End of October

 The Midnight Library by Matthew Haig

"The many worlds interpretation of quantum physics, suggest there are a infinite number of divergent parallel universes. Every moment of your life you enter a new universe. With every decision you make." Nora's life sucks. Like super sucks. She's lost her job, her cat has died, and her brother no longer speaks to her, thus death looks like the best option. But what happens if instead of life, or death, Nora finds a library...the midnight library, where each book is a life choice. I think if I was in a cynical or snarky mood, I don't think this book would have hit me where it did. But I'm in search these days for heart and love and kindness, and most of all, HOPE. This book hit me exactly where I needed, because "Sometimes regrets aren't based on fact at all. Sometimes regrets are just...a load of bullshit."

The Searcher by Tana French

Ah, how I love a beautifully written, well-constructed, character-driven mystery...and in eight books, Tana French has rarely let me down. In The Searchers, she has written my favorite of them all. On the surface, it is the story of a retired Chicago cop, Cal, who has moved to a small town in Western Ireland and befriends a needy young teen named Trey, whose brother has been missing for six months. But dig a little deeper, and this story is about the deep waters that run through the town, the prejudices that have existed for generations, the influence of just one good adult in a child's life, and the way that secrets fester and damage. I didn't find any black and white heroes in this book, and sometimes cringed at certain actions or words. Yet these characters were so alive to me, so authentic and human, just people trying to figure their shit out, doing the best they can, sometimes messing up, and sometimes getting it right. If you're looking for a fast-paced thriller, this is not it. But if you're looking to sink into a small Irish town and roll around in their lives, pick this one up. 

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

While this is one of my favorite movies, I thought it was time to read this modern day classic to see where it all began; it did NOT disappoint. I do love a book of letters, and these letters from Celie to God show the dynamism of this character. As the reader, we see Celie in her youth, abused and vilified by her father, sold in marriage to Mr. _, and forced to raise children not her own. All this time, we see Celie's inner thoughts in her letters to God, and then to her sister, Nettie, and how life changes Celie in profound ways. Admittedly, I did not enjoy the letters from Nettie and her life in Africa, but that was a 'me' issue as I was so madly in love with Celie. If you have only seen the movie, I highly recommend the book - it is simply brilliant.

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

I am now 3/3 on poet Elizabeth Acevedo's books, in just two months. Yep, I am a FAN! This is her book not written in verse, and admittedly, as much as I liked it, I missed the cadence of her voice (and yes, she narrates all her own books). The premise in this book is a teenage mother, trying to raise her young daughter with her grandmother's help, her father living back in Puerto Rico, and her mother dead. Cooking is Emoni's jam and provides a motif that pulls us through her school world, as well as her personal life. I thought Acevedo did a fantastic job of looking honestly at the huge difficulties of being a teenage mom - the workload of both school and friends, trying to get good grades as well as keep a job to pay the bills, how to reenter the dating and social world, and ultimately, figuring out what is the best future for both herself and her child. Each time, this author gives her readers a glimpse into Latinx life that is authentic and engaging.

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

If I had a friend, or son, or relative who was struggling with their sexual or gender identity, this is the book I would put in their hands. What a beautiful memoir from a young Black writer, who is able to look back at his childhood and teen years with openness and honesty, showing us the pain and struggles, but also the joy and happiness. I wanted to just sink into his family home (I mean, his Nanny is just the most amazing grandmother ever!). As George explores his love life, his college days, his burgeoning romances, the death of a friend or a cousin, I felt like I was standing next to him as he told his life story. Highly recommend this one in audio - it is a powerful story.

Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

One of the preeminent Black sci-fi writers of the last fifty years, I have wanted to read one of Butler's books for ages, though admittedly I am not a huge science fiction fan. This book is the perfect mix for me, more historical fiction and alternative history. Think about it...a Black person from 1976 being yanked back in time to Maryland of 1815. Imagine...someone owns you, can whip you or rape you or abuse you without consequence, can force you into unpaid labor of the worst kind, can dehumanize you. That is what happens to Dana, who gets transported back and forth through time, without warning. It is a fascinating concept, trust me. I read this one in just 24 hours, and it left me with a huuuuge book hangover, thinking constantly of this story for days after the final page.

The Boys' Club by Erica Katz

As fast as I read this book, it left me with a sour taste in my mouth. Perhaps that was the point? The story begins with a lawsuit, and then goes back in time to follow first year associates in a Big Law firm, fighting and scrapping to make a name for themselves, as well as to be 'matched' into the most prestigious practice group. So many truly awful tropes were used...women who will use sex to advance their careers, the token Black lawyer who turns to drugs and alcohol, the privileged boys who use power to get whatever they want, literally. I mean, could we not overuse these tropes?? It feels like the more they are used, the more these ugly stereotypes are perpetuated? Ultimately, there really weren't any characters that I could even find a modicum of respect for, ruining the entertainment value somewhat for me.