Dolly Parton and an unhinged homebuyer top February best books
February weather can turn cold quickly, so find one or two titles to crack open under that blanket.
NONFICTION
“The Spinach King” by John Seabrook. This book by a New Yorker writer about his family wealth reminded me of “Cheerful Money” by Tad Friend, which I loved. Staunch, East Coast, preppy money made by hard work, deceit, and abusive tactics by one generation and slowly lost by succeeding generations. The local angle here is that the author’s father died in Aiken, South Carolina. Fans of the streaming show “Succession” will enjoy this as well.
“Ain’t Nobody’s Fool” by Martha Ackmann. This biography of Dolly Parton focuses on her business decisions. Contrary to most descriptions of Parton as a naïve 18-year-old hopping on a bus to Nashville, she grew up in a very musical family, including uncles who ran music businesses, and she had been performing for several years before she left home. She was writing songs from a very early age, perhaps a muse to Taylor Swift and her voluminous writing. This is a behind-the-scenes look at the music industry.
“Homeschooled” by Stefan Merrill Block. A memoir detailing the strange homeschooling the author’s mother inflicted on him. They both survived, but it is astonishing how one can overcome challenges from our childhood. This would make a good book club selection.
FICTION
“Canticle” by Janet Rich Edwards. A teenager in Bruges follows her faith to a convent and later to a life of seclusion in 1399. This is a fantastic look at the Catholic Church under Pope Boniface IX in the time of paid indulgences, fake relics sold to the highest bidder, and beheadings for perceived religious infractions. But it is also an incredible description of faith and prayer, and I highly recommend it to book clubs and Bible study groups. In the same vein, I suggest “Heloise and Abelard” by James Burge and “Matrix” by Lauren Goff. Guaranteed lively discussions.
“The Dentist” by Tim Sullivan. British crime fiction: can’t beat it. Great story, characters, plot and perpetrator.
“Meet the Newmans” by Jennifer Niven. Clearly inspired by the Ozzie and Harriet show and the Nelsons, but with more backstory and emphasis on the mother. Great choice as an audiobook.
“Best Offer Wins” by Marisa Kashino. The lengths some people will go to in order to get a piece of real estate. The protagonist seems to be going off the rails, but after reading the Mansion section of the Wall Street Journal and the column interviewing real estate agents about the craziest thing that has happened to them, this was not that far off. Dark comedy.
“Only Way Out” by Tod Goldberg. Complex plot, many characters, violence, betrayal, and definitely headed to streaming. Take this one on your vacation and enjoy.
“Bad Bad Girl” by Gish Jen. This is a blend of biography (her mother, born in Shanghai, China), memoir (Jen, born in New York City), and fiction as she had to fill in pieces. But it is a stunning piece of work about the expectations of Chinese girls and the effect on their American offspring. Wonderful writing.
“Ladies' Lunch” by Lore Segal. A relatively brief collection of linked short stories about a group of ladies over 40 years of friendship. Segal is a storied New Yorker writer in her 90s and still at the top of her game. Poignant, funny, and sweet, women of every age will recognize the importance of friendships.
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