Anxiety-inducing, dreadful imagining of what will happen if the United States were a target of a nuclear attack. A minute-by-minute layout of the fallout, response, and aftermath. An absolutely terrifying and all too conceivable scenario that left me with the realization that human existence (and all other life on earth) can end with the push of a button at the hands of madmen rulers. A very real possibility in the age we are living.

Nope. Incredibly unbelievable, pacing was off for me. Tragedy struck the Bennetts and alllll the things happen—law enforcement, corruption, family secrets, organized crime but less than entertaining and just struck me as a jumbled mess in the second half after a long set up. I appreciated it slightly more after book club but not enough to call it a “so-so”.

Thanks @Megabooks for putting this one on my radar. I finally got around to reading it a year later! Cameron Russell is a model and recounts her experiences with creeps and feelings of guilt for the unsavory nature of the fashion industry and her profits. She discusses her political activities and relationship with her mother. A quick listen!

Janet is misunderstood, dismissed, and made to feel “other” by her family, peers, and teachers in her girls‘ school in Scotland. She wanders her family‘s dark, crumbling, rambling castle. Janet feels deeply, especially affected by animal suffering, and feels at peace in nature. She grates on the nerves of those around her with her ‘know it all‘ ways. It‘s an atmospheric read with excellent writing and striking imagery. Short but feels long. ⬇️

We spent so much time looking around and I could have stayed there for another couple of hours! I also believe that there is a bookstore cat, though we didn‘t see the buddy, there was a cat bed so one can assume. How perfect. (Loganberry Books near Cleveland part 3)

This carved wooden doorway was my favorite feature— beyond it is a room filled with rare/antique and first addition books. (Loganberry Books near Cleveland post 2)

Loganberry Books in Shaker Heights, Ohio (Cleveland) is a book lover‘s dream! Two more photos incoming.

Wow, “unlikable” is an understatement! This professor (we get a front row seat to all his horrible thoughts) is obsessed with a female Pakistani colleague, and her nephew. He wants to believe himself to be a good guy but he‘s absolutely vile. The twisty ways he thinks about his beliefs, the upcoming 2016 election, women, etc is so gross but easy to imagine in these men with self-inflated egos. It‘s a very character-focused book and surprising!

Racism hurts all of us, and this book is an excellent resource to understand the systems in place that continue the division, focusing on American race relations. In fact, the author travelled all over the country to meet individuals and learn about the issues particular to states, which vary but are based on old racist policies. Thanks to @Singout for adding this to #AuldLangSpine25. I‘m still reading from your list!

Maybe I‘ve read too many of these types of nonfiction books, dissecting early motherhood — the author connecting her own experiences to established norms about raising children/scientific studies. While I agree with the ideas in the book, I was often bored. It‘s probably me as a reader, but I was hoping for mothering beyond the baby years. While her kids are older, she only touches on them as such.

A few short stories and the titular novel, “Stag Dance”, which were very different and a bit jarring but a nice change of style, setting, and tone. Stag Dance is too long, could have been better as a short story. Conversely, one of the short stories could have been a full novel. I listened to the audiobook which really enhanced the Stag Dance story, as the narrator really brings out the characters and setting (lumberjacks isolated in a camp).

The whole idea (14 hour audio!) is that parents/adults/caregivers should be the central relationship in a child‘s life, with friends and peers secondary. The authors argue that parents should guide their children in every aspect of life. I agree with this and find comfort in the fact that our kids have friends but neither have groups that matter more than our relationship with them. However, it‘s repetitive and feels over the top at times.

This book presents all the ways humans are allowing their lived experiences to become secondary to their screens. There‘s data about many aspects of life: our friends are often online instead of in our own neighborhood, our kids are watching videos instead of riding their bikes, and there‘s anecdotes about what experiencing life through technology causes us to miss. (I‘m guilty of this somewhat—I hide behind screens in public, it‘s a shield!)

These dystopian novels, paired with the dystopian times upon us thanks to unbelievable actions of the government is starting to be too much for me. The way the facts are manipulated in this book (the main character isn‘t wrongfully imprisoned, she‘s merely “under observation”) is so disturbing and something I can see our world sliding into. The use of technology to predict future behavior, believable. This book is unsettling. More⬇️

Campers may not want to share my tent, as I‘ve brought along some odd fellows. Blob and Sky Daddy specifically—those really stretch my reading limitations so it‘s a bit of a personal challenge. Totally understand if no one votes them in, as I‘m a little hesitant myself..
So many great nominations so far! I‘m looking forward to The Names, Stag Dance, and Tilt that I would have nominated but since others have already done so, here we go! 😂

Another uncomfortable read from the Women‘s Prize list—this was just shortlisted, while I was in the middle of reading it. Nila is the “good girl” who relocates to Berlin with her Afghani family, both parents successful but forced to work in fast food in their new country. Shes miserable and constantly trying to escape her own skin by engaging in damaging behaviors with substances and unhealthy relationships. A rocky coming of age. Good audio.

A very unlikable character selfishly taking the little water resources available in a near future water-stressed South Africa.. and she‘s white and disabled. She uses that for her advantage. This is supposed to echo a broader point—was lost on me. History, family secrets, past coming back to haunt, unanswered questions, repressed memories. I had high hopes because I loved An Island but this just did not strike a cord with me.

March reads
A few Women‘s Prize — total top row, both NF and fiction.

Standouts:
The Searcher - Tana French
Raising Hare - Chloe Dalton

A beloved post-apocalyptic novel set in 2024-27 America, one where the water is scarce and society as we know it has collapsed. It‘s such a trip reading this during the time it is set, knowing it was written over 30 years ago, and realizing how much Butler got right.
These novels always make me wonder how I‘d cope in a fight for survival during a new world order. Not well, I‘m thinking! Loved the connection to nature and “Acorn”—love that name!

It‘s #TransVisibility Day and I listened to the utter delight that is Dylan Mulvaney. She chronicles her time after the Bud Light incident and her journey to become who she was meant to be all along. Dylan came out to her mother at 4 as trans but has only recently transitioned. Her strength and bravery to share her story in order to help others is inspiring. Her upbeat tone and cute stories were entertaining and I could have listened to many more!

“Everybody dies, everything ends—but not now. Not now.”

This book covers the end of the world as we know it, or at least the end of humanity, and how that may come to pass. Chapters feature ways we‘ll go out like pandemics, nuclear weapons, climate change, overpopulation, war, cosmic events and more. Far from depressing, this was a fun look at the way humans have thought about the end of times over many years, through books, movies, etc.

I loved Dalton‘s memoir of her time with a hare. I loved her respect for the wild creature and her earnest determination to both accommodate the hare in her home but keep herself at a distance in order to build trust. I loved the relationship between wild creature and human—something that‘s been written about often in memoirs at the present (Me and Alfie, etc). I‘m not sure this will win the Women‘s Prize (NF), but I wouldn‘t be sad if it did.

This book was tragic, graphic, and triggering on many levels. And the pace was slow…which is not a complaint, that‘s the family‘s lived experience (waiting over 25 years to find justice) which definitely came through in the text. Kathy Sue Engle, the author‘s mother, was brutally murdered after she was taken by two men from a mall in Oklahoma when Kristine was just 11. Growing up without a mother after losing her in the most painful way.

I can see why Tana French has a dedicated following; this book is so good! Read this for the excellent setting and character development, and though there‘s plenty happening, it‘s not as fast-paced and plot-focused as many mysteries are. Cal is an American cop who relocated to Ireland after disillusionment with his life and job. He is busy with physical labor, renovating a cottage when a local kid shows up and a mystery unfolds. Lots of townsfolk.

Dan Slepian is passionate about his work with wrongfully convicted prisoners. This book focuses on JJ, an inmate in Sing Sing, the original “big house” in NY. Slepian is a Dateline producer (love that show!) and through his work has met and advocated for men who have been wronged by the American justice system. Maddening! And definitely a worthwhile read.

I‘m a sucker for a memoir so this #wpnf25 long listed title (as of today, a short listed title!) was definitely going to be something I‘d read. And while I did like this, I‘m confused about what makes it stand out among other memoirs to make the list. Last year‘s How to Say Babylon was evident in its exceptionality. Maybe one of the judges is a huge fan…? Speaking of the short list I‘ve got 2 more to read: Agent Zo and Wild Sea.

Mixed feelings on The Women:
Pro- readable, I learned a bit about the Vietnam War, book club attendees love Kristin Hannah, lots to discuss
Con- melodramatic, over-the-top/too much happens to one individual
So, in all, a mixed bag. I see why Hannah is so popular and I honestly don‘t dislike it, but she‘s not an author I would pick up on my own. Spoiler in comments ⬇️

Loved this story. Human connection through water. Told through 3 perspectives, set on the banks of the River Thames and the Tigris in 2014, 2018 and 1840 (and a bit beyond). My favorite character was King Arthur of the Sewers and Slums. Not one I‘ll soon forget!

I was into this audio at the beginning but I found it to drag on the middle—so much so that I found myself skipping and I NEVER do that. I could have missed something vital, so take this with a grain of salt. I know theater doesn‘t work for me in literature so it‘s my fault. I loved the MC‘s backstory and the set up: Sonia returns to her home to discover so much has changed: grandparents have passed, houses sold. Timely: Palestinian experiences.

The review backlog continues. The Echoes pulled at my heartstrings but didn‘t destroy me like I was prepared for..after reading reviews (and the blurb!) I was hesitant to pick it up for fear of being too sad, but I found plenty of moments of levity here. 3 timelines, 2 settings: different perspectives and locations. Max is still lingering after his death, watching Hannah in the London apartment they shared. Hannah remembers her past in Australia.

Partially set in my neck of the woods, this YA/new adult novel is from the perspective of a HS swimmer who joins the Ohio University college team. OU is in the next county over so that was one of the reasons I picked this up—I loved seeing the college life/town so accurately represented on the page! This is a book about finding oneself, in many ways, but mostly focused on gender identity. Good on audio!

Rained out of a soccer game, waiting it out in the car — never sad about some downtime that I can spend reading 🌧️

Another hit from the #wpnf25 longlist that I would have missed! Wistrich has collected cases involving women who have been convicted of crimes, or victims—some cases both. This is a call to action for change. I thought this was great.

Kari Ferrell was known as the Hipster Grifter in NYC after articles published gave her this moniker after the discovery of some of her scams around 2009. In her new memoir, she recounts the scams she ran on friends and family, from elementary school in Utah (after being adopted from Soith Korea), through young adulthood in Brooklyn. Terrell‘s scams targeted those closest to her. Though I typically love to read about scams, this missed the mark.

I had higher hopes. Interesting beginning, but I found the middle to drag. But that ENDING! Worth it for the end alone, which totally took me by surprise. Now I want to watch the movie.

#WPNF25 longlist
This was a fascinating read about a period of human history I knew little about, the Viking age. I appreciate the way this was organized; chapters were focused on universal human experiences such as “love”, “play”, “beginnings” and “endings”. I found it fascinating to learn how anthropologists have learned about the people living during this time period using artifacts found in bogs, drawings, bones, burials, and more.

February 25 wrap up
I‘ve been on a roll, carrying my momentum from January into February. The entire bottom line (minus the first: Supercommunicators) were graphic novels/photo book, a format I‘m loving these days.
Second row: the only fiction titles!
Favorites:
By the Fire We Carry
I‘m laughing because I‘m crying
Isola
Y2K

Another fine enough listen; this one is a true crime story from Australia…and the title pretty much sums it up! Apparently this is a sensational case everyone knows about there, though it was new to me, as an American. The author speaks to the listener as if we already know what happened so the very beginning of the book pretty much gives up all the events in the first couple of sentences. Well reported court case of a disgusting crime.

This is the first read from our new thriller book club at the library. I thought it was pretty entertaining and the motivations of the “bad guys” made sense. Set in a fictional apartment building in NYC, the “new couple” find themselves in the middle of several mysterious events. There‘s murder and greed, relationship dynamics, new money, questionable neighbors, tarot readings, and sightings. It has it all. Ok, as an escape read.

The characters were believable, the setting was great, plus there‘s a plot. This could very well be classified as a thriller but has interesting and original use of devices to propel the story. In this case, an old-money family becomes involved with a tech start up, which brings up moral conundrums about the use of technology. Not too tech-focused but mostly involved with the perspectives of a pair of friends turned sisters-in-law. Good audio!

Very difficult subject matter. Brittany Means lived through a tumultuous childhood only to find herself in an increasingly dangerous relationship as she came of age. The abuse described in this book is horrific and mostly occurs when Means is a child. I have a hard time recommending this as it‘s just so brutal.

Another moving graphic novel, but this one is fiction. I went in not knowing much about this book and that is definitely the way to experience this one. The illustrations are simple, yet beautiful and the story is moving. I learned about another culture and I was moved to tears. So good!!

A collection of pieces about crimes: these articles go far beyond the typical, salacious facts of murders. These pieces focus on the societal implications of crimes such as the racism that led to the Asian spa shooting, the lack of prosecution of the despicable behavior of the elite, the unforgivable injustice of those sitting behind bars for crimes they did not commit, lynching in the Deep South. Amanda Knox on her treatment in the media. Good!

What could be a saccharine tale in the hands of another author turned into a character study full of wit and quiet wisdom from the pen of Anne Tyler. The premise doesn‘t appeal to me: divorced parents are forced together during three days in June for the wedding of their daughter. But I loved it! Tyler has a way of elevating the mundane into meaningful and potent observations of human nature. I need to read the backlist. Also recommend: duck lamp!

A new graphic novel added to a library in our consortium…sure I‘ll give it a try. The hold comes in and woah, no clue what this was about or the graphic (erotic!) content. This is a witch-burning, demon nightmare/crossover into real life full of sex, murder, sinning and judgement in 1600s England. I appreciated the use of two styles of illustrations, from the two creators. It really added dimension to the work.

I popped into the bookstore while my oldest son was with his tutor. This book jumped out at me and reminded me to check it out at the library. I did read the first few pages there. Is that stealing? I‘m not a bookstore person, at the library, this is encouraged!

A memoir of journalist Emily Witt‘s trips and wild parties often with her love interest/object of obsession Andrew. She describes a few experiences that I found interesting (Ayahuasca, specifically) but mostly it‘s a repetitive journal of the hard partying scene in nyc. The second half of the book included some more of her experiences covering stories for various publications. Less than impressed with this.

Totally unexpected how dark this would get! I read this just knowing Sarah Moss as a British literary fiction author (I‘ve only read Ghost Wall but need to change that!) with no idea what this would be about. From an unhappy childhood with “the jumbly girl” and “the owl”, her parents, to lifelong mental struggles, this was dark but so worthwhile. She wrestles with her own thoughts throughout, “that‘s not how it happened you stupid girl!” More⬇️

I fell into the hype with this. Mostly it‘s what I already knew: find common ground, make connections with people rather than talking “at” them, practice active listening.
I think I mistakenly assumed this would help me crawl out of my introvert shell, but no book is likely to work that miracle! Not a bad book, and definitely one many people should read to help to understand each other better. We need more of that these days.

I forgot to review this. I listened to the audiobook mostly, but needed the physical book to read the ending to find out what I missed/misunderstood listening. But guess what? I still have no clue what actually happened at the end. I don‘t need a neat and tidy ending but I also don‘t love it when I feel like I‘ve missed something. This seems to be purposeful. Still, I enjoyed this propulsive and quick read. I was anxious throughout!