Just For the Summer, Abby Jimenez

Just For the Summer, Abby Jimenez | 432 pages

Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit thread, it's now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: They'll date each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and they’ll both go on to find the love of their lives. It’s a bonkers idea… and it just might work.

Cute and breezy romcom. Overall enjoyable, and I like how she layered in some of the harder, more real-life elements of living in families on top of the relationship charm.

I've had a couple disappointing reads in a row. RomComs will never be brilliant, but this delivered exactly what I was expecting. Therefore, I am a happy reader :) 

Crazy Rich Asians, Kevin Kwan | 544 pages

 Read for book club.

When history professor Nick invites his girlfriend Rachel (also a professor, in Econ) home to Singapore for the summer, he leaves out a few crucial details - like the fact his family is "richer than God." At well over 500 pages... nothing happens to the main characters. They're dating in the beginning and still dating in the end. Every brand name on the planet has been dropped and OOOH look another private jet! But seriously, nothing happens, and the few things that do happen are left unresolved (like, how mad IS Grandma? Will Nick have the balls to contradict her?). There is more relationship/personal development with Astrid and Michael than with Nick and Rachel but even still, it's left wide open. I realize this is the first in a series, but each book needs to resolve. I'm not going to read another 500+ pages of unrelatable wealth just to see if they overcome their challenges.

I prefer my fluff with a plot, at least something I can relate to, and a tidy heartwarming ending. I've heard the movie is better - they take the best parts and edit out the rest.

If We're Being Honest, Cat Shook

If We're Being Honest, Cat Shook | 304 pages

When Gerry, the beloved Williams patriarch, dies suddenly, his children and grandchildren flock from across the country to the family home in Eulalia, Georgia. But when Gerry’s best friend steps up to the microphone to deliver his eulogy, the funeral turns out unlike anyone expected.

An exploration of family stories and connection. I didn't love it... the main issue is too many characters. There are 4 grandkids, 3 kids plus a spouse, and Grandma Ellen who all narrate - 9 separate points of view. Plus a whole cast of neighbors and love interests who swirl in and out. While I found the story sweet overall, it was entirely too much to keep track of and all the stories felt unfinished.

Love Among the Chickens

Love Among the Chickens, P.G. Wodehouse | 153 pages

The farcical tale of Jeremy Garnet, an author and an old friend of Stanley Featherstonehaugh Ukridge, an erstwhile chicken farmer. Upon meeting Ukridge for the first time in years, Garnet finds himself enmeshed Ukridge's new and struggling chicken farm. Garnet soon falls in love with a girl living near the estate as he struggles with the farm and with Ukridge's bizarre business methods. Originally published in 1906.

Wodehouse is just SO SILLY. Pure chaos from beginning to end. It's not quite as absurd as the Psmith novels (which is hard to say when the setting is literally a gentleman chicken farm!) and the ending just didn't quite land for me, but Wodehouse can always be counted on for good fun.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

 

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, by JK Rowling, narrated by Stephen Fry

I grew up with Harry Potter. Midnight release parties, debates with friends over houses... all the things. But my investment ended with high school as other things took my attention. Now I'm revisiting them! This time around I can see so many layers to this book. I completely overlooked the many Greek and Roman references (ie, Minerva overseeing his journey, as she does in The Odessey) and the traditional Celtic fairytale elements (like the boats floating through ivy into the cave to enter Hogwarts). As a kid, it was just a fun tale. As an adult, I can appreciate the attention Rowling put into every detail. I have a better literary foundation so I can catch the connections that went over my head before.

I listened to the British audio version this time around.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zevin

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zevin | 401 pages

Very immersive. Several hundred pages spanning a few decades of a friendship built around video games. Sam and Sadie met as tween players and grow to be adult creative colleagues. And like many creative people attempting to work together, their relationship is a roller coaster between love and misunderstanding.

I have mixed feelings about this novel. It was very good, mostly, but felt long. There's a whole long section where I didn't know what was happening until the end (Pioneers), which felt more confusing than immersive. But Zevin has a very skilled way of handling words, and some passages are strikingly beautiful. I'm glad I read it.

The Ministry of Time, Bradley

The Ministry of Time, Kaliane Bradley | 341 pages

In the near future, a civil servant is offered the salary of her dreams and is, shortly afterward, told what project she’ll be working on. A recently established government ministry is gathering “expats” from across history to establish whether time travel is feasible—for the body, but also for the fabric of space-time.

Really interesting idea and believable - if anyone had a secret time door, it would be the British government! And they would do all sorts of crazy things to make sure they keep it! The first half was very engaging, and I was invested. And then I got confused... I feel like there were pieces of information missing or referred to but never stated outright. The whole ending felt jumbled and unsatisfying. I'm not entirely sure how several pieces tied together, honestly.

4 stars for ideas, 2 for execution, balancing out to 3.

Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck

 Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck | 107 pages

They are an unlikely pair: George is "small and quick and dark of face"; Lennie, a man of tremendous size, has the mind of a young child. Yet they have formed a "family," clinging together in the face of loneliness and alienation. Laborers in California's dusty vegetable fields, they hustle work when they can, living a hand-to-mouth existence. But George and Lennie have a plan: to own an acre of land and a shack they can call their own.

I've read Steinbeck before... I should know what to expect. But even still this wrecked me.

So many images and symbols, between the mice and rabbits and the dogs relating to the human experiences of George and Lenny. It's a heartbreaking tale.

The Midnight Feast, Lucy Foley

The Midnight Feast, Lucy Foley | 354 pages

It’s the opening night of The Manor, and no expense, small or large, has been spared. The infinity pool sparkles; crystal pouches for guests’ healing have been placed in the Seaside Cottages and Woodland Hutches; the “Manor Mule” cocktail (grapefruit, ginger, vodka, and a dash of CBD oil) is being poured with a heavy hand. Everyone is wearing linen.

But under the burning midsummer sun, darkness stirs. Old friends and enemies circulate among the guests. Just outside the Manor’s immaculately kept grounds, an ancient forest bristles with secrets. And the Sunday morning of opening weekend, the local police are called. Something’s not right with the guests. There’s been a fire. A body’s been discovered.

Wow! I was guessing until the end. This is very dark, but I love the way it all pulled together. I'd say more but anything else would spoil it!

The Shadow of the Bear, Doman

 The Shadow of the Bear, Regina Doman | 208 pages

I have mixed feelings about this. Parts of it are 5/5 - I love the setting of a NYC high school for a retelling of this classic Grimm tale. Fairy tale retellings are typically favorite of mine; I love to see how authors interpret the stories in unique ways. But other parts are clunky - specifically the Catholicism and the boys' backstory. I'm just not sure it's believable and feels somewhat unedited. For such a short book it took me a long time to get through as my attention kept slipping. 

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, Jesse Q Sutanto | 339 pages

While on the surface, this novel is about the murder of Marshall Chen, it is just as much about found family and the complexities of relationships. I enjoyed getting to know each character. Vera is a mess. If you don't know a professional meddler like her, consider yourself both blessed and missing out! 

I did figure out the killer about halfway through, and the actual murder feels implausible to me, but the story caught me enough I'm willing to suspend my disbelief. 

Better Luck Next Time, Johnson

Better Luck Next Time, Julia Claiborne Johnson | 274 pages

What I expected: A lighthearted romp at a fake dude ranch outside Reno where rich women wait out the time required to become residents of Nevada before they file for divorce.

What I discovered: A touching look at friendship, opportunity, truth and lies, what money can buy, and the way life can play out - different than expected, but rich and beautiful. The ending broke my heart and put it back together again in the best possible way. As I'm going through a tumultuous, not-sure-how-this-will-work-out family situation, I found healing and hope in Ward's story. 

 

A Hat for Minerva Louise, Janet Morgan Stoeke | 24 pages

When a barnyard chicken wants to go explore in the snow, she has to search for a just-right hat to keep her warm. Silly mistakes lead her to exactly what she needs.

My kids can't get enough of Minerva Louise, even though they are big now. The other day when it was 100* we got out all our "cold" books to feel better. Minerva Louise was top of the stack!

 Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library, Chris Grabenstein | 304 pages

Twelve years ago, the town library in Alexandriaville was destroyed. Now, famed game designer Luigi Lemoncello is building a fabulous new one and inviting twelve twelve year olds to be part of the grand opening - a lock in sleepover and an escape room.

Book references abound in this romp through a high-tech modern library that features 3D theaters, fully equipped video game rooms, a cafe, book finding robots, holographic statues, and of course, books. I wish there had been a little less tech and reference to adult books (what 12yo has read an obscure Orwell or Crime and Punishment?!), but overall, it was good fun. 

Before and After, Judy Christie

Before and After, Judy Christie | 320 Pages

When Lisa Wingate published her novel, "Before We Were Yours," it stirred up lots of emotions and curiosity about the real adoptions and abuses of the Tennessee Children's Home Society in Memphis. Several adoptees and their families decided they wanted to gather together for a reunion - a time to process, share, heal, and grieve with others who could understand. Journalist Judy Christie comes along to record the experience and preserve the stories for future generations.

I like to pair novels with non-fiction to get a better understanding of the time and events portrayed. It was interesting to hear the real stories and follow the reunion, but it wasn't a tightly written book - so much fluff about the author's response to the stories told and the logistics behind the event. I would have preferred a collection of just the adoptee stories without the rest.

Odder, Katherine Applegate

Odder, Katherine Applegate | 288 pages

An adorable story in verse about an adorable, spunky otter named Odder. When she was a baby, a storm separated her from her mother. After washing up on shore, she was rehabbed by humans who taught her how to be an otter. Three years later, Odder and her friend Kairi are attacked by a shark and find themselves again in the aquarium, this time un-releasable. The humans give each otter a pup and they find their new place as foster moms.

Based on a combination of true stories from the Monterey Bay Aquarium on the edge of Elkhorn Slough and their sea otter rehabilitation program. Applegate tells the story in free verse, which is just a delightful approach. Verse captures the emotion and movement of otters in a way that prose can't.

The Ogress and the Orphans, Kelly Barnhill

The Ogress and the Orphans, Kelly Barnhill | 392 pages

"All roads in town then led to the Library, which had wide windows, tall shelves, and deep cushions on the sofas, and which welcomed everyone... Even the shushes were lovely."

The once-lovely town of Stone-in-the-Glen has fallen on hard times. After relentless fires, floods, and other calamities, they've lost their library, their school, their park, their prosperity. Even their neighborliness is lost. Only the wise and clever children of the Orphan House and the kindly Ogress who lives quietly at the edge of town see clearly how dire things are.

This book is so full of sorrow and hope, greed and generosity... it's so REAL. I so very much enjoyed this read that I'm planning to read it aloud to my kids.

All The Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr

 All The Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr | 531 Pages

Marie-Laure went blind at age 6. She lives in Paris with her father, spending her days at the Museum of Natural History, where he guides her into independence with a miniature model of the city she "reads" like her braille books.

Werner is a German orphan, living at the mouth of the coal mines that took his father and will take him in the future. As he grows, his brilliant mind for radios offers him a way out... into the Third Reich. 

The plot jumps back and forth from Marie and Werner's growing up years to World War 2, culminating at the siege on the French city of Saint-Malo which is the one day their paths cross.

Doerr has a way with words and images. It's very descriptive; many lines are sticking with me to ponder even days after finishing the book. You can tell he took 10 years to craft this literary gem and layer together all the elements of it. Some people may dislike the sympathetic approach to Nazi characters, but I appreciate the humanity and take it as a warning - we all have choices every day. "Don't you want to be alive before you die?"

Read for our June meeting of the Anything Goes Book Club

Sees Behind Trees, Michael Dorris

Sees Behind Trees, Michael Dorris | 104 pages

Visually impaired Walnut cannot earn his adult name the same way other boys do, by hitting a target with a bow and arrow. With his highly developed other senses, however, he earns a new name: Sees Behind Trees. When Grey Fire invites him on a trip to find the Place of Waters with his skills, he is excited and nervous to find his place in the community as a man. 

This is a sweet coming of age story that introduces some big concepts: disability, coming of age, sibling relationships, outsiders, desires, and more.

The Bad Beginning, Lemony Snicket

The Bad Beginning, Lemony Snicket | 176 pages

Dear Reader,

I'm sorry to say that the book you are holding in your hands is extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe. From the very first page of this book when the children are at the beach and receive terrible news, continuing on through the entire story, disaster lurks at their heels. One might say they are magnets for misfortune...

Lemony Snicket aka Daniel Handler has such a specific voice as an author. This book is a lot of fun. I love the vocabulary lessons mixed throughout. I do feel like the style would get grating were I to read the entire 13 book series.