The Christie Affair, by Nina de Gramont
What happened to Agatha Christie when she disappeared for eleven days in 1926? Gramont spins an entire back story for this event, in true Christie fashion.
Read MoreTermination Shock, by Neal Stephenson
Stephenson takes us a few steps into the future, when climate change threats are addressed by independent geoengineering efforts, sparking a new climate cold war.
Read MoreRock Paper Scissors, by Alice Feeney
Set in a remote renovated chapel in the wild Scottish Highlands, the romantic setting is perfect for long suppressed secrets to emerge, with violent consequences, as a couple trying to rekindle their relationship resolve more than they anticipated. A fun weekend thriller, surely soon to be a movie.
Read MoreMissionaries, by Phil Klay
Stories of war told by four voices, uncovering the true trauma, violence, and desperation experienced by many in our world. A timely and important novel, given the conflicts in the world today.
Read MoreVerity, by Colleen Hoover
Enjoy this titilating, suspenseful novel. Don’t expect literature— but expect to be entertained.
Read MoreGoing There, by Katie Couric
Enjoy Katie Couric’s story, both the dishy insider’s view of television journalism, and the serious evolution of news coverage, and the role of women as part of those changes.
Read MoreThe Anthropocene Reviewed, by John Green
John Green is personal and self-revelatory in this series of essays on cultural touchstones of this current epoch on earth, the human-dominated period.
Read MoreState of Terror, by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny
My favorite mystery writer provides a decent suspenseful story, that Clinton mucks up with her political views.
Read MoreAnd Now I Spill the Family Secrets: An Illustrated Memoir, by Margaret Kimball
A graphic memoir that shows the impact of a parent’s mental illness on a child, and the power of love to nuture and heal. Highly recommended.
Read MoreMurder Book: A Graphic Memoir of a True Crime Obsession, by Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell
Excellent graphic memoir about the true crime obsession shared by many women, fellow murderinos.
Read MoreCraig & Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other, by Craig Grossi
A genuine story of love and survival, Craig Grossi speaks to the importance of these bonds for our humanity, and finding perspective and meaning in the good and the bad experiences of life.
Read MoreFuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law, by Mary Roach
Mary Roach is back, with stories of unfortunate human-animal failed relationships, how humans try to fix the conflicts, and animals succeed in evading those efforts. Highly recommend.
Read MoreNo One Goes Alone, by Erik Larson
An early twentieth century investigation into supernatural phenomena at an island home off the coast of England, spearheaded by William James, goes dangerous and deadly in this gothic tale by Erik Larson.
Read MoreCrying in H Mart, by Michelle Zauner
A memoir of love and loss of a mother, and the comfort of favorite, shared foods to preserve memory.
Read MoreCloud Cuckoo Land, by Anthony Doerr
An epic ode to the enduring value of stories, the librarians who preserve and share them, and the libraries that preserve and make them available to all.
Read MoreOn Animals, by Susan Orlean
Be you animal lover or merely animal curious, you will find much to love and learn in Orlean’s recent compilation of essays.
Read MoreThe Murderbot Diaries, by Martha Wells
The Murderbot Diaries, a series of novellas and one novel, following the story of rogue SecUnit, Murderbot, as he tries to find his place in the world of a distant future. Highly recommended.
Read MoreBest Books of 2021
Before saying goodbye to 2021, here are my choices for books worth your time and attention.
Read MoreKurt Wallander series, by Henning Mankell
Excellent detective fiction series, set in Sweden of the nineties and oughts. Enjoy spending time getting to know Kurt Wallander, as he solves ghastly murders.
Read MoreMy Name Is Lucy Barton, and Oh William!, by Elizabeth Strout
Read these in order: My Name Is Lucy Barton, followed by Oh William! to truly appreciate the character development achieved by Elizabeth Strout. Highly recommended.
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