 Icelandic cafe decor. These are color coordinated books that look cool, but the books have been cut away about 3 inches from the spine so that they can be displayed. The bookshelves don't need to be full sized this way, but the books are unreadable.
|
 Crossing to Safety. Wallace Stegner. 1987. Crossing to Safety. (Lisa). I was a bit worried that this was a repeat of Straight Man, which I didn’t love. That is an understatement, actually. I really did not like it at all. It starts off as a rambling intellectual narrative about academic careers, but it takes an unexpected turn and becomes a compelling portrait of a friendship between two couples that spans decades. I can’t think of another book anything like it. Themes of complicated love/marriage, disability, friendship/generosity, family, and death weave in and out while the author delves into interpersonal relationships in a unique way. Highly recommend.
Recommended by Lisa: It is rumored to be based on true friendships/events. Me: Really? That’s interesting. It is such a good read. One of my favorites this year. Lisa: I’m glad you enjoyed it. It is really different from Stegner’s other books. I’m due for a re-read.  The Black Echo. Michael Connelly. 1992. The Black Echo (Mina) I really loved this very traditional murder mystery novel. I’m not even sure why since nothing stands out in terms of likable or relatable characters, interesting or timely plot, or particularly brilliant prose. The story just holds together, drew me in, & had a really good pace in terms of revelations. Recommend.
Recommended by Mina: Mina: Have you listened to all of Michael Connelly? I’m sure I’ve recommended him before. His Bosch series is exquisite and extensive, and I also like the ones that involve the attorney (connection to Bosch revealed in an early book), Mickey Haller. He has started a new series with a woman detective....I haven’t listened to that one yet, but will soon. I’ve finally gotten over my aversion to listening to audiobooks while stalking the streets of Paris. I’m here for a long time, I’ve got miles to walk, why not????? Me: What one do I start with? Katrina: The Black Echo is the first Bosch book. I love all his books too! Mina: And they get better and better. Thanks, Katrina, for chiming in! Me: Thanks to her chime, it made the list. Mina: The other, less exalted, series I regularly listen to are by Linda Fairstein, James Patterson (the Women’s Murder Club series — this is one of the tackier series I follow), Alafair Burke (just read one of hers but it was “cherce”), the Stieg Larsson “Girl Who” series and its follow ups, Sue Grafton, of course, and RIP, and of course P.D. James and Elizabeth George. Me: Mina, you get one book. That’s it. Pick it & pick it soon. Only 6 slots lefts. *** Comments: Annaliese: Was this from the Harry Bosch series? This is some of murder mystery brain candy I mentioned at the book club meeting, love this series. Me: Yes, it is. I will come back to the series when I finish my 2018 list. Mina: Yes, do go back to the series! It just gets better and better...and Connelly branches out into related series, the most recent one starting with THE LATE SHOW.  Fall on Your Knees. Ann-Marie MacDonald. 1996. Fall on Your Knees. This is a really dense and heavy book where nothing is obvious and the symbolism and complexity of the narrative is overwhelming at times. It is really long and there aren’t any extra words either. It is just really thick with meaning and subtext. I loved the way it dealt with family relationships, racism, & families. It took a long time to get drawn into the plot since the beginning has so much character & scene development, but once sucked it, I really liked it. Recommend.
 Spare Parts. Joshua Davis. 2014. Spare Parts: This was a surprisingly good read. Written in a journalistic, easy-to-read style, it’s the true story about a robotics team from an underfunded school that wins nationals. That’s not a spoiler since it says that on the jacket. Even though it is clearly a commentary on immigration and education policy, it doesn’t pretend to be anything else. Recommend! |
AuthorI'll read anything a friend recommends & I love telling people what I think about it. Every year, I read 50 books recommended by 50 different friends. Welcome to My 50 Bookish Friends Blog. SearchCategories
All
|
RSS Feed