One of the books that stayed with me last month was Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha — quietly devastating in a way I didn’t expect. I actually wrote a deeper reflection on it recently if anyone’s curious:
An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine - really enjoyed this and it gave me ideas for other books to read. Also liked A Place of Tides by James Rebanks.
Two five star books for me this month. First was the nonfiction book Everything if Tuberculosis by John Green. A fascinating history of the disease and our current efforts (or lack there of) to eradicate the drug resistance types that exist in more impoverished countries. Frustrating read when you consider recent cut to funding for this type of care. I also read The Correspondent and found it to be delightful and explains why I had to wait over four months to get it from my library. The main character starts out rather grumpy, but her true caring self comes through. Lovely book about learning to forgive others and most importantly, yourself.
Churchill by Andrew Roberts. I’m a political liberal born in 1945, but I can’t read enough about this historical figure. His racist views aside, and his fight to preserve the British Empire aside, his fight to defeat Facism is a highlight of history.
I read Stacy Shiff's book called The Revolutionary Samuel Adams. Much has been written about his cousin John and his other cousin John Quincy, but he has scarcely been given his due as the most steadfast and determined agitator for American Independence. The research in this book is stunning. And David McCullough liked it quite a bit. I then chose to lighten it up a bit by reading one of Louis L'amour's Sacket books.
I read "We All Want Impossible Things” by Catherine Newman. It's about best friends since childhood, 40 years old, and one is dying in hospice care...and you won't believe this, but l haven’t laughed this much in l can’t remember when. Newman points out ironies and absurdities, and makes all manner of astute observations. The book is not for the prudish, so be forewarned!
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and Strangers by Belle Burden!
Happy May 1st! 🐞
One of the books that stayed with me last month was Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha — quietly devastating in a way I didn’t expect. I actually wrote a deeper reflection on it recently if anyone’s curious:
https://freshoffmyshelf.substack.com/p/paddy-clarke-hahaha-is-this-what?r=7t861m&utm_medium=ios
I’ve been sharing more detailed, spoiler-free book reflections there lately, if that kind of analysis interests you
The Absolutist by John Boyne. I also enjoyed This Story Might Save Your Life.ye
An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine - really enjoyed this and it gave me ideas for other books to read. Also liked A Place of Tides by James Rebanks.
Two five star books for me this month. First was the nonfiction book Everything if Tuberculosis by John Green. A fascinating history of the disease and our current efforts (or lack there of) to eradicate the drug resistance types that exist in more impoverished countries. Frustrating read when you consider recent cut to funding for this type of care. I also read The Correspondent and found it to be delightful and explains why I had to wait over four months to get it from my library. The main character starts out rather grumpy, but her true caring self comes through. Lovely book about learning to forgive others and most importantly, yourself.
Churchill by Andrew Roberts. I’m a political liberal born in 1945, but I can’t read enough about this historical figure. His racist views aside, and his fight to preserve the British Empire aside, his fight to defeat Facism is a highlight of history.
I read Stacy Shiff's book called The Revolutionary Samuel Adams. Much has been written about his cousin John and his other cousin John Quincy, but he has scarcely been given his due as the most steadfast and determined agitator for American Independence. The research in this book is stunning. And David McCullough liked it quite a bit. I then chose to lighten it up a bit by reading one of Louis L'amour's Sacket books.
I read "We All Want Impossible Things” by Catherine Newman. It's about best friends since childhood, 40 years old, and one is dying in hospice care...and you won't believe this, but l haven’t laughed this much in l can’t remember when. Newman points out ironies and absurdities, and makes all manner of astute observations. The book is not for the prudish, so be forewarned!
The Passionate Intellect: Dorothy L. Sayers' Encounter with Dante, by Barbara Reynolds.
It might be rather niche, but people who know will know and people who don't know are encouraged to know.