Book Review - The Shell Seekers; Rosamunde Pilcher

 

The Shell Seekers; Rosamunde Pilcher

St. Martin's Press - 1997

(purchase)

20 Books of Summer

This is a book I've long meant to try and this past week was the perfect times to sit, relax and savor this gem.  Pilcher has a real talent of setting up her story in way where the reader gets to know everything about each character and get a feel for whatever the setting may be. Her books are long but, never a wasted word IMO either.

This is a story about Penelope Keeling, the family matriarch, now 64 years old,  she has just been released from the hospital following a heart attack.  She has (3) adult children, all very different as each views their childhood experiences quite differently and have turned out quite different as adults as well. Nancy, the oldest couldn't be more different from her mother - she is the only one who married and was a fancy woman, who wants everything showy and proper, appearances are everything.  Noel, the middle child was just going through the motions of life, looking to take the easy way to financial security. At 23, when he was still living at home with his mother instead of thinking about making his way in life, Penelope moved and told  him it was time to go out on his own.  Olivia, the youngest, was the most genuine, IMO,  She seemed to be the only one who fondly remembered her childhood. and was most like her mother.  

At the center of the story is a painting called "The Shell Seekers, painted by Penelope's father, Lawrence Stern, when Noel and Nancy realize the painting can sell for a huge amount of money, they encourage their mother to sell it while Olivia, who knows how much it means to their mother, feels it should remain with Penelope as it means so much to her.  It was interesting to learn about Penelope's early life back in Cornwall during WWII, people living with other people, the men in her life, the beautiful moments and life's tragedies.   This is a book to be enjoyed, and savored. You just don't find many gems like these today. Originally written in 1987. Highly Recommended

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

Quotes

• “The greatest gift a parent can leave a child is that parent's own independence.” 
• “As long as Mumma was alive, she knew that some small part of herself had remained a child, cherished and adored. Perhaps you never completely grew up until your mother died.” 
• “She had never lived alone before, and at first found it strange, but gradually had learned to accept it as a blessing and to indulge herself in all sorts of reprehensible ways, like getting up when she felt like it, scratching herself if she itched, sitting up until two in the morning to listen to a concert.” 
• “Living, now, had become not simple existence that one took for granted, but a bonus, a gift, with every day that lay ahead an experience to be savoured. Time did not last forever. I shall not waste a single moment, she promised herself. She had never felt so strong, so optimistic. As though she was young once more, starting out, and something marvelous was just about to happen.” 

Book Review - Lucy By the Sea; Elizabeth Strout

 

Lucy By the Sea; Elizabeth Strout

Random House - 9/2022

Even though this book will not be officially released until September 2022, any new book by Elizabeth Strout in my hands always seems to show how little self-control I have.  

In this story Lucy (My Name if Lucy Barton), (Anything is Possible) and (Oh, William!) is convinced by her ex-husband William to pack a bag and flee her apartment in New York City with him, just prior to COVID shutting down the city. Lucy, a writer, was scheduled to leave for Europe on a book tour, but William, a scientist has convinced her to do what he says.  The couple has been divorced for years but have remained friends and have two adult daughters.  William has rented a house by the sea in Maine from an old friend and, he has reconnected with a sister that until the last few years he never knew that he had. Although living together after being divorced for many years takes some getting used to, the couple soon fall into some comfortable routines.  We also get brief references to some of the characters from her previous books like Olive Kitteridge and Bill Burgess and, insight into their lives of the couple's two daughters.

As always Elizabeth Strout writes with emotion and her characters have so much depth. The author has a way of telling a story that always seems to make me think about how my own life has played out.  Marriage, the joys and worries that come with parenthood even when your children are grown and on their own.  The pride we feel from the accomplishments, what we have achieved personally and professionally, and, those things that we might have tweaked a bit if there was a chance at a do-over.  The Maine setting and isolation from family and friends that many of us felt prior to a vaccine becoming available was palpable in this story.  Although this book is part of a series, it could be read as stand alone -- I don't suggest it though as the build up of the series is really what makes each novel special. Elizabeth Strout always manages to hit all the right notes, I'm already looking forward to her 2023 offering (I hope.) 

RATING - 5/5 stars

NOTE: An eGalley was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - Lucy By the Sea; Elizabeth Strout

Welcome to First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book we are reading or plan to read soon. I wanted to hold off on this book since it won't be published until September but, when I look at all my book choices, this is the book that is calling my name. What words of wisdom will Lucy Barton leave us with this time?

Lucy By the Sea; Elizabeth Strout

Random House - September 2022

One

Like many others, I did not see it coming.

But William is a scientist, and he saw it coming; he saw it sooner than I did, is what I mean.

                                                                        ~~~~~~~

William is my first husband; we were married for twenty years and we have been divorced for about that long as well.  We are friendly, I would see him intermittently; we both were living in New York City, where we came when we first married.  But because my (second) husband had died and his (third) wife had left him, I had seen him more this past year.

What do you think - read more of pass?  I can't get enough of Elizabeth Strout's books.

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - The Lioness; Chris Bohjalian

Welcome to First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book we are reading or plan to read soon. 

 The Lioness; Chris Bohjalian

Doubleday and Random House Audio - May 10, 2022

PROLOGUE

Oh, I can't speak for the dead. And I won't speak for the missing. I can only tell you what I think happened.  Others--the dead and the missing--would probably have their own versions.  Blame, I can tell you firsthand, is every bit as subjective as truth.

Of course, I am also confident that the missing will never be found: the Serengeti is vast and it's been years. Years.  But Africa is changing. One never knows.  Someday it's possible that some of their bones--a femur that is recognizably human or a skull that was clearly a woman's or a man's --will be spotted beside a dirt road where a jackal or hyena or magnificent lappet-faced vulture decades ago finished off what a leopard or lion didn't.  Just think for a moment of the age of the fossils and remnants of ancient man that have been found a little south of where we were in the Olduvai Gorge.  Mary Leakey began piecing together the Nutcracker Man only five years before we were there when she saw what looked like two teeth in a jaw.  Nutcracker Man lived two million years ago.  We were there and (most of us, anyway) died there in 1964.

Chris Bohjalian is a favorite author and, from this intro, I can't wait to begin.  What do you think--read more or pass?

Book Review - A Town Called Solace, Mary Lawson

 

A Town Called Solace, Mary Lawson

Alfred A Knopf Canada - 2021 

Set in 1972 in the small town of Solace in northern Ontario, Canada, A Town Called Solace, was one of those rare books that hit all the right notes with me.

Clara is a young girl (almost 8) who has a lot on her mind. She sits vigil by the front window ever since her 16 year old sister Rose, a somewhat rebellious teen, went missing 12 days earlier after  arguing with her mother.  As she sees her parents sick with worry Clara is lucky to have a bit of a distraction caring for her hospitalized elderly neighbor, Elizabeth Orchard's cat Moses.  One day while looking out of her window Clara notices a young man carrying heavy boxes into Mrs. Orchard's house. We learn that the man is Liam Kane, no relation to Mrs. Orchard, but, he has inherited her house.  

Why has a woman Liam barely remembers gifted him her house? What is the connection here and, can a young man like Liam separated from his wife find a future in small town Solace? What happened to Rose?

        

The story is a character driven novel that is told in (3) distinct voices by Clara, Liam and Elizabeth. The writing is beautiful and easy to follow even if you are feeling a bit distracted. It made me feel like I was there in the town of Solace. The characters felt genuine, they were everyday people that I really grew to care about. I was quickly engaged in the story which had a bit of mystery to it as well.  We learn about the connection between Elizabeth and Liam as she speaks about the past to her late husband from her hospital bed. There were a few somewhat sadder moments but they were very brief and, overall, I found the ending was ultimately hopeful.   A story about love, death, family and community. I loved the small town feel and, for me, this was mostly a real comfort type read and exactly what I needed.  Highly recommended.

Mary Lawson has become one of my favorite authors. This is her fourth book and, IMO, all were a pleasure to read. (I almost missed this one, so grateful I caught JoAnn's review on Gulfside Musing.)

Rating - 5/5 stars

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - A Town Called Solace; Mary Lawson

Welcome to First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book we are reading or plan to read soon.

A Town Called Solace; Mary Lawson

Knopf Canada - 2021

ONE

CLARA

There were four boxes. Big ones.  They must have lots of things in them because they were heavy, you could tell by the way the man walked when he carried them in, stooped over, knees bent.  He brought them right into Mrs. Orchard's house, next door to Clara's, that first evening and put them on the floor in the living room and just left them there.  That meant the boxes didn't have necessary things in them, things he needed straight away like pyjamas, or he'd have unpacked them.

I started this book yesterday and I'm really enjoying it.  In case, you are curious about CLARA - she is an eight year old girl.  This is an author I have read and enjoyed in the past so I couldn't wait to read it. I was also happy to read that JoAnn at Gulfside Musing loved it.

Book Review - One Step Too Far; Lisa Gardner

One Step Too Far; Lisa Gardner

Dutton - 2022

(eGalley/NetGalley)

(Book # 2 - Frankie Elkin - Missing Persons Series)

After reading Before She Disappeared last year and loving it, I knew I had to read book #2 of that series which was released last month. I wasn't disappointed. This new one can be read as a stand alone as there is a good amount of information about Frankie Elkin, her past and her obsession with finding people who have gone missing. Instead of a Boston setting we move with Frankie to the Wyoming wilderness.

Frankie Elkin is a recovering alcoholic and a troubled soul who has been roaming the country trying to help locate people who have gone missing.  It's the cold cases that the authorities have all but given up on that call her to action.  Her latest travels brings her to Ramsey, Wyoming where a young man named Tim O'Day had gone missing while he and his buddies were on a bachelor party weekend camping and drinking outing in the national forest five years earlier.  Tim's mother is now dying of cancer and his father Martin, wants one final attempt to find the couple's son.  A party of eight, along with a cadaver dog named Daisy are about to begin what will prove to be a most frightening ordeal. It quickly appears that some of them may not escape this wilderness alive.  

From the very first lines of this book I was riveted:

THE FIRST THREE MEN CAME stumbling into town shortly after ten A.M., babbling of dark shapes and eerie screams and their missing buddy Scott and their other buddy Tim, who set out from their campsite before dawn to get help.

"Bear, bear, bear," the first guy moaned.

"Mountain lion!" the second guy insisted.

Third guy vomited.

Frankie Elkin is a wonderful character, she damaged yet she feels deeply and suffers guilt and remorse over things that have happened in the past.  There are very specific details about wilderness survival, clothing, equipment, things needed in an emergency - all that was fascinating to someone like me who has always made it a point to stay out of the woods.   I loved the dynamics between the characters, most of them have changed and suffered in some way since Tim's disappearance. Frankie is a newbie to this group and, of course, she's an outsider that needs to observe and carefully weigh what she says and does to this group of strangers. Bad things happen deep in these woods and the tension and wonder about who will survive this ordeal and whether Tim or his remains be found was always on my mind as I read.  I thought this book was very good and I loved that this one had an ending that I hadn't thought about as well.  Don't miss this new series.

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intro - To Paradise; Hanya Yanagihara

Welcome to First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book we are reading or plan to read soon.  I've read and enjoyed this author's previous (2) books: The People in the Trees and A Little Life so this (720pp.) is a "must read" for me. I've read 13 chapters so far and, although it is different, I am enjoying it.

To Paradise; Hanya Yanagihara

Doubleday - January 2022

Book 1

Washington Square

He had come into the habit, before dinner, of taking a walk around the park: ten laps, as slow as he pleased on some evenings, briskly on others, and then back up the stairs of the house and to his room to wash his hands and straighten he tie before descending again to the table.  Today, though, as he was leaving, the little maid handing him his gloves said, "Mister Bingham says to remind you that your brother and sister are coming tonight for supper," and he said, "Yes, thank you, Jane, for reminding me," as if he'd in fact forgotten, and she made a little curtsy and closed the door behind him.

What do you think. Have you read anything by this author?  

Book Review - The Lincoln Highway; Amor Towles

                                                      The Lincoln Highway; Amor Towles 

                                           (Combo read/listen) - Viking - 2021 & Penguin Audio

I spent the better part of last week reading and listening to The Lincoln Highway. This is my third book by Amor Towles and IMO, another winner.  I loved the characters, even most of the minor ones were a joy to hear from.

Set in 1954 the story takes place over the course of ten days.  The story begins with 18 year old Emmett Watson being released early from a one year sentence to a work farm in Kansas for an involuntary manslaughter charge.  It was an unfortunate incident that landed Emmett this sentence. Now back in Nebraska, his father has died so it's just Emmett and his eight year old brother Billy. The boy's mother had abandoned Emmett and Billy years earlier.   With their house foreclosed and a few thousand dollars set aside Emmett and Billy plan to start fresh and head along the Lincoln Highway in Emmett's prized Studebaker. Billy has dreams of finding their mother who always looked forward to 4th of July fireworks in Lincoln Park in CA.

Things don't go exactly as they planned when two of Emmett's work farm inmate buddies: Dutchess and Wooly escape and show up to derail those plans.  I thought the road trip alone was time well spent.

All of the major characters here are looking for new start: Emmett and Billy hope to build a new life together, Dutchess would like to have his own restaurant and Wooly would just like to find peace and happiness.  There are several minor characters who left an impression as well (both good and bad) : Sally, a spunky next door neighbor, Ulysses a WWII veteran, the unsavory Pastor John and Professor Abernathe.  The story is told in multiple POVs which really helped to shed light on the past of each character.  I was especially fond of Emmett and Billy.  I admired Emmetts fierce concern and devotion to his smart, intense eight year old brother Billy; Billy won my heart as well. I found the ending both heartbreaking yet hopeful.  Highly recommended.

The audio book production was excellent with a full cast:  Edoardo Ballerini, Dion Graham and Marin Ireland. Although in general I like Marin Ireland as a narrator, I found her slightly annoying in the role of Sally.  This was a combo read/listen - about a 50/50 split.

Here are a few quotes I noted:.

Quotes -

 "Wouldn't it been wonderful if everybody's life was a piece in a jigsaw puzzle. Then no one person's life would be an inconvenience to anyone else's.  It would just fit snugly in its very own, specially designed spot, and then in so doing, would enable the whole intricate picture to become complete."

"Because young children do not know how things are supposed to be done, they will come to imagine the habits of their household are the habits of the world.  If a child grows up in a family where angry words are exchanged over supper he will assume that angry words are exchanged at every kitchen table; while if a child grows up in a family where no words are exchanged over supper at all, he will assume that all families eat in silence....."

Rating 4.5/5 stars

Note: I purchased the print edition of this book and the audio version was provided to me at no cost by the publisher.

Book Review - Ladder of the Years; Anne Tyler

 

Ladder of the Years; Anne Tyler

1995 - Vintage

(eBook downloaded from the library)

I love the stories Anne Tyler creates with everyday people and towns and places that are so easy to envision.  It recently came to my attention that I missed several of her earliest books - note to self to remedy that in 2022. Ladder of the Years was one of those books.

Cordelia (Delia) Grinstead is a Baltimore housewife and mother to three almost adult children.  Married 20+ years, her husband, Sam is a doctor and, at least to outsiders and friends it appears the couple has a good life. Sometimes she feels invisible -- or as she describes it --QUOTE--sometimes she felt like a tiny gnat around her family's edges.

On an annual family beach vacation a couple things happen that makes her do something on the spur of the moment - dressed in her swimsuit, beach coverup and carrying a beach bag containing $500 of vacation money, she hitches a ride from a repairman to Bay Borough where, without saying a word to her family, she rents a room, buys a few essentials and gets a job in a law office.

Eventually, things happen and of course, Delia must make a decision whether to continue with her new life or return to the life she left behind.

QUOTE---"The thing of it is, you ask yourself enough questions--was it this I did wrong, was it that? --and you get to believe you did it ALL wrong. Your whole damn life. But now that I'm nearing the end of it, I seem to be going too fast to stop and change.  I'm just SKIDDING to the end of it."

QUOTE--"The thing that attracts you to someone can end up putting you off."

My Thoughts - There was much to love about this novel for me: marriage, motherhood, expectations and even (2) cats and, bonus - the dream of starting a new life just for you (yes, have had that dream.)  I loved the people she met and the new life she created in her small town whether it was her landlady who became a friend, the folks at the diner where she would stop to eat, the border at the rooming house where she lived, her almost daily library visits and so much more.  This would have been an almost perfect read for me but, I felt the ending was too rushed.  Still, I highly recommend this one.

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros; Ladder of the Years; Anne Tyler

 Welcome to First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book we are reading or plan to read soon.  

I love Anne Tyler and recently realized that I don't think I've ever read her 1995 book, Ladder of the Years so, in anticipation of her coming March (2022) release French Braid, I want to remedy that.

Ladder of the Years; Anne Tyler

Recorded Books (Library loan)

INTRO

Baltimore Woman Disappears During Family Vacation

Delaware State Police announced early today that Cordelia F. Grinstead, 40, wife of a Roland Park, physician, has been reported missing while on holiday with her family in Bethany Beach.

Mrs. Grinstead was last seen around noon this past Monday, walking south along the stretch of sand between Bethany and Sea Colony.

Witnesses of her departure--her husband Dr. Samuel Grinstead, 55, her three children, Susan 21, Ramsay, 19, and Carroll, 15--were unable to recall any suspicious characters in the vicinity.  They reported to the best of their recollection, she simply strolled away. Her failure to return was not remarked until late afternoon.

A slender, small-boned woman with curly fair or light-brown hair, Mrs. Grinstead stands 5'2" or possibly 5'5" and weighs either 90 or 110 pounds. Her eyes are blue or gray or possibly green, and her nose is mildly sunburned in addition to being freckled.

I don't know about you but this intro about Mrs Grinstead made me smile - how very little attention her family seemed to pay her.  Have you read it---would you read more?  Can't wait to begin it.

My Week and some 2022 Book Reviews - Honor; Thrity Umrigar; Abide with Me; Elizabeth Strout and Amy and Isabelle; Elizabeth Strout

 

Join Deb @ Readerbuzz

This was a week where I rarely left the house.  I did go to yoga Monday but felt uncomfortable with the raging virus even if we are fully vaccinated. One of our yoga ladies passed away (virus complications) just before New Years (she was older and hadn't been to yoga class since September but, sad to hear about this.) Tuesday (2) of our granddaughters were off from school and mom had meetings so we spent the day playing Boggle, The Game of Life, cards and drawing - very fun. Wednesday was freezing rain - so another good reason to skip yoga and stay home and read. Thursday my husband had a doctor's appointment and I needed to pick up some new eyeglasses and Friday we woke up to 3" of snow.  I  was happy to spend more time at home reading.  I even went so far as to place a large grocery delivery.  I'm still debating whether I will return to yoga tomorrow.

READING - My first week of 2022 was a rewarding one for  books. I was able to finish (3) books - all written by favorite authors.  All of these books were worth spending time with as well. I'm so happy I created a January game plan of (12) books that I really wanted to read or listen to in January.  Given my list isn't set in stone - I seem to do better following some sort of list/plan.  Here is what I read:

Honor; Thrity Umrigar

Algonquin Books - 2022

(arc and eGalley - sent to me by publisher)

Smita Agarwal was born in India but moved to the US with her family when she was a teen. Something happened to her in India and, she never planned on returning to the place of her birth.  Living in NYC and working as a foreign correspondent she is asked by a good friend, also a correspondent, who is hospitalized to come to her aid in India.  It isn't until later that she learns that she won't be helping her friend to heal but, rather covering an important story about a Hindu woman named Meena who was attacked and disfigured by members of her own village after she married  Abdul, a Muslim man.  Abdul was burned to death by Meenas own brothers just four months into their marriage in what was considered to be an "honor killing."

I didn't know much about this story going into it and, although it is very well written and tells an important story, there was a bit too much shocking detail revealed IMO. I realize it is important not to bury the atrocities that happen around the world, I just don't think I was prepared for such a heavy read for my first book of 2022.  Don't get me wrong, there are some lighter moments in the novel but readers should be prepared for some dark plot lines.

Rating - 4/5 stars

Abide with Me; Elizabeth Strout

Random House Audio - 2006

narrator - Bernadette Dunne - very good

(library download)

One of my 2022 goals was to read any Elizabeth Strout novels I may have missed - there were (2) - Abide with Me and Amy and Isabelle - both were very good stories.

The story takes place in 1959 in the small town of West Annett, Maine where Tyler Caskey is a minister.  West Annett is the kind of town where rumor and speculation sometimes bring out the worst in people and secrets don't stay secrets for long.  As the story begins Tyler is living with his 5-year old daughter Katherine, a troubled girl who rarely speaks except maybe to utter the words that she hates God. Katherine is cared for by his housekeeper Connie. He also has an infant daughter, Jeannie, who lives with Tyler's mother.  What happened to Tyler's wife Lauren, the mother of his children?  Bit by bit the story is revealed.

I loved this quiet, reflective noel. The author does not spell everything out for the reader but yet she does a wonderful job of painting a clear picture for the reader of the good, the bad and the ugliness of the characters.  The reader is left with a reminder of how all of us go through rough times at some point in our lives and just how important it is to help and support those who are struggling.  I liked the flashback to just how different childrearing was in 1959 than the present.  Abide with Me is a quiet, yet deeply affecting read. The audio version was excellent.

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

Amy and Isabelle; Elizabeth Strout

Random House Audio - 2013

narrator - Stephanie Roberts - very good

(library download)

The small New England town of Shirley Falls is the setting for Amy and Isabelle - a mother/daughter story.  Isabelle Goodrow and teenage daughter Amy are a twosome. When anyone asks Isabelle about her situation she tells them that both her husband and parents have passed away.  Isabelle works in a small office and keeps to herself, she isn't a part of the office circle and she doesn't date.  Amy is a shy 16 year old protected by her mother to a certain extent. One day Amy's crush on a high school teacher and some sexual experimentation which follows threatens to shatter the mother-daughter bond.

Although primarily a story about Amy & Isabelle, the author has created several memorable secondary characters and has even woven a story about a missing 12-year old girl into the novel to create a mystery feel.  The mother-daughter love/hate relationship was well-written and realistic (those years can sure be trying for mothers and daughters). Amy is a beautiful young woman and Isabelle's resentment over the sacrifices she has made seemed to ring true. I liked when Isabelle finally becomes part of the office circle - those women were fun and their comments resulted in some laughable moments which took away from the mother/daughter tension.  There were some pretty specific sexual visuals but I thought all were tastefully done. I enjoyed this story of mothers/daughters, female friendship and missed opportunities. Another audio book that was very well done.

Rating - 4/5 stars

Coming Week Reading Plans

1. Winter Solstice; Rosamunde Pilcher  (almost done and loving this one. I started it in December on audio but, had to wait for print copy to arrive as audio wasn't working well for me.)
2. The Maid; Nita Prose
3. In Five Years; Rebecca Serle (book group pick for January)
4. After: A Doctor Explore What Near Death Experiences Reveal About Life & Beyond;Bruce Greyson M.D.

How was your week? Read any good books?

Honor; Thrity Umrigar - Spotlight Post / First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros

 Welcome to First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book we are reading or plan to read soon. This week's pick is a new book which releases TODAY! The author's previous books are ones that I have enjoyed in the past.

I'm almost done with this one but,  I can tell you that this is a very well-written and intense read that makes you think and feel. A story about two very different women who are brought together after a horrific act of violence in India.

I'm not including the full description of the book as I thought it gave away too much of the storyline. (I hope to post my full review in a few days.)

Honor; Thrity Umrigar

Algonquin Books - January 4, 2022

First Chapter Intro

Book One - Chapter One

THE AIR SMELLED of burnt rubber.

That was the first thing that Smita Agarwal noticed as she stepped out of the cool, rarefied air of the airport and into the warm, still Mumbai night.  The next instant, she recoiled as the sound hit her--the low rumble of a thousand human voices, punctured by occasional barks of laughter and shrill police whistles.  She gaped at the sight of the wall of people, standing behind the metal barriers, waiting for their relatives to emerge.  She wondered if the old Indian custom of entire families converging to drop off travelers still prevailed in 2018, but before she could complete the thought, she felt her throat burn from the smell of exhaust fumes and her eardrums thrum from the blare of the cars just beyond the waiting crowd.

                                                                              About the Author

Thrity Umrigar is the bestselling author of eight novels, including The Space Between Us, which was a finalist for the PEN/Beyond Margins Award, as well as a memoir and three picture books. Her books have been translated into several languages and published in more than fifteen countries. She is the winner of a Lambda Literary Award and a Seth Rosenberg Award and is Distinguished Professor of English at Case Western Reserve University. A recipient of the Nieman Fellowship to Harvard, she has contributed to the  Boston Globe , the Washington Post, the New York Times and Huffington Post.

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - Abide with Me; Elizabeth Strout

 Welcome to First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book we are reading or plan to read soon. I've actually stopped reading this week as I have some other year end projects to get to but, because I love Elizabeth Strout's writing, I'm planning on reading the remaining (2) books of hers that I haven't read in 2022.  Abide with Me will be on my January 2022.  The other book on my 2022 list is Amy and Isabelle. Have you read these?

Abide with Me; Elizabeth Strout

Random House Audio - 2006

One

Oh, it would be years ago now, but at one time a minister lived with his small daughter in a town up north near the Sabbanock River, up where the river is narrow and the winters used to be especially long.  The minister's name was Tyler Caskey, and for quite some while his story was told in towns up and down the river, and as far over as the coast, until it emerged with enough variations so as to lose its original punch, and just the passing of time, of course,  will affect the vigor of these things.  But there are a few people still living in the town of West Annett who are set to remember quite clearly the events that took place during the wintery, final months of 1959.  And if you inquire with enough patience and restraint of curiosity, you can probably get them to tell what is is they claim to know, although its accuracy might be something you'd have to sort out on your own.

What do you think?

Book Review - WIsh You Were Here; Jodi Picoult

 

Wish You Were Here; Jodi Picoult

Ballantine Books and Penguin Random House Audio - 11/30/2021

Wish You Were Here is a story that begins just before COVID has shut down the world.  Diane and Finn are a young couple living in NYC. Diana hasn't had the best childhood but, her life feels near perfect now. At 29 she works for Sothebys and Finn is a surgical resident at a New York hospital.  The two have planned a romantic getaway to the Galapagos islands and, Diana is pretty sure the Finn is planning on asking her to marry him.  Right before the couple is planning to leave, Finn gets word that all hands on deck are needed at the hospital and no one can take time off.  He encourages Diana to take the trip alone since the trip is already paid for and non refundable.  She decides to go alone (Big Mistake) and it isn't long before things go from bag to worse.  I can't say too much more about this novel without spoiling it for perspective readers but, this just may be my favorite Picoult novel yet and, I've read all of her books except for her previous one. 

I went into this one without reading reviews -- do yourself a favor and just go into this one blind - you will be glad you did.  The story is told from Diana's POV with later input from Finn. The story is well-written, a perfect story set in COVID times that did not feel too depressing.  It's a story about relationships, reassessing priorities and figuring out what is really important in life. I loved this book.  The audio version was read by Marin Ireland who, as always, did a fabulous job.

Rating - 5/5 stars