Sweet Thursday, by John Steinbeck

A public library book read and reviewed for LibraryThing in April, 2014

A sequel to Cannery Row. This one is more plot-driven and not so much a series of vignettes, as Cannery Row was, even though it is its sequel and carries on the stories of nearly the same characters and the same setting. This picks up after the interruption of World War II, after Doc returns from the battlefield. He has changed inwardly, lacking the satisfaction with his life that he enjoyed before. His friends at the Palace Flophouse and the Bear Flag attempt with humorous and poignant results to come to his rescue.

Cannery Row, by John Steinbeck

A public library book read and reviewed for LibraryThing in April, 2014

A revealing and intimate look at individuals often overlooked by "dressed for success" nine-to-five suburbanites. Everyone has his own way of looking at life, his own hopes and dreams, regrets and failures. This was very well written, as one would expect from Steinbeck. However, I became irritated at Mack's frequent, almost constant use of "I and the boys". If I were Doc, I'd find it hard to resist correcting him, but Doc knew it would be useless.

The Road Taken, by Rona Jaffe

A public library book read and reviewed on LibraryThing in March, 2014

A quick paced family saga, focusing on the life events of the family of Rose Smith Carson, born on January 1, 1900, and still living in 1999. Most of the major events of the 20th century affected some member or members of her family: World War I, the influenza epidemic, World War II, beatniks, polio, the women's movement, gay pride, the sexual revolution, the Pill, advances in medicine, and many more. I found it interesting; I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next, but I wished many parts of it had been more fully developed.

Above All Things, by Tanis Rideout

A book from the public library, read and reviewed July-August, 2013

A fictional account of a group's effort to scale Mt. Everest. Focuses on two climbers, George Mallory and Sandy Irvine, and on George and his wife Ruth.

The cover art is captivating and provocative. It seems to represent the mountain as a woman, almost like a siren calling men to danger, to risk their lives in their quest to answer her call.

*******SPOILER ALERT***************


Now that I've finished the book, I've learned that it is a work of fiction based on the actual events of real people. George Mallory and Andrew "Sandy" Irvine did attempt to climb Mt. Everest in 1924. George's beloved wife Ruth was left at home to be single parent to her three children, Clare, Berry, and John. She was a deep, introspective woman (according to the novel). I found two quotes particularly poignant: "When I was small I imagined love as something safe, something without sharp edges, only the sweeping, enveloping curves of romance and happiness. But it isn't. Not now, anyway. There are edges and they cut." (p. 191) and "Duty is something men step inside and fasten around them, like uniforms. For women, duty is a cloak draped over us, that weighs us down." (p. 262)

Although I have no interest in climbing mountains, or even hiking, I was drawn into this book. In the middle of an Alabama hot, sticky summer, I was cold reading about their experiences in high altitude. And, I kept wanting to shout at them, "Use your oxygen! Use your d*** oxygen!" (And I'm not a cursing woman.)

Sadly, George and Sandy disappeared very near the summit of Mt. Everest. It is not known if they ever reached the peak.

Just My Type: A Book About Fonts, by Simon Garfield

A book from the public library, read and reviewed in July, 2013

Just as it says, a book about fonts, causing me to look more carefully at the letters of the words I'm reading. I wish the information were more chronologically presented, and that more examples of the different fonts were given. It is fascinating to read about the men and women who created the letters that we take for granted when reading.

Left Neglected, by Lisa Genova

A book from the public library, read and reviewed in July, 2013

A fascinating fictional account of a woman who suffered from a very real but largely unknown medical condition, Left Neglect. A fast-lane, type A mother of three in a high-powered corporate position is suddenly rendered helpless following an auto accident. The book follows her therapy, her adjustments to her condition, her attempts to resume her former life, interpersonal relationships with her husband, children, and mother, and how she decides to live the rest of her life. I have read Still Alice by this author, and found it fascinating as well. I enjoy well written novels that deal with real issues in a convincing manner. I hope to find more of Lisa Genova's books.

Passing by Samaria, by Sharon Ewell Foster

A public library book read in May, 2013

A novel with African American and Christian themes. A young woman in rural Mississippi in the year 1919 is forced to leave her family and community. She goes to stay with an aunt who runs a Christian mission in Chicago. Her faith has been tested and almost unraveled due to actions of racial bigotry and hate. Her life is turned around in Chicago.

The Jane Austen Book Club, by Karen Joy Fowler

A public library book read in June, 2013

A very interesting book about the personal relationships and inner lives of a group of five women and one man who met monthly to discuss the novels of Jane Austen. Intricately woven, with layers upon layers, each chapter revealing more of the characters' individual stories.

Peace Like a River, by Leif Enger

A public library book read in July, 2013

A most interesting book! A familiar story: a fugitive from justice relentlessly pursued by a single-minded lawman is helped by friends and family along the way. This one is told from the viewpoint of two children, the outlaw's asthmatic young brother and his precociously talented little sister, a remarkable poet of eight years old. Their father is a deeply spiritual man who believes in and experiences miracles. Davy is a teenager who values action. When he shot and killed two bullies, town ruffians who entered their home with intent to harm the family, was it defense of home and family or premeditated murder?