New Release - Feb 2, 2021

The Girl from the Channel Islands by Jenny Lecoat

Publication Date - February 2, 2021

3.5 stars

Hedy fled Vienna as Nazi troops invaded in the early years of World War II.  As a Jewish expatriate living on one of the Channel Islands, Jersey,  she is private and protective of herself.  When the German army invades and Jersey becomes occupied, Hedy must learn to trust the help of others, including a German soldier and the flighty wife of her best friend.  This is an engaging story and I appreciated the history of the British Channel Islands which due to their closeness to the French coast could not avoid German occupation.  I was frustrated with the unnecessary risks that Hedy seemed to take and the character of Kurt didn't seem completely realistic but overall I thought this a good addition to the World War II category of historical fiction.  I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

The Project by Courtney Summers
Publication Date - February 2, 2021
3 stars

 

This book is about sisters who go through an unimaginable tragedy and then encounter the enticement of a cult leader.  First of all, this book may have the most stunning and unique cover that I have ever seen.  I imagine that it is even more beautiful on a hardcover copy.  I liked this book and thought it had an interesting glimpse of how someone may be enthralled by a cult leader like Lev.  I wish there was a little bit more about when it started turning bad, because it really just skimmed over that part...so the end felt a more rushed.  I've read several novels about cults and this one falls in the middle for me.  I have liked this author's past work and like how she tackles difficult subjects, so I look forward to reading more of her books.  I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Prequel Release

Beneath the Keep by Erika Johansen
Publication Date - February 2, 2021
4 stars

I read Erika Johansen's Tearling series several years ago and loved it.  I considered re-reading it before this but decided against it to save time.  I really wish that I did.  I don't think it absolutely necessary to reread or even read the original series but I do think I forgot much of what happened and the characters which would have added even more to my enjoyment.  This world is violent and treacherous but beautifully described.  I love the characters and feel as if this novel added more depth to them.  I think that if you loved the original trilogy, than this is a must read.  I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Life in Space

Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth by Avi Loeb
Publication Date - January 26, 2021
4.5 stars

In 2017 a cylinder shaped object, Oumuamua, flew through our solar system and briefly provided data for astrophysicists to study.  While it was widely determined to be interstellar, the theory that it is a technological artifact from an alien civilization was quickly discarded by many scientists...but not by the author.  He advocates for a daring approach to science where we step outside the conservative confines of what is thought to be possible and instead use the data to make bold hypotheses.  I thought this an amazing exploration of what science is capable of, if allowed to take chances.  This was easily readable science but also intermixed with a philosophical analyzation of what discovering alien artifacts would mean for our own civilization.  On a side note, the cover for this book is stunning and I found myself studying it between every chapter.  I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

Literary Biography

Devils, Lusts and Strange Desires: the Life of Patricia Highsmith by Richard Bradford
Publication Date - January 19, 2021
3 stars

I was looking forward to this biography of a troubled author who was known to keep a consistent diary.  Patricia Highsmith, author of The Talented Mr. Ripley, was mercurial and had a string of dysfunctional relationships with women during a time period when that was not accepted.  The author did a lot of research into her "cahiers" in which there were many but I just felt like this made connections with her work that seemed a stretch, like comparing Highsmith to Tom Ridley and other of her sociopathic characters.  I also thought this book skipped around a lot and the descriptions of her relationships began to feel repetitive.  She was definitely a fascinating individual and I enjoyed reading about her early life, but I found myself getting a little tired of the material, especially during the last half.  I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Outstanding New Book Alert

Find Me in Havana by Serena Burdick
Publication date - January 12, 2021
4.5 stars

I received a digital galley of this book yesterday.  I thought it looked interesting so started reading it immediately...and finished it less than 24 hours later.  This book is outstanding.  It is a fictional retelling of the life of Estelita Rodriguez, a Cuban singer who eventually moved to Los Angeles to make her way in the movies.  I am not an expert on old movies and I had never heard of Estelita but I now plan on researching her fascinating life which included an exciting chase through Mexico and a harrowing stay in Cuba during the revolution.  The book is told through alternating letters between Estelita and her daughter, Nina, as they navigate truly heartbreaking incidents.  The epilogue is interesting, too, as it explains the author's relationship with Nina.  I highly recommend this book, although be aware of trigger warnings before beginning as violence against women is very prevalent in this novel.  I received a digital ARC of this copy through the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  

A Master Class on the Short Story

A Swim in the Pond in the Rain by George Saunders
Publication Date - 1/12/2021
5 stars

I like my fiction meaty, long, full of characters that I feel like I know inside and out, with a setting that feels like home which is why the short story format has never really spoken to me.  Apparently, I just have never had George Saunders explain in full detail exactly why short stories are so tautly and expertly written.  This book includes seven short stories by Russian authors such as Chekhov and Tolstoy and then a lesson taught by a master himself going through the short story and its nuances.  I broke this up to read one story and its analysis a day which is what I would recommend.  Not only did I gain an appreciation of the form, but I also really enjoyed the majority of these stories.  I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.