Books Read in 2023, 2024 and 2025

2025

More or Less Maddy. May, 2025.**** Story built around the issue of bipolar issue with a young girl. It is eye opening and well worth reading .
The Man Who Planted Trees. May, 2025****Extraordinary fable of a shepherd who plants 100 acorns a day for thirty years. The beauty of the natural world.
My Name is Emilia del Valle. May 2025. ****I loved this story written by Isabel Allende. Story of a young girl coming of age and searching for her roots. Beginning in San Francisco and moving to Chile. We follow her amazing journey . I like how historical facts were woven into the story detailing much of Chile’s complicated history. Excellent

The Bronze Horseman. ****May, 2025. Very powerful love story amidst the Siege of Leningrad. I listened to this novel for 30 hours. The love parts were a bit much but it was all worth it in the end. Truly a great love story

Demon of Unrest by Erik Larsen April 2025. ***Excellent account of the five months between Lincoln’s inauguration and the battle for Fort Sumter. I learned aout!!

Three Days in June….April, 2025.****This is a short and beautiful story. Sweet, sharp and satisfying. I just loved it!!!

By Any Other Name…..April, 2025. ****Story of two women, one in the 1600’s and one in contemporary times. Both strong women and both writers. What about Shakespeare……a major part of this story based on the real life of Emilie Bassano

Beautiful Ugly. April, 2025. I did not love this book but I could not stop Listening. Very mysterious and I could not wait to see how it would end!!! ***

Memorial Days. April, 2025. Excellent memoir by author Geraldine Brooks. Beautiful expressions of love and emptiness after the death of her husband. Highly recommended,. *****

Enchantress of Numbers….March, 2025****Very very good and very very long. Amazing story of the real life of Ada Lovelace, probably the first computer programmer. Daughter of Lord Byron. 1815-1852. How does one blend science with poetry????

Nature of Fragile Things…..March 2025. ****Very good. start about women’s friendships amidst the early 1800’s. Irish immigrant and the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Worth reading!

The Nickel Boys. March,2025 *****An excellent historical fiction novel that won the Pulitzer Prize. It masterfully explores civil rights, human rights and the abuse of power by a legal system. Though fictional, much info is taken from the true case of a boys’ reform school in Florida in the 1960’s

All the Colors of the Dark…..Mar, 2025. I listened to half of this book and could not finish it. Too long and too darK. Too many other books to read.

God of the Woods. March 2025. I liked this book but it was very long and I did not finish it in time for book club discussion. I listened to the discussion and I know the whole story. Decided not to bother finishing it!

Queenie Malone’s Paradise Hotel. Feb. 2025. *** Complicated relationships between mothers and daughters. Tilly, as a child and then as an adult, searching for her truth

The Great Gatsby. Feb. 2025. What a treasure, what fabulous language. Loved it again!

Penitence. Feb. 2025. **** Ap poignant tale of love and forgiveness, shocking murder, long held secrets

Blind Spots. Feb. 2025.**** Excellent non fiction about many of the medical issues, including peanut allergies, nutrition, trans, HRT, childbirth and the microbiome (gut)

The Children’s Blizzard. Feb. 2025.**** Excellent fictionalized story of the blizzard of 1888 in Kansas. Swedish immigrants trying to make it in America. Good portrayal of life and tragedies in that time.

Whereabouts….Feb. 2025. *****excellent short novel. Unnamed woman in an unnamed area who looks at the intracies of life. Wonderful and beautiful book

Daisy Miller……Jan. 2025. *****This is the first short story in my FAU course. I really enjoyed this story. The writing was amazing and the discussion about proper behavior abroad by an American beauty is very “discussable”. Cant wait to see how this goes! Went to the class today at FAU and it was mesmerizing with the professor‘s presentation.. The fastest class ever. So many ways to look at Daisy.

Yellow Wallpaper…….** Feb. 2025. This is the last book in my Gilded Age Short STory Class. Powerful and dark. I did not like this story. It made me mad and sad.

Desiree’s Baby by Kate Chopin. Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin. Two remarkable short stories!. Feb., 2025. *****

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell……***** January, 2025. Simply extraordinary!!!!

The Awakening by Kate Chopin. Jan.2025***** Third short story for my FAU class. Superb. Written in 1899, an incredible novel about a woman being her own self. Loved it, such relevance to today

An Unfinished Love Story, A Personal History of the 1960’s……January, 2025.*****Non fiction by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Story of the author and her husband and their years at the White HOuse for the Kennedy’s, Johnson’s. Wonderful format where Dick Goodwin and Doris Kearns share their story through personal accounts

Roman Fever*****…..January, 2025. Second short story in my FAU course. This story, written by Edith Wharton is as mesmerizing as Daisy Miller. What a thrill to read exquisite writing with such surprise endings.

Travels with George…..Jan. 2025 ****Excellent non fiction book about our first president and how visited each state to learn about the people. Narrated by the author, I learned so much about our history. Highly recommended. Plus the author is coming to speak at Monarch in February.

Mount Vernon Love Story….Jan, 2025. ….I read this short novel in preparation for February and the study of George Washington . Additionally, I will read “Travels with George” by Nathaniel Philbrick , who is coming to speak at Monarch. These two books give a terrific portrayal of George Washington……who was “only a man”! Famous quote!

2024

The Life Impossible……Dec.. 2024 ***I really liked the beginning of this book as the main character picks up and goes to the island. After that it got too mystical for me. Gets great reviews but a tough read for me.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife…..Dec. 2024****Excellent first novel that I listened to. Mistaken identity leads to friendship and love as a lonely elderly man helps people to forgive and start again, including himself. Wonderful

Finding Margaret Fuller****Nov. 2024. Wonderful story of a woman in the 1850’s that was one of the first feminists. A journalist and transcendentalist, she was friends with Emerson, Thoreau, and a host of others.

Mercury….Nov. 2024. **** The title is the town where the Joseph family are roofers. Three brothers, Marley, Mick and Elise. Secrets in a blue collar working class town and the story that is told. I feverishly read and enjoyed this book…..could hardly put it down.

Intermezzo….Nov.2024. Superb. The relationship of the two brothers is so complicated. How can this end? I absolutely loved this book!*****

A Visit from the Goon Squad. Oct. 2024. Third book in my FAU course. Heard the author speak as well. Very complicated but a very smart book. Pulitzer Winner.

The Wedding People…..Oct. 2024 ****An upbeat look at a wedding and the guests who attend. One uninvited guest becomes a major part of this celebration. Gripping and fun.

Mrs. Bridge….Oct.2024. **** Significant book. I read it as the second book in my FAU course. Vignettes about a housewife in the 50’s who has everything and nothing at all. Quite sad but ever so memorable.

Tell Me Everything....Oct. 2024. Wonderful. "What is a life really worth?" All the characters from Elizabeth Strout's earlier books....Lucy, Olive, Burgess Brothers, Pam. Life in Maine with its loves. loss and friendships!

Becoming Madame Secretary…..Oct. 2024 ******What a wonderful version of the life of Frances Perkins and FDR. Loved every minute of it. I did audio and print. How we got Social Security, workplace fairness, women’s rights. Francis Perkins, Secretary of Labor. First woman in a presidential cabinet

Dear Edna Sloane….Oct. 2024. ***** Powerful superb writing that makes one think about the important things in life. Epistolary form between a “disappeared” author and the up and coming author who is determined to find her. “Loved this book”. (First book in my FAU class)

Briar Club…..Sept. 2024. *** Powerful story of intrigue in the 1950’s Washington DC boarding house. Female friendships,Cold War, McCarthyism. Pretty good.

How to Age Disgracefully……Sept. 2024. Hilarious and poignant story of old folks and young folks and dogs coming together to save something special in the community. ****

How To Read a Book…..Sept. 2024. A delightful story of unlikely friendships and second chances and birds and cats and prison and Portland , Maine. ****
The Brilliant LIfe of Eudora Honeysett….August 2024 Joyous and moving novel about an elderly woman and a young girl and the beauty of life and friendship*****

The Glass Maker….August, 2024. Charming love story taking place over centuries. Beauty of Venetian glass is at work here. Really enjoyed this book. ****

House of Eve….August, 2024. A very good story about two black women and their struggles for education and motherhood. An engaging story.***

SoulMate….July 2024. A thriller and page turner.

The Lion Women of Tehran….Jully 2024. Marvelous story of two dear women friendships amidst the turmoil of rebellion in Iran and women’s rights. Wonderfully, wonderfully done!!!****

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop…July 2024. Charming story of three people who find love and acceptance in a Japanese bookshop. Refreshing. ****

The Kitchen Front….July 2024. Based on true events front the BBC show during World War II.…a wartime cooking competition that made for a wonderful read. ****
Within Arm’s Reach….July 2024. ** Generational family store that lingered on too many details. Slow and tedious, but I finished it.

The Paris Novel*** July 2024. Stella goes to Paris on the wishes of her deceased mother. There she finds food and love. I especially liked the sections about George Whitman and Shakespeare and Company Book Store

The Princess of Las Vegas****June, 2024. A thriller of obsession, fintech, rivalry, identity and high tech mobsters amidst the lights of Las Vegas

The Little Liar****June, 2024 A story that had me captivated. A work of fiction, it continues the mantra “never forget”. The Jews in Greece were humiliated and persecuted, thousands sent to the camps during the Holocaust. This book tells their story and it is a story that needs to be told. Mitch Albom created four memorable characters that almost feel real. Told with compassion and honesty, a very good book

Wild and Distand Seas*** June, 2024 Good read that begins and ends in Nantucket and I always love a Massachusetts story,. four women, generational and entertaining.

In the Woods****June, 2024. Tana French debut novel that begins the series “Dublin Murder Squad”. Excellent and I am not a murder mystery lover. A detective investigates a murder in the same woods where he was found as a child with no memory of what had happened.

The Chilbury Ladies Choir****June, 2024. Using letters and journal, the choir takes us through the struggles, affairs, deceptions and triumphs of a British village choir during World War II. Delightful and a joy to read.

Good Night Irene*****June, 2024. Really really enjoyed this historical fiction novel of the ”donut dollies in WWII”, loosely based on the author’s mother. “This year marks the 140th birthday of the Red Cross, and one of the most compelling stories from that long history involves “Donut Dollies” — young American women recruited to bring treats and good cheer to combat troops in World Wars 1 and 2, Korea and Vietnam. Just to make this story even more timely, June 5th is National Donut Day — a day to reflect on what the Donut Dollies faced in fulfilling their mission. Eighty-six Red Cross volunteers, 52 of them women, died in World War 2.”

Apeirogon****** A beatifully written, heartfelt plea for peace: describes the loss of a child to war as experienced by an Israeli and a Palestinian father. May 2024. Please go to “My Blog” for further thoughts on this book

Running With Sherman**Rescue donkey inspired a gang of runners. Parts were terrific! May 2024

Long Island *****Loved this story of an Irish woman married and living in Long Island. Serious marriage problem, returns to Ireland, long lost love. A love triangle at what cost! Beautiful book. May 2024

The Cemetery of Untold Stories***** I loved this book. Everybody has a story to tell and it is beautifully depicted in this exquisite book by Julia Alvarez. She tells many stories in this book and allows for the quiet, the deceased, the lonely to tell their stories as well. 5/2024

Table for Two….****Two people can sit opposite each other and discuss how their worlds can change. Six short stories set in NY, beautifully written by author Amor Towles and one novella set in LA with Eve from Rules of Civility. Wonderful book. May, 2024

Life in a Jar*****Based on the true story of Irena Sendler and 3 Kansas High School students who brought her remarkable story to life. Irena saved 2500 children in the Warsaw Ghetto. This book is amazing! April, 2024

James***** This is an amazing novel. It is a re-imagining of the Huck Finn story told from Jim’s point of view. An escape on the MIssissippi and a search for lost family are nightlights. Wonderful excerpts from Voltaire and John Locke on the horrors of slavery. Heir to Mark Twain’s satirical vision, Everett turns a boyhood memoir into a neo-fugitive slave narrative thriller. . . Both gripping,, painful, horrifying and funny. A must read. Check out “my blog” page on this website for a more in depth review…..…April, 2024

Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookstore*** I loved the first half of this book with its quirky and delightful characters. It was a joy to listen to the voices in the audio. if you like science fiction, the second half of this novel will be right up your alley.. April, 2024

The Berlin Letters****fictional tale of the Cold War, the Iron Curtain, CIA, and Louisa who risks everything to rescue her father from a German prison, I enjoyed learning about East and West Berlin and the trauma that the people endured. This story was told in a couple of voices and I highly recommend it. April, 2024

The Hike*. Recommended as a thriller, it was much less than that. I did the audio and I found that to be of poor quality. The four women in the story were somewhat interesting, but when one is lost on a mountain and in fear of their lives, their topics of conversation perplexed me. This book was not for me! Apr., 2024

The Phoenix Crown*** fictional account of wronged women in 1906, before, during and after the great San Francisco earthquake. The story blends historical facts of those times amidst murder, treachery, love and deceit. April, 2024

Tiny Beautiful Things***, Non fiction. Some excellent advice on a variety of issues. I liked most of this book. Feb. 2024

After Annie**** Beautifully done, though sad. Story of how a young family pulls itself together after a tragic loss. Left me with a feeling of hopefulness…..good messages too March 2024

Small Things Like These*****, a father confronts the truth of one of Ireland's infamous Magdalene laundries. March 2024. Beautiful

Boy with the Star Tattoo****An intriguing look at post Holocaust where agents search for missing Jewish children to bring them to Israel. Well done. Feb. 2024

Sparring Partners.****One of the masters of the crime and courtroom genre, Grisham brings the legal world back in three short and wonderful novellas. Dont miss this engaging read!!

The Women ****women nurses who served in Vietnam and their amazing memories. This book highlights how they were not recognized. Quite a story that made me rethink what I knew of the Vietnam War. Read it. And Read my blog on this website. Feb. 2024

Looking for Jane***** abortion issues in Toronto, three women, different generations, missing letter found too late…….beautifully done story of motherhood. Feb., 2024

Yellowface*** *two college friends and book publishing, and plagiarism and racism. An engaging book that leaves one thinking about a lot of things. Jan. 2024

Frozen River **** story of a courageous midwife in the 1800s. Based on diary accounts of this brave woman. Excellent read Jan. 2024

North Woods ** A very unusual story of a Massachusetts house over a period of 300 years. The different inhabitants and their quirkiness. A difficult and not engaging read. Jan. 2024

Option B *** Good nonfiction about how one deals with loss and grief Jan, 2024

Miracle Creek*** story of a Korean family in the United States, who have a company that includes a hyperbaric chamber that is used to treat people with various illnesses. Tragic events occur. Well done story about how lies and secrets and family can almost destroy one another. Feb. 2024

Saved****non fiction account of a photojournalist horribly injured in the Ukraine. This book shows how the US government came to the aid of a private citizen. More details on “My Blog” on this site.. Well done. Feb. 2024

Books Read in 2023

The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store***** a book that I could not put down. Rich, poor, black, white….it hits it all and the characters are remarkable. Check my blog on this site for many more details.

Banyon Moon ***
Such Kindness *****
Stay True *****
The Postcard ***
Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting****
Properties of Thirst***

Tom Lake ****** a wonderful story of family and how three daughters want to learn how their mother once knew the “famous” actor. It is a retrospective kind of story filled with beautiful passages and it was truly a joy to read. Check my blog on this site for details

Somebody's Fool***
The Paris Daughter ***
The First Ladies****
The House is on Fire**
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop (refreshing)****
The Reading List***** (heartwarming)
Housekeeper and Professor(amazing)*****
The Secret Book of Flora Lee***
River Sing Me Home***
The Wind Knows My Name***

The Covenant of Water*****Saga with incredible characters set in India.Three generations that share a “gene” peculiar affliction. I LOVED this book, but it is a challenging read.

Mad Honey*****(real world stuff)this book will reshape the way you think of transgender. It was a wonderful education for me.

Demon Copperhead*****(Appalachia) Demon struggles to find his place in the world. Set in southern Appalachia, young son of a single Mom looks for love and acceptance amidst poverty, drugs and despair. Dark novel but superb!

Finding Freedom****(Erin French)
The Golden Doves****(post WW2)
The Radium Girls****(really happened)
Finding Me****(memoir)
Bibliophile*****

Lessons in Chemistry*****superb novel about how a female chemist struggles to be accepted in a mans world. Well worth reading!

Books Read in 2023, 2024 and 2025

Books Read in 2023

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