In this debut sci-fi novel set in the near future, Asuka's family is in shambles when she decides that she wants to compete for a coveted spot on the In this debut sci-fi novel set in the near future, Asuka's family is in shambles when she decides that she wants to compete for a coveted spot on the EvenStar spaceship, on a one-way mission to colonize Planet X. After many years of training, 80 kids (all with uteruses) are selected for the trip. The now-adults have recently woken up in space after 10 years of cryosleep. Each has agreed to use artificial insemination to become pregnant and have children, building a population for their new planet. On the ship they can use DAR, a simulated virtual reality that wraps around the real objects on the ship, displaying them in whatever form they choose (ex: they could see themselves walking through a forest, instead of the white ship halls.) Asuka and her fellow crew mates, many of them now heavily pregnant, must navigate new terrain when mid-journey things start going terribly wrong. As the book goes on, Kitasei expertly peels back layers of the plot, revealing more about the characters and the mother/daughter relationship that is at the heart of this story. I ate this book up! I especially appreciated the depictions of women, and pregnant women, competently handling mechanical and tech systems....more
School librarian Julie Chavez is taken aback when a bad reaction to an allergy shot, combined with other factors in her life, lead her to experience sSchool librarian Julie Chavez is taken aback when a bad reaction to an allergy shot, combined with other factors in her life, lead her to experience severe anxiety. In this brief 240-page memoir, she candidly examines this time in her life, as a working mom to two children, with a spouse who frequently travels for work. I appreciated Chavez' honesty as she works through the anxiety, learning tools to get through it. What works for her: medication, therapy, prioritizing her mental health and saying no to commitments, re-organizing her family structure so that the others in her family take on additional duties, exercising, setting time to do things she is passionate about, and more. I tore through this 240-page memoir in two sittings. Highly recommended for modern-day moms....more
Hannah's latest novel is a tour-de-force. She follows Frankie, a 20-year-old nurse who has been raised on her father's stories of the heroic men in thHannah's latest novel is a tour-de-force. She follows Frankie, a 20-year-old nurse who has been raised on her father's stories of the heroic men in their family. When Frankie's brother Finley is drafted into the Vietnam War, Frankie decides to put her nursing skills to use and join the army. Hannah details Frankie's time in country, working as a surgical nurse dealing with horrific injuries, and her struggles to acclimate when she returns home. I loved the lifelong friendships between Frankie and her two nurse roommates, and Frankie's post-war difficulties were well-researched and eye opening. An incredible book. I couldn't put it down and I can't wait to read it again. This would make a great book club pick....more
Tomlinson's writing is easy to read as pulls you into the world of dog shows, a world hidden to most that he assures the reader is happening every weeTomlinson's writing is easy to read as pulls you into the world of dog shows, a world hidden to most that he assures the reader is happening every weekend, somewhere nearby. I was surprised to learn that dog shows don't offer cash prizes, and while owners can make money breeding an award-winning dog, it's nowhere near how much they spend showing the dog. These people are in it for the love of their sport, and like any hobby, Tomlinson notes that there are those who are obsessed and those who are passionate. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the world of dog shows and the people that invest so much of their time and energy pursuing them....more
Rocky spends a week every summer with her family at the same Cape Cod rental. She's now in the sandwich generation, where her kids are adults and her Rocky spends a week every summer with her family at the same Cape Cod rental. She's now in the sandwich generation, where her kids are adults and her parents are facing more serious health issues. I felt so seen by Newman's story of a woman in her midlife. For me, Rocky's looks back at early motherhood and the difficulties of parenting young children were spot on. I devoured this short, funny, relatable, character-driven novel in one day, and then read it again 6 months later. This will be on my perpetual re-read list and I can't wait to read it with a book club. Fans of Ann Patchett should try Catherine Newman. Highly recommended....more
Violet Sorrengail has trained since childhood to become a scribe, yet as she enters her first day at Basgiath War College she prepares to join the deaViolet Sorrengail has trained since childhood to become a scribe, yet as she enters her first day at Basgiath War College she prepares to join the deadly Rider's Quandrant. That's riders as in dragon riders. This is the first book in the fast-paced, can't-stop-turning-the-pages Empyrean fantasy series. I loved it. Reading "Fourth Wing," followed immediately by "Iron Flame" reignited my reading habits; I couldn't get enough of these two books!...more
Eleanor Dash is a famous mystery author. To celebrate 10 books in 10 years, her publisher is sending her on a tour to Italy, along with the people whoEleanor Dash is a famous mystery author. To celebrate 10 books in 10 years, her publisher is sending her on a tour to Italy, along with the people who have been influential in her book series and a handful of lucky contest winners. Included in the party are her ex, Conner, who is fictionalized in her series and she's eager to kill off in the books; her sister Eleanor, who is her manager; Conner's ex-wife Allison (for reasons?); and some other authors who use the same publisher. They're not in Italy for very long before it becomes clear that someone who is part of their group is attempting murder. Eleanor addresses the reader directly, frequently breaking the fourth wall, challenging you to solve the case. The clues are all there, including footnotes throughout, and everyone is a suspect. This was a fun read, perfect for taking on vacation....more
I loved Lee Morgan's memoir about his 12 years spent as a volunteer veterinarian for the Iditarod. Morgan starts with his rookie year training, then tI loved Lee Morgan's memoir about his 12 years spent as a volunteer veterinarian for the Iditarod. Morgan starts with his rookie year training, then takes the reader through each checkpoint of the race, sharing stories about caring for the sled dogs, what it is like for volunteers (hint: amenities are scarce) and tales of mushers' experiences. I especially enjoyed his highlights of the unique personalities of huskies (I have three of them.) Highly recommended for dog lovers and fans of outdoor narratives such as the Iditarod memoirs "Fast Into the Night" and "This Much Country."...more
Phoebe is ready to end it all. After years of failed infertility treatments, her husband leaves her during COVID for a fellow professor. Phoebe spendsPhoebe is ready to end it all. After years of failed infertility treatments, her husband leaves her during COVID for a fellow professor. Phoebe spends the next semesters all alone, teaching remotely, hurting for human connection. She books herself a night at the nicest hotel she can think of, on the coast of Rhode Island, prepared to end her life. However, when she gets to the hotel, she finds that the rest of the hotel is booked by a wedding party. Lila and Gary are getting married, and their family and friends have taken over the hotel. Soon they take over Phoebe's heart as well. I loved this clever, funny book about the power of human connection. Perfect for fans of "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman....more
Therapist Davis' book is full of quick, helpful advice for re-framing care tasks. Highly recommended. Short and impactful.Therapist Davis' book is full of quick, helpful advice for re-framing care tasks. Highly recommended. Short and impactful....more
Eve was not expecting to get pregnant. Four weeks after a one-night stand (during which they used protection,) this is her reality. Eve is funny and rEve was not expecting to get pregnant. Four weeks after a one-night stand (during which they used protection,) this is her reality. Eve is funny and realistic, and I loved following along as she works through some of the tough, messy parts of life, like pregnancy, anticipating becoming a parent, and deciding how she really feels about her job. She lives in New York City and has the support of her childhood best friend, Willa, and Willa's brother Shep--who has been playing an increasingly important role in her life. I fell completely in love with this book. I highly recommend this smart, page-turning read....more
This is Simone Gorrindo's stunning memoir about becoming an unlikely army wife. Gorrindo--who had protested against the Iraq War--was living in New YoThis is Simone Gorrindo's stunning memoir about becoming an unlikely army wife. Gorrindo--who had protested against the Iraq War--was living in New York City, working as an editor, when her fiance told her that he was compelled to join the military--specifically a rapid deployment special forces unit. Taken aback and after couples therapy, Gorrindo and her now husband move to an apartment outside Fort Benning, Georgia, where he spends his first years in the military. Gorrdino takes us through her first years as an army wife as she tries to find her identity as a writer, reconcile her love with her husband with what he does in the military, and survive while he is deployed. Before parenthood, during pregnancy and early childhood, 28-year-old Gorrindo connects with a network of other army wives who, despite their many differences (including that many of them are much younger,) must lean on each other to survive. Compelling and fascinating. I could not put this book down. One of the best books I've read this year. You'll stay up way too late reading this memoir. Highly recommended....more
I was enthralled with Zibby Owen's memoir. Zibby Owens is a publisher, podcaster, book store owner, book influencer and so much more who has spent yeaI was enthralled with Zibby Owen's memoir. Zibby Owens is a publisher, podcaster, book store owner, book influencer and so much more who has spent years pursuing her passion of sharing good books with others. In her memoir she talks about her life from childhood to present day, as the mother of four children, recently remarried. While extremely wealthy, she shares the many challenges she faced, including the death of one of her best friends on 9/11. Throughout it all, books kept her going, and she includes the titles of books that she was reading or related to each stage in her life. This book is powerful, and her love of reading and determination to keep going through life's obstacles shines. I enjoyed the audiobook, which was narrated by Zibby. After finishing, I couldn't imagine being done having Zibby's voice in my ears, and I am currently enjoying her podcast "Mom's Don't Have Time to Read," where she interviews an author every day....more
Another J. Ryan Stradal book--what a treat! Stradal writes about multiple generations of complicated, believable Minnesota women. His writing is gorgeAnother J. Ryan Stradal book--what a treat! Stradal writes about multiple generations of complicated, believable Minnesota women. His writing is gorgeous: prepare to be transported. A page-turner I couldn't put down. Great on audio as well. I read this book a few months before J. Ryan Stradal visited the Fergus Falls Public Library for a themed discussion of this book. The evening before the event, I sat down with this book to refresh myself on it. I was pulled into his writing and ended up re-reading the entire book in one sitting. J. Ryan Stradal is on my short list of authors that I will pre-order any new book they publish....more
Irene Steele is shocked when, on New Year's Day, she gets a phone call telling her that her husband has died in a helicopter crash in the Virgin IslanIrene Steele is shocked when, on New Year's Day, she gets a phone call telling her that her husband has died in a helicopter crash in the Virgin Islands. She didn't even know he was in the Virgin Islands; she thought he was travelling for work--maybe in Miami? The first book in Hilderbrand's Paradise series unrolls from there--set in the Virgin Islands and following both Irene, her two sons, and two locals (her husband's mistress's best friend and step father.) Hilderbrand transports you to the islands in this intriguing book that also includes her standbys--a great setting, interesting characters, and some romance. You'll want to have books two and three handy....more
I love Amy Poeppel's book. This one held up to "Musical Chairs." Poeppel's characters are interesting and you root for them. Some started out unlikeabI love Amy Poeppel's book. This one held up to "Musical Chairs." Poeppel's characters are interesting and you root for them. Some started out unlikeable, but as they gained more depth I grew fond of them. This is a story of found family. There is a sub-plot about a baby whose parents dump them with a bunch of strangers. The parents' complete obliviousness while they went about their lives, burdening others without a care, drove me bonkers. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this story of three women's lives....more
This was a fun-to-read novel about three women--two sisters and one sister in law--living wealthy lives in NYC. Each character was well-written and JaThis was a fun-to-read novel about three women--two sisters and one sister in law--living wealthy lives in NYC. Each character was well-written and Jackson follows their daily lives, exploring issues of wealth and class. Highly recommended....more
This was an absolutely delightful read. I savored it in hopes that it wouldn't end. With British Bake Off vibes, each year Betsy Martin, "America's grThis was an absolutely delightful read. I savored it in hopes that it wouldn't end. With British Bake Off vibes, each year Betsy Martin, "America's grandmother" and renowned baker, hosts Bake Week at her remote Vermont estate. The estate has been in her family for decades and Betsy feels the pressure to keep it up, no easy feat when it requires a staff and constant repairs. Each year she relents and lets contestants spend one week at Grafton competing for the television show. The reason I fell in love with this book is that Maxwell switches off perspectives, following each baking contestant. You get their stories and back stories as the week unfolds, and I found myself equally interested in each character. The murder aspect doesn't come in until the latter part of the book, where for me the plot was a bit over the top. This is Maxwell's debut novel and I can't wait to read more from her in the future.
Perfect for fans of "The Thursday Murder Club."...more
This book was so fun! Sally Milz is a writer for The Night Owls (TNO)--think a fictionalized Saturday Night Live. When smoking hot musician Noah BrewsThis book was so fun! Sally Milz is a writer for The Night Owls (TNO)--think a fictionalized Saturday Night Live. When smoking hot musician Noah Brewster comes on the show as that week's host, Sally pitches a skit called the Danny Horst Rule, named after her office mate and fellow writer Danny Horst, about how beautiful, famous women end up dating the slovenly male writers at TNO, but famous men never date the slovenly female TNO writers. This book was funny, thought-provoking, at times laugh-out-loud funny, and just a ton of fun to read. You root for the characters, as they grow and learn. I loved the fictionalized look at what goes into writing a show like Saturday Night Live. Sittenfeld has clearly done her homework. If I had a completely free day, this is the type of book that I would have read in one day....more