Dearest readers, welcome to my first edition of Come Read With Me 03.2021. This is the renamed version of my former book review series Title Talk. Had the brilliant idea today to change the name from TT to Come Read With Me, which is the name of my online book club. Which was originally just named Our Online Book Club until I had the brilliant idea to name it after the televised children’s reading program I did for 10 years here in El Paso. Like some kind of crazy life cycle. Or food chain!!
Come Read With Me 03.2021
I am embarrassed about how long it has been since I did a book review post. When I started this blog, I thought it would mostly be an outlet for me to share book reviews and lesson plans. Like an extension or continuation of my librarian career. But the blog kind of floundered around and I lost sight of my original direction. Or maybe that direction changed?
I have been thinking a lot about that. About where I want to take the blog now. Or maybe where I hope the blog will take me. Stay tuned for more coming soon.
In the meantime, allow me to share some of the books I have enjoyed reading lately. Most of them with my book club. This month we voted to read The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. I am just getting started listening to it. Julia Whelan narrates this title and also narrated Educated by Tara Westover. Struggling to keep the 2 stories straight in my mind.
Here are some of my favorite reads lately. Come read with me…
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An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
This novel is peopled by vividly realized, individual characters and driven by interpersonal drama, but it is also very much about being black in contemporary America. This is, at its heart, a love story, but a love story warped by racial injustice. And, in it, Jones suggests that racial injustice haunts the African-American story. Subtle, well-crafted, and powerful.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
4.40 out of 5 stars on Amazon
3.96 out of 5 stars on Goodreads
My thoughts: In most of the books I read, there is that one character that speaks most to me. With whom I can best relate. But the characters in Tayari Jones’s An American Marriage were all special. Very real. And the situation that binds them is heart wrenching. I was rooting for all of the characters to find their happiness. Didn’t know how it would end till THE END. Check out the Goodreads summary, here.
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
Harmel brilliantly imagines the life of a young Polish-French Jewish woman during the depths of WWII…Harmel movingly illustrates Eva’s courage to risk her own life for others, and all of the characters are portrayed with realistic compassion. This thoughtful work will touch readers with its testament to the endurance of hope.
― Publishers Weekly (starred review)
4.70 out of 5 stars on Amazon
4.36 out of 5 stars on Goodreads
My thoughts: I’ve never met a Holocaust story I didn’t like. If one can truly like stories about the atrocities of tht horrific time. The Book of Lost Friends was no exception. As a semi-retired librarian I felt a connection to the main character Eva Traube Abrams. But the connection was not immediate. Eva is swept back to her past life upon seeing a photograph in a magazine in the library where she works. And it is interesting the way the story comes full circle as do the characters. Read more on Goodreads, here.
The Book of Lost Names by Lisa Wingate
Emphasizing throughout that stories matter and should never go untold, [Lisa] Wingate has written an absorbing historical for many readers. . . . Enthralling and ultimately heartening.
—Library Journal
4.50 out of 5 stars on Amazon
4.19 out of 5 stars on Goodreads
My thoughts: This novel spoke to me on so many levels. As a fan of historical fiction, I was immediately hooked just on its premise. The author has taken actual advertisements placed in Southern newspapers by freed slaves looking for lost family members and created an unforgettable story around them. A story that ties the main character, a struggling first year teacher, with past generations of her students’ families. I listened to this book on Audible. The narration was excellent. I laughed and I cried. I loved it. Find the summary on Goodreads, here.
The Love Story of Missy Carmichael by Beth Morrey
A charming story about the way that connecting with others can heal a broken spirit…Fans of Fredrik Backman and Rachel Joyce will enjoy this uplifting (but never saccharine) “coming of old” story.
—Library Journal (starred review)
4.30 out of 5 stars on Amazon
4.09 out of 5 stars on Goodreads
My thoughts: It seems librarians are having a moment in adult fiction right now. Missy Carmichael is…yup, a retired librarian. She rambles about all alone in her much-too-large home with too much idle time and regret. Until she has a chance encounter with a trio of random strangers – 2 human, 1 canine – that brings color back to her life. An uplifting read for anyone (all of us) who have doubts about our purpose in life. Questions about what we should be doing. Check out the Goodreads summary, here.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Haig’s latest (after the nonfiction collection Notes on a Nervous Planet, 2019) is a stunning contemporary story that explores the choices that make up a life, and the regrets that can stifle it. A compelling novel that will resonate with readers.
—Booklist (starred review)
4.40 out of 5 stars on Amazon
4.20 out of 5 stars on Goodreads
My thoughts: This book bothered me. It made me think. And my book club discussed this title more than any other we have read together. On the eve of her attempted suicide, Nora finds herself in the Midnight Library where she is given an opportunity to revisit chapters of her life in an alternate universe. With the option of remaining in a version of life that appeals to her. Favorite quote from the book: “Never underestimate the big importance of small things.” See what Goodreads says, here.
YOUR TURN
What are you reading these days? Have you found more time for reading during this crazy Covid crisis? I always read whatever the book club votes on, then usually something else that has caught my eye, and some children’s books thrown in for good measure. I’m a slow, distracted reader so Audible has been a blessing. Like listening to my own personal play being performed between my ears!!
Thank you for coming by, sweet friends. I appreciate your visits, your comments and your friendship. Enjoy the weekend.
Hugs and kisses,
I like the new name. I have just joined an online book club and they have introduced me to some new authors. I particularly enjoyed the crossing place by Ellie Griffiths and the Queen’s gambit. This weeks book is the Irish dispora by the magnificently named Turtle Bunbury.
So glad for your recommendations. Checking them out on Amazon. We very much enjoyed The Queen’s Gambit movie. I usually prefer reading the book first. Pinned The Crossing Places. Sounds very good. My book club hasn’t read a mystery or thriller in some time. I am a large part English-Scottish-Irish. So sad how many Irish have left their beautiful homeland to find new homes elsewhere.
I really enjoyed The Book of Lost Names – it really was an interesting read. We cannot possibly comprehend the hardship that they endured or the stress of those who tried to help them to freedom. Brilliant book!
The Midnight Library was very different to what I expected but it does make you look back on your own life choices and realise how different things could be if you change just one thing. The life she had in the last journey seemed so right for her, it was a surprise when she went back to the library. I found it very easy to visualise that part as it was set just 30 miles from where I live and – when we aren’t in lockdown – it’s somewhere I love to visit and go probably once a month!
Thank you for hosting the book club, you have encouraged me to try books I would otherwise have never read x
Oh, Deb, thank you for this thoughtful message. I am so glad to be reading alongside you. I was certain Nora would remain in the last life she sampled, too, and was confused when she didn’t. But maybe she felt she had ‘missed’ too much of that life already. Too much of her daughter’s childhood? And maybe she became aware of the lives that would be negatively impacted if she didn’t go back to her root life. I don’t know.
Would love to see photos of the area where Nora lived, once you can return for a visit.
Sounds like you read some really great books lately! I just finished the 4 Winds and while it was so depressing and sad but I just LOVED it. I really enjoy historical fiction novels.
I love historical fiction best of all. Prepared to be depressed by The Four Winds but have been feeling a little better in my own life as the world is opening up, so hopefully it won’t knock me flat. My father lived through the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma so it will be interesting to learn more about what that must have been like. Just wish I could read this with him.
Enjoyed your book review, Leslie! I have added The Book of Lost Names and The Love Story of Missy Carmichael to my list of books I want to read. Thank you!
The Love Story of Missy Carmichael really touched me. And it was a quick read…well, listen. I listened to it. I cried, I laughed. I felt feelings I had suppressed since retirement. Hope you will like it, too. And the Book of Lost Names…wow!
Hi, Leslie – Thank you for the great reviews. I love sharing thoughts on books. I am currently reading ‘The Colony of Unrequited Dreams’ by Wayne Johnston. I am 40% of the way through — a bit of a grind (1100+ pages on my phone). I’ll keep you posted. 😀
Wow, what an ambitious read. I took a look at it on Amazon and have pinned it for future reference. Can’t imagine trying to read on my phone!! I can barely talk on my phone.
I haven’t read An American Marriage yet but I will put it on my list. I read both the Book of Lost Friends and The Book of Lost Names. I enjoyed both. I am devoted to the historical fiction genre. You would enjoy The Paris Library which is based on the librarians of the American Library in Paris during World War 2. We all love stories of plucky librarians. I read The Midnight Library independently so I have not had a chance to discuss it. Circumstances and decisions. As we semi-retired librarians can attest, libraries can be exciting places. I met my current husband when he was the Library Director where I worked. Did you ever read the children’s book The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter? There are so many books to read!
Hi friend!! I just added The Paris Library to my to-read list. I have read The Librarian of Basra. Such a moving story. Another children’s book about the impact of librarians and libraries that I really liked Tomas and the Library Lady.
What fun that you met your husband when you were both working at a library. I imagine you must have great library-related conversations. My sister became a librarian after I had been in the profession for about 10 years and loved it. We have lots of good chats about the field, lessons, weeding, cataloging.
Love the new name of your series and live the cycle of how it all came around. So fun and meaningful!! I told you I read The Four Winds this past week; couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait to hear what you think.
Thanks for the sweet words. Glad you enjoyed The Four Winds so much. I just got started late this past week but it is captivating. Can’t wait to see where it leads.
I just finished the Book of Lost Names and like you never met a WWII book that I didn’t get enthralled in. I especially liked this one at this time because although it was set at a devastating time, I was thankful that it didn’t bring my spirits down. I loved her message that we should not be judged by the actions of our country but by our own actions towards others. I can’t wait to hear what you think of the Four Winds! I love all of her books and I haven’t read that one. Also, Educated, I think is one of my favorites of all time. I had my eyes opened wide and learned so much that I didn’t even know still happened. A completely different way of life.
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Oh, please read The Four Winds. But then run, not walk, to get The Sweetness of Forgetting. OMGee. So good.
I have Midnight Library on reservation at my (ahem) library at the moment – and can’t wait until it comes in. Missy Carmichael also sounds as though it will be my type of book. I’m currently reading The Killings At Kingfisher Hall by Sophie Hannah. It’s a Hercule Poirot mystery and it’s taking me a bit to get into, so we’ll see. I’m about to start Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte for book club.
Hope you will try The Midnight Library. So good.
I read The Book of Lost Friends last month too. I thought it was funny that you read The Book of Lost Names too because I kept getting those titles confused!
Yes, I have to stop and think which is which. I listened to The Book of Lost Friends and it was so well narrated. Great story.
What a good list of books! Thanks for sharing them and your reviews.
Thank you!!
Love the title Come Read With Me. I’m glad you’ve been reading some good books lately. I do want to check out The Midnight Library at some point. I’ve been doing well with my reading lately. It can be hit or miss sometimes, but *fingers crossed* it continues to go well.
-Lauren
You always find such good YA books. And I am loving the Alice themed giveaways!!
I’m looking forward to my hold on The Midnight Library coming in as I’ve heard so much about it. And I’m going to check out that librarian book. It sounds good!
The Midnight Library was very good. Also enjoyed The Four Winds and am now reading and weeping my way through The Sweetness of Forgetting. So. good.
Leslie, I love the new look of your site! Just beautiful. Are you and Carrie still doing the From Texas with Love Link-up? I’m totally adding a couple of these to my list! Thank you.
I wanted to do the Texas series but Carrie didn’t think it was well received so she decided not to continue. Hope you will find a good read among these I shared.