Hello reader…
Happy almost summer, y’all!
We took the party outside for our May gathering. Everyone enjoyed picnic finger foods and DIY smoothies as we chatted about recent reads…
Afterlife by Julia Alvarez
This book is about a woman, Antonia, whose husband has recently died and she’s still grieving. She is originally from the Dominican Republic, living now in a small town in Vermont.
One day, one of the undocumented workers employed by the farmer next door comes to Antonia for help. He is trying to bring his girlfriend over from Mexico but the ‘coyote’ helping her has called demanding more money.
She helps him as best she can. Then one of her three sisters, who is bi-polar, goes missing. The other three women are scrambling desperately to find her. At the same time Mario’s girlfriend finally arrives and she is very pregnant, about to give birth any day.
Bernice enjoyed the book a lot. The characters are very real and the story ends in an unexpected way.
The Spoils of Poynton (or anything, really) by Henry James
Henry James came up in our conversation as a writer whose books just “seem to….stop”…but those who’ve read him agreed that they enjoyed his writing.
Charles Lenox mysteries by Charles Finch
Set in 1850s-60s Victorian London. Alas started this series at about #12 – The Vanished Man, which turned out to be a prequel. She enjoyed the book, and the writing, but in terms of a mystery – well, there was a clue about a third way through that gave it away for her. It didn’t ruin the book though, and she enjoyed the series.
anything by Robinette Waterson
Speaking of series, the Victorian Steampunk Erotica genre came up in conversation. Robinette Waterson’s titles were recommended for those looking for steamy Victorian romance with a steampunk twist.
Music is History by Questlove
Highlighted by The Big Read, this collection of essays covers 50 years of music, primarily told in a unique “chatting” writing style. FireWoman enjoyed learning about the various music genres though she did lose interest through the more technical parts.
Driving Miss Norma: One Family’s Journey Saying ‘Yes’ to Living by Tim Bauerschmidt and Ramie Liddle
It’s about a 90-year old woman who, newly widowed and recently diagnosed with uterine cancer, opted to spend the remainder of her life traveling around the U.S. in an RV with her son and daughter-in-law.
The book is told from the son and daughter-in-law’s points of view. Overall, Zoe enjoyed it but wished she could hear Miss Norma’s side of the story
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
Originally recommended by FireWoman last summer, it was finally available last month at Zoe’s library. Zoe enjoyed it overall, though she felt a bit frustrated with the main character’s self-sacrificing at times.
She intends to read the recently published sequel, The Book Woman’s Daughter.
A short list of these books may be found here.
Our next gathering will be on Sunday, June 12 at 1pm SLT. All are welcome – bring a friend!
The Reading Room 