January ushers in the perfect weather for reading great books

FICTION:

“America Fantastica” is the first novel by Tim O’Brien in over 20 years. Author of  “The Things They Carried,” his new novel is a farcical look at our current society. Fraudulent businessmen, crooked cops, a cross- country chase, and more. A blend of tragedy and comedy.

 

“Do Tell” by Lindsay Lynch, is set in Hollywood during its Golden Age, highlights the deceit and subterfuge that was required by the studios and society to maintain a “proper” image.

 

“The House of Love and Death” by Andrew Klaven is part of the Cameron Winter sleuth series, which is new to me, and features a spy turned professor. This case involves a wealthy family who dies when their house is set ablaze. Good pace to the story and realistic characters. I would read more of these.

 

“The General & Julia” by Jon Clinch is historical fiction. If you missed “Marley” by this author, do yourself a favor and read it immediately. Then read this one – the story of Ulysses Grant and his wife, Julia. A different perspective than a nonfiction portrayal, but an enlightening and engrossing read.

 

“The Stolen Coast” by Dwyer Murphy is a slow burn of a heist tale. If you are familiar with Cape Cod, some of the geographic details are askew, so don’t get distracted. Great characters and scenes, but not an action novel.

 

“The Bee Sting” by Paul Murray is a very long story of a family in Ireland and their struggles –  personal, monetary, philosophical, familial. This book made all the “Best of” lists and was short-listed for the Booker and Kirkus prizes.

 

“A True Account” by Katherine Howe is the splendid “true” account of Hannah Masury, who lived in Boston in the 18th century, and crewed upon a ship disguised as a cabin boy to escape her own servitude. Her tale is discovered in 1930 by a Radcliffe student in old archives, who persuades a professor to help her look for a lost treasure. A fun read, particularly among the pirates. Howe is the co-author with Anderson Cooper of “Vanderbilt” and “Astor.”

 

“Murder By Degrees” by Ritu Mukerji is a medical mystery! This one is set in 1875 Philadelphia and involves Dr. Lydia Weston, head of the Women’s Medical College of Pennsyvania (women were not felt to have the disposition or intellect to be doctors) Excellent story, satisfying twists and clues. 

 

“Tremor” by acclaimed writer Teju Cole is a collection of short stories centered on Tunde, a West African man, now a professor in Cambridge, as he reflects on experiences both in the U.S., his birthplace, and in his former home of Nigeria.

 

“Chenneville” by Paulette Jiles is a delightful read. The author of “News of the World” and “Simon the Fiddler” does it again with an engaging tale of John Chenneville, a Civil War hero who is out to avenge his sister’s murder. Her descriptions are so meticulous, you can smell the leather and feel the dust on your hands. 

 

NONFICTION:

“The Woman in Me” by Britney Spears. Do not roll your eyes. The story behind these young superstars is compelling and disappointing. She and Jessica Simpson (“Open Book”) have both written (with help) revealing descriptions of the work it takes to get to their level of success and they say how their families siphoned off their earnings turning them into cash cows. These women display an incredible work ethic which I find admirable. Both books illustrate sharply that success comes from a lot of hard work.

 

“Zenith Man” by McCracken Poston Jr. Courtroom drama set in 1997 Ringgold, Georgia. If you have any appreciation of small-town politics and sense of community, you will recognize both in this tale. The characters are vividly portrayed and entertaining. Enjoyable to the very end. Thanks to Citadel Press for providing advanced copies.

 

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