Plantagenets: A history of England's bloodiest dynasty, 1154-1485, by Ben Hubbard

 

This was a good introduction to English history under the Plantagenet rulers. It is brief, but gives the reader a sense of the time, customs, and people that were important during this 300-year period during the Middle Ages. It includes a lot of photographs, portraits, photographs, and maps that illuminate the text.

The White Horse King: The life of Alfred the Great, by Benjamin R. Merkle

 

Noticing my recent interest in Alfred the Great, Mike bought me this biography for my birthday. Written in a highly readable style, this biography covers the key points of Alfred's life, including his battles against the Danes; his time in Athelney; his learning, translations, and inventions; the development of societal structures that provided for a standing army; the efforts to build a sea force; and much more. One thing neglected is his role in initiating the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles. With many illustrations and photographs, this is a good introduction to Alfred and his impact on history.

Minaret, by Leila Aboulela

 

This is an excellent novel about a young woman whose father was targeted and executed as a corrupt official of a 1980s government official in Sudan. Her family had to flee to London, where they had a home, but their circumstances worsened in the years since. The main character's brother became addicted to drugs and is serving a 15-year prison sentence, her mother passed away from leukemia, and she herself dropped out of college after just two weeks. The book alternates between the 1980s and the present (the early 2000s), showing how Najwa's situation has changed for the worse, with her finally working at a series of jobs as a maid. When she begins to get close to her new employer's younger brother, her job is in jeopardy, and she must find a way out. One of the main themes of the book is Najwa's embrace of Islam after moving to England. Her faith provides her with a comfort and structure that she lacked before. This book is engaging and well-written, although the ending was a little muddled and unclear.

Dubai dreams: inside the kingdom of bling, by Raymond Barrett

 

This is a fascinating account of the experiences of author Raymond Barrett, who spent many years living in the Middle East, including significant time in the United Arab Emirates. In this book, he shares his experiences primarily in Dubai, where he meets a lot of other expatriate workers from all over the world. With the locals being a very small percentage of the population, much of the work and commerce that take place in Dubai is done by foreigners. Locals are entitled to free education and housing, and a guaranteed job, but everyone else is left to struggle on their own. With no income tax, living in Dubai is a way to make a lot of money in a short period of time, but it comes with its own disadvantages. I really enjoyed reading about Barrett's experiences as he explored different aspects of Emirati society, including brief forays into the desert along with brief stays in neighboring emirates Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. Although the book may be getting a little dated (e.g., in its views of the real estate market and current construction), I think this is a good introduction to Dubai, albeit through a Westerner's eye.

Innocents and others, by Dana Spiotta

 

This book really grew on me. I didn't think I was going to like it at first, but the more I read, the more I liked it. The book opens with an online essay about how a filmmaker got started in the business. It then jumps to a few chapters about someone named Jelly, and her relationships with Jack and Oz, covering several decades. It then jumps again to chapters about the main character Meadow and her childhood friend Carrie. Alternating between all of these perspectives, it's only late in the book that the reader learns how they're all tied together. I enjoyed reading about the film business, from early filmmakers to experimental documentaries. I appreciated the descriptions of the two filmmakers' early years exploring films of all types; their enthusiasm and experimentation seemed authentic to me, although it's clear that they could never have done what they did without the benefits of a highly privileged private school education. As Meadow and Carrie move into middle age, they come back together as friends, having learned a lot about themselves, and there is a new self acceptance. This is in contrast to Jelly's story, which is sad and dark; her self hatred comes out in everything she does. This is not a joyous book, but it was fascinating and compelling.

Then comes marriage: United States v. Windsor and the defeat of DOMA, by Roberta Kaplan

 

This is a well-written account of the case that led to the defeat of the Defense of Marriage Act in the Supreme Court. Roberta Kaplan represented Edie Windsor, who, although married to her partner of more than 40 years, had to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in inheritance tax because the federal government did not recognize gay marriages when applying more than a thousand federal laws. Ms. Kaplan shares her own personal journey as a lesbian who fell and love and married, but who had to fight for her rights as an adoptive mother because of DOMA. But the hero of the story is Edie Windsor and her longtime partner Thea Spyer. Their story of a more than 40 year relationship and marriage was key to making the case in court that DOMA was unconstitutional and should be abolished. This is an important story, and Kaplan describes the legal issues and implications so that they're clear to any reader, no law degree required.

The Astor orphan: a memoir, by Alexandra Aldrich

 

I have mixed feelings about this book which tells the story of a branch of the Astor family and how they've declined financially but still try to maintain the family home on the Hudson River in New York. On the one hand, I love visiting old homes, examining their architecture, gardens, furnishings, art, and more, so I expected to enjoy reading about the Astor home, Rokeby, and what has become of it. On the other hand, this is such a squalid and sordid account of life in the home during the author's childhood in the 1980s that I felt repelled by it. She reported nothing positive about growing up there; everything was dirty, cluttered, falling apart, damaged, unloved. No one did their share except her father who tried to maintain the grounds. They let an assortment of artists and vagabonds live in the house and on the property. They described themselves as "bohemians," and no one tried to improve their own lot by, for example, getting a job. Every year, they try to scrape together enough money to pay the taxes, but no one makes any effort to strategically sell the art or other valuable objects gathering dust in the house, or sell off any of the land. This is such a negative, one-sided report by the author, that I can't believe that it shows a true picture of what life was like there. 

My first ladies: twenty-five years as the White House chief floral designer, by Nancy Clarke

 

After reading the last book about first ladies, I pulled this book from my shelves. I received it at a Book Expo back in 2011, and it's signed by the author. Sadly, the author passed away not long after, a fact I learned when I tried to find more information about her. Nancy Clarke worked for the White House from the Carter through the early months of the Obama administrations. She shares her experiences first as a volunteer, and later as the chief floral designer, as she prepares displays for everyday and special occasions. She relates the differences between the first ladies, their color and flower preferences, and much more. Without telling tales, she gives an impression of each of the first ladies and what it was like working with them. It's a fun and pleasant book about a slice of life in the White House.

First Ladies: Women who called the White House home, by Beatrice Gormley

 

This is a good introduction to the women who served as First Ladies, although my edition ends with Hilary Clinton. Lots of images and photos of them, the presidents, and their family members. Written for the elementary school-age crowd, it gives just enough information on each person to make the reader want a little more.

The night tiger, by Yangsze Choo

This is a fast-paced story set in 1930s Malaysia about several characters whose fates are intertwined. Ren is a young orphan whose twin brother calls to him from beyond the grave. Ji Lin is a young woman trying to make it on her own after being denied the possibility of college. She works for a dressmaker by day, and moonlights as a dancing instructor. Shin is her stepbrother, who is off at medical school. Ren is on a mission to find a mysterious object, which Ji Lin has coincidentally found. The novel follows both characters as they eventually find each other and carry out a mission to return the object to its owner. The plot has lots of twists and turns, and they don't know whom to trust.

The red lotus, by Chris Bohjalian

 

This is a compelling thriller about a woman who is on a bike trip to Vietnam when her boyfriend unexpectedly disappears and later turns up dead. As she investigates his disappearance, working with investigators in Vietnam, the U.S. consulate, and later, a private investigator back home in New York, it becomes clear that his death was part of a much larger story involving sensitive medical research, espionage, and biological threats. The writing is very good, and the plot moves along at a fast pace.

Murder in the Marais, by Cara Black

 

I swore off Cara Black after the last Aimee Leduc mystery that I read, but I made the mistake of picking this one up and giving it a shot. I finished it, but not without complaining to myself about it throughout. The writing is not the best, and the plots are unbelievably implausible.

The Marsh King's daughter, by Karen Dionne

 

I loved this novel about a young woman who was raised in seclusion by her kidnapped mother and the man who abducted her. Years after her father was arrested, he escapes prison, and the main character decides that she's the only one who can track him down. It's very well-written and is impossible to put down.

Emirati women: Generations of change, by Jane Bristol Rhys

This is a fascinating look at the role women play in Emirati society and the many ways their lives have changed since the country was formed and became fabulously wealthy from their oil revenues. Author Bristol-Rhys has taught for many years in the UAE, and has come to know many of the family members of the women that she teaches. She shares her insights about women's lives in this very readable book, and also provides suggestions for further research throughout.
 

King Alfred: Burnt Cakes and Other Legends, by David Horspool

 

This is a very well-written and scholarly look at the legends that surround King Alfred the Great. The author, David Horspool, breaks down the source of the many legends, analyzing the credibility of each one. Many of the legends seemed to serve a purpose in that they create a picture of Alfred that he, himself, may have wanted to portray. I especially like the chapter on further reading, and the quality illustrations throughout the book.

Alfred in the Chroniclers, by Edward Conybeare

I've been reading about Alfred the Great lately, and came across this account of Alfred's life drawn from 14 medieval chronicles, including the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles. Full disclosure, my copy was the first edition, and really beat up, so when I tried to find a cover art image, all I could find was a bunch of reprints, so I picked the most attractive cover image to use here. It was fascinating to read these accounts, some written hundreds of years after the time in question, and many of which copied from earlier chronicles (e.g., the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles or Asser). As I'm watching The Last Kingdom right now on Netflix, it's been fun looking at what was taken from the chronicles and what has been completely invented.
 

Black dogs, by Ian McEwan

 

I loved this short novel by Ian McEwan. Orphaned at a young age, Jeremy has always admired the parents of his friends, and his in-laws are no exception. Closer to them than their own children are, Jeremy decides to write a book about their lives as they get older and more frail. The conflict in the book revolves around an anecdote told by June, his mother-in-law, which she sees as a defining moment of her life that slowly drives a wedge between her and her husband, Bernard. McEwan draws out the tale slowly so that the reader only learns of its significance near the end of the book. This book touched on the in-laws service during the second world war, their communist convictions (which didn't last long), and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. McEwan is a wonderful writer; every sentence is carefully crafted.

In the company of writers, by Charles Scribner, Jr.

 

I found this book at the Dog's Ear used book store in Hoosick, NY, in the Books about Books section, one of my favorite parts of the store to browse. The author discusses his childhood, education, and career in publishing, leading up to the day when he invites another company to take over Scribner Publishing through a stock swap. It's a charming look at the publishing industry with lots of anecdotes about some of the famous authors that Scribner's published, including Ernest Hemingway. A quick read that give you some insight into how publishing works.

The amazing, remarkable Monsieur Leotard, by Eddie Campbell and Dan Best

 

I really enjoyed this graphic novel about a young man who tries to take over the management of a circus troupe after his uncle plunges to his death from the trapeze. The illustrations are wonderful, and the story is engaging and sweet. It includes a lot of humor, and there are clever illustrations in the margins of many of the pages.

The almost sisters, by Joshilyn Jackson

 

This novel follows Leia, a comic book artist, as she faces several family crises at the same time, including an unexpected pregnancy, her perfect stepsister's failing marriage, and her beloved grandmother's dementia. She relocates to her grandmother's house with her precocious niece who takes it upon herself to contact the father of Leia's child, who hasn't been told yet. When they find a skeleton in the attic, the whole town gets involved, and Leia has to find out the truth about her family's past to protect her grandmother. I really enjoyed this book; it's a quick read, and the plot never slows down.

The young Alfred the Great, by Naomi Mitchison

 

I really enjoyed this YA novel about the young Alfred the Great, considered the first English king. He is famous for many accomplishments, including forming the English navy, inventing the lantern, and using candles to measure the passing of time. This novel starts with his trip to Rome and takes us through much of his early history.

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles

This was a fascinating history of what became England from year 1 through the middle of the 12th century. Nicely illustrated and with lots of explanatory text interspersed among the entries.
 

The light in the ruins, by Chris Bohjalian

 

The Light in the Ruins takes us to 1943-1944 rural Tuscany where the Nazis were making a last stand against the allies as they invaded Sicily and then began making their way north. The wartime period is juxtaposed by 1955 when a serial killer begins killing members of the Rosati family, whose estate was used by the Nazis near the end of the war. As Nazis plundered art work and antiquities from Italy, the Rosati estate comes to their attention when they learn of the Etruscan burial site that has been unearthed. One of the Nazis begin a romance with Christina Rosati, as Vittore Rosati works reluctantly with the Nazi officers who are identifying the antiquities they want to take. The Rosati parents walk a fine line trying to appease the Nazis without becoming targets of the partisan resistance fighters in the area. The Rosati family pays a heavy price for being at the center of this struggle, and they're trying to move on. But who is now targeting them? Serafina Bettini is a detective investigating the murders, which take her back to her own connection with the family when she was one of the partisan fighters who sought refuge at their estate near the end of the war. This was a well-written book that keeps you guessing until the end.

The law of similars, by Chris Bohjalian

 

Reading The Law of Similars was like watching a slow-motion train wreck. Leland is a recently-widowed lawyer whose tendency to hypochondria is put into overdrive as he tries to keep himself together as a single father. He gives homeopathic treatments a try and begins to fall for the homeopath who's helping him. As one of her other patients dies after her treatment, Leland's law firm is asked by the patient's wife to represent her, and Leland is forced to face not only his hypochondria, but also ethical dilemmas that have far-reaching repercussions for others. The writing is excellent and the plot pulls you along, even while you're silently screaming "No!" "Stop!" "Don't do that!" to Leland.

Then she was gone, by Lisa Jewell

 

I enjoyed this page-turner of a thriller by Lisa Jewell. Laurel's daughter goes missing, and 10 years later her remains are found. But Laurel is still haunted by her daughter's disappearance. When Laurel begins a new relationship with Floyd, she is surprised by the resemblance between his younger daughter and her missing daughter. As she begins to pick up on clues, she learns what really happened to her daughter 10 years ago.

Vox, by Christina Dalcher

 

I have mixed feelings about this novel. It has been compared to The Handmaid's Tale, but the writing is nowhere near as good. The premise is completely silly as well. I think there are plenty of men out there who are misogynistic enough to try to limit women's speech to 100 words a day, but not nearly enough of them to actually pull something like this off, so I had a hard time setting aside my disbelief as I read the story. Just the scale of it would be impossible: manufacturing 150 million or more "bracelets" (i.e., word counters) that give an increasingly strong electric shock for every word spoken that exceeds the 100 permitted. Apparently, this just happened overnight, with women seized and fitted with the device. Too far-fetched to believe. The story wraps up fairly quickly when the main character finishes her research, and with the help of three men (really?) defeats the reigning leaders of the government.

Disappearing earth, by Julia Phillips

 

I really loved this novel about two girls who are abducted from their town on the Kamchatka Peninsula, part of Russia that is very remote where many indigenous people live. The story is told from more than a dozen viewpoints, showing how the girls' disappearance has affected the entire community. The writing is excellent, and the look inside the Kamchatka Peninsula culture is fascinating.

Books to build on: A grade-by-grade resource guide for parents and teachers, edited by John Holdren and E.D. Hirsch

 

This book provides reading suggestions for kindergarten through grade 6 in many disciplines: language arts, history and geography, visual arts, music, science, and mathematics. It's co-edited by E.D. Hirsch, whose proposals regarding cultural literacy has proven to be somewhat controversial; nevertheless, it would be a great resource for librarians, teachers, and parents who would like to direct their children's reading in support of their education.

The National Portrait Gallery history of the kings and queens of England, by David Williamson

 

I finally got around to reading this purchase that I made many years ago from the History Book Club. It's a very high level overview of each of the kings and queens of England, covering the highlights of their lives and reigns, and illustrated with portraits from the Gallery's collection.

A first dictionary of cultural literacy, by E.D. Hirsch, Jr.

I came across this book at work, and although dated (1989), I was curious about what the author thought every child should know (the book is aimed at 6th graders). It's organized into several dozen chapters, addressing proverbs; idioms; English; literature; mythology; music, art, and architecture; the Bible; religion and philosophy; American history to 1865; American history since 1865; politics and economics; world history to 1600; world history since 1600; United States geography; world geography; mathematics; physical sciences; earth sciences and weather; life sciences; medicine and the human body; and technology. It was a fun look back at the K-12 curriculum, but I have to question the need for a book that lists all the facts a child should know by a certain age. The details in many of the chapters will change constantly, and these are things that (in my opinion) are best left learned through reading and schoolwork rather than a list. On the other hand, one of the reviews that I read was written by a parent who used it as a fun quiz activity for her kids. For me, this book was a great reminder of what I liked about school so much growing up!