November

Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel's Classroom by Ariel Burger
Having taught Night, Elie Wiesel's first book chronicling his horrific time in Auschwitz, I could not wait to get this book into my hands. Ariel Burger was Wiesel's student for more than two decades and had a front row view of his teacher: his philosophies, his faith, and his extraordinary ability to open a classroom wide for his students. What I would have given to be a member of one of Professor Wiesel's classes - what a gift he was to this world. Admittedly, at times I got a bit bogged down in the story of Burger's search for his life direction, but I could understand those diversions better as the ending developed. Ariel Burger did outstanding research, and gave us a very personal look at this heroic man, giving him some feet of clay and reminding us that Wiesel was human. This book is a 'must-read,' 'must-have,' in a teacher's hands who uses Night in their classroom, as well as anyone who wants to see the power of learning, the power of love through forgiveness, and the power of the search for meaning through the questioning of life.

One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression is Destroying our Democracy by Carol Anderson
This is the most most important book to read in the context of what is going on today in America. I find myself frustrated and angry when I listen to the news, so I stop. Burying my head in the sand, however, is not the answer. So once again I went searching for some answers in the place I depend upon: books. This short book by Carol Anderson, recommended by both President Obama and former AG Eric Holder, is a fascinating look at what has happened to the voting rights of all Americans over the past decade. It also looks at the history of of the past one hundred years, including the poll taxes, the civil rights movement, the Voting Rights Act of 1965. I will now think twice before blaming "those people" who chose not to vote in 2016. I have a deeper knowledge of the systematic manner in which voting rights have been stolen from millions of Americans, especially those who live in poverty and/or are people of color: the purging of voter rolls, voter suppression campaigns through social media, the removal of polling places and places to register, the myth of voter fraud, and the illegal use of voter ID laws. Do yourself a favor and read this book (I listened to it - excellent narrator); the facts found here will arm you for the fight in front of America.

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
Having heard about this book all last year, I finally got around to picking it up and YES, it is worth it. Set in New York City, in a lovely brownstone near Columbia University, the mysterious story slowly introduces its characters: Anna Fox, severe agoraphobic, alcoholic, retired child psychiatrist; the handyman who lives in Anna's basement - handsome, wild, mysterious; Anna's husband and child, who no longer live in the house with Anna but whose conversations pepper the story; and the new neighbors, the Russells, who Anna fears are involved with dark secrets and violence as she spies on them through her window. This book had me chasing lots of clues down the wrong hallways and kept me reading voraciously far past my bedtime. Highly recommend this one -it will not disappoint you.

The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker
The story of the Iliad, but told from the woman's point of view? Perfect timing for me, as I read it during the Kavanaugh hearings and could place my anger into Briseis' hands, and not into my own anger backpack. Do you have to know the story of Helen, of Agamemnon, of Achilles, to enjoy this book? Absolutely not. In fact, it is a spectacular introduction to the foundation on which much of western literature is based. However, if you do know the story, you will find it even more enjoyable. The traditional version is of Achille's anger when his slave girl Briseis is taken from him by Agamemnon, thus leading to Achille's temper tantrum and his refusal to fight for the Greeks on the plains of Troy, all about taking back the beautiful Helen. However, author Pat Barker has her own opinion of how the story actually played out, and in this one, the truth of rape, war, deception, and loyalty is revealed in the most beautiful prose. I was gripped by Briseis' voice as she told of her kidnapping, her enslavement, her life with the famous Achilles and his friend Patroclus, and the choices she was forced to make to survive. Pat Barker is famous for her Regeneration trilogy on WWI with it's strong anti-war message; this book continues these themes, and develops further the consequences of war on the women and children of the occupied country. Highly highly recommend!

Sweet Little Lies by Caz Frear
The first book by debut British author Caz Frear was chosen by Book of the Month and it is well-deserving of the honor. First in a series about a female British copper,  Detective Cat Kinsella is a complex, intriguing, and authentic character. We meet her at a murder scene of young woman who happens to live close to Cat's father's pub. As the mystery pulls in a disappearance of a young woman Cat's family had known long ago in Ireland, the dark side of the family is exposed. Her father's connection to the underworld, her sister's friendship with the missing girl, and Cat's own knowledge of events on the fateful day years ago all lead to more questions than answers as Cat and her partner try to solve the mystery of the present-day murder. It took me until the bitter end to figure out 'whodunnit' in the most satisfying manner. Well done to a first time author!