The Phoenix Ballroom By, Ruth Hogan

This was a heartwarming story about losing your "forever" spouse, the trials and tribulations of living independently, and finding your place in the world.

Ventia Hargreaves, at 74, led a traditional life, raised a son, dinners on the table at 6:00, and doted on her suceessful husband. Recently widowed, wealthy, with an enviable estate, and a married son, she feels as though she missed the target.

Through many trials and tribulations; she makes external changes, adopts a dog, a makeover, shops. Left feeling empty in a large house, she takes her dog for a walk, and rediscovers an empty ballroom that she knows all too well. In her youth, it was the Phoenix Ballroom, where she taught dance lessons. This once glorious ballroom, has been revitalized into a lively community center, helping the homeless and lost souls looking for friendship and hope. 

Of course, she buys the community center, renovates it, dusts off her dancing shoes, to become the ballroom disco queen. It was sentimental, predictble and charming. The "Phoenix" ballroom was the backdrop for the other bird characters in the book, Kite, Liberty and Swan. A bit trite, but funny. The other worthy anecdotes are the colorful characters, the dog, the 74 year old dance queen and a bookstore. Et al, it was definitely worth the quick read that it was.

Favorite Quote from Venetia, "I am not ready to be old or elderly. Cher is older than I am and I dare anyone to call her elderly." 

Other Books by, Ruth Hogan:

The Moon, the Stars and Madame Borova 2021

Queenie Malone's Paradise Hotel 2020

The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes 2019

The Keeper of Lost Things 2017

The Ensemble By, Aja Gabel

I enjoyed this book on so many levels. It was a deep dive into the classical mussic world, where we meet fascinating, flawed characters. Together, they are the Van Ness Quartet. The prose was lyrical, with a captivating premise, that proved to be a rich, engrossing read.

Jana, on first violin,  is the steely leader of the pack. Brit on second violin is a self conscious orphan searching for a home. Daniel, the persevering Cellist, has the least amount of talent and is the hardest working. Henry the natural, a prodigy who was born to play the Viola.

The book delves into their family histories, friendships, relationships, marriages, children, disagreements and personal growth. Chapters are written from each of the four characters perspective. I enjoyed reading the personal introspection and the analysis of one another.

The commitment, drive, competition, rehearsal drama, performance and the difficulties in establishing a career in classical music are believable and elegantly written. It was clear that they stayed together for the love of music, but at times were adrift. Should we stay together? Am I better then these people? Could I make it on my own? So many questions with a quantifiable answer of we are in this together, we are as one, The Van Ness Quartet.

"They were playing now, like they always had. It wasn't easy. It never had been. It was something like a miracle, all this music, each note a discovery you've already made, but it was also possibly the most ordinary thing in the world to assemble, to compose and perform night after night a life."

Search By, Michelle Huneven

Dana Potowski in this Novel that reads like a Memoir wants to whole heartedly believe that the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in SC Search Committee will be unbias, open minded, nonpartisan, rational and will choose through lived wisdom a new Minister. I did too! Well..that didn't happen.

Dana brings a daily to weekly offering (with recipes) of the nuanced happenings as well as the 'shade' brought on by youthful arrogance in the selection of a new minister. Its a tragedy of errors brought to life in a rollicking, page turning, insightful memoir. Dana is so good, so desperate to find 'the one' and she believes....BELIEVES she and the others on the committee also want the same ilks. 

"Seventeen, he said, is how many people it takes to instigate a coup in a church."

In this lacerating novel, Michelle Huneven thoughtfully explores how leadership and charisma work in our polarized age, how institutions and the people who belong to them shape our lives, and what it really it means to seek and find a place of personal refuge in community.

The diversity of ages, people, backgrounds and dissidence made this clever book much richer and compelling. I couldn't wait for the next recipe and escapade. Thank you Michelle for sharing this daily morning offering of "holy laughter."

Michelle Huneven Books:

Off Course 2014

Round Rock 2011

Blame 2009

Jamesland 2003

The Stationery Shop By, Marjan Kamali

What a Beautiful book jacket! The cover sets the stage for two ill fated teenage lovers who meet in Tehran in 1953 and are determined to marry. However, the impending resistance, and upheaval in the country leads to the overthrow of democracy in the country and to the demise of their plan.

They meet in a stationery shop, where Roya finds solace in the beauty of books, pens and bottles of jeweled ink. The owner, Mr. Fakhri introduces her to his courier, Bahman, who is fighting for social justice and recites the poetry of Rumi. 

I enjoyed the plot reversal. The book begins as a mystery. In 2013 the initial setup is in Boston, Mass. Roya is telling her husband, Walter that she "made an appointment to see him." She is referencing Bahman. The romantic stage is set, and the love story ensues, why did Roya marry Walter and not Bahman?

Ms. Kamali does an excellent job describing the upheaval in war torn Tehran, by describing the culture, food and the desire for her family to send her to college, to have a 'better' life. Most poignantly, the haunting love story that permeates throughout the entire book. Why did Roya marry Walter and not Bahman?

The book ends 60 years later, with a destined encounter between Roya and Bahman. The existential question is answered and it brings the book to a painful crescendo. It is a beautifully crafted novel depicting the dichotomy of love,loss and the pain that ensues.

Other Book by this Author:

Together Tea 2013

Comfort Me With Apples By, Catherynne Valente

 

 A Shirley Jackson Award Finalist.

The Stepford Wives meets the Twilight Zone. Similar to Jim Carrey in the Truman Show, Sophia's life is a facade. She is designed to be the 'perfect" housewife to entertain guests, clean, cook and look flawlessly beautiful everyday. She is essentially there to serve her husband. 

They live in Arcadia Gardens which has strict rules about the appearance of your house, garden, driveway and anyone who lives there. Its a neighborhood of beautiful people who have nothing to do but, maintain there beauty as well as their home.

The story is brilliantly nuanced in a such an intriguing way, you are desperate to get to the end to figure out what is going on with these people? The Author drops bread crumbs here and there which adds to the intensity of the storyline.

Essentially these are empty, cookie cutter people living shallow lives, but thats the point! The Author exaggerates this message to an explosive ending that was a fascinating conclusion to a well written novel.

Its definitely weird and at times, unsettling but, the Author writes lyrically and poetically. The undercurent themes of living authentically, valuing independence and truly living a substantive meaningful life are not the basis for this story.

This was a fast paced, quick read at 94 pages. A strange dark atmospheric air of suspense hovers within the pages. But, ultimately, everything is perfect? Correct?

Fellowship Point By, Alice Elliott Dark

The story begins with celebrated author Agnes Lee finalizing the last book in her series The Franklin Square Novels. She is also on a mission to permanently protect the peninsula know as Fellowsip Point off the coast of Maine. Agnes is intent on securing the land trust, and to dissolve the partnership of shareholders who are intent in building more and more residential homes, thereby destroying the preserve. One of the shareholders, she must convince is her best friend Polly.

This was an interesting, historical read which delves into the history of land development in Maine in the 1870's. During this period,indigenous peoples, who lived on the land, left the land uncultivated, due to their belief that they belonged to nature rather than the other way around. The original deed to the land owned by a Quaker, William Lee originated the land trust, which included 5 houses. I appreciated reading the back story as it enriched the story tremednously.

The storyline is enhanced with the inclusion of Maude, Agnes's literary agent, Polly's family, a handyman and friend, Robert and a little girl named Nan and her father. The turmoil twist brings to light the family saga between Polly and her three sons, who want to build and expand the area, thereby dissolving the land trust and preserve. With the backdrop of Agnes and her desire to preserve the land. Polly is caught in the middle.

"An ambitious and satisfying tale, Fellowship Point reads like a 19th-century epic, but it is entirely contemporary in its "refelctions on aging, writing , stewardship, legacies, independence, and responsibility. At its heart, Fellowship Point is about caring for the places and people we love. This magnificent novel affirms that change and growth are possible at any age." (The Christian Science Monitor).

At 578 pages, this is an epic tale but one, you will savor. The book does dip and drop in some areas, as the attention to detail can be at times, exorbitant. But, overall, I found the book to be a formidable read and certainly a tale worth telling. The Author does and excellent job inviting you in, so much so, that you don't want to leave.

Other Books By Author:

In The Gloaming 2001

Think of England 2003

Naked to the Waist 1991

PEG AND ROSE SOLVE MURDER By, Laurien Berenson

This is the first book I have read by this Author and I intend to take a deep dive into her backlist. I adored this book for SO many reasons; the family saga of feuding sister-in-laws, the dog competition world, the bridge club and the mystery. 

This was a light hearted, fun read that I looked forward to returning to. I was so invested in these characters, I actually asked the question, "what would Peg and Rose do?" I enjoyed the quirky characters intermixed with the backdrop of the dog world, with the bridge world.

These silver haired sleuths have reconciled to solve a mystery of the death of a bridge club member. As they gather evidence from the bridge club members, we delve into the their interesting lives, which includes gardening, dog shows, and yummy desserts.

I appreciated the "Heft" of this cozy mystery. The intention of my blog is to highlight books written with older characters who are not stereotypical "grandmas" who are feeble, catankerous and conversation revolves around their ailing health and grandchildren.

Its all there.. punchy dialogue, sassy sister-in-laws, the love of poodles, desserts, bridge and a murder!

Other Books by this Author:

Book 2-Peg and Rose Stir Up Trouble

Melanie Travis Series

When We Were Birds, By, Ayanna LLoyd Banwo

                                                     

Set in Trinidad, this book chronicles two outsiders, challenging their destinies.

This book reads like a Folktale, with an eerie, haunting gothic overlay of death, defiance and the afterlife woven into lyrical prose.

Yejide, lives in the rain forest, which was once inhabited by animals who lived amongst each other peacefully. When the warriors came to fight, the animals left. Many turned into birds living on the edges of the forest, which sets the backdrop for the story.

Yejide's Mother is dying. She grows up listening to Grandmother Catherine's stories. She inherits a generational legacy tasked with communicating with the dead, and entrusted with the act of shepherding souls into a peaceful afterlife. With the death of her Mother, she is bereft, and feels unprepared for the task.

Darwin raised in the countryside with a devout Mother, believes attending a funeral or interacting with the dead is a curse. He is desperate to explore the world beyond his Mother and her religious beliefs. As their financial prospects become dire, Darwin finds the only work available, digging graves.His mother feels betrayed and casts him out into a hard, unforgiving world.

Yejide and Darwin are brought together at the gates of Fidelis; an ancient mystical cemetary,where the ghosts of living souls linger.

This book is rich with symbolism and a pervasive atmospheric malaise that is both haunting and captivating. The characters were richly drawn and I found the twisting tale of both protagonists challenging their destinies, to be fascinating.

This was a debut Novel. I look forward to her next book.

The Bandit Queens By, Parini Shroff

This book is loosely based on the Legend of Phoolan Devi who is known as "The Bandit Queen" in India. She endured poverty, an abusive marriage and a gang rape to claim retribution for herself and other impoverished women in her village. She led a three year campaign, to deliver justice to other rape victims, before negotiating a surrender on her terms. Throughtout her imprisonment without a trial, she remained a beacon of hope for the poor and impoverished.

In 1996, she was elected to parliament. In 2001, she was assassinated on the street in Delhi.

And so begins, Parini Shroff's version of this tantalizing tale of murder with a twist of revenge.

This eye catching cover sets the stage for a serious and at times hilarious, murder caper in a small Indian Village. Geeta lives a solitary life since her husband Ramesh walked out on her five years ago. Or, did he? The simmering mystery lurks in the background throughout the book.

Since the 'death' of her husband, Geeta is both revered and admired in this small Indian Village. When a woman in her Micro Loan group approaches her to 'assist' her in getting rid of her abusive husband, Geeta is labelled the Bandit Queen. As the women band together to fight the obstacles of abuse, a patriarchial society and poverty, the engrossing saga unfolds.

Filled with clever criminals, second chances, and wry and witty women, Parini Shroff's The Bandit Queens is a razor sharp debut of humor and heart, murder and mystery.

The Golden Spoon By, Jessa Maxwell

 "This delicious combination of Clue and The Great British Bakeoff kept me turning the pages all night." -Janet Evanovich

What a delightful, FUN, deliciously engaging read! Sabotage at the home of the annual "Bake Off" hosted, by premier baker extraordinaire, Betsy Martin. At the annual Summer event, 6 hand picked bakers descend on the grounds of Grafton, childhood home of Betsy Martin.

Betsy Martin has established herself in the 'baking world' as "America's Grandmother." Betsy sets the stage for high competition as she demands perfection and is looking for the grandest of grand. She is a tautly spun character with the seriousness of Martha Stewart and the grande verve of Julia Child. 

The Author begins the story with a brief bio of all 6 bakers, and their particular area of expertise, as well as personality traits. Naturally, they are all characters in every sense of the word. I enjoyed the many twists and turns, with seemingly inncuous errors, salt replaced as sugar, a burner left on high heat, until a murder takes place.

This delicious mystery had me guessing throughout the book. I immensely enjoyed the characters as they were all pointing the fingers and back stabbing each other throughout the Novel. This is a debut Author. I look forward to her next read. 

They're Going to Love You By, Meg Howrey

 

 ***A NEW YORK TIMES BEST BOOK OF THE MONTH

This book was a poignant reminder of the value of Art, and the passionate desire to make it a central theme of your life. Carlisle Martin, a promising ballet star, in her words,"was too tall'' but, her drive to make her mark on the ballet world, superceded any negativity she encountered.

Carlisle Martin felt destined to be a star like her Mother, a former Balantine ballet dancer. She kept trying relentlessly to be the star she felt entitled to, like her Mother. But, her aspirations and dedication to the ballet world, fell short. It was a long tormenting, fascinating, interrogation of the ballet world.

Beyond the ballet world, the central theme of the book involves her father, who once divoced, moved to Greenwich Village to live with his partner, James. Carlisle Martin had a difficult relationship with both her parents, as she struggled for their approval,financial and emotional support, that never quite arrived.

The book read like a memoir, written in the first person, its a n emotionally driven novel, that deeply affeccted me. Her taut wisdom was inspirational.

"I am a person who has never wanted children and never had them. That is its own separate sort of person. It requires an act of self relevance that should not be confused with selfishness."

"Everyone I know has someone who they love best. I am no one's best."

"The scared thing is to feel-if only for a moment--that I am not consuming or forgetting or losing the things of this world but adding to them. That I have made something true or beautiful or both. That I might do it again."

I found this book to be a poignant, relatable book about a woman delineating her triumphs and successes.

by Meg Howrey:

The Wanderers 2017

The Crane's Dance 2012

Blind Sight 2011

Lavender House By, Lev AC Rosen

Best Books of 2022-AMAZON-BUZZFEED-LIBRARY JOURNAL-CRIMEREADS-BOOKPAGE-BOOK RIOT

This was a twisty, quirky madcap mystery through the Lavender soap world, in an engaging, thoroughly enjoyable read.

Lavender House 1952: Irene Lamontaine, matriarch to the Lamontaine Soap empire, has died. The gated house she lived in with "invited" guests and family only. All the inhabitants are queer and to keep their secrets guarded, they keep others out. So, did Irene die unexpectedly or was she murdered?

Irene's widow suspects murder. She hires Evander Mills, a disgraced Gay police officer who was fired, due to a raid in a gay bar, where he was a customer. Left without a job, he accepts the position knowing, he may be living in a secluded house with a potential murderer. 

The book has been described as a "Gay-Knives Out". Add to that, an Agatha Christie flair of eccentric, egotistical, narcissistic characters who seem oblivious to a possible murder in a locked, secluded house?! The Auhtor did an excellent job, developing the characters, and the daily musings of these eccentric people, who are aghast that a detective has been brought in to investigate their 'clean' soap world.

Other Books by this Author:

The Bell in the Fog - Release Date 10/10/23

Depth 2015

All Men of Genius 2012

Unlikely Animals, By Annie Hartnett

"A quirky, poignant novel about family, community and love for our animal friends"-The Washington Post

"A delightful mess of tenderness, grief and despair, but, most importantly, hope."-Kristen Arnett

This was a delightful, enchanting read. It is loosely based on Historical Fiction, that the Author exaggerated, ran with it, jumped upside down, twisted and turned it into a delightful, engaging, memorable read.

The book is based on the life of Ernest Harold Baynes, a deceased Naturalist, who allowed wild animals the opportunity to "live" in his home.

The book takes place in a small town, Everton, NH. Emma Starling, a medical school dropout, returns home, after a 4 month absence, to tell her family, she was accepted into medical school, but never attended. She arrives, to discover her Father, who was recently forced into retirement, as a college professor, in the early stages of Dementia, attempted to "corral the cats in the classroom", so he could continue his lecture.

I found the Author's exaggeration of the narrative amusing, captivating and I can't wait to hear what Clive is doing next. This a sensitive subject, and the Author uses it, to tell a vivid, poignant story of the stages of Dementia, and the effects on family and the larger community.

This book is best described as a tragicomedy in the warmest of touching, have a kleenex ready.... way.

Other Books by this Author:

Rabbit Cake 2017

HESTER By Laurie Lico Albanese

"A hauntingly beautiful-and imagined--origin story to the Scarlet Letter"-People

Albanese brings to life the backstory of the muse for the famous book, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, "The Scarlet Letter" based on Hester Prynne.

Albanese sets the stage, covering hefty subject matter, slavery, witchcraft, societal mores, religion and freedom. This was a rich and engaging read. 

Isobel Gamble sets sail for Scotland with her husband, Edward in the 1800's. Edward has been seduced by the drug opium, and days after the two arrive in Scotland, he leaves.

Isobel, destitute and alone in a strange country. She survives by using her artistic abilities,with needle embroidery. However, she is labelled an "outsider" and receives a pittance for her fine, detailed work.

Alone and desperate for friendship and companionship, she meets Nathaniel Hawthorne. They are immediately drawn to one another, and begin a torrid affair. The stories intersect when thier histories collide. Isobel has synisthesia and sees the world in colors. Nathaniel is the great grandson of Samuel Hawthorne, who was a judge that ordered the deaths of 19 women, accused of witchcraft.

As Nathaniel orchestrates the seduction of Isobel, he dumps her, accusing her of "enchantment."  Albanese does tie up the loose strings of this tale to a satisfying ending.

In the words of Isobel, as she describes her role in the tale of "The Scarlet Letter."

"Something in him knows--I believe this, even after all this time-- that although his father will never return, a story just as powerful is coming toward him. Ir is me, bent into the wind, fleeing home with my colors and my needle and my own set of needs and dreams. It is me with my red letter secreted away."

Books by Laurie Lico Albanese:

Stolen Beauty 2017

The Miracles of Prato 2009

Three Books: On The Rooftop by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton, Voting Day by, Clare O'Dea and The Complicities by, Stacey D'Erasmo

Change of format, with my blog. There are SO many wonderful books, rather than focusing on one, I am highlighting 2-4 a month. I read many, many, many books. I don't have the bandwidth to coverall all of them, so I usually choose one, I particularly like. Also, I have up till now, only highlighted the ones I have enjoyed. I have decided to include in my reviews, books "that weren't for me." We have all read books, that one person may rave about, and once read, we may have a different viewpoint. 

Also, I am always, always looking for underated books, particularly books, that have not received the marketing dollars, or acclaim they deserve. So, I will include one, 'under the radar' book. As a reminder, the premise of this Blog, is to highlight books written by 'older' authors, or books featuring an 'older' protagonist. I read books in all genres, written by 'young' Authors, as well as books, in SF, Fantasy, Fiction, Non Fiction, Mysteries/Thrillers. I chose to highlight the ones, that I particularly enjoyed.

ON THE ROOF TOP, By, Margaret Wilkerson Sexton.

A propulsive read-Family saga, involving a single Mother and her three talented daughters, "The Salvations" and the quintissential choice of choosing the road to stardom or not? 

Loosely based on "The Fiddler on the Roof", Historical Fiction at its best. Set in the gentrifying era, of 1950's San Francisco, the novel is a stunning portrayal of a Mother's dream for her daughters' future and the complications that arise from that decision.

VOTING DAY, By, Clare O'Dea

This book provides a gentle reminder of the Power of voting, particularly for women. Four women, one day, and the vote for womens suffrage in 1959 Switzerland.

This is a quiet book, that utilizes simplicty to tell the story, from the lives of farmers, who speak bluntly, and do not varnish their lives. Brutally honest and refreshing, I love all the books in this series of 15, published by Fairlight Books.

THE COMPLICITIES, By, Stacey D'Erasmo

Interesting premise, that diverged into tangents that were difficult to follow, a whale dying on a beach, a masseuse that waan't licensed?, a woman who is recovering from a traumatic car accident, financial ruin.

Suzanne is recovering from the divorce of her husband, Alan, who has been imprisoned for massive financial fraud. The book centers on what she did or did not know. However, the other 'storylines' impose sporadically throughout the novel, negating the actual premise.

I would have preferred tha Author stay with the original premise.

Another book by this Author, TEA, written in 2001 is a wonderful book.

The Next Thing You Know, By, Jessica Strawser

This was an engaging story, on the surface, on a very sobering subject. I am someone who is aging  (62) and I felt the discussion of how and why one ends their life, was 'mishandled' and screamed commercial fiction. The Author clearly researched the subject matter and provided a Cliff Note version of what a Doula actually does. 

I understand this was a work of Fiction, however, the subject matter, 'the MAGNITUDE of death and dying' was not aptly conveyed in this book.  I found the book to be a trite, glossed over, 4th of July fireworks- explosion of thoughts and ideas as to the 'nature' of death of dying. I would have preferred a more in depth exploration.

An end of life Doula, Nova Huston's job-her calling, is to help terminally ill people make peace with their ensuing death. Her job, at "Parting Your Way-End of Life Doulas" is to work with 'young' people who are dying.

Mason Shaylor, an Indie favorite Singer, has an arm/hand injury that he believes will ruin his career and struggles, to envision his life without the opportunity to play the guitar. His deteriorating condition makes playing his guitar physically impossible-as far as he is concerned, he is dead already. 

We are then subjected to "Then","Now" and "Before Then" (???) forays back and forth throughout the book. It was a frustrating, difficult story to follow. 

In my opinion, neither character, Nova or Mason, are fully developed, and they appear flat on the page, bolstered by glorified theories that are scattered throughout the Novel, i.e. Kirlian Aura Photography.The premise is that leaves can be photographed and then cut, leaving an aura,residue or presence where the leaf was cut. The theory was not explained, ( I researched) to understand what she was talking about. 

I believe her point was (?), humans leave a "presence" or imprint in the world, simply by "being." The existential question of the human condition.  I wish she would have explored this point in depth rather than tossing them out here and there, without discussing them in depth. 

Unfortunately, the Kirlian photo theory is a hoax. The Author could have made the point much stronger with a proven theory.

In the end, all loose ends are left untied. I was left frustrated and distraught and somewhat angry with how the subject matter was handled. 

The intention of this Blog is to review books that I believe deserve promoting, and for whatever reason, have not received the accolades or marketing money to bolster their presence in the literary world. I read about 40-50 books a year (audiobooks, books in print & Kindle). I review the books I like.

This is the First negative review I have written. I felt compelled to write it. My intention is to raise awareness that there are some, very, very, VERY good books out there but, unfortunately they may not have the commercial cliche, that a book like this offers. 

Take My Hand By, Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Unforgettable, heartbreaking, horrific, compelling read -Historical Fiction. Based on true events, in the 1970's, between 100,000 to 150,000 young, impoverished girls were sterilized without consent. The Author focuses on the life of the Relf sisters, age 12 and 14, mentally disabled, who's illiterate father and grandmother, signed an "X" unknowingly, consenting to their sterilization.

Civil Townsend, daughter of a physician, graduated nursing school and accepted a position at the Montgomery County Family Planning Clinic. Her instructions, to give monthly Depo-Provera shots to young girls to prevent pregnancy. Her first patients are India and Erica Relf who live in a one room cabin, dirt floor, no running water, with their Father, Mace Williams and Grandmother.

Civil is determined to make an impact on these girls' lives. She finds an apartment for them, enrolls them in school, assists their father in finding a better job, and also provides for their grandmother. Civil, who is single and has no children, is aware that she may be overbearing and overstepping her role, as their nurse in an attempt to improve their lives. 

The girls, who's Mother recently died, relish the attention she provides. She takes them shopping, and essentially ingratiates them into her life. The family 'trusted' her.

Until, the day she arrives at the Williams door to discover the girls are at the local hospital and the girls have been surgically sterilized. Civil is unaware that they had been taken, and the procedure had been ordered. 

Civil fights tirelessly, to get the word out about the injustices this family has endured, A young, white attorney, Lou Feldman. hears the story and takes the case from Montgomery Alabama to the Supreme Court. Civil graduates Medical School and becomes a Physician of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 

Decades later, Civil Townsend retells the story, noting in the first chapter, "A year never passes without me thinking of them, India, Erica. Their names are stitched inside every white coat I have ever worn. I tell this story to stitch their names inside your clothes too. A reminder to never forget."

This was a disturbing portrait of  American history, that needed to be told. I appreciated the Author's efforts to humanize the story, through the lives of India and Erica, who "loved rag dolls and ice cream."

I will note this as a 5 Star Read however, its impact has been 'stitched' into my life as one of the most notable and unforgettable books, I have ever read.

Other Book by the Author:

Balm 2015

Wench 2011

The Memory Police By, Yoko Agawa

Provocative parable about memory and the tragedy of loss. On an unamed island off an unamed coast, objects are disappearing, flowers, hats, ribbons, birds and then more sinister tragedies develop. Initially, the island inhabitants are oblivious to the changes, but, as they gradually lose their memories and sense of smell, the dystopian, bleak narrative presents a haunting, memorizing read.

The unamed protagonist, who is a writer, carries the story. She discovers that her Editor is in danger of the Memory Police and she concocts a plan to hide him under the floorboards in her home. Once hidden away from society, his memories stay in tact. As her memories dwindle, he is there to remind her who she is and unfortunately, all she has lost.

This book is categorized as Science Fiction/Fantasy but, the haunting Orwellian trauma, drama of the loss of 'things' is beyond lasers, lights, robots and aliens. This is literary fiction, that is both thought provoking, and mesmerizing. Its a page turner, a nightmare unfolding to the point, where you gasp, "OMG what next?" Deeply sad and moving, the unamed protagonist dwindles into nothingness, a "voice."

This Author is a master of writing, atmospheric novels, that simmer with melancholy to the point of transcendence where the reader questions, their sense of self. This is another memorable novel I have read and reviewed by this Author. I look forward to her next, great book.

Other Books by this Author:

Revenge: 11 Dark Tales 2020

Hotel Iris 2010

The Housekeeper and the Professor 2009

The Diving Pool: Three Novellas 2008

The Violin Conspiracy By, Brendan Slocumb

Fast-Paced Musical Mystery. The Author is an accomplished Classical Violinist and one of a very few African American musicians who have performed in symphonies, won prestigious musical awards and taught at the collegiate level.

Ray McMillian lives a hard scrabble life in rural North Carolina. Unfortunately his circumstances, poor and impoverished make his dream to become an elite, Classical Violinist much harder to accomplish.

His Mother who seems oblivious to his talent, wants him to 'stop the racket' put away the fiddle and get a job at Popeyes to "support the family," The story is at times, a riveting raucous ride of twist and turns.

Who knew? The rosin covered, older than old 'fiddle' that he inherited from his beloved grandfather is actually a rare Stradivarius that is worth millions of dollars. Once he discovers the value of his violin, his musical dreams seem within reach. Until, the eve of the Tchaikovsky competition-the Olympics of the classical violinist world. Ray's violin is stolen. There are a slue of viable thieves, including his family and any and all who know of the violin's worth.

Without his precious violin, Ray's hopes to win the competition are diminished as he struggles to practice as well as help with the investigation into the theft. As the story proceeds, the end offers an unlikely suspect, and added the depth of the story.

The Violin- an old rosin stained trope that turns out to be a rare gem is the quintessential personification of the story.

Ray who grew up poor and somewhat resin stained himself, is actually a hidden gem. His rare talent; an invaluable contribution to the classical world of violinists. 

I particularly enjoyed this story because the Author is a classical violinist and the story seemed believable and unusual. Also, it was an education on the classical musical world. 

This is a debut Author, who is working on his second novel, which I look forward to reading.

The Swimmers By, Julie Otsuka

 

Aging, grief and loss and the benefits of a daily dose of water therapy, swimming laps in a pool. The swimmers are unknown to one another, but they are there every day for a variety of reasons, all in their individual lanes, swimming in their world away-from the friction of their lives. Alice was there daily, casting a final stand, against the dark, encroaching world of dementia.

"One of us-Alice, a retired lab technician now in the early stages of dementia-comes here because she always has. And even though she may not remember the combination to her locker or where she put her towel, the moment she slips into the water she knows what to do. Her stroke is long and fluid, her kick is strong, her mind clear. "Up there, she says, "I'm just another little old lady. But, down here, at the pool, I'm myself."

A crack forms at the bottom of the pool, and their lives are shaken as the swimmers search for meaning and how this may upend their routine. Each swimmer, highlighted with their individual narrative, lane 4-labelled "aggressive lappers, oblivious backstrokers, tailgaters, lane Nazis, arm flailers, the peeper, the woman in lane four with the wild, overextended stroke, (too much yoga). " The Author portrays the swimming world in seering sarcasm that captures the essence of the lap swimming with wit and humor that is both heartbreaking, hysterical and ultimately, a quiet meditation on grief and loss.

As the Aquatics Director, investigates the crack-"We're looking into it." The book quietly follows Alice and her daughter, who struggles to understand the mental demise of her Mother. The Author eloquently surmises the heartwrenching, and poignancy of her Mother's dementia diagnosis as, "She failed the test." 

The Author writes, in lyrical prose, and captures the details of everyday moments, infused with emotional gravity that stops you mid sentence to reflect on the meaning. When the Author visits her Mother in the nursing home she reflects, "You find her sitting quietly in the Day Room by the window that looks out onto the street, watching the children walk home from school. Her hands are neatly folded, like two birds, in the shallow dip of her lap. Her nails are clean. Her hair is pressed flat to her head. She seems calm, possibly sedated. As soon as she sees you, however, she becomes so excited she almost begins to cry, "You came" , she says. And then she lowers her voice to a whisper, "I'm so embaressed, I can hardly wait to get in the car and go home." 

We follow Alice, her father and daughter to the end, when the Author ends with "one last memory." 

Truly, a Five Star read. I purchased the book, so I can revisit it often.

Other Books by the Author:

The Buddha in the Attic 2013

When The Emperor Was Devine 2003