Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng

The violence, the horror, the terrorism and the fear coming out of the war in Israel is difficult comprehend. The pictures of the young people killed at the music festival, and the stories of small children being murdered is what is most shocking. The fact that such evil exists in 2023 is unfathomable, and I pray that peace can be found. But the fear will forever remain. The fear in the hearts of the children reminded me of this powerful book, "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng. The author did not expect to write this story about a little boy searching for his mother in a dystopian world. But then the pandemic happened, and she saw anti-Asian racism rear its ugly head in America, because of the rumored origins of the Covid-19 virus. As the child of a mixed raced family, Ng felt the need to speak up. She pivoted her narrative in an effort to expose a world in her book which legalizes racism and outlaws dissent. Ng set her main character, Bird, and his librarian father in Cambridge, Mass., in a claustrophobic world much like the "Handmaiden's Tale." In an article in "Time" magazine, Ng said she hesitated to write this book because it would be political, and it would put her "out there." But sometimes the boldest step one can make in the face of fear, is to become part of the conversation. Ng infuses Bird with the desire to search for his Chinese American poet mother, when others have told him to forget her. Bird flies in the face of fear in a quest for love and acceptance. A beautiful sentiment, especially during this horrifying time in the world. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan

I am frequently the most romantic person in any room. A nurse at my hospice believes this is because my father directed too many romantic comedies. And that is true. When you grow up seeing Richard Gere dance with Julia Roberts in your backyard, you tend to skew romantic. So, I always like to recommend a good romantic book, and this one is a winner, loaned to me by my friend Fran. Nora is a screenwriter for a romance channel, much like Hallmark. It is a job that has supported her two children and husband, before and after their divorce. When one of her scripts gets chosen to be a major motion picture, her life as a small-time television writer changes. When the director opts to shoot the movie in Nora's own home and backyard, her worlds collide. Enter Leo Vance, the famous and handsome star of the movie. The two become fast friends, and when the movie is over, he does not want to leave. He offers to pay Nora to let him rent a room in her cottage. At first glance, this might seem like a routine romantic comedy, but I found the relationships complicated, messy, entertaining and refreshing. Nora and Leo are grownups with responsibilities, not young adults, and that makes it more interesting. If you are a romantic, or looking to add a little romance to your week, check out "Nora Goes Off Script." To buy this book on Amazon click here.

The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin

My new friend Scott Kerson travels a lot, and I like those people who travel a lot because they are usually good readers. So, when he posted a recent picture of this book, I jumped at the chance to read it. The story of a soccer mom turned drug addict, turned ghostwriter, is right up my alley. "The Many Lives of Mama Love" chronicles Hardin's secret life stealing neighbors’ credit cards to fund her heroin addiction, among other crimes. When she ends up in jail, convicted of 32 felonies, her road to recovery begins. The epiphany of her time in jail is that the structure of prison actually suits her personality quite well. For her, the release from prison is the scary part because she has to figure out a plan for the rest of her life. Always a good writer, she gets a job ghostwriting for other people and turns it into a wonderful career. The irony is that she doesn't just write for small time writers, but ghosts books for Desmond Tutu, as well as the Dalai Lama. The most heartbreaking part of the book is that despite her new life, she is still haunted by the time she spent in prison. Society does not let her move forward, without continually dragging her back into her difficult past. After years of ghostwriting, "The Many Lives of Mama Love," is Hardin's chance to speak with her own voice, and share her true story, which is a book well done. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

 

 

 

A Pocketful of Happiness by Richard E. Grant

I started following a lot of new people during the pandemic and one of them was this actor, Richard E. Grant. He just appeared in my Instagram feed one day. He was walking alone in the countryside, and he was grieving. His walking, talking and conversations about grief spoke to me, and I needed to know more. I knew Grant as the star of one of my all-time favorite movies ever: "Withnail and I." And I had seen him in other movies, but I know nothing about his personal life, which is rare for me. So, I read his latest memoir "A Pocketful of Happiness," which details not only his impressive career but also the death of his beloved wife, Joan Washington, from lung cancer. The irony of this beautifully written book is that as Joan, a celebrated movie voice coach, was fighting cancer, his career began to soar. He drew accolades around the world from his performance in "Can You Ever Forgive me?" with Melissa McCarthy. He even was nominated for an Oscar for his impressive role. They were supported by friends like Nigella Lawson, Vanessa Redgrave, and Rupert Everett. But nothing could soften the blow of watching his wife of 34 years die. Their partnership, along with their adult daughter Oilly, was a beautiful love story. Before her death, Joan charged Grant and Oillly to find a way to move forward with happiness. Thus, the title of this book was born. Joan may have died at 71, but her legacy lives on in the love of her husband and daughter. This book offers an insider's view into a real-life Hollywood love story. Bravo, Mr. Grant. I hope you keep on walking and talking through the grief. To buy this book on Amazon click here.


Shark Heart by Emily Habeck

I'm not really a science fiction type of girl. But from the moment I started listening to "Shark Heart" by Emily Habeck, I was captivated. The story begins as a fairy tale when Lewis and Wren fall in love, and decide to get married. They share hopes and dreams of starting a family, and building a beautiful life together. However, the newlyweds are thrown for a loop during their first year of marriage when Lewis is diagnosed with a disorder that will turn him, eventually, into a great white shark. As Lewis begins to morph from human to shark, from carnivore to pescatarian, their relationship and marriage are put to the test. I don't want to give away too much here, but it is important to point out that this is really not a book about a man turning into a great white shark. It is a metaphor for the human condition, and any couple struggling with a terminal diagnosis. Think ALS, think brain cancer, think pancreatic cancer. Lewis is a man facing any one of these debilitating diseases. Despite the grim prognosis, the novel is filled with hope, joy and humor. Themes of everlasting love, grief, disability, death, and inspiration are all woven into this gem of a novel. Hailing from Ardmore, Oklahoma, this is Habeck's first novel. Her writing is out-of-the-box creative and original, and I hope this is just the beginning of her writing career.  To buy this book on Amazon click here.

 

Fresh Water For Flowers by Valerie Perrin

Last month I was in Darien, Connecticut eating at an Italian restaurant, in the middle of a summer rainstorm. My sister-in-law's friend Kristine leaned across the table to talk to me. We both have voices that few can hear, and the rain made it even more difficult. But on this night, I heard Kristine clearly say: I have a book for you to read: "Fresh Water for Flowers." I was excited by the recommendation but even more thrilled because I had not heard of the book before. This novel centers around Violette Toussaint, the caretaker at the local cemetery in a small town in Bourgogne. Her co-workers include gravediggers, gardeners and a priest. They engage in lively conversation, around coffee, and sometimes with liquor they receive as thank you gifts from funeral goers. One day Violette gets a surprise visit from a man named Julien, who has special instructions to place his mother's ashes on top of the grave of a complete stranger. Violette and Julien then bond together to unravel the mysterious love story of Julien's mother. The story broadens to include a secret from Violette’s past, that she has been desperate to keep hidden from the world and her heart. A number #1 best seller in France, the novel has been translated for us by Hildegarde Serle. Violette's charm, quirkiness and heavy heart filled with grief, make for a delightful read for a rainy day, or any day at all. To buy this book on Amazon click here.


The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith 

My daughter Lily is on a cruise to Alaska with her dad this week. I am so happy for her to be on this adventure, cruising around such a beautiful destination. Her trip reminded me of this book, "The Unsinkable Greta James" by Jennifer E. Smith. This novel is about a young-woman who goes on a cruise with her father, albeit begrudgingly. The trip was supposed to be an anniversary present for her mother, Helen, and father, Conrad, but when her mother passes away, that plan is cancelled. Three months later, Greta decides to go on the cruise with her dad instead, in honor of her late mother. The only problem is that Greta's relationship with her dad is strained. The issue is that he does not approve of her profession as a working, and somewhat famous, indie-musician. While her mother was her biggest fan and supporter, her father is more conflicted about her seemingly unstable line of work. One of the best things about a cruise is the people you meet on board, and Greta meets a possible love interest, historian Ben, who is on board as a lecturer teaching about Jack London's "The Call of the Wild." During the week-long cruise through Alaska, Greta and her father must come to terms with their grief, and see how they might find a way to navigate their new relationship moving forward. If you like adventures on the sea, and a good father-daughter story, this is a great September book for you. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

 

Once More With Feeling by Elissa Sussman

Calling all Daisy Jones fans! Calling all Daisy Jones fans! I have a new recommendation for you. "Once More With Feeling" by Elissa Sussman is an excellent summer read. I took it recently to Connecticut to visit my sister and brother-in-law, and I read it all in one weekend. The story begins years ago when a pop star named Katee Rose falls for Ryan, the member of a boy band called CrushZone. However, despite her attraction to Ryan, she cheats on him with Cal, who is also a member of CrushZone. Their relationship blows up both bands. When the dust settles, they all go in separate directions. Katee is shaken by the experience, and leaves her career behind. She goes back to her original name and mortal life as Kathleen Rosenberg. Flash forward to current times, when Cal is a respected Broadway director in need of a leading lady. He brings back a friend from summer camp named Harriet, who also knows Kathleen. When Cal insists Kathleen audition for the part, all three friends are brought back together again. Despite Kathleen's anxiety about working with Cal again, and starring in a Broadway musical, she accepts the part. Music, tension, love, Broadway, this book has all the right ingredients for a delightful read. I don't know for sure, but I bet Hollywood is already working on the casting for a mini-series. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

Rough Draft by Katy Tur

I don't watch many network news shows, but Jeff is a loyal fan of several. So, when a friend told me about this book I asked my husband, "Do you know Katy Tur of MSNBC?" And he said "Yes, she is great, and she loves Phish!" And I said, "How do you know she loves Phish?" And he said, "Katy and another reporter, Jake Sherman, sometimes weave Phish titles and lyrics into their on-air reports." So, that is how Jeff and I decided to listen to Tur's audio book on our 9-hour round trip drive to Mount Shasta last weekend. This is her second autobiography, following the publication of "Unbelievable: My Front-Row Seat to the Craziest Campaign in America" about her 510-day coverage of the Donald Trump campaign. At his rallies, Trump often called out derogatory comments to Katy. This time she writes about a subject closer to home: Her parents, Bob and Marika, ran Los Angeles News Service out of the Santa Monica Airport in the 1990s. They were a pair of bad-ass reporters who flew their own helicopter to track down footage of sensational stories like the L.A. Riots, Sean Penn's marriage to Madonna, and the infamous O.J. Simpon white Bronco car chase. They then sold their footage to local new channels and eventually made a lot of money. From her bird's eye seat at the Santa Monica Airport, little Katy fell in love with the news. She started her career covering storms and crime in New York, but then worked her way up to the anchor desk, after dating another on air personality, that nearly de-railed her future. As her television career starts to take off, so does her romantic life when she is introduced in the makeup room to colleague Tony Dokoupil. Together they learn to weather work, travel, step-children, new babies and a host of other challenges, including Donald Trump. The most fascinating part of the book is the trajectory of Turs parents. I don't want to give it away but while trying to cover the news, Tur sees her parents become the news, which is even more intriguing. Tur's memoir is smart, witty and fast-paced. It is an enjoyable read for those people who watch the news on TV, or people like me who prefer to read it. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Recently Jeff and I went camping for the first time, together. I had been camping with other people and he camped a lot growing up. But in our 13 years of knowing each other, we had never shared a tent until this July. I worried this might put undue stress on our relationship. But it turned out to be better than expected thanks to my razor-sharp, pre-planning skills, and his ability to do just about everything a boy scout can do, including making steamed egg frittatas in the middle of the forest. One of the highlights of the trip was meeting new people around the campfire, and seeing what they were reading. We met a teenager from the East Bay who was reading the "Grapes of Wrath" for school. At first, I wanted to rip it out of her hands and give her a copy of "Bridget Jones Diary" by Helen Fielding. But then I paused for a moment, and remember that I really did like the "Grapes of Wrath" because it had real people in it. Previously I had read "Watership Down" and grew bored of the bunnies amorphized into people. I liked Steinbeck's tale of the Joad family, and their struggles during the Great Depression. The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel published in 1939, showcases the Dust Bowl Migration of many families like the Joads traveling from Oklahoma to California. The story focuses in on the Joad family as they struggle to survive in a world of Haves and Have-Nots. It is interesting to note that the film version of the book ended upon a happy, more uplifting note. But the original text stands on its own as a memorable, tragic and poignant snapshot of the working class, and their struggles during the Great Depression. I'm glad they are still teaching this book in schools,and looking at the text from all of its different, dusty angles. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

Leaving Atocha Station by Ben Lerner

Our recent trip to Madrid left me wanting more. We loved the Prado Museum. We enjoyed exploring the Barrio de las Letras. And we didn't come across a single tapa we didn't love. I'm still dreaming of the plate of little garlic shrimp from La Casa Del Abuelo. So, I came home wanting to read more books set in Madrid and found this one. "Leaving The Atocha Station" by Ben Lerner is a novel set in Madrid during 2004 but published in 2011. Lerner turns his pen on the main character Adam Gordan, a young American poet on a fellowship in Madrid. He is supposed to be researching the literary legacy of the Spanish Civil War. However, of course, he gets distracted by everything the city has to offer including museums, people and hard drugs like hash. His interest is in fitting in, or not fitting in, and that leads to comedy and amusing situations. When he witnesses the aftermath of the 2004 Madrid train bombing the narrative turns dark, and the fear of being an American abroad sets in. Both a comedy and a drama, "Leaving The Atocha Station" is a poetic meditation, and long slow walk through the vibrant city of Madrid.  To buy this book on Amazon click here.

 

Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson

If you are like me, finding yourself missing the television show "Succession," let me introduce you to Jenny Jackson's "Pineapple Street." The story centers around the Stockton family, a group of old money New Yorkers centered in Brooklyn Heights. Some are married, some are not. Some have children, others do not. Some are likable and others are certainly not. The common thread holding them all together is that they are all downright quirky people. Like "Succession," they have money but that does not prevent them from being eccentric and bohemian, and that's the fun of the book. As their helicopter parents, Chip and Tilda, hover over their every move, the adult children Darley, Cord and Georgiana struggle with how to view their inherited wealth, as a friend or enemy. Should they follow their parents' example and embrace being the one percent? Or should they perhaps carve out a different path for themselves, despite their money. Families are messy and the Stocktons are no different. Looking for a read to distract your thoughts from your own family's stress this summer? "Pineapple Street" is the book for you. Take it to the beach. Take it on the airplane. Or just take it outside and read it in the sun, like I did. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

Fault Lines by Emily Itami

I love everything about Japan: the food, the people, the fashion and even the supreme organization of the stationery stores fascinates me. So, tell me about a romantic tale set in Tokyo, and I'm there. "Fault Lines" by Emily Itami is the story about a housewife named Mizuki who seems to have a picture-perfect life. She has two beautiful children (one boy, one girl), a loyal, hardworking husband and a glamorous apartment. You would think she would be over the moon, but she is not. The tedium of marriage and laundry has left her beyond blue. Then one night, out on her own, she meets a restauranteur named Kiyoshi. They strike up a conversation and suddenly Mizuki feels seen and alive again. Their conversations begin innocently, and then turn into more. Suddenly Mizuki is living a double life, and instead of feeling bored, she finds each day interesting and exciting. But how long can she continue to live two separate lives? This is Itami's debut novel, and reviewers have compared her to Sally Rooney and Helen Fielding, and those references are quite accurate. She explores the themes of connection, romance, humor and wit, and begs to answer the questions "Why are we here?" and, "Who are we meant to be with? To buy this book on Amazon click here.

Tell Me Everything by Minka Kelly

I love the quote "Be Kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about." Nothing could be truer than this sentiment paired with the recently released autobiography of Minka Kelly called "Tell Me Everything." You know I read a lot of celebrity biographies, but I don't think I have ever read anything as surprising and raw as the tale of Kelly's childhood. The majority of the book focuses on the time before she became a star on the hit show "Friday Night Lights." She grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, raised by her single mother, Maureen, who was an exotic dancer struggling with addiction and financial issues. Sleeping in garages, and on friend's couches, little Minka always made it a point to get herself to school one way or another. Determined to survive despite neglect and abuse, she manages to rely on the kindness of her mother's friends to get through school. She was always polite, and well behaved, even when the circus around her was raging. Her world changes forever when she is able to put herself through nursing school, and get a job as a surgical scrub nurse. Her determination and grit are admirable when she had no one to rely on but herself. From the sound of it, she was an excellent nurse and probably could have had a wonderful career in medicine. But like all Hollywood stories, there is a turning point when she is offered a job as a model, and then an actress. Nursing has less sparkle and money than show business. When she is cast in the television show "Friday Night Lights," she makes the move to Austin, Texas, leaving her nursing career behind. What is so haunting about this memoir is her relationship with her mother. Despite the manipulation and complicated relationship with her mom, she keeps coming back to her, desperate for her love and approval. Instead of a nurturing relationship, the union leaves the actress beaten down and exhausted. Minka is not afraid to go deep in this book, and she has clearly made a lot of self-discovery along the way. Her memoir is a tale of survival and triumph, down to the very last page. To buy this book on Amazon click here.


Meet Me in Madrid

I have not read a lot of LGBTQ fiction, but I want to read more. In honor of pride festivals around the globe, I read this little gem, “Meet Me in Madrid,” by Verity Lowell. This book also seemed appropriate because I am in Madrid this week with Jeff. I hope by the time this LLP is published, I have walked more than 20,000 steps around the city each day. Jeff has never been, and the last time I was there, I was a rising senior in high school, traveling with my Spanish teacher, Emmy Lou Armstrong. Emmy Lou and I drank vino tinto out of jelly jars, toured the Prado and had the best time. This novel follows the love story of Charlotte and Adrianna, who meet for the second time during a snowstorm in Madrid. Adrianna was Charlotte’s graduate-school secret crush. When they meet again in Madrid, Charlotte is a museum courier, with loftier goals of becoming a professor. Meanwhile, Adrianna is much further along in her career as an art historian living in Madrid, embarking on a prestigious research project. Time spent indoors during a blizzard can seem glamorous. They have nothing but time on their hands, and work can, for the moment, be put on the back burner. But when the snow melts, Charlotte and Adrianna have to get back to their lives, and their careers. Both women are very ambitious, and might not be willing to compromise for a relationship. Can a long-distance “situationship" work? Will their careers ever place them in the same city at the same time? Will they ever mutually agree on what is best, not for themselves, but for them as a couple? “Meet Me in Madrid” is sexy, funny and page-turner of a novel. If you have not tried LGBTQ fiction, it is well worth spending time with "Meet Me in Madrid." To buy this book on Amazon click here.


Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

I have very good luck with the name Elizabeth, or derivatives of it. My childhood friend was named Barrie W. My pledge mother at my sorority at Northwestern was named Betsy T. My friend and neighbor Beth B. introduced me to my husband. And as if out of the blue, my walking friend Beth S. sent me this book. I have learned that any advice from a Beth is good advice to follow, so I read the book immediately. I listen to most of my books on audio, but what a pleasure it was to sit down with this big, glorious, peach-covered book and read it from cover to cover. "Lessons in Chemistry" is the story of chemist Elizabeth Zott, trying to build her career in the 1960s, in the all-male Hastings Research Institute. When she unexpectedly falls in love with another scientist named Calvin Evans, this throws a wrench into her career goals. She never expected to find a soul mate, but in Calvin she found her match. However, frustrated by her lack of promotion at the lab, Elizabeth's accepts an offer to become the host of a cooking show called "Supper at Six." Despite the traditional pairing of women and cooking, Elizabeth is anything but conventional. She speaks her mind and doesn't care when others disagree. An anomaly for the 1960s, Elizabeth's television show inspires other women to stand up for themselves as well. Funny, quirky, and really fascinating, this author is one to watch out for. After working as a copy editor, this is Garmus' first novel. Plans are now underway to adapt the book for television starring Brie Larson. Beth S. instructed me to pass this along to her friend Karen. I hope Karen enjoys this book as much as I did. To buy this book on Amazon click here.