This is a story about grief, and how it impacts people. Especially when we choose not to share our grief openly with others. And, how it sometimes feeThis is a story about grief, and how it impacts people. Especially when we choose not to share our grief openly with others. And, how it sometimes feels easier to hide behind masks than to reveal what we are experiencing, or what we need from life after loss.
Even if the subject matter seems sad, the story is told in a heart-felt way. Making it touching and hopeful. ...more
The book begins in present day 2023 and continues backwards until its conclusion in 1984. Our main protagonists are Thom and Wendy. And, as readers arThe book begins in present day 2023 and continues backwards until its conclusion in 1984. Our main protagonists are Thom and Wendy. And, as readers are first introduced to them in 2023, we learn quickly that this is a couple who is not particularly happy with their lives or each other.
So, what happened to them?
What will one of these characters do to find a way forward beyond 2023? A simple divorce? Or, perhaps murder?
Swanson takes readers on a different who-dunnit path, in which the who-dunnit is already known. We, as readers, just don’t fully know the why.
And, what will readers feel as they descend into the past to learn more about this couple?
As more is revealed, the less connected one might feel to this couple. But can it be possible that the best revenge for one of them, is the one they don’t realize, until the readers reach the end of this story?
And, it really is that twist of an ending that lends some credence and satisfaction to a book that takes readers out of its comfort zone, i.e., reading a book in reverse year date order. The problem is that it is the story along the way that may feel a bit awkward and tedious to read.
Still, if readers are willing to be patient, with some very unlikable characters, for that unexpected ending, it might at least be worth reading.
I was at my weekly local library visit, and in the mood for finding first in the series mysteries. This one stood out, so I thought I would give it a I was at my weekly local library visit, and in the mood for finding first in the series mysteries. This one stood out, so I thought I would give it a try.
This isn’t a typical mystery that I would find myself in, as it is historical fiction, set after WWI. (I am mostly attracted to contemporary mysteries. Although, being a fan of Agatha Christie opens me up to this time period!)
Interestingly enough, Charles Todd, the ‘author’ is actually a pen name for the American mother-son writing team of Carolyn Todd and David Watjen. Carolyn used the pen name Caroline Todd, but was born Carolyn Watjen. She passed away in August, 2021. This book was originally published in 1996 and is, as mentioned, the first in the series, I was looking to read.
Readers meet deeply flawed, battle-scarred Inspector Ian Rutledge who is still recovering from his war-time traumatic experiences. This has left him with a ‘ghost’ in the name of Hamish who speaks to him throughout.
The case involves the brutal shooting of a Captain Harris, and concerns that it may involve other persons of high rank. Thus, Scotland Yard is quite happy to have a ‘scapegoat’ investigate, should any embarrassment come from having to ‘arrest’ persons of interest in ‘high positions.’
But Inspector Rutledge, their ‘scapegoat’ is only concerned at finding the truth.
The story is well-plotted with good character development. The author does an incredible job of infusing the landscape and post-war England into the storyline.
As readers are led toward the end reveal, it may feel a bit confusing with the many psychological twists that lead to the final conclusion. Still, it was an interesting premise that highlighted the devastation that war places on its veterans, which made the story fairly compelling....more
How could I not be enchanted? Or sad all the time? Or hopeful? Or desiring something more? What did I want for Harry?
As a reader could I hope that heHow could I not be enchanted? Or sad all the time? Or hopeful? Or desiring something more? What did I want for Harry?
As a reader could I hope that he could overcome his grief over the loss of his wife? Or even the guilt of the loss? Does anyone ever forgive themselves for such a great loss, when they believe they may be the cause of it – even if it isn’t their fault?
Grief is such a difficult emotion, isn’t it?
Will I personally be able to address all these questions this book led me to ask?
Maybe, maybe not. But isn’t that what we typically hope a book will do for us? Get us to think? Or feel? Or wonder? Or reflect? Certainly, this one did that for me. Will it do that for you, too?
Harry’s answer for his grief is to escape to the forest. In his escape he encounters Oriana. A young girl, who believes her father has become a tree. Between them, readers can only hope that the magic and beauty of nature will help heal them both.
This is a story of overcoming intense and immense grief. Finding oneself through loss. There is also hope for a renewed sense of purpose. This is not an easy read, but there is something poetic and heart-felt about this journey, if readers are willing to take it. Yes, and Kleenex is encouraged....more
"My four golden principles are more important now than ever: take it one step at a time; approach the matter dispassionately; avoid a rush to judgment"My four golden principles are more important now than ever: take it one step at a time; approach the matter dispassionately; avoid a rush to judgment; confide in nobody until there is hard evidence.”
Harris is undoubtedly a phenomenally talented author when it comes to writing historical fiction. He obviously is well-researched and a master storyteller.
Yet, I wouldn’t have considered reading this one, hadn’t it been for the comments left under my review of his most recent book, “Precipice” by 카지노싸이트 friend, Terence M. I recommend you read his review of this book, as well: /review/show...
It starts with an eerie setting that shows a passionate view of people’s hatefulness towards Jews. During those times, they didn’t see being Jewish as a religion, they saw it as a race to mock. And, in this particular case, Alfred Dreyfus, a Jew, was labeled a traitor towards his country, even when lacking evidence. 20,000 people came to view the moment of his humiliation even as he cried out his innocence.
“…that the human impulse to watch another’s humiliation will always prove sufficient insulation against even the bitterest cold.”
This is the fictionalized account of the true story of ‘The Dreyfus Affair’ which would certainly affect French Society. It started on October 15, 1894 with the arrest for high treason of Captain Alfred Dreyfus.
This is a complicated story. And, his narrator, Lt. Col. Georges Picquart, who believes at first in his guilt, soon becomes the investigator to unravel the truth, before becoming his eventual savior.
Harris takes readers through the various aspects of the affair: the court-martial trial, the investigation, the perjured testimony, the forged documents, the secret files, the mobs of people. While reading, it feels as if we are present amongst history.
When Georges is reading the love letters between Alfred and his wife Lucie, that he is written while he is imprisoned on Devil’s Island, we can’t help but be touched by their passion towards each other.
So, who is the real traitor? What will tip Georges off to save Dreyfus? Will he be saved in time? And, will Georges be rewarded for his investigative work?
This is truly a gripping and thrilling story. And, as a true story, for those who didn’t know the history, we can’t wait to find out what happens in the end. For those who did know the history, I have to believe you can’t wait to find out what happens in the end, too. Because, Harris has a way of keeping readers riveted. Thank you, Terrence....more
I wouldn’t have even noticed this book, hadn’t I been waiting for her latest one, “Heartwood” which is on the hot waitlist at my local library. So, I I wouldn’t have even noticed this book, hadn’t I been waiting for her latest one, “Heartwood” which is on the hot waitlist at my local library. So, I thought I would check-it out on one of my recent local library visits since it mentioned it was a psychological suspense thriller.
So, what did I think?
Something is terribly wrong. Why is Juliet hanging out in her closet? And, that is how readers first meet Juliet, the ‘sea wife’ who has retreated from her family. It will take a while before readers understand exactly what is going on or what has happened.
In Juliet’s present-day narrative, she regains family life with her two children and begins to recount the experience of living with her family on a 44-foot sailboat. Thus, giving readers a sense of what constitutes a sea wife. (Hence: the title of the book.)
We also get Michael’s point of view from his ship’s logs. And, sometimes we hear from Sybil’s young voice, their 7-year-old.
Readers learn that it is Michael’s desired bliss to have a year-long odyssey sail to Panama before returning home to Connecticut.
It becomes clear to readers that this is clearly not Juliet’s dream, but she wants to support her husband. Their children, Sybil (7) and George (2) thrive on this adventure, but there is no escaping whatever ailed Juliet and Michael’s marriage.
The author gives readers a strong sense of the scenic challenges of life at sea.
Clearly, this isn’t the trip that this couple had hoped for, and readers will feel dread almost immediately through a series of unfortunate events. And, as the family found themselves adrift, it was easy to be adrift as a reader without quotation marks around the author’s characters’ dialogue.
Whatever eventually happened to the characters, (no spoilers from me) it was hard to know how to feel about it. The story is definitely, tense, awkward, compelling, multi-layered and unsettling. But to be honest, I am still shaking my head wondering about what I just read. I may be an outlier, so please read other reviews.
I have been a fan of this author since seeing the movie based on her book (and reading the book, too), “The Statistical Probability of Love at First SI have been a fan of this author since seeing the movie based on her book (and reading the book, too), “The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.” And, I wasn’t disappointed by her book, “The Unsinkable Greta James.” So, when this book came out, I was interested.
The author seems to be fascinated with families. Her books revolve around families. There are flaws or mysteries attached to them, quirky characters amongst them, and undoubtedly complicated relationships. This one is no different. Afterall, look at the title of the book! Still, how many families can boast a pro-athlete, famous actress and award-winning author in the same tumultuous mix of relatives? Believable?
So, why not have a family of estranged siblings being brought back together in hopes of reconciliation. What could possibly go wrong? Or right?
What the author wants readers to experience is hope and forgiveness amongst family through short chapters and changing points of view. And, even if it seemed a bit exaggerated and out-there, who doesn’t love a family filled with hope? I’m just not sure it was fun. For the whole family. Or readers. But please read other reviews, because I am undoubtedly an outlier here....more
Some of my neighbors call me the Book Whisperer. When they come by my Little Free Library Shed and I am present, they ask me to suggest books to read,Some of my neighbors call me the Book Whisperer. When they come by my Little Free Library Shed and I am present, they ask me to suggest books to read, and I usually will hand them a book that I think might appeal to them, and they go off hopeful that I selected the right book. And, I go back in my house hopeful that I did the same.
In this case, with this book, my 77-year-old neighbor brought this book to me. He said he had a love-hate relationship with this author, and was anxious to hear what I thought about it. He felt because I loved dogs, that I might like her stories about the dogs. (No spoilers from me.)
Willow, an Asian transgender, comes to my LFL at least once a week. The other day we had the opportunity to talk about books and how much they appreciated all the variety of books I made available in my LFL. Will they like this one perhaps for all the questions about life it brings up?
The reason I am sharing my thoughts and ‘role’ as a Book Whisperer, is that this is what I love about my LFL. The experience of what books bring to our neighborhood. Discussion. About all kinds of books. And, a sense of community. We need more books, and connection, and the ability to just have civil discussion about life in general with each other in our crazy, mixed-up world these days. Right?
This book won the English-Speaking Union’s Ambassador Book Award for Fiction in 2007. It was also named one of “The Ten Best Books of the Year” by the New York Times in 2006 and was a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award in 2007. Hempel won the Rea Award for the Short Story in 2008 and she received the PEN/Malamud Award for Short Fiction in 2009.
Hempel’s “Collected Stories” is made up of four slim volumes of previously published stories: ‘Reasons to Live,’ ‘At the Gates of the Animal Kingdom,’ ‘Tumble Home,’ and ‘The Dog of the Marriage.’
In many ways the stories are weird, unsettling, disquieting, and yet, amazingly expressive. They epitomize the true short story, by being blissfully short. Sometimes humorous, but even when they are, it takes a moment to get the joke.
And, who exactly are Hempel’s narrators? Do we want to know them? How can we even describe them? If readers eventually get them, through her story “Offertory” maybe it will make sense. And, that is all that will matter. Because that is what is so interesting about her – to read her is an experience. An individual one. Just like what my 77-year-old neighbor was describing. He felt different things about her work. And, so did I. I have a feeling if you give her a chance, you will, too. ...more
Poe Webb is the host of a popular true crime podcast series that gets people to confess their crimes on her show. So, why would her guests put themselPoe Webb is the host of a popular true crime podcast series that gets people to confess their crimes on her show. So, why would her guests put themselves at such risk? Let alone Poe?
She can’t guarantee the police won’t come after her “guests.” But her show grants anonymity and instant fame – which could be a very dangerous combination that is also hard to resist.
There is also one slightly terrible problem with what Poe is doing. She is harboring a terrible secret. And, when Hindley comes on her show appearing oddly familiar, it soon becomes clear to Poe that he knows her terrible secret. What is she going to do?
What does Hindley know about Poe? And, what is Poe going to do about Hindley now?
This heart-pounding, gripping, page-turning psychological thriller will keep readers thoroughly engaged wanting to know the truth....more
If you read my profile page, you will learn that I was a college instructor and director at Cuesta College, in San Luis Obispo, California; and, the FIf you read my profile page, you will learn that I was a college instructor and director at Cuesta College, in San Luis Obispo, California; and, the Facilitator and Program Director of the Book Discussion Group & Local Authors Program for my local Library, in my ‘past life.’
Why am I telling you this?
Because this book was selected as Cuesta College’s Book of the Year for 2025 which means that it was also carried as the book to read by all the local library book groups in our county, as well.
When any book is hosted as a ‘Book of the Year,’ several programs are also created around the theme of the book and then the author will come and speak, typically to a sold-out crowd. I didn’t have the opportunity to hear the author speak, or read the book at the time the book was being discussed, because so few books were available for check-out in the library. It wasn’t until this was donated to my Little Free Library Shed that I finally got to experience reading it.
And, as a Californian, I appreciated that this was a book that addressed wildfires and climate change. The author sensitively communicated through his writing what anyone would most likely feel and experience during these difficult seasons.
Premise: This is a story of a family. Ben grows grapes in the central California valley. His wife, Ada is a commercially successful author, and their son, Yoel works for a production company in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, Ben and Yoel have a strained relationship because of Yoel’s 18-month prison sentence for growing cannabis years earlier, that Ben has had a difficult time getting over.
And now, a new tragedy is on the horizon. Something that Californians are all too familiar with, which the title of the book alludes to, as well…fire in the canyon. How will the family be able to overcome it? If at all?
This is the story of what happens to a family and a community, before, during and after the devastation of fire. Will this be the beginning of healing? Or will the stress affect them further?
This book is scenic, sad, encompassing, thoughtful and thought-provoking. It is a statement of the beauty and destruction of nature, and the reality of what is occurring from the changing climate. The author does a stellar job in addressing the reality of this without attempting to be political.
Also, he remains true to family and community by showcasing the importance of what is happening to each character. So, it is truly a heart-touching story of family, and the harsh realities of what a fire can do to a community.
My biggest concern with the book might be that readers might feel the author is too technical in his climate details, or will leave them with too abrupt an ending. (Even if it feels realistic.)
Otherwise, it was a very compelling read. Which I can see why it was selected as a countywide discussion book. Kleenex may be needed.
I haven’t read Backman in a long time. It was 카지노싸이트 friend, Shelley’s Book Nook review that convin“What would someone like me write a book about?”
I haven’t read Backman in a long time. It was 카지노싸이트 friend, Shelley’s Book Nook review that convinced me to give him a chance again. Her review is here: /review/show...
There is a pure unadulterated beginning to this story that just broke and captured my heart. There is something about Louisa that begs us readers to notice her. She is invisible to others, and yet so present for us to see.
“There is art that can be so beautiful that it makes a teenager too big for her body. There is a sort of happiness so overwhelming that it is almost unbearable, your soul seems to kick its way through your bones. You can see a painting, and for a single moment of your life, just for a single breath, you can forget to be afraid. If you’ve ever experienced that, you know how it feels.”
For these moments, we follow in Louisa’s shoes, and we are held captive, longing to understand her traumas. What are her challenges? What are her motivations? What is her story? Where will it take us?
Mostly, we as readers are learning the power of friendship amongst heartache in the worst possible way. Abandonment. Rejection. Abuse. Anger. Pain. Loss. Grief.
Yet, Bachman is giving us two stories here. Louisa’s connection to this painting. And a story from the past of 4 friends that become the painting.
As readers we are drawn into this friendship. We hear the words “tomorrow.” A promise. The strength they give each other in friendship. What they need to get through the ugliness of their nights. Because what they need to survive those nights is the togetherness of their days together.
Oh goodness. Could I make it through these pages without Kleenex? No.
This story was tender, heart-felt, heart-warming, sad and maybe just a little bit happy, too. I just wanted to give all these ‘characters’ a warm hug and tell them they were loved. Because there would be love and trust in unexpected change and unexpected hope. And, sometimes we just have to believe that to be true. Right?
Thank you, Shelley for leading me back to Backman. I needed a heart-cleansing. ❤️...more
Have you ever wondered what you would do if you knew you only had days to live? Where would you go? Who would you spend time with? What would you say?Have you ever wondered what you would do if you knew you only had days to live? Where would you go? Who would you spend time with? What would you say?
When I was in the midst of cancer treatments just a few months ago, even though I didn’t want to project my thoughts into an unknown future, I still couldn’t help but wonder if there was a ticking time clock I needed to be aware of so that I could take advantage of what time I had. Left. Still have. Left. Not knowing what one day to the next would bring while cancer loomed within. (Gratefully, I am currently considered a watch and monitor patient. Which means I get tested every few months to make sure that the cancer is still in remission and benign.) This morning, I see my Oncologist to hear his opinion of those test results. Fingers crossed. ...more
Maxim is excited to begin a new job with a start-up German company called Innovation Support. And, as he is getting acquainted with all the different Maxim is excited to begin a new job with a start-up German company called Innovation Support. And, as he is getting acquainted with all the different employees, he is finding himself at odds with the agency director, Carlos. Why would Carlos not want to work with Maxim? A project analyst. And, why would Maxim find himself distrustful of Carlos?
As Maxim begins to investigate Carlos’ actions against him, readers find themselves in the midst of complex office politics and whistleblowing for what doesn’t always seem clear.
What is really going on in this company?
This is a challenging, twisty, edgy, multi-layered and complex story that should keep readers adequately engaged and hoping for answers. Which should become clear by the end.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review. ...more
“The difference between animals and fungi is simple: Animals put food in their bodies, whereas fungi put their bodies in the food.”
UPDATE 6-20-25: See“The difference between animals and fungi is simple: Animals put food in their bodies, whereas fungi put their bodies in the food.”
UPDATE 6-20-25: See below.
When this was dropped off as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, I wasn’t sure if this was the book for me. But since I am always looking for healthy ways to live my life as a cancer watch and monitor patient, I was up for the reading challenge.
The author is a known biologist who received his Ph.D. in tropical ecology from the University of Cambridge for his work on underground fungal networks in tropical forests in Panama. This book talks about his work. And, thankfully he talks from a layman’s point of view.
For me, his book opened my mind to the many uses of fungi. Actually, a universe of possibilities. What we know and don’t know about fungi is fascinating. What we can learn about them can guide us in how we can take care of ourselves and our world.
Much of what the author discusses is offered through footnotes and references. He wants us to think, question and consider the complexities of our world. So much about science can be messy and imprecise, which allows us to contemplate and explore our world.
“Fungi make worlds. They also unmake them.”
This is a thoughtful, informative and fascinating resource for anyone interested in exploring the topic. There are also beautiful color photographs, illustrations, footnotes, notes, bibliography and an index supporting the author’s research and discussion. I have a feeling I will continue to peruse and review this book over and over again.
4.5 stars
UPDATE: Fun personal facts. This is my 2500th full review! My husband, shared that in a sense I have written more than 600,000+words by writing 2500 reviews. With an average review being about 240 words. He said that an average novel is about 85,000 words which is the equivalent of about 7 novels.
(He is musing that is about how many novels I would have written in this same time period, had I written novels, instead of reviews!)...more
The story’s premise could be considered a compelling one. It presumes to be about a man frozen in the Artic Ocean and found by scientists in 2006. WhoThe story’s premise could be considered a compelling one. It presumes to be about a man frozen in the Artic Ocean and found by scientists in 2006. Who then reanimate him by bringing him back to life in a future he is not familiar with nor aware of, since the time of his ‘drowning’ occurred in 1906.
The story is told through multiple voices, which include the head scientist, the reporter, the frozen man, we come to know as Jeremiah; and, specifically Kate, a biologist who has been relegated to the night shift to watch over him in the ‘lab.’ Through their voices we can see that Jeremiah is regaining his memory, and Kate and he are becoming close. Which may be a conflict, considering this is a time when science wants ownership over their own masterpiece ‘Frankenstein’ experiment.
I wasn’t sure I was going to read this one because when I first looked it up on 카지노싸이트, I only saw low star reviews and DNF’s for the book. I couldn’t help but ask myself as to whether I should invest in reading it.
But I have been a typical fan of magical realism. Which this story seems to show signs of, with hints of science fiction. After all, has there really been a human brought back to life after being frozen in the Artic Ocean for 100-years?
Curious, I chose to read it. I found myself focused mostly on Kate and Jeremiah’s chapters in the beginning. I wanted to know them. And, how they would navigate this circumstance they found themselves in. I wondered what their outcome would be.
Kate was certainly concerned when she shared…
“It felt like the rules were designed to prevent my efforts, or anyone’s, to humanize the poor lab creature we’d awakened.”
Kate found herself doing everything she could to introduce Jeremiah to this new world of 2006. She showed compassion for him as a human spirit trying to reconnect him to living and the industrialized advanced world progress. As readers, we can’t help but feel Jeremiah’s reaction to 2006 when he shares…
“Humanity, you’ve been busy.”
But more than anything, I was interested in Kate and Jeremiah. Which led me to wonder too if this book might also be a romance, as well. Was Kate’s character hinting at it?
“…when love comes into your life, it calls upon your whole being to be worthy. If you rise to that challenge, it will plant roots and you will blossom.”
So why the low reviews? I recognize that we all see books differently. Feel them at different times when we read them. I know I am one of the worst moody readers I know. But could the combination of the 3 genres of magical realism, science fiction and romance have set this story on the wrong path? I really wanted to know. So, I kept reading.
With the media and religious fundamentalists questioning the ethics of the research, it was interesting to ‘watch’ the firestorm ignite. What happens when scientists mess with the dead? What are the ethics of this research?
And, for those of us who may have held out for a well-crafted romance, what will Kate’s actions do to her life and eventually Jeremiah’s?
This is a thoughtful, introspective read which may create discomfort for some readers, and moments of pause for others. A read that should make for interesting group discussion.
What happens when life doesn’t go as originally planned? And, all you ever wanted in life was to be a mother?
In the author’s case, she decided to wriWhat happens when life doesn’t go as originally planned? And, all you ever wanted in life was to be a mother?
In the author’s case, she decided to write letters to her last embryo from the IVF treatments she endured prior to the divorce from her husband.
There is a special connection that readers will feel to the author, as we become privy to the intimate letters of her life that she openly shares with her embryo. Especially as we embrace the emotions of the ‘mama’ to her unborn ‘child.’
“You might be just a frozen embryo, but I’m still your mama.”
In this unique, compelling, thought-provoking measured story, readers may find themselves deeply affected by this complex personal story. It is both heart-warming and heart-felt with an engrossing ending.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review. ...more
How often are we as readers gifted with a story that is less than 100 pages? I saw this one in my local library and was intrigued by its premise. But How often are we as readers gifted with a story that is less than 100 pages? I saw this one in my local library and was intrigued by its premise. But to be honest, my greatest attraction was that it was a short book.
Never could I imagine that it would be one that would be filled with such philosophical musings. Certainly, something any of us can relate to given the right mood.
The beginning had our narrator, the author, sharing his fight with sleep over his fear with death. He declared…
“I was exhausted by exhaustion.”
I could relate to his thoughts so easily, especially in the early days when my medical care team was trying to define my symptoms, which turned out to be Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and Thymoma cancers. (Currently, and thankfully, they are respectively in remission and benign. Hopefully, further tests this week will have the same conclusion.) While all this testing was happening, there would be many nights where I would toss and turn as I attempted not to live in the future of the unknown, but stay present with hope for healing. Leaving me with many days where I would wake up ‘exhausted by exhaustion.’
The premise of this short novella is that the narrator, is left a series of boxes by a recently dead philosopher named Michel, who he had minimal involvement with in his past. The boxes were named after astrological signs. As the narrator goes through these boxes, he reflects on the art of memory. Especially as it relates to a variety of writers and other philosophers that are translated by Michel.
“Through the art of memory, we learn to see ourselves from the perspective of the whole, from the standpoint of totality. In so doing, we become infinite, divinely human.”
The more the narrator reads, the more reflective he becomes about the ‘idea of a memory theater.’
A memory theater ‘where the long path of the world’s historical development can be held in the storehouse of memory and obsessively replayed.’
So, what does this all really mean? And, what does this self-reflection do? How does it guide the value of our memories? And, how does it play into our present-future?
In many ways this book is a discussion in existentialism. What memories are grounded in truth? Should we be concerned with our human existence? What memory theater are we here to create in this life?
“Might not a landscape itself be seen as a memory theater? Might not the whole globe be viewed as a set of memory traces for life, organic and inorganic, past and future?”
Is it true that in order “to see the future, we must turn inward?”
Needless to say, this was not a simple ordinary short book to be read. It was one that expected readers to go inward along with the narrator, to consider: our present world, the memories we have experienced and created for ourselves; and, an opportunity to ‘recall the totality of our own knowledge’ of life itself. Especially as it relates to life decisions we have made and choose to still make.
This debut is profound, sometimes murky, thought-provoking, different, sometimes funny, and definitely odd. Who is this philosophical narrator and why are we having this discussion? But at the same time, in its quirkiness, it certainly opens the door for introspection. Which makes this book perfect for group discussion.
The author also includes ‘a partial glossary of potential obscurities’ at the end. ...more
“The library should be thought of as a river where knowledge flows.”
There is something about this author that should be noted. And that is, her absolu“The library should be thought of as a river where knowledge flows.”
There is something about this author that should be noted. And that is, her absolute love of libraries and books and those stewards responsible for them, can be felt deeply through the pages. Consider the quote above. It truly is giving all of us a sense of the importance of libraries and what we can hope to gain from their existence.
And, it was also felt to be true in her debut novel, “The Paris Library.” The impact that a library has on a community.
So, I was obviously interested when I saw this one displayed so prominently at my local library. It was meant for me to read, right?
This book feels like a series of quotes to appreciate and opportunities for self-reflection. At least for me. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I would start and stop reading just to pause and contemplate what the author just wrote. As an example, the very first line of the book shares…
“You can learn a lot about a life by looking in someone’s closet.”
Makes one wonder just how revealing we are, if we were to take a tour of each other’s closets.
“The stories this cloth could tell…It had seen love and hate, sacrifice and stinginess, longing and hope, despair and courage. Always courage.”
I’m not sure if that is what my closet would reveal. But if you were to take a closer look, it might show a very casual person whose uniform of the past was closer to a nice suit and sensible heels. Now, I am happy with comfortable leggings, a t-shirt and sweatshirt or hoodie for added warmth, and homely safe flats! And, maybe my jeans.
And, that was my point about all these various ‘quote’ moments. Sometimes being in a moment of self-reflection felt like a better place to be than our confused, messy world right now.
In the case of our characters, there is something to be noted about their service to country, and how their clothing/‘uniform’ interpreted their role.
Or a ribbon with engraved words that show off the women’s motto…
“Do right and fear no man.”
Was that the symbol that could possibly carry these women as they lived through a war? Maybe it should be our calling card for women in today’s era now?
Mostly, as I continued on through the book, I found myself sometimes entranced by the poetic feel to the author’s writing that could give any reader the opportunity to feel deeply about what was being said. Like…
“The past presses on me, memories fill the air.”
Doesn’t that happen to all of us at some point? Consider some of these issues that would take us to that place…The passing of time. Aging. Illness. Death of loved ones. The way things were. All could easily translate to moments of memories.
But this is what got to me most…
“Imagine being surrounded by more books than anyone could read in a lifetime. Imagine the limitless possibilities of stories and truths and adventures.”
The life of a librarian. These people within the book.
My ultimate dream would be to have an overnight stay at such a library. Can you imagine that experience?
For those of you who follow me, I get the majority of my books from my local library. But I do have to wait for them, a long time sometimes, especiallFor those of you who follow me, I get the majority of my books from my local library. But I do have to wait for them, a long time sometimes, especially when they are by bestselling authors, like this one. I ordered this book on May 14, 2025, and according to the library I was still #16 on the list as of June 15th.This meant I most likely would not see this book for check-out until sometime in 2026, if I was lucky!
How did I come up with that conclusion?
As it so happens, new library books are allowed to be checked out for 3 weeks at a time by library patrons. Which means that if each library patron checked out this book for the allotted 3 weeks each, I may not see this book until June of 2026. Of course, if the library had multiple copies of the book, I may be able to read it sooner. But budgets this year are tight because cutbacks at the federal level. So, word on down is that less library books were being purchased for the system. ...more
As I sat here reading the 3rd and final novel in the Susan Ryeland series, I had to ask myself the same thing Susan Ryeland, the editor was asking herAs I sat here reading the 3rd and final novel in the Susan Ryeland series, I had to ask myself the same thing Susan Ryeland, the editor was asking herself, ‘why am I here, again?”
For Susan she may have a different answer. She has a mortgage to pay. And thus, she was being asked to read and edit a manuscript that was being written by another author that would extend dead author Alan Conway’s, Atticus Pund’s mysteries. To her that would bring up tortuous memories. Was it going to be worth it? For me, would it be worth it? Especially since I didn’t like “Moonflower Murders,” the second in the series.
In this book, Susan is typically a loner, after realizing a relationship back in Crete had gone the distance. Susan and readers will learn she will be better off with the adoption of Hugo the cat. Readers will learn that Hugo will be an important relationship that doesn’t become clear to us until towards the end when something happens.
And, what did the author mean when they started the book with the following paragraph…
“Marble Hall Murders is a stand-alone novel – but it is also the third book in a series that began with Magpie Murders. Readers should be aware that the solution to Magpie Murders is revealed in this book.”
Huh? What does that mean?
I mean, I obviously loved “Magpie Murders” both as a book and a Britbox television series, even if I didn’t like “Moonflower Murders.” So, that paragraph absolutely confused me.
What I do know is that this is the third and final installment in this series. And, for that I am grateful. Because to be honest, this book within a book is underwhelming. Now that I have read all three, I think the series should have stayed with the first book, and stopped there.
As I mentioned earlier, Susan is expected to work with another author to finish off the dead author’s Atticus Pund mystery who also eventually ends up dead. Oh my! Her hope in putting herself in this regretful position will be to get a full-time editing position out of the deal. But complications obviously occur which leads her in a very unpleasant direction that also becomes rather complicated. Poor Susan! Isn’t she just supposed to be an editor?
When we first are introduced to “Magpie Murders,” it was a unique premise and concept to read a book within a book. Now, it feels old and worn out, with 130ish pages of ‘Pund’s Last Case’ also included within this story. Supposedly, if we pay close attention, this continuation novel gives us keys and clues within clues to Susan’s story of armchair sleuthing. Unfortunately though, the telling felt rather uninspiring.
Of course, for Agatha Christie fans, there will be those twisty moments, but it won’t happen until towards the end which means you have a long time to wait for it, and that may take some incredible patience because this book is 579 pages. Would it just be easier to skim through?
So, was the Pund story really necessary? And, what finally happens to Susan Ryeland? Does she get what she needs in the end? Could the story have been told just through her, without readers having to be dragged through ‘Pund’s Last Case?’
Typically, I am a Horowitz fan. But as I said earlier, I am glad this series is over. I hope you enjoy this one more than I did.
One last thing…
Remember when I said that the cat Hugo will be important to Susan when something happens towards the end? Well, I won’t give away spoilers, but I will say that, Hugo lives. I wanted to be sure you knew that much. ...more
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