I just finished an enjoyable five-book series by my friend Peter Moreira, The Haight Mystery Series. I found the books intriguing because they are set in Haight Ashbury after the Summer of Love, 1968-69. Besides an engaging police detective with challenging personal issues, the setting offers thoughtful reflection on that turbulent period in American history. Aging flower children will be led to think again about that hippy era. Start with The Haight and go from there. You won't be disappointed.
I am intrigued by your review of Louise Penny's book and youtube video. I have ordered her first book and looking forward to a diversion from focus ing on books related to my profession.
Once again it is wonderful to learn of another person who has been able to turn her life into "living fully." I think of all of the people she may have helped through her life story.
As many other subscribes, I hope my name pops up in the drawing for Diana's newest book. Last week from the pulpit I referred to one of Diana's examples from her new book that she mentioned on her weekly online readings related to Luke 10:25-37...re: "being in the ditch.."
May you and Diana each/both get the R&R you most need during these two weeks.
I read Still Life years ago and did not continue with the series for whatever reason. I just finished re-reading Still Life and am just beginning A Fatal Grace, book #2 in the series. I agree with your lament that Three Pines may be the scene of many more murders. I'm thinking I may have the beginnings of a multi-month/year books list - and that I really need to revisit the beautiful Montreal area.
I'm glad you discovered Inspector Gamache. I've read most of them and not always in order. I take what Libby has available and it still works. My recent books: Money, Lies and God, by Katherine Stewart. It was interesting, but I've read so many books on white christian nationalism at this point that I need a break. Boat Baby by Vicky Nguyen - her memoir provides an interesting view into the lives of immigrant Vietnamese families (she was a boat baby, coming to the US as an infant when her parents escaped after the fall of Saigon), Source Code by Bill Gates - I have no particular interest in the tech world, but it was available when I needed a book. It was actually pretty interesting to read about how young and bold these tech nerds were as the computer age emerged. Bill and I are exactly the same age. That's a little sobering! He acknowledges that, if the language existed at that time, he would have received a neurodivergent diagnosis. I also read The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post, by Allison Pataki. I knew nothing about this heir to the Post/ General Foods fortune, but it is a fascinating look at a privileged life spanning decades from the Gilded Age through to her death in 1973. She was hostess extraordinaire and consummate Washington insider and a generous philanthropist albeit with a very messy personal life. Now, I'm reading Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Her books are hit or miss for me, so I left this on my Libby list for a long time. Now, I can't put it down. We'll see where it goes!
In response to the lament “ It makes me sad that Three Pines will be able to provide material for so many more murders to come.”, the truth is that 3 Pines is not the source, but rather the nature of humanity. Ms Penny is able to hone in on these characteristics with keen observation and “in your face “ honesty. Keep reading 😊
I highly recommend The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, The Bookshop by Evan Friss - history of America told though the history of her bookshops, and Familiaris by David Wroblewski...I have read many, many other "good" books this year, but these top my list so far. I'm currently reading the powerful Emperor of Gladness. Hope all, or some, hit the mark! If you love James, read The Trees - earth moving...
Richard, my comment is a 2nd endorsement of THEO OF GOLDEN by Allen Levi. After reading a borrowed copy, I purchased a copy for myself. Have shared my copy with others. There are several quality interviews with the author on YouTube. Have also purchased and read his THE LAST SWEET MILE in which he shares his experience as his brother's caregiver. Best to you, Diana and family, enjoy the beach --- hope Erin does not cause havoc with your plans.
James is a monumental work. As someone who grew up in that MO-IL region, I recognized the grittiness of many characters. Also recommend Everett’s novel The Trees.
Recommend Midnight on the Potomac by Scott Ellsworth. The last year of the civil war, the Lincoln assassination, and the rebirth of America. Great history and very well written. A page turner.
I just finished an enjoyable five-book series by my friend Peter Moreira, The Haight Mystery Series. I found the books intriguing because they are set in Haight Ashbury after the Summer of Love, 1968-69. Besides an engaging police detective with challenging personal issues, the setting offers thoughtful reflection on that turbulent period in American history. Aging flower children will be led to think again about that hippy era. Start with The Haight and go from there. You won't be disappointed.
I am intrigued by your review of Louise Penny's book and youtube video. I have ordered her first book and looking forward to a diversion from focus ing on books related to my profession.
Once again it is wonderful to learn of another person who has been able to turn her life into "living fully." I think of all of the people she may have helped through her life story.
As many other subscribes, I hope my name pops up in the drawing for Diana's newest book. Last week from the pulpit I referred to one of Diana's examples from her new book that she mentioned on her weekly online readings related to Luke 10:25-37...re: "being in the ditch.."
May you and Diana each/both get the R&R you most need during these two weeks.
Peace, Louise Tallman
I loved The Ministry of Time....still mulling the ending.
Always enjoy book reviews written by readers of a variety of authors and genres. Thank you.
I read Still Life years ago and did not continue with the series for whatever reason. I just finished re-reading Still Life and am just beginning A Fatal Grace, book #2 in the series. I agree with your lament that Three Pines may be the scene of many more murders. I'm thinking I may have the beginnings of a multi-month/year books list - and that I really need to revisit the beautiful Montreal area.
I'm glad you discovered Inspector Gamache. I've read most of them and not always in order. I take what Libby has available and it still works. My recent books: Money, Lies and God, by Katherine Stewart. It was interesting, but I've read so many books on white christian nationalism at this point that I need a break. Boat Baby by Vicky Nguyen - her memoir provides an interesting view into the lives of immigrant Vietnamese families (she was a boat baby, coming to the US as an infant when her parents escaped after the fall of Saigon), Source Code by Bill Gates - I have no particular interest in the tech world, but it was available when I needed a book. It was actually pretty interesting to read about how young and bold these tech nerds were as the computer age emerged. Bill and I are exactly the same age. That's a little sobering! He acknowledges that, if the language existed at that time, he would have received a neurodivergent diagnosis. I also read The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post, by Allison Pataki. I knew nothing about this heir to the Post/ General Foods fortune, but it is a fascinating look at a privileged life spanning decades from the Gilded Age through to her death in 1973. She was hostess extraordinaire and consummate Washington insider and a generous philanthropist albeit with a very messy personal life. Now, I'm reading Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Her books are hit or miss for me, so I left this on my Libby list for a long time. Now, I can't put it down. We'll see where it goes!
In response to the lament “ It makes me sad that Three Pines will be able to provide material for so many more murders to come.”, the truth is that 3 Pines is not the source, but rather the nature of humanity. Ms Penny is able to hone in on these characteristics with keen observation and “in your face “ honesty. Keep reading 😊
I am really enjoying The Amen Effect, The Half Known Life, and Living in Wonder.
Thank you, Richard. You do a great job of capsulating the book. Now, I wish I had two weeks at the beach. Have a great time of reading!
I highly recommend The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, The Bookshop by Evan Friss - history of America told though the history of her bookshops, and Familiaris by David Wroblewski...I have read many, many other "good" books this year, but these top my list so far. I'm currently reading the powerful Emperor of Gladness. Hope all, or some, hit the mark! If you love James, read The Trees - earth moving...
Diana just bought The Correspondent and I was gifted The Bookshop for Christmas but haven’t gotten to it yet. So many books …
Richard, my comment is a 2nd endorsement of THEO OF GOLDEN by Allen Levi. After reading a borrowed copy, I purchased a copy for myself. Have shared my copy with others. There are several quality interviews with the author on YouTube. Have also purchased and read his THE LAST SWEET MILE in which he shares his experience as his brother's caregiver. Best to you, Diana and family, enjoy the beach --- hope Erin does not cause havoc with your plans.
James is a great read and will change your perspective on slavery.
I loved the posting of Louise Penny’s interview. I’ve read them all.
And I love your book reviews. So many books and so little time. Very thoughtful. Thank you.
James is a monumental work. As someone who grew up in that MO-IL region, I recognized the grittiness of many characters. Also recommend Everett’s novel The Trees.
Recommend Midnight on the Potomac by Scott Ellsworth. The last year of the civil war, the Lincoln assassination, and the rebirth of America. Great history and very well written. A page turner.
Thanks for these great suggestions! I have credits to spend for audiobooks and these will be perfect.
Fingers crossed that my name might pop up in the drawing too😊