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.

Young Adult Fiction: Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez

It would not be accurate to say that I was only merely excited to tackle the second book in Isabel Ibañez's Secrets of the Nile series, Where the Library Hides. The first book, What the River Knows, ended on such a cliffhanger, that I am actually grateful to be able to pick up the second book right away...so you readers who hate to wait for the next book in a series after a tense ending in the previous one, you have been warned. Also, I will go ahead and issue a *spoiler alert* for this review. I will do my best to avoid spoiling crucial information from the first book, but I cannot guarantee anything.

The Situation: After traveling to Egypt, all the way from her home in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Inez has learned and been through quite a bit. While the news of her parents' death may have bought her to the Nile, it is the discoveries she has made since that make her so desperate to stay. Even after finding herself in many dangerous situations - some of which have been of her making - Inez is determined to discover the truth about what is really going on, not to mention the one thing that seemingly everyone wants to know, and that is if Cleopatra's tomb and all its treasures can be found. The answers seem so close, but there are still so many secrets in her way.

The Problem: Unfortunately for Inez, while her parents' death may mean she has inherited their fortune, she cannot access any of it without the permission of her Tío Ricardo. It is the 19th century after all. And following everything that has happened so far, he has demanded that his niece return to Argentina at once. Inez has no choice but to comply, unless she were to marry, and quickly. Much to her surprise, the opportunity presents itself in the form of the handsome, but mysterious, Whitford Hayes. Whit may be Tío Ricard's trusted assistant, and someone Inez has also come to trust and perhaps see as more than a friend, but he has his own hidden reasons for wanting to stay in Egypt. But Inez has not found what she is looking for, and the list of people she can trust and rely on will not stop shrinking.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult historical fiction book, once again set in Egypt, just like the first book. After the intense events of the previous installment, the book opens with Inez having to make a crucial decision, perhaps the biggest one of her life, with little time to carefully consider what her decision should be. The character of Inez had already been set up to be someone who is brave, though impulsive, and too easily launches herself headlong into trouble. And once again, she is attempting to traverse Egypt as it was in the middle of the 19th century, with explorers eagerly and greedily excavating the land, looking for riches and artifacts to hoard, smuggle, or sell, and with many of them being willing to do whatever it takes to make their fortune.

My Verdict: Taking on a book series, no matter how long or short, is always a gamble. There have been a few occasions on this blog where I have started a book series but decided not finish. And then there are even stand alone books that I have read, but lost the interest to write about or mention at all, usually because I did not enjoy them and simply wanted to move on. Not only am I glad to have started this series, but as I mentioned in the introduction, I was happy to be able to pick up this second book right away. It is somehow even more tense (emphasis on the word 'somehow') than the first, and I was looking forward to moments when I could pick it up again, whether it be a lunch break, while waiting for the laundry, or for a cake to bake, or the dough to rise...whatever. It is intriguing, it is exciting, and it is an adventure readers will not forget.

Favorite Moment: In both books, readers get small moments from Whit's point of view. In this book, those moments are slightly longer and give more of his history, and I was glad for them.

Favorite Character: Whit can be tough to like at times...most of them, in fact. So I will make him share this section with Tío Ricardo, who also has plenty of unlikable moments.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Babel by R.F. Kuang, which is a different kind of adventure involving magic and history. 

Young Adult Fiction: What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

After learning that author Isabel Ibañez would be appearing at this year's LibraryPalooza (though she sadly ended up having to cancel the appearance), I decided it was time to tackle her Secrets of the Nile series, starting with What the River Knows. A young girl learns about the deaths of her parents, and finds herself in the Egyptian desert chasing both forgotten magic, and dangerous secrets.

The Situation: On the surface, Inez Olivera has a life many would envy. As part of the upper society in Buenos Aires, Inez lives a life of luxury and relative ease, with little to worry about. Unfortunately, it is not the life she wants, as she has always dreamed of being able to join her parents in Egypt, where they have spent at least six months of every year for her entire life. After constantly asking if she can join them, and always being told "no" because it is too dangerous, Inez awaits the arrival of a letter that she hopes will finally have the answer she has always wanted. But the letter contains a different kind of news altogether: It seems her parents have perished in the desert, leaving her incredibly rich, but devastated. Against everyone's wishes, she decides to travel to Egypt herself and learn what happened.

The Problem: Inez manages to make it to Egypt, only to be told upon arrival that she must go back. It seems her archeologist uncle agrees with her parents' argument that Inez should not be in Egypt. But after managing to escape his watchful gaze more than once, which means frustrating and deceiving his handsome British assistant Whit, Tío Ricardo finally agrees to letting her stay after she proves to be useful, in more ways than one. Not only is Inez a gifted artist and can help sketch detailed depictions of what is found at the dig site, but she is sensitive to the magic that can still be felt in some of the places and items. This will help Tío Ricardo's team find what they are looking for, and hopefully before their rivals do. But the more discoveries Inez makes, both at the site and about her parents, the more the danger increases, as does her determination.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult historical fiction novel set mostly along the Nile River in 1800s Egypt. Starting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Inez is living comfortably with her aunt and two cousins, the only thing missing from her life being the presence of her parents. Once she learns about their death, she defies everyone's wishes and leaves for Egypt, only to encounter resistance, and a seemingly endless amount of secrets. Her uncle knows something, but is not telling, which only makes Inez more determined to stay in Egypt and learn the truth. With her parents' deaths being Inez's main driving force, there is also the larger situation that was taking place in 1800s Egypt, which was experiencing colonial expansion and imperial rule, while artifacts and valuables were being taken from temples, monuments, and tombs. And then there is a subtle hint of magic underlying everything, and that serves as Inez's guide.

My Verdict: This book is a combination of adventure, magic, and romance that so many readers crave. Not only is the protagonist traveling up and down the Nile River in an attempt to find priceless artifacts, but those artifacts often contain magic, as do the places where they are found. And then there is the constant back and forth, and romantic tension between Inez and Whit. The secrets are endless, as are also the discoveries, and every new twist opens up more possibilities, and unanswered questions. Inez's stubbornness and resolve are at once delightful, while also frustrating, as she ceaselessly makes massive mistakes. Then again, feelings of desperation and neglect makes people do reckless things. Ibañez allows this story to go places, where many authors would probably have held back.

Favorite Moment: Whit attempts to put Inez on a return ship back to Argentina only moments after she arrives in Egypt. But she makes a big gamble and finds a way to stay, which both impresses and frustrates her uncle's assistant.

Favorite Character: This is tough, because everyone in this book is hiding something, almost no one can be trusted, and Inez cannot seem to keep herself out of trouble. Isadora is the daughter of a man Tío Ricardo hired as a sort of security guard, and while there is certainly more to her than what is shown, she seems to truly be on Inez's side and comes to her aid more than once.

Recommended Reading: On a Night of a Thousand Stars by Andrea Yaryura Clark is a historical fiction novel also set in Argentina, moving back and forth between the past and present.

Nonfiction: Bits and Pieces by Whoopi Goldberg

Actress Whoopi Goldberg has written several books, both fiction and nonfiction, but this is the first time I have picked one up. Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me caught my attention because of its focus on Goldberg's early life, and her experience growing up with her mother, Emma Johnson, and her older brother Clyde. From what life was like as a child in New York City, to her rise in Hollywood, Goldberg share intimate, and sometimes painful memories of the people who helped shape her.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book that mostly moves chronologically through Goldberg's life and career. Starting in the Chelsea projects in Manhattan, Goldberg describes her life living with only her mother and brother, while attending Catholic school (with the uniform and everything), and not having very much, although she did not realize she was poor, not when she was a kid. Her mother was the type of person who simply made everything work. Goldberg then moves through her teens and the start of her career, mentioning shows and movie titles that many will recognize. And eventually, the narrative talks about Emma's death in 2010, and Clyde's in 2015, and the grief that comes with having the two most important people in your life suddenly not be there. 

My Verdict: There is a lot packed into a book that is less than 250 pages. The book is not only a memoir detailing Goldberg's life and career, but also an exploration of who her mother was, what she taught her, and her belief that she owes her mother all the credit for what she has been able to accomplish. I found the entire narrative to be fascinating, especially the stories of when Emma met celebrities, and even one president. And of course, there are the high points and pivotal moments of Goldberg's career, such as when she won her Oscar, and how the lead for Sister Act was actually meant for Bette Midler. Finally, many will be moved by Goldberg's final thoughts on grief, and how it is different for everyone. I read the physical copy of this book, but may decide to listen to the audiobook as I am sure it is an incredible experience.

Favorite Moment: The story of when Whoopi, her mother, and her brother all met Marlon Brando is my favorite, though the moment she and her mother met Bill Clinton is a close favorite.

Favorite Quote: "Probably none of us had the childhoods we think we had." - the opening lines of the book.

Recommended Reading: One celebrity memoir that I cannot seem to recommend enough is Steve Martin's Born Standing Up. And I will also recommend Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. 

Contemporary Fiction: Definitely Better Now by Ava Robinson

Having too many options for books to read and then write about is ultimately a good problem to have, but it is still a problem. One recent decision I had to make between two new novels resulted in today's selection, Ava Robinson's Definitely Better Now, coming out on top. When a recovering alcoholic manages an entire year sober, she believes life will be less complicated, but somehow the opposite proves true.

The Situation: Emma has been sober for a whole year, 52 weeks, and she is now getting ready to attend her one-year celebration at Alcoholics Anonymous. For the past year, Emma has been making better decisions, and focusing on holding down her office job, and generally building a better life for herself. And now, with 12 months of sobriety added to her accomplishments, she feels like she is ready for new challenges, such as dating. And Ben, the IT guy at work, is not only cute, but also a little flirty. Unfortunately for Emma, having made it past the one-year mark does not magically make everything easier, or better. 

The Problem: While Emma wants to believe she is ready to date, what she is not ready for is the attention of one of her slimier coworkers, Mitch. But after a nomination from her supervisor, Emma not only has to work on the company 'Fun Team' (a.k.a. party planning committee), but the other members of that team include slimy Mitch, cute Ben, and an annoyingly gossipy woman from human resources. If the work drama was not enough to deal with, there is also Emma's distant father, her separation from which has defined much of her life. Not only has she known for a long time that he is also an alcoholic, but he has always denied it, and was not exactly a pillar of support when his daughter decided to stop drinking. The first 12 months of sobriety may have been difficult, but it does not look like the path forward is going to get any easier any time soon.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a fiction novel set in and around modern-day New York City. Twenty-six year-old Emma is one-year sober, but still very much taking everything one day at a time. There is a good amount of discussion about who Emma was before she decided to stop drinking and doing drugs, and how there are some things in life she is simply not sure how to do sober. And one of those is dating. She has managed to hold down a respectable job, stay committed to an AA group and sponsor, and has even started making new friends, but despite expectations, life has continued to get more complicated, and social situations more difficult to navigate. Emma's trials and journey will be relatable to many, with or without a history of addiction, as life is often messy, and impossible to control.

My Verdict: For me, this book was a little bit all over the place most of the time, but somehow managed to pull it all together in the end. There are the complications of dating; difficult relationships with parents; the struggle of making friends as an adult; dealing with cringey coworkers; and for Emma, being a recovering alcoholic in the middle of all of it. There were moments when I forgot about other aspects of the plot until they made a sudden reappearance in the story, as if the author briefly forgot about them too. And while I would not classify the ending as an ambiguous one, as everything comes to a mostly satisfying conclusion, there are still some loose threads and unanswered questions.

Favorite Moment: Emma's AA sponsor, Lola, means well, and does everything an AA sponsor is supposed to do. But there is a moment when Emma finds the need to stand up to her and stand firm in something, and it feels necessary.

Favorite Character: Cute IT guy Ben is a good guy. But not an overly sweet and unrealistic guy either. He seems like a real person, and someone worthy of one-year sober Emma who is doing her best.

Recommended Reading: I recommend The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow.

Nonfiction: Custodians of Wonder by Eliot Stein

The naturally curious readers are the ones that will seek out books like Eliot Stein's Custodians of Wonder: Ancient Customs, Profound Traditions, and the Last People Keeping Them Alive. In this book, Stein tells the story of ten little known practices from all around the world that are on the brink of extinction. From Cuba to Germany to Japan, Stein takes the reader on a series on adventures, each a lesson in history and culture.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book set all over the world. Each chapter details a custom or tradition that is not only not very well known, but also in danger of disappearing forever, most of them due to the small number of people still living who can perform a specific skill. There are the women of Sardinia with the incredible ability to make su filindeu, a type of pasta that is so intricate and delicate and beautiful that it has been called "the threads of God." Then there are the djelis of Mali who play the balafon while narrating tales. And even movie poster painters in Taiwan, an art form that is dying out if only because of the increased use of digital printing and computer graphics. With each chapter, Stein gives a thorough history of not only the curious tradition, but the region and people's history, while also including personal stories from the people he was able to learn from.

My Verdict: With ten different traditions to explore, in ten different locations around the world, there are at least a couple of these chapters that each reader will find engaging and fascinating. It could even inspire would-be travelers to visit some of these places, though for a few of these locations, getting there will take some doing. I am personally curious about the "The World's Rarest Pasta" in Sardinia. While it is clear that Eliot visited each of these places and was able to interview a fair amount of people, it is also clear he did his research, and worked hard to look into traditions that were truly rare and not widely known. Putting ten of them in one book works well, but some of these may merit to have their own publication. 

Favorite Chapter: I have already mentioned "The World's Rarest Pasta" as one of my favorites, but my actual favorite is "The Only Democratic Job in Cuba," which talks about lectores, the people who read the news and even works of fiction out to the workers in the Cuban cigar factories. I also enjoyed "Scandinavia's Last Night Watchman."

Recommended Reading: I have not read many other books that travel the world like this one did, so I will recommend both The Impossible City by Karen Cheung, and Dancing with the Devil in the City of God by Juliana Barbassa.

Young Adult Fiction: Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis

It is time to review Kayvion Lewis' Heist Royale, the sequel to 2023's Thieves' Gambit, where a group of teenage super thieves enter into a high stakes game that only the best thieves can win, and sometimes survive. I must issue a *spoiler alert* for this review as some details will inevitably reveal crucial plot points and events from the first book, so proceed with caution.

The Situation: It has been six months since Ross Quest was betrayed by someone she foolishly let herself trust. Determined to not make the same mistake again, Ross has been doing her best to complete jobs for the Organization, and alongside the very person she would prefer would simply disappear from her life. But not only is Devroe Kenzie more present than ever, but he also will not stop with the relentless flirting, even though he still holds the lives of everyone in Ross' family in his hands. Yeah, it's confusing. And with a battle for control of the Organization emerging, Ross finds herself in another Gambit, but perhaps with a new plan to protect her family.

The Problem: If there was anything Ross learned from the first Gambit, it was that a Quest can only ever trust another Quest...and sometimes even that is not true. But as she and her team travel from Antarctica, to Monte Carlo, and to South Africa, Ross has to allow herself to trust former teammates, former enemies, and perhaps most difficult of all, her own mother. Ross is certainly good at what she does - she would not have been a participant in the Gambit if that was not the case. But it is clear that her mother is a legend, and with every decision and small mistake, Ross cannot help but compare herself, while also resenting the desire to do so. In order to win this second Gambit, and save her own life, Ross will have to draw on every secret and skill she has, and maybe even trust someone.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction book set in different locations all over the world. There's a concert venue in Brazil; a casino in Monte Carlo, and even a lab facility in Antarctica. Much like the first book, this one details high risk but high reward schemes being carried out by people who have been pulling incredible heists their entire lives. Some are good at swiping objects; others do better with rigging and hacking technology; while still others prosper inside of a casino setting. And while security guards and cameras may pick up on criminal activity, what they will not see are the tense relationships and betrayals going on in the background, as well as what is really at stake should a heist not go as planned. 

My Verdict: I remember how fast-paced the first book was, and this one certainly follows suit with high energy movement and pacing as the group of skilled thieves make their way around the globe in an attempt to win this new challenge. Several chapters may be spent in one location, but there is so much going, and so much to pay attention to when a heist is in progress. And then there are the characters and their complicated relationships to keep track of. Characters from the previous book will show up - a few will even be unexpected - but it all works to bring together a clear conclusion to what happened before. Sometimes confusing, but never boring, adventure lovers will have a fun time with this one.

Favorite Moment: There is a point when Ross finally has a conversation with her mother that is sorely needed.

Favorite Character: I picked Kyung-soon last time and I am doing so again. The South Korean is still an expert at swiping expensive items and goods, but she is also a master planner who comes in clutch at the last minute.

Recommended Reading: Anything by Karen M. McManus would work, my favorite of which has been The Cousins.  

Historical Fiction: City of Night Birds by Juhea Kim

One new release for 2025 that readers have been excited about is City of Night Birds by Juhea Kim. Following a young Russian ballerina from childhood to incredible fame, the book promises a look at complex relationships as the dancer attempts a return to the stage following an accident.

The Situation: Since she was a little girl living with her single mother in St. Petersburg, Russia, Natalia Leonova has dreamed of not only becoming a wonderful ballet dancer, but the best one around. Her desire to outdance and outperform everyone around her propels who forward through school, auditions, and every performance of her life. From the beginning, it is clear that success will not come easy, and for Natalia, neither will the friendships. Being the first to arrive and the last to leave often results in Natalia being alone, and she simply does not attract people to her the way others do. But she is able to enjoy a celebrated career, until a terrible accident brings everything to an end.

The Problem: Two years later, Natalia returns to St. Petersburg, and is almost immediately confronted with an offer to return to the stage. But even with intense practice and physical therapy, Natalia is not sure she is able to return to dance, which would also mean facing what happened in her past, and the people who were part of it. She may have left Alexander behind in Paris, but Dmitri is once again part of her world, and is the man offering her a place on the stage in a leading role. And as Natalia continues to make preparations, and her fans become more excited for her return, Natalia remembers her past relationships, conversations with her distant mother, and begins to uncover the truth about the father she never met.

Genre, Themes, History: Readers of this book have placed this in the general fiction and the historical fiction categories, as the story begins in the mid-1980s in Russia, during Natalia's early years in St. Petersburg. The story continues through to modern day and beyond, as Natalia will settle in Moscow and Paris as a dancer, while also enjoying many opportunities to travel all over the world performing. As Natalia's career grows and she becomes more renown, she finds it difficult to navigate the complicated and competitive world of ballet, as well as the difficult relationships of life in general. Russia's invasion of Ukraine is also mentioned, along with the many resulting opinions and fallout.

My Verdict: Having an unlikeable narrator/protagonist is a risky move, though not a new one. And while I would not liken Natalia to someone like Scarlett O'Hara, her competitiveness is grating, while also making her somewhat boring. I was far more interested in her relationships with family and friends (and enemies) than her fight to be the best and outshine everyone. And the long-awaited reveal of the accident that threatened to end her ballet career is underwhelming, and ends up being much less interesting that some of the other revelations that come before and after it. Learning the inner workings of a ballet company and the industry as a whole was a fun experience, especially as Natalia travels between different companies and theaters throughout her career.

Favorite Moment: The reappearance of someone from Natalia's mother's past offers up a valuable opportunity for the dancer to learn more about her own history.

Favorite Character: Natalia and Nina may lose touch with each other at various points over the years, but the latter always remains a loyal and reliable friend.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Kim's first novel, 2021's Beasts of a Little Land, as well as 2024's The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan.