Eight Perfect Hours

 Goooood morning readers! I was reminded this morning that it was Monday; which meant it's blogging day! (It kind of snuck up on me! We have a holiday here in Canada, and I woke up feeling like it was Sunday; and that I had an entire day of reading ahead of me before my 'work' was 'due'.) It's been quite the week. I didn't get in as much reading as I would have liked, between home improvement projects, (I've undertaken some plastering/sanding/painting... in basically every room. Which, you can imagine, takes up a chunk of time) and some family matters - I either haven't had the time, or haven't been in the right mindset.

As a result? Only one post this week. (I'm sure you're all just SO disappointed lol) The one book I did read was a random pick from the library that I hadn't even heard of at all. I just liked the cover, and assumed it would be a light and fluffy book (which I definitely needed after the last few books I have been reading, with that heavier content). Eight Perfect Hours delivered exactly what I wanted this book to be. 

Noelle is back from a reunion that went sideways at her old college when she is stuck in a traffic jam. For HOURS. With her mother at home (and requiring some care after a stroke), Noelle starts to panic when her phone dies and she can't touch base with anyone. Cue handsome mountain climber Sam - who invites her to use his phone charger. They spend hours ensconced in his car, seemingly in a bubble away from the real world. Noelle feels something electric between them. 

Predictably, the motorway clears; and they are back to their separate lives. They have no contact information. They live in different countries. Noelle assumes she will never see him again. Fate; however, seems to have something else in store. Noelle's quirky and loveable friends (Theo and Charlie) insist she is going to marry Sam from the motorway. Noelle is torn, as Ed (her former boyfriend of 12 years) reappears on the scene, and she falls into a comfortable and content routine.

This book is bursting with characters you can't help but love. They each have their own things going on; and at the center of it all is Noelle. Afraid to live for herself. Afraid of her dreams, and what she could have been. This novel shows a lot of inner turmoil for something that would appear to be merely another piece of chick lit. You see Noelle blossom and grow; how she notices how she feels around different people, and who truly has her best interest at heart. 

There is a quote on the cover that states; 'Lia Louis has become a must-buy author for me.' (Jodi Picoult) Although I wouldn't rush out to buy her books, (because reading as much as I do could get pretty expensive; and I tend to utilize the library as much as possible) but I will be on the lookout for more of Louis' books.

Until next time, readers - keep reading!

Don't Cry For Me

 Okay. So, I kind of just dove right into that last post without any pre-amble! (Which is so unlike me!) I'm feeling a bit under the weather today; (too many tasty snacks while watching the Superbowl with the fam last night, I think!) and just wanted to get to it. But.. that's not the right way to start a blogging day, dear friends! Happy Valentine's Day! Despite the extreme cold here in the city, I am bundled up and ready to read.. and write; of course. Haha.

When I got home from dropping the kiddos off for school, I bundled up under a cozy blanket with a cup of coffee, and the rest of my book. Just for you guys! I mean, what kind of person would I be if I only reviewed one book this week!? So, I sucked it up (*rolls eyes*) and finished what was a wonderfully heartbreaking novel.

First off? I have to thank my friend MB for sharing this novel with me; as she chose it for her book of the month, and thought it sounded like something I would read. Don't Cry For Me is written through a father's letters on his deathbed to his estranged gay son. That premise alone grabbed at me, because I think everyone has something to atone for at their end. Jacob is a black man who is telling stories from his life to his son Isaac in an attempt to explain why he could never be the supportive and loving father that Isaac deserved. There are scenes that made me angry. Scenes that made me cry. 

Jacob lays it all bare. Telling Isaac some of the darkest secrets of his life, in order to explain who he truly is, and how he was raised. This book is all about nature vs nuture, when it comes down to it. Being raised in the country in the 40s as a poor black man; Jacob is exposed to a different sort of upbringing than his son might understand. Jacob tells stories that shine light on his own homophobia; and on the mistreatment of his wife. While these stories will have your heart breaking; he is telling his shameful, whole truth. After becoming a reader in his later years, Jacob can view his own behavior from a different perspective. 

He is not looking for forgiveness, merely explaining and apologizing to his son. He recognizes where he made his mistakes, and is bringing them to the fore front. Not an easy task, and one that only the strong can undertake to begin with. I highly doubt most people at the end of their road are fully confronting the misery inducing parts of themselves. He is not asking for pity - he says not to cry for him - but he is hoping to lift the burden of pain from his son by acknowledging it.

I loved reading about the growth in Jacob from the time he was a child, to the end of his life. I feel like this book makes you look inside of yourself; and those closest to you. Makes you take a closer look. By no means an easy read - but a truly enjoyable one. The pages flew by. Thanks again to my girl MB for steering me toward it!

Until next week! Stay cozy.

The Last Checkmate

 "Amid the horrors of Auschwitz, a young woman plays for her life." This brief sentence on the cover of a simple paperback is what drew me to this distressing and well written debut novel by Gabriella Saab.

This book follows Maria Florkowska through her resistance work in Nazi occupied Warsaw, her time in Auschwitz, and a brief period of time after her imprisonment. Maria is a mere 14 years old when she is arrested and questioned by the Gestapo in a horrific Polish jail. Following a horrendous interrogation, she is sent (along with her entire family) to Auschwitz; where they are separated almost immediately. Maria is spared, and fights through her grief (with the help of a serene Catholic priest) to survive each and every grueling day of her confinement. 

An avid (and masterful) chess player, Maria attempts to see the moves of her opponents (the guards) before they make them. Predicting behaviors and their outcomes in order to stay one step ahead - and stay alive. 

This well woven story shifts between Maria's time in the camp and a well timed chess game after the liberation of this horrific prison with the guard who has inflicted wounds beyond measure; Fritzsch (who is an actual historical figure - a deplorable human who, according to Rudolf Hoss, first suggested using poisonous gas for the purpose of mass murder [from wikipedia]. The deputy and acting commandant at Auschwitz.)

Saab pulls numerous characters from persons that were actually in Auschwitz; as prisoners (the priest who befriends Maria in her darkest hour), and some of the commanding officers at the camp. Making this account even more realistic (despite it being fiction). Maria faces so many difficulties throughout her years in Auschwitz, and in facing her past in the years that follow. I would move this book to the top of your TBR pile if you are a fan of the genre. 

Until next time, dear ones.

The German Girl

Have you ever been annoyed by those ads that will come up on your facebook page? Like.. (some might say) your phone is listening to what you talk about? (Not that I care, tbh. Go ahead, I'm not all that exciting! Ha!) Well. This book is actually one that came to my attention only because of one of those ads! I have purchased a few books for friends in the US that are from a site called Thriftbooks (which I adore, and the shipping is incredibly inexpensive!), and one day, while scrolling through my facebook feeds, there was an ad from Thriftbooks for The German Girl. The title was one I had never heard of, despite constantly looking at books online in so many forms, and belonging to numerous book groups. Plus, I had a free book on my account! (Yes, you also can earn free books!)

After reading the synopsis, I immediately looked it up at my library (they had it! Yay!), and filled in the information to send a copy along to my fellow historical fiction lover, MB. I let her know it would be coming her way, since it seemed like a book we would both want to read. (She read the write up, and thought the same thing.)

We started (and finished) this novel last week. An incredible debut revolving around a 12 year old Hannah and her Jewish family in Nazi Berlin, during the build up to WWII, as well as her great niece (Ana) in 2014 New York City (who has lived her entire life dealing with the loss of her father in the tragic events of 9/11 prior to her birth). Hannah and her family manage to flee Berlin; boarding the most luxurious cruise ship of its time, The SS St Louis. The author does a wonderful job of describing the conditions of Berlin during this time, and continues to provide excellent visuals as the story travels across the ocean; heading for Cuba - and freedom.

It isn't long before the ship is crawling with word that they will not be permitted entry to Cuba; despite having documentation from the consulate (and signed off on by high powered Cuban officials). The depth of emotion that is explored is unfathomable. Imagine being a Jewish refugee during that time. You have given up everything you own. Your homes. In some cases; even your family and friends; only to be turned away when freedom is within your grasp. 

Decades later, Ana is sent a package from Cuba from her only remaining relative on her father's side. Hannah. His elderly Aunt, who has been cursed to live out her days in a country where she has never felt truly accepted. Ana and her mother trek to Cuba, so Ana can unravel the enigma her father has always been to her. This novel goes through several extremely similar hardships throughout the course of Hannah's life. She herself sees history repeating itself. But, not all those she love stand on the same side anymore. 

Hopefully, more historical fiction fans will grab hold of this novel and give it a read. I loved how it covered topics I didn't really know very much about (such as the refusal to allow the refugees to enter, and more about the revolution - which I had previously only read about in Chanel Cleeton's novels; which as all fabulous.). Although there is seemingly much dispute about any actual learning coming from the reading of historical fiction; shining a light on little discussed topics always intrigues me to learn more. I hope it does the same for you.

Until next week, dear readers. Adieu. 

Yellow Wife

 Alright, everyone! Happy Monday! I'm trying to be more consistent, and get my blogs up every Monday. I hear some kind of routine is good in the blogging world. My Monday has been off to a bit of a rough start. But! After a cup of coffee, some baking (bagels are cooling as we speak), and cleaning up (and after getting another cup of coffee, of course!), I am ready to sit down and share my thoughts. I've got a couple of books coming at you today from my reads last week. First up is Yellow Wife; a book that had been discussed so many times in book groups I am a part of that I figured it was about time I picked it up.

You all (surely) know how I feel about historical fiction by now. Usually, it's WWII related. Every once in a while, I pick up a book about slavery, and my mind is always just blown away. In some respects, I find it even more difficult to read than WWII fiction. (I have no idea why. Perhaps because there is always, always some kind of sexual abuse, and absolutely always physical and emotional abuse.) Yellow Wife is a must read if you are someone who enjoys this particular genre within historical fiction. (I would put it right up there with The Book of Negroes, The Invention of Wings, and The Help - which were ALL excellent reads regarding the slave trade/era.)

This particular novel revolves around the life of Pheby Dolores Brown, who lives on a plantation in Charles City. She is sheltered by much of the abuse directed to the slaves due to her mother's relationship with the owner of the plantation. It is also due to this relationship that Pheby is despised by the missus on the plantation. The 'yellow' child of the estate's medicine woman and her master; Pheby has been promised freedom on her eighteenth birthday.

However, (as you may have suspected) Pheby is not given her freedom on her eighteenth birthday. Instead, she is sold to a slave traitor; and is held for sale at the horrendous jail known as The Devil's Half Acre. (All after a heart wrenching scene in which her beloved flees for his own freedom.) When she refuses to demean herself further, she catches the attention of the owner of the jail, and her life is changed once again.

There is so much in this novel to explore. The strength of Pheby's character throughout as she raises her children, lives alongside (and becomes a party to) the horrifying aspects of the slave trade. Knowing the girls she dresses will be sold as 'fancy girls', she takes down their stories; the one small thing she feels she can do for these young women. There are so many ups and downs throughout this story; loves rises above all in the end (in my humble opinion), though there are even heart breaks within a relatively happy ending. This is a book that will stay with me.

People We Meet on Vacation

If you're looking for a book that feels like a vacation? This is exactly what you're looking for. (At least if you like rom coms with a friends to lovers trope, that is!) I had read Beach Read by Emily Henry last year, and found it relatively entertaining. I didn't love it the way so many others seemed to. But, I did like it enough that People We Meet on Vacation has been on my radar since its release. You know those books you have that just sit? Waiting for the right time to be read?? That was this book. I've had a copy sitting on my shelf since last fall, knowing I would get to it... eventually.

Turns out that time was this past week. Feeling that January blah crunch, and feeling a bit under the weather to boot, I figured it would be the perfect winter read. Nothing too thought provoking. Nothing to really have to process.

This book did not disappoint. It far exceeded my expectations - which does not happen often in this particular genre. (At least, not for me.) Poppy and Alex are polar opposites, and best friends. When they initially meet the first week of college, neither thinks they will see the other ever again. But, on a fateful shared road trip home, they manage to connect; asking all kinds of questions to fill the silence and the time. By the time they reach their destination, an unlikely friendship has formed. Poppy is loud, outgoing, an opinionated. Alex is quiet, thoughtful, and reserved. Poppy is the one that sort of pulls him from his shell.. the person he can be silly and vulnerable with. 

They start to take yearly trips - even when they live far apart. In the beginning, these trips are as cheap as can be. As the years pass and Poppy is working for an upscale travel magazine; the trips become more exotic, more luxurious. But something (and you don't know exactly what for the longest time!) happens on one of these yearly trips, and they just stop talking for YEARS. 

After two years has passed, Poppy reaches out to reconnect with Alex via text. They plan the summer trip. A trip on which Poppy hopes they can mend fences and move forward from what happened in Croatia. This novel sparks with tension between Poppy and Alex as the years go by - the chemistry between them is fabulously written, and asks the question so many times about the 'what-if" factor in a platonic friendship. Amusing from start to finish, this novel has me wanting more from Emily Henry. (Especially if it's friends to lovers - I'm telling you - FIRE!)

Then She Was Gone

Several years ago, I read the first thriller that really grabbed me. I had read a lot of hype about it, rolled my eyes, and tucked in. That was it. Gone Girl officially got my attention, and made me eager to read more thrillers that would have me truly stunned; quickly devouring page after page. If you read thrillers, you probably have that one that really got you on them in the first place. Since then, I have read so many. I still enjoy them; but, they have become fairly predictable after so many years. You'll still find the ones that throw you off, or have you second guessing those finely honed thriller-reader instincts, but you're generally reading for the writing. For the characters.

My best friend and I exchange books every Christmas. A tradition I love and look forward to. I supplied her with a list ages ago, to ensure I wouldn't read the books she was purchasing. In exchange, I would read thriller after thriller in an attempt to find one that she loved as much as I did. (I discovered Riley Sager this way, and we both cannot wait for his next book.) This year, she gifted me a copy of Lisa Jewell's Then She Was Gone. After reading a lot of heavier reads for the year, I figured it would be the perfect time to settle in with a thriller. She had told me she read it, that it was predictable, but that the writing was good.

In all aspects, she was right. Jewell's characters seemed incredibly realistic. Like people you would meet in your day to day life. (Which does make you wonder if everyone is as nice as they play themselves off to be!) Although predictable, I raced through this book in a couple of days to see exactly how all the pieces would come together. How precisely did Ellie Mack disappear? How did her demise come about?

In a way, this novel is a twisted love story. The killer doing nearly anything to be loved. Actually. I suppose, do anything to hang onto the person they loved. At the beginning of this novel, golden child Ellie Mack simply disappears. The police assume she is simply a runaway. Her mother, Laurel, refuses to believe that Ellie would just walk away when everything in her young life is going so well. She clings to the life that could have been; twisting her relationship with her remaining children, destroying her marriage. Then she meets Floyd. Suddenly she feels alive again. When she meets Floyd's daughter, she is reminded of her own missing child, and questions she has not quite laid to rest resurface regarding her own daughter's disappearance.

Although this novel unravels in the way you would assume, the portrayal of Laurel as she rediscovers herself, and her relationships with her family through her relationship with Floyd and his young daughter will keep you turning pages.