Book Nook Cafe discussion

This the thread for general book discussions for September 2023

Tell us what you just read, are currently reading or plan to read. Tell us about your favorite author. Have you read some book news? Share it with the group. Anything related to books and reading, we want to hear all about it !
:)

Authors Jesmyn Ward, James McBride are finalists in 2023 Kirkus Prizes

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entert...

Let Us Descend-----Jesmyn Ward

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store--James McBride

Alias Reader wrote: "Authors Jesmyn Ward, James McBride are finalists in 2023 Kirkus Prizes
.."

Love the covers on both of these books. I'm going to put the McBride on my TBR list. I've enjoyed his memoir The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother

Just added these to my TBR - thanks for posting Alias!

You're welcome, Lindsey ! Happy reading !

Like a Sister by Kellye Garrett

Graduate student Lena Scott doesn't believe her half-sister Desiree died from an accidental heroin overdose, and Lena sets out to prove it was murder.

Set in New York City, which adds nice ambiance to the mystery novel. 3 stars

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I'm starting September reading The Fountain Overflows. So far, it's the beginning of a relaxing, interesting family saga.

I'm starting September continuing to read The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict
It's good not great.

I'm very anxious to read Let Us Descend since I love the writing of Jesmyn Ward.

I'm currently reading The Past Is Never by Tiffany Quay Tyson primarily because I wanted to read a Southern Gothic.

I finished reading the historical fiction novel The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict. Though the end notes acknowledge much had to be fictionalized as little is know about the main character, Belle.

This is the story of Marion Greener, known as Belle de Costa Greene. She was the personal librarian to J.P. Morgan who curated his private library of rare books and manuscripts. The library today is open to the public thanks to Ms. Greene.

The story centers around the fact that Ms. Greene is black but passes as white to be accepted in the business world and the high society of the Gilded age.

The book begins in 1905 and starts off very interestingly as we learn about Belle and a just a tiny bit of J.P. Morgan. Unfortunately, for me, the characters were undeveloped. The book became repetitious and then turned into a bit of a romance novel. Maybe better editing could have helped. Perhaps having two authors was part of the problem.

I found it hard to like Belle at times because she constantly tells us how brilliant, wily and beautiful she is. I mean in every chapter! I am sure she was but the way she is portrayed in the book made her seem shallow. This made it difficult to like her even though she clearly was an amazing women who was at the top of her profession. I don't think the book does her justice.

I think it was a missed opportunity to explore a really fascinating women, J.P. Morgan, the Gilded age and the world of rare books, art and manuscript collecting. I also wanted to understand more about the racism of the times and how it tore her family apart.

All that said, I thought the book was okay but it did not exceed my expectations. I gave it a 3/5 rating. I did appreciate learning about Ms. Greene and I look forward to seeing the Morgan Library one day.

Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder is Aussie author Kerryn Mayne's debut novel, which shows how childhood trauma could break or make lonely primary school teacher Lenny.
My review of Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder

Fan-bl**dy-tastic kids' book for everybody: The Book of Time by Clive Gifford. What the heck IS time anyway? Spend a little time enjoying science, history, philosophy, mythology, all about time, from cosmic to nano.

My review of The Book of Time with several illustrations

Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

In this fictionalized story of notorious serial killer Ted Bundy, Jessica Knoll focuses on the women more than the murderer.

Well written. 4 stars

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Alias Reader wrote: "I finished reading the historical fiction novel The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict. Though the end notes acknowledge much had to be fictionalized as little i..."

I envy Marion Greener's job as personal librarian to J.P. Morgan - how fun would that be? 🙂

PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Fan-bl**dy-tastic kids' book for everybody: The Book of Time by Clive Gifford. What the heck IS time anyway? Spend a little time enjoying science, history, philosophy,..."

Great review. I hope people listen and put it in school libraries like you suggest.

Barbara wrote: "Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

In this fictionalized story of notorious serial killer Ted Bundy, Jessica Knoll focus..."

Is this historical fiction ? Odd that author wouldn't do a non fiction book.

Alias Reader wrote: "PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Fan-bl**dy-tastic kids' book for everybody: The Book of Time by Clive Gifford. What the heck IS time anyway? Spend a little time enjoying scie...

I hope people listen and put it in school libraries like you suggest."

Me too!

I finished reading Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose

I selected this book because I needed something published in the 1950's for our 100 book challenge.

I've seen the film a number of times. It's an excellent movie with a stellar cast.

As I read the play, I would periodically go to YouTube to see the scene from the movie that I just read.

It's a terrific play that I think is as relevant today as the day it was published.
I gave it a 4/5 rating.

Alias Reader wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

In this fictionalized story of notorious serial killer Ted Bundy, Jes..."

Maybe the author wanted to get inside the women's heads and present their thoughts, and no one knew what they were thinking. I don't know. If she couldn't gather enough facts, she'd have to go with fiction. Again, this is just an assumption on my part. Sounds like an interesting book.

Alias Reader wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

In this fictionalized story of notorious serial killer Ted Bundy, Jes..."

Is this historical fiction ? Odd that author wouldn't do a non fiction book.

The book seems like an amalgam of historical fiction and non-fiction. Maybe non-fiction would focus too much on the killer, which Knoll doesn't want.

Barbara wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

In this fictionalized story of notorious serial ..."

Ok. I understand now. I thought it was straight fiction or alternative fiction. I didn't realize it was historical fiction.

I have a friend who likes to read non fiction crime genre. I'll pass the title on to her. Thanks !

However, I think that is every day for us !

The Night House by Jo Nesbø

Mystery writer Jo Nesbo dips a toe into the horror genre here, and the creepy crawly story is appropriate for YA and adult readers.

Fun book, good for the Halloween season. 3 stars

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Alias, that's a great pic! Yes, every day is Read A Book Day for us.

I haven't been reading much this week. I'm still enjoying The Fountain Overflows. The family depicted are very quirky. The writing is easy and enjoyable to read and the family's lifestyle and quirkiness are interesting. .....just don't ask me the point of the story yet. LOL.

Barbara wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

In this fictionalized story of notorious serial ..."

Maybe, Barbara. We rarely know why writers make the choices they do unless they tell us. There are other books about the murderer, so maybe this author just wanted to do something different. Glad you enjoyed it. It sounds interesting to me.

I'm enjoying The Past Is Never by Tiffany Quay Tyson even though I don't generally enjoy books about or narrated by young people (under 25 or 30). I fear this one is going to be a little predictable, but I still like it.

I've enjoyed several of Amazon's Original Stories, this one in particular. The Scenic Route is by Christina Baker Kline. A woman tells us why she took to the road in a small van, because staying put was destroying her. Good short read.
My review of The Scenic Route

If you're a NetGalley reviewer, the story will be archived on Sept 15.

The Sebastian St. Cyr historical mystery series is a favourite. In #10, author C.S. Harris asks, Who Buries the Dead? (And who steals their heads?!) Great atmosphere, stories, and characters.

My review of Who Buries the Dead?

The Golden Gate by Amy Chua

In 1944, the murder of a presidential hopeful in San Francisco launches an investigation that focuses on three beautiful girls.

Good ambiance of SF of the time, with the racism, bigotry, Japanese internment, WWII fears, and more. 3.5 stars

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I just started reading .

Petra wrote: "I haven't been reading much this week. I'm still enjoying The Fountain Overflows. The family depicted are very quirky. The writing is easy and enjoyable to read and the family's lifes..."

:) Glad you are enjoying it. Sometimes you need a easy read.

For our 100 book challenge I'm reading an Agatha Christie novel.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd I'm not normally a fan of the genre but so far it's good. I decided to listen to the audio as I read it. I figure the British accent would add to the book. I found the audio on YouTube.

Alias Reader wrote: For our 100 book challenge I'm reading an Agatha Christie novel.The Murder of Roger Ackroyd .."

This is one of Christie's best books. 🙂

Mrs Pargeter's Patio by Simon Brett

In this cozy mystery, widowed Mrs. Pargeter - and the 'crooks gone straight' in her husband's little black book - investigate a murder and a missing person.

Fun story. 3.5 stars

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Amazon to require some authors to disclose the use of AI material

NEW YORK -- After months of complaints from the Authors Guild and other groups, Amazon.com has started requiring writers who want to sell books through its e-book program to tell the company in advance that their work includes artificial intelligence material.

The Authors Guild praised the new regulations, which were posted Wednesday, as a “welcome first step” toward deterring the proliferation of computer-generated books on the online retailer’s site. Many writers feared computer-generated books could crowd out traditional works and would be unfair to consumers who didn't know they were buying AI content.

----Full article
https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wir...

This city in NJ just became a ‘book sanctuary' following rise in book bans across U.S.

According to the American Library Association, there were more than 1,200 attempted book bans in the U.S. last year -- up from more than 700 in 2021, and just over 150 the year before that.

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local...

ABA names Amanda Gorman Indie Bookstore Ambassador

Sep 07 2023

Poet Amanda Gorman has been named Indie Bookstore Ambassador for the American Booksellers Association for 2023-2024. She will be "a champion for independent bookstores" year round, including for Banned Books Week (October 1-7), Indies First on Small Business Saturday (November 25), and Independent Bookstore Day (April 27, 2024).

Gorman said she was "incredibly honored.... Independent bookstores are vital parts of our communities and bastions of literature. We must work together to support local booksellers everywhere so that they can continue to thrive and champion books on a local level with the personal touch and human connection that we all need, now more than ever."

Source: Shelf Awareness

Amanda Gorman

Congratulations to Amanda Gorman. 🌸

The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham

In mid-20th century Biloxi, Mississippi, vice in the form of drinking, gambling, and prostitution is rampant, and a right-minded attorney is determined to wipe it out.

Good book. 4 stars

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I just finished and reviewed The Past Is Never by Tiffany Quay Tyson.

I chose it because it was set in Mississippi (and Florida). For me, it didn't rise to Southern Gothic, but it was still a book set mostly in Mississippi, and I love the cover, so it nudged me enough to read it. It's a slow-moving book, with very little plot, but still quite interesting, with good character development. The pace does pick up a little after the halfway point. The best thing about the book is that it's very well-written. I really enjoyed it.

Barbara wrote: "Like a Sister by Kellye Garrett

Graduate student Lena Scott doesn't believe her half-sister Desiree died from an accidental her..."

Barbara, thank you for this review. It sounds intriguing but the original fun series from Garrett sounds better. So, i checked out Hollywood Homicide immediately. Thanks for mentioning both.

Petra wrote: "I'm starting September reading The Fountain Overflows. So far, it's the beginning of a relaxing, interesting family saga.

"

I like the cover and story but for some reason family sagas do nothing for me. Why this is, i do not know. I look forward to reading your comments about the novel, Petra.

Alias Reader wrote: "I'm starting September continuing to read The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict
It's good not great."

Sorry to hear that, Alias. When Simon reviewed the book, i looked for a bio about Belle da Costa Greene and found Heidi Ardizzone's An Illuminated Life: Belle da Costa Greene's Journey from Prejudice to Privilege, which i read and liked very much. What a fascinating family history.

However, i still felt as you did about the era and her relationship with Morgan. As you note, not much is known about the beginning of her employment with him but i was surprised that the author didn't find more. Part of the reason is that she relied heavily on letters Belle & her lover wrote to one another. Morgan was mentioned, of course, but not the sort of details i wanted.

As for the era, i don't know exactly what i wanted in the book but it still seemed written about in broad strokes. Certainly Belle enjoyed going out regularly, which seems a contrast to her work but, even so, there didn't seem to be enough of that for me to understand her fascination.

Regardless, her life was a fascinating one, given the times and the status of her employer. Thanks for sharing about the book.

Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I'm very anxious to read Let Us Descend since I love the writing of Jesmyn Ward.

I'm currently reading The Past Is Never by [author:Tiffany Quay Ty..."

Kiki, reading about your forays into literature from the US south has helped broaden my appreciation of how much there is out there. I'm grateful for that, and to you for sharing about the works and authors.

PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Fan-bl**dy-tastic kids' book for everybody: The Book of Time by Clive Gifford. What the heck IS time anyway? Spend a little time enjoying science, history, philosophy,..."

I read and appreciated both your reviews, Patty, but the one on time is one i want to read! Just the examples of how we use/think in time was thoughtful--in that, i hadn't thought of some of those previously. Thanks for sharing your opinions of both books.

Barbara wrote: "Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

In this fictionalized story of notorious serial killer Ted Bundy, Jessica Knoll focus..."

While this book sounds fascinating and i much approve of moving the focus away from the killer, i'm sorry it is not strictly nonfiction. Thank you for introducing the book and author's approach, Barbara. It's a good idea for presenting such tragedy.

Alias Reader wrote: "I finished reading Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose

I selected this book because I needed something published in the 1950's for our 100 book challenge.

I've seen the ..."

Another thing i like about this is that it has been remade & rewritten a number of times to include women and people of color. It opens itself to that stretch, while still maintaining the drama quite well.

What a neat selection for the prompt!

Barbara wrote: "The Night House by Jo Nesbø

Mystery writer Jo Nesbo dips a toe into the horror genre here, and the creepy crawly story is app..."

Curious turn for Nesbo, whose books i've not read but heard about over the years. This one sounds quite imaginative, though. Thanks for sharing about it and the images, Barbara.

PattyMacDotComma wrote: "I've enjoyed several of Amazon's Original Stories, this one in particular. The Scenic Route is by Christina Baker Kline. A woman tells us why she took to the road i..."

I'd like to see a novel with a character like this. Thanks for the review and notice, Patty.

I like reading your comments on the continuing adventures of Sebastian St. Cyr, even though they do not call to me. Pleasurable to read about them via your insights.

Barbara wrote: "The Golden Gate by Amy Chua

In 1944, the murder of a presidential hopeful in San Francisco launches an investigation that focuses..."

I'm torn on this one, Barbara. The story doesn't do much to catch my interest but the historical details do! I've added it to my TBR but won't rush to it. Did you get the sense it was going to be a series?

Regardless, thank you for the splendid review--photos were wonderful.