I usually have a theme for the books I recommend. This month, I decided to go with an eclectic assortment of books from multiple genres and amazing authors.
Where else will you find a book about a werewolf, a mystery in Barcelona, Jewish children fleeing Nazi Germany, classic comics, crime in Biloxi, and words of wisdom from a former first lady? Enjoy!
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon – Barcelona 1945 – In the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, a bookseller’s son, Daniel, mourns the death of his mother and finds comfort in a mysterious book he finds in the shop. When he tries to find other books by the author, Julian Curax, he discovers that all copies of Curax’s works are being systematically destroyed. Daniel may have the only surviving copy of Curax’s work. As he searches for answers to the mystery, Daniel uncovers some of Barcelona’s deepest secrets - murder, madness, and doomed love.
Such Sharp Teeth: A Werewolf Novel by Rachel Harrison – Rory Morris moves back to the hometown she hoped never to see again to help her twin sister through a rough time in her life. After a night out at a bar where she reconnects with Ian, an old high school crush, she hits a large animal on her way home. When she gets out of her car to check on it, she’s attacked as it runs off. Things start to change for Rory. She becomes unusually strong, develops an aversion for silver, and a fascination for the moon. She’s changing, but into what? Is she dangerous or just misunderstood?
1984 by George Orwell – Always the right book to read or reread before an election. Doublespeak, Big Brother, and the deep state.
The Winter Orphans by Kristin Beck – based on a true story about the courage of children fleeing Nazi Germany. Ella and Hanni are separated from their parents in an attempt to save the girls from capture. They find safety for a time in an abandoned castle being used by Swiss volunteers to hide children in France. When the Nazi’s invade France they must flee again along hidden mountain passes to try to get to safety in Switzerland.
The Liar’s Club by Mary Karr – Karr’s memoir of growing up in an east Texas oil town has unforgettable characters and is filled with humor. First, there’s her hard drinking father and the sister who at twelve years old can talk her way out of trouble with law, and finally her mother who marries as often as most people change the oil in their cars. Karr’s unflinching account of her dysfunctional childhood gives us all hope we can rise above the mistakes of our parents.
Afterlives by Abdulrazak Gurnah – Ilyas was stolen from his parents by German colonial troops and forced to fight against his own people. After many years, he returns home to find his home destroyed and his parents gone. His sister Afiya has been abandoned into de facto slavery. Another survivor, Hamza also returns to deal with the physical and emotional scars of war. Their three lives become intertwined as they try to heal.
Gravity’s Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon – Just moths after Germany’s secret weapon, the V-2 rocket bomb, begins to fall on London, military intelligence discovers the locations of the bombings directly correspond to the sexual conquests of an American lieutenant, Tyrone Slothrop. The discovery sends Slothrup on an amazing journey across war torn Europe in search of Rocket 0000.
The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham – Growing up in Biloxi, Keith and Hugh were practically inseparable. Keith’s father became a legendary prosecutor famous for trying to clean up Biloxi and Hugh’s father became the head of Biloxi’s criminal underworld. Keith followed in his father’s footsteps and became a lawyer. Hugh loved the excitement of managing the nightclubs his father owned. Eventually their worlds collide. Who will survive this courtroom showdown?
The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama – This book will be available November 15, 2022. Michelle Obama shares practical wisdom and powerful strategies for remaining hopeful and finding your balance in an uncertain world.
Breakdowns by Art Spiegelman – a legendary collection of the 1970s comics by Art Spiegelman, the Pulitzer Prize winning author of Maus.