
![]() Jamie Raskin’s book Unbelievable: Trials, Truth, and the Trials of Democracy is the only ‘insurrection/political book I’ve read, but for sure it will remain on my top ten reads for the year, maybe for the decade. I recommend it, not so much for the politics, but for Raskin’s gift of eloquently expressing the sorrow and grieving he felt and still feels for his 24 year old son Tommy, who took his own life after a long struggle with depression on December 31, 2020, just seven days before January 6th. It is a book of hope for us all.
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Here they are, my Top Twelve Reads for 2020. But then I’ve added another; just could leave out, Jim Defede’s The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander Newfoundland. Except for that late addition, my list only celebrates fiction. This year I needed someone else’s soap opera to relieve me of Covid and political non-fiction. Cohen, Jon. Harry’s Trees Dugoni, Robert, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell Irving, John, A Prayer for Owen Meany Kidd, Sue Monk, The Book of Blessings Krueger, William Kent. Ordinary Grace Lundberg, Sophia. The Red Address Book Martin, Charles. When Crickets Cry Montgomery, Jess. The Hollows O’Farrell, Maggie. Hamnet: A Novel of the Plague Riley, Lucinda. The Shadow Sister Salzman, Mark. The Soloist Sullivan, Mark. Beneath a Scarlet Sky Jim Defede’s The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander Newfoundland (As you watch this, a stray picture may appear. Don't ask my how it appeared or how to get rid of it.) ![]() This is the second book in the series ‘The Seven Sisters.’ It isn’t essential that you read the books in order; the story of each sister stands alone. I’m glad, however, I stared at the beginning because I know I’m going to continue and read about each sister. I absolutely loved Ally’s, from her life as crew member racing in Greece, to that of a musician in Norway. The story brought back memories of a trip with my parents to Bergen and a visit to Grieg’s home there. ![]() Oh, I’ve been reading, even though I haven’t been posting here. This book will have to be in the top ten on some ‘Good read’ list. A back and forth story of the same family connected with the New York City Public Library during 1913 and 1993. When you are finally allowed to spend time at the beach or hop on a plane, take this one along. No, don’t wait! The good news is that you can wear a mask and read at the same time. ![]() This is the first in The Vera Stanhope Mystery Series. I will give any book set in northern England a chance, and this was well worth it. How easy it was to imagine myself slogging through the moors with the unconventional detective Vera Stanhope and the other cast of characters. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series. (Years ago I dabbled in Cleeves’ Shetland Island Series; plan to go back to it.) ![]() This will be a favorite this year; my idea of a beach read. Born Sam Hill, with red eyes, this is the story Sam’s extraordinary life. He dealt with this obvious visual impairment for which he was bullied, but he was also nurtured by his family, supported by teachers, and loved by loyal friends who called him Sam Hell. ![]() A heartfelt account of that September 11, 2001 day when human beings from all over the world landed at the Gander, Newfoundland airport on their way to the United States. In weaving together their lives with those of the locals, who opened up their homes, schools, shops, and their hearts, Defede tells a feel-good story that gives hope in the midst of tragedy. ![]() This is second book that I’ve read in Henning Mankell’s Kurt Wallander mystery series. Wallander, a detective in a small town in Sweden, is brash, domineering, compassionate and loyal. He is complicated man respected and liked by his peers; I join them. This is a first for me: being engaged in a deep way with a male protagonist who, I need not say, is created and developed by a male author. |
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