May reading roundup #4

And just like that, it’s June. (May was both a whirlwind and an eternity. Just me?) Amid blooming rhododendrons, sudden downpours and so many emails, here’s what I have been reading:

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise, Dan Gemeinhart
Since her mom and sisters died in a car crash, Coyote (now 12) and her dad, Rodeo, have been driving around the country in an old school bus. This middle-grade novel follows Coyote’s attempts to get them back home. I loved parts of this (including Coyote’s new friend Salvador and her fraught, loving relationship with her dad), but other parts felt a little forced. Still a good ride.

Expiration Dates, Rebecca Serle
Every time she meets a man, Daphne Bell has always received a piece of paper telling her how long their relationship will last. But when she gets a note with just a name – Jake – she has to decide whether and how to commit with no limits. I liked the premise, and the writing was snappy, but I thought this novel had potential it didn’t quite meet. (I loved Serle’s The Dinner List.)

Christa Comes Out of Her Shell, Abbi Waxman
Biologist Christa Barnet has been happily hiding out on a remote island, studying her beloved sea snails. But when her famous father (presumed dead) reappears after 25 years away, Christa flies to L.A. to reckon with his return. I like Waxman’s witty writing, and I’ve adored her previous novels, but this one was…not my favorite. Too steamy, and I couldn’t connect with Christa herself.

Katharine, the Wright Sister, Tracey Enerson Wood
Most Americans know about the Wright brothers and their trailblazing flights – but most people don’t know their sister, Katharine, was integral to their success. I loved this triple-POV novel told from Katharine’s, Wilbur’s and Orville’s perspectives. So many great details. (Bonus: my mom grew up near Dayton, so I loved learning about the city’s history.) To review for Shelf Awareness (out Sept. 10).

Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster, Jonathan Auxier
Nan Sparrow loved her life as a chimney sweep when her protector, the Sweep, was still around. But since he disappeared, she’s struggled to stay alive and keep her spirits up. I enjoyed this moody, charming middle-grade novel about the (true) hardships faced by London chimney sweeps, and I loved Nan’s companions, Charlie (a golem) and Toby (a fellow sweep).

A Whole Song and Dance, Sarvenaz Tash
I picked up this charming YA novel at Books are Magic in Brooklyn Heights this spring. Nasrin Mahdavi has big musical theatre dreams – but her Iranian parents think she’s going to business school. I loved watching her navigate her first year at NYU; her theatre BFF, Beckett; and the budding romance with her stats tutor, Max. So fun. (All the chapters are named after show tunes!)

Most links (not affiliate links) are to my local faves Trident and Brookline Booksmith. Shop indie!

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January reading roundup #1

We’re already deep into January, and the new year is buzzing – wild weather, upcoming travel plans, lots going on at work. Meanwhile, here’s what I have been reading:

Redwood Court, DeLana R.A. Dameron
Dameron’s debut novel is a vividly described narrative about a Black family in South Carolina, told by the youngest granddaughter, Mika. Sharply observed: so many nuances of family dynamics, Black Southern culture, and growing up in the 1990s. To review for Shelf Awareness (out Feb. 6).

The Frame-Up, Gwenda Bond
Magically gifted art forger Dani Poissant has been out of the game for a decade. But she’s called back in for a big job involving her mother, her old crew, a sinister painting and a multimillion-dollar collection. The plot and world-building are a little thin, but I liked Dani (and her dog, Sunflower) enough to keep reading. I adored Bond’s YA series featuring Lois Lane. To review for Shelf Awareness (out Feb. 13).

The Last Devil to Die, Richard Osman
The Thursday Murder Club has hit a lull – or thinks they have, until a friend of theirs is killed in a case involving an ancient terra-cotta box filled with heroin. Joyce, Ron, Ibrahim and Elizabeth join forces (with a few other friends) to find the killer. I loved this fourth installment; lots of tender/sad parts relating to Elizabeth’s declining husband, Stephen. But a well-plotted mystery, and I liked seeing Joyce step up and take charge.

Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for An Evolving Faith, Sarah Bessey
I’ve loved Bessey’s work for a long time: she is a thoughtful, encouraging, honest voice to those of us who’ve had to rethink/leave/jettison/remake the faith we were raised with. This book offers practices and approaches for “the wilderness” – i.e. those in-between places. She’s gentle and wise (and a beautiful writer); I felt so seen and encouraged. To review for Shelf Awareness (out Feb. 20).

The Turtle House, Amanda Churchill
Churchill’s compelling debut novel sensitively explores the stories of Mineko “Minnie” Cope, a Japanese WWII bride, and her Texan granddaughter, Lia. Back at home after fleeing a bad work situation, Lia (a promising architect) starts asking her grandmother questions about her experience growing up near Osaka and her journey to Texas. So thoughtful and well described; I loved the juxtaposition of Texas and Japan. To review for Shelf Awareness (out Feb. 20).

The Limits, Nell Freudenberger
I loved Freudenberger’s Lost and Wanted. Her latest novel explores the experiences of a group of characters during COVID: marine biologist Nathalie, working on an island near Tahiti; Nathalie’s ex-husband Stephen, a cardiologist in Manhattan; his second wife Kate, newly pregnant; Stephen and Nathalie’s teenage daughter, Pia; and one of Kate’s students, Athyna. They’re all basically trying to get through the day, but what I loved is the sensitive exploration of each character’s inner life and the dynamics between them. Rich and compelling. To review for Shelf Awareness (out April 9).

City Spies: Golden Gate, James Ponti
This sequel to City Spies finds two of the girls – Sydney and Brooklyn – caught up in the hijacking of a ship. After they save the day, the whole crew heads to London and then San Francisco in pursuit of an mole who’s been passing on MI6 secrets. Dragged a bit in the middle, but mostly really fun. I’m enjoying this middle-grade series (bought my nephew the first book for Christmas).

Most links (not affiliate links) are to my local faves Trident and Brookline Booksmith. Shop indie!

What are you reading?

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