'Box 88' by Charles Cumming

Box 88, Charles Cumming (4.0)

I really enjoyed this spy thriller. While ‘Mission Impossible’ like books may be a roller coaster ride, good espionage books for me are more complex and believable. Many people have compared Cumming to Le Carre and I agree. As the introductory volume to presumably many more featuring Lachlan Kite, a spy with a subversive group of CIA and MI6 agents, it fills in his background while embroiling him in a present-day perilous situation. The contrast with spy-craft from the 80’s to today was done well and most of the characters were well written. The progression of a quiet, observant, boarding school kid to extremely capable agent was interesting to read and much of what was enjoyable about the book. I hope Mr. Cumming can come up with an equally intriguing second book for Lachie!

'Writers and Lovers' by Lily King

Writers and Lovers, Lily King (3.0)

I found this book both interesting and a bit whingey. It reminded me a lot of a recent movie, ‘The Worst Person in the World’, which follows a young woman through career and romance decisions. Both seem to make it through, though just barely. In this case, the main character is a writer working as a waitress. As she tries to write her first novel, she gets involved with two guys in very different places in their lives. The best parts of this book for me were the descriptions of why a writer writes and the comments by readers on how to make the writing better. I found this a good summer read for those interested in writing.

'The Impossible Us' by Sarah Lotz

The Impossible Us, Sarah Lotz (4.5)

I really enjoyed this book, a refreshing romantic story with a good twist that completely surprised me, despite the foreshadowing. This book starts off very rom-com-ish with witty dialogue via email between two relatively unhappy people. While I normally find reading other’s emails annoying, the flow here was quite easy to read and I enjoyed watching the growing friendship turn flirty. Their lives are filled in around the email exchanges as you come to know the two main characters. When they finally decide to meet in person, things go wonky. I won’t ruin the twist, but even if you are somewhat put off by it, keep reading as the book is mainly about the question: what would you be willing to do for love?

'Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas' by Jennifer Raff

 

Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas, Jennifer Raff (3.5)

There are many things I found interesting about this book and would have given it 4 stars except for a few issues with the writing. Given the advances in DNA mapping, new data has emerged in the last 10 years concerning how and when people first came to the Americas. I appreciated how the author discussed the science both recent and past and how newer evidence has changed the theories of how and when the first peoples came to the Americas. She thoughtfully outlined what scientists theorized over many years and what the likely scenario is based on current information. My main complaint had to do with two writing techniques: outlining all you are going to tell us (in detail) prior to telling, and including short narratives describing possible stories of how the archeological evidence had come to that location. Given the author is a geneticist, the stories seemed forced and unnecessary.

'Billy Summers' by Stephen King

Billy Summers, Stephen King (4.0)

Stephen King is a good storyteller. His characters are unique and interesting, and his plots pull you in. You may like his scary tales (this is not) or those that just dip a toe into the supernatural pool. While this book has just a meager amount of crazy (really just Easter eggs to some of his classics), the plot and characters are strong. The main character, Billy, is a paid assassin who incorporates a ‘dumb Billy’ persona for those he works with. He enjoys being underestimated by his clients and the reader feels honored to be in the ‘know’. King does a great job of developing a character who does bad things (only to bad people, per Billy) and yet you will root for him throughout the story. This will be added to ‘11/22/63’ and ‘The Stand’ in my favorite King novel pile. 

'The Rules of Contagion: Why Things Spread - and Why They Stop' by Adam Kucharski

The Rules of Contagion: Why Things Spread - and Why They Stop, Adam Kucharski (4.0)

This book contained lots of good information of various contagious activity – from viruses to information – and reasons to be worried and not so worried. A key finding was that social media alone does not spread misinformation, it’s when the lie gets picked up by the media (i.e. ‘information laundering’), that it gets credibility and spreads more widely. Interestingly thosen with influence are not typically those who are highly susceptible to misguided theories. Also, online outbreaks are weak compared to biological ones which have a farther reach and higher probability of spreading. Which, of course was foreshadowing to our COVID situation. I was most amazed at how prescient the author was about pandemics, given this was published just prior to our recent one. My favorite comment: ‘a one-man riot is a tantrum’. 

'There There' by Tommy Orange

There There, Tommy Orange (3.5)

This is a book of many Native American characters in Oakland, CA who have a variety of histories and situations but come together at the first Oakland Pow-wow. I found this book and author an important voice to hear and the characters quite different. There was actually a lot ‘there’ here in terms of introducing urban Native American characters. I particularly liked the concept discussed concerning genes versus culture (i.e. are you a Native American if you were adopted into a Caucasian family with no idea of your birth culture?). It has been a long-standing issue with the diverse cultures of people who have come to America and were here to start with – how much do you assimilate; how much do you maintain? Despite the rave reviews, I found the writing to be good, but not great. Every chapter told from a different character trope is getting tiresome. I’m very glad I didn’t read this on my e-reader as I had to go back to the character list often. My biggest complaint is the ending – the reader is left at the climax with big questions unanswered. Not surprising, there is another book on the way.