Reviews

This is one of the most unusual, complex books I have read in a long time, and I loved it!

It takes place in Western Massachusetts as it follows a plot of land, and a home through several centuries of those who have inhabited this house. The author takes us from the the 1600's to the present, with nature writing, intricate characters, plot twists, animal instincts, and even ghosts. At times is is lovely, and at times it is brutal, but it is astounding. As a doctor and an author, Daniel Mason has become a very successful historical novelists.

In early 17th century New England, reminiscent of Jamestown, Va., a young servant girl escapes the fort where others are starving, freezing and suffering from smallpox. Her journey in near solitude finds her on a daily quest for simple survival. She knows if she stays it will kill her, so choosing an unknown path to Canada is her only hope. Catching salmon, eating grubs, roasting any small animal she can find, picking berries and roots give a respite in her constant quest to live another day. Details of her bitter cold, her hunger, and several dangerous threats explore the experience of how a human body can survive in untamed nature.
Vaster Wilds is a novel of solitude and loneliness as well. The quiet is deafening, yet her pioneer existence keeps you tearing through the pages rooting for her to survive. Previously in her writing, Lauren Groff has shown us the strength of women in this world and their boundless endurance in the face of obstacles. Her characters are a testament to struggle and durability. Vaster Wilds will take you on a remarkable journey, and have you soul searching and wondering about what it takes to survive in this world.

I tend to use the term "Breezy Fiction" for books that are well written, have a good story line and characters, but are also rather charming, Leonard and Hungry Paul is one of those books.. The title characters, both men in their 30's are charming and thoughtful friends. They are content with the ordinariness of their lives. Leonard writes children's encyclopedias, and Hungry Paul volunteers in the community. Spending time with their families, and meeting up to play board games seems to be enough for them, until it isn't. When Leonard's loneliness is too much and he meets someone at work, and Hungry Paul's life starts to expand, their status quo suddenly shifts. There are colorful relatives and friends who fill the pages as we see the quiet changes of these simple lives. This debut novel by Ronan Hession is heartwarming, and thoughtful and will find you cheering the quiet bravery of these two friends as they test the waters of a grown up life. 

Feeling like a misfit in your youth, but finding a home on a stage seems to fit the description of many successful musicians. Brandi Carlile was born to a 20 year old mother and 21 year old father in rural Washington State. They worked hard as a hotel hostess, and short order cook, but barely made it past the poverty level. Her shy but musically talented Mother, encouraged an 8 year old Brandi and her 2 younger siblings to join her on stage to perform in bars and the Northwest Grand Old Opry. She loved being on stage. A star was born. 

Broken Horses is filled with photos, lyrics, stories and memories all told in a way that feels like you are sitting with a friend in a bar or around a campfire. Carlile’s devotion and warmth that are present in her music, are ever present in her writing. It is charming and poignant. With her wife Catherine Shepard and their 2 daughters living on a family compound, Brandi is living her dream. Constantly surrounded by musicians, she tours and collaborates with her uncle, brother, wife and her long time musical partners, the Hanseroth twins. 

Now with 9 Grammy Awards and 24 nominations, and hanging out with the likes of Joni Mitchell, Elton John and The Obamas her star continues to rise. She generously shares that star with numerous upcoming artists by producing, promoting, collaborating and touring with them. This is an absolutely remarkable story of an endlessly talented artist who succeeded with unbelievable bravery, grit and resilience! Inside, she remains a scrappy musician with a passion to share her amazing gift of song, with all those who want to listen.

For me, summer has always been a great time to read short stories. They fulfill the desire for a good read, but they leave you time to enjoy summer things: gardening, swimming, napping...In Doña Cleanwell leaves home: stories, Ana Castillo takes us from Chicago to Mexico in the 1960's to the 2010's. Many of the characters travel, seeking a look into the past, only to find more secrets buried.

One of the stories follows Katia, a young woman looking to put put her mark on the world and help others. She is redirected by an unexpected letter asking her to go to Mexico and retrieve her Mother. Another story, has Martir, who moves into an apartment in Chicago,  with a much younger pot dealer but whom also loves to dance. These seven stories share life from the working people. Beauticians, food servers, factory workers add the layers of depth that make this collection so engaging. 

Estee Lauder has been an iconic name synonymous with cosmetics and beauty products for almost a century. In her own signature style, author Renee Rosen creates a fascinating and entertaining historical fiction based on the creation of this beauty brand. The fictionalized story is told through the perspective of Gloria Downing, a woman who befriends Ms.Lauder as they both scrape by at a New York hair salon. Having lived aristocratic lives that had fallen on hard times, the two women find a connection that is the force behind the future success.

Renee Rosen is a master of taking readers into the world of women breaking through barriers to attain the fame and fortune they work tirelessly to achieve. I loved the rich story of this Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl, if you love historical fiction with strong female characters, you will love it too.

 The full title of this epic tale is  Empty Theater: Or, the Lives of King Ludwig of Bavaria and Empress Sisi of Austria (Queen of Hungary), Cousins, in Their Pursuit of Connection and Beauty Despite the Expectations Placed on Them Because of the Exceptional Good Fortune of Their Status as Beloved National Figures. With Speculation into the Mysterious Nature of Their Deaths. Jac Jemc leaves no stone unturned in this satirical adaptation of history. Jemc retells the madcap misadventures of the infamous cousins King Ludwig II and Empress Sisi of Bavaria with well researched history and razor sharp satire.
Ludwig II is eccentric and obsessive as he keeps busy as a passionate supporter of art, theater and architecture. He oversees the building of many ornate castles that he considers  pleasure palaces. These distractions, as well as his remarkable connection to Richard Wagner leave his stately duties, Bavaria ignored and eventually vulnerable to a changing Europe. Empress Sisi also self indulges on extravagances and travel as she leaves her parenting duties to her mother in law.

The publisher calls it a tragicomic tour de force, and Kirkus Reviews call this novel " a triumph" I cannot disagree with either of these, I thoroughly enjoyed this clever romp through this historical era.

This remarkable memoir written by a 33 year old through the perspective of a 9 year old, is a page turner. Having been born in El Salvador in 1990 during the country's civil war, Javier Zamora's childhood was based on the concept of leaving. His Father fled to the U.S. when he was one, and when he was five, his Mother followed. For the next four years he lived with his grandparents as they prepared him for the trip that would change the course of his life. He dreams of being reunited with his parents, as he embarks as an unaccompanied minor on what is supposed to be a 2 week trek north. 

This story being told from a child’s perspective, in a plain journalistic reality, lays out the true horrors of migration. He ends up traveling with a group of adults who with kindness help sustain him through deserts, uniformed men with guns pointed at him as well as smugglers and border patrol agents. These strangers take responsibility for him as they pass him to the next group with a sense of concern and urgency. Somewhere along the way Zamora finds his artistic voice. Keeping track of every detail awakens his writers spirit, and becomes the thing that helps him survive this harrowing experience. Solito is often difficult to read. It is an important book told by a brave young man who as a 9 year old never lost faith that he would see his parents again.

Broadway superstar Sutton Foster opens up her heart and soul in this engaging memoir. Starting on the stage at an early age was exciting and thrilling, but it certainly had it's share of stresses and disappointments. To help her calm her nerves and still her nervous energy, Sutton turned to crafting as a way to cope. As a young girl she watched her Mother cross stitch. An aunt she was close with taught her additional craft skills, but Sutton took it to a whole new level. Knitting, crocheting, cross stitching and eventually collaging and painting became her passion that she continues back stage on big Broadway shows to this day. 

In the book, she opens up about her relationship with her agoraphobic mother and the enormous effect that had on her life. We learn about her brother who is also a Broadway star, her relationships, her marriages, and her personal  struggle and journey with fertility. Between singing and dancing in musicals, Sutton has starred in several TV shows, such as Younger  (which I loved) and Bun Heads to name a few. Peppered with anecdotes about celebrities she has worked with both on stage and on screen such as Patti Lupone, Hilary Duff and Peter Hermann, Hooked: How Crafting Saved Life will get you hooked, and perhaps have you pick up a needle and thread! Her journey is sometimes complicated, but often wonderful, and the her story is a testament to the healing power of art. 

Every now and then, a book unexpectantly falls into your hands and ends up being the most pleasant surprise! Matt Cain manages to do that with his charming novel; The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle. Albert is a 64 yeat old postal worker who, since his Mum died, lives a solitary life with his cat Gracie. With no friends, family or hobbies, the news of his forced retirement sends him spinning. He realizes he has no choice but to start truly living and emabarks on a painful yet exhilirating journey to do just that. He courageously starts to reveal himself to neighbors, co-workers and customers on his route, who unexpectantly teach him what love, acceptance and frienship are. Eventually he realizes he needs to go back and find a lost love from 40 years ago as he seeks the happiness that was once so cruelly denied him. The overarching message that it's never too late to find love, will touch you and remind you that joy is often just a journey away. Filled with humor and plenty of interesting, quirky characters, I loved this heartwarming feel-good book!