Good Reads & Views

A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler
Fiction

Anne Tyler’s 20th novel is on the must-read generational and family story list. Three generations of Whitshanks have lived in the family home in Baltimore. The story centers on Red and Abby Whitshank, who are both in their 70’s and approaching that time in life when they must decide whether to remain living in their family home or move into a senior community. Both are battling health problems. Their four adult children decide that it’s no longer safe for them to live alone. This multi-layered narrative describes how the Whitshanks become a rather tight knit and well-regarded family.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
Nonfiction

With a monster on her back and boots a half size too small, Cheryl Strayed, 26, begins her 3 months solo wilderness hike of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), from the Mexico/California border to Washington State. Cheryl’s mother had recently died of cancer and her marriage was falling apart. This prompts Cheryl to venture out with her new PCT wilderness book she purchased in the checkout line; totally unprepared for what lies ahead. Reading the authors narrative feels as though you are traveling with her on this intensely emotional and physical journey, not knowing what would happen next. Cheryl's memoir shares her story of loss, love and determination. This book is a thought provoking read.

Then She Found Me by Elinor Lipman  
Fiction  

Bernice G!, a well known talk show host who is very flamboyant and a compulsive liar, now 50 something, decides to locate the daughter she gave up for adoption at birth. Bernice’s now 36-year-old daughter, April Epner, is a high school Latin teacher who lives a quiet, boring life, spending her weekends in her pajamas. The relationship between April Epner and her newly discovered mother, the celebrity, is often strained and filled with misunderstandings, but it is ultimately a warm and positive experience for both. This humorous and upbeat story will keep you laughing or smiling to the very end.

The Shack by William Young 
Fiction 

Mackenzie takes his family on a camping trip, his youngest daughter, Missy, goes missing and is later determined kidnapped near a run-down shack. Mack receives a mysterious note in his mailbox asking him to come to the shack. Who would ask him to come to the shack? He goes to the shack to investigate and ends up spending a weekend with three interesting characters trying to make sense of all the painful events of his life and hoping to get some answers for the questions that have haunted him in the years following Missy’s death. 

Medical Medium Life-Changing Foods: Save Yourself and the Ones You Love With the Hidden Healing Powers of Fruits & Vegetables by Anthony William 
Nonfiction 

This book includes some recipes but mostly references to fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, and wild foods. Everything you ever wanted and much more about your favorite fruits and vegetables is in this book! No matter what symptom or illness you’re dealing with, if you look in the index of this book, you’ll be able to find an extensive list of foods to both avoid and eat for your condition. This is your go to reference book for which you are certain to find a food which might help with your healing journey.  

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger   
Fiction    

It was a hot and muggy summer in 1961. The first year the Minnesota Twins played a baseball game. For 13 year old Frank Drum, a minister's son, and the small town of New Bremen, Minnesota, it was a summer in which a series of tragic deaths haunted the close knit countryside. This story is told 40 years later and reads like a memoir of Frank Drum’s life; a boy who must leave his childhood behind and confront the adult world. The detailed setting and characters make this a book to read for the second time. 

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Fiction

Well it is 6 months before the Trivia night and the story builds around the three main characters: Madeline, Celeste and Jane; mothers whose children attend Pirriwee primary school.  These women are all at various crossroads in their lives and the plot leads to the climax that occurs at the Trivia night. The book touches on many different subjects – among them bullying, spousal abuse, problems with their marriages, dealing with traumas from the past and beauty. The enjoyable thing about the book is how you feel like you KNOW these people.

Cooking for Jeffrey: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten
Non-Fiction

At home, I renamed this delicious cookbook to “Cooking for Jay”. I cook once a week because I can and my husband (a.k.a. Jay) is an awesome chef so therefore he does most of the cooking. Some of the most impressive recipes include Filet Mignon with Mustard and Mushrooms, Rigatoni with Sausage and Fennel Pasta, and my favorite - Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes. To feed your sweet tooth may I suggest the Apple Pie Bars. This cookbook shares enjoyable stories of how Ina and Jeffrey met and their life together. Try one of many delicious recipes and serve meals with confidence!

 

Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton
Nonfiction

In this memoir, one of Oprah’s Book Club picks, Glennon opens up about her journey with bulimia and substance abuse. She talks boldly about her life stories, getting pregnant and marrying very young. Pregnant with her first child, she decides she needs to change her life and start fresh. Her book is full of many thought-provoking quotes you will want to reread from grief, friendship, love and courage.

13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl by Mona Awad
Fiction

This witty novel is comprised of 13 short stories of an unhappy teen, Lizzie, who obsesses over her weight and craves to be loved. Her best friend is always telling her she is the pretty one. Lizzie (then Beth, then Elizabeth) has very low self-esteem so she is willing to allow her friends and boyfriends to control her. She believes her self-worth is all about her looks and being thin. Most teens and adults alike will relate with Lizzie in at least one of these tales. This book is both funny and heartbreaking.