May, 2017

"The Leavers" by Lisa Ko         

Deming's mother leaves for work one day and never comes home. When Chinese Deming is adopted by two white college professors, they change his name to Daniel and try and turn him into the son they have always wanted. The book then shifts to his mother Polly's point of view, outlining her childhood and how she came to America.         

I didn't think the back and forth between Daniel and Polly really worked. It may have been different if the author introduced Polly's pov earlier, or alternated in smaller chunks. Instead, it was jarring when Polly was introduced, and she seemed somewhat alien. Overall, not a bad book, just not one I would re-read.

"Mama Namibia" by Mari Serebrov         

The Herero people of South West Africa have a rich cultural heritage and traditions, many involving the cattle that has insured their survival. When Germany decides that it wishes to colonize the area, the Herero people are killed. Those that remained are forced into the desert to die or sent to starve in concentration camps. Jahohora is 12 when she is forced into the desert alone.         

This was an absolutely fascinating book. I knew nothing about the Herero people or the genocide perpetrated against them. Jahohora was the perfect narrator to this horror. Her survival was miraculous. Overall, highly recommended. A must read.

"After the Eclipse" by Sarah Perry         

Sarah woke in the middle of the night to her mother's screams. Paralyzed with fear, she listened as her mother was murdered. Shuffled from relative to relative, Sarah struggled to build a meaningful life. Years later, advances in forensics caught her mother's killer and he stood trial.         

This was an engaging and fascinating read. It was hard to put down. Sarah was very relatable. She struggled to learn about her mother and make sense of the senseless. Overall, well worth reading.

"No Apparent Distress" by Rachel Pearson         

As a medical student, Rachel found herself constantly working on poor and underprivileged patients. She quickly began to realize that these patients were greatly affected by the inadequate care and treatment that they often received. However, if it wasn't for the students, many of these patients wouldn't receive care at all. Caught in a horrible catch-22, Rachel did the best she could, going above and beyond what was expected of her as a student.         

This was a fascinating look at the behind-the-scenes of medical school and medical care. The .book made me examine an issue that I didn't realize exist. Overall, well written and powerful. I highly recommend this book.

"Love in a Time of Hate" by Hanna Schott         

Magda and Andre Trocme led the French town of Chambon-sur-Lignon in hiding more than 3,000 Jews from the Nazi's. This book outlines their history and what led them to Chambon. Although this was a fast read, I felt that it included very few details about what they actually did during the war. That time frame seemed to be vague and only included the terrifying encounters they had with German soldiers. Overall, it was well written, I just wanted more.

"The Education of a Coroner" by John Bateson         

Ken Holmes worked in the Marin County coroner's office for most of his professional career. Beginning as a death investigator, he worked his way up to coroner, an elected position. During his career he handled all types of cases, from Golden Gate Bridge jumpers, to homicides to accidental deaths.         

This book outlines a wide variety of fascinating cases that he handles. Skipping the gory details, the book focuses on what happened to the decedent and how Ken handled the situation. I had a hard time putting this book down and found myself googling some of the cases. Overall, highly recommended.

"Reading with Patrick" by Michelle Kuo         

After joining Teach for America, Michelle Kuo found herself in rural Arkansas, one of the poorest counties in America. With the legacy of Jim Crow and slavery still prominent, Michelle was shocked that most of her students knew little about slavery and civil rights. One of her students, Patrick, stuck out to her and she found herself mentoring and pushing him to succeed. Once Michelle's time with Teach for America was up, she moved onto law school, leaving the students behind. During her time at law school, she found out that Patrick had been arrested for murder. Determined to save Patrick, Michelle puts her career as a lawyer on hold and moves back to Arizona. Visiting Patrick in jail, she assigns him homework and comes back day after day, trying to reawaken his mind.

I found Michelle extremely relatable. Although she went to Harvard and came from privilege, her desire to make a difference is what struck me. She freely admitted her faults and failures, and struggled with her decisions. Although I questioned some of her choices, I was rooting for her to succeed, for her to make a difference. Overall, highly recommended.

"Strangers in Budapest" by Jessica Keener         

After adopting a child, Annie and Will move to Budapest, interested in entrepreneurial opportunities. When a friend from the US asks them to check in on Mr. Weiss, an elderly man using their apartment, Annie finds herself embroiled in his story. Mr. Weiss daughter recently died and he is tracking down his son-in-law, adamant that he killed her.         

This book was a bit slow to get started. The first half of the book really introduced the characters and the landscape of Budapest. I did find Budapest fascinating, which is why I kept reading. The characters themselves were very lacking. Annie was extremely paranoid about her adoption, and the official who coordinated it. Mr. Weiss seemed very stereotypical and lacked dimension. Overall not a book I would re-read or recommend.

"The Indigo Girl" by Natasha Boyd         

Eliza's father leaves her to run the family's South Carolina plantations. If the plantations fail, Eliza, her mother and younger sister will be forced to move back to Antigua. If the plantations succeed, Eliza may be freed from the prospect of marriage. When Eliza risks the success on Indigo, she encounters many challenges and betrayals.         

I really enjoyed this book. I did not realize until the epilogue that it was based on historical figures. Eliza is certainly a heroine, a feminist years before the movement. I thought that Eliza's interaction with societal norms was fascinating. Particular her thoughts on slavery, and how that set her apart from her peers. Overall, a book well worth reading!

"Watch Me Disappear" by Janelle Brown         

A year ago, Olive's mother, Billie, disappeared from a mountain trail with barely a trace. Olive begins having waking dreams about her mother and soon convinced herself that Billie was still alive. Olive and her father Jonathan decide to uncover what happened, which leads them down a twisted path into Billie's history.         

I'm not sure what to say about this book. It was a bit much, a bit farfetched. Rather than trying to include every unlikely scenario, the author should have focused on a handful of more believable circumstances. Overall, a bust.