Books, recommended
A few of this month’s books came recommended in rather curious ways …
Book 1: 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
This wonderful book introduced itself via the Book Vs. Movie podcast:
The two hosts – both named Margo – were so charmed by 84, Charing Cross Road, the postwar exchange of letters between a writer in New York and a bookseller in London, that I decided to give it a look-see.
Checking our home inventory on the BookBuddy+ app, I was delighted to find we already had the book. I’m guessing it was from Mom’s collection. There’s also a Folio edition:
The sassy writer was in search of antique books – very specific volumes – and the bookseller did his best to fulfill her requests. The letters tell the story of life in postwar London (food there was rationed for many years) and the unlikely friendship that formed over 20 years.
Thank you to Margo and Margo for the excellent recommendation!
Book 2: We All Wore Stars by Theo Coster
Next, BookBub.com sent their daily book recommendations via email, and this one caught my eye:
One of Anne Frank’s classmates pulled together a few other childhood chums who’d survived the Holocaust so they could capture their memories of Anne and share their individual stories.
Book 3: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
If memory serves, this is not a re-read for me. We read Tom Sawyer back in school, the story about painting the fence, but that’s about all.
Of course, this is on some banned-books lists. One reason given is because it mentions Huck and Jim took off their clothes to bathe in the river. Another reason it was banned early on was for using the word “sweat” instead of “perspiration.
Oh, brother.
This is a classic. It’s also a story of unimaginable behavior some would like to overlook from our history. Let’s just hope the reverse psychology of a ban (“you can’t tell me what not to read!”) will continue to spread the shameful truth about our nation’s past.
Book 4: James by Percival Everett
Book #4 is the reason I wanted to read Book #3 this month.
James is the story of Huckleberry Finn told from the perspective of Jim, his friend and an escaped slave.
The author says he hopes James gets banned:
Who recommended this book? Lots of people on Bluesky’s BookSky community raved about it. And you know what? They were right.
Two family notes: I really missed Mom while reading this as I know we would have enjoyed an over-the-phone bookclub reading of it together. And I must confess, anything with my youngest son’s name on it is going to get my attention.
Book 5: Unconditional Surrender by Evelyn Waugh
Finished the trilogy!
Since this collection of Evelyn Waugh books is from the Folio Society books Dad selected for his retirement reading, I feel like they come with his stamp of approval.
The series is semi-biographical, as the nepo-baby protagonist who seems unable to catch a break in life tries to find his place in the British military during World War II.
One quote I set aside to share: One must not make the war an excuse for unkindness.
Book 6: Conclave by Robert Harris
Gary and I hadn’t been to the movies since before the pandemic. So when Conclave came to town, we at last ventured forth.
It was so good, I wanted to also read the book:
It was amazing how closely the film followed the storyline in the book, as the Dean of the College of Cardinals works his way through guiding, but not influencing, the process of electing a new Pope.
You know who doesn’t recommend this book and movie? Some writer for a Catholic newspaper, apparently. (Admit it, doesn’t that make you really want to rush out and see it and then read it?) It’s a fascinating political thriller with a magnificent ending.
Book 7: The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
Remember learning in school about the Machiavellian belief that “the end justifies the means”? Yes, indeed, he wrote a book during the 16th century. It contained all his wicked advice on how to gain power and retain it. The message, of course, was to do whatever it takes to get what you want. (Sound familiar?)
Frankly, the only thing I found to like about this book was its luminescent cover. Other than that, I will share that it has been claimed that this book was inspired by the Devil himself. And yes, it’s been banned and condemned repeatedly over the centuries.
Book 8: Walking on Water by Madeleine L’Engle
This recommendation came in the middle of the night.
I kid you not, a book fell off the shelf on top of our rolltop desk. I heard the thump, and although I’m not accustomed to dropping books on the bedroom floor, I recognized the sound and figured there must have been a book at the end of the bed that got kicked off inadvertently just before dawn.
When I picked up the book a few hours later, it was clear: Ah, Mom wants me to read this next:
With the new administration in Washington, Mom – as usual – was right. A book subtitled “Reflections on Faith and Art” was just the ticket. (Ms. L’Engle mentions how her books have been deemed too religious for some and not religious enough for others. And this was 50 years ago!)
This quote from her book rings true all these years later, as she calls for us all to read more:
Book 9: Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
I finished January with the perfect type of recommendation – a Christmas gift from Aubrie!
This is the sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea.
The two main characters sweetly and fiercely protect the children in their care, as the government sternly swoops in to make sure the children – all magical – know that they’re different and not welcome among the “normal” humans. The newest child in the orphanage is a yeti, who cries ice cubes. Chilling.
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