I read this a while ago, and I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
I typically like this author for his courtroom drama. But this one iCatching up…
I read this a while ago, and I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
I typically like this author for his courtroom drama. But this one is not a legal thriller. This is a college basketball story. And, since I am not a typical sports fan, as Grisham declares himself, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it.
But to be fair, this is more than a sports story. Because Samuel Sooleyman, our main protagonist, is a teen basketball player originally from the war-torn area of the Sudan whose family has emigrated to America for a better life.
The vivid descriptions of his family fleeing their village in the Sudan will be heart-wrenching. Readers will feel what the family experiences in their fight for survival during the war and life in a refugee camp. The feelings of societal injustice will also ring loudly, as it is typical for Grisham to write stories that have a cause behind them.
And, for those who love a good story about college basketball, Grisham writes it as if he was a coach for years.
There is good character development, a compelling plot and historical references to the Sudan and the plight of the refugees that will surely be felt by readers.
The story although slow-moving at times, is also filled with immense details that can sometimes feel like tedious reading. But the story still provided its own bittersweet conclusion that will stay with readers long after leaving the last page ...more
This is a terribly sad, and at times difficult to read story with no apparent happy resolution. Catching up…
I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
This is a terribly sad, and at times difficult to read story with no apparent happy resolution.
It is 1968 and a young girl (maybe age 11 or 12) named Sonia is killed in a Pakistan neighborhood known for being a red-light district. What was she doing there? A police officer, Faraz Ali is sent to cover-up the crime. Why?
Faraz Ali has a very complicated past. And, a very complicated relationship with his powerful father, Wajid, who was the one who gave the order to cover-up the crime. Who is Wajid protecting?
The problem for Ali is that he has a conscious. He wants a murder investigation. And, thus a police procedural takes place for readers. One of my favorite genres.
At the same time, readers are taken to an earlier time in WWII, when Wajid was a soldier for the British Empire, who has been captured and thrown into a POW camp in Libya. How does this affect his future self?
This is an intergenerational saga that touches on a lot of sensitive trigger issues – i.e., war, child and adult prostitution, poverty, the life of a courtesan, domineering parentage. The characters are real feeling against a compelling plot. It is also filled with vivid descriptions of violence, which impacted my experience as a reader. In those instances, it was easier to skip read those sections.
I remember reading this book years ago, so when it was recently donated to my Little Free Library Shed, I thought it would be interesting Catching up…
I remember reading this book years ago, so when it was recently donated to my Little Free Library Shed, I thought it would be interesting to re-visit it. I particularly appreciated the sensitivity the author took in addressing one of the character’s disorders. It is particularly encouraging to read a story in which the inner-voice of a teen on the spectrum is represented so well in fiction.
In many ways, this may be considered a YA novel, since its characters are teens. But there is something poignant to the story, which makes its audience universal.
The story is told from two alternating points of view. Liana, who loves studying astronomy. Outer-space. The planets. And, then there is Hank, with Asperger’s Syndrome who has a love of music, but an awkwardness that makes him wonder if he will ever be kissed by a girl.
As we watch the character’s struggles, i.e., family issues, social anxieties, negative self-image, living on the spectrum, we can’t help but feel a sense of hope that they will be able to find self-acceptance and maybe even love along their journey. And, even if the story gets bogged down at times, we can still ponder and appreciate these characters and feel hopeful for them....more
One of my favorite genres is courtroom dramas, and this one fulfills it superbly for this debut author. And, with his experience as a successful trialOne of my favorite genres is courtroom dramas, and this one fulfills it superbly for this debut author. And, with his experience as a successful trial and appellate litigator, I am not surprised. Unfortunately, the author passed away one month after the book was published (RIP: November 2, 2024), so we will not ever have the opportunity to experience his writing again.
For the sake of this story, consider this scenario.
What happens when your best friend is accused of murder? And, he asks you as an attorney, to represent him? And, what happens when that best friend happens to be the former President of the United States? And, what happens when the victim is someone that was close to you? Do you still believe your best friend is innocent? And, do you still want to represent him? What dilemma do you find yourself in?
This is that circumstance for attorney, Rob Jacobson. And, as it turns out, this will be the case for him, too. And, with many twists and turns, it appears to be the same, for readers, as well. What do we as readers want to believe?
But to understand this case, we also have to understand Rob. His feelings about the victim, his client – the ex-President – best-friend, as well as Rob’s past. How does this past affect the present? And, who can we trust to tell us, the readers, the truth? To understand all of it, will Rob, our narrator, give readers everything we need to know?
Especially those in-between chapters where someone is talking to a therapist, trying to curb those violent behaviors. Did we figure out who that was? Want to bet on whether we figure it out before the end? I’ll take that bet.
There are many moving parts – many different characters who play a role, and interact and have a part in this story, which makes readers wanting to quickly turn pages to find out why Rob would take on this case. And, nothing appears as it seems. And, all we can do as readers is wonder…why? What is going on here? So, we keep turning those pages until we get to the very last page…where then the truth is finally revealed. And when it finally is, what will we feel as readers?
This story is…Spell-binding. Page-turning. Complex. With…those twists and turns, I mentioned. It is thought-provoking. Immersive. Character-driven. Engrossing. It is well-paced, well-crafted, with an intricate plot that is memorable, with unpredictable characters, that are multi-layered. Stay with it. Readers, you won’t be disappointed....more
“People could be good. … Always, Christmas brought out the best and worst in people.”
In many ways this is a Christmas story about a man named Bill Furl“People could be good. … Always, Christmas brought out the best and worst in people.”
In many ways this is a Christmas story about a man named Bill Furlong, and a girl named Sarah, and how their lives intersect.
Thoughtful, hard-working, Irishman, Bill Furlong wants what is best for his wife and four daughters. Born of a single mother, into a simple life, never knowing who his father was, he longs to do what is right for his family. It is just before Christmas, and he and his wife know what their kids want from Santa. But what does Bill want for himself?
And what happens when Bill comes upon a convent that he is delivering coal and logs too, and finds girls locked in slaving away? How is he to feel? Or a road he does not know and is told, “this road will take you wherever you want to go son.” There is so many ‘small things like these’ that Bill contemplates but does not understand, even as he addresses all of this with his understanding wife, Eileen. Her response, ‘where does thinking get us?’
Even with a soft-heart, readers could feel as Bill did, that things were just not right in his world, and there was a helplessness he could not change. There is a restlessness and melancholy to Bill as he continues to lament and contemplate who is father could be. And, he still feels a sense of concern about what is going on at the convent. Could it be abuse of these girls?
There is much to experience in this short little book. Keegan’s prose is thought-provoking and poignant. Her characters sympathetic and well-developed. Her plot heart-warming and moving. Readers can’t help but feel hopeful for Bill Furlong, and what he hopes to accomplish for someone like Sarah, and his own family. He truly is a memorable character. One you want the best for in the end.
Be sure to read the author’s ‘a note on the text’ for more information about true Irish history.
It is 2 in the morning. Ella is on her way to meet her estranged father when she witnesses him being killed by So, let’s see if we get this straight.
It is 2 in the morning. Ella is on her way to meet her estranged father when she witnesses him being killed by an assailant. But that isn’t all.
Attorney, Ted Weldon has just quit his job, and is leaving his office at 2 in the morning. He can’t find a taxi, so he is walking along, when he witnesses a woman being attacked and kidnapped. And then, he is hit and knocked out.
But wait, there is more.
Then, they both wake up. And, find themselves in a cage somewhere on a farm. But they easily escape. And, eventually find a highway where they are picked up by the police. Only to find out that they are wanted by the police for the killing of her father.
What?!
You know, that same woman who witnessed her father being killed by an assailant at 2 in the morning? Yes, that one. And, the same one who was walking down the street after quitting his job at 2 in the morning? Yes, that one. Did you get all that?
Seriously? Supposedly these 2 also know each other? But as it turns out, they don’t know each other. They just met in this very odd way entrapped in a cage at a farm.
So, the question becomes…who set them up and why?
And, that is the gist of this mystery.
So, readers are you still with me?
What really happened at 2 in the morning? But most importantly, what will it take for these 2 to prove their innocence?
This is a fast-moving, page-turning, thriller, with multiple characters (keep a list handy) that is complex and tedious and somewhat complicated. But with its short chapters, it was also quite engaging. I know, I was conflicted about this one.
“To those whose stories are written in our hearts.”
May we always feel this way each time we open a book that can teach, or make us feel something deep“To those whose stories are written in our hearts.”
May we always feel this way each time we open a book that can teach, or make us feel something deeply or touch us in ways we don’t expect. That there will be a story that is written on our heart. ♥️
This is a story about family legacies.
“History can be told only through a chorus of voices.”
Our main protagonist is “Ebby” the daughter of a wealthy Black family in New England. She is expected to marry a white man, Henry who is a part of an old banking family. Her parents hope that this marriage will damper the tragedy that upset the family over 2 decades earlier.
As a 10-year-old, Ebby found her 14-year-old brother, Baz dead, apparently shot by intruders who were never caught. Thus, leaving the crime unsolved. Next to him was a shattered jar heirloom. The media put Ebby in the spotlight then, and now once again focuses on her upcoming wedding to Henry. This creates much turmoil and, causes Ebby to flee to Connecticut.
As Ebby tries to find herself through telling the story of her family history, more unfolds.
The story is told through several P.O.V.’s which bring forward six generations in Ebby’s family, both enslaved and free; and others, as well as the shattered jar. What will readers discover? Will mysteries be solved? Will Ebby find herself and a sense of peace? What of Henry?
Consider how the author names some of her chapters…falling, broken, disquiet, potential, searching, confrontation. So much to be gained from this simple hint of what is to come.
Love. Loss. Legacies. Mysteries. Family saga. Healing. Hope. Moving.
This is a beautifully researched, slow-starting story with well-crafted characters, short chapters, a believable storyline and an easy way of following along through history to present day. Through her eloquent writing, the author gives readers an inside view into the continued division between white and Black America.
Be sure to read the Author’s Note for more insights and book recommendations that explore history.
This was a difficult book to find its focus. It starts with Detective Sargeant Glyn Capaldi being assigned to rural Wales investigating throw-away casThis was a difficult book to find its focus. It starts with Detective Sargeant Glyn Capaldi being assigned to rural Wales investigating throw-away cases of missing items. Until he is called to a construction site where a body is discovered. And, then another. Could a serial killer be in the area?
And yet, his superiors want him off the case? But, he still seems set in solving it. The central plot seems complicated and convoluted, but eventually finds its way to a satisfying conclusion at the end. But was it satisfying reading getting to the end? Not exactly for this reader. But maybe you will feel differently? ...more
The Author’s Note is at the beginning of this book, letting readers in on a couple of important points. First, she recommends that readers understand The Author’s Note is at the beginning of this book, letting readers in on a couple of important points. First, she recommends that readers understand that this book is an “interconnected stand-alone after book 1, “Out on a Limb.” But there are no expectations to read book 1 to connect with the characters in this one. And second, she provides trigger warnings which are particularly helpful to prospective readers, especially if any of these triggers are something that would keep them from reading her book…
*death of a parent *medical treatments, illness, terminal diagnosis *questioning religion/spirituality *references to alcohol and marijuana consumption *descriptive sex scenes
On to the review…
For those who love rom-coms this one gives a different type of trope, in that you have a long-time married couple going through some challenges. Will they be able to overcome them and find their way back to that forever love they experienced at the beginning of their lives together? Especially when love started as early as high school, and they are now finding themselves all grown up? How do they learn to evolve and love this grown-up version of themselves – individually and together as a couple?
This book will give readers all the feel-good, cozy, tearful moments that are expected from most rom-com’s. Friendship. Romance. Spicy sexiness. Comic relief. Grief. Trauma. Healing. Belief in true love.
The author writes well-developed characters that readers can connect to, as they watch them feel the love they have for one another, and navigate the changes and challenges they experience together through the years. Almost like a personal journey of self-reflection. Even exploring marrying young and the evolution of the marriage as they grow into their own, added a compelling viewpoint to the story.
Readers will most likely want to know…
Will this marriage in crisis work itself out? Will their investment of time in each other be enough?
This is my first book by this author, that also makes me interested in considering reading more of her. ...more
This one was recently donated to my Little Free Library Shed, which reminded me that it was probably time for me to re-visit it and write Catching up…
This one was recently donated to my Little Free Library Shed, which reminded me that it was probably time for me to re-visit it and write a review.
My go-to-place has typically been courtroom drama and police procedurals. I like to keep my mind in a state of guessing – it means it is working, so-to-speak, thinking about the who, what, where and why scenario of any particular crime who-dunit. But of course, a lot of the success of the reading experience depends on the author, and how they capture their readers.
This is a continuing series, but it reads like a stand-alone. Although readers are encouraged to start any series at the beginning.
This one is marketed as a legal thriller because of its courtroom scenes and many twists. The story revolves around a controversial disputed child custody case. Who should be the rightful person to raise the child – the recently rich grandfather or the mother who has been released from prison and kidnaps her? What do we as readers need to know about these characters?
What makes this one readable is that the plot is engaging, the characters are well-crafted, and readers feel like they are present with the action. Which may be good or bad, depending on how present you want to be! The ending may be a bit questionable, but other than that, readers should enjoy the subtle humor and the fast-paced flow of the story....more
"Moving from the position that a problem belongs to all of us to the position that a problem is being caused by a few of us is really difficult.”
I fir"Moving from the position that a problem belongs to all of us to the position that a problem is being caused by a few of us is really difficult.”
I first read the author’s book, “The Tipping Point” as a book we discussed during our Library Book Discussion Group years ago. For thoughts and reactions to that book go to my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bottom line, that first book gave us insights into the hidden workings of society and how we can influence or “tip” the trends that shape it.
With this latest book, 25 years later, he is attempting to offer a more mature version of himself as he has us review a variety of issues affecting societal change and, our understanding of it.
Which makes this book an update to his first book, “The Tipping Point.” This time he puts the spotlight on our anxieties in current contemporary America. (Take into consideration that this was published in October, 2024, prior to the November elections in America.)
He shares statistics that are wrapped around opioid addiction rates, racial quotas and Covid, amongst other hot topics. He still is provocative as a writer, and proves a fascinating storyteller. But have we heard these stories already?
As an example, when he talks about diversity in admissions, he shares that Harvard tends towards accepting more predominantly rich white applicants. Is this new information – or is he just trying to get readers to pay attention to what is going on?
Still there are moments that can cause readers to pause. As is his discussion on Covid. In one story, what happens when a company in early 2020 ignores the shelter-in-place, and expects employees to attend an annual leadership retreat which becomes a cause of more than 300,000 infections? Scandalous? Or just another round-up of statistics and references to how our modern world is reflected?
From what he shares, we can’t help but conclude in many ways how messy we are as a human race. Wondering if we can ever recover at any point, if we keep making so many wrong turns in our society.
The author considers ‘Revenge’ “a new set of theories, stories, and arguments about the strange pathways that ideas and behavior follow through our world.” But he also says that “the very same tools we use to build a better world can also be used against it.” Which reminds us again about what messy humans we are. And, something we are obviously witnessing first hand.
Especially now with the obvious actions occurring that reveal a chaos coup with intent of overturning our democracy and American government.
The question then becomes, do his stories/insights/statistics provide any better comprehension on how we can get along better in our society? Not sure. But I still appreciate the storyteller....more
Another Goodreads friend recommended I read this one, too. This story is told as a graphic novel. The author is also the illustrator.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana
This beautifully illustrated graphic novel, tells the story of the author’s grandmother, Sara who survived WWII by hiding in a barn in rural France. As a child herself, she formed a bond with Julien, a polio victim. Readers begin with the grandmother telling her “grandson” this story as part of a project for his Humanities class. And, then readers are thrust back in time to live her story.
Each writing block presented captures the story artfully and sensitively. As readers travel back in time, we can’t help but relive the horrors of the Holocaust, from a child’s perspective. Including her dreams of missing her parents, and the “fairy tale” life she used to experience.
In her dreams, as she hides, Sara, flies as a white bird. (Hence: the title of the book.) It is hard not to experience the emotions shared as loss is felt deeply in this hidden life, without her parents or friends.
The story is rich in emotion and history. As well as having a way of presenting a magical and spiritual connection to something greater than us.
“What is done cannot be undone, but one can prevent it from happening again.” – Anne Frank
This book, supposedly meant for 8-12-year-olds, seems in its complexity, to be sharing an important message for adults. Will it be easy for young ones to comprehend the depth of what is being conveyed here? Will it inspire those who read it to become social activists? Maybe even helping others to acknowledge that antisemitism and hatefulness towards those that are “different” from themselves still exists in 2025 – 80 years later?
Interestingly enough, the author explores this in one of his writing blocks in Present day – 2019.
“Have we learned nothing?”
The grandmother shares those words, as she reads the headlines of the newspaper telling her that Trump is separating children from parents with his “zero tolerance” policy. (His first administration.) The author shows Sara’s obvious anguish. How can we not feel these emotions as we watch what is happening now in America?
“Never again. #WeRemember.”
We can only hope.
It is recommended that readers also read the Afterward by author, Ruth Franklin and the Author’s Note. The author also provides a glossary, suggested reading list and organizations which will be helpful resources.
I should have known I would be in for it again, reading this book. What do I mean exactly? This author knows how to write stories that encompass dysfunctional characters. In this novel, the author tells the story of a wealthy, dysfunctional suburban Jewish family.
“Do you want to hear a story about a terrible ending?”
This is the first sentence of the book. Well, if that isn’t a set up, I don’t know what is.
The story begins in 1980, when the father, Carl Fletcher is kidnapped and tortured for ransom. He is eventually returned, but the event affects him and his family in ways they are unable to let go. Which is the rest of the novel. The emotional fallout.
The story is told in 3rd person perspective by their 3 children, now as adults. How does this kidnapping create generational trauma, repression and/or even insulate them from the rest of the world? The children will tell readers. And, this is where the author gets really good with her well-developed characters – as neurotic as they may be. They are believable. And, interesting. With the storyline, adding some humor to the quirkiness.
This is a somewhat touching novel with sad, anxious, messy characters who may also be annoying, too. Do they lead us to that “terrible ending?” (No spoilers from me.)...more
Londoner Elle is a bit of a mess. She drinks too much, has a foul mouth and a penchant for saying exactly how she feels, that gets her in and out of tLondoner Elle is a bit of a mess. She drinks too much, has a foul mouth and a penchant for saying exactly how she feels, that gets her in and out of trouble easily. But she is a true friend and Lucy and Angus will willingly attest to her loyalty.
When she loses her job as a flight attendant, she also dumps her cheating fiancé and heads back to school to earn her degree in viticulture. Lucy who was also a flight attendant, gets a settlement after an office accident and, starts her own business. Angus still flies the skies (for now) but will do anything to be there for both of them.
So, when it is time for Elle’s college internship, the 3 of them decide to take a wild drive up the California coastline, Hwy 1, before settling in to intern with Jude, a winemaker, in Sonoma (CA). Along the way Elle finds a kitten she names Luis, and also learns what is really going on with Lucy. (No spoilers from me.)
For readers, pages will turn as they follow Elle, Lucy and Angus, and the many other well-developed characters, through travel and business adventures; and, relationship dynamics and health challenges.
How will the best friends be able to navigate these changes? What new futures can they look forward to for themselves and those they connect with along the way?
This is an easy-to-read, page-turner with some laugh-out-loud humorous moments. It also includes flawed, but quirky characters that will take readers on an emotional, sometimes whip-fast rollercoaster ride.
The story sometimes flips back in forth in time without notice, which may at times be confusing for the reader. But those flips also help to provide insights into the characters and their motivations.
Mostly, this is a heart-felt story of enduring friendship, family, finding oneself, grief and loss, vulnerability, and love in all its many forms. There may be some Kleenex moments.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary debut novel for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review....more
I was fortunate to receive this book as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed. Her book, “Finding Dorothy” has been che“Love, loyalty, gratitude.”
I was fortunate to receive this book as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed. Her book, “Finding Dorothy” has been checked out often from my LFL. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This is the true story of Annie Wilkins and her two best friends. Her horse, Tarzan and her terrier, Depeche Toi. And, I can certainly relate to how one would consider them their best friends. In this personal situation, Annie is left destitute when she loses her Maine farm, and is diagnosed with a debilitating lung dis-ease.
So, what is she to do?
She sets off on a road trip to see the Pacific Ocean with her two best friends.
“Not only was her calm assurance infectious, but she also transmitted to our audience the quiet strength of her personal philosophy—that happiness comes only to those who participate in the adventure of life, and that true security is, in essence, a state of mind.”
The story takes place in the early 1950’s, a time when people were willing to lend a hand and open homes to strangers. And, even offer a meal or a stable overnight stay for a horse.
But it was also a time of change, when people feared strangers and were more inclined to lock doors. Most likely the cold war and McCarthyism played a part in this behavior.
What readers witness is a sign of both, and how Annie traverses the experience. Of course, it is also an opportunity for readers to enjoy the love between human and animals, and how much of a difference they make in our lives – sometimes at the most unexpected times. Keep your Kleenex handy.
Be sure to read the epilogue and the Author’s Note at the end. And, pay attention to the quotes at the top of each chapter. Like…
“Map out your future—but do it in pencil. The road ahead is as long as you make it. Make it worth the trip.” — Jon Bon Jovi...more
I had been on the waitlist from my local library forever to receive this book. So, I hadn’t really thought much about it, until it arrived. All 448 paI had been on the waitlist from my local library forever to receive this book. So, I hadn’t really thought much about it, until it arrived. All 448 pages of it, with 4 extra pages of notes.
And, I wasn’t sure I even wanted to dip my toes in the water of this one. But there are some of my Goodreads friends who I absolutely trust, especially when they give 5-star reviews to a book. Like my Goodreads friend, Suz. Her review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
But I will say this, not everyone felt the same. I will share more in my review.
So, I went into this recognizing that this was going to be a long-read, that I may or may not like.
My first thought was, what is the significance of the title? Intermezzo. What exactly does it mean? Definition:
“A short light piece between the acts of a serious drama – a short movement connecting parts of a longer work.”
Of course, I am leaving the words, musical, opera and play out of the definition, because that is not this book. But the definition still might work. Consider it as you read the book.
As readers we are introduced to two brothers, Peter, a successful barrister in Dublin and Ivan who is 10 years younger who plays chess competitively, and wears ceramic braces. We will learn later why he wears these braces. They are in mourning over the death of their father. We can feel a lingering resentment between the brothers. We will gain insight into this, as we read on.
And, as we get more into the story, how we feel about each brother will change. The author has a way of making us connect to the characters deeply.
As an example, the story is in and out of love relationships as it relates to the brothers and the people in their lives. And, going through the relationships may make some of us weepy. Have Kleenex handy.
As we navigate the relationships of the brothers, and get a sense of what has caused their own bitterness towards one another, we are also moved in some ways by their individual growth. The feelings displayed.
So, what was my reading experience in comparison to others? Because aren’t we sometimes looking at several reviews getting a sense of whether or not we want to read the book?
I could tell from other’s reviews that for some people they were ready for the ending. Some didn’t even make it to the ending. For some they wanted more, and were sad that the book was “over.”
For me, I was charmed in some ways, but also annoyed because there were so many pages. I typically am annoyed by long books anyway, so take that about me with a grain of salt. And, even if I was able to get through all those pages, I was ready to say goodbye to the book, too.
Still, it was a compelling story with well-developed characters that made my time between the pages somewhat fulfilling, for the most part. Now it is your decision to determine whether you want to read the book, or not. Read Suz’s review. I think she will convince you what to do....more
A week ago, my husband and I took a day trip to Solvang (CA) with our corgis, Oliver and Oscar. It was my first time in five years venturing out of ouA week ago, my husband and I took a day trip to Solvang (CA) with our corgis, Oliver and Oscar. It was my first time in five years venturing out of our county since Covid began. But mostly, it was our reward to ourselves for the grueling couple of years we have endured between us, with our own medical challenges.
A couple of years ago, my husband was fighting a parasite that ended up costing him his gall bladder, and also leaving him with a vertigo condition, now gratefully under control. Then I got cancer, which fortunately is in remission and is currently being monitored. So, having this opportunity to celebrate this freedom from revolving door doctor’s visits, on a beautiful sunny day was a delightful treat.
As we drove the hour and few minutes towards our destination, we talked about what we appreciated about our marriage. How important communication is between us. It was easy to share how much we valued our friendship and companionship and deep love for one another. And, especially noting how important this is for a couple in achieving a long-term commitment to one another.
Which leads me to this book and the couple, in this story, Abe and Ruth Winter who have been married to one another for 70 years. Imagine 70 years!
But first let us talk about the title of this book. The Heart ♥️of Winter. When you meet this couple and begin reading about them, the title will become clearer to readers. And, reading this during the winter, makes it feel even that more cozy.
We start the story with Abe feeling his 90 years, and amazed at the energy and abilities of his beautiful 80+ year-old wife, Ruth, who he is thinking will do just fine without him, as he keeps feeling that he has not much longer for this earth. Until suddenly they are faced with her cancer. If this is the case, Abe can’t leave now. She will need him.
Now, reading about Ruth’s cancer, I needed to pause a moment. It seems lately I have been drawn to books with older protagonists, facing their end-of-life and debilitating dis-eases. What is with me, these days and this attraction to these-type- of-stories?
Actually, although this subject would appear maudlin, I find it just the opposite. The characters are truly inspiring. Thoughtful. Real. Heart-felt. In many ways, they calm me. Help me to relax about my own health challenges. Recognize how living and be-ing in the moment can create a balance and appreciation for life.
And, as readers navigate their long and imperfect life through the eyes of Abe and Ruth, we can’t help but feel our own mortality in a similar way. Grateful for each day we are here. Appreciating the special moments.
“What made life truly precious could not be measured by achievement, or even service. To live fully was not an obligation or an act of faith, it wasn’t a state of being at all, but a capacity, a willingness to engage the smallest and most unexpected aspects of being alive, to remain curious and open to the unforeseen and hitherto unrecognizable. …To live fully was to recognize and acknowledge the tiniest of beauties, those ever present, immutable though often elusive truths, pure and simple as a raindrop on a daisy.”
A raindrop on a daisy. Pure and simple moments. Yes. Be-ing in the moment. Exactly why I love books like this one.
The story takes us back and forth in time so that readers get a sense of the fullness of Abe and Ruth’s lives. Including how Abe and Ruth came into their relationship, their family, friends, their losses, heartaches, disappointments, and all the challenges, sometimes sadness, even indiscretions, and heart-felt moments, prior to the present.
“Time did not march on methodically, minute by minute, day by day; it sprinted away from us in mad bursts, a thief in flight.”
But it was mostly being in the present that I appreciated.
Maybe I just wanted to know what would happen. How their adult children would be for them. How they would be for their adult children. But mostly how they would be for each other. Because, whether I wanted to admit it or not, I believed even fiction books could be great teachers for readers. And, in that regard, this book does not disappoint. Even, the love of their dog Megs is felt deeply. Keep the Kleenex close....more
I knew I was possibly heading towards love when I read the first line in this book.
“It has been said that books find their own readers – but sometimesI knew I was possibly heading towards love when I read the first line in this book.
“It has been said that books find their own readers – but sometimes they need someone to show them the way.”
Isn’t that the truth? Think about how we feel about books. And then look at us readers when we enter a library. Books are staring at us on the shelves. Not just stacked, or neatly in a row, but staring out at us, saying, “pick me, I am the one you want to read next.”
What do we usually do? We pick it, right?!
And, even when we venture into a bookstore, there might be some that stand out amongst the rest, with notes attached by staff members that say why they selected this book as their favorite ones. And, those sweet intimate notes tell us, the prospective reader/buyer, why we want to take that particular book home and make it our own, too.
Yes, it is always nice when others show us the way.
So, as in this book, it is not unusual, for a customer to be thrilled when long-time walking bookseller Carl Kollhoff says to one of his customers (Carl’s job is to deliver books from the bookstore he works at, by walking to people’s homes and providing personal hand delivery of those books)…
“May I recommend a book that would make ideal bedtime reading?”
And then, he tops it off with…
“This book has been waiting for you since the moment it was unpacked.”
Readers…Shall we swoon now? How can we not feel fully taken care of? Appreciated? Looked after in the best possible way?
Still Carl has his quirks. And, things aren’t as perfect for him as he would like it.
For one, the original owner has given the bookstore to his daughter. She isn’t quite enamored of Carl, even if he has known her since she was a baby.
And two, on all his walking book deliveries, Carl sees his world in books. So, the people he delivers books to aren’t known by their real names, but character names. It is easier for him to see the world that way.
And lastly, one particular day, the world brings a precocious 9-year-old named Schascha who decides to join him on his walks. What is he to do now?
“You need to read more. It makes the brain flexible, so that anything can fit into it.”
But little does he know that this change may be the beginning of something quite unique and special for him.
Could it be a new sense of community that will change lives and routines in a very exceptional way?
Shall we start a book club, perhaps?
Or have conversations with the people, he delivers books to because Schascha brings this out in him and them? And, maybe just maybe the books they read, too? And, what about a cat named Dog? Will he find a HEA, too?
And, even as things change for Carl with his job, can readers hope for something magical to happen that will no doubt capture readers too?
Let’s just say that most likely readers will want to know what will happen to all the characters. Because, so many of them have something hidden behind their doors. And, we will become invested in all of them. And, more than anything, readers will be hopeful the most for Carl. Will he eventually come out of his shell? And, will the community be there for him, when he needs them most?
And, what about Schascha? What can readers hope for her?
This is a delightful, easy-to-read, page-turning short book that will keep readers engaged all the way to the last page....more
“Lord what fools these mortals be.” “But in Shakespeare's world, passion is irresistible, not embarrassing.”
I want to thank my Goodreads friend Lynda f“Lord what fools these mortals be.” “But in Shakespeare's world, passion is irresistible, not embarrassing.”
This is not a typical friendship story. Or mystery story, for that matter. Readers are following 7 young actors studying Shakespeare at a prestigious university. At the center is Oliver Marks who is completing a 10-year prison sentence for murdering Richard Sterling, his former classmate and friend. How could this be? And, why did he do it? Or maybe the greater question is, did he really do it?
And, that becomes the crux of the story. Joseph Colborne, a retired detective wants to know what really happened 10 years ago. Will Oliver tell him the truth?
“One sin, I know, another doth provoke; Murder’s as near to lust as flame to smoke.”
And, to get to the hopeful truth, readers first need to meet the 7 actor/friends.
Theirs is a complex relationship. Their friendship is also based on many things Shakespeare related – envy, which easily turns to hatred which then turns dangerous. But when they are playing Shakespeare, how do we as readers distinguish between the character roles they play on stage of hero, villain, tyrant, temptress, ingenue and extra, to the same roles that identify them off stage?
“For us, everything was a performance.”
This is where the author is particularly brilliant. With murder and a who-dun-it plot, corruption and morality play amongst the individual characters. As the author includes Shakespeare into the story by weaving themes of corruption and moral issues through her characters. Are they imitating art? Is this their scapegoat?
Even as Oliver Marks is asked, “Do you blame Shakespeare for any of it?” His response says it all. And, even though readers are looking for resolution, just as Joseph Colborne is, they may not be happy with what Oliver or the author gives them in the end. (No spoilers from me.)
“But that is how a tragedy like ours or King Lear breaks your heart—by making you believe that the ending might still be happy, until the very last minute.”
One wonders, does a dark, twisted tale like this make one want to go and read a Shakespeare tragedy, or watch a Shakespeare play, or just obsess about this book after reading the last page? Because, to be honest, this one will stay with readers beyond that last page.
Which makes this a truly original, compelling, engrossing, well-crafted debut.
“He always said that books were more than words on paper; they were portals to other places, other lives.”
So, where is this supposed lost bookshop, an“He always said that books were more than words on paper; they were portals to other places, other lives.”
So, where is this supposed lost bookshop, and how does it involve Opaline, Martha and Henry, our 3 narrators? This is the basic question that will intrigue readers as they weave through the chapters in attempting to understand what these 3 will or might have in common.
But don’t think this is just a simple cozy where everything is about the books. Not that books don’t play a role, but for some reason, that aspect of it lurks behind the scenes as readers learn more about our 3 characters. Especially with Opaline in a different timeline to Martha and Henry.
And, as readers, we can’t help but wonder, will there be a connection between the characters of Opaline and Martha? That will take some time to know, if readers are willing to invest it.
As readers walk through the generations to find our way to settling the mystery of the bookstore, we are also greeted by some difficult pasts and harsh hardships for our characters.
I found myself cringing at times, as some of the male characters in Opaline and Martha’s lives were hard to stomach. (Think triggers of male dominance and domestic abuse.)
When there was discussion about the books, the story felt cozy and hopeful, with a touch of magical realism.
“In a place called lost strange things are found.”
What I wanted most for the characters was for them to find their strength despite the difficulties they experienced. When this happened, there was a sense of hope, wonder and fulfillment. It may take a while to experience, but it is possible here.