What are you reading the week of October 2, 2021?

I'm back to reading 1919.

I'm reading Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision by Barbara Ransby. I'm finding it relatively slow going, but that's not the fault of the writing or the subject matter. It's more the fact that most of my reading time lately has come while I'm also trying to watch San Francisco Giants baseball games. But it's a well-written book about a fascinating and important woman in American history.

I began to read Piranesi by Susanna Clarke for the local Reading Group but after forty pages I decided that life's too short; I just couldn't get into it. Still plugging away at Spandau: The Secret Diaries by Albert Speer. Every now and the the author looks back on his memories of Adolf Hitler, but it's the minutiae of prison life that I find more interesting.

Hallowe'en isn't far away so I've dipped into the mixed bag that is Madame Crowl's Ghost and Other Stories by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu.

The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women
Kate Moore
5/5 stars
Radium was an element first discovered by the Curies and was thought to be a wonder drug used in many preparations. Unfortunately, this wonder drug turned into a horrible predicament for the girls who worked in factories applying the radium paint to watch dials in various factories including one in Illinois and in Newark and Orange, New Jersey. The dial painters were instructed to lick the paint brushes before applying the radium which resulted in poisoning the girls who eventually died from it but not before they suffered through their bones dissolving and their inability to work and take care of their families. Eventually the families and workers rose up to fight the companies that caused their deaths and disfigurements. This is definitely a page turner but also a sympathetic look at the workers and the greed of industry that denied for years to help the women who were afflicted.

still reading Empire of the Vampire, The Chaos Kind, and Constance.

I am reading Remembrance Of Things Past, Vol. 2 and listening to In Persuasion Nation.

I'm reading Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut for Banned Books Week. I'm about halfway through and I like it so far. If it's good enough for Kevin Bacon, it's good enough for me.

Just finished Free Amazons of Darkover, another collection of short stories by fans of the Marion Zimmer Bradley series. This one is a cut above, possibly because some of the selections are actually humorous -- a rarity in a universe that generally takes itself quite seriously indeed.

Next up is probably something stashed on my Kindle, as we are getting ready to travel early next week and that's when I use the e-reader the most.

I'm still ostensibly picking my way through Julian of Norwich: Showings-- the revelations of a 13th c. female mystic; but TBH, I haven't picked it up in over a month so I'm probably going to table it for a future date when my head is in a better place.

I'm wrapping up a rom-com hockey novel by Meghan Quinn, Kiss and Don't Tell. It was just recently released and I was really looking forward to a light, "mental floss" read. Winnie's Mini-Cooper gets stuck on a mountain backroad in Vancouver, Canada during a storm and she trudges her way over to a house she sees that has its lights on... Five hockey players are decompressing after a playoff loss when a soaking wet Winnie appears at their door, looking for a landline.... Winnie and Pacey, the goalie hit it off with a little light flirting and a couple of graphic sex scenes before the storyline goes completely off the rails. Considering that Meghan Quinn is a best-selling author and has print editions of her books circulating, I am disappointed in the shallowness of both characters and the absurdity of the plot & sub-plots. Right now it's looking like a 2-star read, but I'll wait until I'm done before rendering the final verdict.

I'm currently listening to The Definitive Sherlock Holmes (by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle with forewords written by Stephen Fry and narrated by the latter) - I seem to be on a Stephen Fry kick recently. I listened to Audible's podcasts, "Secrets of the Victorian Age" and "Secrets of the Edwardian Age" (both hosted by Stephen Fry) which segued nicely into this collection, especially "Secrets of the Victorian Age". The whole package is 60 hours long and I'm about halfway through-- so maybe I'll be done by Thanksgiving? The Classic tales are nicely told and, for once, I'm not thinking about Benedict Cumberbatch while I'm reading/listening!

I've also started Grady Hendrix's Horrorstör (narrated by Tai Sammons and Bronson Pinchot). It's too early to tell what's really going on other than a young, financially-struggling woman works for an IKEA rip off. It's only about 6 hours long though, so it should move into the action sequences pretty soon!

I finished a book of poems that I read at the pace of 3 or 4 a day. Knowing Is a Branching Trail in which the poems pull universal truths and longings out of the ordinary. Numerous were excellent, a few left me confused.

Finished up Nightmare Scenario, and close to finishing up Seaforth World Naval Review 2020, and will be starting The Secret Chapter.

>7 PaperbackPirate: I loved Slaughterhouse-Five.

I'm currently reading Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz.

Rainbow Valley – L M Montgomery
Digital audiobook read by Pam Ward.
3***

Book seven in the classic series about Anne Shirley and her family. Anne’s six children have discovered their own “magical” place where they can play and indulge their imaginations. When a new family moves into an old mansion nearby, they welcome the Meredith kids into their hideaway. And the children are intent on several projects.

These books are just delightful reads. A nice gentle escape from today’s harsher realities. Yes, there are missteps and some tragic occurrences – life is like that. But on the whole, they are full of charming characters, believably innocent fun, and a few humorous miscalculations. The children learn that actions and words have consequences. Anne has grown into a wonderful mother, caring and supportive, guiding her brood towards adulthood.

I finished the short gem, Art and Fear. This book puts into words the battles of artists with themselves to continue to create despite self doubt and lack of approval from the world, exploring the question of why artists quit.

starting this cozy audiobook via hoopla ~

Silence in the Library: A Lily Adler Mystery (LILY ADLER MYSTERY, A)
by Katharine Schellman

>12 Copperskye: It's pretty wild!

>13 BookConcierge: I loved that series!

Just finished Hot Flash Holidays, which is a run-of-the-mill entry in the series about menopausal women running a business and each others' lives with about an equal amount of attention. This one carries them through a year of romance, family tsuris, and chocolate, in more or less that order.

Next up is The Girl Behind the Gates, on my Kindle, as I prepare to jet off tomorrow for a family reunion.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian – Sherman Alexie
Audiobook narrated by the author. Illustrations by Ellen Forney.
5*****

This young adult novel tells the story of Junior Spirit, a Spokane Indian living on the reservation with his parents and older sister. Junior was born with hydrocephalus and has some lingering effects of brain damage, but he’s a good student, a talented artist and a pretty good basketball player. A mishap at school leads his teacher to tell Junior that he needs to get off the reservation and find his future elsewhere, and thus begins his journey.

I loved this book. I could not help but think of all the kids out there like Junior – kids with limited abilities in one aspect, but extraordinary abilities in other aspects. Kids who just need someone to believe in them, and for an adult to step in to stop the bullying and give them a chance to grow and excel.

Things do not go smoothly for Junior just because he decides – and is supported by his parents in this decision – to attend the white high school off the reservation. He loses his best friend as a result. He’s bullied and ostracized at his new school. He is under tremendous social pressure due to his poverty and his efforts to hide that poverty from his classmates. His family remains dysfunctional, with parents who drink to excess, and multiple deaths among those he loves. But he never gives up. He is determined to succeed and to make the most of the opportunity he has.

The audiobook is narrated by Alexie and I cannot imagine anyone else doing a better job. Outstanding!

NOTE: The text version I got was the 10th anniversary edition and had supplemental information, including an interview with the author, an early draft of the first chapter, a draft of a possible sequel focusing on Rowdy, an interview with the illustrator, and a heart-breaking eulogy to Alexie’s childhood friend (and the model for Rowdy). Greatly enjoyed this additional info (which was not included on the audio) and it made me appreciate the book even more.

Additionally, I am fully aware of the allegations made against the author. While I abhor the behavior, I am judging the book on its own merit.

Finished the unique short story collection, In Persuasion Nation.

Next up for listening is a Greg Iles novel, Mortal Fear.

The Chosen
Chaim Potok
5/5 stars
Set near the end of World War Two, two Jewish boys come together after a baseball game where one of them is injured by the other. They eventually become friends but their families’ don’t share the same beliefs. As they grow, each finds a different path to follow. Very well written and hard to put down.

finished The Chaos Kind by Barry Eisler. really enjoyed this book. next up is The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik.

America For Beginners – Leah Franqui
4****

Pival Sengupta, a recently widowed Kolcatta native, books a trip to America for her first solo venture outside her home city. But she’s not really interested in seeing all the sights across America so much as she wants to find some connection to her estranged son, Rahi, who had been living in California. Did he visit any of these places? What would he have thought? She’s accompanied by a tour guide, Satya, and a paid companion, Rebecca.

This went in directions I wasn’t expecting. I had read little about the book in advance, and thought it would a lighthearted, somewhat humorous look at America through the eyes of a total newcomer. But there were many deeper issues here.

Pival must deal with her grief – over both her husband and her son. She is also consumed by anger, confusion and regret over a life she’s never had, having given up any control to others before now. She’s puzzled by the freedom Rebecca shows – how comfortable and assertive she is, how she dresses, her consumption of alcohol – and also a little envious.

Rebecca is struggling with her own life choices. She has a contentious relationship with her mother, is not having success as an actress in New York, but cannot seem to seek a career away from that city. This “break” gives her time to think over her life and her choices.

Satya is in the country illegally, having overstayed a tourist visa. He hasn’t left the small circle of immigrants he’s found in New York before now, and has been furiously studying, trying to always have an answer, even if he must make it up. He’s puzzled by a tourist (Pavil) who doesn’t want to shop at ever stop, and feels stressed by any possible change in plans. And he has regrets and guilt over how he’s treated his best friend.

And Rahi … in flashbacks the reader gets to know him and his lover Jake. And learn something of the conflicts he had to face in acknowledging his sexuality and being estranged from his family as a result.

There WERE humorous scenes, and I enjoyed seeing some of these sights through the eyes of Pavil and Satya. But there were several scenes that were emotionally charged, especially once the trio makes it to Los Angeles. At times I was in tears. I don’t want to give anything away, but the ending is hopeful. All the characters have to find ways to deal with the past and to move forward with courage.

This is Franqui’s debut novel. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

The new thread is up over here.