March literature to liven your spring reading

The first two on the list this month are books that I consider must-reads. They are long and somewhat challenging, but worth the investment of your time and attention.

 

“Cloud Cuckoo Land” is by Andrew Doerr who also wrote “All the Light We Cannot See.” The story spans centuries from the fall of Constantinople to an interstellar space flight years in the future. The mythical tale of Aethon brings hope and inspiration to characters across the time arc. The importance of the written word and the vast resources of libraries to expand our intellect are important themes and very timely. The end is quietly hopeful.

 

“The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois” by Honoree Jeffers uses a contemporary Black woman, Ailey, to narrate the story of her life as well as that of her Southern ancestors, who were African, Indian and Scottish. I have some quibbles with a few of her portrayals, but ultimately, the story of her ancestors is compelling and propels the reader through the 800 pages of this acclaimed work.

 

“Creative Types” is a short story collection by Tom Bissell. These pieces can be funny, creepy, horrific, and thoughtful. Short stories are a nice interlude to full-size books and a genre you should try if you have not.

 

Our nonfiction book this month is “This Is Ear Hustle” by Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods. It is a compilation of the award-winning podcast they created when Poor was a volunteer and Woods an inmate at San Quentin. This is outstanding and probably most revelatory as a recorded book. The voices of the inmates are important in telling the stories. This is in no way a “poor me, I am unfairly imprisoned” book. Though questions of sentencing reform are hashed out, most of the interviews are thoughtful depictions of inmates’ lives before, during and after prison. 

 

“The Sisters Sweet” by Elizabeth Weiss is the story of twin sisters put to work in vaudeville by their parents, but when one of them has aspirations to go to Hollywood on her own, the family is left to fend without the star of the show. The sister left behind tries to please everyone but herself as she gradually learns to be her own person. 

 

“The Maid” by Nita Prose is a murder mystery with a maid from a luxury hotel as narrator. Her OCD tendencies make her a stellar employee but other traits restrain her rise above her current job. Finding a dead body will challenge all of her skills. A delightful, well-paced plot affords fine entertainment.

 

“Real Easy” is by a former exotic dancer, Marie Rutkoski, so the scenes in the strip club are bona fide. This is not graphic but it is honest. It is mainly a murder mystery and time-sensitive hunt for the killer. 

 

“Mouth to Mouth” by Antoine Wilson is a story passed between old college classmates during a flight delay at JFK. A young man becomes involved with a high-end art dealer and his beautiful daughter. Is this justifiable opportunity, exploitation, or a bit of both? Easy reading story with a great ending.

 

“The Latinist” by Mark Prins is a tale of power, obsession, and manipulation at an Oxford college in the classics department. I will admit to my eyes glazing over a tad in a couple of passages of original Latin writings, but the story moves along otherwise and is completely believable. Another great ending.

 

“A Flicker in the Dark” is by Charleston’s own Stacy Willingham, a graduate of Wando High School. Though I originally picked it up to support a local author, it rewarded me with great writing and an intriguing plot. She has a three-book deal with her publisher and is well into her next book which is reported to be even better!

 

“The Accomplice” by Lisa Lutz is another well-executed story. Owen and Luna become best friends at college, but why do people in their orbit die and what is their role in it all? The sin of omission can be just as devastating as committing a violent act.

 

Go to beckysbookclub.com.