January is flying by – between work, travel, snow and ice, and lots of tea. Here’s what I have been reading:
All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me, Patrick Bringley
I think Annie recommended this lovely memoir by a former Met guard, who took the job after his brother’s death and spent a decade engaging with the art, the visitors, and his wildly diverse colleagues. Bringley is a thoughtful, wise guide; this is a book about museums, but also about looking and seeing and paying attention.
The Phoenix Crown, Kate Quinn & Janie Chang
I loved this lush, bold novel about a priceless Chinese artifact, a group of brave women, and the San Francisco earthquake. Opera singer Gemma Garland; her oldest friend Nell, an artist; Chinese seamstress Feng Suling; and botanist Alice Eastwood are drawn together by the titular crown. When the earthquake strikes, they scatter, but are reunited five years later when the crown resurfaces. Fast-paced, richly drawn and unapologetically fierce. To review for Shelf Awareness (out Feb. 13).
Ways to Build Dreams, Renee Watson
Ryan Hart is back for a fourth adventure – middle school is approaching, and she’s trying to figure out who she wants to be. A little less plot than the other books, but a sweet conclusion to this fun middle-grade series featuring a spunky, smart Black girl.
Otter Country: An Unexpected Adventure, Miriam Darlington
Darlington, a longtime fan of otters, goes on a months-long quest to search out their presence in Britain. She meets other otter experts, learns a great deal about climate and ecology and habitat, and attempts to capture the otter’s elusive appeal. Lyrical and lovely. To review for Shelf Awareness (out Feb. 20).
Becoming Madam Secretary, Stephanie Dray
I inhaled this novel about Frances Perkins – FDR’s secretary of labor and the first woman to serve on a U.S. presidential cabinet. Dray brings Perkins and her time to vivid life: her staunch New England resolve, her compassion for destitute mothers and babies in Hell’s Kitchen, her dedication to better labor practices and more rights for workers, her long relationship with FDR (marked by both contention and respect). Compelling and so well done. (I also loved Dray’s The Women of Chateau Lafayette.) To review for Shelf Awareness (out March 12).
Every Time We Say Goodbye, Natalie Jenner
After her playwriting career takes a disastrous turn, Vivien Lowry heads to Rome to work as a script doctor at Cinecittà Studios. She meets a colorful cast of characters – actors, producers, directors – who are enjoying la dolce vita while fighting strict censorship by the Vatican. More poignantly, though, Vivien and her new friends are all still reckoning with their experiences during the war. A cinematic historical novel featuring characters from Bloomsbury Girls, which I loved. To review for Shelf Awareness (out May 14).
Top Marks for Murder, Robin Stevens
Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are back at Deepdean – but as parents descend for the school’s Anniversary weekend, they discover that some things have changed. When their friend witnesses an altercation, followed by a murder, Wells and Wong are back on the case. I loved seeing how the girls have matured, and the mystery was clever. So fun.
Most links (not affiliate links) are to my local faves Trident and Brookline Booksmith. Shop indie!
What are you reading?
cakes, tea and dreams 