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bethreadsandnaps's reviews
2427 reviews
The World After Alice: A Novel by Lauren Aliza Green
4.5
Lauren Aliza Green’s debut THE WORLD AFTER ALICE is a strong character-driven novel that shows the repercussions of Alice’s suicide on her family, friends, and acquaintances 12 years later.
Alice committed suicide as a successful 16 year old violinist, and now Alice’s younger brother Benji is marrying Alice’s friend Morgan, and the family comes together for their wedding weekend. The last time they were all together was at Alice’s funeral under very different circumstances.
I really liked the portrait the author created of each character, particularly Alice’s parents Nick and Linnie, who divorced after Alice’s death. I thought the author treated Nick’s second wife Caro with a lot of tenderness. The author’s writing style really spoke to me and, while this novel is slower-paced, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The reader doesn’t hear from Alice, but I didn’t feel shortchanged by not hearing from her directly. I felt like I learned Alice’s essence from the characters we heard from.
At first I was a bit leery of this debut because on the first page of Chapter 1 I saw a word (“averred”) that I had never seen before. Fortunately, there were only a handful of words I didn’t know throughout the whole novel because I can find it intimidating when I have to look up one or more words on every page.
I liked hearing from a few different characters, but there are not an overwhelming number of perspectives. I’m not sure I “got” the Peter character in the way I should have. I appreciated hearing his perspective, but maybe I might have missed something, or perhaps he should have had a tighter arc.
All in all, this was a very strong debut, and I will definitely pick up Green’s future novels. THE WORLD AFTER ALICE publishes July 2, 2024.
Luna by Julie Anne Peters
5.0
I loved this young adult story!
While the main character in this story is technically Regan (Luna's younger sister), the main character is Regan's older sibling Luna (Liam is his dead name). Luna has identified as a girl early on in her life, but knew to hide it. Dad is an ass, and Mom tries to appease Dad.
Luna, approaching 18 years old, is reaching a breaking point and wants to come out as a woman. Regan as the younger sibling is the only one who knows the truth, and the reader sees how she vacillates between being supportive and embarrassed.
I think choosing to tell the story from Regan's perspective allows the reader to see a fuller picture and creates empathy for those who are allies or who are trying to understand a trans person in their lives.
This novel is 20 years from publication, so - had it been written today, the author would have likely changed some things. Still, being from the early 2000s, I think this is a standout book.
The airport scene - I think this was written post 9/11, but it came across as written before the lovely TSA procedures.
While the main character in this story is technically Regan (Luna's younger sister), the main character is Regan's older sibling Luna (Liam is his dead name). Luna has identified as a girl early on in her life, but knew to hide it. Dad is an ass, and Mom tries to appease Dad.
Luna, approaching 18 years old, is reaching a breaking point and wants to come out as a woman. Regan as the younger sibling is the only one who knows the truth, and the reader sees how she vacillates between being supportive and embarrassed.
I think choosing to tell the story from Regan's perspective allows the reader to see a fuller picture and creates empathy for those who are allies or who are trying to understand a trans person in their lives.
This novel is 20 years from publication, so - had it been written today, the author would have likely changed some things. Still, being from the early 2000s, I think this is a standout book.
The airport scene - I think this was written post 9/11, but it came across as written before the lovely TSA procedures.
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
3.25
3.25 stars
I usually like character-driven family stories, but I thought this one was only okay. The critics disagree and love this one. The characters weren’t that interesting to me except for Dickie. The financial recession has negatively impacted this family.
Told by four voices (father Dickie, mother Imelda, late teen daughter Cass, preteen son PJ), the isolation among these individuals comes through.
I think Imelda’s parts lacked commas and periods because she’s not as educated, but I found her parts frustrating to read.
I usually like character-driven family stories, but I thought this one was only okay. The critics disagree and love this one. The characters weren’t that interesting to me except for Dickie. The financial recession has negatively impacted this family.
Told by four voices (father Dickie, mother Imelda, late teen daughter Cass, preteen son PJ), the isolation among these individuals comes through.
I think Imelda’s parts lacked commas and periods because she’s not as educated, but I found her parts frustrating to read.
Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley
3.75
3.75 stars
This one took a bit for me to get into. I was a bit flummoxed by the Iona character, probably because I could never get a good read from her. Iona is in her mid-50s and is an advice columnist at a magazine. And she's starting to be "phased out" at work. Her eccentricities (comes across as being a bit on the spectrum or "stuck in her ways" with all her rules) serve as the impetus for the train riders on her same train at the same time to associate after one of the train riders (Piers) chokes one morning. This group comes together to support one another in awesome, admirable, and a bit unrealistic ways in a cozy uplit package.
We learn quite a bit into the story that Iona's nickname was Iona Yacht (say it!) and that she was a society girl in her 20s. So an influencer in - let me do the math - the 1990s. The 1990s come across as the 1960s, and I'm confused at why Iona comes across as 80 and stodgy when she was nothing like that in her 20s. And why does Iona now have no social life other than her wife Bea? People's personalities don't fundamentally change. Anyway, I struggled with Iona's character.
Now onto what I really liked. When Iona became to be more of a background character, I really got into it. My favorite plot line was Emmie's, and it reminded me of my past. The only thing, though, was that her plot line was hinted at early on but didn't come to fruition until late (maybe too late?) in the book. My second favorite plot line was Piers's, and his was more equitably distributed throughout the book. Sanjay was endearing although he didn't have too much to do. Also liked Martha and how her plot line weaved with several of the characters, including Iona herself.
I loved the strangers coming together to support one another vibe, which is Clare Pooley's MO.
I feel like I tried to analyze this one when I should have just gone along for the train ride. So I recommend just taking the train ride with Iona and her new buddies instead of thinking too hard about it.
This one took a bit for me to get into. I was a bit flummoxed by the Iona character, probably because I could never get a good read from her. Iona is in her mid-50s and is an advice columnist at a magazine. And she's starting to be "phased out" at work. Her eccentricities (comes across as being a bit on the spectrum or "stuck in her ways" with all her rules) serve as the impetus for the train riders on her same train at the same time to associate after one of the train riders (Piers) chokes one morning. This group comes together to support one another in awesome, admirable, and a bit unrealistic ways in a cozy uplit package.
We learn quite a bit into the story that Iona's nickname was Iona Yacht (say it!) and that she was a society girl in her 20s. So an influencer in - let me do the math - the 1990s. The 1990s come across as the 1960s, and I'm confused at why Iona comes across as 80 and stodgy when she was nothing like that in her 20s. And why does Iona now have no social life other than her wife Bea? People's personalities don't fundamentally change. Anyway, I struggled with Iona's character.
Now onto what I really liked. When Iona became to be more of a background character, I really got into it. My favorite plot line was Emmie's, and it reminded me of my past. The only thing, though, was that her plot line was hinted at early on but didn't come to fruition until late (maybe too late?) in the book. My second favorite plot line was Piers's, and his was more equitably distributed throughout the book. Sanjay was endearing although he didn't have too much to do. Also liked Martha and how her plot line weaved with several of the characters, including Iona herself.
I loved the strangers coming together to support one another vibe, which is Clare Pooley's MO.
I feel like I tried to analyze this one when I should have just gone along for the train ride. So I recommend just taking the train ride with Iona and her new buddies instead of thinking too hard about it.
The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan
4.0
J. Courtney Sullivan's upcoming novel THE CLIFFS (publishes July 2, 2024) demonstrates the strength among women when faced with generational and situational hardship. After a huge personal mistake when working at the Schlesinger Library, Jane takes a leave from both her professional and personal life and retreats to her family home in Maine to get the house ready to sell after her mother's death. There Jane becomes absorbed in a long-ago mystery with a Victorian mansion she became attached to as a teenager as well as she confronts some more personal metaphorical ghosts in her life.
While Jane is the main character, we see several perspectives through the novel. I enjoyed those perspectives because they all related to the main story in some way and heightened context.
Why I really liked this novel:
* The main character Jane - She's messy, she comes off hypocritical when she's judgmental toward her family yet has similar struggles to them. I like an imperfect main character who becomes more self-reflective and/or grows during the span of the story.
* I learned about New England Indigenous history as well as a bit of Shaker history as well as some local Maine and Boston geography.
* Multiple perspectives, particularly when they are intergenerational, add interesting layers.
What detracted a bit:
* The educational parts about Indigenous culture and Shaker history could be folded in more seamlessly. As they are, they stop the story narrative and get a bit "soap box"-y for several pages. It's obvious the author did a ton of research for this novel, and it felt that she forced her research into the story - sometimes a bit unnaturally. By the third time the author did this, I said to myself, "Oh, here we go again."
* There are a lot of topics explored and genres touched on in this novel. We've got: the supernatural via mediums (comes up early on and seems odd given the main character), Indigenous history, domestic abuse, intergenerational alcoholism, house restoration, and more. Many elements of this novel are historical, both nonfiction and fiction, and then you also have a generational/literary fiction saga, mystery, supernatural/ghost story, and women's/contemporary fiction. Some of this has a Kate Morton vibe, particularly the old house and long-ago mystery, which I really liked. I was a bit overwhelmed by all the different topics/genres as more and more got added.
I really liked this story, but I can easily see that it won't be a hit for every reader because so many topics/themes are included that it can come across as jumbled.
While Jane is the main character, we see several perspectives through the novel. I enjoyed those perspectives because they all related to the main story in some way and heightened context.
Why I really liked this novel:
* The main character Jane - She's messy, she comes off hypocritical when she's judgmental toward her family yet has similar struggles to them. I like an imperfect main character who becomes more self-reflective and/or grows during the span of the story.
* I learned about New England Indigenous history as well as a bit of Shaker history as well as some local Maine and Boston geography.
* Multiple perspectives, particularly when they are intergenerational, add interesting layers.
What detracted a bit:
* The educational parts about Indigenous culture and Shaker history could be folded in more seamlessly. As they are, they stop the story narrative and get a bit "soap box"-y for several pages. It's obvious the author did a ton of research for this novel, and it felt that she forced her research into the story - sometimes a bit unnaturally. By the third time the author did this, I said to myself, "Oh, here we go again."
* There are a lot of topics explored and genres touched on in this novel. We've got: the supernatural via mediums (comes up early on and seems odd given the main character), Indigenous history, domestic abuse, intergenerational alcoholism, house restoration, and more. Many elements of this novel are historical, both nonfiction and fiction, and then you also have a generational/literary fiction saga, mystery, supernatural/ghost story, and women's/contemporary fiction. Some of this has a Kate Morton vibe, particularly the old house and long-ago mystery, which I really liked. I was a bit overwhelmed by all the different topics/genres as more and more got added.
I really liked this story, but I can easily see that it won't be a hit for every reader because so many topics/themes are included that it can come across as jumbled.
Upstream: Selected Essays by Mary Oliver
3.25
3.25 stars
I’ve heard out Mary Oliver for many years, but I have never read her because, well, I’m not into poetry and I’m not THAT into nature writing. Fortunately, this is an essay collection, and I had some moral support for this one in the form of a read-a-long with others. And it’s short.
As much as I admire those who study nature with such interest as Ms. Oliver, this is a yawn fest. The part I liked the most was when she wrote essays on several writers because I got a well-written bio and themes of their work in 7-10 pages.
I’ve heard out Mary Oliver for many years, but I have never read her because, well, I’m not into poetry and I’m not THAT into nature writing. Fortunately, this is an essay collection, and I had some moral support for this one in the form of a read-a-long with others. And it’s short.
As much as I admire those who study nature with such interest as Ms. Oliver, this is a yawn fest. The part I liked the most was when she wrote essays on several writers because I got a well-written bio and themes of their work in 7-10 pages.
The Faculty Lounge: A Novel by Jennifer Mathieu
4.5
4.5 stars
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Jennifer Mathieu's THE FACULTY LOUNGE (publishes July 23, 2024), as I've never read one of the author's novels. It turns out that I was quite taken with this novel. At the opening, the reader learns that the former teacher and now substitute teacher Mr. Lehrer passed away in the faculty lounge at the age of 82. It might seem a little odd that they let the body languish there for the rest of the day, but after all the students would see if he was taken out of the third-floor faculty lounge while school was in session.
As the centerpiece of the story, we learn about Mr. Lehrer, the teacher who found him, and the other educators, including the current principal, who crossed paths with him over the years. I was happy to see that the custodian who had a friendship with Mr. Lehrer was also included in a chapter. Mr. Lehrer sounded like a great man and teacher. I have a fondness for novels that span decades, and in the vignettes/character studies, we do get the opportunity to go back in time to see Mr. Lehrer's first year teaching in the 1960s as well as other educators' first years.
This novel has a lot of heart, tenderness, and apt descriptions of being an educator with a mix of contemporary and enduring education issues: lockdowns, book banning, mandatory meetings, emails being replied to instead of forwarded, state testing, work romances, and more. While this novel lacks a bit on the plot front (sometimes a bit too zany - the ashes incident, for instance), the characters have a lot of depth, and you hope for the best for each of them.
I truly enjoyed this gem of a novel, and I need to check out Jennifer Mathieu's backlist.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Jennifer Mathieu's THE FACULTY LOUNGE (publishes July 23, 2024), as I've never read one of the author's novels. It turns out that I was quite taken with this novel. At the opening, the reader learns that the former teacher and now substitute teacher Mr. Lehrer passed away in the faculty lounge at the age of 82. It might seem a little odd that they let the body languish there for the rest of the day, but after all the students would see if he was taken out of the third-floor faculty lounge while school was in session.
As the centerpiece of the story, we learn about Mr. Lehrer, the teacher who found him, and the other educators, including the current principal, who crossed paths with him over the years. I was happy to see that the custodian who had a friendship with Mr. Lehrer was also included in a chapter. Mr. Lehrer sounded like a great man and teacher. I have a fondness for novels that span decades, and in the vignettes/character studies, we do get the opportunity to go back in time to see Mr. Lehrer's first year teaching in the 1960s as well as other educators' first years.
This novel has a lot of heart, tenderness, and apt descriptions of being an educator with a mix of contemporary and enduring education issues: lockdowns, book banning, mandatory meetings, emails being replied to instead of forwarded, state testing, work romances, and more. While this novel lacks a bit on the plot front (sometimes a bit too zany - the ashes incident, for instance), the characters have a lot of depth, and you hope for the best for each of them.
I truly enjoyed this gem of a novel, and I need to check out Jennifer Mathieu's backlist.
Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell
4.0
Enjoyable story of a girl Sophie who was found in a cello case in the water and saved by Charles, an older man who becomes her caretaker. When she becomes a teen, he’s not deemed to be an appropriate guardian (he lets her wear trousers!). Sophie finds a clue about her birth mother in the cello case, and Charles and Sophie flee to France to find out more about Sophie’s birth mother. There she meets some children who live on the roofs.
This has an old-time children’s classic feel. I loved the interactions between her and Charles. I was less enamored with her interactions with the rooftoppers, but I see the purpose of her finding more found family.
This has an old-time children’s classic feel. I loved the interactions between her and Charles. I was less enamored with her interactions with the rooftoppers, but I see the purpose of her finding more found family.
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
5.0
Chris Whitaker's latest ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK is an immense tale of Patch and Saint spanning decades and publishes June 25, 2024.
At age 13, Patch (nicknamed for having only one eye and using an eyepatch) saves his love interest Misty Meyer from assault and abduction only to be abducted himself. While he is held captive, a girl named Grace becomes his solace. Patch's best friend Saint is out of her mind with worry and is obsessed with finding Patch, not believing that he could be dead. This engrossing novel follows these two main characters as they act with such purpose even as they encounter morally gray situations. I loved how the novel incorporated art, and Whitaker made use of the side characters and their own stories without taking away or distracting from the primary plotline.
The author sets out to accomplish a lot with this literary novel, and he nails it with unforgettable characters, elements from multiple genres, and lasting impact. The nature comes alive like it did in his prior novel WE BEGIN AT THE END. While I did have some moments where I had to put this novel down to have some space from it, it always drew me back and will definitely occupy my thoughts, much like THE HEART'S INVISIBLE FURIES did ... although I think DEMON COPPERHEAD is a more apt comparison title. All that said, I'm not sure this will be a hit with all readers. I think a reader with more literary leanings is more likely to appreciate this novel.
At age 13, Patch (nicknamed for having only one eye and using an eyepatch) saves his love interest Misty Meyer from assault and abduction only to be abducted himself. While he is held captive, a girl named Grace becomes his solace. Patch's best friend Saint is out of her mind with worry and is obsessed with finding Patch, not believing that he could be dead. This engrossing novel follows these two main characters as they act with such purpose even as they encounter morally gray situations. I loved how the novel incorporated art, and Whitaker made use of the side characters and their own stories without taking away or distracting from the primary plotline.
The author sets out to accomplish a lot with this literary novel, and he nails it with unforgettable characters, elements from multiple genres, and lasting impact. The nature comes alive like it did in his prior novel WE BEGIN AT THE END. While I did have some moments where I had to put this novel down to have some space from it, it always drew me back and will definitely occupy my thoughts, much like THE HEART'S INVISIBLE FURIES did ... although I think DEMON COPPERHEAD is a more apt comparison title. All that said, I'm not sure this will be a hit with all readers. I think a reader with more literary leanings is more likely to appreciate this novel.
The Same Bright Stars: A Novel by Ethan Joella
4.25
4.25 stars
Ethan Joella's THE SAME BRIGHT STARS (publishes July 2, 2024) features Jack, a man in his early 50s who is carrying on the family tradition of operating the restaurant Schmidts in the beach town of Rehoboth, Delaware. The rest of his family is deceased, yet his staff fills in as his family, along with his friends Deacon and Andie. I loved the family Jack has created. A corporation is wanting to buy Schmidts, and Jack struggles between deciding whether to sell the restaurant and finally taking time for himself and his obligation to his employees as their employer.
When he finds out a shocking secret from his past, Jack's world turns upside down and he's forced to confront his past, present, and future with a new perspective.
I'm not sure I've ever read a book set in Delaware, and I loved the beachy boardwalk setting that is also Joella's home. The beach setting resonates even in the winter portions of the book. I loved Jack's character, an upstanding guy who usually does the right thing. His friendship with Deacon comes across as genuine and supportive. He also has a kindness and directness as a manager toward his employees. I also really liked how the main plotline wrapped up - not quite in a bow but yet optimistic.
This is my favorite so far of Joella's three novels. There were a lot of topics brought up (maybe too many?), several of which could be triggering (suicide, abortion). Joella handles these topics deftly, so you're in good hands. The plot was a bit bumpy at times - as in, not woven as smoothly as I think it could have been when plot points are dropped for a huge chunk of the book and then resolved seemingly out of nowhere.
While this novel looks to be a light, summery read from the cover, it has a lot of depth with an unforgettable main character.
Ethan Joella's THE SAME BRIGHT STARS (publishes July 2, 2024) features Jack, a man in his early 50s who is carrying on the family tradition of operating the restaurant Schmidts in the beach town of Rehoboth, Delaware. The rest of his family is deceased, yet his staff fills in as his family, along with his friends Deacon and Andie. I loved the family Jack has created. A corporation is wanting to buy Schmidts, and Jack struggles between deciding whether to sell the restaurant and finally taking time for himself and his obligation to his employees as their employer.
When he finds out a shocking secret from his past, Jack's world turns upside down and he's forced to confront his past, present, and future with a new perspective.
I'm not sure I've ever read a book set in Delaware, and I loved the beachy boardwalk setting that is also Joella's home. The beach setting resonates even in the winter portions of the book. I loved Jack's character, an upstanding guy who usually does the right thing. His friendship with Deacon comes across as genuine and supportive. He also has a kindness and directness as a manager toward his employees. I also really liked how the main plotline wrapped up - not quite in a bow but yet optimistic.
This is my favorite so far of Joella's three novels. There were a lot of topics brought up (maybe too many?), several of which could be triggering (suicide, abortion). Joella handles these topics deftly, so you're in good hands. The plot was a bit bumpy at times - as in, not woven as smoothly as I think it could have been when plot points are dropped for a huge chunk of the book and then resolved seemingly out of nowhere.
While this novel looks to be a light, summery read from the cover, it has a lot of depth with an unforgettable main character.