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.

Talk Bookish To Me

 Alright. The last read was a serious one. This one was all fun. Talk Bookish To Me is a cute novel that I flew through relatively quickly. Kara is a novelist struggling to write her next book, all while helping her best friend get everything set to walk down the aisle, and prepare for a six month long trip to Italy that she has been planning for ages. Oh.. and did I mention that at a pre wedding event, her college ex shows up? And that he's part of the wedding party?? Even better... that he somehow fuels her writing.. even as she claims to hate him? (We all know how these romcoms go.. she doesn't actually hate him.)

After her friend, and her editor comment on how Ryan is inspiring these pages, she is encouraged to spend as much time with him as possible. As so happens in these novels; Ryan and Kara discuss their past heart break, perceptions, and complications. Oh, and throw in a major obstacle to their love. Pretty formulaic. But, still a good read. The characters were relatable and (in some cases) loveable (in particular the handsome stranger Kara befriends in Italy). 

Kara reminds me a lot of myself, honestly. She can go on and on about books (guilty!), has a comfy chair for reading (check!), prefers to just be comfortable all the time (double check), holds onto things emotionally - guilt included, loves deeply, and sometimes pulls away when she should be expressing herself. She is completely relatable.. at least to me lol. While I enjoyed this book (and think it would probably make an adorable movie), I would only give it about 3.5 stars. I had hoped for more (after hearing glowing reviews!), but would still recommend it for fans of the genre. (MB - there is even a conversation in this one about tropes that made me think of you!) I will be looking forward to additional works from this author.

The Last Green Valley

With so much happening in the Ukraine right now, I looked for a book to read that takes place IN the Ukraine. The first one that popped up (and also had glowing reviews) was The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan. This book follows the Martel family as they flee their home; a country run by Stalin and seen their share of hard times. They are forced to choose between waiting for the Soviets, or leaving with the Nazis. Under the 'protection' of the Nazis (as Volksdeutsche), the traverse the dangerous terrain of a country still under siege, not knowing their destination.

The Martel family is led by Emil, a strong man with a backstory that eventually reveals so much of his inner turmoil as he struggles through the journey to freedom he must undergo. By his side are his wife; Adeline, (a warrior in her own right. Clever and hardworking, she always dreams of the valley at the end of their trek.) and their two boys. This incredible novel of perseverance is based on the true story of the Martel family; and the suffering they endure, and the hope they keep in their hearts is inspiring. 

Being faced with bombs, eventful train rides, prisons, and ghosts from the past; this novel will hold you in its grip and never let go. It is hard to imagine a time where this was the life some people had to live - the life some people are currently living as they become displaced people in another country. The cruelty and generosity this family faces in turns gives you light in a dark time; while also dealing with the underbelly of humanity. 

The characters in this novel are ones I will never forget. Emil's vibrant sister Rese. A survivor from the frontlines of Stalingrad who is determined they will meet again. The Jewish friend of Adeline's former boss. There are many smaller stories that tie this novel together into a masterpiece you won't soon forget. 

**photo of the Martel family in 1943. Image is from Mark Sullivan's website. 

The Personal Librarian

Now THIS was a book I simply loved. (Which was great after reading Ten Dead Comedians.) The Personal Librarian is a wonderful piece of historical fiction that I would recommend to anyone who loves the genre; or who loves to read about books. Two things I love in a book - the title alone had me requesting it from the library. (Yes, this is another one of those books I knew absolutely nothing about but had to read anyway.) It had been mentioned on my book groups a few times, which made me doubly excited to get my hands on a copy; since everything I saw was positive. 

For those of you who don't know; The Personal Librarian is based on a true story of a Black American woman in the early 1900s passing for white, who becomes the personal librarian for JP Morgan (an extremely prestigious and important man in his time). She is hired on my Mister Morgan himself to curate his incredible collection or rare manuscripts, books, and works of art to build the Pierpont Morgan Library in New York City (which today is an impressive museum to these works that I dream of one day visiting). Belle becomes his most trusted advisor, and she becomes known throughout New York society - initially as Mister Morgan's Librarian - and in time because of her intellect and clever character. 

There are SO many layers of depth to this novel. As the book progresses, and you learn more of Belle's family history. Why her family has chosen to live as white instead of black. You will learn about manuscripts and incunabula (something I didn't even know HAD a different word for it!). About the civil rights movement. You will watch Belle develop all sorts of relationships - friends, lovers, her professional relationships. You will see her navigate all of these different worlds. Watch her grow and change from the somewhat shy woman she was raised to be into one of the most sought after women in New York (not to mention parts of Europe). You will be taken through parts (though they are small) of the suffrage movement. You will see her lose parts of herself, and gain others. 

I can't imagine living in a time when you would need to cast off your true identity to feel you were being your true self. To take a different name; a different heritage. To create a whole new history to hide yourself behind. To have to take someone else's secrets as a shield to ensure that your true heritage does not become common knowledge. Reading a book like this makes my heart ache that things like race and sexuality were something that had to be hidden. That religion was still a huge issue for some people (especially in the years leading up to WWII and afterwards). This book will make you feel proud that Belle de Costa Green (truly Belle Marion Greener) shone so brightly; and make you feel thankful for what you have in this day and age.

I implore you to read this book. I could (honestly) talk about it all day; but then.. why would you read it afterwards? This book was a five star read for me. Something I don't come by too often. As always, reader - keep on reading.

https://www.themorgan.org/architecture/j-pierpont-morgans-library/library 

**the images included of the library and Belle are (clearly) not my own, and were found through a simple google search.

Ten Dead Comedians

Good morning readers!! Sorry for the missed week last week. March Break was a busy time - we were away visiting family - AND I forgot to bring the books I needed to blog about at home. Oops. I suppose it does sort of work out. I have been SO busy with the kiddos this past week that I would have NOTHING to write about this week anyway (although I am only about 50 pages away from finishing my current read).

Alright! First up is Ten Dead Comedians. My best friend had had this one recommended to her, so.. she passed it along to me (after sending me pictures of some of the sillier quotes from the book). Not gonna lie; while it was entertaining enough to keep my interest? This book was my least favorite read of the year so far. Don't get me wrong. It was different, and had some truly amusing parts. The premise is that a group of 9 comedians are lured to a private tropical island by a comic (who had inspired or touched their careers in some way) under the guise of creating an epic show. Once they arrive at the island, however; things start to take a terrible turn as they discover they were brought there under false pretenses. I'm sure the title alone kind of gives away the types of turns it takes.

I must admit; as someone who once wrote a lot of darker pieces, (which included some fairly creative deaths) that even I was (vaguely) impressed by the imagination required for some of the comics' deaths. I won't give any of them away - although I can't imagine anyone reading this will be enticed to add this to their TBR list. Don't get me wrong. It was quick, and it kept my attention. I suppose for me, it lost some points for vulgarity (I'm not a prude, I just don't need foul language to be a constant in my life or what I read) - and BIG points lost in the first few pages. (Where I almost abandoned the book, tbh.) 

I'm sure you're wondering why. The first comic mentioned is doing improv and calling on the audience for prompts. I'm going to include what I thought was in incredibly poor taste below.

"So, we'll make up a comedy scene right here in front of you. Now somebody give me a place. Doesn't matter where. No wrong answers here. The only word you can't use in improv is 'no'."

"Auschwitz!" blurted out a middle-aged CPA in the back row. [RIGHT HERE!]

Steve blinked.

"Oooo... okay? Auschwitz. Sure! Now can somebody give me a profession?"

"Rodeo clown!" yelled the Executive Senior Vice President of Something in the front.

This is not funny whatsoever. No one should think that is funny. Now - to the credit of the author, (I say somewhat sarcastically) the comic in the scene did refuse to do this. (If he had gone ahead, you can bet every dollar you have I would have put this book aside.) 

Now I'm getting worked up again. (If I recall correctly, there were some other portions of this novel that had anti-Semitic jabs or comments as well.) BIG part of my low, low rating. (Not that it was written all that well either.) I likely still would have bailed, except it was recommended by a friend of mine.

Before I get going on a huge tangent; I'm going to leave it at that. I will not be reading anything else by this author. Get out and enjoy some of that fresh air and sunshine, readers. It's a beautiful day.

A City Of Broken Glass

 So, last week, I promised I would get into some books with heavier content for my posts this week. If you've read my first post for the day? I think we can agree that I have definitely fulfilled that promise. My second pick for this past week was heavy on a different level. A City of Broken Glass takes place mainly in Berlin in the days leading up to Kristallnacht (for those of you who may not know, this was a pogrom against the Jews carried out by the Nazi party November 9-10 in 1938. Jewish homes, businesses, and Synagogues were vandalized and destroyed without any intervention from the authorities. Known as The Night of Broken Glass, it is [sadly] an event that is rarely touched upon in any of the books I have read. (https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/kristallnacht) An event made even more horrific in that firetrucks would stand by to ensure that the homes/businesses/places of worship for non Jews were not damaged.).

Again, I wouldn't give this book too high a rating. (Around 3.5 stars) Again.. I don't think that's on the author. I think that was me, expecting more about Kristallnacht (when, it does claim on the write up that it mostly takes place leading up to that evening), and not getting it. This story starts in Poland, where Hannah has been sent to do a story on the St Martin festival. Thinking this will be a simple holiday, Hannah brings along her 13 year old son. Shortly after her arrival, however, things take a turn. She notices SS officers outside a stable, and investigates; finding countless Jews being held there for an undetermined amount of time. When she encounters someone she recognizes, she has a mission, and the festival is forgotten.

If you aren't a huge fan of historical fiction, but like action and fast pacing? This might be a book you can sink your teeth into. Hannah has false identities (and the papers to prove it), and has a past (and reputation with the SS). She is kidnapped from Poland; thrown into the trunk of an SS officer, and driven across the border into Germany. She (of course) manages to outwit her captors, and (with some help) she hides herself (and her son) away in Berlin until they can escape. 

As is often the case with these types of stories; escape isn't her only mission. Hannah has also promised to find the daughter of her Jewish friend (Paul) who is living in the Jewish quarter of Berlin. This book moves along at a quick pace. There is espionage and romance; hidden compartments and stolen horses; doctors and forgers - all set in the backdrop of pre war Berlin (and all the while, Hannah is trying to be the best mother she can be to Anton). Although I did want more historical elements; I think Cantrell did a wonderful job painting the picture of what it was like to be Jewish (or an ally to the Jews) during this period.

That's all I've got for now, readers. Keep on reading!

The Underground Railroad

 Well, good morning! Happy Monday to all of you. I don't know about where you are; but, here it is drizzling and a bit cool. Perfect coffee and writing weather. (Or coffee and reading weather, you might say.) Especially when you are writing about subjects that are revealing some of the darkest corners of history - like with The Underground Railroad.

Yes, this is the book that inspired the series that is airing on Prime. (I haven't watched it yet, but have been wanting to since it was first released.) Yes, this book one a Pulitizer (and several other literary awards!). Did I love it? Honestly? No, I didn't. I'd say this book gets a three star rating from me. I expected to love it when I first placed it on hold. One subject I usually love books about is the work towards abolition. This one just failed to suck me in like other books have.

That's not to say it isn't well written, or that the story wasn't interesting. It was on both counts. I absolutely loved that it gave more insight to the workings of the Underground Railroad. (Although, apparently much of that was fiction as well - the writer wrote entire chapters about underground stations with actual railways, which is not how the system worked, according to sources as reliable as National Geographic -  https://www.nationalgeographic.org/article/underground-railroad-indiana/ ) I loved the characters who were the conductors at the stations, and hearing their stories. Why they were assisting, where they had come from previously. How terrifying it was to be involved on any level. These people were truly heroes.

The Underground Railroad focuses on Cora, who was born (as was her mother) on the Randall plantation in Georgia. Her Grandmother was stolen from Africa, and died on the plantation. Her mother (Mabel) is the only slave who managed to escape permanently; leaving Cora alone as a stray in an already difficult life. When a fellow slave on the plantation pulls her aside to tell her he wants to escape, and bring her with him, her life changes.

This story takes you through swamps in Georgia, and through many states and tribulations. Telling of Cora's losses, of her successes. Of love and fear. This novel shines lights into some extremely dark corners - doctors infecting blacks unknowingly with syphilis (which actually happened!) while they were told they were receiving treatment for a blood ailment. (https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/history/40-years-human-experimentation-america-tuskegee-study). Being offered sterilization as a form of 'birth control' when whites had done the math and realized they were outnumbered by the black population. These things are travesties! And something most of us are completely unaware happened. (The first time I heard about the Tuskegee study [the syphilis experiment] was when I heard about it in a movie regarding civil rights. So, in those respects? I enjoyed being informed (on some level, which led to me looking more into things for myself).

Cora is a strong woman, who is going to do anything to get her freedom. Something we have all taken for granted today; and that whites took for granted even then. It's incredible to read about the dehumanizing of another race - several races; as Colson points out (as not all of the slaves originated from the same country or tribe - something that is not often brought up either). Although I didn't particularly enjoy this novel (maybe I just wasn't in the right mindset?), I do think it is an important read. It made me want to learn more about the Underground Railroad. It made me want to know if some of the places mentioned actually existed. This novel is full of gut wrenching ups and downs. Of graphic violence. It is not for the tender hearted.