Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

I will admit; when we were told we needed to be doing social distancing/social isolation, I thought that this would be a great time to get ahead on my reading for the year. Boy, was I wrong! I feel I have fallen behind on the last week! My children and I escaped the city (which I believe I mentioned previously), and are currently ensconced in the safety of my Mother's home. Any of you with small children (or that have had small children) can understand what a trying time it is on a whole different level. We have spent a fair amount of time going on adventures outside (my Mother is in a new build, and there are workers and heavy vehicles lining the street five days a week. So! Off we go to try and discover something new).

Please. Don't think I'm complaining. Though my littles can be a hassle to get out the door, I truly enjoy our little jaunts. Quality time is lovely. It does tend to cut into reading time, however. I also find myself watching tv and chatting with my mother in the evenings once they are asleep. (Again, I am blessed to have this time.) What it comes down to? Less reading time; more family time. A silver lining to this terrible COVID-19 situation.

So. I couldn't tell you exactly what I was expecting from this novel. I suppose from a cursory glance (yes, judging a book by its cover) I had assumed I would be getting some version of your typical Chick Lit. Something light and fluffy, with amusing parts and some sort of romantic subplot. I added it to my reading list simply because it was the first book on the "Hello Sunshine" book list. (Again, scoff if you must; but I have still yet to be disappointed by any of the books on Reese's list). Alright. So, shame on me for judging a book based on the cover alone as to the contents within. I often will choose a book at a glance alone... it's almost like a little surprise when you open it up and get reading.

Anyways! Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is definitely not your typical Chick Lit. In fact, I don't think I would lump it in there at all (despite having seen it on lists for that genre). Eleanor is a complete loner who seemingly thrives on routine. I was smiling to myself through most of the first few chapters; picturing her looking like Amy from Big Bang Theory, but with a lot of Sheldonisms. How's that for a character summary? Interested yet? Add in a dark past that only fully comes to light in the remaining chapters of this charming novel, and I am sure your curiosity might be slightly piqued.

To watch Eleanor grow and come out of her shell throughout this novel makes you feel nearly proud for this awkward woman. She goes through many changes; physically, socially, and even emotionally. I feel like you wouldn't recognise her as the same woman from the beginning of the novel. The other characters Honeyman portrays bring light and warmth into this story, and into Eleanor herself.

I feel like it is a friendly reminder that none of us in this world are alone because we have to be.. it is a choice on some level. Circumstances arise that make you think you aren't worthy, or that you just aren't likeable; and eventually you think there is a reason for it. We are all worthy of laughter, hugs, and connection. Sometimes you can find that in the most surprising places.

Remember through this difficult time of social isolation that you are all loved, and that we should all be trying to check in with those we care about. The smallest gestures could have the deepest meaning. Above all, stay safe.

All The Missing Girls

Alright. I'm a bit late (okay, a lot) with this blog post. Amid all the craziness with COVID-19, it kind of got put on the back burner. I'm sure all of you can relate, as I have been spending more time watching the news than reading of late. I hope you all all staying safe during this time, enjoying time with your families, and staying positive. We will get through this, and hopefully at the end? The world is a bit of a better place for the changes that have occurred since this terrible virus began its spread.

Okay!! All The Missing Girls. A book I finished a week ago, and have not yet discussed. A thriller written in a completely different style than I am (personally) accustomed to. The book begins in present day, with the protagonist (Nic) receiving a call from her brother (Daniel) indicating that her father (who is residing in a nursing home) requires extra care, and they need to sell their family home to manage the financial upkeep his continuing care will require.

Nic makes the hours long journey to the small town she escaped during her teens, after her best friend had gone missing, and never returned. Making only short visits, and distancing herself more with the passing years, it's as if she both dreads and requires a reunion with some of those she as left behind; many of whom she lost contact with after Corinne's disappearance. 

Shortly after Nic returns home, she encounters her ex (Tyler), and shortly after that, the woman he is seeing goes missing. This book goes back day by day through the investigation, and provides all the answers as to how these two identical situations are tied together. Each character that the author rounds up has their own secrets about the night Corrine went missing; and Nic feels it's only a matter of time until some connection is made and all of their secrets come to light.

Each chapter goes back to "the day before", which is at first slightly disorienting, but I think kept you guessing on a whole different level. Seeing the pieces come together in reverse is a whole different experience. You don't wonder "what will happen next", you wonder what had happened previously. If you are a regular thriller looking to mix it up a bit? Give this one a whirl. While it isn't the most provocative thriller I have read, it did keep me engaged the entire way through.

Once again, dear reader; stay safe.

The Beantown Girls

I have read a few historical fiction novels in my literary adventures. For some reason, generally concerning the Holocaust. I suppose for some reason, I find these books to be quite important, and I feel like we should all have some understanding of the horrors people endured. Many of these books have been loosely based on true stories, and all have been thoroughly researched. (One you must read if you are also someone who shares this interest is The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris, which is based on a true story, and is truly, truly heart wrenching.) However! I am not discussing one of those books today. Today, I am sharing my thoughts of The Beantown Girls, which is also a work of historical fiction taking place during the second World War.
This book, however, follows the travels of three women from Boston who have been shipped to Europe to work with the Red Cross as Clubmobile girls. Perhaps you have no idea what a Clubmobile is? I didn't until I picked up this book and read over the back cover.
These girls are essentially packed up in a truck to make doughnuts and coffee for the Allied troops and boost morale. Seems like a simple idea, and one that was likely a great help to the soldiers during a very difficult time. To see these girls (who were all volunteers) put themselves into a dangerous situation to bring a taste of home to the camps as they played their music and served up smiles and charm is something I imagine was appreciated beyond measure during such a dark time for thousands of men.
The protagonist in this novel; Fiona, has volunteered after receiving news that her fiance has been listed as missing in action. After months of hearing no news, she decides that she needs to become a Clubmobile Girl, and get herself to "the Continent" so she can track him down herself. Last she heard, his plane went down in Germany, and she is beside herself with worry and grief. I just imagine the bravery one would need to volunteer to go to the front lines - and the depth of love she surely felt for her fiance to put herself at risk. Her best friends, Dottie and Viv also volunteer, and the three are shipped off to England; where they learn they may never actually make it to Germany.
I must admit, this is the first book I have ever read that had me welling up - several times. You can't help but feel the heartbreak of so many different characters. The loses they have endured; made all that more realistic knowing that so many went through these difficult situations during that terrible war. The hardships these girls face are actual hardships that were faced by Clubmobile Girls during the war (some events actually did involve Clubmobile Girls, and have been fictionalized to include Fiona, Viv, and Dottie). You feel the highs and the lows as you follow these girls throughout the duration of their deployment. The highs will make you smile, the lows will make you really think.
This book has left me very grateful. Although the world is not entirely at peace; I do not have to suffer any of the difficulties these girls faced; let alone the soldiers that are depicted. It has left me thankful; for those that did fight. For the volunteers who put their lives on the line. Who knows where we would be without the bravery of everyone involved in the war effort.
Bottom line here? READ THIS BOOK. Jane Healey really hits it out of the park (in my humble opinion) with this work.

**Black and white images have been pulled from a google image search of actual Clubmobiles**

clubmobile.org/history.html - contains a brief history of the Clubmobiles, and includes more pictures. Definitely worth a look.

The Library of Lost and Found

I believe I have mentioned before just how much I love books. (I mean; I would like to think it's an obvious conclusion to draw from someone writing a literary blog of any sort, really.) I have likely failed to mention how I feel books can bring people closer together. You may be rolling your eyes right now; or you might be nodding in agreement. Either way? This novel The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick showcases that exact sentiment.

This book made me want to curl up under a blanket with copious amount of tea, and consume it all in a single sitting. Easily readable, a great premise, and all kinds of kooky characters grab your attention from the first chapter.

Martha is a single, middle aged woman living alone in her cliffside cottage years after her parents (whom she cared for for fifteen years) have passed on. She keeps herself busy doing tasks for others. Always being helpful. Never saying no. She is left a mysterious package at the library where she works one evening, containing a battered book of fairy stories with an intriguing inscription from her beloved (and deceased) grandmother - dated three years after Martha was told she had died.

She brings the book to the attention of her younger sister, who tries to persuade her to let sleeping dogs lie. Of course, Martha can't leave it alone, and the book follows her quest to discover where this book originated from, and who the author could possibly be. She is made whole and torn apart through the pages of this wonderful novel. Your heartstrings will be tugged as Martha unearths portions of her own past she knew nothing about; and as she puts all of the pieces together. You get to watch her go from being a shell of a person, to truly becoming who she really is.

I feel I could honestly go on and on about this novel, discussing favorite chapters, and delve into which character I completely adored.. but I can't give too much away. Once again, a title containing "library" has proved to be a delightful read.

All The Ugly And Wonderful Things

As you all know, I am a big supporter of the public library system. I try to make it at least every week, and it's a place both of my small children are usually pretty excited to go to.

You should also know that I generally have a list of books (mainly accumulated through Pintrest, which may or may not come as a surprise) that I am slowly working through by ordering them from said public library. (Of course, I am adding books faster than I can possibly read! But, I will never run out of reading material, which I suppose is kind of the point!) ANYWAYS! Without really knowing what All The Ugly And Wonderful Things was about, I put it on my order list from the library. If I remember correctly, it had shown up on numerous lists.

The simplicity of the cover spoke to me when I picked it up last week, so I pretty much dove in blindly after barely glancing at the synopsis on the cover of the novel. I personally don't think anyone summing up this book could really do it justice. I was trying to explain it a little to my brother over the phone the other night, and just all of the layers of messed up that the main character was exposed to alone means you can't properly explain without giving the whole story away.

While the narrative changes between many characters throughout this novel, it never becomes convoluted or in any way difficult to follow.

Wavy is a girl who comes from a difficult upbringing. She barely speaks (and even then? Only to a select few.). She will not eat in front of anyone. You can't touch her. Her drug addled, abusive parents have gone above and beyond to give this child what most would consider an unbearable existence. A life she is briefly rescued from when her mother winds up in prison. As most heart wrenching stories go; she doesn't get that reprieve for long.

Time passes as she lives in the middle of nowhere in a rundown farm house with a mother that doesn't take care of her, and her younger brother (who her mother birthed in prison). The resilience of this child is incredible. She is cooking meals, cleaning, and basically mothering a child at the young age of six. And then? A bright spot when she meets Kellen after he crashes his motorcycle near their property one night.

After that point, most of this missive follows Wavy and Kellen's relationship as it grows and changes. She is merely eight when she meets Kellen; a burly biker covered in tattoos. He is in his early twenties and develops a soft spot almost immediately for this strangely beautiful child. He cares for her and it deepens in a nearly heartbreaking way. You would think a book that is primarily a love story between these two would be absolutely repulsive. I found myself rooting for their love... seemingly the only light in either of their dreary worlds.

I must truly applaud Bryn Greenwood on this work. I feel this is one of those novels that will stick with me for some time.

The Hunting Party

A remote location. A group of old friends. Murder. Secrets.

This compelling thriller from Lucy Foley takes place in an extremely remote location in the Scottish Highlands at New Years. A group of long time friends meet up , and it seems almost everyone has a secret. Everyone would have some kind of motive (or at least, the majority of the characters)... depending on who the victim is.

The Hunting Party goes back and forth between the time after the murder to the couple of days prior, building the plot and the suspense. Lucy Foley doesn't actually disclose who the victim is until about 3/4 of the way through this book (though I feel like you've got to know who it is after reading and getting a feel for some of these characters). While I found this book pretty well written, it is again a book where I didn't feel any particular tie to any of the characters. None of them are truly like able; perhaps because they seem either self absorbed, distant, somewhat pathetic or (let's be honest) assholes. I'm not attempting to criticize here.. I feel Foley did this with the intention of keeping you guessing. Which she does quite well.

Some of the secrets that are exposed I had a feeling about. Others were not quite as bad as anticipated. The ones I had a feeling about were pretty awful secrets to keep. I could easily imagine the betrayal each of the characters felt as these came to light. Foley wraps up this novel quite well.. the ending threw out a couple of plot twists, which was refreshing. (Because who needs one plot twist? You sort of see that coming now if you read enough thrillers; am I right?)

The imagery is compelling in itself. The idea of ringing in the new year near a Loch in the Scottish Highlands (for me at least) is one I could only dream of at this point in my life. I could easily picture myself hiking through the pines, enjoying that crisp air. Or looking out of the modern lodge watching the snow that traps them on the estate falls.

Though I am left with no desire to join an actual Hunting Party, this book does leave me to wonder how Foley's other works stack up. (I have already checked, and she has a few novels under her belt already, which is great.) I was entertained through this book; definitely one I am happy to have randomly found in the stacks at the library, as I waited for my requested books to make there way to me.

Fifteen Dogs

You may remember my post from last week showing my public library some love. While I was there, I recalled that they have a monthly book club, so I began looking for the book list. I'm always curious to see what people are reading, especially if it's off the beaten path. Sadly, the list was nowhere to be found. So, I asked the extremely helpful librarian, who procured another copy of said list from behind her desk. The book for February was nothing I had heard of, and I wasn't sure I would have time to attend the meeting.. but I was still curious. Being a librarian (and seemingly all around nice person) she went into the back room and brought out a copy for me to look over.

When she had initially read off the title, I said I would have to look into it; with every intention of googling the synopsis of the book. She seemed to think my hesitation was regarding a completely different matter; and told me the book wasn't very long. At this, I nearly laughed. Though I suppose for many people, that is the first question that comes to mind when you need to be done by a certain date. I shrugged it off and told her I tend to read a few books a month, and was just curious what it was about. (Which is when she fetched [no pun intended] the book from the office.)

The premise of this unheard of novel? The gods Apollo and Hermes place a bet regarding animals being in possession of human intellect, and if they would be happier for it. 

- I wonder, said Hermes, what it would be like if animals had human intelligence.

- I wonder if they'd be as unhappy as humans, Apollo answered.

- Some humans are unhappy; others aren't. Their intelligence is a difficult gift.

- I'd wager a year's servitude, said Apollo, that animals - any animal you choose - would be even more unhappy than humans are, if they had human intelligence.

An interesting premise, and the wager happens quickly in this novel. The fifteen dogs who are chosen have different personalities, and experience this gift bestowed upon them in various manners. As with people, I liked some of the dogs, and grew weary of the ones I disliked. The novel follows each of the dogs until their death, to determine if even one is happy in their final moments.

With such an unusual plot, I was fully expecting to adore this novel. Honestly? I didn't. While it wasn't a bad read, and I was driven to see which god would win (clearly siding with Hermes; I felt at least one of these lives would end on a positive note). The idea of this novel, while genius, seems mildly depressing, and makes you think about the lives of the dogs we reside with (or encounter) and just how their train of thought works. (I mean, who are we to deny their intellect?) After reading this novel, I am sure I will look at dogs differently; even just for a time. 

I think my favourite thing about the novel was being able to truly visualize much of the setting, as it takes place in Toronto; much of it very close to a neighbourhood I lived in years ago, and areas I am much familiarized with. The bar at which the gods begin and end the novel, for example is one I have been to several times (and also happens to be three or four doors down from my favorite Thai restaurant). 

Though this novel hasn't been my favorite read? It did make me think. Which, I'm sure many would say are the marks of a great read. If you want to pick up something that will (in parts) make you question humanity? It's a worthwhile read.