'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood

The Testaments, Margaret Atwood (5.0)

While not as shocking as its predecessor, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, this pre/post-quel certainly lives up to the hype. I really enjoyed following Aunt Lydia’s back-story while also satisfying the reader’s desire to know more about what happens post Handmaid’s Tale. While the first book hinted at how Gilead’s formation was possible, experiencing it from the eyes of someone seen as co-conspiring gave clearer insight into something quite complicated. And who ever thought we’d root for Aunt Lydia in anything? I also found I was less angry reading this book. While the first book surprised and shocked, the second book gave some insight and some redemption. Given Ms. Atwood’s feelings about present politics around the world and her participation in the Hulu series, I look forward to the third book in the series a lot sooner than the wait for this one! I’m not sure if this book can stand on it’s own, so my 5 rating really goes for the two books read together: extremely interesting and thought provoking.

'Alta California' by Nick Neely

Alta California, Nick Neely (4.0)

This is an educational and enjoyable travelogue of Mr. Neely’s hike from San Diego to San Francisco where he endeavored to track the path of Portola and Crespi, the Spanish men who famously led (and documented) a party throughout California in the 1700’s. The travel narrative includes his current day issues (e.g. how to get through the air force and marine bases) with bits of history from Crespi’s diaries describing the differences they encountered. He highlights the nature – both flora and fauna along with the lack of nature (too many highways!). I was surprised by the nature he did find in and around LA and I loved following him as he walked through many of the areas and even neighborhoods well known to a 30+ year Californian.