'Adulthood Rites & Imago' by Octavia Butler; 'The Secret Book Society' by Madeline Martin

 Adulthood rites and Imago, Octavia Butler (3)

These are second and third books in Butler’s Xenogenesis series. Like the first, they both continue the journey of Lillith’s family as they meld more with the alien race that has come to ‘save’ the earth. There are less mind-blowing concepts in these books, but the thought-provoking question of how far we would go to exist if what we know of as humanity is unalterably changed continues.

 

The Secret Book Society, Madeline Martin (2.5)

I was surprised this book has gotten such good reviews. It’s not bad, but the writing was a bit ‘meh’ for me and the plot seemed to hang too much on stereotypes. While I’m aware women had few rights in the Victorian age, having every woman abused and about to be carted off to the asylum seems like a heavy-handed way to make one’s point. I guess any book about women prevented from reading will always get an audience – particularly in our current age where we are holding on tight to our rights.

'Zorg: A Tale of Greed and Murder that Inspired the Abolition of Slavery' by Siddarth Kara

 Zorg: A Tale of Greed and Murder that Inspired the Abolition of Slavery, Siddarth Kara (4.0)

I found this historical review of the events surrounding the slave ship, Zorg, well researched, clearly written and interesting. While many have heard of the tragedy, Kara looked at how the events likely unfolded and the circumstances that led to the trial and publicity which ultimately led to Britain abolishing slavery. He spent most time on areas that could be researched, didn’t make a lot of assumptions, and clearly stated his reasoning which I appreciated. As with many huge societal changes, this one came about from an indirect source – publicity from an insurance trial. Did the insurance have to pay for the loss of slaves if they were thrown overboard? In today’s society, that sounds absurd, but in 1700’s England it was a business question that ultimately defined ‘property’ and necessary acts.

'Misery' by Stephen King

 Misery, Stephen King (4.0)

While I cannot say reading this book was enjoyable, I can appreciate the value of the writing and storytelling. Mr. King does an amazing job of bringing characters to life amidst page-turning plots. Here a famous author wakes up in a strange home in the Colorado mountains realizing that he’s been in a terrible accident. He was taken in by a woman who turns out to be ‘his biggest fan’. He quickly realizes the strangeness of the situation and how Annie Wilkes may not be the Florence Nightengale she purports to be. A good writer makes the reader think: what would I do in this situation? Then quickly turn the pages to see how that turns out. I made the mistake of reading it just before going to bed one night. Didn’t do that again!

'My Friends' by Fredrik Backman and 'We'll Prescribe You a Cat' by Syou Ishida

We’ll Prescribe You a Cat, Syou Ishida (4.0)

I can understand why this book has been translated into many languages – it is delightful. Some of us know that a cat can cure many ills, but now everyone can ‘read’ it in action. Depressed? Overworked? Watch the bond between human and cat work it’s magic. Ishida-san has not veered from true cat behavior in her examples which makes the stories all the more believable.

 

My Friends, Fredrik Backman (5.0)

I’ve enjoyed reading a few of Mr. Backman’s books, but this is my favorite. In it he has perfectly captured the voices of ‘lost’ teens – the angst, ennui and frustration of the time between childhood and adulthood, made tougher for the teens in this book as they all come from troubled homes. The touching story starts with a painting whose backstory is told in flashbacks to understand the artist, his friends and their choices. There is laughter, tears and surprises– all a great book needs. I don’t want to say more as the journey through this book is part of the pleasure. Enjoy.

 Open Socrates, Agnes Callard (3.5)

Not an easy book to read, but the author makes some interesting points about what Socrates and the Socratic method really represent. She uses the dialogues written by various peers and students to describe his motivations and where many people have possibly gotten things wrong. The main point I took away was that the method was not asking questions in order to get the student to the correct answer on their own. It’s to learn and grow together through dialogue and questioning – the key being together. He believed that thinking happens out loud with conversation. And that you need to have the right kind of conversations to learn. I also liked the idea that we often think of questions as solving a problem, but answering a question is a quest not removing a barrier.

'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell & 'The Uncool' by Cameron Crowe

 Hamnet, Maggie O’Farrell (4.0)

I wasn’t sure this book would live up to the hype, but I’m happy to say, for me it did. An imagining of the circumstances around William Shakespeare’s inspiration for ‘Hamlet’, it is based on few facts: he got married, had 3 children, one dies (thought to be named ‘Hamnet’), and he writes the play. The author has done a lot with that little bit of info. Her characters are well rounded and interesting, particularly his wife. I liked that you know what happens from the start, yet the story compels you to read on. This is both a story of family and love in perilous times.

 

The Uncool, Cameron Crowe (4.0)

In addition to a good interviewer, Mr. Crowe once again proves himself a great storyteller. Anyone who grew up to the music of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s will appreciate his descriptions of experiences meeting and interviewing countless rock legends. Given his young age and honest nature, they open up to him in astonishing ways. When you look at today’s musical artists, it’s hard to believe anyone would have the kind of access as he did. He has written a touching, authentic account of his family life and budding career in this enjoyable memoir.

'The Book of Doors' by Gareth Brown

 The Book of Doors, Gareth Brown (3.5)

This book is a very imaginative debut novel with a unique take on time travel, which is quite hard to do. I was even surprised by a few parts of the dramatic ending – which I always appreciate! A young woman is gifted a strange book that allows her to travel through doors that she can imagine. She realizes there are other books with magical properties, but people looking for them to use them for bad purposes. She finds others who are trying to keep the books from the bad people. I would have given it 4 stars, if only the evil characters were not so one dimensional. Their actions and dialogue were almost laughable. Also, at times it seemed obvious that the author was a man as the young women in the book have some stereotypical hang-ups. The book is a 4 for plot and 2 for character/dialogue.