A beautifully written view of love during moments of war, turmoil and peace through generations of a European family. The writing is exquisite. And, cA beautifully written view of love during moments of war, turmoil and peace through generations of a European family. The writing is exquisite. And, can provoke emotion. And, dreams. And, make you ache slightly with a common recognition of life's moments.
"It was because you'd known happiness that you could believe in it...When have you ever given up when you believed in something?"
"To erase someone from an image does not erase the memory of their having been in that place, does not erase the memory of that person, or that person's memory. Perhaps memory dies when we do. Perhaps it evaporates, leaving its salt behind. When someone dies, the very air changes."
"Tell me everything...Where were you happiest? What was your favorite food when you were a child? What was the first book that made you cry? I want to hear everything. Don't leave out a thing. That will take forever... I hope so."
"She liked books that seemed to begin again at the middle, the way life so often did, the way a day or an evening or a conversation or a song or a long, worthwhile idea so often did. The way love so often did."
"There are so many ways the dead show us they are with us. Sometimes they stay deliberately absent, in order to prove themselves by returning. Sometimes they stay close and then leave in order to prove they were with us. Sometimes they bring a stag to a graveyard, a cardinal to a fence, a song on the wireless as soon as you turn it on. Sometimes they bring a snowfall."
Confusing at times as the the narrative is not linear. Worth reading for the prose. 3.5-4*
As someone who loves the ocean and spent 3 and a half years of my childhood going to the beach almost every weekend, this beautifully written, complexAs someone who loves the ocean and spent 3 and a half years of my childhood going to the beach almost every weekend, this beautifully written, complex book entranced me ~ especially the portions surrounding one of the main characters, Evie Beaulieu, and her experiences and love of diving.
The stories revolve around 3-4 main characters ~ Evie Beaulieu, Rafi Young, Todd Keane and Ina Aroita (although Ina's character is not as fully developed as the others. We meet Ina as a young adult and have seen the other 3 as children.) The author differentiates changes in character by the use of italics between back stories. There is no initial connection between them and it is sometimes disorienting to begin on another character's ARC when you become invested in the previous one and have to shift gears. But, the author knows what he's doing and does so beautifully.
Each storyline is captivating. Rafi's thousand word general essay to be considered for admission to an exclusive, prestigious high school on the theme, "What is the most important quality any person could possess?" His final draft will break your heart.
The advice given to Evie to "Put the beanie on. Do not release the potato" becomes a sentimental recurrence that can make you cry when you know it's context.
The contemporary references and insights will definitely keep you reading. "Neither Rafi or I (Todd) saw what was happening. No one did. That computers would take over our lives: Sure. But the way that they way that they would turn us into different beings? The full flavor of our translated hearts and minds? Not even my most enlightened fellow programmers at CRIK foresaw that with any resolution. Sure, they predicted personal, portable Encyclopedia Britannicas and group real-time teleconferencing and personal assistants that could teach you how to write better. But Facebook and WhatsApp and TikTok and Bitcoin and QAnon and Alexa and Google Maps and smart tracking ads based on keywords stolen from your emails and checking your likes while at a urinal and shopping while naked and insanely stupid but addictive farming games that wrecked people's careers and all the other neural parasites that now make it impossible for me to remember what thinking and feeling and being were really like, back then. Not even close."
"We scraped the data of a hundred thousand users, analyzed it, and sold it to a political consulting firm, who used it in a hyper-savvy campaign of digital targeting to put their man in office....Once we established the legality of our end-user agreements and our use of the data, they hardly knew how to proceed."
But, the descriptive narratives of the under sea world is what really transfixed me. "There were the two hundred eyes of a scallop. Starfish that see with the tips of their arms. Fish whose eyes are split in two so they can see both above and below the surface at once. The cock-eyed squid, which points its large eye upward toward great moving shadows and its small eye downward to the twinkling creatures of the deep. But down where the light was powerless, even the world's largest eyes could not make out the stunning, jagged mountain ranges, vast waterfalls with a thousand times the flow of Niagara, trenches and crenellations and pits and crevasses like nothing known on lad, panoramas never to be seen by any living thing." Whole sections of the earth yet unexplored.
"The noise of these tiny shrimp rivals anything in the deep, even the booming of the great whales. When a whole colony of pistol shrimp start snapping together, the chorus can jam the Navy's most sophisticated sonar. The snap of a single shrimp is louder than the roar of a jet engine from half a block away. And the explosion made by its snapping claw creates a wave of bubbles strong enough to stun a large fish or break a glass jar. These bubbles contain so much energy, they emit flashes of light almost as hot as the surface of the sun."
The story of the cuttlefish was absolutely mystical.
There were two brief sections of the book that got a little weird for me, but it didn't diminish my love for the story. In fact, I cried tears in one section. Richard Powers knows the poignancy of humanity. His lyricism in writing is extraordinary. Definitely worthy of the Booker nomination.
Highly recommend for all environmentalists and ocean lovers....more
Charming, fable-like story of how a lonely woman in her eighties discovers a reason for living through the caring for a mouse that she names SipsworthCharming, fable-like story of how a lonely woman in her eighties discovers a reason for living through the caring for a mouse that she names Sipsworth. ...more
What a crazy story! As my daughter said, probably the most unreliable narrator in contemporary fiction. I knew very little about the book before readiWhat a crazy story! As my daughter said, probably the most unreliable narrator in contemporary fiction. I knew very little about the book before reading it.
The main character is friends with a classmate from college who is on the same writing track while at school. She becomes jealous of her friend's publishing success and the resulting storyline is insane. The story is told from June's view and how she analyzes situations and justifies her actions is comparable to watching a disaster happening in slow motion. Truly cringeworthy! A propulsive read as you keep waiting for the shoe to drop.
I particularly enjoyed the contemporary literary references and jaded view into the publishing world. I was also interested in the racial discussions regarding writers who delve into other racial histories or narratives ~ remembering the discussion around American Dirt in 2020....more
On an island near Washington State, two sisters live with their terminally ill mother caring for her and working to cover their bills. They are young On an island near Washington State, two sisters live with their terminally ill mother caring for her and working to cover their bills. They are young and have menial jobs. Life is a routine drudgery. The older sister works at a golf club and the younger one works concessions on a ferry. Then one day, a bear is seen swimming next to the ferry near the shore.
What starts as a look at the financially oppressed ends up being a sort of nature horror story. Will the death of the parent change these young women's lives or will the bear terrorizing the island?
It held my attention and was a quick read. ...more
Adult dystopian tale describing a world in northern climates following an unspecified pandemic. Rainy is the main character and lives in a quiet enclaAdult dystopian tale describing a world in northern climates following an unspecified pandemic. Rainy is the main character and lives in a quiet enclave of individuals near Lake Superior in Michigan. He is a musician and his wife, Lark, collects and sells rare books. They have known neighbors and occasionally take in travelers as boarders. Here is where the conflict begins when the reclusive, Kellan, comes to stay. A mysterious threat is named, Kellan suddenly disappears and there is a tragedy. The coastal towns of Superior are explored with a makeshift vessel named Flower. A troubled, precocious child becomes part of the story. Survival is treacherous. Gruesome depictions of what can transpire when the world devolves into a bartering, lawless hellscape. Drugs offer a way out to "something better." Yet, hope remains. There's music. There's kindness. There's storytelling. There's nature. There are miracles still to be found.
A dark dystopian tale with hope. Sad and yet original. ...more
I loved the concept of this book! A group of individuals from past history are rescued through a time portal and a study is being done as to how they I loved the concept of this book! A group of individuals from past history are rescued through a time portal and a study is being done as to how they would acclimate to the current time period by working with individuals who are assigned to them as "bridges." Who doesn't love a good time travel story? The contemporary references are such fun as the travelers adjust to modern day conveniences and topics. I don't want to reveal too much to any future potential readers, but the adventure is not limited to the time change, the relationships that develop or the secrecy of the project. Great pacing and intriguing storyline. How is the past reconciled with the present? Who is the hero and who is the villain? Is there a possible sequel in the works?
Would not have selected this as a genre that I would enjoy, but received it as a gift. Highly recommend for an original concept and enjoyable read....more
YA author's first romance novel is a well designed, insider look at the late high school years and the difficulties navigating first sexual experienceYA author's first romance novel is a well designed, insider look at the late high school years and the difficulties navigating first sexual experiences. What makes it unique is that the story is told from the perspective of a sensitive, young black man. I loved the way the story begins in present time and goes back in subsequent chapters to describe the main character's relationships ~ with his family, friends and long time (2 years) girlfriend. His insecurities and thoughts are thoughtfully portrayed. Grandparents play a part in the narrative which is especially appreciated. Humor, tears and genuine affection are on full display. Realistic depictions of the difficulty that an older sibling or parent has when discussing sexuality. Contemporary and thoughtfully presented....more
I loved Brooklyn and compulsively read this sequel in a couple days. I love that Colm Toibin includes his past fictional characters in future works. TI loved Brooklyn and compulsively read this sequel in a couple days. I love that Colm Toibin includes his past fictional characters in future works. This, however, is a continuation of Eilis's story following a 20 year gap. And, once I read the first 3 pages of Long Island, I knew I wouldn't be able to put it down.
Long Island could be read without reading its prequel. I enjoyed it more knowing Eilis's past. It could be my age, but I was extremely invested in how she grew as a person since marrying and moving to the US. And, we all have moments in life where we ponder "What if" moments. Eilis has the opportunity to live it though.
This book would make a great selection for a book club discussion. At times I was very frustrated with some of the characters. I'm sure everyone would have varying viewpoints dependent on their own personal histories or experiences of close friends' lives. I'd also love to hear comments on the books ending from participants.
Kudos to Colm Toibin for making me care. Please keep writing!...more
A young man lives in an elite area of Washington DC and attends a private school. He comes out as gay to his female best friend ultimately creating soA young man lives in an elite area of Washington DC and attends a private school. He comes out as gay to his female best friend ultimately creating some awkwardness instead of their previous close relationship. His strict rags to riches Nigerian, religious parents find out to disastrous results. While the storyline was thoughtfully written, I did not care for the stream of consciousness style of writing. 3 1/2*...more
A very compelling debut novel. A family is separated by war in Tbilisi Georgia. The father is able to scrape together enough money to take his sons ouA very compelling debut novel. A family is separated by war in Tbilisi Georgia. The father is able to scrape together enough money to take his sons out of the country, but the mother stays behind. The boys are bereft both from missing a parent and missing the former normalcy of knowing your country and surroundings. Their father works tirelessly in his attempts to secure their mother's passage. Books and literature are a source of comfort to the children. They have favorite stories where lines have been committed to memory.
Everything changes when their father returns to Tbilisi and goes missing. The older son, Sandro, follows and eventually Sabo, the narrator of this story, goes as well. Sabo is traumatized by the memories and the return. His coping mechanisms and the way Sandro communicates with him propels the storyline in a unique way.
I cared about the characters. I loved Nodar, the cab driver. At times humorous and at other times grotesquely violent. I was wrecked by the ending. Heartfelt and moving story. A brilliant reminder of the cost of war whatever side you are on....more
A family in India (father, mother, son) become newly wealthy - hence the title. How they handle it and how they come to terms with their new status isA family in India (father, mother, son) become newly wealthy - hence the title. How they handle it and how they come to terms with their new status is a light hearted comedy. Enjoyable read, especially when I've been having difficulty sleeping this past week. Borrowed it on my Libby app and it was easy to pick up and finish in the middle of the night. I did like the ending....more
New favorite! I knew nothing about this book when I requested the title on Libby. I may have to own a hard copy of the book now, too. Loved it.
This isNew favorite! I knew nothing about this book when I requested the title on Libby. I may have to own a hard copy of the book now, too. Loved it.
This is a series of short stories and one final, longer novella. They are not related to one another. It was an easy transition from completion of one to being totally absorbed in the next story. From The Line, The Ballad of Timothy Touchett, Hasta Luego, I Will Survive, The Bootlegger, The DiDomenico Fragment to Eve in Hollywood ~ all equally compelling and all compulsive reads to a decisive, significant ending. A displaced spouse is relocated from the country to the city and feels diminished. How does he regain his self respect? A want-to-be novelist applies to work at a bookstore. Two travelers are stranded at an airport in a snowstorm and share a lift to a hotel. How do these chance circumstances play out? A stepdaughter is asked to investigate her stepfather's whereabouts during his Sunday afternoon racquetball time. A couple buys reserved seats for a regular concert series at Carnegie Hall and what transpires with the concert goer they are seated next to. A family inherits a treasured, valuable painting. And, a blackmail scheme for a Hollywood starlet. I honestly can't tell you which story is my favorite. They are all so well written, the pacing, the characters and the resolution. Highly recommend. Enjoy!
Retelling of Huck Finn & Jim's adventures in the days before the Civil War near the Mississippi River. This retelling is done by Jim. Disturbing, violRetelling of Huck Finn & Jim's adventures in the days before the Civil War near the Mississippi River. This retelling is done by Jim. Disturbing, violent look at slavery during this time ~ lynching, whipping, murder, separation of families, denial of human rights. It's been a long time since I read books about Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn, but some parts of this retelling are familiar and some are new. Very well conceived twists in the plot. ...more
As someone who loved The Wire and loves reading about local history, I enjoyed these short stories. The book contains 4 well developed, historically bAs someone who loved The Wire and loves reading about local history, I enjoyed these short stories. The book contains 4 well developed, historically based stories - The Amusement Machine, The No-Knock, Knickerbocker, and Owning Up. The stories all contain locations familiar to me - Baltimore, DC, and the Maryland suburbs. They explore time periods familiar to me - growing up in the late 70's early 80's, my grandparents time period in Georgetown and contemporary Baltimore. And, all the stories depict different ethnicities and races - Hispanic, Black, Jewish, Muslim, Greek, etc. My favorite of the group is the Knickerbocker story. So well done! I found it very disturbing to read the No Knock warrant story & its life long effects on the fourth anniversary of Breonna Taylor's murder. Each story is thought provoking. Would be great material to generate discussion for high schoolers...especially the last story, Owning Up. On reflection, I'm changing my rating to 5*....more
A microcosmic view of employees in a small town store. Interesting to me as I worked part time retail for years and endured the scheduling conflicts, A microcosmic view of employees in a small town store. Interesting to me as I worked part time retail for years and endured the scheduling conflicts, overnights, staging of stores, poor management, etc. described in the book. What makes this narrative stand out is the first hand look at the challenges in achieving a managerial position. Having a GED, language barriers, child care constraints, owning a car, racial/lifestyle bias - all are on display as barriers.
This latest Tana French mystery continues the story of Cal Hooper in "The Searcher" and I enjoyed this. Cal Hooper is a retired police officer from ChThis latest Tana French mystery continues the story of Cal Hooper in "The Searcher" and I enjoyed this. Cal Hooper is a retired police officer from Chicago and buys some property in a remote village of Ireland to practice his carpentry in his later years. After two years, he is becoming more of a townie and less aloof as he interacts with the townspeople there.
What I loved ~ this story is less violent (although it does have its moments & a murder) than the previous mystery. The story is driven almost completely by dialog and I find the Irish colloquialisms and lore absolutely charming. (For example, in one exchange a neighbor describes a woman's last visit to the town market as "when Jesus was a child" ~ SO long ago! lol) There are other delightful scams and innuendos that definitely have flare. And, the response of "It's grand" to mean "okay" are refreshing. I also enjoyed how the secondary female characters were supportive of one another. Yay to women lifting other women.
As the plot develops, I guessed there would be a murder. After all, I have read many, many Tana French novels before. But, I did not guess who it would be and I did not guess who would be responsible. So it kept me reading right along.
4* for me. I did find one plot development loophole near the end, but the story was still enjoyable.
This is contemporary fiction showing the changes in each family member over a 3 year period. The narration concept is interesting - the chapters morniThis is contemporary fiction showing the changes in each family member over a 3 year period. The narration concept is interesting - the chapters morning, afternoon and evening of the same day only a year apart. The first chapter, morning, is the longest as it develops each characters' reference point. The second chapter, afternoon, describes the changes in each person as a result of a cataclysmic event. And, the final chapter, evening, defines the resulting effects. Not everything is resolved.
The main characters, other than the two children and the one adult teacher, are all involved in the arts in NYC - a sculptor, a former musician, a writer and a photographer. The dialog is astute and realistic, the descriptive scenes are gorgeously written and connections between the family feel real.
I enjoyed the story, but didn't love it. I wonder if there will continue to be a theme of sadness and despair through contemporary lit as a result of the times we are living in. Kind of depressing. ...more
This classic has been on my to read list forever. I don't know how I missed reading this in high school. But, reading it did feel like "homework." I dThis classic has been on my to read list forever. I don't know how I missed reading this in high school. But, reading it did feel like "homework." I did not enjoy it and had to force myself to finish.
I can understand why it is a classic and was so controversial during its time. The proselytizing by the main characters on totalitarian socio-political ideology and practices was horrifying. The narrative is propelled by these theories instead of character development though.
It was very interesting to read the 2023 Booker Prize winning Prophet Song just before this novel. Prophet Song was equally horrifying in its depiction of the rise of a totalitarian government. But, I preferred the character driven plot....more
Extremely gross & creepy as you would expect a Stephen King book to be. Compelling, also. I had to finish it to see what would happen to Holly.
What maExtremely gross & creepy as you would expect a Stephen King book to be. Compelling, also. I had to finish it to see what would happen to Holly.
What makes this book a little extra horrifying is that there is no supernatural, magical aspect to the plot. Murderers are always disturbing and this story is especially so. I need to immediately find a lighter read.
Cannot watch horror movies. Thank God there were no visuals!...more
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