Recap: January Reads

GINNY’S BACK!!!

#1: The Guncle Abroad, Steven Rowley

First book of 2025 completed. The sequel to 2021’s The Guncle, The Guncle Aboard is just as adorable, funny, and heartwarming as its predecessor. Love languages (and portmanteaux) abound as Patrick, along with his niece and nephew, Maisie and Grant, travel through Europe, exploring famous sights and learning the beauty of acceptance.

In the words of Keke Palmer…”5 stars, Angel, 5 stars.” 🏳️‍🌈


#2: Trial By Ambush by Marcia Clark (yes, that Marcia Clark).

I’ve always been down for a good true crime podcast or docuseries. But I rarely read books of that particular genre. This title was recommended to me by a coworker…and I have to say, it hit the mark.

Trial by Ambush recounts the story of Barbara Graham, the third woman in California history to be executed via the gas chamber. Clark, through meticulous research, uncovers Graham’s rocky upbringing, which included a derelict mother, a teenage pregnancy, and an early exposure to shady underworld activities.

Graham, who from most accounts seems to have been a well-intentioned person, but the recipient of an array of hard knocks, would eventually find herself accused (along with two other men) of the home invasion and murder of an elderly woman.

Clark exposes the corruption and unethical tactics used not only in the investigation of this case, but also used to a harrowing extent in the trial, which appears to have been a complete sham of American justice. Peppered in this damning indictment of prosecutorial misconduct and media sensationalism, are anecdotes from cases prosecuted by Clark herself…including her most famous one 🍊.

Solid and engaging. Clark makes a strong case for Graham’s innocence. It’s sad that it comes 70 years too late.


#3: Better Living Through Algorithms by Naomi Kritzer

Short stories count, too…

In this title, the main character, Linnea, is introduced to a new “wellness” app, Abelique, that has surged in popularity. At first hesitant, Linnea eventually acquires the app at the behest of her boss who sees it as way to improve employee productivity. However, once she begins to use the app, Linnea notices that Abelique’s lifestyle recommendations stress personal well-being over professional gains. She eventually finds herself fully immersed in the Abelique community with other like-minded app users. But her loyalty is tested when Abelique’s origins and agenda come under severe scrutiny from the press and the public.

The ultimate question being…have we become that out of touch with our own humanity that we need an app to tell us how to live happier lives?


#4- The Faculty Lounge, Jennifer Mathieu

The unexpected death of a veteran teacher on school grounds (in the faculty lounge, no less) sets the stage for a tumultuous year at fictional Baldwin High.

Nuanced and respectful in its interpretation, The Faculty Lounge reads like a long form thank you letter to every teacher, principal, guidance counselor, and school nurse who view their work as much more than just a job. It’s a vocation. A true calling.

Through character study and creative storytelling, we catch a glimpse into the professional and personal lives of these individuals tasked with educating young minds while juggling parent complaints, decreased funding, and administrative oversight.

My mother, grandmother, and aunt were teachers. My uncle is a teacher. And my sister is a former teacher, now elementary school principal. So I have a real soft spot for this novel.

Awesome read. A+

~G