(Warning: This novel contains subject matter that may be triggering for certain audiences.) Memphis, by Tara M. Stringfellow resonated with me on many levels. As an African-American woman with strong southern roots, the sights, sounds, and smells rendered by this debut novel prompted memories of my own childhood. Early mornings on summer vacations, sitting inContinue reading “Book Review Time: Memphis”
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Book Review Time: The Guncle
The Guncle is absolutely adorable. Hilarious and sweet. Heart-felt and tender. This novel is so good I didn’t want it to end. Patrick O’Hara is the title character. A former sitcom star, Patrick now lives a life of leisure in self-imposed exile in Palm Springs. Apart from the requisite weekend brunch, and idle moments spentContinue reading “Book Review Time: The Guncle”
Book Review Time: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
The cult of celebrity is as strong now as it’s ever been. There was a time when becoming a star took at least a measure of talent and/or some willingness to work hard and sacrifice. Of course, a bit of luck never hurt. But now a random TikTok video can elicit instant stardom. It’s soContinue reading “Book Review Time: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”
Book Review Time: The Swimmers
Nothing lasts forever, as we are all well aware. We accept this as true…in theory. But few moments are more jarring, and depending on the circumstances, more painful than when we come face to face with this harsh reality in our own lives. We’re never quite prepared for it. In Julie Otsuka’s The Swimmers weContinue reading “Book Review Time: The Swimmers”
Book Review Time: The Reading List
The power of books is undeniable. They can be an escape, transporting us to worlds far beyond our reach, to times that pre or post-date our existence, introducing us to characters and circumstances that aren’t often recognizable in our day to day lives. We can lose ourselves in the pages of a book. But whatContinue reading “Book Review Time: The Reading List”
Book Review Time: Stakes Is High
For a comparatively slim collection of essays, Stakes Is High delivers a mighty punch. Triggered by the election of Donald Trump in 2016, Mychal Denzel Smith was left a broken man. Yet from this fragile state he has developed a message that is firm and clear. He needed to write this book, to deliver a warningContinue reading “Book Review Time: Stakes Is High”
Book Review Time: Beautiful
One simple adjective can sum up the entirety of a book. Of an experience. With a plot richly textured, and characters explored in their absolute fullness, displaying humanity unvarnished, the novel, Beautiful, proves to be just that. Beautiful. This is the story of two brothers, born and raised in the Mexican village of Merida. Miguel,Continue reading “Book Review Time: Beautiful”
Book Review Time: The Bookshop of Second Chances
The title caught my eye. “Bookshop.” Ok, so, books obviously play a role. And I love books. “Second Chances” adds an element of intrigue. It implies a past conflict or disappointment. Possibly a dramatic failure has taken place. A circumstance that would necessitate a reboot and maybe a change of scenery. A story that couldContinue reading “Book Review Time: The Bookshop of Second Chances”
Book Review Time: The Giver of Stars
It’s interesting where our choices take us. We set out on a grand adventure filled with the best of intentions, and an excitement for what is new and yet to be discovered. We envision the story to come. Its characters are laid out clearly before us. Perhaps it’s a sweeping romance. Yes. That’s it. AContinue reading “Book Review Time: The Giver of Stars”
Book Review Time: Intimations
Zadie Smith makes me wish my brain was bigger. Only then, might I stand a chance of keeping with her. Yet in Intimations, there is a marked vulnerability noted in this great writer/thinker, as she pieces together a revised philosophy on life. A revision made necessary by a global pandemic. Covid-19 has changed (and continuesContinue reading “Book Review Time: Intimations”