'Eminent Jews: Berstein, Brooks, Friedan, Mailer' by David Denby

 Eminent Jews: Bernstein, Brooks, Friedan, Mailer, David Denby (3.5)

The author has outlined the lives of 4 important people in our society and how their Jewish background both affected them and us. These 4 all came from immigrants prior to WWII. I liked the sections of the book as listed in the title. Leonard Bernstein’s history and accomplishments were fascinating, Mel is a hoot, I didn’t know much about Betty Friedan, and I found Norman Mailer basically a jerk with whom I didn’t want to know more about. While I enjoyed 2.5 sections, I didn’t feel the linkage as much as it was intended. It felt like 4 New Yorker articles put together. 

 

'The Lost Book Shop' by Elvie Woods

 The Lost Book Shop, Elvie Woods (3.0)

My friends and I are drawn in by a story about books and bookstores. We love a good meta read. While this book had a few obvious coincidences/outcomes, and some of the writing left me with questions (i.e. did I miss the part about the mother being mute her whole life? Who in the 21^st century leaves a paper note and expects it to be read?); the story drew me in. I wanted to find out what happened to the bold woman who was saved by an ancient magical bookshop. I liked the idea of finding an unpublished Bronte book, I liked the idea of a woman making it on her own in that time period. I did find the modern-day story less interesting – partially due to the writing and plot holes. I can see why some people have found this book entertaining, but the flaws stood out a bit too much for me.

'The Shining Mountain' by Peter Boardman

 The Shining Mountain, Peter Boardman (3.5)

A riveting story of two hikers in the 70’s who hiked the west wall of Changabang, a treacherous Himalayan mountain. It’s not a long book, but a very detailed account of the mechanics used to climb such a mountain. This was before the Everest glamping (i.e. Sherpa’s doing all the forward ropes and carrying the food and equipment). Except for having porters help to and from the Base Camp, the two climbers did it all themselves. I was shocked how much time it took to do the forward prep – two steps forward then literally one to two back. They did this late in the season (September) and the weather was difficult. I would give it a higher rating, but the writing was average, and the mechanics will be too much for many readers. I had a little flash-back to slipping on the ice patch in the Dolomites, but otherwise was astounded by this account of their journey.

Murderbot #2 & 3; Empyrean #2 & 3

Artificial Condition and Rogue Protocol (Murderbot #2 and #3), Martha Wells (3.5)

Good ole Murderbot is at it again. In trying to find out what really happened on the mining colony, he falls in with some hapless humans whom he helps and, of course, ends up liking. This time he has the help of a very funny AI from the cargo ship he smuggles himself onto. I look forward to this being season 2 of the streaming series. The third book continues his journey to find answers. Overall these are quite formulaic and short. I wish they would be incorporated as sections of a longer book.

 

Iron Flame and Onyx Storm (Empyrean #2, 3), Rebecca Yarros (3.5)

Both of these books continue the journey of Violet and her dragons and friends. It continues the plot with some twists and turns, though the love interaction gets tiresome. Hard to believe they are sooo attracted to each other that they are distracted by that when war is raging around them. One would imagine that is the last thing on your mind when you are about to die. These two books are definitely weaker than the first, but if you like those characters, you will hang-on till the end. ‘Iron Flame’ has quite a cliff hanger, but ‘Onyx Storm’ really just drags it out without a real finish. Guess there are more books in the future.

'Native Nations' by Kathleen DuVal

 Native Nations, Kathleen DuVal (4.0)

It’s a shame that it won’t happen, but this book should be required reading for all High School students. The author has done amazing research to accurately describe the history of the status and interactions of the native people of our continent with the incoming Europeans. She starts with the large ‘cities’ of the 11^th century (i.e. Cahokia) to illustrate how they had societies and a deep civilization prior to the arrival of others. She then spends a lot of time in the 15-19^th centuries as they start to interact, not quite realizing that the incoming people believe they ‘own’ this land that is new to them. I found most interesting the discussion of how the people here had to deal with 3 groups showing up to trade with them (Spanish, English, French) and how that changed after the Revolution when an actual country (US) turned their organized armies towards moving them out. The last few chapters are heart-breaking as you see the ignorance and bigotry wielded by people in power to try to squelch and frankly wipe out those here before them. My biggest complaint is the length of the book. The theme and wisdom sometimes got bogged down in lists of food, crafts, etc.

'All Systems Red, The Murderbot Diaries' by Martha Wells

All Systems Red, The Murderbot Diaries, Martha Wells (4.0)

The new streaming series follows the first Murderbot book rather closely, though as a YA novel, it is short and a bit simpler. If you like the series, you will smile at the narrator’s inner monologue throughout the book. That narrator is the security robot (aka Sec-unit) self-named, ‘Murderbot’. He has been assigned to a hippy-like group of scientists who are on a research mission to a new planet. When several inconsistencies and accidents happen, their leader and Murderbot start wondering if they are in trouble. The author has done a nice job of introducing new technology and mixing it with corporate overtones and complications. 

 

'Upgrade' by Blake Crouch

Upgrade, Blake Crouch (4.0)

While sticking with a couple of themes (family man separated by technology set in the near future), once again Mr. Crouch has come up with a unique plot that pushes technology to a point where the reader must consider the ethics and philosophy of what we may expect in our future. The main character in this story goes through genetic manipulation. This is particularly relevant given the recent CRISPR advances, cloning of animals and revival of the dire wolf. We have the technology to do this, but should we? I won’t say more as, with most Crouch books, the joy is in discovery, but I enjoyed the journey and appreciated his conclusion.