February, 2024

“Becoming Madam Secretary” by Stephanie Dray 

Determined to fight for child poverty, women, and safe working conditions, Frances Perkins takes a job in New York City.  There, she quickly meets some of the rising politicians, activists, and writers, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt.  While initially she writes off the young politician, her history and FDR’s are intertwined.  

This novel was well written and engaging.  I loved the character development and growth throughout the story.  I also loved that FDR was pictured realistically rather than in an idealized light.  The story was well paced and entertaining.  Overall, highly recommended.

“South of Sepharad” by Eric Z. Weintraub

When Isabella and Ferdinant conquer Granada, they sign an edict ordering all Jews to either convert to Catholicism or leave Spain under penalty of death.  Vidal and his family have a difficult choice to make.  A physician, Vidal feels connected to his patients and worries about abandoning them.  At the same time, he believes it is his religious duty to leave Spain with his congregation.  Vidal’s oldest daughter converted to Catholicism years before in order to marry a Catholic man.  Will she be safe?  Will her conversion protect her in light of the inquisition?

This was a well written and engaging novel.  The characters were well developed and I enjoyed reading about a people and time period that I know little about.  I would love to read more from this author and look forward to seeing what he writes next.  5 out of 5 stars.

“Chasing the Horizon” by Mary Connealy

After breaking her Mom out of the insane asylum, Beth, her mother, and a Kat join a caravan crossing the Oregon trail.  Along the way they find a man shot, and nurse him back to health.  Once they join a larger group, Beth quickly grows comfortable with 

Jake, a wagon train scout.  Back home, Beth’s father employs Pinkerton agents to scour the countryside for his wife and daughter.

This book wasn’t really what I was expecting.  The book itself moved slowly and focused heavily on the romance between Beth and Jack.  The big “chase across the country” didn’t really happen and the Pinkerton agents didn’t play much of a part until close to the end.  I thought the characters themselves were stereotypical and in general lacking.  Overall, not a book I would reread or recommend.  Maybe it just wasn’t for me.

“Nanoland” by Jack McGuigan

  A huge theme park, Nanoland is Frank Nano’s vision come to life.  Alicia, who plays a nano princess, longs for more.  When the attractions begin attacking guests, Alicia and a small band of survivors work together to flee the park and uncover the mystery of what is happening.

This book can be summed up in a few words - Mickey mouse meets Jurassic Park.  The fact that out of control technology  was beloved children’s toys added a fun and twisted element.  The characters themselves were a bit stereotypical, I really wanted more from them.  However, I enjoyed the story.  Overall, 4 out of 5. 

“A Song to Drown Rivers” by Ann Liang

Xishi, a rare beauty, is conscripted by Fanli to wed the rival King of Wu.  She is taught the art of seduction and how to gain what she wants.  Her lessons fuel her hatred of Wu and prepare her to lull the country into complacency.  Once ensconced in the palace, she gains the trust of the King and slowly enacts the plan to topple a kingdom.

Overall, I thought this was an ok book.  The plot seemed a bit predictable and the characters a bit lacking.  Perhaps more points of view would have helped the storyline and development.  The ending of the book felt extremely rushed.  I wish the author had taken more time to allow the story to unreal naturally.  Unfortunately, not a book I would re-read or recommend.

“The Swans of Harlem” by Karen Valby 

During the Civil Rights Movement, Lydia Abarca became a black prima ballerina with the Dance Theatre of Harlem.  The first all black company, DTH became a home and haven for dancers.  It showed black dancers that they were not alone and that they were artists.  Featuring multiple of these first-generation dancers this book outlines their careers, families, and lives.

Although this book was a bit slow, it is an extremely important read.  The history of black ballerina’s has largely been forgotten.  These women were trailblazers and fierce fighters.  They knew the stereotypes present in the ballet world and defied them with their heads held high. 

“War Bonds” by Pamela Norsworthy 

Set in England during WWII, this book follows a number of entwined characters.  Beryl is a hospital nurse in London.  Out of safety concerns, she sends her son Colin to live in the countryside with Ivy.  Ivy’s husband, Wills, is missing in action.  In order to fill the void and to provide her son Hugo with company, she takes in Colin and twin girls.   Beryl’s husband Gordon is captured by the Nazi’s in France and is sent to a concentration camp.  There, he is conscripted to work on an arbor for the Camp Commandant's wife.  In the countryside, Colin and Hugo meet Jack, an American flier stationed nearby.

This book had a lot of moving pieces, which tended to slow the storylines down.  The various points of view became a bit tedious after time.  I thought the plot was a bit predictable.  The characters were fully developed, well rounded and showed real growth throughout the novel.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.