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What We're Reading Now October 2016
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Barkskins : a novel
by Annie Proulx
One of the greenest (ecologically concerned, not amateurish!) novels that you’ll ever read—a revelation for both Proulx’s fans and readers who love Michener and Edward Rutherfurd-ish multigenerational sagas.
Beginning in the 18th century, when Charles Duquet and Rene Sel immigrate to New France (Canada) finding daily survival a death-defying feat, the story follows their descendants into the 20th century. Chopping wood to earn daily bread evolves into the more powerful lumber industry. Viewing political and social change through two clans’ viewpoints makes for an immersive read.
LS
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The hopefuls
by Jennifer Close
This is a Tale of Two Couples: intense Beth and Matt, who answer the lure of politics Washington, D.C. in workmanlike fashion, and charismatic Jimmy and Ashleigh, Texans who effortlessly inspire a following. A Washington insider herself (her husband is a White House staffer) Close tracks the trajectories of the couples as their lives intersect and diverge.
At its best when skewering D.C. denizens’ acronym-studded gossip, the story is narrated by the unlikable Beth and inhabited by characters in whom one has difficulty investing. Despite some very entertaining passages, the story lacks warmth.
LS
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The road to Little Dribbling : adventures of an American in Britain
by Bill Bryson
A sequel to "Notes From a Small Island" stands as the author's tribute to his adopted country of England and describes his riotous return visit two decades later to rediscover the country, its people and its culture.
Wonderful, like all his other books! Recommended.
HM
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The girls : a novel
by Emma Cline
The award-winning Cline’s debut novel is not about the Manson family but explores the questions we all have regarding the motivations behind their horrific crimes.
14-year-old Evie Boyd, insecure about her value (attractiveness) and starved for parental attention, glimpses two female members of a cult lodged near her hometown and mistakes their careless detachment as the strength to which she aspires, Evie pursues inclusion in their group (led by an ultra-charismatic would-be rock star) at any cost. Adeptly portrays 60’s-specific cultural signposts and the timeless question of what women believe they must do to prove their relevance.
LS
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Sons and daughters of ease and plenty
by Ramona Ausubel
Fern and Edgar, young marrieds in the Vietnam War era, have more than chemistry going for them: both are children of wealth and privilege (one from old money, one from new). How will their gently nurtured souls and long-held expectations of life (not to mention their three children) fare when the fortune undergirding their lives disappears?
While admiring Ausubel’s distinctive, insightful narrative style, I did not share critics’ general enthusiasm for the story; as Fern and Edgar drifted from their responsibilities, my interest unmoored, as well. See what you think!
LS
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A man called Ove : a novel
by Fredrik Backman
Stories judged heartwarming by others often seem soggy and manipulative to me—but not this one. Just try to read this life-affirming debut novel without alternately reaching for tissues and laughing aloud!
Widower and reluctant retiree Ove is grim, intolerant, devoid of conversational filters or warmth. But, as new neighbors and old enemies barge their way into his existence, Ove’s point of view and past become clear—as does his absolute need for the untidy tumult that today’s global society occasions. This charmer is unreservedly recommended! (Great gift, too.)
LS
Darkly funny and reminds me of Louis Begley's About Schmidt.. Recommended.
HM
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Rebecca's tale
by Sally Beauman
If you found Daphne du Maurier’s classic Rebecca as memorable as most readers do, check out this thoroughly engaging 2001 sequel; it’s even approved by the du Maurier estate. The only caveat: knowledge of Rebecca is an absolute prerequisite.
It’s 1951—20 years after the death (murder? suicide?) of fascinating, glamorous Rebecca de Winter, and tongues haven’t stopped wagging about this sensational story. Venture beyond the juicy speculations and share documents and discoveries from Colonel Julyan, his daughter, Rebecca herself, and a young man whose stake in the story isn’t yet clear, even to himself. Intricate and highly recommended!
LS
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The Virgin Queen's daughter : a novel
by Ella March Chase
Nell de Lacey’s unusual childhood---a chance encounter with then-Princess Elizabeth, tutelage from her learned father—has ordained her for an interesting future; teenaged Nell embraces the command to hasten to court and attend the queen as a lady-in-waiting. But Nell’s mother, a former lady-in-waiting, guards a secret likely to reveal itself once Nell’s fiery hair and remarkable intellectual gifts become evident.
Entertaining the premise that the Tudor line might not have ended with Elizabeth, Chase portrays the perils and intrigue of court life particularly well.
LS
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The Mandibles : a family, 2029-2047
by Lionel Shriver
Decisions, decisions: use extravagantly priced clean water to wash dishes, or risk typhoid? Wait ‘til the grocery has a better selection, or rush to spend your currency while it still has some value?
Shriver’s near-future dystopia charts the once-loaded Mandible clan’s precipitous decline. A savage world economy has rendered the dollar useless and upended other values and pecking orders. And Shriver boldly goes where most of us dread to speculate; what happens (and who pays?) when life expectancy skyrockets? A marvelous read--inventive colloquialisms, spot-on observations, unforgettable characters. LS
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Homegoing
by Yaa Gyasi
Told as a series of short stories, this novel covers centuries through the parallel tales of sisters whose descendants are trapped in different ways, by castes and colonialism in Ghana and by slavery and white oppression in America.
AW
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The most dangerous place on earth : a novel
by Lindsey Lee Johnson
Welcome to gorgeously situated Mill Valley High School, not far from San Francisco. Note the BMWs in the parking lot, the good looks and promise of the talented student body, and the dewy-eyed dedication of the first-year English teacher. What could possibly go wrong? Something already has: an eighth-grade tragedy that haunts the participants and sets the tone for their high school selves. Johnson’s adept page-turner wisely sets up multiple viewpoints from some classic “types” (nicely reimagined) without neat resolution. Recommended!
LS
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The heart of Henry Quantum
by Pepper Harding
With his whimsical spirit and philosophical soul, Henry seems an odd choice to work in an advertising agency, but he does. And his wife Margaret approves—or did, until he ceased to climb the corporate ladder.
Now it’s nearly Christmas, and Margaret needs a gift. Henry has finally thought of something—a bottle of Chanel No. 5—but things keep happening, and it almost seems that the gift is not meant to be bestowed. Join Henry as he traverses his workday, many random speculations, and a significant portion of San Francisco to discover what is meant to happen. This quirky story transpires in a single day.
LS
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The couple next door
by Shari Lapeña
“When in doubt, don’t” : the advice that Anne Conti ignores. Intensely uneasy about husband Marco’s suggestion that, because the babysitter cancelled at the last minute, they could leave their baby daughter sleeping, check in occasionally, and still attend the dinner party next door, she eventually agrees. They return home to find 6-month-old Cora gone.
To a ransom scenario (Anne’s parents are multi-millionaires), Lapena layers on postpartum depression, neighbors who aren’t what they seem, publicity nightmares, and marital issues in more than one household. There’s a lot going on, but that’s a good thing, right? Very suspenseful.
LS
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The orphan mother : a novel
by Robert Hicks
Hicks’ The Widow of the South was a bestseller a few years ago; now the author revisits Franklin, Tennessee a few years later—in 1867—when the town is still recovering from the war, troubled by Reconstruction-related corruption and racial strife.
Mariah Reddick, freed from Carnton Plantation and now a well-regarded midwife, doubts very much that she will ever be allowed to speak up or matter in society. However, son Theopolis has political ambitions. Then, tragedy strikes and Mariah is galvanized to take action. Dramatic story, strikingly relevant themes, wonderful imagery.
LS
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America's war for the greater Middle East : a military history
by Andrew J Bacevich
Written from a military perspective, Bacevich traces the incremental decision-making that led to the present-day U.S. commitments throughout the ‘Greater’ Middle East.
With excellent descriptions of the political and military pressures involved, Bacevich tells a clear and simple story that helps clarify how this issue developed over the last forty years.
EY
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Reinventing IKEA
by Isabelle Bruno
The web is full of online “Ikea hacks” where you purchase items from Ikea and transform them into something customized to fit your needs or style. To this end, the authors have gathered 70 projects from simple to expert. In addition to step-by-step instructions, each project specifies the Ikea product(s) and other necessary supplies and tools. The projects are well illustrated and many of the steps are diagrammed or illustrated—no surprises.
One of my favorite projects involves taking magnetic knife racks to organized small toy cars. Or you can construct an indoor play scape that your child can sleep in…
TB
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Thrice the brinded cat hath mew'd : a Flavia de Luce novel
by C. Alan Bradley
Still reading, but wonderful so far!
Fans of Alan Bradley's earlier Flavia De Luce novels won't be disappointed and will be delighted to know Flavia's returned from Canada and is back on her usual stomping grounds of Bishop's Lacey.
HM
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Theodore Gray's Completely Mad Science : Experiments You Can Do at Home but Probably Shouldn't
by Theodore Gray
Well, I was hooked at the title--really it’s the subtitle or blurb on the books cover, “Science experiments you can do at home, but probably shouldn’t” that screams “pick me up and read me”.
A number of the experiments seem to be variations on molecular gastronomy like making ice cream with liquid nitrogen, as found in the chapter ‘Experimental Cuisine’. From there thing get hotter and weirder--full of gorgeous photographs and enough science to satisfy the biggest nerd you know, frequently described with a bit of light humor.
TB
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