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?
cakes, tea and dreams 