REVIEW The Sisters by Jonas Hassen Khemiri

 

This book is certainly long but it didn't feel long to read at all.  It is an epic novel about three enigmatic sisters and a young man's relationship relative to them. It is specifically about the Mikkola sisters - Ina, Evelyn and Anastasia - and a young man named Jonas (the author perhaps) who has lived his life being completely obsessed and enthralled by them, living in their orbit but hoping eventually to live in their world. It spans decades of time - it starts at one year and then the time covered goes down. It also spans a multitude of places - Sweden, Tunisia and New York to name a few. 

I absolutely loved the characters and couldn't get enough of them. They were so real and the narrator (Jonas) was subtly placed as the observer.  It simply added to the story in a way that was not heavy handed and was absolutely subtle. What I additionally enjoyed was how it absolutely captured the messiness of marriage. One of the sisters visiting their mother as an adult was absolutely haunting and stays with me even now. 

Definitely worth the commitment!

Links I love

 

This has been quite a week here. My son started his first day of classes at college this week and my daughter is doing driver's ed! I owe you at least two reviews - they should be out next week.

• If you like memoirs, here are some to try.'
• Scots, historical fiction and more.
• The books that shaped you in high school.
• 14 new books that will help you ease your way into fall.
• Your guide to Dolly Parton's crime movies.
• What is true crime literature?
• 28 pictures of people posing at the WTC prior to 9/11.
• The significance of dogs in literature.
• The trailer for East of Eden is here.
• Gothic Horror set across the Globe.
• Gloria Steinem has passed away. Later in life, she found herself free from gender constraints.
• What the heck?
• The benefit of reading over coffee can sharpen your focus all day.
• Where to start if you are interested in reading books by Emily St. John Mandel.

I hope everyone has a good week.

Links I Love

 

This was a big week in our house. School started, my son moved into college and my daughter started driver's education!  CRAZY I tell you. In memory of Tim Cruise, I rewatched Clue - which I LOVED as a child.  

• Five page turning crime books involving nature.
• What can the ghost of Sylvia Plath teach us about grief?
• The Kirkus short list prize finalists are out.
• The book club picks this month.
• Some fantasy/sci fi mystery books.
• 5 mysteries that blend cozy, horror and romance.
• We lost Tim Curry too. An Ode to Tim Curry's Pennywise..
• 6 common pets in medieval times. 
• The most popular album in the year you graduated from high school.
• Some books that explore women's horror fiction.
• 7 great horror novels set in the American South.
• How Dolly was mourned. 
• 15 books that the folks at Electric Literature loved from this summer,
• I would also break into fisticuffs over Anne PAtchett
• 15 novels featuring dogs.
• Finalists from the 2026 Kirkus award have been announced. 
• Check out these supplements if you're like me and over 40 trying to build muscle. 

Have a great week!

Rest in peace, Dolly.

 

Dolly Parton, a national treasure, has passed away at the age of 80. The world has lost a phenomenal force - I admired her for her brains, class, talent, and her fight to increase literacy among children.  

Dolly, thank you for all that you have done for us and for trying to make this world a better, kinder place.  I hope that  you find peace in heaven.  Godspeed.

REVIEW: Whistler by Ann Patchett

 Ann Patchett is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. I loved The Dutch House and Whistler is also a new favorite of mine.  In the nature of full disclosure, I love literary fiction about families and this is most assuredly what this novel is.  

This novel focuses on the relationship between Daphne Fuller and Eddie Triplett, who are a daughter and stepfather with a love that transcends trauma, a divorce and a weird twist. They reunite after a span of 45 years at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in what is one of the most serendipitous moments that I can remember. The precipitating event was a car accident on a snowy road that left both Eddie and Daphne trapped inside and a divorce very shortly thereafter which Daphne believes is her fault (I mean, Eddie crashed the car with her inside and they could have died, so it's a reasonable assumption). We learn about Eddie and Daphne during dialogue between the characters that contain vague references and flashbacks to the actual accident.  I LOVED this - it was perfect in keeping me interested and wanting to know more, the pacing was on point and, as usual, Patchett's writing is just lovely.

I felt like the characters were very real and relatable characters.  They were well developed and I found myself often nodding along with them and their statements. The whole book also felt just very...KIND and it shown in how the characters interacted with each other. I loved the themes of love within families and how that can look differently to different people within different relationships or even within the same relationship.  It is also about second chances.

I cherished this lovely book and I hope that you will too.  

Links I love

 

This weekend we spent time in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and just relaxed.  I have a lot of stuff going on in my mind right now so it was a welcome relief.  I've been doing a lot of reading too. 

• Lindsey Clancy's trial highlights the gaps in treating post-partum psychosis.
• The best crime fiction of 2026. 
• The new ACOTAR book covers are out!
• Mass. passed a right to read law.
• Dark Academia reads for the book club for fall.
• Did smartphones really kill reading?
• Tom Hanks may star in a movie adaptation of Theo of Golden.
• The LT Governor in Texas is coming for the books.
• 60 of the most anticipated books of the upcoming fall.

I hope that everyone has a great week!

REVIEW: Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker

 

This was  the first book by Kylie Lee Baker that I've ever read and I can't wait to read her other books. When I think of Gothic horror, I think of fever dream, death, unhappiness, hallucinations and all the things. This book had EVERYTHING. 

First and foremost - the setting. Absolutely spooky - it's a Japanese cottage in the middle of the woods - near an ocean or maybe not.  I wasn't ever entirely clear. And the characters?!  To die for (literally and figuratively). They were absolutely fascinating and I was drawn into them. They were beautifully written, as was the storytelling.  Ms. Baker uses a dual timeline narrative to tell the story, which was very effective in keeping my head spinning and me on my toes. However, when the two timelines finally collide, you better watch out!  

The themes that were explored also very much hit hard for me. The novel dives deeply into themes surrounding perception, regret, mistakes and the role that the land/property plays in holding onto the atrocities that are committed upon them. It points out the consequences of our choices and how the place bears witness, often holding onto it. The writing itself is beautiful. It's lucid, flowing and super easy to get lost in.  I found that chapters would go by before I remembered that I had to get ready for work. 

This is a novel that will warrant a second reading for me so that I can pretend to maybe understand more the novel and I look very much forward to her other novels. 

REVIEW American Fantasy by Emma Straub

 

In this novel, we follow Annie, who is a 50-something recent divorcee who is going on her first ever celebrity cruise featuring the bank Boy Talk (which reminded me of NKOTB). Her sister, Katherine, was the real superfan and Annie intended to go with her, but Katherine broke her leg so couldn't attend. Annie is, therefore, on her own. She's paired with a roommate named Maira, who is a veteran Boy Talk cruiser and helps Annie learn the ways of the cruise. The members of Boy Talk also play a role, and are seriously stock characters. Keith Fiore is the one that we get to know the best. 

I just couldn't get into this book.  I appreciated that Straub was exploring themes related to aging, fandom and life changes, but the whole thing felt very superficial, flat and rushed. I didn't feel like Annie had an arc at all and was kind of just there, exploring things without having any agency or learning anything. At all. Nothing big or cathartic happened in this book. At all. I kept expecting something to happen that would inspire change and introspection on the parts of the characters but there wasn't really anything like that. It wasn't even a romance.  

Skip this one.  Not worth your time. 

Links I love

 

The first week back from vacation is always a little bit rough.  I have a couple of big deadlines coming up. I did my first spin class in a while as well.  Tired me out.  I am getting better at getting strength workouts in.  I'd like to get more walks in though.

• NPR staffers recommend their favorite non fiction books of the year so far. 
• What Ancient Romans watched at the Colosseum in addition to Gladiator fights.
• Barack Obama is hosting a new book podcast.
• New BIPOC memoirs to read this summer. 
• 7 things every 90's bookstores had.
• Ancient myths, historical retellings and retellings from around the world.
• The biggest reading clubs are reading these books. 
• 7 novels that explore the dark side of Academia.
• 7 common misconceptions about the Manson family murders.
• Novels that use the ocean as their setting.
• Books that inspired Bruce Springsteen.
• Where to start with Marisa de los Santos.
• Taxi drivers rarely die of Alzheimer's related stuff.
• Some of the best photos from this year's total solar eclipse.
• Books that will make you feel things.
• The Harlem Trilogy is being made into films. 
• 14 books to read if you're going to South Korea.
• The best books set in the publishing world.

I'm currently listening to The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives and reading David Copperfield and  Japanese Gothic

I hope that everyone has a great week.

REVIEW: Ironwood by Michael Connolly (Book 2 of the Catalina books)

 

I have enjoyed Michael Connelly - I need to catch up on the Bosch books, but I'm up to date on Sergeant Stillwell and the Catalina books! From the first page, Sergeant Stillwell is in it.  He's at an airstrip scene where two of his deputies are jeopardized and it goes full throttle from there. 

As background or explanation, an Ironwood tree has a single root that spawns often multiple, beautiful trees. And somehow, it manages to encapsulate Stillwell, who is exiling in Catalina. He still loves the island, its people and the people that he works with - he would never have thought that he was going to be into community policing but here he is. So when the particular tragedy at the center of this book happens it's as close to devastating for him as anything he has experienced to date. As a result of that tragedy, Stil is relegated to the substation but really? Do you think he's actually going to listen? HECK NO. When he starts cleaning out the lost and found, he locates a backpack that belonged to a girl that went missing while hiking on the island many years prior.  Once he reports that to the mainland, the Cold Case unit becomes involved including fan favorite Renee Ballard (who is a badass in her own right). He gets invovled in that investigation AND manages to deal with run of the mill stuff on the island as well as get to the bottom of the tragic events that landed him, supposedly, on the bench to begin. 

I LOVED  this book. I brought it to the beach with me when I went on vacation and finished it the same day that I started it. It is VERY fast paced  and readable - it kept me hanging on wanting to know more and of course, the characters are AMAZING and memorable. Stil is one of my favorites because he wants to do the right thing and nothing is going to stop him.  Be prepared, there is a lot going on with three major cases (an story lines) going on at the same time. I had a chart to help me keep track so it didn't bother me, but if you get easily thrown by that then it might not be the book for you. 

I am certainly looking forward to the next installment. Keep it coming!

REVIEW: The Strength of the Few by James Islington

 

This novel is the second book in The Hierarchy Trilogy by James Islington and picks up where The Will of the Many left off. Vis is still reeling from what happened in the last book and the government is barely hanging on. The novel immediately splits into three separate narratives and introduces two new storylines populated by a completely new set of characters. The three storylines take place in three worlds that look completely different from each other but all starring Vis (in different situations of course). The first storyline is the one we read about in the first book, the second involves Vis waking up in a rural area that is very quiet and the third involves Vis waking up in a third world that literally burns his lungs as he breathes. Vis clearly is meant to explore different facets of his personality in each world and by the end, he is somewhat successful, I guess. 

I did not like this book as much as I liked the first one.  The fragmentation was disconcerting and not cohesive (although if that was the author's goal then it worked brilliantly). The pace and momentum were not as compelling as in the first novel so the narrative seemed to lag in parts. I attribute the lack of momentum to the choppiness of moving in between three distinct storylines - I wanted to learn more about the original Vis, instead of the one in the country or hell. And I didn't get that so I was majorly disappointed. I enjoy Islington's writing style, but even that seemed to get lost in the transitions between the three storylines. 

Having said that I'm hoping that the last book in the trilogy will be better.  I'm committed to finishing out this series, and if you are and haven't read this book yet, please make sure your expectations are in the right place. I don't know that I would have finished this book if I didn't want to finish what I started. 

Links I Love

 

This week, we were visiting with family in Sag Harbor. I even took a surfing lesson!  That has been on my bucket list so it was so great. As a 47 year old I never thought I would be able to do that but here we are. I finished one book and am halfway through David Copperfield.  I promise reviews are upcoming. 

• The August 2026 BOTM selections are out.
• Some Egyptian mythology books.  I can't wait to read the Odyssey, which I know is Greek but is still mythology.
• Why an 85 year old has spent her last years reading the Ancient Classics.
• The Defense Department wants to ban hundreds of books.
• A man used a civil war artifact as a paperweight - but it could have exploded.
• 13 new books to get you through the end of summer.
• How the Miss America pageant ignited a discussion over beauty, race and power.
• NPR staffers and their favorite books of the year so far.
• 7 memoirs about finding close relatives later in life.
• Why am i not shocked by this?
• Ten best new books to read in August.
• This man survived both Hiroshima AND Nagasaki.
• The best US Colleges for long term career success. 
• 7 movies that you may not know were Stephen King adaptations.

Have a great week!

Links I Love

 

Happy Sunday everyone!  This upcoming week, I'm visiting family in NY so I likely won't be blogging all that much until we return. I sorely needed this vacation.

• ADHD looks different in women and poses unique health risks. 
• The lessons learned from Twin Peaks.
• The best Heist and con artist books.
• The time Johnny Cash started a prison riot at San Quentin.
• LA Public Library unveils the largest pop up book.
• The best books about understanding American politics. 
• Dr. Fauci's diary entries from the pandemic are released. Guys, that was six years ago already.
• Leila Slimani's interview with Fresh Air.
• Why you wake up earlier as you get older.
• Dolly Parton's favorite books.
• Booker Prize longlist is here. 
• 5 great books inspired by Greek mythology.
• What is weird girl fiction?
• How the rise of Mystery podcasts has fueled the True Crime memoir genre. 
• FIFA couldn't get more sketchy, but apparently it has. And then it was scrapped.
• How do you get out of a reading slump?
• This vitamin deficiency may be why you lose muscle with age. 
• 7 novels set on islands. 
• 6 narrative non-fiction reads that are like fiction.
• The best new cozy fantasy books. 
• The tragedy of loving Sylvia Plath. 
• 8 things every living room had in the 1980's.
• President Obama releases his summer reading list. He always has great selections. 
• Meet the woman stunt performer who doubled Matt Damon in the Odyssey. 
• The 7 most charming Main Streets in the US.
• Books with unreliable narrators. 
• 7 phrases that come from Greek mythology.
• 7 books that imagine what happens after singularity.
• How reading became sexy.
• OMG.
• Another tragic historical event is being resurrected by the Shoshone to educate us. 
• Kirkus' 20 best books to read in August.

I am listening to Judy Blume: a Life and I am LOVING it.  I grew up reading Judy Blume (Are You There God, it's Me, Margaret, and the Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing books - which cracked me up and Blubber).  My only wish is that she had written a book about Margaret going through perimenopause and menopause cause Lord knows her readers need it right now.  I'm finishing up The Strength of the Few by James Islington (book 2 of the Hierarch Trilogy) and plan on reading David Copperfield and Demon Copperhead while on vacay.

Please visit my Pangobooks store. I even have a code you can use.

REVIEW American Rambler: Walking the Trail of Johnny Appleseed by Isaac Fitzgerald

 

This book has been all over the place and seemed interesting, so I grabbed it. I hadn't read Fitzgerald's earlier book, Dirtbag, Massachusetts (although it's on hold for me at the library!). Fitzgerald is obsessed with Johnny Appleseed (whose legal name was John Chapman) and I guess this makes sense since both hail from Leominster, MA. In the process of searching for an American hero, Fitzgerald found himself.

Fitzgerald, I think, was naturally drawn to this hero.  His parents were hikers and storytellers (the best kind of parents I think) and Fitzgerald was also, I suspect, drawn to the roaming of Appleseed given that Fitzgerald himself was unhoused for quite some time. Life was complicated by his mother's mental illness, and his parents' stormy relationship. That being said, I loved this writer's search for himself in his search for the true story of a legend.  He didn't actually WALK it though, buying a better of a car to make it through and catching a ride home when he was in Massachusetts, having been unable to hack the weather. 

The book often digressed, which I enjoyed, but if that would annoy you, I would stay away. I love digressions because I think they show insight into people, but most people don't understandably. I loved reading about the history of the areas, the time periods and the things that Fitzgerald encountered but my absolute FAVORITE parts were the parts where Fitzgerald described meeting and interacting with some good, solid and authentic people along the way. In these interactions, it becomes quickly clear that he's learning about himself and that is beautiful. I enjoyed seeing and experiencing Fitzgerald be pushed beyond his comfort zone. Fitzgerald also has a sense of humor that makes you snort or chuckle so loudly that the people around you look, openly, at you in a funny manner (not even the side eye!!). 

This book is one for the ages and I can't wait to read his first as well as see what he's got coming. 

REVIEW The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

 

I have heard so many good things about this epistolary novel and all of it was well deserved.  The person corresponding is Sybil Van Antwerp, a septuagenarian that has lived a very full and dramatic life. She is a divorcee, sister, mother, friend, lawyer (retired)-and I felt like, initially, I had met a ton of women like her. She came across as privileged with an opinion on EVERYTHING that she would share bluntly no matter whether you asked for it or not. However, I grew to be really fond of her because she was just so....human?  Flawed?  Trying her best and yet failing?  Relatable for sure.  Sybil literally word vomits everything about her life, all of her opinions and her observations, and secrets to whoever she comes across (friends, famous authors, customer service reps - everyone is fair game). 

We learn that she is slowly going blind - which is scary and devastating for her - and she's also getting anonymous letters that are threatening and stalker-ish. Sybil, as a result, is forced to reflect upon a very, very tough and shameful part of her past.  At the same time, she's dealing with a rift with her daughter that is threatening to become permanent. 

There were a lot of things that I adored about this book, but the thing I adored the most was Sybil's (and her friends) ending letters with discussion about what they're reading.  Made me add things to my TBR list to be frank. I loved that this book seemed to excel in conveying that life and all of its calamities are in shades of grey. There is very little that is black and white.  I also really enjoyed the subtleties in how things unfolded. Evans was masterful in this.  I, as a reader, had to really pay attention to figure out what was going on and I am fully intending to read it a second time because I'm fairly certain that I missed stuff the first go around (and I'll do it gladly, this book was that good). It was absolutely delightful to see Sybil begin to open up and confront the painful memories of her past.  She became courageous over the course of the novel, confronting not only past painful issues but current ones too. 

Please, drop what you're doing and go get this novel.  It was wonderful. 

Links I love

 

I'm very glad it's Friday. It's been a week.  I have some work stress and am not sleeping well in part due to the stress but also because my shoulder has been hurting me when I'm lying down flat. :(  I wonder if it's inflammation from rowing.  

1. So distressed that you can't think straight? Use these skills.
2. Romance books recommended by NPR staff.
3. This book sounds interesting.
4. Literary Fiction to read with your book club.
5. Why we need more women centric re-telling's of The Odyssey. 
6. 6 must read books that will strengthen your character. 
7. The 2026 First Novel Prize long list has been released!
8. Jimothy is now in Dungeons and Dragons. Here's the story about Jimothy.  Do yourself a favor and Google "jimothy the racoon."  You won't regret it. 
9. The lives of princesses in Egypt. 
10. Inside the campaign that acquitted Karen Read. 
11. Set your crime novels in this city.
12. Rebecca Solnit on the Western Tradition of silencing women. 
13. How the USWMNT staff get their athletes ready for the World Cup.
14. 7 household items every Greek household owned. 

I hope that everyone has a good week.  Please don't forget to visit my Pangobooks store.

REVIEW: The Will of the Many by James Islington

 

If I had to classify this book, I'd classify it as dark academia - it reminded me a lot of Lord of the Flies that meets The Secret Stranger with a bit of Harry Potter thrown in for good measure.  The main character is Vis, a teenage ousted prince whose kingdom has "civilized" (aka invaded and taken over) by The Hierarchy, a Roman/Greek type of society where its members engage in a pyramid structure of "will ceding." The lower classes are at the bottom of the pyramid and they cede their wills to those that occupy the higher levels, with the few at the top getting will from the thousands of people below them. The ones who receive the will receive tremendous physical benefits, but the ones that cede their will suffer terribly in the process.  It's an awful caste system that is reminiscent of apartheid or slavery. Vis, an orphan on top of being ousted, is adopted by a prestigious family and sent to "The Academy" by his adoptive father in order to investigate his adoptive uncle's death.

This lengthy novel is VERY ambitious. There are themes of colonialism and capitalism, nepotism, definitions of family and friends (i.e. how do you define them?), loyalty and revenge.  In spite of taking these own in a heavy handed manner, Islington is subtle in how he presents these, and the book is action packed, making it both exciting and interesting.  I didn't lose interest, that's for sure. Vis, and many of the other characters, are very complex.  Vis especially has to struggle with anger, scars and a strong moral compass that compels him to do the right thing in spite of the odds and pressures being put on him.  I often forgot that he was only 17 in the book (he turns 18 at one point).

There are a lot of training montages in this novel and the vast majority of the book occurs in an academic setting so if that's not your favorite, then stay away. Otherwise, pick this up! I couldn't put it down. 

REVIEW: Marilyn and Her Books: The Literary Life of Marilyn Monroe by Gail Crowther

 

Who knew that Marilyn had approximately 400 books in her personal library that she religiously moved with her to home after home? I certainly didn't know that the perhaps most famous icon of our time was such an avid reader.  And her association with writers certainly didn't stop with the written word - not only did she marry Arthur Miller, but through him and independently she met and interacted with numerous other writers of her time. Gail Crowther in this book delves deeply into Marilyn's personal collection and her impressive program to educate and cultivate her mind after dropping out of high school. She was hungry for knowledge and stopped at nothing to read and she read everything that she could get her hands on. 

Dr. Crowther did an immaculate, well researched deep dive into this topic.  She clearly thoroughly researched her subject and, apparently, had the support of the estate in researching and writing this book.  It contains not only information about her books, but tidbits about her life in the hopes of illuminating readers about who Marilyn was beyond the image that the studios forced her to portray.  Marilyn Monroe was clearly highly intelligent, intellectually curious and, sadly, particularly troubled.  The book itself is a fast and interesting read - it took me 2 to 3 days to read and moved quickly.  

I LOVE reading about and learning about what people read because I believe it offers us insight into them and their personality, interests and values. This book gave me insight into the person behind the facade, making the book a well worth read.  

Links I love

 

This week has been HOT here and we're experiencing yellow skies as a result of the Canadian wildfires.  From an exercise perspective, things are so much better.  I've been getting in regularly to lift 3-4 times a week (for a woman at my age, re-starting to lift helps my bones and making sure I have enough muscle and am not losing any). I've also been rowing on my erg 3-4 times a week and walking with my weighted vest.  I have always been active and being sidelined for a while has been really difficult for my mental health so i'm happy to be back.  I'm hoping to get up North for a few days to do a short hike. 

• Ten Japanese books to read this summer.
• A literary tour through the streets of Prague.
• 6 new novels that re-imagine the Indian family.
• Books if you are a language lover. 
• The best books on Stonehenge.
• Books about people just living. 
• Non Fiction books being loved by NPR staffers right now. 
• How to keep reading if you have a long summer TBR list.
• Are we living through the end of reading?
• Why making friends is so hard as an adult.
• What people are saying about Christopher Nolan's Odyssey. My copy is coming in the mail - I want to read it before I see it.
• What are the Emma Lion books and why are they having a moment?
• Three must read non fiction books for disability awareness month.
• 20 speculative fiction books to get you through 2026.
• 42% of women don't know that they're in peri menopause.
• There's a new Fourth Wing book coming out!
• Marriage and the maiden name. 
• Rhode Island codifies a right to read.
• Cozy horror is a thing.
• The small press books you don't want to miss this summer. 
• The best of modern true crime. 

Please don't forget to visit my Pangobooks store!

REVIEW The Children by Melissa Albert

 

This book has been all over the place recently and for good reason. In this novel, we follow Guinevere Sharpe, whose mother, Edith, is the author of a hit children's series of books known as the Ninth City series. This series of books has brought so much inspiration and joy to other children but Guin and her brother Ennis have different memories of the time period in which Edith was writing these books. Guin is preparing to release a memoir, however, that portrays her childhood as bohemian and blissful, filled with love an laughter.  This release occurs during a period when Guin is estranged from Ennis and her parents are long dead, having died in a fire that destroyed their home in Vermont (the same home that the Ninth City Series was written in). At the same time that Guin's memoir is being released, Ennis, a renowned artist, has released his new immersive art show entitled simply "Mother." This has caused Guin to begin her journey towards her past and reconnecting with her brother. 

This book got under my skin.  It was beautifully written and included a world that was seemingly peaceful and beautiful, but really was inhabited by dark magic and ghosts. The family was most assuredly a toxic and dysfunctional one, with passive aggressive snarking, probable alcohol abuse, dishonesty and infidelity, as well as neglect of the children. There were ghosts and supernatural occurrences and accidents that caused deaths. I simply couldn't put this book down and looked forward to each new reveal, wondering what would be around the next corner.

This tale about grief and family is one that I will never forget.  Read this one immediately.