Washington Black by Esi Edugyan

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 352 pages
Published: August 2018

When Hulu announced Washington Black was being released as a series, I picked up my long-overdue copy and quickly immersed myself in the ~350-page novel, eager to see the story come to life on the silver screen. (Sterling K. Brown, hello!)  Written by Esi Edugyan this beautifully-told coming-of-age novel captivated me. The TV adaptation took too many liberties and ultimately fell short of my expectations. This review will focus solely on the historical novel. 

The story begins with the titular character, an 11-year old enslaved field hand, on a Barbados sugar plantation whose life is upended when he is stripped away from all he knows and "given" to the slave master's eccentric brother, Titch, to assist with his scientific endeavors. Titch introduces Washington to the world of science and exploration, and the two develop a bond rooted in humanity. However, when a white man is killed, Washington is unjustly blamed, forcing he and Titch to abscond for his safety. This sets off a whimsical adventure that takes Washington from Barbados to the Arctic to Canada to London and to Morocco where he encounters experiences beyond his wildest imagination. The book explores themes of freedom, identity, belonging and abandonment. 

Edugyan excels at character development, particularly with Washington, who evolves from a frightened young boy into a resourceful young man. The author creates beautiful imagery as Washington embarks on this physical and emotional journey across the globe, all the while struggling to define his identity in a world that constantly seeks to limit him. My only criticism of the plot is the ongoing tension between Washington and Titch. Given the context of slavery, abandonment, and lost family, I found it questionable that Washington's continual quest for Titch would have ensued the span of the entire novel. 

Recommendation: I really enjoyed this story and the adventurous, uplifting spirit with which the author presents it. This is a must-read for anyone interested in history fiction, exploration, science, or simply a wonderfully created tale. It's sure to have you thinking past the final page. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

Rating: 2 of 5 stars
Length: 354 pages
Published: August 2012

People have been telling me for years that Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple is hi-larious. With the upcoming movie, starring Cate Blanchett, to release in March, I thought I'd better get on the ball and read the book before the movie - it's what true bibliophiles do - read then watch. 

The titular character in this adult fiction book suffers from agoraphobia, so when her 8th grade daughter, Bee, asks for a family trip to Antartica as a reward for her perfect grades Bernadette Fox is filled with anxiety. Bernadette initially moved to Seattle, where the story primarily takes place, so that her husband, Elgin Branch, could take a job with Microsoft. This move came after a traumatic professional experience in California that resulted in Bernadette's current condition and abandoning her career in architecture. Add to that several miscarriages and a rocky pregnancy with Bee, Bernadette understandably has some mental and emotional health issues. She doesn't fit into the Seattle community, and for all intents and purposes, has banished herself to their mansion-sized home (that used to be a school for girls - yes, really!) Her interactions with the busy body/helicopter moms (to whom she refers to as "gnats"), especially antagonist Audrey, who is Bernadette's nemesis, finally push her over the edge and she goes missing. More than half the book is Bee on a quest to find her mother. 

The book is written in an epistolary format including emails, letters, and other correspondence. I usually find this a fun format to read because, as a reader, I can be a guilt-free voyeur of the inner thoughts of the characters. However, the way in which this novel was constructed actually added confusion to the plot. It slowed me down, and I almost gave up on it a couple of times. As I stated before, several reading friends told me this book was humorous. I, however, did not find it as amusing as my peers. I actually found it a bit depressing because the protagonist clearly has some issues and her family - especially her daughter, Bee - has paid the price. But this book is not all bad. I did appreciate the resolved conclusion. Semple could have left the audience hanging, but I am glad she did not. I also took satisfaction in two of the women coming together at the end - girl power! (I'll leave it vague so as not to give any spoilers.)  

Recommendation: Where'd You Go, Bernadette is a quick read. It has clearly been enjoyable for many. It is a bestseller, and it's going to be a movie. I'll probably still go see the movie. I just don't think this book was for me. I won't dwell here too long ... on to the next read! 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Length: 143 pages
Published: February 2018

Heart Berries is a brief but powerful memoir written by Terese Marie Mailhot. In this book, she shares her most raw and vulnerable experiences that have made a lasting impact on her life, including her romantic relationships, her relationships with each of her parents, as well as her relationships with her sons. The book's perspective vacillates between the author's thoughts (whether they be in epistolary, essay, or stream of consciousness form) and character dialogue. I found this to be a little complex, at times, making it difficult to focus on each page. Having said that, I found Mailhot to be relatable in the experiences she shared. 

One theme that permeates the book is that of sexual abuse and the negligence her mother demonstrated in dealing with it. I found the portions of the book that focused on this the most difficult to read because it was just so infuriating that Mailhot was not protected as a child should be. Earlier this year, the author was interviewed by Trevor Noah on The Daily Show where she stressed the importance of her searching for and displaying her authentic indigenous voice in her writing. While I found most of her struggles with abuse and her love life to be universal and irrespective of race or ethnicity, I do think she was able to beautifully tell her story in the most poetic way. For example: 

I don't think I am lonely. I think I am starved and maybe ravenous for the very thing you withhold from me. (p. 39)

While I understand we, as the audience, are getting only Mailhot's perspective, I found her boyfriend (and, I believe, now husband) Casey to be a complete jerk. He was not a very likable presence in the book, and I was actually shocked to learn they are still together. I was also a bit disappointed that she misspelled Salvador Agron's name in her historic detail. 

Overall, this was an interesting book. I can understand why it's a bestseller. I am thankful for the opportunity to have read and review it, and many thanks to my local Fort Worth Library for the digital loan! 

Recommendation: I think this is a great read for most adults, but I think it would resonate with women more than any other demographic. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful. 

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The Day the World Came to Town by Jim Defede

Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Length: 6:00:00
Published: 2002
Narrator: Ray Porter

When the terrorists attacked the United States on September 11, 2001, there were many air crafts headed for the U.S. Understandably, President George W. Bush closed air space and threatened to shoot anyone down attempting to fly in the U.S. As a result, many travelers were stranded all over the world. And hundreds of them ended up in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland in Canada. The Day the World Came to Town by Jim Defede is the non-fiction account of how the citizens, affectionately referred to as Newfies, cared for not only Americans, but people from all over the world during those tenuous three days after the attacks. 

It was nice listening to this audiobook so many years after the attacks. I write this because we are far enough removed from them to be able to reminisce without all of the emotion from the events of the day as well as the aftermath. That is not to say this book was not emotional. It was touching. It made me smile. It made me tear up. It made me think. Our neighbors to the north took care of us, without reservation. And no matter what the 2018 Administration thinks, the people from Canada are our strong allies. 

Throughout the book, we learn about many different people: a couple who was bringing their newly adopted daughter from abroad, a mother who was on her way home but very stressed to learn that her son, a firefighter, had last been seen entering one of the Twin Towers, and an executive from the Hugo Boss company. In this audiobook version, I also listened to the stories of people who were not only new to Gander but their culture was as well. An orthodox Jew and a Nigerian princess were among the passengers who took refuge in this town. What was so amazing to me about this true story is that no matter the differences, the town came together and built on what united them - humanity - and in the midst of extreme tragedy, they took care of these people like extended family members. Because we are in such contentious political times in the United States today, it was nice to listen to this book and be reminded that people do care for one another and we are stronger together. 

Recommendation: I absolutely enjoyed this perspective of such a horrific time in U.S. history. I think everyone can benefit from reading this book. Fair warning, grab a box of tissues before you do! 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful. 

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Double Take by Abby Bardi

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Harper Collins Impulse

Pages: 186

Synopsis | About the Author | Excerpt | My Review | Buy Now

Set in Chicago, 1975, Double Take is the story of artsy Rachel Cochrane, who returns from college with no job and confronts the recent death of Bando, one of her best friends. When she runs into Joey, a mutual friend, their conversations take them back into their shared past and to the revelation that Bando may have been murdered. To find out who murdered him, Rachel is forced to revisit her stormy 1960s adolescence, a journey that brings her into contact with her old friends, her old self, and danger.

Abby Bardi is the author of three novels: Double Take, The Secret Letters, and The Book of Fred. Her short fiction has appeared in anthologies and journals, and she has written academic articles on Roma (Gypsies). She grew up on the South Side of Chicago and now lives in Ellicott City, MD, the oldest railroad town in America.

Connect with Abby: Website | Twitter | Facebook

1975



I recognized his voice from across the room. When I handed him a menu, he looked up absent-mindedly and went on talking to some guys, then did a double take.

“Cookie?” he said.

I tried on the name like an old article of clothing to see if it still fit. It felt like a suede fringed jacket. “Yep,” I said.

“Wow. You look so different.”

“I cut my hair.”


“Everyone did.”


“I’m older,” I said. “Everyone’s older.”

“You look exactly the same,” I said. He was wearing a beat-up leather jacket over a green T-shirt, maybe the same jacket and T-shirt he had always worn. His thick black hair was shorter now and curly, skin still tan from summer, small mouth with perfect teeth. He still looked tough and handsome, but in a creepy way, like someone you couldn’t trust.

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Rating: 2 of 5 stars 

Double Take by Abby Bardi is a dark mystery featuring Rachel (aka Cookie) as a troubled, recent college graduate who returns home from California to decide what direction her life is going. While there, she reconnects with friends and coworkers from high school, specifically Joey (aka Rat) and learns more about the suicide of their mutual friend Robert Bandolini (aka Bando) that might actually be a murder.

Mystery is one of my favorite genres, next to historical fiction, so I was excited to dig into this story. The author wasted no time getting right to the point of the story. However, I felt very bogged down by the verbose descriptions that seemed to be more stream of consciousness of the main character. It was also quite difficult to keep a pulse on the overall story because in present day the novel was narrated by Rachel/Cookie. Then, the timeline would jump back into the past (sometimes 1969, sometimes 1970, sometimes 1972), and when it would do this the point-of-view changed from first person to third person omniscient. The constant change in voice and time made for a confusing read.

There were a lot of characters introduced with real names and nicknames. I understand that this is needed for a good mystery to create some suspicion as to “who done it.” However, it was difficult to keep all of the characters straight. I had to keep physical notes to keep the characters straight. The saving grace for this book is that by the end, you do get a fairly satisfying conclusion, albeit an unrealistic one.

Recommendation: This book is fairy short, just under 200 pages, so it makes for a quick read. I think readers a little older than me who grew up during the late 60s and early 70s might appreciate some of the references. Please be advised there is some language, sexually-explicit scenes, and violence. This is definitely adult fiction, rated R.

Until next time ... Read on!

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Along Came Jones by Victoria Bernadine

Genre: Chick Lit / Contemporary Fiction

Publisher: Love of Words Publishing

Pages: 324

Synopsis | About the Author | Excerpt | My Review | Buy Now

Benjamin Ferrin Macon-Jones has it all: a luxurious lifestyle in Toronto and the love of an intelligent, ambitious woman…until that same woman refuses his marriage proposal, tells him he’s a detriment to her career, and leaves him. Unable to deal with his cantankerous family trying to be supportive, he quietly slips away into the Canadian countryside.

Lou Upjohn has problems of her own. She’s a recluse and agoraphobic, staying safely within the walls of her ancestral home in small town Saskatchewan and depending on Ike, her best and only friend, to deal with the outside world. Only Ike’s just married another woman and now he’s moving to Vancouver. Before he leaves, he hires the new guy in town, Ferrin Jones, to run her errands and do her yard work. Lou isn’t happy, but even she has to admit the stranger looks mildly interesting.

Both their lives could be changed forever if she only has the courage to open the door.

Victoria Bernadine (a pseudonym) is, as the saying goes, a "woman of a certain age". After twenty-something years of writer's block, she began writing again in 2008. Victoria enjoys reading all genres and particularly loves writing romantic comedy and post-apocalyptic science fiction. What those two have in common is anybody's guess.

​ ​

She lives in Edmonton with her two cats (The Grunt and The Runt).  Along Came Jones is the second novel she felt was good enough to be released into the wild.

 

“Marry me.”

Olivia laughs.

“What?” she teases with a fond, slightly mocking smile.  “Are you ‘proposing’ because you think it’s what people are supposed to do on New Year’s Eve?”

Ferrin smirks his lopsided, endearing smirk as he lowers himself to one knee and proffers the small, square velvet box he dug out of the pocket of his tuxedo.

The beautiful brunette laughs again.  “Oh, Ferrin, get up—you’re being ridiculous!  And the joke really isn’t all that funny.” 

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Rating: 3 of 5 stars 

Along Came Jones by Victoria Bernadine is a chick lit story about two strangers, Ferrin Jones and Lou Upjohn, who have been heartbroken by the loves in their respective lives. Over the course of two years, they develop a meaningful relationship that helps them figure out who they were and who they want to become. 

I was quite intrigued by the premise of this book, and admittedly so, I enjoy a good chick lit book (as well as chick flick movie). With that being said, it's no surprise that there is an element of romance in the novel. Additionally, the author writes in such a way that evokes humor and emotional affect from the reader. The plot is well developed, and for the most part, moves the story along over a fairly lengthy time period.  

I was a bit disappointed by the unnecessary foul language. It didn't really add anything to the plot, and it seemed to be included more for shock value. Similarly, some of the sexually-descriptive scenes were not needed. I began to think that was all Lou's character thought about for the first third of the book, which made sense because she didn't own a television, computer, or radio to consume media. So, what else did she have to think about? Finally, I reviewed an advance PDF copy that did not denote chapter transitions and included some minor typographical errors. I am hopeful that the final copy will address these issues. 

Recommendation: This book is a fairly quick read that is light-hearted and fun. I think it would be a good read for someone looking for a quick escape from reality. If you enjoy movies on the Lifetime Network and you don't mind a liberal amount of cursing, this might just be the book for you! 

Until next time ... Read on!

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