August, 2021
"Sisters in Arms" by Kaia Alderson
African American Grace Steele and Eliza Jones decide to join the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps. They are quickly chosen to be among the first class of black female officers in the army. This book follows their reluctant friendship, training, and assignments during WWII.opo
I have to admit that I did not love this book. Grace and Eliza were constantly bickering, which made their a bit unlikable. I wanted to cheer them along as they faced racism and sexism, but their behavior and attitude was off putting. I also felt like the book continually went over the same information about the past and relationship. This bogged the story down. Overall, 2 out of 5 stars.
"The Magician" by Colm Toibin
This book follows the life of Thomas Mann, a German author. Despite Thomas' homosexual desires, he marries and father's six children. During WWII, he is forced to flee with his family, ultimately settling in the United States.
I had a difficult time with this book. It was long and drawn out. I lost interest about halfway through when all of the character started to blend together. I think the book would benefit from some heavy editing. Overall, 2 out of 5 stars.
"My Son's Secret" by Roberta Kagan
Kara loves reading book. When she travels to the Jewish part of town, she meets, and finds herself falling for Abram. When she discovers that she is pregnant, she runs away from home and into Abram's arms. Unable to be married, the two live as husband and wife in Abram's mother's home. When Abram is arrested, Kara takes her son and moves in with her sister, weaving a story of lies to keep her son's half Jewish heritage a secret.
Kara and Abram were dynamic characters, and their interplay was fun to read. However, I did think that the book was a bit predictable in places, and some of the interactions with the baby were not believable. I don't want to give anything away, but the book does ends with a cliff hanger. I doubt I will read the next book, it just did not captivate my interest enough to keep going. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.
"The Sisters Sweet" by Elizabeth Weiss
When the Szaszes family falls on hard times, twins Harriet and Josie, are made to pretend that they are conjoined twins and sing and dance in a vaudeville act. Known as the Sweet Sisters, the twins live a restricted and hidden life. Josie decides to expose the lie during a show and then runs off to Hollywood, leaving her sister and parents behind.
This was a quick, fun read. Life in a vaudeville act was fascinating to read about. I enjoyed watching the sisters grow and struggle against their parents and their hidden life. Overall, highly recommended.
"The Ballerinas" by Rachel Kapelke-Dale
Delphine has returned from Russia to choreograph for the Paris Opera Ballet. As a child and young adult, Delphine, along with Lindsay and Margaux, where ballet dancers, competing for a limited number of spots in the company. The story begins with Delphine wanted to make amends to Lindsay, for something that she and Margaux did in their youth.
I did not enjoy this story. Delphine was not very likeable and was completely unsympathetic. She was self centered and her growth felt artificial. Almost every chapter referred to the mystery of what Delphine and Margaux did to Lindsay, not in a suspenseful way, but in a cheap bid to keep the reader interested. Overall, not a book I would reread or recommend.
"Court of the Grandchildren" by Muntisov & Finlayson
Set in 2050's America, Lily receives a call from an unknown great uncle. When she meets David, he tells her that he wants her permission, under the euthanasia laws, to die. Lily is startled, and unsure how to proceed. When she learns that he has been called before the Climate Court, she pushes him to attend. At the climate court, his accomplishments and decisions are questioned.
Although I thought this book was well written, and the characters were dynamic, the book lacked detail about the world. For example, the book mentioned GISC multiple times, but didn't actually explain what it was until halfway through the book. The climate court itself was interesting, but I did not think it was a big scary stressful event, like the characters made out. Due to this problems, 3 out of 5 stars.
"Little Souls" by Sandra Dallas
Set during the Spanish flu epidemic, sisters Helen and Lutie own a house together in Denver. Helen, a nurse, is engaged to a doctor while Lutie is engaged to a soldier fighting in France. When their downstairs tenant dies of the flu, Helen and Lutie take in Dorothy, the woman's daughter. One day Lutie comes home to find Dorothy's father dead on the floor and her sister holding an ice pick. Together, they move his body to the street and leave a sign stating that he is an influenza victim.
Although this book had a slow start, it eventually picked up. The book itself was complex, weaving together different events throughout the story. The characters were well developed and engaging. Overall, well worth reading.
"Okie: A Family Saga" by James Allen Mitchell
This book follows the life of Fast Eddie, his wife Betty Mae, and their son Jimmy Boy. Unable to hold a job, Fast Eddie is a drinking, womanizing abuser. When their house is foreclosed on, the family travels to California along Route 66.
I struggled with this book. I did not particularly enjoy the writing style, and I thought the characters were just stereotypes. I'm sure many will enjoy the book, it just wasn't for me.
