May 2024
- Katie Peterson
- May 1, 2024
- 13 min read
Updated: May 5, 2024
Something old: One Day by David Nicholls
Something new: The Waters by Bonnie Jo Campbell
Something steamy: By a Thread by Lucy Score
Something true-ish: The Women by Kristin Hannah
Bonus read: Where the Lost Wonder by Amy Harmon
Book club choice: First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
The Ratings:
Like plain, black coffee. Strong dislike.
A little cream, a little sugar. Not bad. Not great.
Add some flavor or syrup, it's getting good.
I liked this a latte!
Love! Refill please!
The Steam:
No peppers: Love/romance not a major part of this story
One pepper: Mild! Some love scenes; nothing risque on the page; fade to black
Two peppers: Moderate! Slightly descriptive romantic scenes may occur on page; some implied innuendos
Three peppers: Hot! Blushing while reading may occur; lots of spice
Favorite Book Genre?
Romantic Comedy
Historical Fiction
Non-Fiction
Literary Fiction
One Day
David Nicholls
What would your life look like if you only examined the same day, each year, over the course of several decades? This is what David Nicholls does with the characters Emma and Dexter on the date of July 15th. This is the date they meet in the late 80's after their university graduation. Although coming exceptionally close to making it something more, they decide on this day that they are best as friends moving forward and keep things platonic. We continue to get a glimpse of their lives each year on July 15th, tracking their friendship as they navigate through relationships, break-ups, marriages, divorces, loss, family drama, a variety of jobs, and ultimately when things come to a head and they have to decide in what capacity they actually fit into each others' lives.
The synopsis of this book had a (teeny, tiny, little bit, barely there) 'When Harry Met Sally' type feel. Initial dislike, followed by deep conversations and sharing life events, ending with them realizing they're perfect for each other. While the idea is certainly interesting of only getting a small portion of character development by highlighting the same day each year, all it did for me was make me wonder, "why are they even friends?" There was so much missing from their relationship in the small blurbs we did get, and a great deal of the book was them living vastly different, separate lives. As a reader, you just have to trust that their friendship is deeply developing off page on the other 364 days of the year(s), but I found it it hard to believe most of the time.
If you're looking for a fun, carefree read, this isn't it. It felt really gloomy throughout, with both characters going through heavy life events. I think some of that was an attempt to make the characters relatable, but for much of the book, I found that it made them unlikable. The book did take an upturn towards the end when both Emma and Dexter were finally beginning to make smart, healthy life choices, but I felt like it was too little, too late to salvage it. If you do decide to read it, let me know if you feel differently than me! Each reader truly is so different on things they like/dislike in books.
Note: A random book fact about me: Something fun (fun might be up for interpretation here) I like to do when I check out books from the library is to examine the library borrowing card found in the front of the book with the dates it's been checked out and is due back. I was really, truly hoping for a due back date of July 15th at some point on this one which would have totally redeemed it in my eyes, but, alas, it was not to be. Maybe ‘One Day’...
My rating:
The Waters
Bonnie Jo Campbell
The perfect choice for my "something new" book...a book so hot off the press at my local library that I had it reserved before it was even on the shelf, and when it was ready I got to be the very first to check it out.
The mucky, wildlife filled swamp surrounding Massasauga Island is known to local residents as "The Waters". The Waters, swarming with venomous snakes, acts as a barrier, keeping all unwanted visitors off the island. The only way to make your way safely there is over a drawbridge, solely available to lower and raise from the island side, and with mechanisms exclusively known to the island inhabitants. The special thing about the people who call the island home? They're all women. Hermine Zook is a self-taught herbalist who uses the plentiful plants, poisonous and healing alike, to create medicines unlike any that trained doctors would prescribe. At one time, the island was specifically known as a safe haven for desperate women...a place where medicines could help prevent babies, or if too late for prevention, where their baby could be safely abandoned, left in the baby basket which is checked daily. Hermine raises her three daughters (one rescued from the baby basket) and eventually her granddaughter the only way she knows how: by teaching them the secrets of The Waters.
As time marches on, the men around town become restless. While the swampy water offers protection and nourishment for the plants and animals that call it home, the men see it as more land that can be filled and farmed. When medicines are doled out to help women in despair, the men question their right to choose. Although the venom from the deadly Massasauga snake provides vital healing powers to many potions, killing them is seen as something you can brag about at the local bar . And though no man is allowed to set foot on the island, they have no problem shooting their guns across The Waters for sport. Unfortunately, one of these bullets goes astray, causing a domino effect of choices and decisions. And the men quickly learn that all decisions carry consequences, a lesson that any women could have already told them. A divide between the island inhabitants and those on the outside is created, and it will take a life-altering moment to allow both parties to cross the bridge into acceptance and respect. And when the life of one of the island daughters is at stake, the people who answer the call to help may surprise you.
This one was a slow build and took me awhile to get into. A ton of information is given in the first few chapters, and a lot of the character development happens in the second half of the story, which is also when several plot holes are filled and explained. It has a map at the beginning of the book of the area known as "The Waters" and I had to refer to it often to follow along. It's won several literary awards and I definitely recommend diving in. To the book, not the swamp.
The Massasauga rattlesnake is a recurrent theme in the story.
Photo: Eric Sharp, Detroit Free Press
My rating:
Bonus blurb: I 100% judge books by their covers...and this one had me swooning.
By a Thread
Lucy Score
Ally is a down-on-her-luck woman, holding several part-time jobs which barely make her enough money to stay afloat. Recently moving her dad into a long term care facility has added another stress, both financially and emotionally to her life. While she won't compromise on the quality of care her father receives, she finds she does need to make other concessions to make ends meet. Shopping in thrift stores, stretching every morsel of food to cover multiple "meals", and layering up to keep the heat set to 50 degrees all make Ally feel as if she's hanging on 'by a thread'.
Dominic, although outward appearances would make you think otherwise, isn't faring much better. Although he's well clothed in the newest fashions and is comfortably employed at one job, he is not without his family and work stresses. His place of employment is a fashion magazine where his mother is editor-in-chief. The magazine has recently been rocked by a sexual harassment and assault scandal, which has affected both the business and Dominic's family dynamics. With key employees leaving, being let-go, or changing positions, nothing feels as if it's running smoothly, and Dominic is feeling the pressure.
Both Ally and Dominic are reaching the ends of their emotional strings and it's just a matter of time before someone explodes. It happens to come to a crescendo when Dominic stops in to eat lunch at one of Ally's many places of work. While Dominic is used to people bending over backwards to please him, waitress Ally is fed up with people like him thinking they can exist outside of the rules and refuses to bend. But when push comes to shove (at least at this pizza joint), the customer is always right, and Ally ends up losing her job. One she desperately needs to make those pesky payments that keep creeping up. Dominic's mother witnesses the whole event and has a perfect solution: Ally can work for the family magazine! What ensues is a grumpy boss/sassy employee slow-burn romance. There's a lot of build up, a lot of lusting, and a lot of spice.
I love 'rom com' type books for several reasons. They tend to follow a fairly predictable pattern that usually ends happily for all. They come in all levels of 'steam', which makes it easy to find an author or series that fits what you're looking for as a reader. The couple-to-be often experiences some form of angst, misunderstanding, or adversity that they have to overcome through...er, "making up". Who doesn't love a good ol' break up then make up scenario? My favorite reason to pick up a romance is to use it as a pallet cleanser. I love all genres, and some can get deep and dark. This type of book is a great "in between" read...something that offers pure enjoyment, and Lucy Score delivered on this one. Whether romantic comedy is your go to genre, or like me, you just like to periodically throw it in to break up your more heavy reads, this one is worth giving a try.
My rating:
Steam rating:
The Women
Kristin Hannah
Wow. I had actually been putting off reading this book, and now I can't even fathom why. I've read a few other Kristin Hannah books, and I've had mixed reactions to all of them. Some I disliked, some I liked...but this one? I loved. The synopsis had me slightly dreading it...the Vietnam War is such a tough topic, and knowing her books there was likely to be some angst and heartbreak. But once I started, I devoured. This book spans several decades, changing political climates, a varied spectrum of patriotism, and all of the emotions that could possibly fit within its pages. The ups and downs the characters experience can be compared to a combat helicopter ride...some taking them towards the conflict, others towards safety. This book is told in two parts, each describing a battle the heroine has to fight. The first? Surviving the jungles of Vietnam. The second? Finding her place in a country that she no longer feels she belongs in.
Frances "Frankie" McGrath is from a military family. A "heroes" wall exists in her dad's study, with photos of all of the family members who have served their country in the armed forces. Joining the wall? Frankie's brother, Fin, a recent graduate from the Naval Academy off to war to serve his country in Vietnam. When Frankie finishes her nursing degree, she does what she thinks will make her family most proud...enlists to follow in her brother's footsteps. From this moment forward, nothing is as Frankie imagined it would be. Her family acts ashamed of her decision, the fighting doesn't match what the news was sharing back home, and she finds that she's ill-prepared for all aspects of being in-country during a war. Her nursing experience back home consisted of changing bedpans, but now she finds herself assisting with life-altering surgeries. Used to cleanliness and order, she's now lucky to be able to rinse the blood off her fatigues before her next shift. But the biggest surprise of all? Is that she seems to thrive in the constant high state of alert and stress of working in a war zone. She bonds closely with her hut-mates and fellow nurses. She hones her trade under skilled doctors in high stake situations. She saves lives. But with the countless soldiers making their way in and out of the medical tents, not all can be saved...and Frankie learns that in very personal ways.
After Frankie puts in her time, she prepares to return to the States. Although she doesn't expect a heroes' parade, she also isn't prepared for the hostile environment that greets her upon landing. Being spit on. Sworn at. Refused service. Although she doesn't agree with the war, she still fully supports the individuals risking everything to answer the call to serve, which makes this reception towards them all so confusing. While Frankie once felt proud of the work she did to help her country, she begins to feel shame creep in. She finds herself seeking solace in drinking, pills, and hiding from anyone close to her. When she does try to seek help, she finds that even the few places where Vietnam Veterans can go to receive support don't acknowledge that women were there. In many ways, coming home from the war is proving to be far more difficult for Frankie to cope with then any of the days she spent surrounded by combat. A few characters, a mix of both old and new friends, each have their part in helping Frankie find an outlet for the anger she's feeling...and a way forward towards peace.
Note: Not too graphic...but descriptions of: Vietnam combat, Vietnam soldier treatment during and post-war, and POW (prisoner of war) treatment are included in this book.
My rating:
Steam rating:
(A few love scenes scattered in and/or alluded to. Nothing descriptive. Maybe 1/2 a pepper at most.)
Where the Lost Wonder
Amy Harmon
So many of my favorite books have westward expansion and pioneer life as their overarching themes. This started young, with my love of Laura Ingalls Wilder's fictionalized accounts of her family's journey. Now, as an adult, I think some of the appeal is that it is just so very different from my life, that it seems almost magical in it's simplicity. Where the Lost Wonder is a heartbreaking, tragic tale...that still somehow feels hopeful, optimistic, and bittersweet. It's a tale of a westward journey, yes. But more so, an inward journey...where the characters are forced to look within themselves to find the spirit and motivation to continue moving forward, even when everything seems to be pushing or holding them back. Many of them will learn that in order to have a new beginning, you have to first experience an ending.
The book opens in a scene familiar to many wagon trail stories: a family experiencing some hardship is forced to separate from the large group, making them vulnerable to outside dangers. The family in this case is Naomi May, her parents, brothers, and new husband, John. John is half-Pawnee, birthed by his native Ma and white father. Although he was raised by his father and step-mother, he still carries knowledge, including the language, of the Pawnee people. During this separation from the wagon train, an unthinkable tragedy occurs, leaving readers wondering the fate of each family member. We are made to wait to find out as the book travels back in time, to the beginning of the excursion, when the Mays and John meet for the first time while preparing for their trip.
The remainder of the book occurs in a linear timeline. We get to experience the joys and hopefulness of the new life awaiting the travelers as they prepare themselves and their wagons for the long journey ahead. The heartbreak and sorrows of people leaving loved ones, possessions, and homes behind. The despair and fear of individuals facing the hardest challenge of their lives, with danger and death lurking behind every well-worn rut in the path westward. And, in spite of all of that, the love and wonder of hearts and minds finding their soulmates in even the most dire circumstances. As with all stories based in this period of American history, there will be clashes with the people who lived here long before the first wagon rolled through. Luckily for the Mays, John is there to help bridge the gap, and help both sides see that things are not always as they first appear and that harsh judgments with no attempt at compassion and understanding help no one. And when the darkest hour of their life comes, it will be John that's needed to bring the family back to the light.
The author really took a chance with the opening chapter, baring the upcoming horrors for all to read just a few pages in. And yet, even knowing that devastation is right around the corner, you keep reading. And reading. Long into the night. Because you're so dug in, and invested, and feeling all the feels. And when you're done, even though you feel some peace and contentment...you're still heartsick over the losses. And I think that's exactly how the author wanted you to feel...because that's how her characters felt in the final pages. This was my first Amy Harmon, but will most definitely not be my last.
My rating:
First Lie Wins
Ashley Elston
Cat and mouse. Friend and foe. Mark...or marksman? In this quick moving, identity shedding, high-stakes read, you won't get all the puzzle pieces until the last page, and even then you're not sure how it all fit together. Through our unreliable narrator, we're introduced to the life of someone in a..."special trade". One where you're given an identity, location, and just enough information to "get the job done". How high the stakes are depends on the job...recovering lost information...making things disappear...finding people who don't want to be found. Everything must be done according to the specifications and expectations of Mr. Smith.
Evie Porter has been tasked with getting to the bottom of a clandestine operation happening behind closed doors in a seemingly legit company. As she's one of Mr. Smith's best assets, the digging and discovering are no problem. Where the issue lies is the subject of the job...Ryan. While completing her mission, Evie has allowed herself to see a life beyond fake backgrounds and lies. One where she has a future built on safety and security...two things she's never known. Can she find a way to keep up her end of the bargain with Mr. Smith, while simultaneously protecting Ryan and the family secrets he's keeping? While Evie ponders what her next move should be, Mr. Smith demonstrates just how much power he has over her...her past, present, and future. He has eyes everywhere...and if you're not going to work for him, you're not going to work for anybody.
You'll be flipping the pages faster than you can stand to race along with Evie as she tries to stay ahead of Mr. Smith and the invisible, unknown associates he has everywhere. As Evie quickly learns, if you're not one step ahead, you're three steps behind. And when you get behind in this world, there's no catching up. Luckily for Evie, she's learned a few tricks through her work over the years...and Mr. Smith may have finally found his match.
Good to know before reading:
-Back and forth timelines with many new identities introduced.
My rating:
(This was my book club's choice for the month and it earned the ratings of 3, 3.5, and 4 stars from the members).
What goes together better than June and weddings? Enjoy some "tie the knot", "down the aisle", "wedded bliss" picks next month...
...don't mind if "I do"!
Read along with me in June
Something old | One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus |
Something new | Seven Days in June by Tia Williams |
Something steamy | The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory |
Something true-ish | The Ship of Brides by Jojo Moyes |
Bonus read | Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez |
Bonus read | The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid |
Book club choice | Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt |
Reminder to send any and all recommendations my way at sosnssst@gmail.com. I'm looking to fill my July book picks...so think berries/gardens, Americana, or heated summer romance!
Comments