A Flicker in the Dark

A Flicker in the Dark was a good read. A gripping thriller with plenty of twists and turns. I feel like if I

had been more in the mindset to read, that I would have flown through this debut novel in a day or two. Instead, it took me almost a week to read. (Which is fine, just not the pace I like to read at.) Nothing against the book itself. Although I didn't particularly like any of the characters, I enjoyed this novel. If you are a fan of books like The Whisper Man by Alex North, I would definitely give this one a whirl. 

Chloe Davis and her brother Cooper are just kids when several girls go missing in their small town one summer. Six girls. Girls they had known. Fear grips this quaint town where everyone knows everyone else. Was it an outsider? Was it someone they knew? For Chloe and Coop? It's even worse than that. Their father is arrested and given six consecutive life sentences. Twenty years later; neither of them have spoken to their father. They both seem (relatively) well adjusted, living in Baton Rouge; though both (of course) have their own issues to deal with. Chloe (the protagonist) is a psychiatrist with her own practice. She owns her own home, and is planning a wedding with her perfect fiancé.

As the twenty year anniversary of the murders approaches; girls in Baton Rouge start going missing. Certain things seem eerily familiar about the cases. Chloe starts reliving flashes of the summer her father was imprisoned as a serial killer. Is she truly seeing parallels to her father's crimes? Or is she over reaching? As the date to her wedding (and her father's anniversary) draw closer; Chloe finds herself digging deeper; desperate to find the killer before he takes another innocent life.

Though I did sort out each and every twist (and there were a few!) before they happened (I went through a major thriller phase - I blame that!), this book definitely kept my attention. I would 100 percent recommend this novel to fans of the genre. I will for sure be keeping an eye on Stacy Willingham after the promise she shows in this debut.

The Passenger

Good morning fellow readers!! Sorry I missed all of you last week! Between not sleeping (and not being too inspired by the books I had read - to be perfectly honest!) and life.. I just couldn't do it last week. But! It's a new week. The sun is shining. Birds are chirping. And I have a run on the books right after this!! (As well as after about 20-30 minutes of stretching.. but, that's besides the point. I am SUPER excited to be able to run again - as those of you who truly know me already know.) Alright! Sorry! All that sunshine and running potential had me distracted; (and the crew of city workers cutting down a pile of trees behind our building probably doesn't help either!) but I'm here for the books now!

The Passenger was the single book I finished last week. Written by a Jewish man who had experienced Kristallnacht, I expected more from this book. While I had thought it would be more about the actual experience of that terrible night - this book focuses on Otto (a Jewish man and business owner) who is essentially on different trains for the vast majority of this book. While this novel does indeed focus on his distress at having had storm troopers enter his home (which he had escaped); the simple prose just didn't capture the intensity of the situation as much as I had anticipated.

The one thing that is paramount in this book is (of course) the attitude of Germans towards Jews at this point in time. The opening chapters have Otto dealing with friends and business associates (non Jews), and even the way these people are speaking to him rubbed me the wrong way. This would have been true to this period in history, and truly sickened me to think that even friends and partners would treat their Jewish counterparts in such a manner. The slurs that were actually acceptable are appalling. And, as a Jewish man; Otto (for the most part) feels fortunate to even have these connections.

As the story progresses; he is refused help by his ayran brother in law, betrayed by his business partner - and even finds himself recoiling from assisting a Jewish acquaintance who appears far more Jewish than he (as Otto is able to pass for a non Jew). Thankfully, he catches himself in such behaviours and makes amends.

I wanted to love this novel. Instead, I rated it a mere 2 stars. I will admit, it was great to read something by a Jew written during the period directly after Kristallnacht took place. I just expected more.

 

Paris is Always a Good Idea

I honestly loved the title of this book. Paris is (of course!) somewhere I have always wanted to travel to and explore. (As I suspect most people who desire to travel would like to see the City of Light at some point in time.) Pairs is Always a Good Idea was a cute novel - with a portion set in Paris, Of course, I hadn't read anything about this book; so that was a bit of a letdown. Haha. This cute romp of a novel was definitely entertaining (and one of the only romcoms I have read that made me cry a little in parts closer to the end). 

In the opening chapter, Chelsea discovers that her widowed father is set to remarry - a women he had met only two weeks prior. After having lost her mother to a vicious cancer, Chelsea has a hard time remembering what it's like to be in love; and has taken news of her father's engagement terribly. Her sister encourages her to think to the last time she was truly happy. Chelsea could give an exact date. Next thing she knows, she's taken a leave from her job (where she works leading a team in cancer fundraising), and is flying to Ireland - the first place she fell in love during her working year abroad seven years earlier.

This novel revisits three of Chelsea's former flames (in three very different cities and countries - Ireland, France, and Italy). With stunning backdrops for romance (including a vineyard complete with a castle!); and work still lingering in the background (because of course there is conflict - including an annoyingly sexy co-worker), this novel made me laugh, smirk, shake my head, and - yes! - cry (though that might be because portions really hit me on a personal level). 

Although I only rated this novel 3.5 stars, I think it might have been that I wasn't exactly in a romcom kind of mood as I read it. (I've been kind of bogged down mentally with books containing heavier content, as well as research, and thought I needed a break. Hence, the light and fluffy read.) This book was a bit of a rollercoaster (and I don't mean that in a negative way). There were ups and downs, highs and lows. If you're a fan of the genre, I'd give it a go.

The Happiest Man on Earth

What can I say about this book? Considering it is written by a Holocaust survivor discussing his life before, during and after Auschwitz? I have to pause to even know where to begin. I'm sure some of you are thinking that this book must be nothing but sadness and anger. Surprisingly? It wasn't. This book (though extremely hard to read, knowing every word was truth) made me feel like I was being wrapped in a hug from my new friend, Eddie Jaku. Read that again. That is what this book made me feel above all else. 

(Funny story before I start is that I had finished reading The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot the same day, and had been crying. When I started this one; my husband said something about how he hoped I was reading something happier. When I mentioned it was the story of an Auschwitz survivor, he asked why I read all these stories that make me cry. While The One Hundred Years was a sad story, this hits on a different level. Why do I read books like this? Because the are important. Because they SHOULD be read. One review on the book even indicated that the reviewer thought this book should be required reading! I concur!)

As you can tell, Eddie is a survivor. So, this book does have a happy ending. (As the title - The Happiest Man on Earth - implies.) I'm not giving anything away there. Reading about his journey had me shaking my head so very often. But, I couldn't put this book down. I finished it in two hours, and felt like I'd made a new friend in Eddie. He shares stories about going to school far from his family under an assumed (non-Jewish) identity so he can become a successful man. He discusses his experience with Kristallnacht - something I still have not read about much in books. Although Eddie does not provide the many gruesome details you will find in fictional accounts; his prose is poignant and gets to the bones of his story. 

He tells about his time in concentration camps (yes, more than just one!) and the treatment he received there. He tells of undying friendship and hope, even in his darkest moments. His father had instilled such wonderful lessons about kindness and being grateful that he is sure were tools in his survival. Eddie tells about his losses. His anger. Love. Love was a big one in this book. Eddie reminds us how important family is. How important the friendship of even one true friend can be.

Eddie mentions at the end of this book that it took him a long time to share his story, which gave me pause for a moment. (A very dear friend of mine had a father who was a survivor as well; and that friend mentioned that his father never spoke about the Holocaust.) The more of these stories I read, the more I can understand. These survivors don't want to relive the terror that they endured at the hands of the Nazis. (My own traumas seem so very minor in comparison, and I know how hard they can be to revisit. How they can make me feel.) However, dear, brave Eddie tells us all his story - to educate everyone. To educate the future generations. It makes my heart so sad to know that the numbers of those who did survive are dwindling, and that someday they will all be gone. Let's be educated by them while we still can be. Let's pass their stories down to our children. Let them pass them down. Don't let the stories be forgotten.

(Above image of Eddie is taken from the Sydney Jewish Museum website)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scCvi3vY4jQ (A video of one of Eddie's talks. Have tissues handy.)

Sadly, my friend Eddie passed away last year. I hope he knows how much his book has meant to those of us fortunate enough to have read it. Thank you so much for sharing yourself with us, Eddie.

The Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot

Are you ready for a book that will make you smile and break your heart at the same time?? If you are, The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot is a book I would strongly recommend. (And just look at how pretty the cover is!) When I had picked this up - knowing it was a book about a bond of friendship - I was expecting light and fluffy, with some drama in there somewhere. (Because what good story about a friendship doesn't have some conflict, right?) Well. I was not exactly on point with my guess. (Which, in a way? Actually made me love this book even more. It was an unexpected gift.)

Lenni is a seventeen year old girl who likes to ruffle feathers, and spends all her time in her pajamas. Oh, and she's in a terminal illness ward for kids at a hospital in Glasgow. Yep. The heartbreak starts early with this one; as Lenni is already living at the hospital when the story begins. Margot, on the other hand? Is an 83 year old woman with a ton of spunk, who always dresses in purple and likes to break the rules. (She is also a terminal patient at said hospital.) 

The two form the most unlikely of friendships after Lenni helps Margot out of a predicament in the early pages of this book. While much of this book takes place in the past as Lenni and Margot share the most emotional memories of their lives. They hold nothing back, and form an unbreakable bond.

Other characters in this book that you just have to adore include Father Arthur - the priest Lenni visits in the hospital chapel, and New Nurse - a nurse that is never named, but champions young Lenni on a few fronts against the less likeable characters in this novel (Jacky, who is rigid in her rules. But.. I would assume a lot of nurses caring for terminal patients would be!) 

As Lenni and Margot share their stories, they paint their most memorable experience from each year in their lives. And thus, The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot. I don't want to give too much away. I loved this book and finished it in less than 24 hours. If you like books that make you cry, take you places, and make you laugh - pick this one up! (And let me know what you think!)

The Lions of Fifth Avenue

Happy Monday, fellow readers! I'm happy to report that I've had a great reading week, and I am looking forward to your comments and feedback! (I must admit, though I'm not quite certain who all of you readers are? It's pretty thrilling to see the number of readers be a bit higher than anticipated when I come on each week! What compels you to read a blog? I'm curious to know!)

My first read this past week was The Lions of Fifth Avenue. For those of you who aren't familiar with the famous pair on Fifth in New York? The title refers to the two lions outside the most famous branch of the New York City Library. (Somewhere I would LOVE to visit one day!) Funny little sidenote is that I have recently read my children a book about these two stone figures - Lost in the Library (which I would recommend for young readers for sure!). The story is all about Patience and Fortitude; Patience goes missing, and Fortitude has to find him. So, I am a bit acquainted with this famous duo. (What I did not realize prior to reading The Lions of Fifth Avenue is that the lions had originally been named after the founders of the library; the used to be named Leo Astor and Leo Lenox. So, you've potentially learned something new today.) 

Anyways!! This book (of course) doesn't really have much to do with Patience and Fortitude (or Astor and Lenox; if you prefer). This book has two connected timelines. The first follows Laura Lyons and her family, who live in an apartment tucked away inside of the library (HOW COOL WOULD THAT BE!??). Her family of four is kept busy. Her husband is the superintendent of the library (and a novelist working on his first book!), and her children are kept busy with their studies. This portion of the books takes place during the early 1900s (if I remember correctly, it begins in 1913). Laura is itching to get back to school. To become a journalist, and write her own stories. (Quite the feat for a woman of this period!) As you can imagine, getting her husband entirely on board is not exactly the simplest of tasks. (Women belong in the home and all that rubbish.) She starts contributing a column to the library newsletter, and.. things go from there. During their residence in the apartment (which does in fact exist!), there is a series of thefts. Precious manuscripts and rare editions go missing.

Fast forward to the 1990s. Laura's own granddaughter (Sadie) works at the same branch of the library. Unknown to her boss, she is (of course) connected to Laura. Information she doesn't think is pertinent; until a series of similar thefts begin to occur. All revolving around an exhibit Sadie is working hard to perfect to draw in potential donors. Her boss doesn't want the thefts brought to the attention of the public (in fear financial contributions may suffer). Cue a private investigator! (Though Sadie - of course! - works on cracking the case herself.) She reflects on the similarities between herself and her Grandmother. Strong, independent women, involved in the literary world who have both suffered losses.

Secrets will be revealed, as both Sadie and Laura tell their stories. I personally loved this book - 4.5 stars from me! (Don't ask me why it wasn't a 5, because I couldn't give you an honest answer.) It had depth, family, heart, romance, and mystery. I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened this book, but, I'm glad I judged this book by its cover.  

**I returned the book prior to pictures this week, so.. stock images from amazon. Photo below of the Lions, courtesy of a simple google search. (As clearly, I have not been fortunate enough just yet to see these guys in person.)**

Under The Whispering Door

Under The Whispering Door.. a book I just finished this morning.. and could probably gush about for a few hours in the right company. TJ Klune has done it again! This book and the characters held within it have captured my heart. Last year, The House in the Cerulean Sea was all the rage; this year? I think he has outdone himself. While I enjoyed Cerulean Sea (and would still recommend it!), this book touched me in so many ways. I laughed. I cried. I looked deep into myself. I wondered about life after death. This book is almost profound in it's simple setting and premise - it was so very much more than I expected.

Wallace Price is an asshole. 100 percent. The book opens with him firing a long term employee for making a mistake. ONE mistake in her ten years of service. As you can imagine, I wasn't too choked up when he died suddenly. (I mean, I knew he was going to - it's in the write up. So, no spoiler!!) What I did see in Wallace (even in those early pages) is that he would grow into someone likeable by the close of the novel. (Which, of course.. he did. No spoiler there either. It would be a pretty crappy story if I still despised him at the end!)

He is collected by a Reaper three days later at his own funeral, and taken to see Hugo - a ferryman meant to help him to whatever is on the other side. (Clearly, Hugo himself can't know.) He's there to help Wallace by answering any questions he has, or even just to talk. Wallace becomes a completely different person in death, with the help of Hugo, Mei, Nelson, and Apollo while residing (if you can call it that when you're a ghost?) in Hugo's tea shop.

Charon's Crossing is more than the tea shop it appears to be. It's a way station for the dead - complete with a magical door to transport them to their afterlife. Full of kooky characters you're bound to love, and overflowing with heart and love - this book is a must read in my humble opinion, and if Charon's Crossing was a real shop? I'd love to see which tea Hugo would pick for me.