Check Me Out

Check Me Out

by Rebecca Wilhite

Shadow Mountain, 2018. 358 pgs. Romance

Greta loves her job as assistant librarian in her hometown. When she meets the gorgeous Mac in the poetry section, Greta thinks that her life might be perfect. But Mac seems like a different person in his texts versus his real life conversations, and Greta must decide if good looks or a good heart are more important. When her library faces closure, Greta tries everything she can to save it, and repeatedly finds herself turning to her best friend Will, rather than Mac. Which of the two will she choose, and can she save her beloved library?

This was a light-hearted, fun read. As a librarian, I related to many of the activities and quirky things that happened in the library.  The relationship with Mac felt a little superficial and shallow, but I really liked the development of relationship with Will, although I felt that Greta was very oblivious to his feelings and how he was helping Mac to sound smarter. I enjoyed all of the different methods that were used to try and save the library and the theme of political activism was an interesting addition. This is a fun, clean read and would be great for anyone who likes contemporary romances.

TT

Pride

Pride

by Ibi Aanu Zoboi

Balzer + Bray, 2018. 289 pgs. Young Adult Fiction

Zuri Benitez has pride in her Brooklyn neighborhood, her family, and her Afro-Latino roots. But, she begins to feel set adrift when her neighborhood starts to be “upgraded” and taken over by the upper and middle class. When the Darcy family moves in across the street, Zuri instantly dislikes the two teenage sons, especially the judgmental and arrogant Darius.  In this timely retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Zuri must find her place amidst the changes, from looming college applications to an unwanted relocation with her family. And will Zuri find love amidst despite her initial misgivings about Darius Darcy?

This is a fun and interesting take on a classic. I was intrigued by the characters, but felt that the plot was rushed at times, so there was a lack of character development. As someone with a biracial family, I recognized many of the concerns and issues that were presented as things that I think about for my own children. There is strong language in 2-3 scenes, but otherwise is clean. This is a good read for anyone who enjoys retellings of classic literature or who is looking for a new perspective on the world.

TT

The Tao of Pooh

The Tao of Pooh
By Benjamin Hoff
Dutton Books, 1982. 158 pgs. Nonfiction

In this introduction to the belief system of Taoism, Hoff explains how A.A. Milne’s character of Winnie-the-Pooh, by being effortlessly calm, still, and reflective, is actually a great Taoist master. By comparing Taoist principals with scenes from A.A. Milne’s stories, it makes the belief system clear and easy to understand for anyone.

I checked this audiobook out from Overdrive on a whim, and I’m so glad I did. I knew very little about Taoism, but I feel like the juxtaposition of Taoist principals and Winnie-the-Pooh stories really worked well to explain the belief system. Simon Vance narrated the audiobook, and it was a pleasure to listen to as he voiced all the different A.A. Milne characters. I could easily recommend this for anyone interested in learning about Eastern belief systems.

ACS

Storm Front 
by Jim Butcher
New American Library, 2000. 322 pgs. Fantasy

 Harry Dresden is a professional wizard who knows that the world that we all know and love is more complicated than we think. The world is full of strange magical things and most of them do not like humans, so he works as a detective consultant. When the Chicago Police Department brings him in to consult on a double homicide reeking of black magic, Harry is ready to go to war but there is always someone behind the spell and now they are after Harry.

 So I have heard people mention this series for a long time but hadn’t ever gotten around to reading it. It was so much fun to listen to. Harry is a very compelling main character he is tall wears a canvas duster and his dialogue is fascinating. I love his advisor who happens to live in a skull Bob. Overall a fun book and I am excited to read the rest of the series.

MH

Iron and Magic

Iron and Magic 
by Ilona Andrews
NYLA, 2018, 406 pgs. Fantasy

 Hugh d’Ambray Warlord of the Builder of Towers has only ever served Roland a nearly omnipotent master who has cast him aside. Hugh is broken but when his Iron Dogs appeal to him for safety he has a decision to make, drink himself to death or be the leader his men need him to be. When Elara Harper needs some mercenaries to keep her people safe she will stop at nothing not even marrying the warlord over the men she needs to protect her castle.

 Alright so if you have not been reading the Kate Daniels Series put this book down until you have read everything from Magic Bites to Magic Binds, it makes a difference I promise. While it is technically a standalone series everything will be so much better if you have all the background. That being said I really had a lot of fun with this branch of the story! I laughed so much and Elara and Hugh fought over the moat and held my breath right along with the characters as they fought necromancers and vampires. Not a clean read but I really enjoyed myself.

MH

The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want

The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want
By Sonja Lyubomirsky
Penguin Press, 2008. 384 pages. Nonfiction

Lyubomirsky uses research to explain what true happiness is and how to obtain it. She provides a guide to improving personal happiness and assessments to measure where you are on your personal happiness scale. In addition, she includes different strategies and activities to help improve intentional living to increase joy in everyday life. The research in this book emphasizes that happiness can be created regardless of circumstances or genetics.

This is a good read for those who want a gateway book into the positive psychology realm. Lyubomirsky does a good job at creating a base of understanding for those new to psychology studies. The ideas in her book, though not ground breaking, are supported by research which gave more weight to her arguments. If you are new to self-help or positive psychology, then this is a good book for you.

HS

Relic (Pendergast #1)

Relic Pendergast #1
by Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child
New York : Forge, 1996, c1995. 468 pages. Fiction.

Just days before a massive exhibition opens at the popular New York Museum of Natural History, visitors are being savagely murdered in the museum's dark hallways and secret rooms. Autopsies indicate that the killer cannot be human...

But the museum's directors plan to go ahead with a big bash to celebrate the new exhibition, in spite of the murders.

Museum researcher Margo Green must find out who--or what--is doing the killing. But can she do it in time to stop the massacre?

This thriller will entice readers of many different interests as concepts from archeology, paleontology, museology, and other sciences are used to help solve the baffling string of murders. Add foreign myth into the mix and you've got a unique and exhilarating page turner. Choosing a large natural history museum as the setting creates a dark and chilling atmosphere and adds surprise to the many plot twists.

Seeing as this is the Pendergast Series, the small number of appearances made by FBI Special Agent Pendergast is a bit baffling. I also thought the story developed a bit too slow, but once the action starts it never stops. This book is good for those who seek a thriller with just a touch of academia and a killer monster that isn't a werewolf or vampire. 

NS

To Be Where You Are

To Be Where You Are 
by Jan Karon
 Putnam Publishing Group, 2017. 450 pages. Fiction

 This is the fourteenth installment of The Mitford Series that follows the adventures of episcopal priest Father Tim Kavanagh. For Father Tim and Cynthia, it’s time to drink green smoothies and get moving to fight off osteoporosis. Father Tim has been retired for twelve years and is finally getting used to it, but soon he is offered a job and new adventures.

Father Tim’s son Dooley is three months into owning his own veterinary practice and three months into his marriage with Lace and their fostering of four year old Jack Tyler. Things couldn’t be better, but then the pipes break in the clinic and Dooley and Lace are faced with draining their savings to rebuild. Will their marriage be tested beyond what it can withstand?

 These charming stories about Father Tim are refreshingly clean and wholesome without being too cheesy. I love the Father Tim’s quotes, and the poems, and the snatches of hymns. Life in Mitford may seem too good to be true, but it feels authentic. These books are about good people who sometimes deal with hard times, but the help of their community and their various faiths, they come through.

 AG

Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One

Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One 
by Raphaëlle Giordano
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2018. 244 pages. General Fiction

From the outside, no one might guess that Camille is miserable. She has a career, a roof over her head -in Paris no less, a hard working husband, an adoring son, and yet she can’t seem to figure out why she is so very unhappy. When car trouble on a rainy night leads her to what would be a creepy mansion in another story, she meets Claude, a “routinologist” who claims to have the cure for Camille’s unshakable blues. Through a series of letters, activities, and exercises, Clause helps Camille to retrain her brain to break through the clouds of hopelessness and find the joy in life again.

I was attracted to this book by the very title, and it delivered what I imagined it would, a story of rebirth and finding oneself. Though not altogether unique or surprising in its content, following Camille as she rediscovers her happiness and finds meaning in her life was hopeful and inspiring, something that we could all use a little more of these days. The focus of many tasks which Claude assigns to Camille could be easily repeated by the reader, such as a gratitude journal or daily meditation, and are tried and true methods for finding greater peace and happiness. In that way, this book works as both an uplifting self-help book and a light, relatable read.

RC

Dread Nation

Dread Nation
By Justina Ireland
Balzer + Bray, 2018, 451 pages, Young Adult Horror

In the middle of the Civil War, the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, changing the fate of the nation forever. Instead of gaining their freedom, African Americans and other minority groups are expected to become Attendants (zombie hunters), trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the wealthy. Almost finished with her education at a combat school, Jane looks forward to returning home and fighting for the freedom of her plantation. But when families around the county start to go missing, Jane is the only one willing to look into their mysterious disappearances

With a strong African American female lead, this book is being hailed for its diversity. This was my favorite aspect of the whole book. The author forces the reader to look at the question of race and slavery in a different way, and I thought it was excellently done. But this novel isn’t just a commentary on racism; this is also a zombie novel. The premise of this book is tight and interesting; and the mystery Jane solves is fascinating and horrifying, and it kept me guessing. The cliffhanger ending left things a bit too unresolved for my liking, especially since it involved zombies threatening to take over the world! It’s going to be hard to wait patiently for the next book in the series.

If you like action/adventure/horror novels, or historical fiction told from a new viewpoint (one of my favorite examples of this is Under a Painted Sky), you’ll find something to like in Dread Nation.

MB

Spinning Silver

Spinning Silver
By Naomi Novik
Del Rey, 2018, 466 pages, Fantasy

Miryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father is not a very good one. Free to lend and reluctant to collect, he has left his family on the edge of poverty—until Miryem intercedes. Hardening her heart, she sets out to retrieve what is owed, and soon gains a reputation for being able to turn silver into gold. But when an ill-advised boast brings her to the attention of the cold creatures who haunt the wood, nothing will be the same again.

Novik’s retelling of the Rumplestiltskin fairytale looks almost nothing like the original. Her skill in taking a classic story and reworking it into something completely new and refreshing leaves me in awe. The story is told from the viewpoint of multiple characters, and each one of them has a distinct voice and a storyline that kept me equally engaged. Fans of fairytale retellings and authors such as Katherine Arden and Eowyn Ivey won’t want to miss this one!

MB

An American Marriage

An American Marriage

by Tayari Jones

Algonquin, 2018. 308 pages, General Fiction

Roy and Celestial are just learning to navigate life together as newlyweds when they are yanked from their bed and Roy is sentenced to prison for a violent crime he didn’t commit. Inevitably, life goes on, and this story recounts through their letters to one another the ways that distance and doubt attempt to complicate love’s hold. Celestial’s uncle works diligently to get Roy’s conviction overturned, but the two must decide if there’s still a place in their hearts for one another as their realities evolve and they face their unique circumstance.

This book is an intimate portrayal of the perils and pitfalls of modern romance under strained circumstances, and the compromises it takes to live a life committed to another person. Race, though not the focus of this book, cannot be ignored, and the story comments deftly on this topic, as well as gender roles, racial disparity, and American culture. Though their story is all at once hopeful and  heartbreaking, I enjoyed the unique style of this book and getting to know Roy and Celestial through their letters to one another. I listened to the audiobook version of this title, where a male and female reader alternated narration. It was a unique, conversational format that matched the storytelling style of the book perfectly; I would highly recommend going that route. 

RC

Indeh: A Story of the Apache Wars

Indeh: A Story of the Apache Wars
Ethan Hawke, Greg Ruth
Grand Central Publishing, 2016. 232 pages.

In the war-torn Southwest of 1872, a young Apache brave loses his family, home, and everything he loves. In an act of retribution, the young man convinces the entire Apache nation to attack the Mexican town of Azripe, leaving death and destruction in their wake. This event transforms the young Apache man into the Native American hero Geronimo. But even as the Apache desperately fight to preserve their way of life, the “white eyes” in blue coats continue to expand westward, destroying the Apache way of life.

This grim but beautifully illustrated account of the Apache wars is an emotional graphic novel that recounts an important but often misrepresented part of US history. The story is without context and at times can be confusing if one is not familiar with the history of the Southwest or the Apache Wars. Nevertheless, what this volume lacks in detail more than makes up for with the emotional artwork that richly conveys the horrors of war and the sense of loss that haunt this part of our nation’s history. 

ALL

Little Moments of Love

Little Moments of Love
By Catana Chetwynd
Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2018. 148 pages. Graphic Novel

Catana Chetwynd never realized when she began posting her doodles online that they would become an internet sensation.  Focusing mainly on her long-term relationship with her boyfriend, readers have found her sweet, relatable humor infectious. She has compiled several of her classic comics as well as some new ones in this collection. 

This is a quick but upbeat book that serves as a reminder of how positivity in relationships can turn a bad day into a good one.  Though most certainly an idealized portrayal, there is a lighthearted focus on the positive that can be invigorating and inspiring.  Silly at times but always sweet, this would be good for anyone wanting a quick pick me up.

BHG

The President is Missing

The President is Missing
by James Patterson and Bill Clinton
Little, Brown and Company and Knopf, 2018. 528 pages. Fiction

President Duncan is in a race against time to stop an unknown but potentially catastrophic threat.  Unsure of who to trust, Duncan goes to lengths previously unthinkable in order to find answers and protect the country.  Patterson co-wrote this book with Bill Clinton in an effort to make the story as plausible as possible with an insider perspective on the white house, and to understand what it would take for the events described to be necessary.

I read the book mostly out of curiosity to know how it would be possible for a sitting president to go missing.  This question ended up being answered relatively quickly and was more of a minor element of the story.  The rest was mostly centered around a conventional espionage thriller with terrorists, cyber crime, assassins, international intrigue, and subterfuge.  Fans of Patterson's work will certainly find a thrilling, if maybe a bit formulaic, read here.  I listened to the audiobook, which is read by a few different narrators, but mostly by Dennis Quaid, who will be a draw for some readers as well.

BHG

More Than Meets the Eye

More Than Meets the Eye
By Karen Witemeyer
Bethany House, 2018. 346 pgs. Romance

Evangeline Hamilton was orphaned at a young age and because of her different colored eyes, one blue and one brown, she struggled to find a place in the world. She joined together with two other orphans, Seth and Zach, and they form a rag-tag family. Logan Fowler came to town seeking justice against the hardened man who stole his family's land and destroyed his family. All he knows is the man's name, Zach Hamilton. He isn't prepared to find someone who isn't much older than himself and he is especially unprepared to meet Zach's sister Evangeline. She is a ray of sunshine in his dark world and the more time he spends with her, the more he is confused about what he really wants in life. Evangeline is just amazed to have someone accept her and not seem to mind her mismatched eyes.

Karen Witemeyer creates an amazing balance between perfectly flawed characters, humor, romance, and references to religion without feeling preachy. The attraction between Evie and Logan is fun to watch but by far my favorite character is Zach. He is so tough on the outside but he has had to take on a lot of responsibility in his young life and he has a soft spot for Evie and Seth. Fans of Sarah Eden and Julie Klassen would enjoy Karen Witemeyer's books!


AL

The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza

The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza
By Shaun David Hutchinson
Simon Pulse, 2018. 438 pgs. Young Adult

Elena is the first scientifically confirmed virgin birth, and ever since she can remember she has been able to hear the voices of inanimate objects speaking to her. One day her crush, Freddie, is shot in a random act of violence, and the Starbucks siren tells Elena to heal her. She does, but then the shooter disappears in a beam of light and Elena is just as confused as everyone else. The voices tell Elena to heal more people, but doing so results in more disappearances, while not doing so results in mass disasters. Elena must decide to listen to the voices or not, but whatever she chooses the apocalypse has started.

The best part of this book is the characters. Elena and her friends are wonderfully written and easy to connect with. The ethnic and sexual diversity gives the characters perspectives that are appearing more often in young adult literature, allowing more young people to find protagonists like them. While the characters shined, the plot took a backseat. The premise of the story is interesting, but the execution felt a little overly contrived and kept pulling me out of the story. Though not perfect, this is a book I could recommend to people who like magical realism and care more about characterization than plot.

ACS

Donner Dinner Party

Donner Dinner Party
By Nathan Hale
Amulet Books, 2013. 123 pgs. Graphic Novel

Based on the true events surrounding the ill-fated Donner Party, this tale follows the Reed family on their journey from Illinois to California in 1846. From bad choices such as taking a “short-cut” that was promised to be smooth and fast when it wasn’t, to bad weather when a snow storm hit as they were crossing the mountains, the wagon train ended up spending the winter stuck on the wrong side of the mountains, starving and struggling to survive.

This fictionalized account of the events surrounding the Donner Party was fascinating to read. It’s a book written specifically for young readers, even while addressing the topic of cannibalism. If you want to skip the most macabre bits it tells you when to skip ahead, doing so in a relatively humorous way considering the subject. As a look back at pioneer history, and even local history as it covers their crossing of the Salt Lake Valley, this was a very engaging way to turn the Donner Party into more than just a macabre story. I would easily recommend it to others, especially those interested in history and survival.

ACS

Girl, Wash Your Face

Girl, Wash Your Face
By Rachel Hollis
Nelson Books, 2018. 220 pgs. Nonfiction

Rachel Hollis has built a social media business on the premise of uplifting and inspiring women. In this book she talks about the lies that we tell ourselves and let ourselves believe. Things like: I'm not good enough, I'll start tomorrow, I'm not a good mom, I will never get past this. These and other lies are all things that Rachel believed in her own life. She examines each one and talks about the things she did to overcome the lie. Each chapter address a different lie and at the end of the chapter she summarizes three specific things that helped her. The main point of her book is that each of us is ultimately responsible for who we become and how happy we are.

This book was life-changing for me. Through the stories Rachel shared, I recognized a lot of the lies I tell myself in my own life. It is hard to work on changing something if you don't even realize you are doing it. She is willing to share her weaknesses and vulnerabilities to show that it is still possible to love yourself even when you make mistakes or do something you are not proud of. It is empowering to have Rachel say, and to finally start to realize, that I have control of my life. We don't need to wait for the right house, the right job, the right amount of money to be happy. We need to take control of what happens next and we are so much more than we have become.

AL

Bygone Badass Broads: 52 Forgotten Women Who Changed the World

Bygone Badass Broads: 52 Forgotten Women Who Changed the World
by Mackenzi Lee
Harry N. Abrams, 2018. 176pgs. Young Adult Nonfiction

There are so many people who have contributed to make our world what it is today and this book works to highlight in particular 52 women who have in their own way had a powerful impact on the world. The stories begin in fifth century BCE and continue to the present.

I personally had never heard about most of the women mentioned in this book and I thought that it was fantastic that Mackenzi Lee did such a good job finding such influential women and then condensing their life stories into two pages, and the art work was beautifully done. I in particular loved Agnodice the first female to pretend to be a man so she could practice medicine. I also loved Khutulun who won thousands of horses because no man could beat her in a wrestling match and she died undefeated. I found it absolutely enjoyable reading about so many women who accomplished astounding things for their people and their countries.

MH

Etched in Sand

Etched in Sand
By Regina Calcaterra
Harper Collins Harper Audio, 2013. Biography

Regina Calcaterra is a survivor of parental abuse. Regina’s mother, Cookie, was an abusive, promiscuous, mentally ill, alcoholic who had five children with five different fathers. The family moved constantly and frequently lived in a car. The few times Cookie did find a home or an apartment, she left her children alone for weeks with no way for them to access the necessities of life. Throughout their childhood Regina and her siblings experienced extreme hunger, cold, filth and degradation. When Cookie was around, she beat and verbally abused her children. At the age of 14 Regina emancipated herself and worked hard to eventually become a New York attorney.

This story has made a lasting impression on me, and is not for the faint of heart. The aspects that stand out the most are: Regina’s love for her siblings, her drive to create a life for herself and her fight to improve the lives of others makes her a real-life heroine. Even though her story is heart-rending and chilling, it is ultimately a tale of hope. Regina fits the bill for anyone looking for a strong female example.

The audio book is narrated by the author.

MC

Survivor's Club: The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz

Survivor's Club: The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz
By Michael Bornstein
New York: Farrar Straus Giroux, 2017. 348 pgs. Young Adult Nonfiction

Michael Bornstein was one of the youngest survivors of Auschwitz. Soviet soldiers liberated the camp and documented the event when Bornstein was only 4 years old. He kept his memories and experiences to himself for decades. One day he saw an image of himself from the day he was liberated being used on a website to deny the atrocities that happened at Auschwitz. At that point he knew he needed to tell his story. With the help of his daughter, Bornstein worked to piece together his early history and now shares his story of survival for the first time.

I am a huge fan of human survival stories and this one is especially poignant because Bornstein was so young. I was continually impressed with Bornstein’s parents’ bravery and resourcefulness. I was amazed that a little boy of 4 years old found the endurance to stay alive. It’s always shocking to learn about the brutality that exists in this world, but Bornstein does an excellent job of keeping his story appropriate for young adult audiences while telling a historically accurate account.

MC

Sometimes I Lie

Sometimes I Lie
By Alice Feeney
Flatiron Books, 2018, 262 pages, General Fiction

Amber wakes up in a hospital. She can't move. She can't speak. She can't open her eyes. Though she can hear everyone around her, no one knows because she's in a coma. But she doesn't remember what happened. Alternating between her paralyzed present, the week before her accident, and a series of childhood diaries from twenty years ago, the narratives build and collide for an ending that leaves readers speechless.

This book had a lot of satisfying twists and turns that just kept twisting and turning, and there were multiple reasons why each character could have put Amber in the hospital. This is a great example of the current trend of suspense novels starring women who have no one to turn to, and who might not even be able to trust themselves (The Death of Mrs. Westaway and The Woman in the Window are two other examples). The audiobook was excellently narrated, and it kept me anxious to know what would happen next.  Those who enjoy mysteries with unreliable narrators, hidden intentions, and secret identities will enjoy this book.

 MB

Endurance: A Year in Space, a Lifetime of Discovery

Endurance: A Year in Space, a Lifetime of Discovery 
by Scott Kelly
Alfred A. Knopf, 2017, 387 pages, Autobiography

The veteran of four space flights and the American record holder for consecutive days spent in space, Scott Kelly has experienced things very few have. Now, he describes navigating the extreme challenges of long-term spaceflight, both existential and banal: the devastating effects on the body; the isolation from everyone he loves and the comforts of Earth; the pressures of constant close cohabitation; the catastrophic risks of depressurization or colliding with space junk, and the still more haunting threat of being unable to help should tragedy strike at home.

Scott Kelly’s autobiography is half an account of daily life during his year aboard the International Space Station, and half an account of the different turns his life has taken in order to give him the opportunity to be an astronaut. This combines to create a book that was really compelling to me. Although Kelly’s life is very different from my own, he still deals with the disappointments, setbacks and struggles we all face. I also appreciated Kelly’s positivity about his experience in space, while not being afraid to discuss the negatives: things like the effects living in space can have on you, and the problems that arise from living away from the ones you love.

Kelly makes a number of parallels between being one of the first to spend a year in space, and Ernest Shackleton, the explorer who famously spent a year stranded in Antarctica. In fact, the title of Kelly’s book is based on both the ship Shackleton used in his voyages, and on the well-known book about Ernest Shackleton by Alfred Lansing.

MB

#GIRLBOSS

#GIRLBOSS
by Sophia Amaruso
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2014. 241 pages. Nonfiction
This is a must read for gutsy gals with great ideas. Not only is it a guide for surviving and thriving in the world of entrepreneurs, but it is basically a memoir of Sophia Amaruso’s rise from anarchist teen to Nasty Girl owner and queen of vintage clothes.

 Amaruso not only gives great tips for starting a business, but also for interviewing for your dream job. Through anecdotes from her own life, she shows that you don’t have to be a business major or MBA to start your own business or to create your own empire.

This book is now a full length series on Netflix.

AG

How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics teaches us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence

How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics teaches us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence 
Michael Pollan
Penguin Press, 2018. 465 pages.

You have probably heard of Michael Pollan, or more likely one of his many best-selling works on food—Cooked, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, The Botany of Desire, etc. Pollan’s latest book comes out of left field with a somewhat plant related topic—psychedelics. In this book, Pollan makes a compelling case for “psychedelic assisted therapy,” claiming that these drugs can be used to treat depression, anxiety, addictions, and a variety of other mental disorders. Pollan discusses the history of psychedelics, describes underlying commonalities in experiences, and explains the neuroscience of how these drugs affect the brain.

As a Michael Pollan fan, I was surprised and delighted when I heard about this book. The history of psychedelic research is fascinating by itself, but Pollan also delves deeply into current research that is a far-cry from the tie-dye/Burning Man version of psychedelics that you might expect. Pollan is a polished and compelling author, and this controversial subject matter makes this book hard to put down. I am definitely interested in the future of this research and to see what psychedelic therapy has in store for the future.

ALL

Less

Less
by Andrew Sean Greer
Little Brown, 2017. 263 pages, General Fiction

It’s never easy to receive a wedding invitation to an ex’s happy nuptials, but little known novelist Arthur Less decides he needs to be as far away as possible when his ex ties the knot. To top it off, he’s turning 50 and not feeling thrilled about both aging and what he’s accomplished by this time in his life. So, what better time to plan a trip around the world? He accepts some odd speaking and teaching engagements, knowing full well that most people don’t know his writing or anything about his work, but the travel is the real appeal for him, the chance to get away, not so much the publicity. After the jobs conclude, he plans to take a little soul searching expedition, but what he finds along the way is unexpected.

This is one of those books that I just could not put down! It won the Pulitzer Prize in 2017 and it is clear why as you read why it was chosen. I couldn’t wait to see what Arthur Less got himself into next, laugh along with the sad hilarity that is his life, and read the lyrical, lovely prose. The story is told in flashbacks to his youth and to modern day Arthur as he travels the world, and the transitions are so well placed and fluid that it creates a real, intimate connection with Arthur and his journey. Part travel story, part love story, and full of heart, I highly recommend this engaging and relatable tale.

RC

Alex and Eliza

Alex and Eliza

by Melissa de la Cruz

G.P. Putnam’s Son’s, 2017. 358 pgs. Young Adult Historical Fiction

After a charged meeting one night at a Schuyler ball, Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler do not meet again for two years.  In February 1780, Eliza travels to Morristown, New Jersey to assist her aunt and uncle in the war effort by inoculating soldiers against smallpox. Morristown is also where George Washington is camped for the winter, so Eliza and Alex run into one another multiple times throughout the winter and spring. During this time, Eliza realizes that she deeply cares for Alexander, but must do as her parents bid and marry for money. After an unpleasant encounter with her rake of a fiancé, Alexander must save Eliza before her unwelcomed wedding.  

I found this book to be a sweet and charming story about Elizabeth and Alexander. Not much known about their courtship, so much of the story is fictional. The story felt authentic and engaging. I knew that they would end up together by the end, so it felt a little slow at times. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and the development of the relationship of Eliza and Alex. This is a wonderful book for anyone who likes the play Hamilton, clean reads, or proper romances.

TT

Slam! Volume 1

Slam! Vol. 1
by Pamela Ribon
BOOM! Box, 2017. 112 pages. Graphic Novel

Jennifer and Maisie show up to the Eastside Roller Girls roller derby league recruitment night on a whim, not sure what to expect, least of all finding each other. Bonding over their new love of roller derby, Jennifer and Maisie become fast friends, supporting each other on and off the rink. But after getting drafted to opposing teams, between the new practice schedules and teammates, it gets harder and harder to be there for each other. When it comes down to it, can friendship survive the competition?

A grown-up's Rollergirl, SLAM! VOL 1 is a great story about the complexities of adult friendships (why is it so hard?), life, and the joy of coming into your own against the backdrop of the rough and tumble excitement of roller derby. With great illustration and eye-catching color, it's as fun a read visually as it is story-wise. I love the characters and seeing them grow into themselves. Also, I've already been flirting with the idea of trying out roller derby myself, and wow this series practically screams, "DO IT. ROLLER DERBY WILL GRANT YOUR EVERY WISH!." Obviously that's not true, at least not yet (I guess I'll find out), but regardless of hobby or circumstance, SLAM! proves that finding your tribe is pretty much the same...or better.

MW

A House Among the Trees

A House Among the Trees

by Julia Glass

Pantheon Books, 2017. 352 pages. General Fiction

Beloved children’s author and illustrator Mort Lear’s sudden accidental death leaves his assistant, Tomisina Daulair, reeling and piecing together many parts of his life. She’s been by his side for the better part of 40 years, and is now left to handle his estate, and legacy, which it seems many want a piece of. There’s an actor who wants to visit Mort’s home to research him for a role in a film, a zealous curator who is working to get on Tomisina’s good side so she’ll donate his works to her museum, and on top of it all, Mort’s will dictates some seemingly odd requests that she’s unsure how to bring about. In the wake of her grief, she is left to figure out what direction her own life can take, now that everything she knew has changed.

This book felt like an old friend from page one. I wanted to check in to see what would happen next with characters I came to feel close to and fond of. Deftly woven, the stories of what brings each of them together, of past and present, all come together to build a world that feels so much like the one we live in, with similar pains and woes, and the same longing and hope for the way that life could have turned out, instead of the way it is. I laughed and cried and loved this book, and would highly recommend it to those looking for a real, human story.

RC