Author: Aaron James

There were a couple of reasons I wanted to read this one. First, a documentary based on the book is the opening film at the Film Festival this year. Second, the library were doing a “Philosopher’s Cafe” on the book and they ordered extra copies so everyone would have a chance to read the book before these two events.

I’m glad I missed the Philosopher’s Cafe – when I went looking for it today it has already been done. I’m not sure how they are going to make an interesting movie from the book but the festival selection committee generally get good movies.

Did I learn anything from the book? Perhaps one thing; doing a stupid and/or rude thing doesn’t make you an asshole even if, in the spur of the moment, you call them that. What makes a genuine asshole is someone who is stupid and/or rude and expects to get away with their actions because they are “entitled” and somehow more important than anyone else. Does that remind you of anyone?

Stay tuned for my movie review.

Goodreads Rating: * *

Author: Kiley Reid

It was a surprise when I went to the Library’s website to see if they had this book available and it was on order. It was the January pick for Reese’s Book Club and I’m hoping that they will continue to order her books. I was the first person to take the book out so I was especially careful not to do it any damage – no reading in the tub or shoving it into a bin, bag or box to move it around.

The story revolves around the relationship between a mother, Alix, and her child sitter, Emira. But brought into the story are several of Alix’s New York friends, her husband, and his co-workers. Emira brings her friends and a new boyfriend into the mix and there are a few surprises awaiting both women.

Goodreads Rating: * * * *

Author: Tamar Ossowski

While I was away I finished my “real” book but knew I had three more books waiting to be picked up at the library. I needed something to read while we waited on ferries to get us home so I started this one that I had downloaded recently.

A woman with two girls, one of which seems to be autistic although that is never stated for sure, lives with her mother. Some event causes the woman to leave her mother’s and travel to a friend’s home. After a couple of days the mother takes one daughter (Matilda) shopping and the friend takes Franny, the autistic one, to an art museum. The mother and Matilda never return.

The book is told from the point of view of the mother, Therese, and her two daughters. Before the end of the book we learn most of the secrets that everyone was hiding. Of all of those secrets, I only guessed one!

Goodreads Rating: * * * *

Author: Henning Mankell

I’ve always liked Mankell’s Wallander books; I’ve read at least one book outside of that series and didn’t like it much. This one was on the bookshelf on the day I was looking for a new stack to add to my bedside table so I picked it up.

The book isn’t a mystery; it follows a young woman who leaves her home in Sweden to move to a larger city for a better life. She ends up as a cook on a ship sailing to Australia but jumps ship in Portuguese East Africa. From there her life takes several turns before she heads for home, a rich widow.

Many years after the main story takes place her diary is found in a run-down hotel in Mozambique. Although the details of the story are fictional, they are based somewhat on fact.

Goodreads Rating: * * * *