"There's the scarlet thread of murder running through the colorless skein of life, and our duty is to unravel it, and isolate it, and expose every inc"There's the scarlet thread of murder running through the colorless skein of life, and our duty is to unravel it, and isolate it, and expose every inch of it."
Doctor John Watson has recently returned from Afghanistan. A former army doctor for the British, Watson is honourably discharged from his post after suffering an injury. Choosing to settle in London, Watson can not find a suitable flat (apartment) on his army income. A fortunate run-in with Stamford, an old friend, leads Watson to one Sherlock Holmes who is also looking for better acommodations. They become flatmates at 221B Baker steet. A consulting detective, Holmes is asked to assist in an unusual murder and Watson comes along. Thus, a new a partnership is borne.
Recently, I read 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' and was absolutely mesmerized by it. 'A Study in Scarlet' is the work that introduced John Watson and Sherlock Holmes to the world. Watson is somewhat adrift since his return from Afganistan, unable to afford a decent place on his own. His friend Stamford introduces him to Holmes, who happens to be in the same situation. They agree to become flatmates after talking about their particular idiosyncrasies. And Holmes, well, he has these in spades. Watson quickly learns about his new roommate eccentricities after Sherlock correctly deduces he has been in Afghanistan in their first meeting. Proficient in chemistry and various branches of science, Holmes has quite a remarkable knowledge but a bit of a prickly personality that few find endearing. Yet, meeting Holmes is just the jolt Watson needs to reclaim his life. I absolutely love the interaction between these two. Hands down, one of the best literary partneships ever written.
As for the mystery aspect, it was brillant. The murder of Enoch Drebber, an American man, in an empty house with no visible wounds confounds Scotland Yard. With no viable suspects or motives, Sherlock Holmes, a consultant detective, is called upon. Though usually Holmes works alone, Watson goes with him to the crime scene. The crime takes a stranger turn when the secretary of Drebber, Joseph Stangerson, is also found dead a few days later in his hotel room. Through his skills of deduction, Holmes unravels this seemingly complicated plot. The book is divided into two parts. Initially, the beginning of the second part does not make much sense but it does integrate with the first part. I liked the way in which the mystery unfolded and wholly enjoyed the reveal. This was not only a smart read but also an entertaining one.
'A Study in Scarlet' was released in 1887. Published in Beeton's Christmas Annual magazine, it initally attracted very little attention. Sherlock gained more popularity with subsequent publications and has since gained quite a following. Sherlock Holmes is in the Guiness Book of Records as the most portrayed fictional character. I recently watched 'A Study in Pink', the BBC adaptaion of the famous detective and throughly enjoyed that as well. Benedict Cumberbatch is brilliant as Sherlock. It changed the narrative some but kept its essence and I will continue watching that series as well. Its such a delight....more
"The unexpected always happens when Arsene Lupin is concerned in the affair."
Arsene Lupin is a thief. The French autthorities do not know how he looks"The unexpected always happens when Arsene Lupin is concerned in the affair."
Arsene Lupin is a thief. The French autthorities do not know how he looks like or even if Lupin is indeed his real name. He manages to elude them time and time again for he is a master of disguise. Yet what distinguishes Lupin from other thieves is his peculiar set of ethics: he does not appear to act out of malice and helps bring in criminals, in his particular fashion of course. He is thus known as a gentleman-thief.
I came to know of this book series in the same manner as so many, through the recently added Netflix series (which I am quite liking). Arsene Lupin is a complex fellow. His inventive genius and intellingence along with his uncanny ability to disguise himself (he is a "'man of a thousand disguises: chauffer, detective, Russian physician, Spanish bull-fighter, robust youth, or decrepit old man.") make him a nightmare for the police to track. But there is another facet to Arsene Lupin, he can also be charming, generous and uses his set of skills to bring down other criminals. I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. It was not only entertaining and fun but also well put together. These short stories linked and flowed quite nicely, the mysteries were remarkable and the characters intriguing. In a way, this is a whodunit in reverse. The way in which the prose is written made me root for Lupin desspite the fact that he was on the other side of the law.
Maurice Leblanc created Arsene Lupin in 1905. Gentleman-thief is the first of these series of novels and short stories that feature Lupin. In a few installments, Lupin comes against Sherlock Holmes. Due to objections from Arthur Conan Doyle, Leblanc had to change the spelling from Sherlock Holmes to "Herlock Sholmes" but of course the character is one and the same. I am glad to have come across this series and willl definitely continue reading on. ...more
When Jack Lyons is made the superintendent of the New York Pubic Library, he and his family move to the apartment above the iconic building. His wife,When Jack Lyons is made the superintendent of the New York Pubic Library, he and his family move to the apartment above the iconic building. His wife, Laura Lyons has a tradional role as wife and mother to their kids Pearl and Harry. But Laura wants more and when she receives the opportunity to attend Columbia for journalism, she takes it. Laura's world changes but when rare books begin to mysteriously disappear from the library, she realizes all could collapse. Eighty years later, Sadie Donovan is a librarian that works as a curator for the New York Public Library. Unbeknown to her boss and co-workers, she is the granddaughter to Laura Lyons and when books go missing on her watch too, Sadie knows there has to be a connection. As she digs, Laura comes upon painful and hidden family secrets.
This is the first work by Fiona Davis I have read. The description and cover drew me in and compelled me to buy the book. Laura Lyons is a wife and mother. Living in the apartment above the library is an adventure but she yearns for more. When she is accepted to Columbia for journalism, she takes the leap. Her studies lead her to Greenwich Village, to The Heterodoxy Club. Here women are encouraged to speak up and share their ideas, a new concept for Laura. But just as her horizons are being broadened, her home life becomes threatened. Rare book begin to go missing and her husband is suspect number one. In the same building, Sadie Donovan finds not just work but also solace. She is a librarian and also the granddaughter of the now known essayist Laura Lyons. Sadie is working as a curator for an exhibition in the library and here too rare books begin to go missing. Sadie does not believe this is to be a coincidence. As she searches and learns more about her family, she uncovers painful secrets.
This is a great book. What is better than a book about books that take place in a library? Told in a dual storyline between Laura, in 1913, and Sadie, in 1993, both women struggle to find their place in their lives. The prose is nicely written and the pace matches the tone. The meting out of clues had suurprises, though some were not difficult to infer. For me, Laura's story stands out more than Sadie's story but I like both characters. My favorite aspect is that of the library, how it becomes a character in and of itself. Overall, I thought the narrative flowed nicely and I enjoyed the conclusion. While the library and the apartment (no one lives there anymore) above it are real, the characters in this book are Davis' own creation. I will be sseking other books by Davis as this one I enjoyed.
Thelma Morgan, an American, is coming off a difficult marriage when she meets Lord Furness, an English Viscount. The two have a whirlwind romance and Thelma Morgan, an American, is coming off a difficult marriage when she meets Lord Furness, an English Viscount. The two have a whirlwind romance and eventually marry. Life as Lady Furness suits Thelma and at first it is all that she expects but after the birth of her son, her husband begins to have affairs. Initially, Thelma simply resigns herself but soon she realizes she has caught the attention of another man: Edward, the Prince of Wales. Seeing as her husband does not change his ways, Thelma embarks on an affair of her own with the prince. When her sister is in trouble, Thelma travels to the United States to be by her side and asks a friend to please look after the prince. This decision will change everything.
Another book about the House of Windsor and I love it. This is perfect for those that love The Crown (by the way, the fourth season is absolutely fantastic, the Balmoral episode in particular I enjoyed). The Woman Before Wallis focuses on Thelma Morgan, the woman the Prince of Wales loved before Wallis Simpson. The two meet when Lord Furness, Thelma's husband, introduces them at an event. When her marriage to the Viscount begins to crack due to his affairs, Thelma can not simply sit idly. Gradually, she becomes more involved with the prince until she becomes his mistress. Though the circumstances are not ideal (not to mention the external problmes with their families), she is happy in this relationship and so appears, the prince as well. When her sister, Gloria Vanderbilt, has trouble in the states, Thelma asks her good friend Wallis to please take care of the prince on her behalf. The rest is history.
I knew of Wallis Simpson of course but this is the first I learn of Thelma Furness. While some of these characters I am familiar with, some were new to me. Characterization felt genuine, the pace complimented the tone of the book and overall the book was entertaining as well as informative. The narrative is simply fascinating. For a family that prides itself so much over decorum there is certainly a matching level of scandal. I liked the way in which the book unfolded and thought the ending apt. Thelma is an interesting study. Not only was she involved with the prince, she was also the sister to Gloria Vanderbilt. As such, Thelma was part of the most famous/infamous custody battle in the United States over Gloria'ss daughter who was also named Gloria. The way in which Turnball incorporates both these stories is well done. It has piqued my curiosity over this pair of sisters and I will seek a book about them at a later date. As for this one, I would recommend for those that are interested in the royal family.
Cooper's Chase Retirement Village is in a quiet English town but for four of its residents life continues with excitement. Every thursday Elizabeth, JCooper's Chase Retirement Village is in a quiet English town but for four of its residents life continues with excitement. Every thursday Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron meet in the Jigsaw room to discuss old murder cases. Their former careers gives them a different insight. They call themselves The Thursday Murder Club. When a recent murder of a local developer takes place, the group puts aside old cases and begin to disect the new one. Finding their way into the police investigation, this group of septuagenarians prove as formidable as the police.
First book of the year and I love it! The Thursday Murder Club is a witty and humorous whodonit with standout characters. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron meet every thursday to discuss old murder cases that Elizabeth has kept from her past career. They call hemselves The Thursday Murder Club. When a local developer is found dead in his home, they switch gears. They talk themselves into the police investigation, befriending the leads of the case. They learn information about the case through their contacts and past careers (they have a former nurse, psychiatrist, union representative and police member among the four of them). They even get information the police can not get. As the case unravels, their personal connections deepen.
The character development in this book is outstanding. While the murder investigation is an important part of the plot, this is a character driven book. Quirky and off-beat, these characters are a memorable and unique group. The plot moves along a good pace and the reveal of the murder(s) is definitely satisfying. This is a fun and entertaining book to read that also has heart. There is a sequel coming that I will be reading. As for this book, I would definitely recommend. A great start for this year's reading challenge....more
“That’s easy. The same thing we all must do. Take stock of who we are, and what we have, and then use it for good.”
The Addler family board a flight f“That’s easy. The same thing we all must do. Take stock of who we are, and what we have, and then use it for good.”
The Addler family board a flight from New York to Los Angeles, moving due to the father's change of job. The flight does not make it to Los Angeles. It crashes and the sole survivor is twelve-year-old Edward Addler. As the only survivor of a group of 190 people, Edward catches the attention of the media and heart of the people. As he recovers from his injuries and goes to live with his aunt and uncle, Edward struggles with making sense of his new reality. With a barrage of expectations unexpectedly placed on his shoulders, Edward needs to learn how to live again.
Last day of the year and I am able to add one more book to my overall goal and this is a great book to close the year with. Dear Edward is a thoughtful, touching and heart-wrenching novel. Edward losses it all when the plane he is travelling in crashes. He is the sole survivor. Fortunately, Edward has an aunt and uncle that take him in and are willing to take care of him. He losses his father, mother and Jordan, his older brother. The plane crash catches the attention of the media and inadvertly, Edward becomes a person of great interest across the country. While his physical injuries gradually heal, its the ones of the heart that are more difficult to treat. It is a struggle for Edward to process what happened, a task that is harder due to all the eyes on him. With the help of his uncle, aunt and Shay (the neighbour's daughter), he lears not just how to survive, but how to live.
This is not a fun book to read but it is memorable. For a book that deals with death, it teaches us a lot about living, truly living. The tone of the narrative starts out solenm but gradually becomes more hopeful. The pace matches the tone and the characters standout. The narrative is split into Edward's life after the crash and the hours in the plane before the crash. While the main focus is Edward, we learn about some of the other passengers on the plane. From the young woman dealing with an unexpected pregnacy to the injured soldier returning home, all their stories add up to a sad & tragic yet beautiful & hopeful story. There is no denying that grief is a main theme of this book but the overall message is one about living. Such heart is displayed on these pages. Its both heartwrenching and heartwarning. Ann Napolitano based this book on a real crash, where only young boy survived and she treated the manner with the respect it deserves. Highly recommend this book!...more
“What magic there was all around him. Words were inadequate, but all he had. He didn't know where they came from or why, but it was how we told one an“What magic there was all around him. Words were inadequate, but all he had. He didn't know where they came from or why, but it was how we told one another what the world was and might be. Who we were, and might become. It was the only magic he had. Everything else was faith.”
Charles Dickens is a celebrate author in his city. His monthly serial story of Martin Chuzzlewit is drawing less attention and hence, generating less money. His publishers tell Dickens that he needs to write a Christmas story or else they will reduce his income, something that Dickens can simply not afford. His fifth child is about to be born, the debts of his family and friends rest on his shoulders, charities expect his donations and his family expect a grand Christmas celebration. But much as Dickens needs this book to survive, he cannot write it. Lacking inspiration, he walks the streets until he finds the right motivation to write.
I have, like so many others, read and greatly enjoyed A Christmas Carol but did not know how this book came to be until now. Charles Dickens has several novels and short stories published. He is a popular author but lately his monthly installment of Martin Chuzzlewit is failing to sell. His publishers threaten with lowering his montly income unless Dickens produces a Christmas story. His financial obligations are large and Dickens can not lose money but he has a bad case of writers block. As Christmas draws nearer, his worry increases. Drawing inspiration from walking the streets and watching people from all walks of life, Dickens finally formulates what is now one of the most iconic Chritsmas stories. This is a charming, thoughful and a great seasonal book. The prose is is fantastic and the characters memorable. The plot is surprising even knowing how the story will end. The tone echoes a time of both hope and despair. It is a perfect book to read, particularly at this time of the year.
Originally published on December 19, 1843, this is one of the most recognized and iconic books about Christmas. Who would have thought that A Christmas Carol, a book that has never been out of print, has been translated into various languages, has inspired a myriad of tv and movie adaptations and is as known as Christmas itself was born out of necessity. Charles Dickens did not originally plan on writing this book, there were exigent circumstances. In the afterward, Samantha Silva tells the readers that while she worked with the facts, much of this story is a product of her imagination. I had my doubts about wether this work would compliment the original and, for me at least, it does. This is the debut novel for Silva and its a homerun. I am happy to add it to my Christmas book repertoire. Would definitely recommend this book....more
Herta (Hetty) Heinrich's life changes when her father moves up along the ranks of the Nazi party. Her once humble home is replaced with a bigger & betHerta (Hetty) Heinrich's life changes when her father moves up along the ranks of the Nazi party. Her once humble home is replaced with a bigger & better one, her father takes charge of the local newspaper and she is afforded more freedoms. Growing up, she does not question Nazi ideology but all that changes when she runs into an old childhood friend of her brother Karl, Walter. Walter used to be around her house often until he was not welcome anymore. Walter is Jewish and Hetty needs to stay away from him. Against all that Hetty has been taught, she keeps meeting Walter in secret and falling in love. As tensions intensify, Hetty will have to choose between her heart or her country.
Having previously read a number of books dealing with Nazi Germany, I now read them more sporadically. While Daughter of the Reich was not all that different from books I have read in the past, it was a well rendered story. Hetty has known Walter since she was a child, he even saved Hetty from drownig once. When its found out that he is Jewish, Hetty's brother Karl cuts contact with him and he is not welcome at their home anymore. Hetty runs into him when she is older and begins to meet with him in secret. Both are running a huge risk for he is Jewish and she is the daughter of a high ranking officer of the Nazi party, but they are unable to live without each other. As anti-semitism is on the rise, the stakes of their relationship become much more dangerous.
As I said before, this narrative is not all that different from other novels about Nazi Germany and war but it is well done. It has a nice pace and the the narrative flows nicely. While some details were not surprising, as a whole, the narrative was well thought out. What I enjoyed most was the characterization. No character was one-note, even when certain aspects about them were predictable. In particular, Hetty's development was to my liking as she goes from suceptible girl to brave woman unwilling to accept all she has been taught. A coming-of-age-book, a romance and a war story, this was a well executed book. The ending I liked very much. The fact that Fein was inspired by her own family history, adds to the appeal of reading this book. Touching, moving and heartbreking, this is a great book....more
“The kids were happy. They had added another to their numbers. They didn't want to set the world on fire. They just wanted to be less alone in it.”
Af“The kids were happy. They had added another to their numbers. They didn't want to set the world on fire. They just wanted to be less alone in it.”
After many years of not seeing each other in person, Madison reaches out to Llillian and offers her a job. The two first met at a private boarding school, where they were roomates until Lillian had to leave. Since then, Lillian's life has been mediocre so she figures that Madison's job offer has got to be better than her current situation. When she meets Madison, she tells her the job is to take care of her husband's ten-year-old twins that have a unique problem: they spontaneously combust when upset. It is Lillian's job to keep the twins calm and out of sight as Madison's husband is vying for the post of Secretary of State. Lillian takes the job and expects the unexpected.
This is a unique, original, peculiar and quirky book. Lillian leads a lacluster life, has a deadend job and has a mother that cares little for her. She and Madison have kept in touch via letters but have not seen each other since boarding school. Madison is vague about the job offer but Lillian figures it beats her current one. Upon meeting Madison on her large property and mansion, Lillian learns that the job is to take care of Madison's step-kids, ten-year-old twins Roland and Bessie. There is a catch: the twins spontaneously combust and catch on fire. It must remain a secret as Jasper (Madison's husband) is a career politician and running for Secretary of State. Lillian is perplexed but accepts the job anyway. Her first meeting with the kids is less than ideal but the more time she spends time with them, the more she comes to care for them. In time, the three of them become a team and grow close together as they are kept at arms length from the rest of the family. Slowly, Lillian realizes that there is nothing wrong with the kids.
The premise of this book is quite unusual but it works. Behind it lies very tangible concepts, that of family, friendship, trust and belonging. The cast of characters most definitely stand out, the plot is intiguing and the story original. I honestly did not think I was going to enjoy this book as much as I did. It is a quick read but also a very thoughtful one. Kevin Wilson's style remind me alot of Fredrik Backman and his books (I love Backman's books, by the way). There is humour and heart on these pages. I like Lillian as the narrator and I love the ending. There is a number of great quotes to get from this book. The overall message is certainly one I can back: that of being accepted and loved. I am so glad to have read this book. For anyone on the fence, I would say to just read it. It is definitely worth it....more
“The library is a gathering pool of narratives and of the people who come to find them. It is where we can glimpse immortality; in the library, we can“The library is a gathering pool of narratives and of the people who come to find them. It is where we can glimpse immortality; in the library, we can live forever.”
It is a typical morning on April 28, 1986 in Central Library in Los Angeles when the fire alarm forces both staff and patrons to exit the building. Thinking it a false alarm, most expect to be back inside within a few minutes but that is not the case. There is a fire that is growing by the minute. It will be hours before the firefighters put the fire out. By then, hundreds of thousands of books will have been damaged, and it will be many years before the library is able to open its doors again. Many questions will be raised but the one on everyone's mind is the most worrisome one: was this an accident or did someone set the fire?
Within the past three years, I have come to really enjoy non-fiction books and I love books about books. The Library Book by Susan Orlean combines both and does it brillantly. On April 28, 1986 Central Library was on fire. Over a million books were damaged by the time firefighters put the fire out. What remained were ashes and crushed souls, those of the staff and the patrons of Central Library. The biggest question that was raised was wether this incident was a terrible accident or a deliberate action. A suspect emerged, an aspiring actor by the name of Harry Peak. He claimed that he had been an Central that morning and then he claimed to be somewhere else entirely. Peak was a compulsive liar but was he responsible? Then again, the library building was not in great shape, it was not up to code. This is a fantastic book. If someone believes that libraries are boring, they need to read this book. Orlean's research is extensive and thorough. It encompasses, not just the fire, but also the history of libraries and librarians. It shows how libraries evolved from places about book lending to community centers. It is part mystery, part history and an all around great book.
"Libraries are what is best about us as a society: open, exciting, rich, informative, free, inclusive, engaging."
I have to admit that prior to reading this book, I did not know about the fire. In fact, at the time it happened, it did not make much of a splash. Part of the reason was that there were other bigger headlines. Among them the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster that took place on April 26, 1986 (only two days before the fire). But to those that worked there and frequented it, it was a painful blow. This is an exciting book. The history of libraries is far more fascinating than I had originally thought. The librarians and how each incorporated a new facet to the library, how librarians do more than simply deal with books and how much Los Angeles proved to love Cenral Library was a lovely thing to read. As far as Harry Peak is concerned, well he was certainly a character. Almost 35 years after, it is still unknown wether the fire was an accident or not. The purpose of this book was not to solve the mystery but to show it in the context of librarie's history. Its a rich, entertaining and infromative book. Highly recommend this book!...more
“Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you c“Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices… Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?”
Nora Seed is having a tough time. She has been fired from her job, her cat died and her relationships with other people are unstable. Nothing appears to be going well so Nora decides to end it. Except that she winds up in the Midnight Library instead. In it, there are thousands of books with the thousands of possible lives Nora could have lived if she had made different choices. Nora is told that she can choose one book at a time to live in. If she finds a life she likes better, she can stay there permanently. So as Nora starts exploring all the 'what-ifs', she begins to appreciate life anew.
"The only way to learn is to live."
This is a book I had my eye for a while so when I saw it on the list for best fiction, I decided to not wait any longer to read it. For a relatively short book, it packs a punch. Nora Seed is not okay. She has been fired, her cat died and none of the relationships in her life are working out. She decides to stop trying. But then something unusual happens. She winds up in the Midnight Library. Suddenly, all the lives she could have had are laid before her. All she has to do is pick a book, enter a different life and see if its better than her current one. As she goes through her regrets and undoes some of her past decisions, it becomes clearer that maybe there is no such thing as a perfect life. The short chapters made this narrative flow quite nicely. The prose is simple but powerful. The concept is impactful. Who has not wished for a different outcome in life at some point? There is a mention of quantum physics in the story but it is not overwhelming and is simply explained. Above all, this book is thoughful and well rendered. The tone is solemn. Its not a book that can be called fun or entertaining but its certainly memorable. This is the first time I read a book by Matt Haig and I have just learned that he deals with mental health issues. His observations and thoughts do reflect that, they are honest and hopeful. I am glad to hae read this book and will look into more books by Haig in the future....more
Brad Aronson and his wife Mia receive devastating news when she is diagnosed with leukemia. Life as they know it comes to a crashing halt and neither Brad Aronson and his wife Mia receive devastating news when she is diagnosed with leukemia. Life as they know it comes to a crashing halt and neither knows how to keep life normal for their son Jack. But as Mia starts treatment, something remarkable begins to happen. Family members, friends and even strangers begin showing kindness to the family. Simple acts of kindness gradually make the two and a half year process of Mia's treatment much easier to handle. Such is the transformative effect, that Brad Aronson now shows how we too can help others through simple acts of kindness.
I do not know about anyone else but personally, this year has left me sincerely wondering wether there is still good to be found in this world. While reading this book did not fully rekindle my faith in humanity, it did show me that there is still people that are trying and it can be found in the simplest acts of kindness. Brad Aronson and his family certainly needed it after his wife Mia was diagnosed with leukemia. Wether it was getting home cooked meals, people offering to pick up Jack from school or receiving gag gifts to provide moments of laughter, it all worked to make a bad situation better. The book tells of various people's small acts of kindness that blossomed into larger movements. At the end, Aronson provides an expansive list of people and charities and how we can contribute to them. Its not all monetary though, there is ways to give kindness that do not involve money. This book is inspirational as well as moving. It is a perfect book to read right now because if we want the world to be a better place, its really up to us. For a fairly short book, it packs a punch. Would definitely recommend. A must read....more
"When James A. Garfield was yesterday reported as lying at the point of death new bitterness was added to the poignancy of public grief by the thought"When James A. Garfield was yesterday reported as lying at the point of death new bitterness was added to the poignancy of public grief by the thought that Chester A. Arthur would be his successor," it read. "Gen. Arthur is about the last man who would be considered eligible to that position, did the choice depend on the voice either of the majority of his own party or a majority of the people of the United States."
When the bullet of a deranged man hit James Garfield, the country wept, not just for their president but also for the possibility that Chester Arthur would go on to become the next president of the United States. While Garfield was respected, Arthur was hated. Despite very promising begginnings, Chester Arthur wound up a cog in Roscoe Conkling's Republican Political Machine. A supporter and direct beneficiary of the patronage and spoils system, Arthur made a fortune and forged his name as 'Mr. Conkling's loyal lieutenant'. When Garfield died and Arthur assumed the presidency, everyone thought the worst but were thoroughly shocked when Arthur proved to have more character and backbone than the country gave him credit for. The rebirth of his consciousness led to the birth of an unexpected president.
Not too long ago, I read Destiny of the Republic by Candace Millard, an incredible account of the assasination attempt and subsequent death of James Garfield (this is an excellent book by the way and I will not tire of recommending it). As it was thought highly unlikely that Garfield would not serve his term out, there was little concern for Chester Arthurs ever becoming the president. But then he did. The Arthur that America knew was a far cry from where he started. Son of a abolitionist preacher, Arthur was a lawyer and a general quarter master for the Union during the war. He executed both of these jobs well and with integrity. But as he found his introduction into politics, he lost his way, ultimately becoming a vital part to Roscoe Conkling's machine. Even as vice-president, Arthur stood steadfastly by Roscoe even when Roscoe openly opposed Garfield. Needless to say when Arthur became president, most had a wide distrust and suspicion towards him. Then letters penned by a woman named Julia Sand began reminding Arthur that he was capable of becoming the man of the hour and rise to the ocassion. Arthur did. He went against the machine (when so many thought that Conkling was going to be president in every way except by name), was an early civil rights advocate and respected & embraced Garfield's legacy. This is one of the best redemption arcs I have ever read.
I love this book. Apparently presidential biographies/histories are a thing I enjoy a lot this year. Greenberger constructed this work in a way that is comphrehensive from Chester Arthur's story to the narrative of the Republican party rift (the battle between the Stalwarts and the Half-Breeds) and clearly explaining the spoils and patronage system that sustained Conkling's machine. I also think that the pace and flow of this book compliment each other nicely. The subject matter is far more fascinating that I anticipated. Chester Arthur might be one of the less memorable presidents but his history should be talked about more. Its no samll feat to go from being a major cog in Roscoe Conkling's political machine to becoming one of its most vocal opponents. I do believe that posterity should not forget Chester Arthur's shortcomings but it would be remiss to not acknowledge his change and growth. Definitely recommend this book as well....more
“The only problem was, when your whole existence is something you have to cope with, you look back one day and find that your strategy has become a wa“The only problem was, when your whole existence is something you have to cope with, you look back one day and find that your strategy has become a way of life.”
Tilly and Grace, two ten-year-old girls that are best friends, live in an English cul-de-sac called The Avenue. Everyone in The Avenue know each other or so they think until one of its inhabitants disappears. Mrs. Creasy suddenly goes missing. Everyone blames that on the heat wave of 1976. Tilly and Grace think otherwise and decide to go find God, in order to find Mrs. Creasy. The girls knock on all the neighbour's doors, asking about what they knew about Mrs. Creasy. Unknowingly, the girls' questions begin to unearth a secret from the summer of 1967. A secret that has been kept by those living in The Avenue for the past nine years and the reason most likely Mrs. Creasy is missing.
Some time ago I read Three Things About Elsie and found it sweet and charming. Liking Joanna Cannon's style, I decided to read another work by her. The Trouble with Goats and Sheep is a coming-of-age story, a mystery and and charming narrative. Grace and Tilly do not believe the heat wave is the reason Mrs. Creasy is missing and surely God must know so they set out to find him. They knock on all the neighbour's doors and ask about Mrs. Creasy and God. As they ask, they begin to reveal all the secrets behind the facades. Worse yet, they bring to light an incident from the summer of 1967 that all the residents of The Avenue had thought was buried. A secret that Mrs. Creasy had figured out. There is a tone of innocence on these pages for Tilly and Grace do part of the narration. Each of the characters standout for some quirky trait. The way Cannon depicts The Avenue is as a secretive community with some set ideas but with the potential to embrace a new time. Initially the back and forth between 1976 and 1967 threw me a bit but once I got used to it, it was not an issue. The pace and flow were complementary. This is a novel about perceptions and misconceptions. Humorous in parts and thoughtful in others, this was a book I quite enjoyed. ...more
Charlie Fish is a mathematician working in the University of Chicago when he gets recruited to work on a secret military project in New Mexico. LeavinCharlie Fish is a mathematician working in the University of Chicago when he gets recruited to work on a secret military project in New Mexico. Leaving behind Brenda, the girl he loves, he sets out to his new post, knowing only his destination but not much else. When assigned work, he is only given limited information about the whole project and is enouraged to "stick to his knitting". He does so but when he learns that the work he is doing clashes with his conscience, he turns to Brenda for advice. Without knowing the true nature of his job, Brenda encourages him to go ahead. When Japan gets bombed with nuclear bombs manufactured in New Mexico, both feel a great strain on their conscience.
I have to start by saying that I approached this book with some trepidation. Having read The Baker's Secret some time back and not having exactly liked it, I genuinely did not know what to expect from this book. I can now say that this book fared much better with me. Charlie Fish is a bright young mathematician, a Harvard graduate that works in the University of Chicago. He suddenly gets a promotion and is sent to Los Alamos, New Mexico to work in a secret military project. Charlie only knows what work he has in front of him, that of soldering metals and making electrical circuits, but does not know what the project is about. When he becomes aware, he has a crisis of conscience. As Brenda is the person dearest to him, he asks her for advice. Brenda mistakes his hesitation for doubt in himself and encourages him to move forward. Charlie does but is only met with regret and doubt when he completes the work. What Brenda does not know is that his project is making the atomic bomb.
This is a love story, a cautionary tale and story of regret & redemption all rolled into one. Narrated by Brenda and Charlie in alternating chapters, we become privy to their budding romance and to Charlie's work and how it impacts them. Though the background is the Manhattan Project and the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, there are no technical details in this book. Rather the focus is the conscience aspect, the moralilty of it all. This, I have to say, was very well executed. Kiernan successfully conveys a tense environment of a battle of the conscience versus obligation and the implications and subsequent consequences. Overall, I found this book thougtful. The slower pace complimented the solenm tone of the book. I do not typically choose romance but this was a well executed aspect in this book. I definitely did appreacite this book . Charlie Fish is based on the real life mathematician Charles B. Fisk that actually worked on the Manhattan Project. Though its worth saying that after he worked on the project, he dedicated himself to making organs and following his love of music for "spiritual" reasons. His company, C. B. Fisk still continues to build organs to this day....more
Matt Bronik is a tenured professor and Quantum physicist at Dartmouth University. He loves teaching but his research is what drives him most. Brigid BMatt Bronik is a tenured professor and Quantum physicist at Dartmouth University. He loves teaching but his research is what drives him most. Brigid Bronik, his wife, gets a call one day telling her Matt has had a seizure. At the hospital, the doctors can not figure out what is wrong with Matt and when he recovers only a few hours later, they still can not say what caused the seizure. He claims it has nothing to do with his research but when Brigid learns that his work is not as benign as Matt makes it sound, she worries. When Matt goes missing after having another seizure, Brigid's fears are confirmed. With a list of people with interest in Matt's work, its a race against time to bring Matt home safely.
The premise of this novel is what drew me in. Matt Bronik is a successful professor and Quantum physicist, married to Brigid and father to Morgan. Brigid, his wife, undertands liitle of his work but knows that he loves it. When he suffers a seizure at work but recovers fully a few hours later in the hospital, no one can say what caused it and hope its an isolated incident. Its not. Pushed to give details of his work, Matt reveals he is working with Quantum interference that can have significant consequences but still insists this is not the problem. When he goes missing after another seizure, its clear that its his research that is at the heart of this situation. With the Department of Defence, intense Chinese competition and a multi-billionaire, many have interest in Matt's work and its anyone's guess who took him. The reason is not so obscure as Matt's work can be good or terrible if it falls in the wrong hands.
The pace started off slow but gradually built up. Narrated by Brigid, Emmett (the detective) and Sean Plottner (the multi-billionaire who wants Matt to work for him), we follow as the case of Matt's dissaperance unfolds. This is light sci-fi book, an adventure and an intriguing mystery with plenty of suspects with motives. There is quite a bit of elements to this book and, at least to me, they all work well together. Initially I thought this book was going to be in the same vein as Blake Crouch's Dark Matter. It is not the case as Crouch's book is more of an active application whereas this is a theoretical Quantum idea. Still, this book shines on its own right. As far the science aspect, the Quantum interference, well its certainly intriguing (the thought experiment of Schrodinger's Cat also plays a role in the narrative). I could not explain it if I tried but I get the overall idea. The reveal at the end was satisfying and the narrative flowed nicely. The concept might be complicated but reading this book is easy. Would recommend this book....more
"Stories change people. History, real history, helps people understand each other, see each other from the inside out."
Hannie Gossett used to be a sla"Stories change people. History, real history, helps people understand each other, see each other from the inside out."
Hannie Gossett used to be a slave of the Gossett family. Now, after the war, she is a sharecropper of the land on Gossett property. The contract is almost up, where she and her friends would own the land they worked on, but William Gossett, the owner of the plantation, is missing. Without the paperwork to verify their word, there is no deal. Also looking for him are his two daughters, Lavinia and Juneau Jane, who need to know their inhertitance is safeguarded. Hannie, Lavinia and Juneau Jane become unlikely travelling companions in search of William Gossett. More than a hundred years later, Benedetta (Benny) Silva arrives in Agustine, Loiusiana as a new teacher in an impoverished school. Struggling to get her students to focus, she devices a project that her students can truly connect to. As the past and present collide, painful truths come to the surface as does an opportunity to start anew.
This is the second book by Lisa Wingate I have read this year (third overall) and I quite like it. Hannie Gossett, a former slave for the Gossett family, is now a sharecropper. She is the last of her family left as the rest were sold off without the consent of William Gossett. She was the only one that was returned. The promise of owning a piece of land has motivated her all these past years but without William Gossett that may not come to pass. That is why she needs the paperwork. Lavinia Gossett, his daughter, is also uncertain about her future as the plantation is not what is used to be. She and her half-sister (born to a free creole woman) Juneau Jane agree to team up and find their father despite the fact that they do not like each other. These three young women embark on a perilous journey in the post war South and along the way come across the Lost Friends ads. In these ads, former slaves seek their loved ones. Hannie's hopes of finding her family are rekindled by these ads. Benny is in Agustine to teach but her students do not pay attention, that is when they show up. When she learns of the Gossett family and their history with the town, she sees a possibility to get her students to engage. Letting the town reveal these secrets, however, will be a challenge.
To be frank, at the beginning, there was akward pacing and a slow progression. In spots, there was also some confusion as to what was happening. I actually, put the book to the side for a few days but I am glad to have come back to it as this is a powerful narrative. Narrated by Hannie and Benny in 1875 and 1987, respectively, we follow a dual storyline of struggle and courage. Hannie ends up travelling alongside two companions that she would not have originally chosen but they prove a resilient bunch and interesting characters on their own. Characterization felt authentic though challenging in spots for Wingate uses dialect that sometimes was hard to grasp. I do like she did this though for it added to the narrative. The story becomes more compelling as it progresses and there is elements that surprise. In all honesty, I was more drawn to Hannie's narrative to that of Benny but I did like how the two came together at the end. This is not a book that should be read quickly (I tried). It should be enjoyed in a more thoughtful and slower manner to grasp all that it encompasses. Fact and fiction mix very well in this book. Would recommend.
The inspiration for this book came about in a modern way: via e-mail. A reader of Lisa Wingate's Before We Were Yours suggested that Wingate look into the Lost Friends column in the Southwestern Christian Advocate Methodist newspaper. This column adverstised former slaves search for their families that had been separted during/after the war. Reverends read these at church and encouraged those with information to provide it and spread the word. Many were able to reunite with their loved ones beacuse of this column. Wingate added some of the original adds between chapters, which is a nice touch. It was upon reading one in particular, though, that Wingate was inpired to write this book....more
“It's very dangerous to believe people, I haven't for years.”
Gwenda is a young newlywed, in England looking for a home for her and her husband Giles.“It's very dangerous to believe people, I haven't for years.”
Gwenda is a young newlywed, in England looking for a home for her and her husband Giles. She comes upon one that she likes immediately, in Dillmouth. Its a charming house that feels quite familiar. Until Giles arrives, Gwenda takes care of remodeling the inside. In the process, Gwenda begins to remember eerie things. To escape, she goes to visit Gile's cousin Raymond West, where she meets Miss Jane Marple. Miss Marple helps Gwenda realize that the reason she remembers the house is because she lived in it as a child and may have witnessed a murder eighteen years ago.
This is the last book in the Marple series (I have read these in sequence except for the short story collection), and, in my opinion, one of the best. Gwenda and Giles Reed are a young couple seeking to settle in England, Gile's place of birth. Gwenda goes ahead and picks a house for them. After seeing a few, she comes upon the one in Dillmouth called Hillside. She loves it right away. She buys it and in the process of remodeling, she begins to remember things about the house that turn to be true. Overwhelmed, she seeks respite with a visit to the home of Gile's cousin, Raymond West, nephew of Miss Marple. A trip to the theater triggers a memory in Gwenda that frightens her for she recalls seeing a woman being murdered in the house. Needing answers, Gwenda and Giles embark on an investigation to learn what really happened in their house. This is another great whodonit work by Agatha Chistie. The uncertain atmosphere is set by Gwenda and her recollections of this house. Upon establishing the potential victim, we are introduced to a list of people with motives and opportunities. The plot is complex and the meting out of clues and red herrings masterfully done. Overall, the plot is intruguing and the reveal satisfying.
While Miss Marple is not as active in this book as she is the the earlier ones, she is very much present. Her trademark wit and keen eye help the young couple. Sleeping Murder was published in 1976 but written much earlier, in early 1940's during WWII. Both this book and the last installment of Hercule Poirot, Curtain, were written this early for Agatha Christie was in London, during the Blitz and wanted those written in the event she did not survive (thankfully that was not the case). I now have only the short story collection left to read and it will be a wrap on Miss Marple for me. It has been a pleasure....more
"To his countrymen, a staggeringly diverse array of poeple, Garfield was at the same time familiar and extraordinary, a man who [image]
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"To his countrymen, a staggeringly diverse array of poeple, Garfield was at the same time familiar and extraordinary, a man who represented both what they were and what they hoped to be. Although he had been elevated to the highest seat of power, he was still, and would always be, one of their own."
FIVE STARS FOR AN ACCOUNT OF A MAN WHOSE LIFE WAS UNJUSTLY CUT TOO SHORT!
James A. Garfield was in attendance at the Republican convention to help secure the nomination for one of his fellow party members. However, following his speech, he had unwittingly secured the nomination for himself. A scholar, statesman and army general Garfield never actively dreamt about the presidency. Rather, it was imposed on him and following his winning the election, he became the 20th president of the United States. Unfortunately, a bullet would allow Garfield to be in office for only a few months. His legacy, however, lives on.
I have to start off by thanking JanB, whose review of this book put it on my radar and on my TBR. Hands down, this is the best book I have read thus far this year and its certainly one of the best non-fiction book I have ever read. If you had asked me only a few days ago what I knew about James Garfield, I would have replied that nothing beyond his name. Now I have a profound respect for him and his work. James Garfield grew up in abject poverty but through education pulled himself up. His resume led him to be elected to the Ohio State senate and later on, to congress. His smart military strategy led him to reach the rank of general. Above all this, his character and commitment to seek the best for all, made him appealing to a wide range of people, Its no wonder why he was nominated for president when he did not activelt seek it.
"This honor comes to me onsought. I have never had the Presidential fever, not even for a day."
Unfortunately for Garfield, his story has 'villains'. From Roscoe Conckling, a rival from the Stalwart Republican faction to Charles J. Guiteau, Garfield's would-be-assasin and D. Willard Bliss, Garfield's "doctor", all would contribute for his short term in office. The way in which Candace Millard integrated history with the context of the times is bar none. This rendering of Garfield's life, presidency and murder is nothing short of a masterpiece. Bravo to Millard for she has brought to life history in a way, that it is not only interesting, but also utterly compelling. Alexander Bell, Robert Todd Lincoln and Joseph Lister make appearances in this book and each affect Garfield in some significant way. Garfield died because of the delusions of one man (Guiteau) and the ego of another (Bliss). This book is compulsive, riveting, fascinating and comprehensive. My expectation were beyond surpassed and I know that there will be more books by Millard for me in a near future.
To say that James A. Garfield had a vast resume is an understatement. He was a star student, college professor, college president (of his alma mater), army general, senator, congressman, minister, competent carpenter, spoke many languges, was proficient in math and science, was a skilled orator and I have little doubt that he would have made a great president had Guiteau's bullet not hit him. I doubt that any another US president can come close to match Garfield's resume. Beyond all his acomplishments, however, what stood out about Garfield was his character, his willingness to work with others despite having different views and his integrity. His death was actually mourned by northerners and southerners alike. If there was good brought about because of his death it was that the country was genuinely united for the first time since the end of the Civil War. To think of Garfield and of the current situation, how have the standards dropped so low? It is truly a shame his death came about so quickly and in that matter but there is no question that his legacy has left an indelible mark on history. It has definitely left a mark on me. I can not recommend this book enough. ...more
“They'd both learned that a memory is a fact that has been dyed and trimmed and rinsed so many times that it comes out looking almost unrecognizable t“They'd both learned that a memory is a fact that has been dyed and trimmed and rinsed so many times that it comes out looking almost unrecognizable to anyone else who was in that room or anyone who was standing on the grass beneath that telephone pole.”
Francis Gleeson and Brian Stanhope meet as rookie police officers. They remain friendly enough even after their careers in the NYPD change course. Escaping the stress of their jobs, the Gleesons and Stanhopes wind up becoming neighbours in a quiet neighborhood. Only their youngest children become friends despite the fact that they are next-door neighbours. Kate Gleeson and Peter Stanhope are born six months apart and grow to be quite close until a terrible incident between their families causes a rift that forces them apart. When they meet again, as adults, they wonder wether they can pick off from where they started or if they are doomed to repeat their parents' mistakes.
I had seen this book time and time again come up on my GR feed so when it appeared as a special deal on Kindle, I did not think twice about buying it. I like that the premise only gives a brief glimpse about the book so as to not give anything away. Francis Gleeson and Brian Stanhope start off as rookie police officers and for a short while are partners but Brain begins to lag behind Francis. The two families wind up becoming neighbours but they are not close. Lena, Francis' wife, tries to reach out to Anne, Brian's wife. Due in large part to Anne's mental instability (that either is not noticed or ignored entirely), Anne shuts Lena down. Lena's youngest daughter Kate and Anne's only child, Peter do establish a strong bond but on a fateful night are forced apart due to a terrible incident that affects both families. As life moves on, Kate and Peter meet again but their future cannot escape the consequences of the past.
This is not a fun or entertaining read but its certainly a memorable one. Its a gritty narrative about family, love, anger, regret, forgiveness, pain and redemption. The pace starts off slow but gradually builds up to match the tense tone of the book. Its a coming of age story, a love story and a family saga all in one. The defining moment, that terrible incident that forever scarred both these families permeates the pages, always casting a shadow on their lives. Where this book truly shines is in characterization. There are certain people in this book that I initally hated but by the end felt entirely different. Likewise, with characters that started off as likeable. Keane has constructed complex family dynamics and relationships that are very difficult to define and are ever changing. Initially, the changing of the points of view bothered me but in the end they complimented the pace and flow of the narrative. The way in which the conclusion played out, I think, was perfect and brought all the points made throughout the narrative home. This is literary fiction as its finest. Would certainly recommend....more
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