Year of No Clutter: a Memoir

Year of No Clutter: a Memoir 
by Eve Schaub
Sourcebooks, Inc. 2017, 290 pgs, Biography.

In this memoir, Eve decides to finally tackle her “hell room,” the room in her house that is completely full from floor to ceiling with stuff, no walkways included. And did she mention it is the biggest room in her house? As she tackles the clutter in the hell room, she contemplates what makes someone a hoarder? Is it the propensity to keeping everything, or just a matter of not enough space? Her effort to get rid of an overwhelming amount of stuff forces her to also confront how she has tied her sense of identity to objects. Things represent different points of our personal history and trigger memories, if we get rid of those things aren’t we losing our reference point to our past?

This memoir is both hilarious and thought-provoking. As I listened to Eve’s battle with clutter, I felt a great desire to tackle my own clutter beast. I love how Eve comes to terms with her sense of identity and learns to let objects go, but still finds a middle ground for keeping important sentimental items. This is a great, light-hearted memoir that I think anyone could enjoy.

ER

Genius Belabored: Childbed Fever and the Tragic Life of Ignaz Simmelweis

Genius Belabored: Childbed Fever and the Tragic Life of Ignaz Simmelweis 
by Theodore G Obenchain
The University of Alabama Press, 2016, 249 pgs, Biography

 In a time before germ theory existed, giving birth in a hospital was especially dangerous because childbed fever ran rampant throughout maternity wards all over Europe. In 1847, Ignaz Simmelweis realized the disease was spread through contamination by contact, typically occurring from the hands of the physician, of the wounds caused by labor with toxic particles originating in cadavers or other infected persons, and that infection could be prevented through sanitation measures.

However the medical community was not intellectually prepared to accept Simmelweis’ new doctrine for a multitude of reasons. This disregard and contempt from his peers caused him extreme mental stress for the rest of his life. The author of this biography proposes that Simmelweis suffered from bipolar disorder, which was exacerbated by his colleague’s refusal to see the truth. This made him very difficult to work with and ultimately hindered the acceptance of his doctrine. The disdain he received in life culminated in the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.

This man solved a problem that had been plaguing hospitals for years, yet most would not believe him mostly because his theory of one cause for the disease was so unorthodox. I was absolutely baffled that these men of medical science would reject a theory that very clearly and drastically reduced mortality rates, whatever the theory behind it, out of sheer arrogance. Anyone interested in medical science or the history of medicine will enjoy this biography.

ER

Ashes on the Moor

Ashes on the Moor
By Sarah M. Eden
Shadow Mountain, 2018. 376 pgs. Historical Romance

Evangeline's life changed drastically the day that most of her family died and a cruel aunt sent her to be a schoolteacher in a small factory town called Smeatley. She is separated from her only remaining sister and told that the only way for them to be reunited is for her to be successful in her new career. Evangeline wants desperately to succeed but she has lived a privileged life and has never had to learn to cook, clean or support herself. To add to her troubles, most of the children have never been to school before and speak a dialect that is almost impossible for her to understand. Luckily she meets her neighbor Dermot who is willing to teach her the basic necessities of life and they come to rely on each other in the ups and downs of life.

I am a huge fan of Sarah Eden's books. She continues to write stories with complex characters, an intriguing story line, a well developed setting, and a happy ending. I really enjoyed learning more about the struggles of living in a Regency era mill town. I can't even imagine the difficulties these families faced. This is another title in the Proper Romance line of books and I highly recommend it!

AL

Educated

Educated
by Tara Westover
Random House, 2018, 334 pgs.  Biography
9780399590504


Educated is the story of a girl raised in the mountains of Idaho to a survivalist father.  She and her younger siblings were born at home and did not have birth certificates or social security numbers until they were in their late teens.  She was technically homeschooled but her father felt that helping in the family junkyard business better prepared her for “the end” which was quickly approaching.  At seventeen Tara managed to get accepted to BYU where she sat in her first classroom and learned of things like the Holocaust, which she’d never heard of before.  From there she tells of discovering the world and finding it vastly different from what she was raised understanding.


Tara’s story is heartbreaking but her strength and determination are inspiring.  She writes with beautiful clarity and honesty, which I absolutely loved.  Readers who enjoy deeply personal memoirs will definitely want to pick up Educated. 


CG

Carnegie's Maid

Carnegie’s Maid
by Marie Benedict
Sourcebooks Landmark, 2018. 281 pgs. Historical Fiction


Andrew Carnegie, at the age of 33, seemed to take his life in a drastically different direction as he began to use his vast wealth in philanthropic ways.  Much speculation has been spent on trying to find out why this change occurred and some historians think it likely that a personal relationship brought on the about face.  In Carnegie’s Maid, author Marie Benedict imagines such a relationship. 


Clara Kelly, a desperate Irish immigrant, takes the chance of a lifetime working as the wealthy Carnegie matriarch’s personal maid.  She meets and slowly grows to admire her mistress’s oldest son Andrew and is both hopeful and afraid that her affection will be returned. 


This is a wonderful work of historical fiction.  The early years of industrial America provide a wonderful background of change and opportunity that fits perfectly with both Andrew and Clara’s efforts to secure the futures of their families. 


CG

The Vegetarian

The Vegetarian
By Han Kang
Hogarth, 2015. 188 pgs. Fiction

Yeong-hye and her husband have lived a very average, relatively boring life. However, when nightmares of blood and brutality begin, Yeong-hye decides to become vegetarian, a decision that she hopes will make the nightmares that are driving her mad stop. As she asserts control over this aspect of her life, the lives of those around her fall into chaos. As her husband, brother-in-law, and sister try to force Yeong-hye to change her mind, she becomes ever more broken and estranged.

This is not a book for the faint of heart. It’s short, but also stomach turning. Yeong-hye is abused by the people who are supposed to care about her, and for many she is objectified, nothing more than a piece of meat: An average wife for a husband who expects her to be subservient, a piece of art and desire that even other artists view as perverse, a sister that has always taken the brunt of a father’s rage. Yeong-hye is broken in a variety of ways, and her descent into mental illness is heart-breaking. Told in three parts from different points of view, this is a book for readers who like to peel away layer upon layer, finding meaning and allegory. It’s deep, weird, but definitely not for everyone.

ACS

Craving Connection

Craving Connection
Crystal Stine, editor
B & H Publishing Group, 2017. 280 pgs. Nonfiction

This book of essays shares 30 challenges to build real-life engagement with the people around you. There are three sections of the book focusing on connecting with God, with friends, and with your community. Each essay begins with a bible verse and an inspirational quote, with the essay centered on the theme of that verse.

This was a book that took some time to read because I wanted to ponder the essay and the suggestions given to figure out ways that I could apply what was being talked about. This book would be good to re-visit in the future since there are so many ideas that can be applied.

AMM

Chancer : How One Good Boy Saved Another : A Memoir

Chancer : How One Good Boy Saved Another : A Memoir
By Donnie Kanter Winokur
Grand Harbor Press, 2017. 272 pgs. Nonfiction

This memoir begins with Donnie and her husband, Harvey, going through the adoption process in Russia for their two children, Morasha and Iyal. As they adjust to parenting and the kids start to grow up, they notice Iyal is having some developmental issues. After many doctor visits and ongoing struggles, Iyal is diagnosed with FASD's (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders).  Struggling to find the best solution for giving Iyal a better life, Donnie researched more into how Service dogs can be trained to help children with hidden disabilities. Eventually Chancer becomes the first FASD trained service dog, and he forever changes life for Iyal and the whole family.

Donnie Winoukur's memoir is such a touching story. I felt so much love for this family, and a lot of sympathy for Iyal. I was not aware of the extent FASD's has on a child's life. She is open about the emotional toll, and real moments that were so hard on all of them as a family. It is wonderful that Donnie put her last hope into a service animal. If you read this, you will fall in love with Iyal and Chancer's relationship, and forever respect all the service animals out there for the care they give.

MM

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
By Carol S. Dweck
Ballantine Books, 2008. 277 pgs. Nonfiction

Carol Dweck is a researcher at Columbia who has spent her time exploring the way our minds view and interpret the world. She argues that people either have a fixed or a growth mindset. The fixed mindset is more common in our society because we are taught from a young age that if you are talented or smart, then you will succeed. If you fail then that means you weren't as talented as you thought. The growth mindset, on the other hand, believes that hard work is more important than success. Failure just means that you need to try something different the next time and that you are capable of anything you work towards. The book uses many examples from sports and business to show the differences between someone with a fixed or growth mindset.

This book was fascinating! I especially liked the chapters where she explains how these mindsets fit into parenting and education. She gives examples of the praise we give children and the harm that can be done by a well meaning comment. She also gives examples of better ways of saying things. The biggest thing this book helped me with was being more aware of myself and ways I can improve my mindset. This is a book that I plan to read again!

AL

Love Remains

Love Remains: A Hope Springs Novel
By Sarah M. Eden
Mirror Press, 2017. 366 pgs. Romance

Tavish O'Connor has been doing everything he can to hold his family together since his younger brother Finbarr's accident, but it is a heavy weight that is starting to take its' toll. Tavish decides to hire Cecily Attwater, a tutor for the blind, to help Finbarr learn how to navigate life without his eyesight. Cecily has dedicated her life to help others overcome the challenges she has conquered herself. When she arrives in the small Wyoming town, she knows it won't be easy, but she is not prepared for the hatred she encounters just because she is English and the frustration of having a student that refuses to learn. Tavish and Cecily must find a way to overcome their differences if they are ever going to make a difference to the whole O'Connor family.

This is the third book in the Hope Springs Series. I was so happy to have a book that focused more on Tavish. He has faced a lot of trials over the course of the series so it was nice to finally have him find some hope and healing. Sarah Eden creates amazing characters that work their way into your heart. She is able to tackle hard subjects by adding perfectly timed moments of humor. I highly recommend any of Sarah Eden's books, especially the Hope Springs series. It is best to read the series in order.

AL

The General vs. the President: MacArthur and Truman at the Brink of Nuclear War

The General vs. the President: MacArthur and Truman at the Brink of Nuclear War
By H.W. Brands
Doubleday, 2016. 437 pages. Nonfiction

Truman, who never expected to be President, approved the use of the atom bomb in Japan and subsequently won re-election at a time when the U.S. was recovering economic prosperity but facing the start of the Cold War. Truman’s postwar successes in Europe included the Marshall Plan and the Berlin airlift, when he stood firm against Stalin in Germany. In Asia, however, the Communists took over China and North Korea invaded South Korea. At the same time, General MacArthur was incredibly successful as the head of the U.S. occupation and rehabilitation of Japan. MacArthur was famously insubordinate to Truman while Truman thought he had accurately taken the measure of MacArthur and could tolerate his disrespect. But international events created a situation where these two very capable but very different men would clash over U.S. policies in Asia. Brands skillfully portrays the relationship between these two men and the background to events that still shape the world we live in. SH

Take Me With You

Take Me With You
by Andrea Gibson
Plume Books, 2018. 200 pages. Nonfiction

An award-winning poet and activist, Andrea Gibson's latest collection of poems, one-liners, and more comes in a pocket-sized volume you can carry along anywhere. Chock full of emotive, relateable, touching poetry, this collection features work divided into three themed sections: Love, The World, and Becoming.

Don't let the size fool you; this petite book packs a real emotional punch.  I loved feeling so connected to a writer. Gibson has an amazing talent for making you feel their feelings and relate to their experiences, which I think is their greatest strength as a writer. I felt as though we shared in each other's joy, fear, pain, excitement, or wonder reading the poems similar to my life experiences, and  felt my heart and eyes open in equal measure to struggles, issues, and situations completely alien to me. This book was an uplifting, celebratory, hopeful look at life. Take it with you.


MW

Compost City: Practical Composting Know-how for Small-Space Living

Compost City: Practical Composting Know-how for Small-Space Living 
By Rebecca Louie
Roost Books, 2015. 209 pages.

According to author Rebecca Louie, anyone can compost, in any living space, any time of the year. This statement sums up Louie’s can-do attitude when it comes to composting in small spaces. First of all, why compost? Composting not only reduces the amount of garbage that goes into landfills, but also produces a lovely rich fertilizer for your household plants or garden. Many people are put-off by the idea of composting, thinking that it takes a large yard, lots of labor, and/or requires the use of creepy crawlies. The good news is that none of the above is required, and with the right system, anyone can compost!

I especially love the readability of this book. Injected
with humor at every turn, Louie makes composting easy to understand and thoroughly enjoyable. Several different composting methods are explained in this book, complete with illustrations and tips and tricks. Out of the many composting books I have read in order to start my own compost, this book is by far my favorite. If you have ever had even a passing interest in composting, definitely give this volume a try.

ALL

Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste

Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste 
By Bea Johnson
Scribner, 2013. 292 pages. Nonfiction


Bea Johnson is the queen of living Zero Waste. But what is zero waste, and why is it important? It is nothing new to hear that our garbage has a detrimental effect on the environment (Great Pacific Garbage Patch, anyone?), and it can be overwhelming to think about how one person can make a difference. Johnson chronicles her journey to transform her household into one that produces just one quart of garbage a year. According to Johnson, going zero waste not only helps the environment, but decreases annual spending, and increasing overall physical and mental health.

While this book can be overwhelming, I like to think of it as a guide for taking things one step at a time. The first section is dedicated to the Five R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot. In my opinion, learning and living the Five R’s is the first and most effective step that anyone can take in order to reduce their waste output. Johnson also dedicates a section to each of the largest waste-producing areas of our home: the kitchen, the bathroom, wardrobe, workspace, and more. Having incorporated many aspects of Zero Waste into my own life, I believe that anyone and everyone can find a few tips and tricks in this book to work into their lifestyle.

ALL

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead
by Sheryl Sandberg
Alfred A. Knopf, 2013, 228 pages, Nonfiction

Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg examines why there are so few women in major leadership positions, especially in the tech industry, and shares advice from her own experiences and other women on what can be done to help solve this problem as well as how women can find work they are passionate about.

Taking examples from her own experience, Sandberg shows how expected gender roles work against women seeking leadership positions. Not only are women forced to balance family and job responsibilities, but they also experience more bias and subtle pressures from both men and other women whether knowingly or not.

This book is well-researched and relevant for all working women (and I would add men too). Though some of the ideas are not necessarily ground-breaking, such as being more self-confident, remaining engaged, and getting more help at home, the information provided gives women a clear path to improving their work life situation whether the goal is to make it to the top or not.

AJ

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
by Erika L. Sánchez
Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2017. 344 pgs. Young Adult

Julia and her parents are mourning the loss of her sister Olga, who bound the family together with her level head and responsible nature.  Now Julia languishes under the domineering eye of her mother, who disapproves of her confrontational nature.  Julia can't help but feel that her mother mourns the loss of her "perfect Mexican daughter" and wants Julia to start shaping up - regardless of what Julia wants for herself.  But when Julia discovers some unusual items in Olga's room, she begins to suspect that Olga had her own secrets.

This coming-of-age story centers around Julia, a combative, aggressive, resentful, angry, and hurting young woman.  While her personality seems off-putting, I couldn't help but relate to her throughout the book.  Julia's life is also colored by her family and their traditions, foods, and values, and while she chafes against some of the more rigid aspects of her culture, other parts give her a special perspective on the world and help to define her.  While I initially thought this book would be about processing grief from Olga's death and navigating their family without her, I soon realized the book is instead largely focused on Julia and her journey to find her place within her family and the larger world.

BHG

Glow of Death

Glow of Death
By Jane K. Cleland
Minotaur, 2016. 291 pgs. Mystery

Antiques expert, Josie Prescott, is also an amateur sleuth. Appraising an authentic Tiffany lamp for a wealthy woman named Ava seems like the opportunity of a lifetime.  When Ava is found dead a few days later, the local police, unable to contact Ava's husband, ask Josie to identify her.  To Josie's shock, the dead woman is not the person who let her into Ava's home to appraise the lamp.

Finding that the lamp is indeed authentic, Josie can imagine a large number of people who might have wanted to steal the lamp, perhaps even murder the owner.  But the lamp is still in the house and doesn't seem to have been disturbed in the course of the murder.  And why and how would someone impersonate Ava? As Josie learns more about the murder, she becomes angry about being deceived by the person who asked her to appraise the lamp and at whoever is trying to murder her as she delves deeper into the murder investigation.

Glow of Death is #11 in the Josie Prescott series. The series doesn't need to be read in order and offers more complex plots than some "cozy mysteries."  SH

The Comfort Food Diaries

The Comfort Food Diaries
By Emily Nunn
Atria Books, 2017. 310 pgs. Nonfiction

Emily Nunn worked for many years as a food writer in both New York and Chicago, she was engaged to a wonderful man, and had an amazing view from her high rise apartment. However, after the sudden death of her brother Oliver, Emily's perfect world fell apart. Her engagement ended and she turned to alcohol to find relief.

One night she wrote a drunken Facebook post about what's been happening in her life and while she was embarassed the next day, she was also pleasantly surprised at the compassion she received from her friends. Many offered words of sympathy and more offered to have Emily come visit their homes, to cook with and for her. With that idea, Emily's Comfort Food Tour began.

She spent a few months in rehab before making a cross country trip, making and eating comfort foods all along the way. Emily reconnected with friends that she hadn't seen in many years and found a way to put her life back togther. Scattered throughout the text are over 50 recipes, recipes that are sure to bring a feeling of warmth and love.

AMM

Warcross

Warcross
By Marie Lu
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 353 pages, Young Adult Fiction

When teenage coder Emika Chen hacks her way into the opening tournament of the Warcross Championships, she glitches herself into the game as well as a sinister plot with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire.

Fans of Marie Lu know she writes great page-turners set in fantastic places, and peopled with interesting characters. One of the appeals of this book for me was that it’s set in the not-too-distant future, where a lightweight version of virtual reality glasses are used to enhance everyday life. This technology seems like it’s just around the corner for us, and it made it so the story wasn’t too bogged down with world building. This book is packed with action, a bit of romance, and a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. If you’re looking for a great read similar to Ready Player One or The Hunger Games, look no further!

MB

Dragon Bones

Dragon Bones 
by Patricia Briggs
Ace Books, 2002, 295 pgs. Fantasy

Ward has recently inherited his family’s estate when his father dies on a hunting trip. As Ward is adjusting to his new position and debates whether or not to drop the façade of being the castle idiot the King sends soldiers to take Ward to an asylum. Ward goes on a quest with key members of his family’s household to go about reclaiming his home.

I love Patricia Briggs, I loved listening to this book the reader beautifully portrayed Ward’s deep voice. I really enjoyed Ward’s growth and his awareness of the people around him.

MH

The Bone Witch

The Bone Witch
by Rin Chupeco
Sourcebooks Fire, 2017, 411 pages Young Adult Fiction

Tea has a very strong gift for death magic which causes most of the people in her land to fear, avoid, and respect her. After raising her brother from the dead, Tea undergoes the training to become an Asha, someone who can wield elemental magic. She will have to face many obstacles and make choices that will impact the world.

This was a book with beautiful world building. Think Geishas with magic powers; it was absolutely fascinating exploring this world where magic and tradition are so saturated in the culture. This is not a standalone book, and because of this I am very excited for book two Rin has set up a fantastic story and I am excited to read the follow through.

MH

Covenant Motherhood: Reflecting the Role of Christ in Our Lives

Covenant Motherhood: Reflecting the Role of Christ in Our Lives 
by Stephanie Dibb Sorensen
Covenant Communications, 2013, 109 pgs, Nonfiction.

This uplifting LDS book compares the roles of Christ with the roles of mothers. Author Stephanie Sorensen uses examples from her own life as well as teachings from general authorities and scriptures to illustrate how the many different roles of motherhood reflect the roles of Christ and his mission. The trenches of daily mothering can become overwhelming, but by seeing parallels to the Savior’s mission in the chaos of domestic life, women can find power in family service as they develop Christ-like attributes through motherhood.

This book is so hopeful, I love it. I love how the author helps the reader to find deeper meaning in those repetitive, sometimes menial and dreaded domestic tasks like laundry and changing diapers. I really felt uplifted and encouraged that I’m not doing everything wrong and there is wonderful purpose in my new responsibilities as a mother.

ER

Glass Houses

Glass Houses
By Louise Penny
Minotaur Books, 2017, 391 pages, Mystery

When a mysterious figure appears in Three Pines one cold November day, Chief Superintendent Armand Gamache and the rest of the villagers are at first curious, then wary. Through rain and sleet, the figure stands unmoving, staring ahead. From the moment its shadow falls over the village, Gamache suspects the creature has deep roots and a dark purpose. When the figure vanishes overnight and a body is discovered, it falls to Gamache to discover if a debt has been paid or levied.

Months later, on a steamy July day as the trial for the accused begins in Montréal, Chief Superintendent Gamache continues to struggle with actions he set in motion that bitter November, from which there is no going back. More than the accused is on trial. Gamache's own conscience is standing in judgment.

Louise Penny has won numerous awards for her writing, and after reading this latest book in her popular detective series, I can see why. I liked that this book had the appeal of a cozy mystery (it’s set in a small town in Quebec populated with quirky side characters), but it deals with current issues ripped from the headlines. I also liked how the story started from the end, and went backwards gradually while still never giving away who the guilty parties were.

I listened to the audio version of this book, and I thought the narrator did an excellent job of distinguishing each character.  This is a pretty solid mystery with a few twists and turns on the genre. Louise Penny reads like a modern-day Agatha Christie or P.D. James, and she shouldn’t be missed!

MB

Pitch Dark

Pitch Dark
By Courtney Alameda
Feiwel Friends, 2018. 384 pages. Young Adult

Tuck has been in stasis for 400 years after his ship, the John Muir, was jettisoned into deep space and stranded, unlikely to ever be found again. When he awakes, he finds his ship has been overrun by the mutated remains of other crew members whose screams alone can tear you apart. Laura is a young hacker onboard the Conquistador, a raiding ship looking for the key to the human race's survival. When the Conquistador and the John Muir collide, Laura and Tuck must work together to save their crews while trying to evade a malicious organization set on their failure.

This book excels at tension, suspense, and anticipation. Crouching in the dark and hoping things don't find you, you're holding your breath alongside the characters. Tuck and Laura are fantastic characters, with distinct voices and personalities that readers will enjoy spending time with. Pitch Dark is playfully sprinkled with references to contemporary movies, games, and pop culture (especially through the voice of Tuck) and sci-fi fans will love the play between Laura's futuristic tech landscape and Tuck's "older," more analog world.  Don't skip the author's note at the end of the book, which conveys just how much of Alameda's own experience and identity is wrapped up in the characters, tensions, and struggles of the book.

BHG

Thyme of Death

Thyme of Death
(China Bayles #1)
By Susan Wittig Albert
Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1992. 260 pgs. Mystery

China Bayles used to be a big city lawyer, but when the law profession became too stressful for her, she moved to the small town of Pecan Springs, Texas, where she opened up her own herb shop. One day, she gets a phone call that one of her good friends has apparently committed suicide. However some circumstances don’t quite match that conclusion. Is it murder? Using her police connections and knowledge of the law, China starts investigating, and when another murder is attempted, China realizes there is more going on in Pecan Springs than she realized.

This book has a nice small town feel where everyone knows each other and, for the most part, is willing to help each other out. It also includes the element of small town gossip where everyone (thinks) they know each other’s business. China is an interesting character and I loved how she uses her knowledge of law to direct her investigation. She knows what types of evidence will hold up in court, and that’s the type of evidence she looks for. This was a fairly light and easy to read mystery, and the first in a series if you want to read more about Pecan Springs.

ACS