Nonfiction tops November recommendations

There has been a bumper crop of nonfiction recently. I am presenting four here, but already have some for next month, so pace yourself.

 

The Daniel Island News Author Series in conjunction with the Daniel Island Historical Society hosted Dirk Smillie to discuss his book “The Business of Tomorrow” about the life of Harry Guggenheim. As you read about Harry, you will be reminded of our present day billionaire visionaries like Gates, Bezos, and Musk. It was a delightful talk and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The photos enhance the absorbing story. One has to wonder what Harry would think of what his beloved “Cainhoy” has become. 

 

“Astor” is another collaboration from Anderon Cooper and Katherine Howe. The audiobook version is an easy listen and particularly interesting as Cooper was acquainted with Brooke Astor through his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt. The take-away lesson here is a cautionary tale similar to his book about the Vanderbilts. Subsequent generations often spend down enormous wealth and do not raise children capable of perpetuating the fortune through hard work. See story above regarding the Guggenheims.

 

“Fear is Just a Word” is by Wall Street Journal writer Azam Ahmed. By virtue of exhaustive research, Ahmed brings us the story of Miriam Rodriguez and her daughter Karen who was kidnapped and murdered by a Mexican drug cartel. This woman systematically hunted down and brought almost all 11 gang members to justice. She learned to navigate the arcane and corrupt legal system, learned to shoot without fear, and even wore disguises and accompanied police raids. It is a stunning account of a mother’s rage and determination, but also a staggering and unvarnished portrayal of the cartels that rule Mexico.

 

“Forgotten Girls” by Monica Potts is her story of growing up, and getting out of small town Arkansas. She parallels her journey with that of her BFF who ends up a drug addicted and abused wife/mother. This book is loved or loathed depending on your point of view. Ask me privately what I think, read it to form your own opinion.

 

On to fiction.

 

“North Woods” by Daniel Mason is an epic story of one house in Western Massachusetts and the people who inhabit it along the years. Starting with Puritan lovers seeking privacy, through the American Revolution, agricultural travails, family conflict, love, violence and mystery. This is a delicious read.

 

“Moscow X” by David McCloskey is a spy thriller involving present day villains in Russia. A fast moving tale with ruthless Russian billionaires who made their money via Putin and his preferential contracts. Forebodingly authentic.

 

Lauren Groff is a favorite of mine. “The Vaster Wilds” takes place in Virginia after a young girl escapes from a burning colonial fort and has to survive in the wild. Amazing that the colonies grew into our beloved country. What a miserable life they had and women suffered the most. The story is enlightening, but brutal. The ending was a disappointment to me, but Groff is not one for fairy tale endings.

 

“Holly” by Stephen King. One of the few mass market writers I will read, but I liked the Holly character from Mr. Mercedes so have enjoyed the two sequels with her. You cannot deny that King can tell a great story, easy to read or a manageable listen.

 

If you have never read Irish mystery writer John Banville, stop denying yourself! The latest from the Booker Prize winner is “The Lock-Up.” A pathologist and a detective team up to uncover the killer of a young history scholar who was found dead in her car. While the police are quick to call it suicide, these two team up to prove a homicide. Banville stories are gritty, realistic, and atmospheric. The audiobook version may be hard to follow. Check out the print version of this one.

 

David Joy is a master of the Southern Gothic novel. “Those We Thought We Knew” takes place in a small town in North Carolina. The "new" Klan, resentment over dismissing the history of the South, and long-held prejudice are uncovered after a young woman is murdered.

 

The story behind Vincent Van Gogh is told in “The Secret Life of Sunflowers” by Marta Molnar. We read this for Book Club and all enjoyed learning about Van Gogh, his devoted brother, and even more devoted sister-in-law, Johanna Bonger, who worked her entire life to get Victor the recognition she felt he deserved. The contemporary side story is predictable and not to my taste. If you really want to know about Bonger and Van Gogh's art, read the New York Times article from June 15, 2023.

 

“Sing Her Down” by Ivy Pochoda is a dark, gritty story of two women who play a cat and mouse game once released from prison. The stakes are high as you would expect. I enjoyed Pochoda's other book, “These Women,” more than this one. Labeled as "feminist literature," heavy use of violence and the f-word does not make compelling reading.

 

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