SLPL July 2022 Team Totals

 

In July, three people read 26 books for a total of 8031 pages.  Shirley had the most with 18 books and 6400 pages.  Lots of long books for Shirley this month!

Congratulations to everyone!

The Best Is Yet To Come

Shirley J.      Adult Fiction Romance      New beginnings for a girl, a guy and a dog in Washington State

The Best Is Yet To Come by Debbie Macomber    456 pages

Excellent story about a young highschool teacher, Hope Godwin, who is reeling from the death of her twin brother.   Her landlord convinces her to volunteer at the local animal shelter he runs.  Unsure if this is for her she ends up becoming the only person able to reach a shell-shocked dog named Shadow that no one else can get near, but with her loving ways, patience and her unwillingness to see Shadow as anything but a sweet dog who just needs love, attention and the security of someone willing to believe he is redeemable in his corner, she not only reaches Shadow's heart and receives affection, trust and loyalty from him but her tenacity is also noticed by a damaged soldier working at the shelter.  The soldier, Cade Lincoln saw his best friends killed in Afghanistan and cannot get past his PTSD to function well among people.  He wishes he had been killed along with his friends and turns inward with his mentally destructive tendencies.  He sees Hope as a savior to the dog and as he relates to being onery and unloveable like Shadow, he sees maybe there is hope for his redemption, too.  A beautiful story of love, loss, redemption, renewal and love again for all involved.   There are issues with some of Hope's students that add to the plot and make this one of Debbie Macomber's best told stories.   I recommend this one to grade-schoolers on up.   It will touch the hearts of all who read it.  

Planting for Honeybees

 

Shirley J.                 Adult Non-Fiction        What to plant in your home garden to be BEE friendly

Planting for Honeybees: The Grower's Guide to Creating a Buzz by Sarah Wydham-Lewis  144 pages

Excellent book in this age of diminishing numbers of honeybees due to pesticides, lack of habitat - accessible flowering plants and man's lack of understanding of the important role they play in the scheme of life on earth paraphrasing the quote from Einstein if the honeybees die so will we (humans).  There are 20,000 known species of bees but only 8 of those are honeybees!   Honeybees have shorter tongues to dip into flowers than other bees so their skills are found in an increasingly shorter and shorter amount of plants they can actually work with.   This book explains the best plants to support the diligent work of the honeybee hives and the best for each of the four seasons as honeybees will work year round if they can tolerate the weather and find useable plant sources.   This is an easy to read, easy to understand book that developed from a pamphlet the author produced and handed out at her lectures and through botanical and bee-keeping societies.   A wonderful resource in making the already difficult like of the poor foraging honeybee so much better and the honey produced superb.   Honey has been a source of food, medicine and vitamin staple since man's first endeavor to explore the joys of honey.  This book will open the reader's eyes to how benevolence on our part by planting bee friendly botanicals goes a long way in saving the species as well as the world and mankind.   A most excellent book.  I recommend this to grade-schoolers on up - everyone who wants to help the world and bee a hero.  

The Memory House

 

Shirley J.         Adult Fiction         Two women with tragic pasts find peace in their new home

The Memory House by Rachel Hauck   384 pages

 Beck Holiday, a policewoman who suffered selective amnesia in her teens inherits a house in Florida from a woman she no longer remembers.  Beck is pregnant by her married lieutenant from a one night stand when both were drunk at an afterhours bar.   Beck lost her father in the 9/11 tragedy and all of her memories of him.   One day during a drug bust in which an animal was hurt,  Beck loses it and wails on the perp.  She gets suspended for misconduct and never being an animal person she has to suspect it has to do with her hormones now that she is pregnant, that or the stress of her secret.   She struggles to get her life under control.   Seems like a perfect time to go check this house out.  The plot thickens when Bruno Endicott turns up.  Seems Bruno had a major crush on Beck when they were teens and spending time at the Memory House visiting the lady who owned it, Everleigh Applegate, during the summers when Beck's parents would vacation in Florida.   Beck has no memory of Bruno nor Everleigh, but, Bruno assures her they were an item and Bruno's mother tells Beck how madly in love with her Bruno was, that he waited for her to return every Summer.   As Beck tries to discover why Everleigh would leave her house to her, Everleigh's tragic story comes out, of losing her husband and his parents to a tornado that Everleigh survived.  Of putting their child, a son,  up for adoption, living a dull life of a widow with only her mother for company until she runs into a former friend from school who makes her think about a better  life if only she didn't have such an awful secret.   The two storylines run side by side to the gripping end.   The story makes the reader think, "what would you do in these situations?"  I recommend this one to teens on up.

How I Met My Monster

 

Shirley J.              Juvenile Fiction                     The Monster Assigned to Hide Under the Bed

How I Met My Monster by Amanda Noll    32 pages    

It seems everyone that sleeps in a bed is assigned their very own monster to sleep underneath it.   Those glowing eyes you see in the dark if you are brave enough to lean over and take a peek under your bed, those noises heard in the night, creaking floors and the occasional burp - that's your monster.   According to this book, monsters aren't randomly assigned to people, they first have to go to Monster school, then prove their compatibility with the child they are then assigned to.   Their teacher Mr. Z. brought 4 potential candidates for the position of Ethan's monster.    Ethan learned this when reaching for his toy truck that was yes, under his bed.   Ethan found a note that read: "Monsters!  Meet here for final test."  At first he thinks his parents are trying to trick him so he will be scared and stay in bed until he falls asleep, but, then the teacher and his 4 students show up in Ethan's room!  Full of fun and a bit of fright this book explains the whole purpose of monsters under the bed are to of course keep kids In Bed until they fall asleep.  You learn something new all the time.   The book is recommended for 3-8 year olds, but, I would go with the latter 8 year old end.  I think it might weigh on the minds of the younger set then who could get them to sleep?    A cute book and Ethan is a pretty plucky kid.   Once that monster starts growing, Ethan is way braver than I would have been.  

The Vendetta Defense

 

Shirley J.                            Adult Fiction                    Vendettas in Italy, South Philly, Murder Trials

The Vendetta Defense by Lisa Scottoline   528 pages

I love Lisa Scottoline's books.  They are always so full of jokes and fun especially when they are set in South Philly with all of the Tonys.    This story stars little Pigeon Tony from the block and goes into not just his life in South Philly (Philadelphia) but also his life back in Italy, growing up and meeting his wife and later his son.   When Tony is arrested and accused of murder, Judy Carrier, a lawyer with the law firm Rissotto and Associates's is asked by her best friend, Mary's Dad to take the case.  The trouble is, Pigeon Tony keeps saying he did it!   Who admits to murder?   Whaaat?  Judy has her hands full with this case, not to mention the family of the victim who want to see both Pigeon Tony and Judy dead before it goes to trial.   Another excellent story well told as usual by author extraordinaire, Lisa Scottoline.     I recommend this one to middle schoolers on up.  It has fun elements and enough quick witted dialogue to keep everyone amused. 

The Joy of Doing Nothing

 Shirley J.    Adult Non-Fiction Self-Improvement     Breaking to clear your mind improves productivity

The Joy of Doing Nothing: A Real-Life Guide to Stepping Back, Slowing Down, and Creating a Simpler, Joy-Filled Life by Rachel Jonat      160 pages

This book offers the solution to stressful overcommitted schedules and lives - do nothing.  Sounds too simple, I know, but give the book a chance and you, too, will see there are gems of gold to be harvested here.  The author notes that we way too often say yes when we should say no to infringements on our lives.  We attend things we don't want to, we take on tasks we don't want to, we have more stuff to keep up with than we actually need,  we don't take care of ourselves like we should because we don't feel we have a minute to ourselves because we are pulled in so many directions.   Rachel Jonat says take a break.  Take a break and clear your mind.   Don't think about any thing, let your mind calm down and let it stop trying to think about and keep up with everything and nourish it with thinking about nothing.  That's right completely clear your mind.  Contemplate nothing, go dark like a robot that has been turned off.  Don't worry about all you have to do let yourself go completely blank every time you possibly can.   Let the soothing tranquility wash over you, no phones, no t.v., no technology, no distractions.   Feel how refreshed you feel after just a few minutes of calming mind rest.   You will find when you return to your task at hand you will be better able to focus and will be far more productive.  The more you do it the more relaxed and able to cope you will become and yes far more productive than hitting it hard for 8 hours straight.  In fact, one study found that the optimum levels are:  Work for 52 minutes on whatever you are putting your mind to then relax for 17 minutes by clearing your mind in a quiet space or allowing yourself the pleasure of only doing something that requires nothing or very little of you, some auto pilot type work/task, or quietly mentally zoning out while standing in line.  This can be done pretty much anywhere, anytime.   And its free but you will reap invaluable mental clarity and productivity from it.   Excellent tips and it works!   I recommend this to middle schoolers on up.  Learning to let go of technology briefly to gain greater focus benefits us all. 

Blood Memory

 

Shirley J.                           Adult Fiction                 Repressed Memories, Forensic Odontology

Blood Memory by George Iles   800 pages

Excellent book about forensic odontologist, Cat Ferry, who starts experiencing black outs and panic attacks at the brutal murder scenes of what may be a serial killer.    Is it a reaction to the brutality?   Or her addiction to Gray Goose vodka?  Or maybe because she is pregnant by her married detective lover?  Or is it something at the edge of her memory causing her ongoing nightmares about her dead father who was savagely murdered in their home when she was a child?   Truly riveting story you wont want to put down bringing in the old south and modern forensics with psychological twists so good from beginning to end.   I recommend this one to adults for content.

Betty

 Shirley J.       Adult Non-Fiction Family History                 The true account of the author's grandmother

Betty by Tiffany McDaniel   480 pages

A book you will not forget.  A bittersweet tale of childhood memories happy times at home learning about Cherokee stories passed down generations juxtaposed against the brutality of learning other family members have been and currently are being molested.  Of growing up in poverty but not feeling it as much as being ridiculed by townspeople for it.   Of bullies and dreams of better things, of old ways and horrifying new truths.  Of life and death, of love and hate.   Renewal, regret, revenge.  This book will live on in your memory long after you finish the last page.    I highly recommend this excellent piece of literature and the family history of the author's grandmother to all ages.   The bullying parts may help youngsters, the struggles of the parents may ring true for middle agers, the circle of life for seniors and all.   A bittersweet true story of survival of the hand you are dealt.   Great literary work.

The Joy of Cookies: Cookie Monster's Guide to Life (The Sesame Street Guide To Life)

 Shirley J.                       Juvenile Philosophy                                  Deep Thoughts on Life and Cookies

The Joy of Cookies by Cookie Monster     160 pages

Like the Tao of Pooh this is a book of deep thoughts on life, friendship, joy, satisfaction and cookies which of course bring satisfaction and when shared, friendship too.    This is Cookie Monsters musings on the meaning of all things and all things can be related to cookies.   I never knew just how Zen Cookie Monster is although I have always admired his no nonsense life is but a dream but cookies are forever approach to the universe.  I have learned the simple truth - life is a cookie - enjoy it.    I recommend this book for all ages.

 

Sin of a Woman

 

Shirley J.                      Adult Fiction                   Black Woman Preachers, Power and Corruption

Sin of a Woman by Kimberla Lawson Roby     448 pages

Raven Black worked for a preacher, married his son who was also a preacher, she embezzled funds from the church, did time in prison and now has her own church and congregation of thousands with more tuning into her weekly video chats and podcasts.  She is now pulling in ridiculous sums of money and perks, but, still its not enough.   She is recovering from her gambling addiction, but now she is gambling with her future and that of several of the people closest to her.   When she all but names a certain prominent member of the clergy for raping her all hell breaks loose!    Good book, good story with greatly written characters.  This turns out to be book 14 in the 15 book Reverend Curtis  Black Series but the story stands alone in its own right.   Well written, it captures jealousy, rage and greed so well.   Well done, Kimberla Lawson Roby!   Given the sexual nature of this story,  I recommend it to adults.

Tears We Cannot Stop

 

Shirley J.                      Adult Non-Fiction                         Racism, Reparation, Reckoning

Tears We Cannot Stop by Michael Eric Dyson  240 pages

Excellent book spoken boldly on what was, what is and what could be regarding racism in America.  Powerfully written wake up call to those who close their eyes to current events and the reasoning that will save, solve or silence an uncertain future.   The author covers past and recent prejudicial social profiling events that have led to the current civil unrest and cries for change in the legal system and sensitivity of white officers when dealing with black citizens.   Deeply moving issues needing to be addressed are done so here.  I recommend this for high schoolers on up.   This book lends itself to deeper conversations afterward spurring readers to become social activists and political champions of the rights of people of color.

Monstrous Devices

 

Shirley J.                  Juvenile Fiction                           Grandparents/Secret Agents/Experiments

Monstrous Devices by Damien Love    368 pages

Twelve year old Alex is dealing with the usual stuff in life, school, bullies when out of the blue he receives a toy robot from his rather elusive seldom there grandfather.   Turns out there is a lot more to this little robot than meets the eye.   Bullies sometimes get their comeuppance and wishes can come true.  The story offers a bit of mission impossible style cloak and dagger happenings with a smidge of sci-fi robotronics thrown in for good measure.  I don't want to give the story away but this is an enjoyable grandpa grandson adventure not to be missed.   I recommend this one for the 8-80 set.   A fun story with great characters and locations not to mention plot.   Oh yeah and a Gollum thrown in for good measure.  : )

SLPL June 2022 Team Totals

 

 In June, four people read 24 books with a total of 7644 pages.

Shirley J. was the super-reader with 17 books and 5881 pages.

Congrats to all the readers and time for summer fun!

Life Dust

Life Dust by Pam Webber 312 pages

Nettie and Andy have known each other all their lives. They have been featured in two previous novels, “The Wiregrass” (which I have not read) and “Moon Water” (which I loved). This third novel is not billed as a sequel, and it is a complete stand-alone.

In “Moon Water,” Nettie and Andy had broken up but now have reconciled and are engaged. Andy is in the Army and Nettie is a nursing intern at the local hospital. When Andy gets orders to go to Vietnam, it changes their trajectory. She drives hours to see him before he leaves.

They desperately want to get married but put the idea on hold. Their future is so scary. Will Andy come home? Will he come home whole? She drives hours to see him before he leaves. Will Nettie wait for him? What if he comes back in pieces? The novel alternates between Nettie and Andy.

Nettie is working in the ER when a cantankerous old man comes in with severe chest pains. He is a regular in the ER and the other nurses hate him. Nettie befriends him and He becomes like grandfather figure. Nettie s also grappling with the nurse’s supervisor’s bullying. Nettie walked in on Mrs. Woods and one of the surgeons in a comprising situation. Mrs. Woods goes out of her to remove Nettie from the program.

Andy’s sections take place in Vietnam. Andy has been assigned to lead a small reconnaissance up to the DMZ. They are gone for months at a time and must depend upon themselves to take care of their needs and to gather the needed information. Webber does a wonderful job capturing the horror of Vietnam. I swear I could feel the bugs crawling over me as I read. Andy’s experiences are well researched. Andy writes long letters to Nettie who cherishes each one of them

I loved this novel. There was a sentence that threw me because it references back to “Moon Water,” and that’s when I learned this novel was a continuation of Nettie and Andy’s story. It was a complete stand-alone.

I hope that Webber writes another novel about these two characters as I grew to admire and love them as they each faced their separate travails.

“Life Dust” receives 5 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

Mastering the Art of French Murder

Mastering the Art of French Murder (Book 1 American in Paris series) by Colleen Cambridge   283 pages

When I first read the title of this new mystery series, I swear I could hear Julia Child’s real-life voice. I had no idea that the kitchen magician herself was going to be a secondary character in this new series. I was so delighted!

Set in the Paris of 1949, Tabitha Knight has come to the City of Lights from Detroit to find herself. She’s twenty-nine years old, recently broken her four-year engagement to Henry and has lost her job at the Willow Run Bomber Plant where she helped to build B-24 Liberator planes. She was a real Rosie the Riveter! And on top of all the that, the woman---her grandmother-- who helped raise her has died. She is lost and decides to go spend some time with her grandfather, who still lives in Pari with his best friend.

Tabitha made friends with Julia, who happens to live across the street and down the block. They became fast friends although Tabitha can barely boil an egg. Julia’s sister, Dort lives with the Childs’. Dort works for the American Club Theater, which performs at Theater Monceau. The cast and crew are often at Julia’s apartment after shows or rehearsals.

After one such evening, the body of one of the other theater employees, Therese, turns up brutally murdered----in the basement of the Childs’ apartment building. Tabitha was the last person to see her alive and is immediately a suspect.

Concerned that she will be arrested and impatient with police procedures, Tabitha begins her own investigation. And the bodies begin to pile up. I was surprised by so many bodies that dot the pages.

This first book in the series is simultaneously funny and creepy. The opening scene about the mayonnaise was a delight! I could hear Julia’s real-life voice booming from the pages. I also liked that she was the sidekick and not the main character. I did wonder if there were some gay undertones between Tabitha’s grandfather and his best friend, Oncle Rafe (Tabitha’s honorary uncle), but it doesn’t matter.

The descriptions of the food and wine were spot-on…not too much nor too little. I was salivating through the entire book. However, there is only one thing, no two things, missing: The recipes for the perfect roasted chicken and mayonnaise! “Mastering the Art of French Murder” receives 5 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

Publishing date April 2023

European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman

 Shirley J.  Adult Fiction     The Athena Club adventures whose members are the daughters of Dr. Moreau, Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde, Victor Frankenstein, Giacomo Rappacini and Vanhelsing.                          European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman by Theodora Goss   736 pages

Book 2 in the Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club series.   When I saw who the characters were I knew this would be a good story to read - I was not disappointed.   An excellent tale of the daughters of questionable fellows in fiction.  Diabolical or scientific geniuses - you decide.   I will go back and read the first novel to find out how all the ladies met, but, they certainly form a great group.  I enjoyed this book from beginning to end, each lady has her own distinct personality and lifestyle and the characters they meet and work with along the way is stellar!  Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, Mina Harker and Count Dracula, etc. omgosh!  What a terrific story!  And wait till you see who is lurking at the end!  YIKES!   Can't wait to read the other two books in this series.  I recommend this story to grade schoolers on up to seniors.  It has something for everyone.

Girls of Slender Means

The Girls of Slender Means by Muriel Spark, 176 pages

When the Jesuit priest Nicholas Farringdon is martyred in Haiti, he is remembered with fondness by the girls of the May of Teck Club, a boarding house for young women making their way in London.  Those girls, now women, grew to know him in the closing months of the War not as a priest or even a believer, but as the aspiring anarchist poet who once spent a night with Selina on the roof.  His acquaintance with the girls of the Club, it turns out, changed his life profoundly in ways none of them intended or could foresee.

The Girls of Slender Means is a beautiful novel that is exactly as long as it needs to be.  The obvious comparison is to Graham Greene, although Spark's novel is lighter and more feminine, without, however, becoming either superficial or sentimental.

What Breathes Through Its Butt?: Mind-Blowing Science Questions Answered

 Shirley J.                            Juvenile Non-Fiction                 Amazing (Sometimes Gross) Science Facts

What Breathes Through Its Butt?: Mind-Blowing Science Questions Answered by Dr. Emily Grossman 224 pages

A fun if sometimes gross read answering many questions you never knew you would enjoy finding out the answers to.   Some helpful info included like how to escape an alligator's jaws if he has you ready to do that death roll thing, all presented in a format that lets you choose from 1 of 4 answers to each question to see if you guessed correctly.  All answers are explained and some are also plausible but best answer is explained in more detail.   Did you ever wonder how much the internet weighs?  Yeah, it has been calculated and you will find that here.   Lots of good info and trivia to add to your party chatter.  Great ice breakers for any age.   While the book is geared to 10 - 12 year olds anyone any age will find this stuff fascinating.  I recommend it as an enjoyable read.

The Complete Disaster

Cry Wolf

Cry Wolf: A Political Fable by Paul Lake, 215 pages

After the farmer died, the animals of Green Pastures Farm managed to keep things going.  It wasn't always easy - they couldn't reach the fruit on the higher branches of the trees, and the mouths of lambs proved to be poor substitutes for hands when it comes to milking cows - but the community managed to come together under the Laws left by the farmer and not only survive, but thrive, even defeating an invading bear.  Until, that is, more sympathetic outsiders present themselves, and the clever owl uses the magic of words to bring down the laws and plunge the farm into a spiral of chaos from which it may not recover.

Cry Wolf is a straightforward reimagining of Animal Farm, not only updated for the 21st century - as if such a thing was necessary - but with a revised set of anthropological assumptions, so that it bears little more than a conceptual resemblance to Orwell's original.  Where it does more deeply echo Orwell is in Lake's awareness of the power of words, particularly as they are defined and redefined so that they become tools for confusion rather than communication, and in the ease with which slogans can evoke the power of sentiment to overthrow reason.  What Lake most memorably adds is his exposure of late modern decadence, particularly the unwarranted conviction that a very precarious situation is, in fact, the natural state of things, the unmerited confidence that any disruptions are merely manageable exceptions, and the baseless belief that there are no higher desires than comfort and peace.

Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention

 Shirley J.                        Adult Non-Fiction Biography              Deeply detailed look at Malcolm X' life

Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention by Manning Marable   608 pages    

In depth look at the life of Malcolm X.  Malcolm learned activism from his parents who were followers of Marcus Garvey, though his youth was spent in various pursuits to chase money (hustling) and while he ended up going to prison at a very early age, he was introduced to the religion of Islam and the Nation of Islam while there.  Malcolm's youthful leanings were liberal though growing up during strict racist times, he maintained an on again off again relationship with a white woman he had met at a club in Harlem.  His friends warned him she would turn on him if pressed by other whites, he disregarded their advice and continued the affair, though he saw black women, too, as their relationship was not exclusive.   The white woman and her sister convinced Malcolm and his friend to come along with them to rob rich white homes and when caught the women lied to save themselves and blamed the whole thing on Malcolm and his friend who were sent to prison for the crimes while the women went free.   This taught Malcolm not to trust white people even those who claimed to love you.  He grew to hate the white race and after absorbing the teachings of Islam while in prison, he saw the need to wake the black community up to rise up and fight the white devils who held them down.   Malcolm adhered more and more to Islamic teachings and observed an exemplary life following the Koran and the laws of Allah, teaching others to turn their backs on the white man's religion.  He pledged his allegiance to the Nation of Islam and the head of the American arm, the Honorable Elijah Mohammed.  All was well until Malcolm's star started rising and the media began seeking him out making his name a household word.   Allegations began to appear about the morality of Elijah Mohammed (several paternity cases brought by former secretaries of the head of the American branch of the religion) and while the leader had been held in high esteem as a modern day prophet, his image was attacked and Malcolm was blamed for spreading rumors and falsehoods about him, though, Malcolm always publicly praised the man and was devoted to him, defending him always.   Though  accepting of his lot of losing his privileges as spokesman for the NOI, he remained a devout follower, accepting as the will of Allah, whatever Elijah Mohammed handed down to him.  His celebrity tarnished, even his friendship with Muhammed Ali was lost, though, other celebrities, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, The Poitiers, The Belefontes, Maya Angelou and others remained true friends to the end.  The book goes heavily into the FBI involvement, the inner workings of friends and foes within the church and issues and facts of his personal struggles culminating in his assassination and the lack of police/FBI presence into investigating the crime of his death.   Lots of information to be gleaned here about the man, his mission, his opposition to Dr. Martin Luther Kings' passive resistance movement - Malcolm's philosophy was 'talking was for the weak - kill them before they kill us', much information about the American church and the world religion and the jealousy and infighting that was going on.   Very well told with a historian's vision.   I recommend this book to mature young adults on up.  

Crayola! The Secrets of the Cool Colors and Hot Hues: Ready-To-Read Level 3 (Science of Fun Stuff)

 

Shirley J.                Juvenile Non-Fiction              Tells how crayola crayons are made and throws in some scientific facts for good measure

Crayola!  The Secrets of the Cool Colors and Hot Hues: Ready-To-Read Level 3 (Science of Fun Stuff)     by Bonnie Williams    40 pages

Fun read explaining how crayola crayons, markers and coloring pencils are made and also shares some fun scientific facts about colors, hues, secondary and tertiary colors, complimentary colors, long and short wave lengths of color, the ones we can see and also the ones we can't see such as ultra-violet, etc.  Really interesting introduction to a colorful life.   I recommend this one to non-readers on up.   Good book.

A Zoo In My Luggage

 

Shirley J.     Adult Non-Fiction     The story of Gerald Durrell's trip to British Cameroon in 1957 and the 250 animals he captured that became his own Zoo.

A Zoo In My Luggage by Gerald Durrell   208 pages

Such a fun read.   Gerald Durrell's story telling is always chock fun of funny adventures and this expedition is no different.   Whether he is scurrying to pick up claw toed frogs liberated by a favorite chimp during his morning constitutional or drinking and dancing with the Fon of Bafut, Gerald is never at a loss for an amusing tale.   Glad his wife and secretary enjoy animals, too.  Wild baby animals can never have too many surrogate parents.  Gerry comes back with 250 animals for his Jersey Zoo prompting an English service worker to give him the title, "Blimey! You've got a Zoo in your luggage!"  I recommend this to anyone who loves the Durrell family as much I do.  A joy to read aloud, too, especially the native speak which Gerry is fluent in.

                                                                                                                                                                    

X: A Novel

X: A Novel

 Shirley J.                     Adult Fiction based on actual events             The life story of Malcolm X

X: A Novel by Ilyasah Shabazz and Kekla Magoon   384 pages

A fictionalized version of the life of Malcolm X based on actual events as told by his daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz and co-writer, Kekla Magoon.   The book mirrors that of the Autobiography of Malcolm from Malcolm Little's beginning to his fatal end.   A fine tribute to her father, Ilyasah Shabazz lends her memories and fictionalized conversations between her father and his family, friends, colleagues, fellow members of the Nation of Islam, world leaders and/or movers and shakers, supporters, detractors of his methods and beliefs and enemies of his mission and message.   Well told story of the man, who after his prison conversion to Islam became a voice for revolution.  I would recommend this book to high schoolers on up.

Miss Aldridge Regrets

 

Miss Aldridge Regrets by Louise Hare 368 pages

Lena Aldridge isn’t happy with her life. She thought she would be a big star by now. Instead, she’s singing in a dump in London’s Soho. Her father, Alfie, just died, and her married lover has left her. She’s lucky to have the gig she has, mostly thanks to her best friend, Maggie, whose husband, Tommy Scarsdale, owns the joint.

But tonight isn’t Tommy’s night. He dies right in front of the stage, right in the middle of Lena’s set. This isn’t the first murder that has happened, which make Lena skittish.

A stranger appears, saying that his boss owes Alfie a favor. He offers Lena a chance to star on Broadway and a first-class ticket on the Queen Mary. Lena weighs her options, and figuring she has nothing to lose, she jumps at the opportunity.

Author Hare does a fabulous job in creating the period details and the luxuries Lena enjoyed on the ship. Luxuries she has never known in her twenty-six years. Heck, she even had to borrow clothes from Maggie just to fit in.

On Lena’s first night, she learns that her tablemates are the Abernathy’s. Each member of the family is stereotypical of their role. It got old quick! It’s more important than ever the Lena keeps her mixed-race identity a secret.

Wandering around the ship in search of what Lena isn’t quite sure. She meets one of the bandleaders, Will. There is mutual attraction, but Lena must be very, very careful. Will is African American, and mixed couples in 1936 are exactly welcome in either race. Lena believes that the Abernathy’s would rather have her thrown overboard as shark food rather than sit at the same table with her.

When the Abernathy patriarch dies, murdered it seems, Lena is more frightened than ever.

“Miss Aldridge Regrets” is hailed as being an Agatha-Christie like murder mystery. I don’t see t. To me the pace was slow, tension was low, and the characters were so stereotypical, Christie would be embarrassed. I did love the period details and that pushes “Miss Aldridge Regrets” to 3 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.