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Someone Knows
This book was a great read. I typically am not a huge reader and am more into video games and music, but when I read the description for this psychological thriller I knew I had to give it a read. Lisa Scottoline does a great job at showing Allie's (the main character) struggles with both the consequences of her deadly actions in the outside world and within herself. I will definitely have to pick up another read from this author in the future.
My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry
Fredrick Backman's "My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry" pulls the reader into a house in Sweden through the eyes of one of its youngest tenants, Elsa, a nearly seven year old girl whose favorite phrase is "no shit, Sherlock" and whose favorite object is a Gryffindor scarf, because she is a fan of "quality literature." After the passing of Elsa's granny, an eccentric and polarizing figure in the house, Elsa becomes the superhero of a real life fairy tale taken straight from her grandmother's imagination. Through a series of letters and encounters, Elsa comes to know the neighbors around her and finds they are far more than a busybody, a drunk, or a monster. They are superheroes all their own, and they are all a part of granny's fairy tale. Backman's use of fairy tales, original ones concocted by Granny, cuts into the grounded real life plot of the book, offering the groundwork for everything that happens outside of them. This wholly unique motif carries the book, the reader and Elsa herself through the trauma of losing a granny, a best friend, and a superhero all in one.
Ghostland: An American History In Haunted Places
The haunted history of America is beyond the realm of fascination--it's a world all its own. If you've ever delved into the world of the supernatural and unexplained, this is a piece of literature you'll need in your library. Dickey provides historically-rooted explanations for wondrous locations like the Winchester Mystery House and how exactly the legends came to be. While we may presume these places found popularity through unusual events, Dickey explains that the real story has gotten lost in translation over the years. We just need to be open to listening to the real answers.
The Beautiful
Renee Ahdieh has done it again! The author of the Wrath and Dawn duology continues to draw in readers. The Beautiful is a period piece that follows Celine Rousseau's choice to flee from Europe to America in search of a new life. Once in New Orleans she made a goal for herself to not be dragged into society norms and marry. As a talented seamstress, Celine has caught the attention of Odette, who inquires about a costume for a ball. When interacting with Odette, Celine is introduced to Sebastien Saint Germain and thus, Celine is thrown into a new world that she had only heard stories of. This story is filled with mystery, betrayal, growing love and friendships. The Beautiful is hard to put down and has carried over nicely into the sequel The Damned, released in July of 2020. There are rumors of another book coming to the series.
The Score
This is Parker novel #5 by the incomparable Donald Westlake writing as Richard Stark. Parker assembles a twelve-man team to steal the monetary contents of a North Dakota town. It starts with a violent confrontation and the tension doesn't let up until the end. Westlake flexes his literary writing skills in this novel. This is not just a simple crime novel; it is one written by a virtuoso, who pretty much set the mold for Elmore Leonard and the like. This book is also notable for introducing a recurring character to the Parker world, Alan Grofield, an actor/thief who has his own four book series. I cannot recommend The Score enough. Read it if you enjoy crime writing, mysteries or pulp novels.
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms
A young outcast tries to find her place at the capital city in the sky (literally called Sky, as it is a palace built into the branches of an enormous tree). There are gods, godlings, demons, royals, servants and just plain normal folks all attempting to navigate the court politics and not instigate another catastrophic war. A unique and compelling story that I absolutely could not put down and luckily for those of you who decide to pick this book up, there are two more books in the series (and they are both fantastic as well). I could not have predicted the outcome of any given chapter, let alone the finale to the trilogy. I highly recommend this series to any who love world-building fantasy.
Black Panther Epic Collection
This classic Black Panther collection contains the earliest T'Challa solo stories, most written by the always wordy wordsmith Don McGregor. With great art by Billy Graham (the comic penciller, not the evangelist) and Rich Buckler, it's a sight to behold. With tales that first establish the breadth of Wakanda, as well as a battle in the deep south against the Ku Klux Klan, this is an amazing read from front to back.
The Way Of Kings
It's a world where lightning can be bottled. It's a land where 10 armies war separately against the same enemy. It's a time when honor is scarce and glory is king. Brandon Sanderson spent ten years building this world and writing this story and it shows. The characters grow as you watch. Their motivations change, and you truly feel their struggles. It's the 1st of 4 books in "The Stormlight Archive" series and if you like fantasy, action and magic, you will not be disappointed!
And Then There Was No One
As a fan of Golden Age detective fiction and of Agatha Christie in particular, I was delighted to discover Gilbert Adair. He takes well-worn tropes of Christie's and kicks them up a notch. His protagonist of Evadne Mount may be based on Christie herself or her famous feminist Ariadne Oliver, but she stands on her own as a fun and outrageous character. Gilbert Adair goes down one rabbit hole segue after another, showing off an impressive knowledge of mysteries, mystery writers and trivia. It's very entertaining. Under the guise of his being included in a Holmes weekend meet and greet, he inserts a chapter long apocryphal Sherlock Holmes short story which is absolutely absurd but so much fun. Highly recommend.
Piranesi
This is a new novel by Susanna Clarke, writer of the seriously, amazingly classic Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. I honestly could have lived with Piranesi so much longer than the slight novel we get, but I thought that it was well paced. I fell in love with the narration of Piranesi as he explores and survives in vast halls of large sculptures that are slowly being invaded by the sea. I honestly could have lived in that world forever but as in all things the outside invades inviting mysteries. This reminded me of the lyrical nature of the book Starless Sea (which I also loved), where reality and the poetic collide. But also Clarke talks about how she was inspired by Borges and I really felt that in some of the descriptions of the labyrinth world. This is definitely a book to check out if you've always wondered about Clarke's writing but felt that Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell was too daunting to start. Loved it!
The Extraordinaries
This book takes place in a universe where super-heroes exist and our main character, Nick runs a fan-fiction of his favorite but also wishes he were one. I love anything super-hero in fiction and this reminded me heavily of 'Soon I Will Be Immortal' or a much lighter 'Vengeful'. I do think that the author, TJ Klune, telegraphs some of his narrative beats to the point. I knew what was coming far in advance (almost too far) and it lost some of the suspense, but I love love loved the character of Seth. He is far too precious for this world and I am definitely reading the next book in the series immediately for precious, bow-tied Seth. I will be very interested to see where the next book takes us. It's a hot book this year and it was definitely a nice addition to the Young Adult shelves!
The House On The Cerulean Sea
This is a lovely book by author TJ Klune (author of The Extraordinaries)set in a world where magic is mundane and regulated and the main character, Linus, works for the bureaucratic office that controls people with magic. He's tasked with checking on a home for magical youth and in turn finds out about himself and how his job impacts himself and others. I loved the children of the home and actually wish there had been more world-building and development of them because I felt this book was just a bit too short. I actually felt more for the children of the home then all the kids in the Miss Peregrine's series and I think I'd love to revisit the world someday (though it ends in a nice place if not a tad too neatly). A much talked about but light and lovely book for this year, definitely one to check out!
Batman Black And White
This graphic novel was a lot of fun. Batman: Black and White is a collection of several Batman shorts from several writers and artists. There is no continuation between the stories, all one and done. Every page is in black and white and is really something different and beautiful in its own way. It really brings out the detective side of the World's Greatest Detective.
Tears Of The Trufflepig
Fernando A. Flores is my new band- meaning he has tapped in to a vibration in his writing which I feel everyone should experience. The world of Tears of the Trufflepig is tethered to the stories we hear from our mythology and twenty-four hour news cycle. This book is connected to both the worlds of our dreams and our reality & lives and breathes smack dab in the center of those two places.
The Willies
The haunting truths in Adam Falkner's poetry is a place I have returned to on more than one quiet read for comfort. In writing the personal, he reveals the common ground many others may also still walk in silence. Mr. Falkner is a modern American voice in poetry to watch.
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
The footnotes are half the fun with this book! It's a war of wizards in the court of public opinion for the respectability of magic during the England's war with France. All the magic is organic and ties into historical events at times. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell is for fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike.
Nightwing Better Than Batman
The re-launch of the popular "Nightwing" title under DC Comics' Rebirth project brought Dick Grayson (once Robin, once Batman, once dead) back into his most emblematic moniker-- Nightwing. At the core of his initial transformation from scaled shorts and pixie boots to a totally 80's deep V and mullet was a divergence from Batman. Since he was a boy, Dick had been operating as a side-kick instead of his own hero. "Better than Batman" brought this concept back in full force, introducing a fresh addition to the 50+ year old character's history. In "Better than Batman," Nightwing is tested as the Raptor, a dear friend of Dick's departed mother, challenges his life with Bruce Wayne and the black and white ideals put upon him by training with the Batman. Dick is caught trusting far too much, and not only does it come to bite him, but it holds an extra venom as he reckons with not only the depths of that betrayal but also the messy consequences of letting his family believe him to be dead. This book is truly a Rebirth for Nightwing, and it is a great read for fans new and old.
The Lost World
You thought Dr. Ian Malcolm was ridiculous before, well here is a whole new side of him! This book will keep you on the edge of your seat as the dinos bite while the humans fight! Also, the T-Rex parents are the cutest and honestly most loving dino parents they could be.
Jurassic Park
You've seen Spielberg's Dinos rampage, but here you can read their minds as they plot to escape their pens and dine on their fast food! A mix of scientific knowledge of the dinosaurs, with just a splash of Chaos Theory that will keep you coming back for more!
Vibrate Higher Daily
Lalah Delia has an Extraordinary message with insight that will feed your soul. It will help teach you how to channel your energy in your day to day life. With emphasis on empowerment and self awareness. This book is a step forward to enlightenment and living your highest power in your life.