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. 

Classic Fiction: Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende

After learning that Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits was actually the third book in what has been labeled as the Involuntary Trilogy (or Trilogía Involuntaria), I knew that I had to eventually read the other two books. Having read the third book first, I picked up the first book, Daughter of Fortune, which was actually published second. Oftentimes, reading books in the order they were published as opposed to the intended order can be enlightening in its own way, and I am personally fascinated by the idea of an 'involuntary' trilogy.

The Situation: Eliza Sommers is somehow both the doted on and neglected adopted daughter of the fiercely and stubbornly independent Rose Sommers. The story has been told many times of how Eliza was quite literally left on the doorstep of the wealthy English family living in the British colony of Valparaíso, Chile. While Rose's strict and unforgiving brother Jeremy would be more than happy to have nothing to do with the girl, Rose could not be more thrilled to have Eliza in her care, though she often ignores her to pursue her own interests, leaving her in the care of the housemaid, Mama Fresia. Living with the Sommers may mean a life of corsets and strict rules, but it may be the only way Eliza can secure a stable future and husband.

The Problem: It is in 1848 when a teenage Eliza falls in love with a man she knows very well her adoptive mother will never approve of. But she is so immediately overtaken with the emotion that she does everything she can to meet with the boy in secret, which begins a months long affair that only ends when the young man decides to leave for California, just as many others are doing after the discovery of gold in that area. When Eliza plans to follow, she knows it will be tough since Miss Rose's other brother, John, is a well-known captain, and keeping the appearance of a young unaccompanied girl on a ship setting sail for the U.S. is near impossible. But thankfully for Eliza, she is able to employ the help of a Chinese doctor who will unknowingly become a lifelong friend.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel set both in Valparaíso, Chile and California in the mid-1800s. Starting in Chile in 1843, the reader follows Eliza's story as it is told by Rose and Mama Fresia, but then moves into Eliza's adolescence when she meets her young lover Joaquín, a relationship that will set the course for the rest of her life. With a page count just shy of 500, many social issues are discussed, such as the English presence in Chile; the racism that exists both in Chile and in California as the gold rush attracts all colors and classes; the opportunities (or lack thereof) that are available to all woman, both married and single; what life is like for the different genders, colors, and classes as they make the long journey by boat from South to North America; and even the issue of human trafficking. 

My Verdict: Just as with The House of the Spirits, I love the lyrical style of the prose in this book. The story moves and flows at the pace of the most relaxing lazy river, even in the areas where the plot has hit a tense point or moment, or when a character must make a decision or take action quickly, with no guarantee of being correct either way. If there is any disappointment I have in this book it is simply in the choices of Eliza, and knowing that her obsession over Joaquín will alter her life indefinitely, and probably not for the better. Having read The House of the Spirits, and now only needing to read Portrait in Sepia, I am eager to learn even more about the Del Valle family.

Favorite Moment: Though I am not a fan of the actual action, I do enjoy how easily Eliza was able to evade Rose, proving that the girl's adoptive mother was not as invested in playing the maternal role as she liked to believe.

Favorite Character: Paulina Rodriguez de Santa Cruz y del Valle is a woman who manages to do exactly what she wants, even earning her own money (and a lot of it), while still getting married and raising a family.

Recommended Reading: I will always recommend Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude.

Nonfiction: What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci

After having read Taste back in 2022, I was simply thrilled to pick up Stanley Tucci's non-cookbook follow-up What I Ate in One Year. Beginning in January of 2023, readers are invited to follow Tucci as he talks about his travels, time with his family, his work as an actor, and of course, the food he ate along the way.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of nonfiction where Tucci starts at the beginning of 2023 (the first dated entry is actually for January 2nd), and moves throughout the entire year, recounting his day to day life, specifically what he ate and where, and who prepared it. While not each of the 365 days gets its own entry, while more than one day is sometimes covered at once, every notable meal that was eaten is mentioned, even if it was terrible. But in between the paragraphs about food, Tucci also talks about his job as an actor and whatever project he is currently working on/traveling for. There is also much mention of time spent around the table with his family and friends, the latter of which is often a who's who of celebrities, some of whom even Tucci himself admits to being intimidated by. And of course, there are quite a few recipes included, along with restaurant and hotel recommendations.

My Verdict: There is something about Tucci's storytelling that leaves me absolutely spellbound and awestruck. It happened with the previous book, and it happened again here with this one. Yes, it is partly the people he gets to meet and work and eat it. When names like Robert Downey Jr. and Guy Ritchie are thrown out, it is difficult to not be impressed (trust me there are many many more). But it is not just that. Something about simply reading about his life in London with his wife and kids, where he worries that his two youngest children may not have eaten enough vegetables that day, or if his daughter will ever move beyond noodles and cheese, is equally fascinating. And then there is the food. So. Much. Pasta. And olive oil. And cheese. And butter. The food obsessed will adore this book, as well as anyone who loves memoirs.

Favorite Moment: Tucci describes an instance when he is attempting to decide what to order at a ramen place, and fears that one of the patrons recognizes him, but is clearly struggling to identify just how he knows him. It is a humorous back and forth that offers an interesting peek into what goes on inside the actor's mind during such encounters.

Recommended Reading: It is not necessary to read Taste before this one, but I recommend reading them both, in whatever order.

Contemporary Fiction: The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami

Happy New Year! And welcome to the first review of 2025, and it felt so appropriate that it would be for the newest release by legendary Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami. I was so excited when the English translation of The City and Its Uncertain Walls had finally reached the U.S. in late 2024, and could not read it fast enough. Covering a Murakami book in the early part of the new year has become sort of a tradition on this blog, and I love being able to continue it with a new release.

The Situation: At 17 years-old, the nameless narrator is attending school and deeply in love with a 16 year-old girl. They do not go to school together, but met when they each won prizes in an essay contest. Now they see each other when they can and remain committed to each other, though the narrator admits to not really knowing all that much about her. One day, the girl tells him about a town where she believes her real self resides. The town is surrounded by a high wall, and while the narrator could go there if he liked, she warns him that her real self that lives there would not recognize him. Naturally, he is not sure if he can believe her. Unfortunately, she disappears, seemingly leaving no trace behind, and this mystery will haunt the narrator for the remainder of his life.

The Problem: Though the nameless narrator will manage to continue living on - attending college, getting a job, even dating other women - his existence does not feel complete, though by all accounts, the only thing that would appear to be 'missing' from his life is a wife and family. But even into middle age, the narrator is not able to move past the young girl he loved that disappeared years before. When he finds himself in the mysterious town the girl had spoken about, the one surrounded by a high wall, he is able to get used to the new surroundings, even securing a job as a dream reader. This begins the man's adventures between both this world, and the town with the high walls, where unicorns roam and the wall seems to have a life of its own. 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of fiction set in several locations throughout Japan, but mostly in a small mountain town where the nameless narrator eventually takes a job as a head librarian, and also in the mysterious town surrounded by the high wall. As is usual with a Murakami book, I have to pull out my Murakami Bingo card and see what common themes readers can cross out. First on the list is 'mysterious woman,' but also worth mentioning are cats, urban ennui, parallel worlds, supernatural powers, precocious teenager, even cooking and unusual name (or rather, no name at all). In the afterword, Murakami mentions that this is a reworking of a novella from many decades ago, and is closely related to a previous novel, Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World.

My Verdict: If you are someone who is not at all comforted by the phrase "It's about the journey, not the destination," then this book is probably not going to be for you. With over 400 pages, there is plenty that happens, with a lot intrigue and mystery, and where not every little thing is explained (even the narrator admits to not understanding everything that is happening and that is being told to him). Readers who love a solid resolution with every question answered by the end of the story may be disappointed, but there is a mystery here, and a strange quest with even stranger characters, that kept me engaged for the entire journey, even as things became more confusing. Lovers of Murakami's work, especially the ones involving parallel worlds, will be pleased.

Favorite Moment: There is a teenage boy who comes into the library and seemingly favors incredibly long books over shorter ones. My favorite moments came from when Mrs. Soeda would list off the books the boys has read.

Favorite Character: There are almost more characters without names in this book than there are with names, and Mrs. Soeda is one of the few in the latter category. She is a librarian working under the narrator in the small mountain town, and serves as a practical, helpful, and grounding presence as strange events occur around them. 

Recommended Reading: A Wild Sheep Chase remains my favorite Murakami book, but many seem to have The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle be their introduction to his work.