March, 2020

"The Women with Silver Wings" by Katherine Sharp Landdeck         

This book follows the fight for women to pilot planes during WWII, and the lives of the women themselves. The book also set up the rivalry between Nancy Love and Jacqueline Cochran, the two women who were the face of women pilots during the time. Throughout, the camaraderie between the women was featured, showing them at their best in difficult circumstances. After the women were discharged, the book seemed to bog down, I felt that it could have been wrapped up sooner. Overall, well worth reading.

"The Book of Lost Friends" by Lisa Wingate         

This book alternates between two stories. Immediately following the civil war,  Hannie, a freed black, follows Lavinia, the daughter of her former master, and Juneau Jane, her former master's illegitimate daughter. When the two girls are kidnapped, Hannie does everything she can to free them. In the late 1980's, first year teacher Benedetta takes a job in rural Louisiana. She is distrusted by many of the residents and has a hard time making connections with her students.         

The two points of view felt like two very different stories. Although they came together in the end, they did not fit together well. The author tried to leave each chapter with a cliff hanger before switching points of view. Then, when she returned to that point of view, she jumped ahead and then told what happened. It felt like this was used over and over. Despite these criticisms, I did enjoy the stories. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

"The Engineer's Wife" by Tracey Enerson Wood         

Emily, a strong, intelligent and determined woman, marries Wash, a bridge engineer. When Wash is named Chief Engineer on the Brooklyn Bridge project, Emily is excited and willing to help in whatever way possible. When Wash is injured on the job, she steps in and takes over for her. As her marriage begins to crumble, Emily asks herself if the sacrifices she is making are worth it.          

This was a well written and well paced book. Emily was a very likeable and very well crafted character. Overall, highly recommended.

"Her Quiet Revolution" by Marianne Monson         

As a child, Mattie and her family traveled by covered wagon to Utah. Along the way, her baby sister and father died. This ignited in Mattie a desire to study disease and healing. This book follows her life through medical school, marriage to a polygamist, travels to Europe, and into politics.          

This was definitely an interesting story. However, at times the book seemed to skip through events, or skip forward in time in a lurching, jolting way. My other big criticism is that the author included quotes from Mattie at the beginning of each chapter. The quotes often made little sense and did not work with the short chapters. This felt like a first novel, with need of critical editing. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"The Book of Longings" by Sue Monk Kidd         

Ana and her brother Judas were raised in a wealthy family in Galilee. When Ana meets a worker - Jesus - she is instantly enamored with him. However, her parents have engaged her to marry a much older man. On the eve of her wedding the older man is struck ill and dies. Ana, now considered a widow, has few, if any, prospects. When she is almost stoned in the village, Jesus steps in and saves her. The two are married shortly afterwards.          

I am an atheist, I was a bit hesitant about reading this book however, I was instantly drawn in to the story. The book was not preachy, was not religious, instead it was just a well written, engaging story. I would love to read more from this author. Overall, highly recommended.

"Trowbridge Road" by Marcella Pixley         

This is a pre-teen, middle school book that addresses difficult issues of mental illness, AIDS, loneliness, and hunger. After her father dies of AIDS, June Bug's mother retreats into herself and creates complicated rituals of cleanliness and isolation. When Ziggy, another kid moves in down the street, June Bug befriends him. Together, they create a magical world where they can both be happy.          

This was a well written book. It addressed difficult issues in a relatable and sympathetic way. Although I felt very sad after reading the book, I think it will be an important read for younger teens. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

"The Woman Before Wallis: A Novel of Windsors, Vanderbilt's, and Royal Scandal" by Bryn Turnbull         

After marrying Viscount Duke Furness, Thelma settles into life amidst English aristocracy. After learning of her husband's affairs, Thelma agrees to a meeting with Edward, the Prince of Wales. The two quickly fall into a relationship. While Thelma is embroiled with Edward, her sister Gloria Vanderbilt is fighting a battle over the custody and care of her daughter. When Thelma travels to New York to support her sister, she leaves Edward in the care of her friend Wallis Simpson.

This was a fascinating book. The characters were well developed, three-dimensional and very realistic. The book alternating between points in time, which worked really well with the story. I have to admit that I hate the title of the book - Thelma was much more than the woman before Wallis! I look forward to reading more from this author.

"Catherine House" by Elisabeth Thomas         

When accepted into Catherine House, it's students agree to give up the next three years of their life in complete devotion. They are not allowed contact with the outside world, and have no access to the internet or television. Ines, running from her past, is a disinterested and lackluster student. As she begins to learn the secrets of the house, she is both fascinated and repelled by its experiments and hidden agenda.          

This book was a bit bland. The characters lacked personality and the plot line moved extremely slowly. There wasn't enough of a mystery, or secret, to keep me engaged and I found myself just plodding along. Overall, a bust.