This historical fiction novel centers around Willow. Along with two other young women from her village in Korea, she makes her way to Hawaii as a pictThis historical fiction novel centers around Willow. Along with two other young women from her village in Korea, she makes her way to Hawaii as a picture bride -a sort of arranged marriage/mail order bride marriage. Spanning from just before WWI to WWII, Willow is the main narrator as she shares her fascinating story - along with those of her friends and her community. Well-performed, this makes for an engaging listen that I was always eager to pick back up. My laundry has never been so meticulously folded!
The Hawaiian setting and the Korean culture combine to make this a fresh and original read. The translation feels smooth. My only complaint is the last section - it shifts abruptly forward 18 years and moves from Willow's voice to Pearl's. This makes the book feel somewhat uneven - though I imagine that the revelations contained within this section will certainly lead to lively discussion amongst readers and listeners! And while there is a major surprise revealed, it makes the book feel somewhat unfinished because it isn't throughly explored.
Overall, however, I enjoyed this one and certainly felt like all of the characters and the setting came fully to life. This is a part of Hawaii that I don't think is often highlighted in fiction. I am surprised that this wasn't an October BOTM choice, as this is the type of strong debut novel that I feel like they gravitate towards selecting. I definitely think it would make for a great book club choice and I am curious to see what the author will write next! ...more
This was this month's book club pick, and while this isn't the one that I voted for, I ultimately enjoyed it and am glad to have read it! While the boThis was this month's book club pick, and while this isn't the one that I voted for, I ultimately enjoyed it and am glad to have read it! While the book is structured over a 24 hour time period, the story actually spans decades, telling Elle's life story of 50 years - but also giving some background on her mother and her mother's family. Currently married with three children, the book opens just after Elle acts on something that's been building for decades. The flashes back in time help show this mounting tension as Elle is finally forced to make a decision between her husband, Peter, and her childhood love and best friend, Jonas. I thought that the love triangle was really constructed well - Peter is so likable, but the weight of Elle's history with Jonas makes it easy to root just as much for him.
The ending in particular made this a great book to discuss with the whole club. When I finished reading this - and though I enjoyed the structure and the pacing - I found the ending to be a bit too ambiguous for my preferences. It seemed like a reader could convince themselves of either ending. I just prefer things to be a bit more concrete. But after our lively discussion, highlighting the a few key actions taken, I am more satisfied with this conclusion. I really enjoyed the setting here and think that this is a fantastic debut novel and I am really curious to see what Heller will write next!...more
Not that long ago, my book club and I were discussing the favorite books that we were forced to read for school and I was surprised to hear my own ansNot that long ago, my book club and I were discussing the favorite books that we were forced to read for school and I was surprised to hear my own answer of The Scarlet Letter over Wuthering Heights. Although, to be honest, I had actually read Bronte's novel before reading it a second time for school - so I think my answer was probably more accurate, since I doubt that I would have picked up Hawthorne's novel independent of my sophomore year American Literature class. Plus, that whole class was rather memorable and this and The Crucible definitely led to the most lively class discussions.
Albanese's novel, though named for Hawthorne's heroine, revolves around Isobel Gamble, the eventual inspiration for the character. The audio here is well-performed and I especially enjoyed the Scottish accent that makes up the bulk of the performance. Isobel's life unfolds from her happy and colorful childhood, to her bleak and grieving young adulthood which eventually leaves her practically penniless and alone in Salem, Massachusetts. There, Isobel meets and becomes the muse of Nathaniel Hawthorne, himself an aspiring writer. The shadows of Salem's past still lays a heavy pallor over its citizens.
Isobel takes up her needlework to survive - while keeping close her secret for her real cause for her artistic visions. More of the city's secrets come to light, making this an engaging listen. It feels well-researched and I think that this will certainly work as a good discussion starter for book clubs - or even classrooms who are looking for supplemental materials. I really enjoyed this one and I especially appreciated the length and breadth of the epilogue. Well-written and well-performed, I am eager to check out the author's previous novels!...more
It actually seems hard to believe that I have been following Picoult's writing career for nearly twenty years... And I freely admit, that her older noIt actually seems hard to believe that I have been following Picoult's writing career for nearly twenty years... And I freely admit, that her older novels are my preference to her more recent ones. Despite that, I can't repress that spark of excitement every time I crack open her latest. I went into this one totally blind - I didn't read the synopsis, nor did I look up any of her co-author's books - and to preserve the book's twist, I do recommend doing that! Anything more, and I think that a reader may see where this is going, so I will try my best to be circumspect throughout - nothing is worse than a spoiler!
Initially reading this one felt like a return somewhat to those older Picoult novels - defense attorney Jordan McAfee even returns!! His last appearance was in Nineteen Minutes, I think back in 2007! And I know many readers will love all the details about bees and bee-keeping. Personally, this made this a Halloween-season read for me because I am terrified (and allergic) to bees, so I could have done without this. I don't even like honey, so the recipes and the info-dumping dragged this down for me, though I am sure this will appeal to others. I am just glad that the cover isn't full of bees!
Anyhow, the story unfolds with two narrators - Olivia, the beekeeper and mother of Asher and sister of Jordan, and Lily, who's timeline works backwards in time as a new student to their NH town and dates Asher. When Asher winds up on trial for murder, the weight of both Olivia's and Lily's pasts come bearing down to add to the drama. This latter half of the novel especially feels more like Picoult's more recent books that take on numerous hot-topics from the headlines and rather forcefully insert lectures and facts into the narrative. The jab the authors include about book reviewers "telling people how to think" makes for an especially uncomfortable moment for at least this reader. It always shocks me when any author lashes out at those who support them. Negative reviews sell books just as readily as positive ones, from what I have seen. And I am certain that this will garner both. It also seems awfully hypocritical since the not-so-underlying message of this book is also telling its audience how to think...
The author's note at the end offers some interesting insight and background in how these authors came to work together. But, obviously, don't skip to the end to read it! The storyline itself is certainly engaging and this is an emotional read that brings these characters to life. Are there moments when the younger characters sound like middle-aged women? Yes, but I suppose life experiences can make a young person sound authentically jaded. There are some particularly heartbreaking scenes here that are certain to leave marks all their own on readers. Some elements of the story (like the romance) don't gel as well as others. I wish that had been omitted from the story and it would have been nice to see a happier ending for some of the other characters. It's a moving story and topics not often touched on in fiction are handled here in a (mostly) sensitive way. It's an interesting and riveting read that deals with tough issues from violence in the home, identity and intimacy - along with secrets and betrayals. I am sure that this will incite plenty of lively discussions amongst readers - and new audiences for the coauthors' books as they bring their audiences together. It captured my attention from start to finish and I really can't wait for someone I know to pick up a copy so that we can chat about it!
Thrusting the reader right in, this book really hooks you in from the beginning. Told in two perspectives, Maria and Kostya are ostensibly enemies - PThrusting the reader right in, this book really hooks you in from the beginning. Told in two perspectives, Maria and Kostya are ostensibly enemies - Polish Maria returns to find her family after years spent in a Nazi labor camp while Ukrainian Kostya juggles life as a double-informant. WWII isn't quite over, but with the Nazi retreat, the chaos left in their wake isn't often highlighted in fiction. With factions, smaller groups and enemies from all sides, the title refers to Polish operatives, trained in Britain and returned with the intention of a stronger Poland and one free from Soviet influence. This feels like an even more timely read considering the current state of this part of the world is a war zone once more.
This book really reads like nonstop action. There are some large coincidences that help move things along that do feel a bit overly convenient. But the audio is well-performed, though I think physically reading it would have been just as entertaining (and maybe it would have included a map!). The characters all come to life - and while the characters seemed to have so many reasons to hate one another, the small mercies they bestowed made this a much more uplifting read than I expected it to be. Some of the political complexities here could have done with a bit more detail - but I appreciated that family was the main motivation for all of these characters....more
I've seen a fair amount of mixed reviews about this one, so I've been curious about it since the publisher sent me a copy. But, I have to say that I sI've seen a fair amount of mixed reviews about this one, so I've been curious about it since the publisher sent me a copy. But, I have to say that I spent a large amount of time wanting to enjoy it more...
It opens with Libertie as a young girl - her mother is a doctor, a rare enough occurrence for any woman in the 1860s, but even rarer for a Black woman (though her mother's skin is light enough to pass as white). In Kings County, New York, her mother pushes her towards medicine for a shared dream to work together some day. But, as Libertie ages, she grows apart from her mother - she feels more anger about the state of the world - perhaps in part because her experience with darker skin than her mother is different. She goes to Ohio for college - where she discovers a love of music more than her studies. Her mother, in her absence, takes on another doctor to assist her at her hospital and Libertie is surprised to feel so jealous. And after she leaves school, Emmanuel seems to be the answer to her problems as well. Against her mother's wishes, she leaves with him as his wife and goes to Haiti.
Underlying the whole book is not only Libertie's own search for her identity, but also the idea of freedom. It's a bit of a slow read and to be honest, reading at night sent me to sleep a few times... I thought some sections were much stronger than others - but overall, this is a slow read. I didn't really connect with the characters and I would have appreciated more historical detail, to be honest. But can see this being a solid selection for book clubs because there is plenty here to start out a lively discussion!...more
I've never read anything of Kauffman's before, but when I was looking at predictions for books that might be Book of the Month Club options for March,I've never read anything of Kauffman's before, but when I was looking at predictions for books that might be Book of the Month Club options for March, I stumbled across this title. It sounded like such an interesting read, that I knew I wanted to read it regardless and was thrilled to be approved for it on NetGalley!
In a rural and remote part of Virginia, the Shaw family consists of parents and their seven children. In vignettes spanning decades, the family's story unfolds - though traumatic events leave their marks on them all in different ways. This makes for an engaging listen - obviously one very focused on the characters. There really isn't a plot, per se - but the historical aspect adds subtle dimension. I think this is the type of book that will really appeal to some book clubs to pick it apart for discussion. There's certainly a lot here to talk about!
For the most part, I enjoyed the audio performance - except for the dialogue intonation to mark a child's voice... it was just really cringey... But, on the whole, this kept my attention from start to finish. ...more
I expected this one to be a lighter and more romantic read than it actually turned out to be. Nora Hughes works in publishing - as she has for the lasI expected this one to be a lighter and more romantic read than it actually turned out to be. Nora Hughes works in publishing - as she has for the last five years. But with constant layoffs and budget cutting, her dream job has become more of a nightmare. Her favorite co-workers have all left and too many unrelated tasks wind up being shoved off on Nora's already overextended plate. When her salary is cut, Nora decides to start freelancing for a competitor. Juggling both jobs, and a few friendship with an author leads her to some impossible situations.
Nora has also lost her own spark of joy - she can't even find comfort in what used to bring her so much joy and brought her to this career in the first place - reading. Her love of books led here here, but what can possibly bring her out of this hole where the ceiling fan's blades are all she can be entertained by? The book covers suicidal thoughts, financial strife, deceit and self-discovery with the romance as more of a sideline than a focus which did surprise me. I think the cover especially makes this seem like it will be more of a romantic comedy - and this is not that. There may be some romantic banter and flirting, but this deals with real, and darker and topics. I think that Nora's struggles will resonate with many readers - especially any who have felt trapped in their careers. The ending isn't quite as finite as I'd hoped, but I did enjoy the audio performance and the author's own experiences certainly added a strong layer of realism here. I just wish that it had been an overall more uplifting and lighter read. ...more
I really wasn't too sure what to expect when I started listening to this one. It's a family story - but also involving a community, an immigrant experI really wasn't too sure what to expect when I started listening to this one. It's a family story - but also involving a community, an immigrant experience, cultural acceptance and relations between. This is my first experience with this author's writing and I also really enjoyed the audio performance.
In Haven, Wisconsin, the titular family operates the town's sole Chinese restaurant. Dagou, the eldest returned from New York City six years ago - ostensibly to her run the family business after his mother fell ill. But maybe also partly due to his failure to thrive in the big city. Ming, the middle son, arrives for a visit with success in business but failure in his personal relationships and an eagerness to get back out of town as soon as possible. Youngest son, James, home from college makes a chance encounter with a stranger into something with far greater ramifications for the whole family. Overshadowing his entire family, Leo, the father, constantly berates and belittles those closest to him. His wife, Winnie, has finally fled his household but not even living in the spiritual house can bring her peace.
The holiday visits turns into much more- revealing hidden (and not-so-hidden) ambitions, secrets, rumors and even a murder. Listening to this almost felt like listening to town gossip as it recounts the downfall of the Chao family. I wish that the characters had been a bit more sympathetic - they all certainly show their flaws here! The central mystery of the death is resolved, but the ending of the book isn't terribly satisfying. The female characters are not well-developed - and honestly, I wish that they had been the focus here rather than these unlikable brothers! It's a grim story in a lot of ways - though an engaging one that held my interest from start to finish. The audio performance is particularly stellar here in helping to bring these characters to life. But fair warning - don't listen on an empty stomach! The food descriptions here are particularly mouth-watering!...more
Unfortunately, this marks my first DNF of 2022 - I always feel guilty setting a book aside unfinished, but after getting halfway through, this one jusUnfortunately, this marks my first DNF of 2022 - I always feel guilty setting a book aside unfinished, but after getting halfway through, this one just didn't resonate with me at all. Translated from the Spanish, this focuses on Maria and Alicia, grandmother and granddaughter - though their connection isn't immediately clear. Their stories unfold more in vignettes that skip across decades. Maybe if I was more familiar with Spanish history, the dates and events would immediately have more significance, but unfortunately, this translation doesn't offer much contextually to give a better sense of what's really going on politically and historically.
The characters aren't very likable or even sympathetic. I just couldn't connect with them (nor they with other people, so I suppose that makes it authentic). The choppy style (including my pet-peeve of head-hopping) makes it hard to feel like this is actually building toward anything. I think that more of a connection to Spain is needed for a reader to feel more connected to this one, I could have forced myself to finish, but the unlikable characters, lack of a plot and style just meant that this wasn't doing anything for me. ...more
I really love books about missing persons, so when I was invited to read this one, it sounded right up my alley! While this is based on a real missingI really love books about missing persons, so when I was invited to read this one, it sounded right up my alley! While this is based on a real missing persons case - of a young college woman who disappeared on March 1, 1946 - this is more of an experimental fiction book than a mystery. Ryan offers a multitude of Paula Jeans - where she may have been or might have gone - though the most detailed version puts her with a new name and given second sight that she uses to find other missing women. In 1961, she travels south to North Carolina to find another missing Paula, though the town is also missing young women of color, drawing "Mary" to uncover the town's secrets to uncover what happened.
But between this 1961 narrative, other possibilities of Paula's life emerge - some more satisfying and others more heartbreaking (abuses, lost loves and murder) with some familiar elements woven across. While I think that this could be a lively discussion starter for book clubs and other groups, this just didn't work for me. I like to have a more concrete story. This was overall unsatisfying - and it started to feel a bit like reading someone else's dream journal. There were some recognizable moments, but nothing truly relatable. I was tempted to set this one aside without finishing it, actually when I realized that it wasn't actually building towards anything, but ended up reading on. But, after finishing it, I do sort of wish that I had. The writing itself is solid, but the lack of characters that felt realistic and the hypothetical plot just didn't work for me....more
In the summer of 2004, while working at Books-A-Million, I discovered Picoult's books - I read her latest and then quickly moved my way through her enIn the summer of 2004, while working at Books-A-Million, I discovered Picoult's books - I read her latest and then quickly moved my way through her entire backlog. There are some that I have since read more than once and rank amongst my favorite books and I can't stop that trill of excitement when I hear that she has a new book on the horizon. To not spoil anything for myself, I didn't so much as read the summary of this one before I started it - so I really had no idea at all going in that this was going to be a COVID-19 novel.
Diana, on the cusp of turning thirty, lives a life largely organized and on track. She shares a home with her surgeon-resident boyfriend in NYC and is in line for a promotion at Sotheby's. With a trip to the Galapagos upcoming, Diana feels like she can hear the wedding bells in her future. But, the book opens on March 13, 2020 - and even the best laid plans are quickly foiled by the ravages of this virulent virus.
Broken into two parts, Dian'a's story - while not exactly unpredictable - makes for a hard-to-put-down read. Picoult sets the book in a way that makes everything so realistic and totally in the moment. Though it hasn't actually been that long since those first shelter-in-place mandates went into effect, Picoult includes details from that time that I think many have already forgotten about (or purposely so!). As with many of her previous books, this is an emotional read. Diana makes for a sympathetic character and I also appreciate the role that art and books play in her life. The characters all really do come to life here and I felt totally absorbed into the story.
I do with that it had been perhaps a bit more unpredictable... and Finn's side of the story seems to exist mainly for huge swaths of info-dumping. A bit more finesse from his side might have made this a stronger read. As with many of her more recent books, comments that seem to come directly from Picoult's own personal opinions can jar the reader out of the moment. This isn't the first COVID book that I have read this year - and I am sure it won't be the last one to hit the shelves, but this is certainly one that is hard to put down. And as usual, I am curious to see what she will write next!...more
Wow! It may still be early into 2022, but this is definitely a Top 2022 Read for me! I've loved every book that Algonquin Books has invited me to readWow! It may still be early into 2022, but this is definitely a Top 2022 Read for me! I've loved every book that Algonquin Books has invited me to read (and this one even came accompanied by some delicious mango candy!) and this is certainly no exception! It reels the reader in from the very start and soon makes it impossible to put it down. I definitely stayed up way too late into the night to finish this one!
It opens with Smita, who cuts her vacation in the Maldives short after a fellow journalist and friend breaks her hip in India. Smita has avoided returning to India since her family emigrated to America. She wants to flee even more when Shannon asks her help - not with her recovery, but with finishing the story that she is covering. In a rural part of India, Meena defied her brothers - first by working outside of the home, and then by falling in love and marrying a Muslim man. Her brothers deeply punish this transgression and the verdict on their trial is due any day.
Both Smita and Meena's stories unfold in a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking way. On some levels, this is a love story - but one that is severely contrasted against so much intolerance and hatred. The characters all come to life with rich development. This one had my crying, but I couldn't tear my eyes off the pages. The setting and its details - from the living conditions, smells and tastes, all vividly springs to life. While the plot hints as to where it's all going, I still found myself genuinely shocked. I really loved this emotional and powerful read. I can see why this was a Reese Witherspoon book club pick - there's plenty to discuss here and I think it shows a side of Hindu-Muslim relations that are not often seen in popular fiction. It's exquisitely written - I actually cannot believe that this is my first experience with this talented author. I am really excited to check out her earlier noels - and obviously anything that she writes in the future! ...more
Last year, I absolutely loved reading Ashcroft's MEET ME IN BOMBAY. Needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled when the publisher reached out directlyLast year, I absolutely loved reading Ashcroft's MEET ME IN BOMBAY. Needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled when the publisher reached out directly and invited me to read her latest. Set during WWII, the book opens with Rosie's birthday. Still grieving an unexpected loss, Rosie impulsively stops on her way to lunch and interviews for a position to shepherd a young boy to Australia from London. What follows is an emotional wartime adventure - with loss, plenty of love, family secrets and relationships. The characters all spring to life. It's a moving book and one that I genuinely loved. I laughed, I cried and went through at least five tissues that I can see on my nightstand. I grew to genuinely love these characters and honestly didn't want this book to end.
It's well-researched and while I've read many novels set during WWII, I have probably only read a handful that involve Australia during this time period. And the Australian wildlife makes for a fun addition here (though I am sure that many were expecting more snakes and spiders, just as Rosie feared). I really just loved these characters and how all of the relationships grow and develop over the course of the novel. I appreciated the epilogue - but wished that it was set even further into their future.
I honestly was really surprised at the depth of my emotional connection to the characters here - at one point I was legitimately sobbing... I just loved reading this one. And I think that an audio version would make for a fun listen. I'm looking forward to reading more from Ashcroft in the future, that's for sure! ...more
This title first caught my eye when I saw the cover on a list for the most anticipated lists for November releases. After reading the description, I tThis title first caught my eye when I saw the cover on a list for the most anticipated lists for November releases. After reading the description, I thought it sounded interesting and was happy to have my request on NetGalley approved. In the summer before her senior year of college, Sibel travels to Turkey to stay with her ailing grandmother. Her boyfriend joins her and works in a local hospital. Still grieving the sudden loss of her father, Sibel's summer is one of inertia - she feels plagued by constant headaches and rather than study for the mCAT, she instead finds herself drawn to reading about ancient medicine - particularly the theories of the four humors- black bile, choler, phlegm and blood. But soon she also begins learning more about her family as well as the historical and political climate of Turkey. It's an intriguing novel and I liked Seckin's writing style - this makes for a strong debut!
While the narrative does seem a bit drawn out at times, I still found myself eager to pick it back up. I think that it especially brings Istanbul and the flavors of Turkey to life. I wish that the ending hadn't been quite so abrupt, though I just wanted a bit more - or at the very least more of a medical resolution as the headaches play such an important role throughout the book! I am curious to see what Seckin will write next!...more
This stunning cover is what initially caught my eye - I just love owls! And the description for this work of literary fiction only further intrigued mThis stunning cover is what initially caught my eye - I just love owls! And the description for this work of literary fiction only further intrigued me. On its surface, this is the story of Tiny, a musician and wife, who becomes mother to an owl-baby. Having a child so radically different impacts not only Tiny, but all of her relationships as well. Her marriage crumbles, her in-laws that already treated her like an outsider only further alienate her and the owl-baby, Chouette. The book really expresses, through this rather fanciful condition, what it can be like to have a child who is developmentally different. The love between this mother and child may not always be picturesque, but it is very primal and real here.
Having a brother with Fragile X Syndrome really added to my personal connection to this one. I am really curious to see how it is received by those without any type of experiences with a child who is developmentally different versus those that have. I think that this would be a really interesting book for a book club or other discussion group. I also think that fans of NIGHTBITCH, which I read earlier this year, will also appreciate this one. I found this one to be fast-paced, engrossing and think that it is such an original frame to share such deeply personal experiences. I hope that this finds a broad audience to appreciate this! ...more
I absolutely can't resist a book about twins! Thanks to growing up on Sweet Valley books, I really am always drawn to a plot that involves twins. In WI absolutely can't resist a book about twins! Thanks to growing up on Sweet Valley books, I really am always drawn to a plot that involves twins. In Weiss' debut novel, which opens at the end of the 19th century and continues into the 20th century up through the 1930s, the main narrator, Harriet, makes up one half of the titular Sisters Sweet, a vaudeville act of songs. Her twin, Josephine, is the more confident one on stage. Their act doesn't really take off until their parents construct a harness for them - to pose as conjoined twins. Though the book mostly focuses on Harriet and Josephine's life, Weiss also inserts the background of their parents, showing the whole family's tie to the entertainment world. Weiss also makes certain to include the history as well to act as an enriching background to the whole family's story.
While the book covers their life touring, much of it is also set in Chicago - which I especially appreciated. It was also fun to share a birthday with Harriet and Josie! Who doesn't enjoy seeing their birth date pop up throughout?! Weiss brings the characters - and their flaws - to life quite well. I felt a bit unsatisfied with the ending, though. It seemed that the most exciting parts of Harriet's life were excluded from the story! And I wanted there to be more of a reconciliation between the sisters. Still, it's a compelling read and one that I definitely enjoyed. This is a strong debut novel and I think it would make for a great choice for book clubs and discussion groups!...more
I was invited to read this one directly from the publisher - though I may have stumbled across this one otherwise, as a few years ago, I read and likeI was invited to read this one directly from the publisher - though I may have stumbled across this one otherwise, as a few years ago, I read and liked an earlier novel from the author. This one is a sort of delayed coming-of-age story. The titular character, Stevie Green, has spent over a quarter of a century as a mostly functional alcoholic- moving around from city to city, seeking a clean slate. At the book's open, now 37, Stevie has returned home to La Jolla, California, ostensibly to help her mother downsize. Instead, she thinks that she has found her calling as a professional organizer. In helping others pare down their lives, she's found the ability to stop drinking and to start cleaning up her own life. Because of her drinking, she never really got to know herself - and she blames the downfall of her whole life, not on her own actions, but of those of the person who created a crushing campaign poster against her run for office in high school.
The bulk of the book comes from Stevie's perspective, but a few other voices are present as well. It's a fast read - and though the plot doesn't hold any real surprises, it is a hopeful story of self-discovery that may inspire some readers to tackle their own closets - either literally or metaphorically. I think that this one would make for a good choice for book clubs or discussion groups, too. It's a quickly paced read that captured my attention from start to finish. I am looking forward to seeing what Huntley writes next!...more
Algonquin Books is definitely one of my favorite publishers - and I have really enjoyed the books that they have brought to my attention -including thAlgonquin Books is definitely one of my favorite publishers - and I have really enjoyed the books that they have brought to my attention -including this one! It's a sort of a delayed coming-of-age story. As her 60th birthday approaches, Bea reflects on her past - and her future. Daughter of a famous and controversial photographer, ex-wife twice over to the same rockstar and a lyricist and writer in her own right, Bea still feels like her life has been more defined by the haunting and disturbing nude photos of her and her older twin brothers than anything else. When both MoMA and Hollywood approach her, instigating her introspection of past traumas - as well as confronting the truths in her current relationships, the book hits its rhythm of past and present. While the book broaches dark topics, Gangi handles these gracefully. It's refreshing to see an older protagonist, too. Totally enrapturing, I couldn't put this one down! The characters all come to life and I can see this as a good choice for book clubs or discussion groups!...more
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