women are not to use their brains until a certain age lest they believe that they have as much to offer society as men. Sounds familiar???
The author lays out the plot convincingly, just enough mix of the reality of the older generation quietly leading the childbearing generation towards that reality. The question remains, will the younger generation pick up the gauntlet and pursue reality at whatever cost??

"Take My Hand" by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is a gut wrenching story, albeit fiction, based on true accounts of forced sterilization of girls and women of color. One might think that this takes place in "the dark ages", yet this happened in the 1970's, a mere 50 years ago. The book is voiced by a young nurse, working her first job in a Federally run Family Planning Clinic in Montgomery, Alabama. The nurse, Civil, is a black woman, daughter of a physician, who wants nothing more than to bring the women she attends to the much needed medical care that they don't have. The realization of what is happening under her watch spurs her to try to right an egregious wrong.
Perkins-Valdez speaks in a voice that is straightforward without bleeding heart melodrama. This makes the telling even more poignant. Her characters and their interactions are direct, giving this book a powerful message to all.
How ironic it is that those if us who were fortunate in choosing this book to read and review are doing this as the Supreme Court votes not to stay a Texas law to prohibit abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. Yes, the difference is the later is out in the open and the former was in secret and unauthorized. Yet the bottom line is the complete disregard of the bodily right of a woman to decide what is best for her! Some things just don't change!!

A psychological thriller needs to be just that. Unfortunately, Mrs. March misses the mark. I was looking forward in reading this first book of Virginia Frito but was disappointed as it was predictable once you read the first 50 pages.
Perhaps if the main characters had been fully developed, the book might have been a meatier read, however that wasn't the case. I agree with one reviewer who would not have finished reading the book save for the responsibility of writing a review.
I hope that Ms. Feito will write a second book and that Mrs. March will be left in her "pedantic" world.

Once again, Marie Benedict has not disappointed in her latest book "The Personal Librarian". She is joined in this book by Victoria Christopher Murray one of this country's top African American contemporary authors.

The main character in this book is Belle da Costa Green who, through high academic prowess and perseverance, becomes "The Personal Librarian" to J.P. Morgan. And so her journey begins to curate both books and art for the greatest library ever assembled for the wealthiest and most influential industrialist of the times. Through her climb of this corporate ladder, in a field that was not one that women aspired, we meet individuals who Belle interacts with on both a professional and personal level. And although her professional life was groundbreaking for that time, it is her personal life that we are drawn into. It is a familial conflict which can determine her future. And it is that conflict that weighs heavy on Belle along with putting a very bright spotlight on the mores and racial and social justice issues then and now.

This is the third of Ms. Benedict's books that I have read and I am hooked. Thank you, Marie Benedict, for highlighting women who made great strides during times when a woman's place was strictly in the home!

Anna Malika Tubbs' book, The Three Mother's, gives the reader a background of the mothers of three influential Black men who were at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin. These men absorbed the passion of justice for the Black man from their mothers who lived during Jim Crow. These women not only saw the cruelty but experienced it first hand. Their sons also saw and experienced those cruelties yet approached their fight for equality in such different ways. In doing her research, Ms. Tubbs' was faced with having none of these mothers and sons alive to be able to hear first hand information, both factual and emotional. Although the factual was gotten from historians and personal interviews of remaining family members, the emotional bond between mother and son, the unspoken was lost. Perhaps if the scheduled interview with all three sons in one room could have taken place, it would have greatly added to the extensive research which she had done. Unfortunately, the assassination of Malcolm X happened two days prior to what would have been a historic interview by Kenneth Clark.

Through narratives of the beginnings of all three men and the tribulations their mothers faced, this gave me a perspective that no history or civics class could ever impart in students.

Ms. Tubbs' structure of her book reminds me of a dissertation with the conclusion chapter as her defence. After finishing reading this book, I was left with more questions. Perhaps that is the mark of a book whose topic has never been written before!

I am old enough to remember "The Twilight Zone". As soon as I saw Rod Seeking, I'd change the channel. He made me feel anxious! Although I loved "The Big Bang Theory", I could never figure out the fascination the guys had about " to go where no man has gone." It was way beyond their chosen field of expertise. Suffice it to say, I'm not a Trekie, nor a fan of Star Wars. No sci-fi for me.
That being said I have just finished reading "Piranesi" by Susanna Clarke for the third time and will buy the book - I received the ebook to review - to have in my library! Yes, that is how much I loved it. Why? Because it is magical and otherworldly. It makes you think about life and it's cycle. The author has written what could have been a rather frightful book into one that is beautifully lyrical, poignant and believable. It reminds us what has come before us in history and gives us an opportunity to experience the good, the bad and the ugly in a way that calls upon our senses. Art reminds us of what was and so it is in this book.
Our main character is Piranesi, though this is not his real name. In history, Piranesi is an Italian artist famous for his etchings of Time and of fictitious and atmospheric "prisons". The House , where the story mainly takes place, is atmospheric, haunting, yet calming to the soul. There are twists and turns, literally and figuratively that unfolds this mystery.
To say that I was initially thrilled to be told that the books that I had requested to reviewed were oversubscribed and that I could request"Piranesi". I am so glad that I stepped out of my box and read this book. In these most anxious times, my blood pressure was lowered not only once but three times before writing this. Will I read the book again? Everytime I feel fraught with everything, I will escape to The House and it's serenity.

Ruthie Fear by Maxim Loskutoff is both poignant and gritty.
The reader watches Ruthie grow up in a male dominated community after her mother abandons her and her father, who is also "growing up". Her beloved mountains and the purity of the untouched nature around her begins to be targeted by the elite who "want to get away from it all". Perhaps "Fear" leads her to explore outside of her hometown but it is the constant of the land that draws Ruthie back. Grit is the "wild west" feel (and physical placement) of the story - the actual home area of the author - which also draws Ruthie back. The characters, good and bad, that are woven into Ruthie's story are gritty in their obsession about "their land" which fortifies Ruthie's resolve. This is what gives Ruthie "true grit".
The writing is lyrical which enhances descriptions of Ruthie's physical world. The unexpected climax and conclusion .made me take multiple deep breaths upon finishing and said "Wow" out loud. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Both Ruthie and this book are forces of nature.

Katherine Sharp Landdeck's debut book, The Women With Silver Wings", delves into the mostly unknown world of women pilots and their immense contributions, ferrying air crafts from manufacturers to drop off airports, during WW II. We are all familiar with "Rosie the Riveter". We have seen the famous poster of a woman flexing her muscle - Rosie! We all know that when our men were called to serve our country, women, most homemakers with children, answered the call. They fulfilled those duties in all industries that were left without workers in addition to the war-time effort of building the machinery needed.

But how many of us knew about the WASP - Women Airforce Service Pilots - and what they went through not only to serve but to be duly recognized for their patriotism until now. How fortunate for us and for Ms. Landdeck, that she was actually able to interview these women of various backgrounds. And through these interviews we learn of their personal difficulties and sacrifice, finally setting the record straight with grit and persistence -- just like a woman!!! That it took from 1944 to 1977, and even then not to totally to make WASP eligible for all veteran benefits and programs, is a travesty. In 2009, these women were finally recognized by the United States with the highest award, the Congressional Gold Medal. At that ceremony, Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, said in her speech, "Women Airforce Service Pilots, we are your daughters; you taught us how to fly" Amen to that!!!!!

Writing your first book is a daunting undertaking. Consider that this is a true story in the middle of a religious war where humanity is at the bottom of the list. Throw in the determination of one man who, foregoing personal and familial safety, is determined to save whatever animals are still alive at the Mosal Zoo and you have an unforgettable story of faith, kindness and inner strength.

Louise Callaghan has produced a narrative of immeasurable courage, insight and love. "Father of Lions" is more than one book. There is the story of the ISIS occupation and atrocities that happened in Mosul, a story that you don't get in an evening news expose. You have within that narrative two families struggling to just survive and the story within those two families of one man's love of animals and determination to save those still alive.

Hard to believe? Please put this book on your list of "to read" to experience what possibilities we can all be capable of in the face of destruction. Bravo Louise for writing harsh realities yet allowing a small spark of hope to take hold, to make sure that we all understand that although atrocities are what is publicized, there are still humanitarian individuals, in this case animal advocates, who desperately believe in dignity and "if people cared for animals, they should care for humans, and if they cared for humans, they should care for animals. Kindness should not be divided."

In the tradition of William Faulkner, Andrea Bobotis has succeeded in her debut novel, "The Last List of Miss Judith Kratt", to tell the secrets of a once prominent Southern family in a clear and concise"Southern"voice that is lilting yet packs a punch when you least expect it. Through using the writing of an inventory list of "things"that have been acquired by the family, Miss Judith allows the reader an
inside view of how the Kratts conducted their business and lives and ultimately self-destructive. Our predisposition of how a family of prominence should conduct their lives and business with honesty, leadership and compassion, is peeled away like a Vidalia onion to see the good(?), the bad and the ugly. Every family has its' dirty secrets and the Kratts are no exception. As Miss Judith nears the end of her life, she has a need to "itemize" her and her families' life , setting her passage to the next world.
I would highly recommend reading this book while lounging on a chaise positioned on a veranda to feel a light breeze infused with the scent of magnolias while enjoying a mint julep or a Southern Comfort neat!!

Ellie and the Harpmaker is a heartfelt story of romance, tragedy and hope. The characters are interesting and well thought out. At this time of escalating dissatisfaction with everything, it is refreshing to read a book that takes you away from that and gives you pause to think about the purity of viewing life through innocence. Hazel Prior has touched on all human emotions in a thoughtful and gentle way, giving us all hope in our own lives.

Jeanne Macklin's "The Last Collection" realistically gives the reader a glimpse at not only one of the most cut-throat businesses, that of the fashion industry, but also a decisive moment in history, Hitler's invasion of France and specifically the fashion capital of the world, Paris. With the current resurgence of books dealing with WW II "The Last Collection" gives the reader a chance to experience the emotional upheaval of the impending capture of Paris by the Nazis and the frantic lives the Parisians ascribed to during those dark days.
Having two of the giants of fashion at that time, Elsa Schiaparellu and Coco Chanel as part of the historical "part" of this book, we see how the upbringing of each influences their personal beliefs of the impending war. Their professional jealousy of each other, their justaposion of their use of color and style, Elsa - bold and playful and Coco - severe and classic, points to the impeccable research Macklin did on both. It gave me the feeling on more than one occasion that even the fiction part of the book could also have been true. This is a book I will enthusiastically recommend. Bravo Jeanne!!!

This is the story of 4 siblings and how death affects their lives. The author has developed her characters,bringing the reader into their lives from the first page. The issues that these siblings live through are not only believable but heartbreaking. This is definitely a book club book with discussion - and glasses of wine - going on well into the evening!

I enjoyed reading this" beach read". It was engaging. and moved with twists and turns that the reader never anticipated. I am concerned, however, that the subject matter could be misconstrued as viable. I believe in our right to say and write what we want to; however the line is very fine between fiction and non-fiction in this book. This is a concern to me.

This book was touted as a book for Adrianna Trigiani lovers. Unfortunately, this book is nothing like a Trigiani book. That being said, I would venture to say that translating a book is a very difficult exercise as colloquialisms literally translated do not have the nuance of the original language. Auntie Poldi is an intriguing character, however the author has more subplots than is necessary. I think I would look for another translator to hopefully entice more readers. Definitely a beach read.

Mothers of Sparta is a hauntingly beautiful recounting of a life whose skin has been pulled back to expose reality. Dawn Davies draws you into her life and allows you to feel every nuance of her soul. It was refreshing to finish this book with the feeling of having read truth through laughter and tears. I loved the set up of the book, "A Memoir in Pieces" with each chapter a jewel. I could have done without "Men I Would Have Slept With". Definitely a book I will recommend to anyone, especially my book club!

The Resurrection of Joan Ashby neither has anyone or anything rising from the dead. I have never shied away from books of 500 pages plus, however after plowing through 275 pages of verbosity and convoluted multiple storylines, I concluded that there were too many other books I wanted to read. Perhaps if the author was more economical in her writing and wove the storylines in a more cohesive manner, the book might be a better read. The main storyline is interesting, a female writer who is well on her way to fame marries but with the caveat that she wants no children. Of course, she becomes pregnant and with the birth of her first child realizes the mystery of motherhood in a positive way. Not so with her second child. And so begins the push and pull of her initial desire. I'm going to pick up a less emotionally complicated and intense book to read just to bring me back to earth. With that, watch The Resurrection of Joan Ashby be nominated or better yet, win a Pulitzer Prize!

You are immediately drawn into "My Last Lament" by the main character, Aliki, as she recounts her life in a small Greek village during the last days of the German occupation of WW II and the ensuing Greek Civil War. As the story unfolds, she takes us on a journey of growing up amid the remains of a war that not only devastated her homeland but changed her personal life in ways that would impact her and her family forever.

The agony that families endured during the Civil War in Greece is so vividly described by the author that you are caught up in the treachery that pitted brother against brother. Aliki's family is not immune to this and we witness her valiant effort to keep the family together at all costs. "Stelios once said that our stories never finish. They just get braided with those of others into some larger strand that only later generations can understand." This is Aliki's last lament.