Mad Honey (2022)
By Jennifer Finney Boylan and Jodi Picoult
I’m just going to say it, I didn’t really like this book. Two great novelists joined forces to write what felt like a soap opera. One was like, “let’s write about domestic abuse.” And the other was like, “I’m thinking trans rights and, of course, bullying.” Then they were like, “don’t forget a mixed race couple!” And then, just to sweeten the deal, the story is about a beekeeper. I swear, for the proportion of books about beekeeping, you would think it is one of the top professions in the United States.
The Covenant of Water (2023)
By Abraham Verghese
Verghese’s last novel, Cutting for Stone, is one of my favorite books. I think I missed portions of my trip to Ecuador because it was so captivating. Sadly, this book was not that. It’s 720 pages, and could easily be 300. There are dozens of characters – many unnecessary and with such small roles, that their stories are hard to follow. For example, one of the pivotal characters is mentioned on page 173 and then not again until 629. Verghese’s writing is beautiful, but many times he went too deep into technical medical terms. The story itself is interesting, but I do believe this book is only getting the hype because of Verghese’s past success.
Signal Fires (2022)
By Dani Shapiro
I waited a couple weeks after finishing this book to write my review… and by then my mind was a complete blank. I can barely remember what the book was about, which I think says it all right there. From what I recall, the whole story was pointless. Or, the point is life is tough sometimes and you must endure. Or, hey, you know, things happen in the past that really mess us up and then you either carry on or you don’t. The book had absolutely no fire and I have NO CLUE where Shapiro came up with the title.
The Exiles (2020)
By Christina Baker Kline
At a holiday party last year, I made a MAJOR announcement to my PT girlfriends: I’m starting a book club! Our local library has nearly 150 book club kits for checkout and this was our first. It’s a historical fiction novel that takes us from the class system in England to the penal colony of Australia in the early ninetieth century. Interesting storyline, excellent character development, and somehow (sadly) it touches on gender issues that are still relevant today. It was an excellent first book club read, especially for a bunch of beavers.
Horse (2022)
By Geraldine Brooks
I can’t remember where I heard of this book, but it’s been on my list for a while. Growing up just north of Kentucky, one might think I know something about horses, horse racing, or that aspect of our country’s history, but shockingly I don’t! The book seamlessly alternates through time periods and character perspectives, moving multiple storylines forward and together. Brooks is an excellent writer and you can tell she did her research. If you haven’t yet, add this one to your list.
Circe (2018)
By Madeline Miller
I wanted to like this book, but I didn’t. It’s not that I didn’t like the mythology per se. (And oh my goodness… So. Much. Mythology.) My issue with the book is that Miller attempted to write a new story, but really she just used Circe as a way to tell old stories. And, other than telling the old stories, there was no actual new story or plot or interesting point to the book. It started strong with the birth of a badass half-mortal female, but then she just sucked. Once Circe got to the island, I got real bored… like living alone on a deserted island for ETERNITY.
The Invention of Wings (2014)
By Sue Monk Kidd
I’m so glad I had this book while waiting out the Fijian deluge our first few days of vacation. (Guess that’s what you get if you buy half-price, off-season plane tickets!) The story is based on two real sisters who were revolutionaries of their time, fighting for the abolition of slavery and women’s equity in the early 1800s. It’s a powerful, well-written story told from the perspective of one of the sisters and “her slave.” It’s one of those books that makes you feel – feel for the characters and feel for how our country’s history still lingers. I left the book in Fiji, otherwise I would loan it to everyone!
The Island of Sea Women (2019)
By Lisa See
The characters, storyline, and absolute craziness of what these haenyeo (sea diving women) did – and still do!! – was unbelievable. Seriously, even as an open water swimmer, I don’t think I could do what they do! One could say that the main theme of this book is friendship, but the cultural and historical background on which their friendship is built was the most interesting aspect for me. It was a bit slow to start, but overall I highly suggest reading this book. It’s heartbreaking, so be prepared.
Yellowface (2023)
By R. F. Kuang
I could not stand this book. I finished it, but was annoyed almost the entire time. The amount of energy, time, and self-importance the main character puts into social media is disgusting. I found her whiney, annoying, and just plain horrible. Perhaps I’m too old to read this author, because there was not one thing I found interesting in her characters. The writing itself was good… but who cares! If anyone else has read this, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Am I missing something!?
The Map of Salt and Stars (2018)
By Zehn Joukhadar
This book falls right in the middle for me. My heart felt for the characters, and the portrayal of war-torn Syria was heartbreaking, but half the book didn’t keep my attention. Joukhadar tries to weave together the story of two young girls in the Mediterranean region – one living in modern day and one living nearly 1000 years earlier. I enjoyed the modern day storyline, but found myself bored during the other parts. Most interesting was the geography, which is appropriate given the title.
Dava Shastri’s Last Day (2021)
By Kirthana Ramisetti
I understand that humans are complex and someone who does bad things isn’t automatically a bad person, but I found the main character too self-involved, too ambivalent about her children, and too pretentious to be realistic. I also felt as though the other characters were too contrived – they all rubbed me the wrong way. There were parts of the storyline I could have gotten into, but my dislike of the characters made it hard to enjoy. One thing I can say for certain, this book officially wins best book club discussion book.
Maame (2023)
By Jessica George
I liked so much about this book, but also hated one specific thing about it. The protagonist, who you fall in love with and root for and want the best life for her, is so annoying! She googles everything. Do Gen Zs really google EVERYTHING?! I feel like this is a theme of the year – am I too old to read young authors? The book is an emotional coming-of-age story, with the highs of new experiences and the lows of heartbreak, but unfortunately the main character’s googling habits make her seem very immature.
Beach Read (2020)
By Emily Henry
Emily Henry has got the “summer beach read” thing dialed in. I wasn’t at the beach, but I was between jobs and found time to finish the book in just a few days. I enjoyed it and don’t have anything bad to say about it, but I’m not swooning over it. Henry is great at writing the back-and-forth banter you might find in a rom-com, which I guess is exactly what this book is. It reminds me of the NPR piece on what makes a good rom-com. FYI: it’s building the connection enough that we as readers can believe it. This book does that!
There There (2018)
By Tommy Orange
I absolutely loved the idea of this story – that individual lives are intertwined through not just the present, but the past. Families’ pasts create the present for all future generations. I thought Orange did an incredible job telling a unique Native American story in a modern, urban setting. That said, I just didn’t love the book. Each chapter was a new character and set in different time periods. I found it a little hard to follow and had trouble remembering each character’s back-story, which made it difficult then to understand how they are interconnected.
Hello Beautiful (2023)
By Ann Napolitano
I had heard this book was good, but knew nothing about it when I finally picked it up from the library. What a surprise when I started reading and found out it was about basketball! Given the sport was so central to my life for 20 years, I was able to relate to the main character. More so though, the book is about family, loss, love, and forgiveness – forgiveness of others and self. The characters are complex and as a reader you understand their joys and sadness over the course of their lives. The bar is pretty low this year (see all other reviews), but this was one of my favorites.
Angeline (2023)
By Anna Quinn
This book was… fine. Not great, not horrible. I liked that the main character had heterochromia (two different color eyes) like Kenai, which is what gave her special powers. I also liked that it took place on a made-up San Juan island in the PNW, but that’s about it. The writing was simple and contrived. Quinn tried too hard to bring in too many social issues and then it all wrapped up too perfectly. That said, I LOVE the idea of a women’s commune where we garden and paint and swim and support one another!
The Glass Hotel (2020)
By Emily St. John Mandel
What was most interesting to me about this book was the plot line. It was different from most books in that the book followed the story, not the characters. The book also goes forwards and backwards within the storyline, which sounds confusing, but it all works. Really well. Half the book takes place on Vancouver Island, which I enjoyed since we just took a road trip there this fall. It’s a quick, thought-provoking (if you’re into parallel universes), and engaging read. I’ve loved both of St. John Mandel’s books I’ve read, so she’s becoming a favorite author.
The Curve of Time (1961)
By M. Wylie Blanchet
This was a different read than most books I pick up. It’s a memoir about a single mother of five children, who takes her kids up and down the British Columbia coast in the 1930s. (Reread that sentence!) I think I would have enjoyed the book more if the author had given some background on herself and her life. Each chapter is a fascinating story of the family exploring the waters of the PNW, but with no context to the characters it didn’t fully hold my interest. But really, it is truly incredible what this woman did.
Someone Else’s Shoes (2023)
By Jojo Moyes
The best part of this book is that I had it on a couple flights when I didn’t have anything else to read. It’s quick and easy to follow if you want to zone out, take a quick nap, or skim a bit – and you probably should because it’s ridiculous. To enjoy this book, don’t use your brain. Don’t think about how unrealistic or literally impossible the plotline is. Just be grateful you don’t find your personal worth in the shoes you’re wearing. If you do, my apologies. This book will hit home for you.
Euphoria (2014)
By Lily King
This book was excellent. Somehow, in a relatively short number of pages, the author takes you on an incredible adventure. King must have done a ton of research about indigenous tribes of New Guinea. It made for a unique backdrop to the love, drama, danger, and sadness of the storyline. You feel the character’s emotions and understand their perspectives. I thoroughly enjoyed the anthropological aspects of it and the questions it raises about the ability to study – to know – people objectively.
The Cormoran Strike Series (2013-2023)
By Robert Galbraith
Oh, Strike and Robin, my new best friends! We go on adventures; we know each other’s deepest thoughts and feelings; and we spent A LOT of time together this year! A friend introduced me to this series in February, and after that I made my way through each of the seven 800, 900, 1000+ page books. I followed Strike and Robin as they sleuthed through the neighborhoods of London and clunked the Land Rover around England. I definitely liked some of the books more than others, but they all kept me entertained and wanting to get to the bottom of the mystery. The individual character development and relationship growth between Strike and Robin is hands down the best part of the series. “Galbraith” has some past experience with a successful series and they’ve nailed it again. Friends and fans: #8 comes out soon!
Lyndsay, A perfect article to send to your local newspaper, Book review section. I think you have created yourself a new career! Best Joanne
I will now only read books you have already reviewed for me. You’re the best!