Contemporary Fiction: Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell

For me, it is always exciting to see the announcement for a new book by Rainbow Rowell. Cherry Baby is about a woman whose life is in transition, as she waits for her husband to return from Los Angeles so he can pack up the rest of his things. Life and relationships are already complicated, and are made even more so when Cherry reconnects with a friend from before she was married.

The Situation: Cherry did not ask to be made into a character. She had no intention of ever being recognized by strangers who read her husband Tom's web comic, or who had seen one of the trailers for the upcoming movie adaptation. But that is what is happening, as people are recognizing that the character of Baby, from the Thursday comic, is undoubtedly Cherry, in all of her overweight glory. Maybe it would not be so bad if Tom were there with her. But instead, he is in Los Angeles, and Cherry is in Omaha taking care of the massive dog that he wanted. And while it may not yet be public that Cherry and Tom are getting a divorce, Cherry cannot imagine what it will be like to be recognized in public once that news breaks.

The Problem: For just one night, Cherry decides to leave the dog at home and see one of her favorite bands, not knowing that she is about to run into an old friend. A friend from before she met Tom. A man that used to date her best friend (a best friend who is now happily married with kids). Russ knew Cherry before the Thursday comic became what it is, and thankfully, he knows nothing about it. Now Cherry is getting a glimpse at what life could be like without Tom, even though he inevitably must return to Omaha to pack up his stuff as he and Cherry divide up their life. And then there are Cherry's four incredibly nosy and involved sisters to contend with. For Cherry, things are about to get more complicated before they have a chance to settle down.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of fiction set in and around Omaha, Nebraska, where Cherry works and lives. Through a third-person narrator, Cherry remains the primary focus as she navigates the possibility of divorce; reconnecting with an old friend; working full-time at a job she loves; a large family where she is the middle of five sisters; and her daily reality of being overweight. Cherry has always been fat, just like her sisters and her mom, and while it is not something she is ashamed of, it is always at the forefront of her mind. And the fact that the Baby character in her husband's comic looks just like her further complicates everything.

My Verdict: Ultimately, this is a novel about relationships and just how complicated they can be, whether it be marriage, family, dating, or even relationships with coworkers, and that is the part of the book that I like, or at least the part I found the most interesting. The actual plot of the novel was not my favorite, and many of the characters are hard to like. In fact, Cherry may be my least favorite of everyone that can be found on the page. She is someone that makes everything about her, including other people's decisions that they make for their own life. She is also wish-washy, and by the end I had a hard time caring about what she decided to do. 

Favorite Moment: I enjoyed the look at both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with Cherry's large family.

Favorite Character: Cherry's boss, Meg Jones, seems like someone I would not mind working for. She even likes Cherry's somewhat outrageous and maybe not always completely professional, but really cute, clothing choices.

Recommended Reading: My favorite of Rowell's books is still Fangirl, but Scattered Showers was a neat concept.

Young Adult Fiction: Hear Ye Mortals by Yamile Saied Méndez

Author of 2020's Furia has released another young adult novel set in Argentina, but this time during the political tumult of the late 1970s. The Aguirre brothers love music, and love making music with their friends. But during a time when musicians are considered enemies of the state, they have to think of their friends and loved ones, while also wanting to rebel against the forces that want them to stay quiet.

The Situation: Adrián cannot imagine a life without his brother Daniel. Together, the two of them write songs (Daniel the music, Adrián the lyrics) for their band. Along with three other friends, they practice regularly and look for opportunities to break out. When Adrián writes a song that references pigs, many warn that he has to change the lyrics, as the police will believe the song is about them. The boys insist it is not, but the song mysteriously reaches the airwaves, becoming popular overnight, and can be heard from every radio in seemingly every house and store in Rosario. Daniel is thrilled, while Adrián is cautiously optimistic about what this could mean.

The Problem: The boys have been warned that to take ownership of the song could mean bad news, and when one of their bandmates goes missing, they fear their innocent song has brought real problems to their friends and family. With curfews being enforced; people being dragged into green cars; libraries being destroyed; and school clubs being canceled with those involved being brought in for questioning; Adrián fears that at any moment, he or Daniel may be next. But surely running and/or hiding cannot be the answer. Making music can be their way of taking part in the resistance. However, those in power are ready to inflict unspeakable pain on anyone they choose, and the Aguirre brothers must not only think about themselves, but their friends and family as well.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult novel set in Rosario, Argentina in 1976, beginning during the reign of Isabel Perón. At the start of the book, the situation is already dangerous, but things get worse once Perón is removed from power, and a military junta is installed. At the center of the novel are the two Aguirre boys, Daniel and Adrián, who lead their band and write the songs they play, including the one that ends up becoming a song of protest for the people in Argentina. The book mentions the curfews, the disappearance (and subsequent interrogations via torture) of the people, and the government's attempts to destroy libraries, books, and knowledge, all told through a mysterious narrator.

My Verdict: While my knowledge and enjoyment of the author's previous book is what ultimately led me to this one, I was also intrigued by the title, which is lifted directly from Argentina's national anthem. The story is fast-paced and with many characters right from the start. There are so many that it is easy to get confused at first, but everyone is soon easily distinguishable, with their own traits and flaws and history. The choice to have the narrator telling the story to an uninvolved third party is an interesting one, but it works well to bring more attention to what was happening in Argentina at the time. Readers are invited into a story of hope during a time when having hope could seem foolish, even reckless.

Favorite Moment: Near the beginning of the book, the musicians figure out what the name of their band should be, and it is perfect.

Favorite Character: Adrián is a soft-hearted young man who simply wants to write and play music with his brother, and be around the people he loves. Unfortunately, he lives during a time where even these two simple things are not allowed.

Recommended Reading: The historical fiction novel The House of the Spirits by Isabelle Allende is a very different novel, but could make for an interesting follow-up. 

Historical Fiction: Honey in the Wound by Jiyoung Han

A multi-generational story about a Korean family as they endure Japanese imperialism is what is promised in Jiyoung Han's Honey in the Wound. There are spies to encounter, sparrows to dodge, and even tigers that may only need to be feared by those who commit terrible atrocities, but fight on the side of the vulnerable.

The Situation: In 1902 in the mountains of Korea, Geum-Jin and his twin sister, Geum-Ja, are born to parents who prefer to live apart from those in the nearby village. After years of war, the twins will find themselves living under Japanese rule, and even the mountains cannot protect them from the whims and brutality of the soldiers looking for any reason to harass the people. But life moves on, and soon Geum-Jin has children of his own, with a wife who has a strange ability to make anyone speak the truth, including Japanese officers. Their youngest daughter, Song Young-Ja, seems to be able to impart her emotions into her cooking, a gift that does not go unnoticed, and lands her in a teahouse of spies in Manchuria.

The Problem: Life in the teahouse is not easy, but Young-Ja gets used to the harsh living, and even harsher command of the owner of the teahouse. She makes friends, rises in rank from greeter to server, and is always eager to do her best and collect the bits of information that those in charge are so eager for. But this life is not meant to last, and it is only decades later, when Young-Ja comes into contact with Rinako, the granddaughter she never met, that she even considers the possibility of reconciling what happened. Rinako can see into dreams and knows things about people that they have not, and would not, share with her. But together, she and her hesitant grandmother begin the painful journey of confronting the past, and those responsible.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel full of magical realism, set in various places around Asia during Japan's war with, and occupation of Korea. It begins in Korea in 1902 when Geum-Jin is born, and moves through time, all the way to 1992 in Seoul, where Young-Ja resides as an old woman, and Tokyo, where Rinako lives with her father. Throughout the story, readers encounter tigers that speak; a flock of sparrows that warn of danger; tea that can cause the drinker to feel intense sorrow; and ghosts that cry out for help as well as haunt. At the center of everything is Japan's occupation of Korea, and how it affected Young-Ja's family in particular. 

My Verdict: Overall, this is an incredible story, but towards the end it did have the feeling of a movie where they started filming before the script was finished. Considering where the book started, with Geum-Jin and his life in the mountains, the ending with Young-Ja and Rinako felt a little disconnected, despite the fact that the reader did just go on a life-long journey with the older woman and saw exactly how she got to where she is. There are many parts of her story that are difficult to read and deal with, something she herself acknowledges in her attempts to move on from it. Ultimately it is a book that shines light on a dark part of history that is hard to face, but Han does face it, and does so boldly.

Favorite Moment: I was delighted any time an animal or insect acted in a way that did not make sense, especially when it served to help or protect someone.

Favorite Character: Rinako is a strange child who grows up with few friends, mostly due to her strange ability to see into people's dreams, and the resulting social awkwardness. But she is smart, and has a determination that her father does not understand.

Recommended Reading: Beasts of a Little Land by Juhea Kim also takes place in Korea during the Japanese occupation.

Nonfiction: How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson

This year's San Antonio Book Festival featured author and bookshop owner Jenny Lawson as one of its many presenters. Despite having three different talks that I wanted to go to that all took place around the same time (seriously, how does that happen every year?), I managed to witness Lawson's delightful humor and unique perspective as she talked about How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay. Fun story: It was Lawson and writer Lucie Frost on the stage, and there was supposed to be a moderator but they got lost??? Or something??? It did not matter because the two authors managed to hold their own just fine, and kept the audience laughing until the moderator showed up.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of nonfiction in which the writer/blogger/bookshop owner details her tips and tricks for staying alive, happy, and creative, which is not always easy for her due to having treatment resistant depression and anxiety. It is Lawson's first book that has been placed under the 'self-help' banner, and it truly does provide guidance and suggestions that she has used in order to keep going, in whatever way she needs it. Across 12 sections, each chapter is fairly short, and sprinkled throughout are various quotes, as well as a few illustrations like the ones that can be found in Lawson's coloring book You Are Here: An Owner's Manual for Dangerous Minds. 

My Verdict: This is the third book I have read by Lawson (if you count the coloring book, and I do), and it may be my favorite. It contains her same brand of possibly inappropriately honest humor, mixed with incredible insight and encouragement that we all need to hear at times. The advice that is given is both clear and practical - some of it even seeming obvious once you read it - with Lawson providing examples of how it has worked in her life. She makes it clear that she is very much still working on all of this and often struggles to be creative, but she does not give up, and if there is one word I would use for how I feel after reading this book it would be "encouraged."

Favorite Chapter: In the section titled "Let's Fight the Brain Weasels," there is a chapter called "Pick Your Own Labels Before They Get Assigned to You," and it contains what Lawson calls "An (incredibly) Random Title Generator." It allows the reader to generate their own title, and I went with Steward of Curious Remembrances. Oddly enough, I laughed the hardest while reading the first paragraph of the acknowledgements because of a story about Lawson and her neighbor's lime tree. Not sure why, but it really made me laugh.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Dr. Ashely Alker's 99 Ways to Die: And How to Avoid Them.

Contemporary Fiction: Love by the Book by Jessica George

The second novel from author Jessica George promised to be an exploration of true friendship. Love by the Book follows Remy and Simone as one of them wonders if she will survive the changes to her close-knit friend group, and the other is not sure if anything will ever go back to normal once a secret has been revealed.

The Situation: For Remy, her three best friends are nearly everything to her. She even wrote about them in her book, which turned into an instant best-seller. Of course, instant best-sellers result in an agent constantly emailing and messaging for ideas for the next book...ideas that Remy does not have. But that is not even her greatest concern right now. It seems one best friend is leaving for an exciting job opportunity in another country; one is about to have her first child and move away from London with her family; and the third has decided to withdraw and go back to a caustic relationship, leaving poor Remy a little lost. And then she meets Simone, a school teacher who likes her own company and is clearly keeping a secret, but the two start up an unlikely friendship.

The Problem: In her need for connection after no longer being as close as she would like to her friends, Remy makes a regrettable decision that has now altered her life. She is separated from her friends; still does not have a book idea; and has a big decision to make. Simone knows all about how everything can change, and quickly. In the course of a few minutes during one family dinner, Simone manages to lose contact with them, and must acknowledge how alone she truly is. That could be why she eventually concedes that she and Remy are friends, despite her initial instinct to keep her distance. But there is something there between them, and despite her reluctance, Simone may be able to help Remy make her decision, and Remy may help Simone regain the life she wants.

Genre, Themes, History: This book is a work of fiction set in and around modern-day London, focusing on Remy and Simone. In alternating chapters, each character tells their own story, including how they quite literally bumped into each other at a book event, and what they think of the other. Remy is open and giving, as well as a little hurt and lost as the dynamics have changed within her formerly close group of friends. Simone is guarded and a bit stern, but she knows what she wants, even though what she wants has led to a separation from her family. Naturally, friendship is at the core of the novel, along with family relationships, and the debate around having children.

My Verdict: What I love about George's writing is the simplicity of it, while still dealing with complex relationships and themes. The premise could not be more straightforward, with Remy adoring her three best friends and being sad about how things have changed, and Simone feeling adrift after losing connection with her family. And yet, what is included in the 300+ pages is not only insightful and thought-provoking, but also manages to look at all of Remy and Simone's relationships from multiple angles. The ending may be somewhat predictable, but it is also realistic, with the choices Remy and Simone make fitting with their characters.

Favorite Moment: I am always fascinated with the constant ask for 'more' that content creators deal with. Remy turns dodging her agent into an art form, as she is hounded for more book ideas. And of course, the one she does not really want to pursue is the one her agent is insistent on. Of course...

Favorite Character: Lin is one of Remy's three best friends. She is honest, ambitious, and loving in her own way, as she is not big into the touchy-feely stuff.

Recommended Reading: George's first novel, Maame, was one of my favorites of 2023.

Young Adult Fiction: Midnight on the Celestial by Julia Alexandra

It is the final week of YA Fest, and to close out June we are going to take a closer look at Midnight on the Celestial by Julia Alexandra. When it is determined that people with magical abilities cannot be trusted to use them responsibly, they are sent to the Celestial, a ship where they can earn a second chance, or potentially lose their magic forever.

The Situation: For Roe Damarcus, death is really not that big of a deal. As a resurrector, she has been summoning spirits of people who have died since she was a girl. Many find what she can do to be scary, until they wish to see someone they love who is no longer alive. Then they risk being close to her, even holding her hand, as their loved one takes shape before them. But Roe's trial is coming up, and if she fails, she will have her Morphia - the substance that gives her the ability to summon the dead - extracted from her body. The other option would be to board the Celestial, a ship where Morphics who have failed their trial can earn a retrial. But Roe's father, Lord Damarcus, has made it clear that working on the ship is a different experience from being a guest on it.

The Problem: When the unthinkable happens and Roe fails her trial, she decides to take her chances aboard the Celestial. But her life of luxury has not quite prepared her for small living quarters, rude guests, unforgiving bosses, and a ship with unspeakable horrors that come alive after dark. Thankfully, Roe has found a small network of friends willing to help her out, although their strong and handsome leader seems less than excited that she is there. It is clear that being aboard the Celestial is going to be hard work, but when things turn deadly for a guest, Roe must confront the ship's true dark reality, and her family's connection to it.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a fantasy young adult fiction novel set in the fictional land of Tamarynth, where Morphics exist, each with their own abilities. There are shifters, enhancers, emotives, illusives, time winders, crafters, menders, alchemers, and of course, resurrectors such as Roe. If a Morphic is determined to be too dangerous, their Morphia is taken, which is the exact fate Roe is wanting to avoid. For Roe, being a Morphic is everything, and she cannot imagine what her life would be like if she was not one. With the majority of the action taking place on the Celestial, readers will also get to see different parts of Tamarynth, and plenty of magical displays.

My Verdict: What drew me to this book was the idea of a ship where the guests can have magical experiences such as creating artwork that moves, and flying over the water with magical wings, but for the workers, conditions are brutal and the work is beyond demanding. While the book certainly delivers on that front, what I did not expect was for the horrors of the Celestial to be as horrific as they are. Many of the descriptions are more gross than they are terrifying, and the reasons for why the ship becomes so dangerous at night are not exactly clear. Neither are the motivations of the villain for their exact course of action. Ultimately, the overall adventure is entertaining and not at all predictable, with the story leading readers through a world of fearful magic. 

Favorite Moment: The guests that Roe must work for on the Celestial are privileged and demanding, but she does get a glimpse into their humanity at key moments.

Favorite Character: Alana is an emotive who is key to helping Roe get acclimated to the Celestial.

Recommended Reading: I realize I recommend this book often, but Emily J. Taylor's Hotel Magnifique would pair fairly well with Alexandra's book. 

Young Adult Fiction: The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss

People who love escape rooms really love escape rooms. And there are those people that are also really good at them...the more challenging the better. They are elaborate puzzles that often come with a story, and a time limit that adds to the challenge. For this third week of YA Fest, The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss brings the idea of escape rooms into a reality TV game show, where teams of four teenagers compete for an ultimate prize. But things get serious when the stakes get raised, and a contestant ends up dead.

The Situation: Sierra Angelos is back for season five of The Escape Game...which has to be the twists of all twists given how season four ended. When the body of Alicia Angelos was discovered during last season's final episode, it was pretty much universally believed that Sierra, her sister, was responsible. But she is back for the new season, and her teammates are as shocked as the audience. Beck is obsessed with the show and even makes escape rooms in his own time. Carter is a math-whiz and influencer with her own impressive following. And the cryptographer Adi...did not actually want to be on the show, but his mother pulled some strings, and it does bring him closer to one of his personal goals.

The Problem: Sierra knows she will be painted as this season's villain, just like she was last season, but she is determined to find justice. This means being a team player and working with the three people she just met, even though she is pretty sure they all see her as a murderer. Add to it that her team is the one the other teams will be eager to sabotage, and things get more difficult. When the clues start showing up, and not the ones that are related to the show, but the ones related to the very real murder of season four, everyone realizes just how high the stakes really are. The players must use their skills to stay on the show, stay alive, and find Alicia's killer.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult thriller set mostly on a set in Hollywood for the reality TV show The Escape Game. The four main characters, Sierra, Beck, Carter, and Adi, are set to participate in the fifth season of the show, and it is a highly anticipated season given that season four ended with the murder of Sierra's sister, Alicia. Each chapter is told from the point of view of one of the main four, with the occasional interview or map of an escape room placed in between. Given that the book includes escape rooms as part of a bigger murder mystery, there are plenty of puzzles and riddles that both the characters and readers have a chance to work through, including one letter that can be read by holding the book up to a mirror. 

My Verdict: I expected twists and turns, the occasional red herring, more than a few betrayals, and perhaps even a surprisingly touching or heartfelt moment, but there is a lot going on in this book. I am happy to report that the actual escape rooms for the game show do play a big part in the story and do not end up being an afterthought, even when it becomes clear that there is so much more happening. And each character has their own history and motivation for being on the show, and a reason for why they specialize in what they do. If I had any issue with the book, it would be how often readers may have to employ the suspension of disbelief. But overall, this is a fun mystery and adventure.

Favorite Moment: There is a moment when Carter rises to meet a challenge that nearly everyone (including Carter) believed she could not do.

Favorite Character: This is a grab bag of flawed people, but Adi has his moments of both genius and redemption.

Recommended Reading: I recommend One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus.