Contemporary Fiction: The Imagined Life by Andrew Porter

Author Andrew Porter was one of the many writers featured at this year's San Antonio Book Festival, and I was fortunate to be able to hear him talk about The Imagined Life, his novel that follows a man attempting to learn more about his father, in particular his current whereabouts, and what happened to him after he disappeared from his son's life. And while searching, the man also reflects on his childhood, and the events that lead up to his father's disappearance.

The Situation: As a grown man, Steven Mills finds himself separated from his wife, but also on a strange and somewhat sudden trip to look for his father, whom he has not seen since he was 12 years old. While looking for him, Steven also goes back in his memories to 1984, the year his father disappeared. It is also the year his father was denied tenure at St. Agnes, an event that, on the surface, seemed to be the catalyst for his father's leaving. But looking back, Steven will remember the parties his parents would throw around the pool in their backyard; some of the mysterious guests; his father's increasingly erratic behavior; the rumors; and the often persistent sense that something was about to go very very wrong.

The Problem: While Steven continues to remember the past, he is able to compare his memories with what he learns from the people he is able to interview, people who knew and worked with his father. Many of his father's associates are honest, but guarded, often willing to say just enough for Steven to have more questions instead of less. Even family members are not willing to reveal all of what they know, even though Steven is now an adult and no longer a kid. But he stays determined in searching for his father, or at least in finding out what happened to him, though the information may be unpleasant. And as he continues to search, and remember, it becomes clear that his father was complicated, as is what happened to him.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of fiction set both in 1984, and in present-day California. With Steven as the first-person narrator, the reader is given a first-hand account of late night pool parties that eventually became a source of anxiety and tension for Steven and his mother. As his father began to unravel, so did his relationship with Steven's mother, something that was made more complicated by the near-constant presence of one of the party guests. It is tempting to point to his father's issues at work as the main problem, but Steven must confront all of the factors, which includes mental health issues, and be honest about how the experience has shaped his own life. 

My Verdict: With more focus on characters and relationships, this book is a slow burn. And while things are certainly happening, the scenes and events are given ample time to breathe, with every line of dialogue, every glance, every action, and every decision seeming like it was carefully considered. The book may be less than 300 pages, but within it, the main character fully examines the last few months he was in contact with his father, while attempting to track him down in the present. It is a complex and intriguing and powerful narrative about a young man growing up with a parent who is going through something he does not quite understand, but the events will most certainly shape the rest of his life. 

Favorite Moment: Near the end of the book, Steven makes a declaration to one of his father's friends about the music he likes that is so striking and moving, but also sad, considering his experiences, and the story he had been telling up to that point. It is hard to explain without spoilers, but Steven's statement left me stunned.

Favorite Character: Steven's mother is not perfect, but she did her best, considering the circumstances. 

Recommended Reading: I recommend Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day, if only due to the reflective nature of both novels as the main characters look back and consider their relationship with someone close to them.

Nonfiction: Tequila Wars by Ted Genoways

Growing up, there was a period of my life, about nine years or so, when my father owned and operated a liquor store. Having bartended in his 20s, my father knew a lot about alcohol, alcohol sales, distribution, laws, etc. By proximity, I ended up learning a lot too, and would occasionally run the register at the store. And yes, it was strange for many of the patrons to walk up to the counter with their purchases and find a young girl standing there ready to ring them up. And despite not being much of a drinker now that I am an adult, I still hold on to a lot of that knowledge, which is what initially led me to look into Ted Genoways' Tequila Wars: José Cuervo and the Bloody Struggle for the Spirit of Mexico, as the author was part of this year's San Antonio Book Festival. 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book that mostly focuses on the life of José Cuervo, the man who inherited his family's distillery, and managed to nurture and cultivate it into the tequila empire we know the brand to be today. But as is detailed in Genoways' book, that growth did not come easily, as Cuervo's successes and setbacks were closely tied to the political turmoil of the country of Mexico during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As president's were elected to power, and then plotted to hold onto their positions despite the country's constitution not allowing for a president to be re-elected, leading to inevitable uprisings and rebellions, Cuervo had to be strategic about who he supported, ultimately needing to be sure that whoever was in charge would allow his empire to grow unbothered, and with few taxes. Little has been known about Cuervo, and while the general belief was that he was a nice man, but not terribly great at business, Genoways' account attempts to set the record straight.

My Verdict: This book not only gives the reader a lesson on Cuervo, but also on the disorder and unrest that was Mexico's politics during his lifetime. Specifically during the later chapters of the book, many pages will go by without any mention of Cuervo as the nation's political players literally go to war over who will hold key positions of power. Through thorough research, which includes accounts from Cuervo's niece, readers are given rare insight into the man whose name so many of us are familiar with, but little is known about. Even after reading this book, there is still an heir of mystery to the man, who clearly had to navigate a difficult landscape in order to keep his business afloat, and often also to keep himself and his family alive. Genoways offered a fascinating history, which may lead readers to do more research on their own.

Favorite Moment: The story of how Cuervo ended up marrying his wife Ana is pretty humorous, and attests to his careful and often hesitant nature when making big decisions.

Recommended Reading: For more nonfiction, I recommend Custodians of Wonder by Eliot Stein. 

Historical Fiction: The Eights by Joanna Miller

Happy 4th of July y'all, and welcome to a review of The Eights by Joanna Miller, which does not take place in the U.S, but instead in England at Oxford University in the 1920s. The historical university has finally admitted women, and the book follows four of them through their first year of college, when their country, and many of the people, are still recovering from the Great War.

The Situation: In Corridor Eight of St. Hughs, Beatrice Sparks, Marianne Grey, Theodora 'Dora' Greenwood, and Ottoline 'Otto' Wallace-Kerr are all settled into their rooms and ready to make history. As the daughter of a famous suffragette, and as a woman who stands over six feet tall, Beatrice is well versed is gaining and commanding attention, especially if it means advancing equal rights for women. Marianne is not sure she belongs at Oxford, especially considering her past, and while Dora feels the same way, it is for entirely different reasons. She lost both her brother and fiance in the war, and knows she has only been allowed to attend university in their place. And Otto is excited about social aspect of college life. Sure, she loves mathematics, but she also wants to put the war behind her and return to gaining men's attention and attending parties.

The Problem: Naturally, not everyone is excited that Oxford has decided to finally admit women. There are some students, and certainly some faculty, that are more than ready hold the new female students to different standards than the males, if only to help prove that the women do not belong there. But the four women from Corridor Eight have formed an unlikely though solid friendship, and when one of them is having a hard time, the other three are there to help her through it. They will have to deal with sexism, the threat of getting the flu, drafty rooms, and stern advisors. But if they manage to stick with it, they will be building a legacy for many women to come.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel set primarily during the 1920-1921 academic year at Oxford University. The four women at the center of the narrative are all from different backgrounds and have different motivations, but are able to form an unlikely friendship that will help carry them through the difficult course work, frustrating pranks, and hauntings from their respective pasts. Having to attend a lecture by a professor that believes you should not be at the university is certainly a problem, but so is believing your new friends would not like you if they knew what you have done.

My Verdict: In between announcements, articles, letters, and bulletins is a story of four women all willing to be part of the first females officially admitted to Oxford University. With a third person narrator moving between the stories of each, the reader gets four different experiences from four different temperaments. The story is interesting enough, and the setting certainly had my attention from the beginning. If anything, it maybe would have worked better for there to be more focus on fewer characters. Or perhaps to have one of the women serve as a first-person narrator. Hard to say, but it is still an engaging story as it is, chronicling an academic year in the life of pioneering women. 

Favorite Moment: Otto is used to certain luxuries that her life in Corridor Eight simply does not have, but she finds a way to make it work (which mostly involves money), and her friends often benefit.

Favorite Character: Marianne, named after a Jane Austen heroine, may be the one in the group who is easy to overlook, but for me, she has the most interesting story.

Recommended Reading: The Women by Kristin Hannah is about a different war, but also looks at the attitudes around women showing up in a place that was historically reserved for men.  

Young Adult Fiction: Dear Manny by Nic Stone

When Dear Martin first appeared on shelves back in 2017 (same year as Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give), I had no clue that it would end up as the first book of a trilogy, and if the letter to the reader at the beginning of Dear Manny is any indication, neither did author Nic Stone. But here we are, and it could not feel more appropriate. I once had the pleasure of hearing Stone speak and having her sign two of my books, and I am thrilled to see her continue to tell stories, even difficult and challenging ones, aimed at younger readers. It is the perfect book for this last week of YA Fest.

The Situation: Jared Peter Christensen is being challenged. Sure, he is currently sitting in his Constitutional Law class, which is a class that is taught with the students and professor all sitting in a circle of bean bag chairs as they discuss, well, the constitution. The questions are challenging on purpose, as are the ensuing debates as the students' often opposing views are argued. But Jared also has to deal with a fraternity he is a part of, but does not particularly like; a father he knows does not approve of him, but whose approval he is not sure he wants; plus, the last few years have been pretty rough, beginning with the night his best friend Manny died. And now, it seems he has foolishly accepted Dr. Yeh's challenge by attending a meeting of the Undergraduate College Council, and becoming a candidate in the upcoming student elections.

The Problem: Enter Jared's next big challenge in the form of his opponent, John Preston LePlante IV. Like Jared, John Preston is a straight, white, wealthy legacy student, but his stance on the issues is incredibly different. Standing out and apart from him as an opponent should prove no problem, but when a third candidate enters the running, Jared is not at all sure what to think about Dylan M. Coleman. He has never met the guy and has no clue what he stands for. All Jared knows is that he has to win, and John Preston for sure has to lose. But in the coming weeks, Jared will have to wrestle with more than just campus politics. When he starts writing letters to Manny, Jared has to confront what really motivates him, what he actually stands for, and decide what kind of person he wants to be.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel set at an Ivy League university where Jared is a student with the protagonist of Stone's first book, Dear Martin. Justyce McAllister is now not only Jared's close friend, but his roommate as well, even though in that first book, the word 'enemies' would not have sufficed to describe how they felt about each other. In this book, Justyce is someone Jared trusts, almost looks up to, and serves as a grounding force while he works through everything that is happening, including the campaign. Like Justyce, Jared is confronted with racial injustice and inequities, while also having to look honestly at his own privilege, and what he is willing to do about it, and with it.

My Verdict: Confession: I am, in general, not a person who looks for or enjoys confrontation. Facing and examining hard truths? Fine. Arguing about them with someone else? No, thank you. With that said, that mental exercise of readers putting themselves in the book and wondering how they would do? Pretty sure I would wither away in this one. If readers thought Stone 'went there' with Dear Martin, then for me, this book does something else entirely. But the things is, as uncomfortable as I often was, I am still glad I read it, and still looked forward to being able to read it until I finished. And, I am looking for reasons to gift it to those close to me. Yes, the book is challenging, but not in an obnoxious or heavy-handed way. It is simply honest, and having the focus be on Jared is a bold and brilliant move.

Favorite Moment: Witnessing the debate between the three candidates was both painful and fun. I will still avoid having to watch one between real political candidates, but the one in this book is worth suffering through. 

Favorite Character: Justyce is not present in this book a whole lot, but when he is, it is during moments when Jared either needs a reality check, or simply someone to talk to. It is nice to see these two become close, real friends after everything that has happened.

Recommended Reading: For some reason, my mind goes to James by Percival Everett as a good follow-up. It is not even remotely YA, but it is a great story, and deserving of all of the attention is has received. 

Young Adult Fiction: All Better Now by Neal Shusterman

What I love about Neal Shusterman's books is that they attempt to answer a seemingly impossible question, or maybe even a question we hope to never have to answer. His Arc of the Scythe series falls into the former category, as it asks what would life on earth be like if humans could live forever. His novel Dry falls into the latter category, as it asks what would happen if the state of California ran out of water. For his most recent book, All Better Now, and the third novel for this year's DSN YA Fest, Shusterman asks what would happen if another pandemic were to take place in the near future, only this time, the survivors of the disease experience utter contentment. Would people risk the odds of being one of the 4% of the population that is guaranteed to die from it for a chance at true happiness? And would the world fall apart as a result? 

The Situation: The name they have chosen this time is Crown Royale. That is the name of the virus that is known to kill at least one out of every 25 people who contracts it. But here is the thing: The other 24 people, the ones who survive, have the long-term effect of being utterly content with their lives. Billionaires who only served their own interests before are now giving up their fortunes and disappearing to live their lives in peace and with generosity. Both small and large communes and collectives are popping up everywhere to take in anyone who needs help, whether sick or healthy, recoveree or uninfected. While there is a race to develop a vaccine, most recoverees are ready to argue against the need for one, seeing the virus as more of a savior than a scourge. And this divide is the beginning of a much larger war.

The Problem: Mariel is used to a life on the streets, with only her mother to trust, but when they unknowingly check into an Airbnb that is managed by Rón Escobedo, the son of one of the world's richest men, the two teens are started on a path that will put them at the center of the fight. There are those who wish to spread the virus as far and as fast as they can, and those who will do whatever it takes to stop it, no matter how questionable. Those with the most to lose from a virus that can eliminate jealousy and greed will live and act out of fear, claiming to help humanity while possibly dooming it as well. Families will be split, friendships will be tested. But both sides believe they are right. And both sides insist they are saving the world. 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of young adult fiction set in different locations all over North America and other parts of the world. At the center of the story are Mariel, a tough young woman who has been living on the streets with her mother for quite some time; Rón, the youngest son of a very rich man for whom contracting the virus may mean a slightly higher risk of death; and Morgan, a smart and shrewd young woman who has been chosen to help find a vaccine, even though her benefactor has had a change of heart. This novel brings up many of the questions and arguments that were brought forward during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, only this time the recoverees experience a happiness and joy that some are eager to embrace and willing to risk death for, while others find the need to shut it down as soon as possible. Greed, fear, ambition, joy, and even pity (on both sides, for the opposing side) are all there.

My Verdict: When Shusterman asks an impossible question like this, he carries it out through all of the difficult moments and takes the reader along for the ride, showing his work along the way. Every characters' motivations are clear, and both the villains and the heroes of this book (if there truly are any) remain three-dimensional. Even those who recover from Crown Royale, who no longer feel anger or resentment or the need for revenge, are not immediately good (or even better) people. They are simply different, with new goals and reasons for what they do. My only real gripe is with the ending, which does make sense considering the impossible question Shusterman is trying to answer. But with a book that is already over 500 pages, a few more chapters would have been nice, if only for clarity.

Favorite Moment: There is a moment when the selfish and almost monomaniacal Morgan is face to face with her worst fear, and is shown that she is not as secure behind her money and masks as she thought.

Favorite Character: Dame Havilland is a recoveree who was once a very rich and spiteful old woman. She will spend the entire book attempting to fix one of her biggest mistakes, and is as delightful in her new life as she was hateful and vengeful in her old one. 

Recommended Reading: I recommend Dry, also by Shusterman, and for me, it is his most terrifying book thus far. 

Young Adult Fiction: Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours

For the second week of YA Fest, I picked up Channelle Desamours' Needy Little Things. A young girl with the ability to hear the needs of others races against time when a close friend goes missing. But when her ability to hear people's needs refuses to go quiet, and others learn about what she can do, it becomes difficult to stay focused and follow the clues, especially as time seems to be running out.

The Situation: Seventeen year-old Sariyah Bryant's most useful possession might be her noise-canceling headphones. They may not provide complete protection against the needs of those in close proximity to her, but they do offer some relief. Sariyah has the ability to quite literally hear the needs of others around her. Usually it is small things like a hair tie, lip balm, marker, or nail file, and sometimes the need allows the receiver to do something silly, or even wasteful. The only needs Sariyah cannot hear are those of the people closest to her, which is both a relief, and infuriating. And when her friend, Deja, goes missing, what Sariyah needs is to be able to put all the clues together and find her, soon.

The Problem: Deja's disappearance mirrors two previous cases of a young girl going missing in her town. And while Sariyah wants to remain hopeful, those other cases did not end in the young girls being found alive. With other people's needs continuing to intrude, Sariyah and her friends Malcolm and Jude are not only doing what they can to keep Deja's disappearance at the front of everyone's minds via social media, but they are trying to figure out what exactly happened to her. Could she have run away? Who would want to hurt her? What was her life like at home? And then Sariyah does the thing she was always warned against, which is use her ability to make some quick cash, therefore drawing attention, and potentially making herself the next target.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel set in and around modern-day Atlanta. Told exclusively through Sariyah's point of view, the book touches on several topics, such as depression, grief, guilt, caring for a sick sibling, and of course, the disappearance of young girls. Years earlier, Sariyah's friend, and Malcom's twin sister, Tessa, went missing, and the two of them cannot help but see similarities between that situation and this one. Malcolm is particularly focused on keeping awareness on Deja's disappearance, while acknowledging how difficult that may be since she is a minority. And then there is Sariyah's ability to know what those around her need. Unfulfilled needs have her playing the 'what if' game, but sometimes, what she gives people leads to a chain of events that has her questioning if 'need' is the right word.

My Verdict: This is a fast-paced and interesting story that does not take long to get into the action, while also taking the time to introduce characters, describe the settings, and build out the world and the relationships. Before Deja's disappearance, it is clear that Sariyah already struggles with her ability, and that there is some history when it comes to missing girls. After the disappearance, the urgent need for action can be felt coming off of the page, along with the sense that not everything is as it appears, and many people (most of them, actually) are not telling everything they know. The grand reveal of what exactly happened seems a little bit confusing and convoluted, while still managing to be tense and troubling.

Favorite Moment: At one point, Sariyah has to get someone away from her, quickly, and she manages to do it by essentially out-crazying them.

Favorite Character: Josiah is Deja's little brother, and while he lives with sickle-cell anemia, he is bright and funny and clever and full of energy, and also incredibly perceptive.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson, another YA thriller concerning a missing young girl. 

Young Adult Fiction: Mystery Royale by Kaitlyn Cavalancia

Welcome to the annual Door Stop Novels YA Fest! This year we are starting off with Mystery Royale, the debut novel of Kaitlyn Cavalancia. Set in an old estate, seven children are gathered together to participate in a series of deadly games, with a magical inheritance as the ultimate prize.

The Situation: Sixteen year-old Mullory Prudence has a routine: savor the mornings with a book and a gas station burrito, go to school, go to work at a crappy part-time job, and return home to take care of gran, all while ignoring the stares and whispers. Everywhere she goes, everyone knows who Mullory is: She is the girl whose mother burned their house down, before disappearing and leaving her daughter with one ominous warning, "Run if the strange finds you." When strange letters begin appearing in even stranger places - inside of her burrito, in a bag of pet food - Mullory is certain this is what her mother was talking about. But then one of the letters promises an estate and an inheritance that she could certainly use, should she win a mysterious game. And so despite her mother's warning, Mullory moves towards the strange instead of away from it.

The Problem: At Stoutmire Estate, nothing is as it seems. If Mullory is to claim the ultimate prize of the inheritance, she must play and win a game of Mystery Royale. Over the next nine days, a series of clues will be given to every participant, and the correct answer to the mystery must be declared before time runs out in order to win. But with the exception of one other person, Mullory is the only participant not related to the reclusive Xavier Stoutmire, the person whose estate and magic she is competing to inherit, and whose murder they must solve in order to win. It makes sense for Whitaker and Ellison Stoutmire to be here, the twin brother/sister duo, as well as their youngest sibling Lyric, even if he was exiled while very young. But Mullory has no ties to the Stoutmires, at least none that she knows of. 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction book set mostly in the strange, mysterious, and magical estate of the deceased Xavier Stoutmire. Although there are seven participants in the game - Stoutmire relations Whitaker, Ellison, Lyric, Quinby and Martin, as well as Mullory and Mateo - only three of them serve as narrators for the reader. While Mullory provides the outsider's point of view, the uptight and orderly Ellison gives a view of what it was like growing up as a Stoutmire. She may have money and privilege, but it turns out that life as a Stoutmire was often nightmarish. And then there is Lyric, who resents his entire family because of something that happened years ago, and is determined to win the game no matter the cost. 

My Verdict: It took me a good 100 pages or so to find a rhythm and a groove with this book. At first, many aspects of the world and of the game were hazy and unclear, even while reading the chapters narrated by Ellison, who, of the three narrators, has maybe the clearest and most accessible view of what is going on. But once the games get under way and alliances begin to be made, the rules for both the Mystery Royale and the magic that runs in the Stoutmire family begin to make sense, and become vastly more interesting. And while some readers may be able to figure out the answer to the mystery, as well as how it will all end, the way it all unfolds is still a surprise, and I credit Cavalancia for giving readers a clear ending, instead of an open or vague one.

Favorite Moment: Mullory is timid and unsure of herself for most of the story, which makes sense given her background and the environment of the Stoutmire Estate. But there are moments when she makes up her mind to charge ahead and take action, come what may.

Favorite Character: Aunt Cecilia is an eerie figure who moves around the estate with a padlock around her neck, due to her ability to tell the future, and therefore potentially spoil the game. Like many of the people in this book, she speaks in riddles and knows more than she says, but she was an interesting character that I would have liked to have seen more of.

Recommended Reading: Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor is another YA story of mystery and magic, filled with characters that have strange and incredible abilities. 

Contemporary Fiction: Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

There is something about a plot or setting involving a remote location that will almost always draw me to a book. Often, books that are set somewhere that is isolated fall into the historical fiction category (at least that is true for the books on this blog), but Charlotte McConaghy's Wild Dark Shore is set in the present day, on an island off the coast of Antarctica, where a family is up against time and the elements when a strange woman washes up on their shore.

The Situation: Dominic Salt and his three children live on Shearwater, an island that was once full of researchers. But with the rising sea levels and the ever worsening storms, Dominic and his family has been left to monitor the seed vault, though their time on the island is also limited. They must hold out until the next ship arrives in a few months, but without notice or warning, another boat appears during one of the worst storms the island has ever seen, and a woman washed up on the shore, unconscious and badly injured. It is clear that Rowan attempted to come to Shearwater because she is looking for something, or someone, but neither she nor the Salts are forthcoming with information, and both have plenty to hide.

The Problem: Being one of only four people on an island for an extended period of time would make make almost anyone feel a little out of it, and while it is clear to Rowan that Dominic has done his best, especially with three children to look after, she cannot shake the feeling that the Salts are hiding something from her. But then again, she has secrets of her own. Life on the island is hard, but Rowan is not afraid of hard work, and is able to find a place among the Salts, despite her misgivings. And with the rising tide, and the growing threat to the precious seeds, themselves, and the animals of Shearwater, the five of them must pull together to save what they can, or risk losing everything.

Genre, Theme, History: This book is a work of fiction, set on the fictional Shearwater Island, where Dominic Salt lives with his teenage son and daughter, Raff and Fen, and his youngest son, nine year-old Orly. In a note about the location, McConaghy explains that she based Shearwater on the real Macquarie Island, a place halfway between Tasmania and Antarctica, and the location of the Macquarie Island Research Station. While the Salts are not researchers, they do now have the responsibility of looking after the seeds and saving what they can before the vault is taken over by water. In chapters where each of them, along with Rowan, take turns telling the story, the reader encounters five people dealing with grief and uncertainty in a world where atrocities can be committed, and disaster can strike, in even the most remote locations.

My Verdict: This book hits the ground running, but does not continue to simply sprint through the story and towards the ending. Even with two big mysteries to reveal, the journey the characters take while on this remote island, while attempting to survive its harsh conditions and also relate to one another, was clearly carefully planned and thought out. Each revelation fits easily into the narrative, even the more shocking ones, which means none of them feel cheap or convenient. It is the story of five incredibly complex characters (including the nine year-old), who are doing their best in the strangest and most unforgiving of circumstances. 

Favorite Moment: There is a point when the five inhabitants have a near-impossible task before them, one that is almost certain to end in failure, but they put everything they have into accomplishing it.

Favorite Character: Dominic has his flaws, surely. And he has certainly made his mistakes as a father, many of which were guided by immense grief. But he knows he has to keep going, and he knows that sometimes it is important to try, even when the situation seems hopeless.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Walk the Vanished Earth by Erin Swan, and also The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. 

Nonfiction: Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green

Having been a fan of John Green's writing since picking up Paper Towns in 2008, I was more than curious when I received notification of the release of Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection. This is Green's second nonfiction book, after 2021's The Anthropocene Reviewed. This time, Green takes a close look at tuberculosis, going into his fascination with the disease; the people he has met who have worked to cure it, and have lived with it; and what can be done to potentially stop it.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book that is all about tuberculosis: its history, how it has spread, the stigma surrounding it, how its treated, and how it has managed to persist as long as it has. Throughout the book, Green focuses mostly on one person, and that is Henry. Henry is a young man Green met when in Sierra Leone, while visiting the Lakka Government Hospital, where Henry was being treated for TB. After wrongly assuming that Henry was much younger than he was, his small size a result of his body's long fight with the disease, Green becomes interested in Henry and his story, and ultimately, in TB and why the disease has ceased being a large concern in Europe and North America, but in poorer countries is still wreaking havoc. Medicine is helpful, but prevention and complete eradication requires a deeper look at poverty and injustice.

My Verdict: In less than 200 pages, Green lays out a compelling and fascinating narrative about TB that could easily be filled with simple (and boring) facts, figures, and dates. But he relates it all to his own personal experience and the experiences of those he has met, people whose daily realities involve TB and its effects. Green is not a scientist or a doctor, but as an author he is able to convey just how prevalent TB remains to be (and why, and where), retelling the history of an illness that can be treated, and yet many around the world still die from it every year. The book is informative, touching, heartbreaking, but also hopeful, while also providing further reading material, and ways to assist in the fight against TB.

Favorite Chapter: The chapter titled "Virtuous Cycles" offers rays of hope where there seem to be few, highlighting how the fight against TB is not a futile one.

Favorite Quote: "Tuberculosis is so often, and in so many ways, a disease of vicious cycles: It's an illness of poverty that worsens poverty. It's an illness that worsens other illnesses - from HIV to diabetes. It's an illness of weak healthcare systems that weakens healthcare systems. It's an illness of malnutrition that worsens malnutrition. It's an illness of the stigmatized that worsens the stigmatized. In the face of all this, it's easy to despair. TB doesn't just flow through the meandering river of injustice: TB broadens and deepens that river."

Recommended Reading: I recommend Green's The Anthropocene Reviewed, as well as The Icepick Surgeon by Sam Kean.

Science Fiction: Where the Axe Is Buried by Ray Nayler

Words and phrases like 'cybernetic,' and 'geopolitical espionage,' and even 'political intrigue' were used in the synopsis for Ray Nayler's Where the Axe Is Buried. Honestly, those are not normally descriptors that would cause me to pick up a book. But I was intrigued by the idea of one book being the catalyst for a revolution, to the point that even having a copy in your possession would be a punishable crime, and that the author would be exiled to a lonely wilderness. Meanwhile, the use of artificial intelligence has progressed to a point where only self-driving cars are allowed on the road, and entire governments are run by computers.

The Situation: When Lilia made the decision to return to The Federation to visit her father, she knew the risks. In London she had the freedom to go where she pleased, do what she wanted, even read what she wanted. In The Federation, activist Zoya Alekseyevna's book is banned, but when Lilia first made it to her new home across the ocean, she found the book for sale at the airport. Even so, Lilia had to visit her father one last time, and is immediately arrested after stepping off of the plane. Now, she wonders if she will ever make it back to London, and then a strange message reaches her in an even stranger way. Someone is offering her a way out, and it involves a project that made her a target in the first place.

The Problem: With The Federation currently under the rule of a President who has essentially found a way to stay in power forever, revolution and change seem nearly impossible. And in Europe, nearly every country is governed by AI Prime Ministers, and they are failing. When one continues to raise energy prices without any reason or caution, the citizens revolt, putting any remaining human officials in danger. And while Lilia is hard at work helping to potentially bring down the immortal Federation president, she fears she cannot trust the people she is working for, and wonders if this is yet another decision that will put herself and the people she loves in danger.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a science fiction novel set in a not-so-distant future where artificial intelligence has been allowed to replace top government officials, in-home robot caretakers are a real thing, and the ability to place ideas directly into someone's mind is no longer something found only in movies. With the advancement of AI, human beings have been replaced in many areas, except for those where having human labor is actually cheaper. And while The Federation is being ruled by a president who continues to download his mind into a new body, therefore maintaining his hold on power, Europe has come to rely on AI Prime Ministers, only for them to malfunction. There are plots within plots at work here, some to maintain things as they are, and others to create real and lasting change, and it is often difficult to distinguish between the two.

My Verdict: My fear with every science fiction book I pick up is that I will not be able to understand a thing, and that the technology used and introduce within the story will go over my head. And while that was the case some of the time while reading this book, the descriptions and contexts surrounding everything made it accessible to me, and it was all within a story that was interesting and thrilling. There are several characters whose stories are brought to the front, but each one is necessary and offers a perspective of the situation that not only adds a layer to the world, but provides a deeper understanding of our own. 

Favorite Moment: Lilia is not entirely sure about who she can trust, and even though it is unclear what the consequences will be, I appreciate one moment where she takes a chance and breaks free of a group whose motivations are unclear, but are desperate for her skills and abilities.

Favorite Character: Nikolai is the Federation president's personal physician, and all he wants is to be able to return home to his family in Italy. He knows Federation officials would rather he stay with them and continue his work of taking care of the immortal president, but he keeps his head down and does his job, even though he hates it, if it means he will eventually get to go home.

Recommended Reading: George Orwell's 1984 came to mind pretty much immediately.

Young Adult: Solving for the Unknown by Loan Le

Loan Le's Solving for the Unknown is a follow-up to her 2021 debut, A Pho Love Story. Certainly the thing I remember most about the first book is the food: It made me hungry every time I picked it up, and honestly, the actual story did not make that big of an impression. Even so, I was excited to pick up today's book, if anything expecting a light and fun read in a college setting.

The Situation: Việt is not sure what will happen at home once he goes off to college. Living on a campus six hours away means no longer having to witness the constant bickering between his parents, which has been going on as long as he can remember. Even on moving day, the fighting does not stop, and once his parents leave, Việt is suddenly living with a stranger, and on an unknown campus where he must now find his own way to new friends and experiences. Evie is in her third year at UC Davis, and is looking forward to hanging out with friends, maybe securing a job at a clinic, and being with her boyfriend Jake. It is through a clumsy accident that she and Việt meet, but they soon find themselves securing an important place in each other's lives.

The Problem: Việt's weekly calls home confirms what he has feared. His parents are still fighting, the old familiar patterns playing out even without him there. And while he has managed to make friends at college, even finding a peaceful balance with a roommate he has very little in common with, what he would really like is to be closer to Evie, who is still with Jake. But Evie struggles to admit to herself what her friends seem to see, which is that she and Jake no longer really fit. And she worries about Việt, who seems to retreat into himself and away from others when things get to be too much. But the two of them, along with their friends, continue to navigate college life, and the chaos that can come with it.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction book that takes place in and around UC Davis in California. In alternating chapters, it follows first-year student Việt, and third-year student Evie, as a third-person narrator details the events. Việt and Evie are also from the same area of California as Bảo and Linh from A Pho Love Story. In fact, Việt is Bảo's friend, and Evie is Linh's older sister. So this story's two protagonists each know what the other pair had to go through to be together. This book also deals with mental health struggles, which can become more pronounced in college, as well as family expectations, and the experience of simply wanting to be seen.

My Verdict: I always lament that there are not more books that are set during the college years as most young adult novels take place during high school, or even in that summer between high school and college. Việt's experience of suddenly having to occupy a too small space with someone you just met will be relatable for many people. Plus, there is the balance of new friends, and challenging courses, plus making space for any outside interests, all of which Le portrays well. And the relationship (or lack thereof) between Evie and Jake is clearly flawed, but the author manages to show how there can be just enough positive moments that will keep someone hanging on, despite the bigger red flags. There is more conflict and tension here, which many believed Le's first book lacked, and readers will get to follow-up on Bảo and Linh.

Favorite Moment: When Việt gets involved in a forensic science club, this mean he is occasionally presented with practice or test cases to solve, and these were definitely interesting to me, almost like fun side puzzles in the middle of the bigger story.

Favorite Character: Việt is certainly believable as a somewhat dorky and offbeat freshman student bumbling his way through his first year of college. Things get better for him once he finds a solid group of friends who refuse to simply let him go when he begins to retreat. 

Recommended Reading: I recommend Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, also set during the main character's first year of college.

Historical Fiction: Red Clay by Charles B. Fancher

It was understood when picking up Red Clay by Charles B. Fancher that difficult scenarios would be encountered, as the bulk of the book takes place in the late 19th century in Alabama, and on a slave plantation. But the premise of an older woman visiting the descendants of a man whose family her own family used to own was too intriguing to pass up.

The Situation: It is 1943, and well-known local Red Clay resident Felix H. Parker has died. While at the funeral, his granddaughter notices an older white woman she does not recognize, and no one else seems to know either. When that same woman shows up at the house, she introduces herself as Adelaide Parker, and simply states "my family owned yours." What follows is a story of both families, one that begins just as the Civil War is nearing its end, and into Reconstruction, and the tumultuous time that was the Jim Crow era. Adelaide talks about her family, and Felix's life with them at the Road's End plantation, right there in Red Clay, Alabama.

The Problem: There are more than a few gaps in Adelaide's knowledge of Felix's story, and while Eileen and her family would love to have had all of the answers, there are simply some things that Felix did not like to talk about. Of course, being a slave at Road's End came with the expected hardships and complications, but the end of the Civil War brings with it a different era of uncertainty, apprehension, and also outright resentment and betrayal. Discerning between friends and enemies is not easy, and when secrets become currency, everyone must do what they have to for the ones they love. 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel that opens in 1943, after Felix Parker has died, though most of the story details his life growing up in the late 19th century. The son of two slaves, Felix will grow up on the Road's End plantation, and remains to work there once the Civil War ends and the slaves are officially freed. Felix's family are not quite sure what to think of Adelaide when she comes to tell her story, but they invite the older woman into their home anyway. In the Afterword, Fancher speaks of his own experience of listening to stories about his great-grandfather, and finding inspiration for this book about a resilient young Black man finding his way after the Civil War.

My Verdict: This book is indeed a journey, and due to its setting near the end of the Civil War and into early Jim Crow, tensions remain high even during moments or relative joy and peace. There is always something that is about to go wrong, and always someone ready to take action against those they believe are, or at least should be, beneath them. With that in mind, there is also this deep sense of resilience and hope, even during the darkest of times and when things appear to be at their most impossible. I appreciate the attempt to explore the nebulous moment when the slaves were declared free, but no one really knew what to do exactly. And if anything, what came through to me was the importance of stories and storytelling. As someone who recently lost a nonagenarian relative, this truth probably hit home harder than it normally would have. Readers who love a good family saga will enjoy this book, and maybe become more curious about their own family's history.

Favorite Moment: Closer to the end of the book, an antagonist from Felix's early life makes a surprising and redemptive return.

Favorite Character: Jimmy becomes a long-time friend of Felix's, beginning when they are children helping to bring water to the slaves in the field. He will remain a loyal friend as the two boys grow older and learn their respective trades. 

Recommended Reading: I recommend River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer. 

Young Adult Fiction: The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylor

Emily J. Taylor's Hotel Magnifique, published in 2022, introduced readers to a traveling hotel that is as magical as it is dangerous. In The Otherwhere Post, Taylor brings readers into a strange land where travel between worlds is possible, or it used to be, and the written word is powerful enough to bring joy, as well as cause untold catastrophe.

The Situation: Maeve Abenthy does not dare speak her own name. For seven years she has been using aliases, and refuses to stay in one place for too long should someone figure her out. She knows from experience that if anyone were to know her true identity, she would once again be shunned, a punishment that comes from not any crime she committed, but her father's. Because of Jonathan Abenthy, travel between the three worlds of Inverly, Barrow, and Leyland is no longer possible, at least not for the general public. And due to a devastating event, Inverly is blocked off completely and deemed too dangerous to enter. While Maeve is preparing to once again pack up and move somewhere else in Leyland, she receives a letter that was supposed to have reached her years ago, claiming her father's innocence. Finding out the truth will require her to travel to Barrow, an impossibility for everyone who is not a courier.

The Problem: Couriers are trained in the dangerous magic of scriptomancy, which is what allows them to travel to other worlds and deliver letters. But apprenticeships are highly coveted, and to gain access to one, Maeve must once again hide her true identity. Unfortunately, her new mentor is aware that she is not who she claims to be, and it seems someone else knows of her plan, and has begun to send threatening letters, encouraging her to stop looking into the past. If the mentor or this other mystery person do not stop her, the actual art of scriptomancy might, as some mistakes can be fatal. Maeve must draw on the knowledge she received from her father's instruction if she hopes to clear his name, but there is not much time, and it is near impossible to know who to trust.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fantasy novel set mostly in Leyland, a fictional world with two near-identical mirrors, Barrow and Inverly. Due to a terrible event that took place seven years ago, Inverly is no longer accessible, and travel between Barrow and Leyland is limited. Readers follow young Maeve as she must lie about her identity and essentially hide in plain sight, though it proves difficult, nearing on impossible. With no family, and an aversion to making close friends, Maeve must make decisions that serve only herself. And this is a world where words and letters hold incredible power, and being adept at any one of the five types of scribing - sense, memory, form, tracking, and travel - is a fast track to being a courier. 

My Verdict: For readers craving a fast-paced adventure in a world that has two other mirror worlds, and where the people who work for what is essentially the postal service are revered and have incredible abilities, this is the book for them. There is danger, and intrigue, and a handsome mentor, and of course, magic. If there was any one detail about this book that was irritating to me, it would be some of Maeve's actions, in particular the ones that have severe consequences for others. But desperation can be a wild motivator, and Taylor's protagonist never claims to be perfect. Despite being nearly 400 pages, this is a quick read that kept me engaged, though something about it did not leave me quite as enchanted as Taylor's previous book did. 

Favorite Moment: Because I am who I am, I enjoyed the brief description of the different libraries, and the fact that there is a 'Second Library,' but not a 'First Library,' is just so delightful. 

Favorite Character: Maeve's roommate Nan is immediately a lot to deal with, but she is determined to be helpful, as well as be Maeve's friend. 

Recommended Reading: I recommend Taylor's first novel, Hotel Magnifique. 

Contemporary Fiction: Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

To be completely honest, I totally judged today's book by its cover, because it is so incredibly beautiful and well done. Also, there is a fun surprise on the inside of the cover of the hardback, but I will not ruin it here. Samantha Sotto Yambao's Water Moon is a fantasy book that takes readers on a journey through a different world, where the night sky has to be prepared, and there is a bridge between midnight and morning.

The Situation: Hana Ishikawa knew that this day would come, but now that it is here, it appears events have taken a dramatic turn she was not expecting. With the retirement of her father the day before, Hana is now the owner and operator of a pawn shop in Tokyo, though to most on the outside, it looks like a popular ramen restaurant. The pawn shop does not trade in the usual goods such as jewelry and antiques, but instead the trades in choices and regrets. When Hana wakes up the morning of her first day as owner, it looks like the shop has ransacked. Even more alarming, Hana cannot find her father, and one of the shop's most precious items is missing.

The Problem: It is Hana's duty to run the pawn shop just as her father had, but she cannot ignore the fact that her father is missing, despite the danger she knows will come with attempting to find him. When a kind stranger, a scientist named Keishin, shows up at the shop and offers his help, Hana accepts it, and the two of them embark on a journey to find Hana's father. But the Shiikuin who uphold the rules of Hana's world, mostly by exacting the most brutal of punishments should the rules be broken, are always close behind the pair as they jump into puddles as a means of quick travel; ride in paper cranes; and wait for trains that sometimes take years to come, but the people wait anyway. As a scientist, Keishin is having a hard time believing what he is seeing, but the biggest surprise may still come from Hana herself, and it could ruin everything.

Genre, Themes, History: This book is a work of fiction that is set in both modern-day Tokyo, and in Hana's world where choices and regrets can be traded in, and a night market exists in the clouds. When she goes on a journey to find her missing father, Keishin goes with her. But as a scientist not of Hana's world, everything he experiences with her is new and strange, but beautiful, while simultaneously being dangerous and more than a little scary. Nearly every step in the journey introduces a new element that Keishin struggles to fit into his own understanding of how things are supposed to work. There is regret, and grief, and the anguish over even the small everyday choices we make that can decided our future.

My Verdict: This is a work of fantasy that may be a refreshing change for fantasy readers looking for something other than dragons, or wizards, or embattled royalty. The magic present in this book is different from the magic that usually springs to mind when the word comes up. I enjoyed the fast pace of this book, which allowed for the book to rarely be boring, though sometimes hard to follow and understand. Explanations come quick, but are not drawn out, and while the general plot was sometimes lost because of everything going on, that narrative was quick to re-orient itself and the reader back to the central point, which is to find Hana's father and elude the Shiikuin. It is an interesting journey, and very different from any other I have encountered in a book before.

Favorite Moment: There are moments when Keishin retreats to a place in his mind where he will confer with his now deceased mentor. These were moments of quiet, usually in the midst of a difficult moment or decision.

Favorite Character: It is understandable that Keishin would struggle to understand the journey he has found himself on, but he stays focused and determined to see it through.

Recommended Reading: I recommend The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez.

Nonfiction: Black in Blues by Imani Perry

National Book Award-winning author Imani Perry's latest book, Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People, is an exploration of how the color blue has an interesting presence in the history of Black people. After enjoying 2022's South to America, I was excited to pick this up book, especially with its interesting premise and description.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book in which Perry gives special focus to the color blue, along with its various iterations (indigo, cobalt, lapis, azure, etc.), and its connection to Black people. From the blue in her grandmother's bedroom, to the blue she continues to encounter in her research, and the blue that can simply be found everywhere in nature, Perry links it to commonly known, and also not-so commonly known, points in history. There are the more obvious connections such as rhythm and blues music, Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, Miles Davis's Kind of Blue, and even the skin tone commonly referred to as 'blue-black.' But Perry reaches back in time to the indigo cloths of West Africa, moving through history, and includes much of her own personal history with the color.

My Verdict: This book is undoubtedly about the color blue and its link to blackness, but what comes out of it is an in-depth look at the black experience that weaves both history and Perry's personal experience into something that is educational, and interesting, and often eye-opening. I was not entirely sure what to expect when I first picked up the book, or just how Perry was going to organically bring the color into her explorations of the slave trade, politics, art, history, and the overall long history of the fight for freedom. But her examples are clear and specific, thoroughly researched, and certainly enlightening.

Favorite Moment: The book includes a variety of pictures that are mostly pieces of art, but my favorite is of a man dying cloth in the indigo dye pits of Nigeria.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye. But be warned, it is heavy and heartbreaking. 

Historical Fiction: The English Problem by Beena Kamlani

The title of this week's DSN is what initially made me curious, and after discovering that it was set during the Indian independence movement, I decided I needed to know more. Beena Kamlani's The English Problem chronicles a tumultuous period in a young man's life as he is given the honorable but difficult task of leaving his home in India to become a lawyer and help his country win independence from the English.

The Situation: Shiv Advani is a young man with an incredibly promising future, which is evidenced by the fact that he has been chosen by Mahatma Ghandi himself to help lead India in its fight to win independence from the British. To achieve this, the plan is to have Shiv leave his home of Sind, India and travel to live and study in London. He is to learn the British laws, become a lawyer, and then help in the fight to have the British leave India. Naturally, being away from home will be hard, especially since shortly before his departure, Shiv's parents insist he get married and leave behind a pregnant wife, therefore ensuring he will return as soon as he can. But there is also the uphill battle he is supposed to be helping with, as well as the difficulty of being a dark-skinned man in 1930s London.

The Problem: The seemingly straightforward directive that Shiv has been given of entering English society, learning its laws, and then returning home turns out to be not so simple. And the longer that Shiv is away from India, the easier he finds it to stay away, even with a wife and son waiting for him. On the surface, he is doing exactly what has been expected of him, becoming a brilliant lawyer and making many important connections. But every step towards progress is not without its dangers, and every suspicious glance and tense confrontation adds a touch of anger and resentment. With his parents, his superiors, even Ghandi making it clear what they want him to do, Shiv struggles to find his own path that will hopefully be in service to his home country, and also make him happy.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel that is mostly set between the years of 1931 and 1941 in London, England, but also aboard a ship bound for India in the latter part of 1941. Shiv has been selected by Ghandi to help India win its independence from Britain, and the story details his initial arrival in the new country, his education, his expanding social circle, and the conflict he feels regarding his duty to the cause, his duty to his parents and wife back home, and his duty to himself. There is much discussion of the pull Shiv feels to be the perfect Indian son and fulfill his parent's wishes, while also wanting to find his own path, and knowing he is disappointing his father and mother by doing so. And while India fights for independence, World Ward II is also on the horizon.

My Verdict: This novel is complicated and has several layers, as does the different conflicts and issues that are discussed within it. Shiv is a young man who has been put in a near impossible position, and is asked to make the most difficult of decisions, while also carrying the burden of being a key piece in his country's search for independence. Unfortunately, the complexity of the narrative does not quite make up for the slow pace, especially in the beginning and end, and while sympathizing with Shiv is easy, liking him and cheering him on is not. The book is certainly informative, but not exactly interesting, and the ending feels incomplete, as well as a copout. 

Favorite Moment: Although they made up for a small percentage of the book, I most enjoyed the moments on the ship in 1941 as Shiv is making his way back to India.

Favorite Character: Mairi is Shiv's nurse onboard The Empress of Scotland and has her own story that may merit a novel of its own.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Babel by R.F. Kuang.

Young Adult Fiction: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Picking up Suzanne Collins' fifth Hunger Games book was an easy decision to make, and I knew I would want to talk about Sunrise on the Reaping as soon as it came out. The background and history of Haymitch Abernathy, the only living victor from District 12 at the beginning of the series, is something readers have wanted since the first book came out. While a short explanation of his situation was offered by Katniss, readers have always wanted the full story, so here it is.

The Situation: It is the day of the reaping. The 50th Hunger Games is fast approaching, and it is time for the tributes to be chosen from each of the 12 districts. But it is also Haymitch Abernathy's 16th birthday. It is unfortunate that his birthday and reaping day are one and the same, but Haymitch gets up, gets ready, and heads out with all of the children. He can only hope that the event will pass, and he will be able to resume life as usual, and best of all, hang out with his girlfriend, Lenore Dove. But this year's reaping will be a little different as this year is the Quarter Quell, which means twice as many tributes will be selected: Four girls and four boys will represent each district in this annual fight to the death. The odds are not in his favor, and Haymitch knows it.

The Problem: When Haymitch ends up as a tribute, he and his three fellow District 12 tributes make their way to the Capitol, each one knowing full well that they have little chance of making it back home. It becomes clear to Haymitch that everyone, from the other tributes to the Capitol team that has been put in charge of them, view District 12 as a joke at worst, and an afterthought at best. But almost immediately, Haymitch manages to draw President Snow's attention in the worst way possible, putting himself in danger, as well as anyone he gets close to. And even with the knowledge that the Capitol is always watching, Haymitch decides he wants to fight, not only in this games, but in a way that affects the future of the games. With everything against him, it will be an uphill battle.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel set in the dystopian country of Panem, which is made up of 12 districts, and the Capitol that controls them. This book takes place 24 years before the first book in the series, which first debuted back in 2008, and 40 years after 2020's The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Completely from Haymitch's point of view, readers learn about him, his family, and the family of his girlfriend, Lenore Dove. There is some discussion regarding the past games and what the arenas were like, as well as how this story links up with some of the history and events from The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. This book, much likes is predecessors, explores themes of oppression, the effects of war, and government manipulation. 

My Verdict: It is a daunting task to write a book where the readers of the original series already know how it ends. But as I said before, this is the story many readers have been wanting since the first book came out in 2008. And it contains the same heaviness, and darkness, and tension, but with the slightest and slimmest threads of hope and defiance, even though many know what is going to happen. Readers get to see Haymitch before his own experience in the games, before he becomes the ornery man so many of us love, while also getting yet more background and more answers about Panem, as the book brings together details from the previous four books. And once again, Collins does not shy away from the grim and gruesome stuff, but she does not wallow in it either. 

Favorite Moment: The moments when Haymitch is getting used to the arena he has been thrown into and attempting to get his bearings are not only entertaining, but also informative as to just how sinister these games are. 

Favorite Character: Maysilee is one of the female tributes from District 12, and while she was previously known to be privileged and stuck-up, her actions in the arena prove there is more to her than Haymitch had previously thought. 

Recommended Reading: George Orwell's 1984 is a great book for an introduction into dystopian fiction. 

Contemporary Fiction: Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson

Back in 2022 (which was three years ago if you can believe it), Black Cake was one of those books that was on all the lists, and has even been adapted into a drama series on Hulu. Now, Charmaine Wilkerson has released her second novel, Good Dirt, which follows a woman whose life has been defined by one childhood tragedy, though there is much more to her and her family's story.

The Situation: Ebony "Ebby" Freeman is used to being in the spotlight, unfortunately. In 2000, when she was only ten years old, her 15 year-old brother Baz was shot and killed in their home during a robbery gone wrong. The crime was never solved, the murderers never caught, and the media continues to run stories about it, always ready to point out that Ebby's family is one of the few Black family's in the neighborhood, and that the area is usually not prone to this kind of crime. Now, at 29 years old, Ebby is ready to start a new chapter in her life, only to be stood up on her wedding day. This will most certainly kick off another round of media attention as Ebby figures out what to do next.

The Problem: What comes next for Ebby is a trip to France, mostly in an effort to get away from everything, but possibly as the beginning of a new start. Turns out running from the past is not that easy, even with an ocean between the Connecticut community where everything happened and where she is now. When Ebby remains committed to what she is doing in France, despite any unwanted guests, she also turns her focus to something else her family lost when Baz was killed, and that was an over 100 year-old handmade jar passed down in her family for generations. Handcrafted by an enslaved ancestor, the jar's history could be what helps Ebby move forward, in more ways than she even imagined.

Genre, Themes, History: This novel is a work of fiction that many have placed in the historical fiction category since some of the story takes place in the 1800s, detailing the creation of the old stoneware jar and Ebby's family history. With Ebby as the main focus, the book has many narrators, and jumps back and forth through time, telling the story from as far back in history as the 1820s, to as recent as the lockdown of the pandemic that kept many people at home. Ebby's story is an exploration of how one major event can define the rest of someone's life, despite many efforts to move beyond it, and how different members of the same family attempt to handle a tragedy. 

My Verdict: This novel offers a lot to chew on and think about. There is the defining tragedy of Ebby's life, which is the death of her brother and the loss of the jar. But then there is the wedding that never happened. Adding the history of the jar as well as Ebby's family would have been plenty for one book, but more characters keep entering the picture as other details emerge, and I had to wonder just how far down this rabbit hole could the book possibly go in less than 350 pages. Wilkerson does manage to pull everything together, and the myriad of voices and details does make for a story that is almost never boring.

Favorite Moment: There is a moment when Ebby's mother does something to another character that is completely unexpected, given how she is normally both composed and gracious. But even her husband has to laugh when it happens, though it does scare him a little. 

Favorite Character: Granny Freeman does not have a large role in the book, be she offers a reality check to Ebby that may seem harsh, but Ebby cannot argue against it. One of Ebby's father's friends, Harris, also does not have a large role, but his few appearances are memorable and refreshing.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Wilkerson's Black Cake, naturally, but I also recommend Deacon King Kong by James McBride. 

Science Fiction: Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor

The excitement I had over the release of Nnedi Okorafor's Death of the Author was much greater than the amount of excitement I usually experience over a science fiction book. This one promised to be much more than a story about a strange and maybe not-so-far-off future filled with AI and robots. There was also mention of complicated family dynamics, and at the center of everything is a writer who achieves her dream of publishing her work, and everything that comes with sudden meteoric success.

The Situation: As the second-oldest of six in a large and loud Nigerian family, Zelu is prepared for the controlled chaos that is sure to occur while attending her younger sister's wedding. She expects the looks, stares, and glances because of her wheelchair, and even the rude and ill-conceived comments from relatives over her disability. What she does not expect is to be fired from her adjunct faculty position over the phone, and then to receive news of her latest novel being rejected. But something in Zelu opens up, allowing her to begin writing something completely new. And when she sends it to her agent, he loves it, along with everyone else who gets their hands on it, bringing Zelu the literary success she has been chasing.

The Problem: As Rusted Robots takes the world by storm, Zelu suddenly has more money than she could have ever dreamed of, and is recognized practically everywhere she goes. But of course, with the good reviews come the negative ones, and once the movie adaptation hits theaters, what follows is the constant nagging for a second book. And then there is Zelu's family, who can never quite seem to understand her, or simply be happy for her, no matter what she accomplishes. As the book begins to take on a life of its own, Zelu's success takes her on a very different path that she ever could have imagined.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a science fiction novel that is actually more like two books in one. There is Zelu's story as a Nigerian-American woman who finds success as a writer while living in Chicago. Then there is the book she writes, Rusted Robots, that catapults her to fame. Zelu's story focuses heavily on her family, her disability, and of course, her career and experience as a writer. In Rusted Robots, humanity is long gone, and what they have left behind is an earth inhabited by several different types of robots and AI. And the science fiction aspects of the book are not relegated to the story within the story. With Zelu's literary fame comes opportunities she never would have imagined, and they make implications as to the direction humanity could be headed.

My Verdict: On the cover of the copy of my book is a quote by George R. R. Martin claiming that this book "has it all," and I see what he means. The book within a book contains a compelling science fiction adventure, written by a woman who is impulsive, stubborn, proud, afraid, creative, and simply wishing to be free to live her own life, while surrounded by a family that will loudly judge and criticize every move she makes. It is a concept that takes a lot of guts to tackle, but Okorafor goes for it and the results are worth the risk. This book will appeal to more than only science fiction lovers, as many will relate to the complex family dynamics, and the struggles for creative success.

Favorite Moment: While it is actually a frustrating moment, there is a phone call Zelu receives from the department chair that fired her that is more relatable than it should be.

Favorite Character: Msizi is a man Zelu meets at her sister's wedding, and who remains as part of her life throughout the book. Successful in his own industry, he is a great support for Zelu, but also not afraid to tell her the truth.

Recommended Reading: There are three primary books in Okorafor's Binti series, and all three are relatively short, the longest containing only 203 pages.