Trevor Noah, Born A Crime – I have been to South Africa twice, so I was aware of the multiple languages spoken there and the countless communities. Noah’s story is incredible. He came from a Black mother and a white father and grew up as a Black man. It wasn’t until he began school did he realize that he was an outsider on the inside. His success is his survival. I couldn’t put it down.
Bewilderment – Modern times are complex, particularly for parents and children. A story that is told with empathy and understanding. I loved this book.
Black Cake – An excellent first novel around a multi-generation family with secrets, as one has.
The Paris Library – Just when I thought I had had enough WW2 books, I dive into another. It is fast-paced, looks at the war from another person’s eyes who wants to make sure the books survive. Perfect for summer.
Sorrow and Bliss – About 50% through, I was getting itchy, and then the entire story took off. The book is witty, very British—a young woman’s awakening after trying to understand her behavior for years. Mental illness doesn’t need to be still swept under the carpet.
Small World – This is Jonathan Evison’s 7th novel. He is a masterful storyteller Intertwined stories that go back and forth for the past 170 years in America. We are all connected, and it is a small world.
The Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty – I have read and watched as much as anyone should about this family. Evil geniuses.
To Paradise – I was so looking forward to this book. I got in halfway and put it down. I might return but unclear.
Our Country Friends – What happens when old friends get together and live in a commune during Covid? Extremely relevant to the times. Such a great writer.
Paper Palace – Quick read. Summer beach house filled with the next generation of kids where adults are drawn back to their childhood loves.
What Strange Paradise – Boats filled with migrants continue to land on an unnamed tourist resort, supposedly somewhere in America. Amir, a young boy, survives, and a young girl from the island makes it her mission to get him on another journey, so he doesn’t end up at the migrant camps on the shore. Each chapter is either “before” Amir gets to the island, or “after’ he does. Scathing view of America from the eyes of the boat people at the helm. Great read.
Somebody’s Daughter – Ashely Ford’s father has been in jail for over twenty years, most of her life. Ford shares her personal coming-of-age story having relatively zero connection with a man who was always the elephant in her room growing up.