Contemporary Fiction: Good People by Patmeena Sabit

Despite it being published back in early February, I am only now finding a space for Patmeena Sabit's Good People, a story about a mysterious tragedy that completely takes over the lives of a successful immigrant family.

The Situation: On the surface, Rahmat Sharaf has achieved the American dream for himself and his family. Arriving in the U.S. after fleeing Afghanistan, the Sharafs settle in northern Virginia, where Rahmat will try his hand at several ventures before starting and growing his own business. His eventual success will mean that his wife and their four children will want for nothing, or at least they shouldn't, but the oldest daughter, Zorah, will soon yearn for freedom. Freedom to wear makeup; freedom to hang out with her friends when there is a boy present; freedom to drive; and freedom to date whomever she likes. Zorah's rebellions will threaten to destroy the family's peace, and then the unthinkable happens.

The Problem: While dealing with Zorah was difficult enough, things get even worse when the Sharaf family must face the court of public opinion. And now everyone they had any contact with is being questioned. Did the Sharaf family really achieve the American dream? Were they as happy as they seemed? Were Zorah's claims about her tyrannical Muslim parents true? Or were they simply the complaints of a spoiled girl who was given everything but wanted more? Everyone has an opinion on the matter, including community members, neighbors, teachers, Zorah's friends, everyone but the Sharaf's themselves. And none of them can agree on the truth.

Genre, Themes, History: This book is a work of fiction that is set up almost like a documentary. Every chapter includes a brief testimony of sorts from a family friend, neighbor, teacher, even the occasional gas station attendant or hotel manager, anyone who had contact with the Sharaf family and had information regarding the tragedy that would take over their lives. The Sharafs fled conflict in Afghanistan and would manage to become the picture of the American dream, despite how little confidence those who knew Rahmat had in his chances to be successful. The book examines not only the struggles of an immigrant family, but also the difficulty of raising young children in a strange nation, while attempting to hold onto the values and customs of the previous country and culture.

My Verdict: I can certainly see why there was so much buzz about this book and why it is spoken of and rated so highly. Being able to write from the perspectives of such a vast array of different characters is not an easy thing, but Sabit makes it happen. The story is already interesting when it is about a young headstrong woman and the family struggling to understand her. When the tragedy happens and the mystery fully enters the story, it is a roller coaster clear through to the end. Readers will want to jump to conclusions and make up their minds, but the narrative certainly kept me guessing, while confronting the issues of prejudice, bias, and racism.

Favorite Moment: It is often in this book that the next chapter will directly contradict what came in the chapter before it, and the next chapter after that will disagree with both. Many members of the Sharaf's community can agree on many things, but disagree on quite a few key points. The wide range of distinct characters and view points is quite impressive.

Favorite Character: Zorah's older brother Omer may be similar to her in that he has little interest in following their father's dreams for his life, but being a boy, the expectations for him are a bit different. Still, he defends Zorah and is known to be gentle and kind.

Recommended Reading: I recommend the nonfiction title They Called Us Exceptional by Prachi Gupta.

Young Adult Fiction: Evie and Her Nightmares by Francesca Zappia

Back in 2018, I read and adored Francesca Zappia's Eliza and Her Monsters. It was the book that gave me the idea of learning to draw, and even creating or beginning some sort of writing project that included artwork. So strange and funny that nine years later, my own project is finally seeing the light of day, and at the same time, Zappia comes out with a stand alone companion novel, Evie and Her Nightmares. This time, the focus is on a different character, as well as a different fictional world.

The Situation: For Evie Leigh, being in a world without Alissa is nearly unthinkable. And the idea that Alyssa killed herself is the hardest thing of all to come to terms with. Alissa had everything. Everyone liked her. She got along with everyone. And she was Evie's best friend. It is hard for Evie not to wonder about the signs she missed, or what she could have done to convince Alissa to stay. When Evie is given the book series that Alissa was obsessed with, Children of Hypnos, she decides to give them another try - along with the online game - despite not being able to relate to them before. The books quickly become a tether to Alissa, and a way to escape.

The Problem: As a teen with AuDHD, Evie already has difficulty navigating some social situations, an area in which Alissa excelled. But there is a funeral and memorials to attend, and high school to deal with, along with other students, many of whom are also not the best with processing Alissa's death. In the Children of Hypnos online game, Evie does not have to deal with any of that. Her competitive nature serves her well, and the drive to connect more with something Alissa loved leads her to become a top player. But ignoring reality only works for so long, and Evie will have to face her grief eventually.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction book set in modern day, and focusing on high school junior Evie Leigh. After her best friend commits suicide, Evie is gifted a set of Alissa's favorite book series, and immediately becomes lost in the same world that her friend was obsessed with. At the beginning of the book, Zappia does include a note of warning that the story deals with suicide and suicidal ideation, depression, self-harm, and even eating disorders. Many of the main characters are experiencing grief in one form or another, and it is not only Alissa's death that is discussed. Characters and stories from Eliza and Her Monsters are mentioned, and much like that book, this one also includes the occasional illustration.

My Verdict: Of course I was excited for a new book by Zappia, and one that was a companion novel to the previous book that influenced me so much. Evie's story and journey is incredibly emotional, and heartbreaking, as well as relatable. She has lost someone close to her, and all of the questions about what she could have done better, why did it happen, why are other people pretending they knew Alissa, why are they pretending they care...for many readers, these questions may hit a little too close to home. As Evie moves through her grief, Zappia confronts many issues openly and honestly, as much of what she is dealing with is not easy. I recommend the book, but I echo Zappia's warning to take care of yourself while reading.

Favorite Moment: My actual favorite moment is very spoilery, so I will simply say that I did appreciate Evie's love of running track and competing.

Favorite Character: Evie's track teammate Haley seems genuinely supportive of Evie and cares about her.

Recommended Reading: As mentioned, this is a stand alone novel, but its companion, Eliza and Her Monsters, also looks at a life spent mostly online. 

Historical Fiction: Cool Machine by Colson Whitehead

Author Colson Whitehead has finished out what has been called The Harlem Trilogy with Cool Machine, which started with Harlem Shuffle back in 2021. Ray Carney's story of being part of cons, both small and big, in the heart of Harlem comes to a close with the man more successful than ever, but having to face what he did to get there, and where he intends to go next.

The Situation: It is 1981, and Ray Carney has been named Sterling Furniture's Northeast Regional Dealer of the Month, the first black man to receive the designation. With the successful expansion of the furniture store, and the kids grown and out of the house, Ray has certainly entered a different time in his life. If it was not for his wife's difficulty in securing a loan for her travel agency, he would give up the crooked life for good. But then the opportunity to work with a criminal legend comes up, and it is just the thing for Ray to secure the money Elizabeth needs. 

The Problem: It is 1986, and Ray has had to do the uncomfortable thing and come to terms with some of the things he has done, and what kind of man he is. But even a willingness to reconcile his past does not mean the future will be smooth sailing. Still haunted by the death of his cousin 20 years ago, Ray is now compelled to help his cousin's son, who finds himself in a situation with the potential to end badly. Ray's longtime friend Pepper is there to help, as always, but getting involved means putting at risk all that he has built and done for himself and his family.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel set in and around New York City, with three different stories in 1981, 1983, and 1986. In fact, Whitehead dedicates the book to the city, which explores what the place was like during the Reagan years, with buildings being bought up and brought down, and so many being displaced in an effort to make way for new structures that do not at all match with the old ones. Furniture salesman Ray Carney is still a little bit crooked, and still very much his father's son, despite his desire to leave all of that behind and be the man worthy of the woman he married. As he and his friend Pepper do what they have always done, they must acknowledge that they are older now, things are changing, and luck can run out.

My Verdict: This is a great way to finish out Ray Carney's story, as well as explore 1980s New York City with all of its flaws and issues, while making it clear that the author still loves and reveres the place. Ray is a man now in a different stage of life, which automatically makes him reflective, and a little regretful over some of the things he has been a part of. I was wary of the idea of the book jumping ahead through time to tell three different stories, but the effect offers a view of a fast-changing New York City, something else that the protagonists must come to terms with. This trilogy is a must for lovers of Whitehead's work. 

Favorite Moment: The book is made up of three separate stories taking place in 1981, 1983, and 1986. In 1983, Pepper is introduced to the East Village art and club scene, and his confusion and disdain is fun to witness.

Favorite Character: Pepper is older and nearly brought to his knees by illness, but he is still a stoic fighter that nearly anyone would be a fool to try to go up against.

Recommended Reading: Also set in New York City, Brendan Slocumb's Symphony of Secrets is a different kind of historical fiction that moves back and forth through time.

Nonfiction: Catch the Devil by Pamela Colloff

The full title of Pamela Colloff's true crime book is Catch the Devil: A True Story of Murder, Deception, and Injustice on the Gulf Coast. Colloff chronicles the story of criminal and con artist Paul Skalnik, whose false testimonies would serve to help convict many, including one man who remains on death row today.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book that mostly follows two men, Paul Skalnik and Jim Dailey. The former is a con artist who was known to pose as a lawyer, a salesman, a real-estate agent, an undercover officer...many things. He would promise his victims something, always appearing to be a high-roller who could afford nice jewelry and property, before stealing from them. When he was caught, he turned to snitching, claiming other prisoners had confessed their crimes to him, leading to several men being convicted based on his word. One of those men was Jim Dailey, a man who was implicated in a murder in 1985, and remains on death row in Florida today. Colloff discusses a justice system that would allow this to happen, while examining the lives of both Skalnik and Dailey.

My Verdict: Personally, I find con artists to be much more fascinating than serial killers, and Paul Skalnik was a con artist whose luck seemed to continually run out before he somehow found some more, which would spell disaster for those around him, whether in prison or out in society. Colloff's account of the lives of Skalnik and Jim Dailey is as fascinating as it is devastating and frustrating, with the journalist leading the reader through ever high and low, though be warned, there are many more of the latter than there are of the former. Included are Colloff's personal interactions with Skalnik, and her own experience with his brand of deception that often served him so well. True crime lovers will appreciate this book and possibly be compelled to do their own research.

Favorite Moment: Hard to choose given the events of the book, but the author's personal accounts of conversations with Skalnik are particularly interesting.

Recommended Reading: One true crime book I still think about often is Michelle McNamara's I'll Be Gone in the Dark.

Historical Fiction: Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez

It is an interesting feeling to read a historical fiction book that was set less than 20 years ago in 2007, but that is what happened with Xochitl Gonzalez's Last Night in Brooklyn. Beginning in the spring, this story follows a young woman as she and her friends attempt to build their lives in Brooklyn and the surrounding New York area, just as the older buildings she grew up with are being bought up and torn down.

The Situation: Alicia Canales Forten knows two things: that she loves Brooklyn, and that she and James will indeed get married, eventually. The wedding has simply been postponed while James is in medical school upstate, and she begins her career at an ad agency. Besides, breaking off the wedding completely would mean upsetting a mother who has always wanted the kind of security, prestige, and recognition that Alicia could get being married to someone like James. But until that happens, Alicia is going to enjoy being young in Brooklyn, before gentrification fully takes over and prices her and her friends out of their homes.

The Problem: One of the mythical figures of Brooklyn is a woman know as La Garza, a fashion designer whose origin story is shrouded in mystery, and whose spontaneous parties are legendary. When Alicia is actually invited to one of these events - something that is pretty much unheard of - she has no idea how the next few months of her life will unfold now that La Garza is firmly in it. And as she learns more and more about the fashion designer, Alicia becomes less sure about her place in her own life, as well as what part she is to play in the increasing chaos.

Genre, Themes, History: This book has been labeled as historical fiction, as well as general fiction, mostly because of its focus on Brooklyn and the greater New York City area during the precise time leading up to the 2008 presidential election. People are debating whether the democratic nominee should be Hilary or Barack; native Brooklynites are watching old apartment buildings be torn down to make way for expensive condos; and local businesses are either being priced out, or outright bought. Against this backdrop, Alicia finds herself drawn into a life of ambitious artists and fashion designers and DJs and stockbrokers, all doing what they can to stay afloat, which sometimes means betraying others.

My Verdict: While I appreciate the focus on Brooklyn and the author's obvious love for it, the actual story was often hard to follow, and for me it was difficult to care about the characters and what happened to them. Alicia as a main character is hard to root for. La Garza is hard-working and self-made and clearly a great fashion designer, but her schemes and plots nearly make her a villain. Plus there is the cast of side characters, all with their own issues and faults, including the habit of using other people. And in the beginning, there is so much emphasis put on Alicia's mother and her need for her daughter to have her estranged father's attention, but the mother never really shows up as a character. It seemed like a missed opportunity that would have added more depth.

Favorite Moment: Near the beginning of the book is a description of a shopping cart race that is just as wild and dangerous as it sounds.

Favorite Character: None of them, not one.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Gonzalez's previous book, Anita de Monte Laughs Last. 

Young Adult Fiction: Change of Plans by Sarah Dessen

Hard to believe it has been seven years since Sarah Dessen's last book was published, but it is true. There was a time when the author had a new offering every two years, like clockwork. But this year, readers were finally treated to Change of Plans, where a young girl must adapt quickly when her summer plans are dramatically altered.

The Situation: Finley has graduated high school and can only look forward to heading off to the same college as her boyfriend, Colin. Before that, there is summer, which includes a good few weeks with her mom, away from her dad, stepmom, and three half-siblings. Finley and her mom, Cat, have never been close, with Finley always wondering why her mom left when she was still so young. That question ends up being joined by several others when Cat announces that plans have changed, and they will be joining Cat's sisters, Finley's aunts, at their soon-to-be-sold family vacation home. Suddenly, Finley is surrounded by family members she never really knew, in a place she has never known.

The Problem: After a phone call from a vacationing Colin, Finely is now in an even more confused state than she already was. It is not enough that her aunts and her mom are trying to quickly sell the family vacation home, but her cousin is also getting married, the diner Aunt Kasey owns has never been busier, and now the conversation with Colin has Finley questioning her future plans. And there is still whatever has been going on with Cat: why she stayed away from her parents and her sisters, why she left Finley and her dad, and why she is suddenly wanting to sell the family home. By the end of the summer, everything will be different, including Finley.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel set mostly in and around the small community where the family vacation home was built. Finley is a recent high school graduate who was initially prepared to spend her summer with her distant mother in New York, but instead was rerouted to spend it with family she barely knew. Finley quickly gets to know a whole host of new people, both family and otherwise, while also rethinking her time in high school, as well as her plans for the future. Dessen readers will be familiar with the author's common setting choice of a small vacation/resort-like community, along with a whole host of local characters.

My Verdict: There may come a time when I am no longer excited to hear that a new Dessen book is coming out, but that time has not yet come. After a seven-year hiatus, I was glad to pick up this book, and for the most part enjoyed what I found in the pages. Finley is the typical recent high school graduate looking towards an uncertain future, and her hopes and dreams and doubts are all relatable. The people she ends up meeting in this new small community allow for all the questions that would further her self-reflection and growth. If anything, the plot and storyline are a bit predictable, and the love interest part is a bit hard to believe, as well as uninteresting. Something about this book makes it feel like it is both trying too hard, and also not trying hard enough.

Favorite Moment: When Finley visits the Egg, her aunt's diner, for the first time, she jumps right in and helps after seeing how absolutely slammed it is, despite having no experience working in food service.

Favorite Character: Finley's Aunt Liz is a pillar of support and wisdom, without being intrusive. She has enough going on with her daughter's wedding, but is always available to help where she can.

Recommended Reading: Along for the Ride is still my favorite Dessen novel.

Historical Fiction: A Fortune of Sand by Ruta Sepetys

Seeing a new book available by author Ruta Sepetys is always exciting for me. Ever since I read her first YA offering, Between Shades of Gray, I have been a fan of this woman's work. And A Fortune of Sand is actually geared towards adults, focusing on a wealthy family who made their fortune in the automobile industry in 1920s Detroit.

The Situation: Marjorie Lennox has embarrassed her father once again. But given the state of the family, all of the gossip, and various open secrets, her latest adventure is not that big of a deal. As an aspiring clothes designer, Marjorie sees an opportunity to pursue the passion her father has never approved of when she spots a brochure for an artists' residency. With the help of two of her siblings, they all pretend that she is simply staying at the family cottage in another town, when in reality she is given her own small apartment in close proximity to other creative women, all funded by a wealthy and handsome man that Marjorie has longed to get to know for quite some time.

The Problem: Overall, the residency is a dream. A new sewing machine and dressing mannequin available on request. Pretty much any fabric Marjorie could want is brought to her. And the freedom to spend the days creating. Sure, some of the rules and restrictions are a bit much. And there is most certainly a strange air of mystery over the entire thing. Bernice the furniture maker insists the building is haunted. The playwright stays in her apartment never to be seen. And Ivy the artist has an obsession with all things Christmas. The more Marjorie attempts to find answers, the more she begins to question the situation, the benefactor, and even her own family.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel set in and around Detroit and Grosse Point, Michigan. The Lennox family is an automotive dynasty with a whole host of issues and secrets and scandals. For the most part, the story focuses on Marjorie and her time at the residency, but the third person narrator also often follows her older brother Graham as the situation develops with the family and their windshield business. Set in the 1920s, there is much discussion of the dangers of Detroit as the various automobile giants compete, and gang violence continues to rise. Marjorie's pursuit of the arts is frowned upon, mostly by her father, making the secrecy surrounding the art residency necessary. But other issues regarding women's rights are also brought up.

My Verdict: Narratively and structurally speaking, this book is a little bit of a mess, which is upsetting because the premise is so promising. A young creative woman gets the opportunity to take part in an exclusive art program against the wishes of her father, only for the program to not quite be what it seems. On paper, that interests me greatly. For me, the issues begin with Marjorie's fasciation with the program's benefactor. Something about it feels forced and fake. And Marjorie's family - with their over-the-top schemes and almost cartoonish personalities - is difficult to take seriously. All of the action feels like it is leading to a big, explosive conclusion, but what the readers get is a quiet reveal that does not solve much, or feel at all satisfying.

Favorite Moment: I liked seeing Marjorie create her dresses, including the ones she made for others.

Favorite Character: Marjorie's brother Graham is more than a little silly, but I appreciate his commitment to a cause, and he seems to genuinely care for his sister.

Recommended Reading: I certainly prefer Sepetys's YA books, such as 2022's I Must Betray You.