Good Reads & Views

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
Fiction

What it’s about: I had always thought of Katherine of Aragon as a boring and devout first queen of Henry VIII, not as her own person or as anyone of great accomplishment. I am sure this is not uncommon when compared to the allure of Anne Boleyn’s role played in this court as well. I have a greater admiration for the original and true Queen of England now that I am more aware of the greatness she realized for England and a greater sadness and understanding for the betrayal of the country that she had dedicated her life to and loved.

Why you might like it: If you love stepping into history and discovering people, places, and the inner workings of a royal court, you will love this book. I know it’s historical fiction but it sounded real and wonderfully written.

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

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After Anna by Lisa Scottoline
Fiction

Reviewers say: "A deliciously distracting thriller...Scottoline illuminat[es] the landing strip of revelations and truths in a deliciously slow and intense way" (The Washington Post).

What it’s about:  Maggie Ippolitti loses custody of her daughter Anna as an infant. After 17 years they are reunited, and Anna comes to live with her and her second husband Dr. Noah Alderman and her stepson. Life seems perfect until everything starts to go wrong and after Anna is murdered and her husband is accused, things still aren’t as they seem. 

You might also like:  The Secrets You Keep by Kate White or Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell.

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The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton
Fiction

What it’s about: This creative and complex novel tells the story of Opal and Nev, a (fictional) 1970s musical phenomenon. After revealing early in the book that the group broke up after a horrible violent event, the story jumps back and forth in time to tell what really transpired. The music industry, facing racism, and the creative life all intersect in this engaging story.

Why you might like it: If you enjoy books written in an oral history format—where the story is stitched together from multiple participants who give their view in small snippets—then you’ll appreciate the way the truth is slowly revealed.

Reviewers say: Booklist’s starred review concludes: “A cinematic, stereophonic, and boldly imagined story of race, gender, and agency in art.”

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Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld
Fiction

What it’s about: What if Hillary Rodham didn’t marry Bill Clinton? How would her life have been different? This is a fascinating what-if piece of fiction. It is split into two parts: leading up to and the courtship with Bill Clinton and the aftermath, which includes her rise in the political ranks, almost-infidelity, and Donald Trump.

Why you might like it: You might be put off by this novel for any number of reasons. I do not have a special interest or fascination with politics, but I loved this book. The main focus is on Hilary’s interpersonal relationships with everyone on her team and herself. If you put your own political affiliation aside, this is a story about a woman keeping true to herself to become something really great.

Reviewers say: “Successfully interspersing fact with fiction, Sittenfeld imagines Rodham's personal and professional life without marriage in aching detail in this captivating novel” (Library Journal).

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The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
Fiction

What it’s about: The plot of this simple story is not the point of this beautiful book. The four title characters meet each other and talk about life and love. The simple illustrations add to the spare narration.

Why you might like it: The book is filled with insights told very simply: “’What is the bravest thing you ever said?’ asked the boy. ‘Help,’ said the horse.”  It is also very heartwarming: have tissues on hand.

Readalikes: Children’s books that have adult depth, such as The Little Prince and Winnie-the-Pooh.

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Hollywood Homicide by Kellye Garrett
Fiction

What it’s about: Dayna’s acting career is over, and she is flat broke. The reward money for information about a hit and run Dayna may have witnessed looks like an easy way to save herself and to help her folks pay their mortgage. But turning private eye is more difficult and dangerous than she expected. Dayna and her friends—self-proclaimed reality star-in-training Sienna and online gamer Emme (identical twin to a bone-fide Hollywood star)—uncover a possible connection to a notorious Tinsel Town crime spree, and then someone tries to kill Dayna.

Why you might like it: This entertaining romp is a fresh take on the bumbling amateur sleuth, and is filled with lively, interesting characters. Smart and sassy, and full of insight about the Hollywood scene, this adventure will have you looking for more about Dayna and her besties.

Try this next: Travellin' Shoes by V. M. Burns, Broken Places by Tracy P. Clark, and The Last Place You Look by Kristen Lepionka.

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The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis  
Fiction 

Reviewers say: “Davis gives readers a mystery and a historical novel all in one absorbing tale” (Library Journal).

For fans of: Rules of Civility by Amor Towles or The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

About the author: Fiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of five novels, including The Dollhouse, The Address, and The Masterpiece. She lives in New York City and is a graduate of the College of William & Mary in Virginia and the Columbia Journalism School.

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The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis
Fiction

What it’s about: Beth is a child prodigy when it comes to chess. She learns the game from the orphanage janitor, and quickly becomes obsessed. With the aid of little green pills, she is able to mentally play out chess games and memorize openings, midgames, and endgames. When she is lucky enough to get adopted, her and her adoptive mother, Mrs. Wheatley, start to develop Beth’s skills as a player. Those thirty-two game pieces end up bringing her all around the world in this exciting underdog story.

Warning: A working knowledge of chess is key to enjoying this book. It’s helpful to know the names of the pieces, directions on the board, and other chess terms and attacks. If you’re unfamiliar with chess terms, you’re still able to enjoy the story. I give you permission to zone out while the narrator chatters-on about opening the file or gloss over the page while reading about castling queen side.

What’s next? Watch the surprisingly accurate-to-the-book Netflix original series by the same name starring Anya Taylor-Joy.

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Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders by Tessa Arlen
Fiction

What it’s about: It’s 1942 and Poppy Redfern, a young woman from the English countryside, is serving as Air Raid Precautions warden for her village. When two other young women are found murdered, suspicion falls on the American pilots based just outside the village, but Poppy’s vivid imagination leads her to think otherwise. Her feelings for one of the pilots, Griff, couldn’t be the reason, could it?

Why you might like it: If you like mysteries set during World War II or plucky heroines, give this one a try.

Reviewers say: "History, suspense, and an appealing heroine combine in a series debut that should attract war buffs and many others" (Kirkus); "Vivid settings and high emotions keep the suspense at fever pitch, but it’s the characters that make Arlen’s series kickoff such a stunner" (Library Journal).

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The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory
Fiction

What it’s about: Philippa Gregory has written a plethora of books about the Tudor dynasty based in England in the 1500's. This book is written from the viewpoints of 3 women: Jane Boleyn, whose testimony at her husband's trial led to his beheading (along with Ann Boleyn, his sister). She served as a lady-in-waiting to many queens, who were all wives of Henry VIII; Anne of Cleves, Henry's 4th wife; and Katherine Howard, Henry's very young 5th wife, who was beheaded.

Why you might like it: This is a riveting and gripping novel. Gregory's writing style changes as each woman speaks. It makes the reading experience feel more intimate: you feel as if you know these ladies, and this feeling leads you to care about them.

You might also like: The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory is the next book in the Plantagenet and Tudor Book series.

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