- Jun 30
Review of Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives by Mary Laura Philpott
While taking the reader through her children's health crises, Philpott considers the power of worry, of love, and of trying to let go and simply live. When you’re an adult who thinks your own churning mind is what keeps everything safe, it’s called anxious. In her newest memoir Bomb Shelter, Mary Laura Philpott explores her worries about and views of the world, and she ponders existential questions about life and death. Philpott considers her paralyzing fear of her children's
- Jun 29
Review of One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
McQuiston's love letter to New York offers charming song references, LGBTQ love, steamy scenes, character growth--and an irresistible playing-with-time element. In One Last Stop, twenty-three-year-old August keeps to herself--she's kind of cynical, she doesn't have a lot of friends, and she's holding true to form after her recent move to New York. Her mother dedicated her life to searching for her own brother, who disappeared decades ago, and enlisted daughter August in her o
- Jun 28
Review of The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn
In Kate Quinn's newest historical fiction, she shares the story of a real World War II figure, a Russian bookworm-turned-sniper who fought the Nazis and earned the nickname Lady Death. “Because people love war heroes…but even in my own beloved homeland, war heroes are supposed to be clean and uncomplicated. Those urging me to write my memoir will want a patriotic young woman who fought to defend her country, a heroine to root for with a story clean and simple as a full moon—a
- Jun 27
Three Books I'm Reading Now, 6/27/22 Edition
The Books I'm Reading Now It's audiobook mania over here! I've been listening to two great, very different books and reading a third. I'm reading The Diamond Eye, Kate Quinn's newest historical fiction, based on a real-life Russian bookworm turned sniper during World War II; I'm listening to Casey McQuiston's One Last Stop, a mostly lighthearted romp through New York City, lesbian love, and shifts in time; and I'm also listening to Mary Laura Philpott's Bomb Shelter, her seco
- Jun 24
Six Historical Fiction Mysteries Sure to Intrigue You
Historical Fiction Mysteries I adore historical fiction and mystery books, and I love the intersection of the two genres. Something about detailed settings from the past just sets off a mystery beautifully for me. Some of the books listed here also have supernatural elements, as in a recent favorite read I reviewed, A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske. Here's a greedy reading question: What other historical fiction mysteries should I read? I recently added Mrs. England by Stac
- Jun 23
Review of All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris
All Her Little Secrets shines when Ellice Littlejohn wrests control of her increasingly dangerous circumstances and when racial issues are explored. Despite some implausible details, the Atlanta-set mystery is a fast-paced read. A faction of my book club attends (virtually, the past couple of years) our local Library Foundation's fundraising event, in which authors read from and speak about their recent books, and we try to read a couple of these books in the following year.
- Jun 22
Review of The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green
John Green provides a range of thoughtful, wonderfully absurd, or sentimental examinations along with his ratings on a five-star scale of various concepts, natural phenomena, and inventions of our age. When people we love are suffering, we want to make it better. But sometimes--often, in fact--you can't make it better. I'm reminded of something my supervisor said to me when I was a student chaplain: "Don't just do something. Stand there.” The Anthropocene Reviewed is a collec
- Jun 21
Review of Hello, Molly! by Molly Shannon
Molly Shannon explores the childhood tragedy that changed her life forever, but her general optimism and joy feel like the heart of her memoir Hello, Molly! Should I begin this review by admitting that I once kind of, sort of followed Molly Shannon through my neighborhood when we lived in New York, or is that too creepy? Does it seem more acceptable if I clarify that I only went a block out of my way to do this on my way home? Yes? No? Anyhoo, Hello, Molly! is Shannon's accou
- Jun 20
Three Books I'm Reading Now, 6/20/22 Edition
The Books I'm Reading Now I'm listening to The Anthropocene Reviewed, John Green's collection of personal, thoughtful essays that consider humans' place in the universe; I'm reading Wanda M. Morris's All Her Little Secrets, a fast-paced Southern mystery that also explores issues of race and power; and I'm listening to Molly Shannon's memoir of tragedy, resilience, and humor, Hello, Molly! What are you reading and enjoying these days, bookworms? 01 The Anthropocene Reviewed: E
- Jun 17
Six Great Light Fiction Stories Perfect for Summer Reading
Some Light Fiction Favorites At the start of the pandemic, I was particularly drawn to lighter fiction because the chances felt slim that things could go seriously or painfully, irrevocably awry for the characters. These are some of my light fiction favorites, and they're also perfect for summer reading. Real, weighty issues are raised within the pages of the books on this list: characters cope with abuse or alcohol abuse; they struggle to feel self-respect, a healthy body im
- Jun 16
Review of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid's novel offers a dual timeline, immersive Old Hollywood detail, a forbidden love, and revelations and long-held secrets that seem destined to shake up everything for our modern-day main protagonist. I listened to Taylor Jenkins Reid's The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo as an audiobook. Evelyn Hugo is a reclusive, extremely famous Old Hollywood movie star, and she's finally ready to tell the story of her life--all the heartbreak, career maneuvering, mistakes
- Jun 15
Review of The Change by Kristen Miller
The Change explores the power of menopausal women and the poignant strength of friendship; supplies satisfying revenge fantasies and camp; and winds it all through our middle-aged heroines' satisfying solving of a disturbing set of mysteries. “Why do you think women are designed to outlive men? Why do we keep going for thirty years after our bodies can no longer reproduce? Do you think nature meant for those years to be useless? No, of course not. Our lives are designed to ha
- Jun 14
Review of A Marvellous Light (Last Binding #1) by Freya Marske
The first book in Marske's duology is full of Edwardian England detail, gay love, mystery, magic, wonderful dialogue and banter, and plenty of heart. I adored it. A Marvellous Light, the first in Freya Marske's Last Binding duology, starts with a devastating ending (the demise of a character, caused by nefarious magicians) and a less-than-promising beginning (Robin Blyth's first day in his civil service job, for which he doesn't feel remotely qualified nor interested). Robin
- Jun 13
Three Books I'm Reading Now, 6/13/22 Edition
The Books I'm Reading Now I'm reading Woman of Light, Kali Fajardo-Anstine's upcoming fantastical, indigenous historical fiction; The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid's dual-timeline historical fiction about the secrets of an Old Hollywood starlet; and A Marvellous Light, Freya Marske's fantastical Edwardian England story of mystery and love. What are you reading and enjoying these days, bookworms? 01 Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine There is one every
- Jun 10
Six Great Historical Fiction Stories Set in the American West
Brutality and Bravery in the American West These books explore the brutality of pioneer times, when indigenous peoples were killed and abused at the hands of white people who explored and settled in the West, while also offering characters of all stripes who show bravery and unbreakable spirit. Historical fiction set in the West also lends itself to stories of strong female characters in a time when the world around them didn't support women's abilities, independent thinking,
- Jun 9
Review of Activation Degradation by Marina J. Lostetter
Lostetter's standalone science fiction is a story about robots, a ragtag space crew, friends like family, and reimagining one's place in the universe. Its one job was to fight the invaders. It had more information on how to sauté spring onions than it did on the aliens. Activation Degradation, standalone science fiction from Marina L. Lostetter, begins with Unit Four's initial activation. It has just become sentient, and like its robot sisters, it has been programmed to fight
- Jun 8
Review of Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe
Keefe offers an infuriating, fascinating, meticulously researched account of the Sackler family and their collective responsibility for the ongoing, devastating opioid crisis. I listened to Empire of Pain, Patrick Radden Keefe's exhaustive, revolting, fascinating history of the Sackler family as traced through their modest beginnings, medical degrees, various interpersonal dramas, multiple marriages, handshake deals, amassing of vast wealth, and ruthless promotion of the fami
- Jun 7
Review of You Have a Friend in 10A by Maggie Shipstead
Shipstead's varied stories range from funny with an edge to darkly haunting. She builds her characters with vivid detail, and she serves up the brutal truth alongside vulnerability in this fascinating collection. In You Have a Friend in 10A, Maggie Shipstead offers gripping, sometimes haunting, sometimes darkly funny short stories, diving into eclectic and vivid settings ranging from an Olympic village, to a deathbed in Paris, to a Pacific atoll, to an abandoned mountaintop.
- Jun 6
Three Books I'm Reading Now, 6/6/22 Edition
The Books I'm Reading Now I'm reading Cult Classic, Sloane Crosley's upcoming literary fantasy; Empire of Pain, Patrick Radden Keefe's exhaustive and infuriating nonfiction account of the Sackler family and the ongoing, devastating opioid crisis; and Activation Degradation, Marina J. Lostetter's standalone science fiction about AI, a space crew, friendship, and bravery. What are you reading and enjoying these days, bookworms? 01 Cult Classic by Sloane Crosley I gave a couple
- Jun 3
Six Backlist Summer Favorites
The Summer Favorites These titles aren't light "summer reads," but they were my favorites from a summer past, and they all stand the test of time. In case you missed them the first time around, I'm reposting them as this summer begins so you can add to your to-read list at will. If you've read any of these, I'd love to hear what you think! For classic light fiction that's also great for summer reading, check out these titles and Bossy reviews. 01 The Vanishing Half by Brit Be