Good Reads & Views

The Taming of the Queen by Philippa Gregory
Fiction

What it’s about: In this book Gregory’s focus is on Kateryn Parr, Henry VIII’s last queen who, by the age of 30, was twice widowed. Kateryn is then offered the toxic charge of becoming Henry’s next wife. Like any woman Henry wanted, she didn’t have a choice but to accept. She survives a terrifying abusive marriage, raises 2 stepdaughters (hugely ignored because they came from a previous marriage), while living in a royal court, all while determined to study and fulfill her thirst for knowledge. She became the first woman to publish a book in England.

Why you might like it: If you like historical fiction, then Philippa Gregory is the author for you! I love her "Tudor" series for its characterizations and views into what a royal court and lifestyle was like.

You might also like: The next book in this series, The Queen’s Fool by Philippa Gregory.

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The Cabinets of Barnaby Mayne by Elsa Hart
Fiction

What it's about: Lovers of historical mysteries will enjoy this tale set in 1703 London. Cecily Kay has come to the home of Barnaby Mayne, pre-eminent collector of everything under the sun, to try to identify her collection of plants. While on a tour of the home with several guests, Mayne breaks off and goes to his study, where he is later found murdered. His curator seems implicated, but Cecily is unconvinced. With her childhood friend, illustrator Meacan Barlow, she resolves to uncover the truth, putting them on a path fraught with peril for them both.

Why you might like it: This is twisty, atmospheric classic mystery at its best.

Reviewers say: "Hart is bound to become a household name for readers who love clever and fair whodunits" (Publishers Weekly).  "[A] solid choice for historical mystery readers who want to see women with intelligence and agency navigate a time and place not meant for them, but where they thrive nonetheless while solving a delightfully twisty murder” (Library Journal).

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How to Be Black by Baratunde Thurston
Nonfiction

What it’s about: In this lively memoir, Baratunde Thurston shares his “over thirty years’ experience being black.” While at times laugh-out-loud funny (he previously worked for The Onion), this book also shines a light on race in America. Thurston’s humorous yet honest accounts of his experiences—being raised by a single mother, responding to questions about his first name, and attending Sidwell Friends school and then Harvard—provide insight into what it’s been like for him to be Black.

Why you should read it: This book is not only the memoir of a comedian and activist, it also provides the viewpoints of a panel of Black people who respond to questions such as “When did you first realize you were black?” The panelists’ responses are by turns surprising, sad, funny, and frank.

For fans of: If you enjoyed Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, you’ll also appreciate this humorous but powerful look at race.

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Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith 
Fiction 

What it’s about: Private Investigators Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott are looking into the cold case of Dr. Margot Bamborough whose disappearance has some similarities to serial killings committed by Dennis Creed, who is serving a life sentence.

Series info: This is the fifth installment in the series which starts with The Cuckoo’s Calling, and continues with The Silkworm, Career of Evil, and Lethal White.

Reviewers say: “After wading through a barrel of red herrings, … Galbraith delivers the real killer, the least obvious of the lot, and it's a masterful, perfectly thought-through revelation … skillfully told, with a constantly gleeful interest in human awfulness” (Kirkus Reviews).

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The Daughters of Erietown by Connie Schultz
Fiction

 

What it’s about: This engaging story about multiple generations of a working-class family living in the rust belt begins in 1957, with top student Ellie, who dreams of nursing school and marriage to her high school sweetheart. Brick McGinty is the school’s star athlete, who wins a scholarship that would make him the first in his family to attend college. An unplanned pregnancy dashes their dreams of further education, so Ellie and Brick elope and vow to make the best of their new life. Filled with old-fashioned charm and deep empathy for even the less appealing characters, this sweeping family saga is a heartfelt and comforting read.

Reviewers say: “This quiet, Anne Tyler-esque novel is also a reminder that gentler times were not always gentle, that life is filled with hardship even without existential threats” (The Washington Post); “While Schultz’s compelling narrative and realistic characters will keep readers turning pages into the night, her eye and ear for real-life details set this novel apart from other domestic sagas” (Bookpage).

About the author: This is a fiction debut by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Connie Schultz. Formerly with the Cleveland Plain Dealer, she is a nationally syndicated columnist, and teaches journalism at Kent State University.

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Dead Man Walking by Helen Prejean
Nonfiction 

What it’s about: Sister Helen Prejean is a Catholic nun. I anticipated this book would be very one sided based on her religion. I didn’t become interested in the book until after I saw the movie. The movie combines the two executions included in the book into one death row inmate story. Sister Helen Prejean does an amazing job of exploring the topic of capital punishment through the role of a spiritual guide.

Why you might like it: If you enjoy being deeply drawn into a story that you feel as though you’re there witnessing all of it, then you’ll appreciate Sister Helen Prejean's writing style.

You might also like: American Prison by Shane Bauer.

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Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
Fiction

Reviewers Say:  "Weiner brilliantly crafts this heart wrenching multigenerational tale of love, loss, and family . . . Weiner's talent for characterization, tight pacing, and detail will thrill her fans and easily draw new ones into her orbit. Her expert handling of difficult subjects will force readers to examine their own beliefs and consider unexpected nuances. Weiner tugs every heartstring with this vivid tale" (Publishers Weekly - starred review).

About the Author: Jennifer Weiner is the bestselling author of seventeen books.  She is a graduate of Princeton University and a contributor to the New York Times Opinion section. She lives with her family in Philadelphia.

You might also like: Shanghai Girls by Lisa See or The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.     

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The Twelve Clues of Christmas by Rhys Bowen
Fiction

What it’s about: In 1930s England, perpetually broke Lady Georgiana lands a position as hostess for a house party at Christmastime. Everyone comes expecting to have a good old fashioned English Christmas celebration, but every day, someone in the surrounding countryside dies.  Are they accidents or murders? Is it the Lovey Curse or something more sinister? 

Why you might like it: The author draws a winning picture of the quaint village of Tiddleton-under-Lovey, perfect for cozy mystery fans, and Lady Georgiana narrates the story with plenty of humor.

Reviewers say: “Lady Georgiana's sixth outing (after Naughty in Nice) offers another witty and thoroughly enjoyable mystery with a dash of  romance" (Library Journal).  “Bowen blends zany humor with fair-play detection as well as any author of traditional mysteries” (Publishers Weekly).

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Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
Fiction

What it’s about: Washington Black is born into slavery and transcends it over the course of this lyrical, globe-encompassing novel. When Wash becomes the assistant to a scientific-minded adventurer, his life is transformed as he develops his artistic talent. But when the two escape Barbados to explore the world, they’re pursued by a slave owner who perceives Wash to be a runaway.

Why you should read it: While there’s world travel and suspense in this novel, the spotlight is really on Wash’s rich emotional life. If you enjoy literary novels about characters discovering their true gifts, while connecting with others and experiencing the pain of betrayal, this historical novel is for you.

Reviewers say: Publishers Weekly says, “Crafted in supple, nuanced prose, Edugyan’s novel is both searing and beautiful.”

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Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
Fiction

What it's about: Bookseller and blogger Malcolm is contacted by the FBI, seeking his help. Years ago he created a list of literature's most perfect murders, and now someone seems to be using Malcolm's list as a playbook for unsolved killings. Twists and turns galore, and if you actually figure out the killer early on (I did not), then kudos to you.

Reviewers say: "Swanson will keep most readers guessing until the end. Classic whodunit fans will be in heaven" (Publishers Weekly); "The perfect gift for well-read mystery mavens who complain that they don't write them like they used to" (Kirkus).

Author Notes: Swanson is the author of six novels including The Kind Worth Killing for which he won the New England Society Book Award and Her Every Fear, which was an NPR book of the year.

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