My Life on the Road

Warmth. There are certain famous people who become so associated with their work that the warmth of an individual’s personality can become lost in the issues identified with that person. Any reader of Gloria Steinem’s humble memoir titled, My Life on the Road, will sense the warmth of Ms. Steinem on every page. The arc of her story involves her many travels from youth through the present, and a late discovery about the importance of home for her. Travel changes us, and Steinem writes with candor about the many ways in which travel changed her. The connection for me was vivid: I traveled to an unfamiliar church on Father’s Day 1972 to listen to Ms. Steinem deliver the sermon. I was moved enough to send a note to a new friend about that experience. That friend became my bride not long thereafter, and to whatever extent Steinem’s influence helped that happen, I am forever grateful. Readers with any interest in Steinem will find something to enjoy in this book. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase My Life on the Road from amazon.com.

On My Own

Conversational. Readers who have listened to The Diane Rehm Show will hear the voice and tone of Ms. Rehm on every page of her memoir titled, On My Own. While much of the book covers the death of her husband and her grief at that loss, there is also a lifelong backstory inserted, and a message about supporting the right to die. This is a heartfelt and candid account of a difficult time in life and the impetus it provided for the next chapter in the author’s life. Every fan of Diane Rehm will enjoy reading this book, and for those few who have never heard her syndicated radio show, this book will introduce you to a great American treasure. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase On My Own from amazon.com.

Strangers Drowning: Grappling with Impossible Idealism, Drastic Choices, and the Overpowering Urge to Help

Extreme. Some of us, for better or for worse, live by the principle that if it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing. To those who appreciate the extreme meaning of “too much of a good thing,” Larissa MacFarquhar introduces readers to individuals for whom doing good becomes extreme. Her book titled, Strangers Drowning: Grappling with Impossible Idealism, Drastic Choices, and the Overpowering Urge to Help, offers an unusual take on altruism. She profiles individuals who have become totally devoted to helping others. I finished the book wondering how to process these stories of people whose strong ethical commitments seemed to be lead them to live miserable lives. Rating: Three-star (It’s ok) Click here to purchase Strangers Drowning from amazon.com.

The Widow

Obsession. The structure Fiona Barton chose for her debut novel titled, The Widow, made all the difference for me. By presenting the story using multiple narrators, a reader hears multiple points of view and I found my interest maintained momentum even after I expected to learn nothing new. Jean and Glen Taylor are a childless married couple with different obsessions. Thanks to Jean’s narration, we watch her character evolve as truth is concurrently withheld and revealed. Thanks to the narration of a journalist, Kate Waters, we see how the manipulative press becomes a way for Jean to frame her own story. Detective Bob Sparks has become obsessed with solving the case of a missing child, and his narration reveals more insight into behavior and action. Readers who like a creepy crime story with very interesting characters are those most likely to enjoy reading this novel. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase The Widow from amazon.com.

The Waters of Eternal Youth

Limitations. Fans of Donna Leon’s Venice novels featuring Commissario Guido Brunetti will find much that’s familiar in the latest installment titled, The Waters of Eternal Youth. The pace is relaxed, with ample time for Brunetti to engage in conversation, eating, drinking and reading. The case at the heart of this story took place more than a decade before Brunetti is asked to look into it. A young woman’s brain was damaged after she fell into a canal when a teenager. Her limitations lead Brunetti to a diligent investigation and resolution. Readers who have not read this series will likely find that one book is not enough: the entire Brunetti series brings great reading pleasure, especially to those readers who like strong character development and a clear sense of place. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase The Waters of Eternal Youth from amazon.com.

At the Edge of the Orchard

Trees. The latest historical novel by Tracy Chevalier is set in Ohio and California in the early and mid-nineteenth century and is titled, At the Edge of the Orchard. Chevalier describes the travails of the Goodenough family struggling to survive on land in an Ohio swamp. James, Sadie and their five children are trying to grow an apple orchard with at least fifty trees. James loves sweet apples, and Sadie loves applejack. Chevalier develops these characters with great skill, and even the trees become like characters, given Chevalier’s descriptive prose. After setting the family story in the early part of the novel, the focus shifts to son, Robert, who leaves Ohio to go West trying to find his place in the world. He finally discovers new trees to nurture: the redwoods and sequoias. Fans of historical fiction are those readers who are most likely to enjoy this finely written novel. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase At the Edge of the Orchard from amazon.com.

Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City

Instability. Matthew Desmond lived among the poor in Milwaukee as an ethnographer during 2008 and 2009. His book, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, presents his observations about families and landlords from that time. By presenting the stories about people and their struggles, his puts a face on poverty that most readers will find disturbing. The frequency of eviction leads to great instability, and the cycle seems unrelenting. Desmond’s writing is powerful, and he draws readers into the decisions made by people in a context of multiple bad alternatives. Desmond also presents the perspective of landlords in a nonjudgmental way. Any reader with compassion for the poor or with an interest un public policy must read this book. Rating: Five-star (I love it) Click here to purchase Evicted from amazon.com.