Books I Enjoy
Historical Fiction
All the Light We Cannot See
by Anthony Doerr
The curator of the Natural History Museum of Paris is charged with keeping a rare gem out of Hitler’s hands during WWII. He and his blind daughter flee Paris and join the Resistance. At the same time, a German Hitler youth fascinated with the radio, joins the Third Reich and spends his time in the war seeking out Resistance fighters in France by using radio signals.
Why did I love this book?
First, it took Doerr ten years to write. At this point, having written several novels, many of which are sitting on a shelf collecting dust, I understand the time and commitment to a novel. And second, even though this is fiction, I can imagine something like this may have happened. The historical fiction book market is filled with these untold WWII stories.
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Mystery
While Justice Sleeps
by Stacey Abrams
A Supreme Court Justice falls into a coma and instead of giving legal guardianship and power of attorney to his ex-wife or son, the justice grants these powers to his law clerk. The clerk discovers the justice has a rare genetic disease and has been investigating a court case involving the merger of a biotech company with a genetic company which claims unbelievable medical break-throughs.
Why did I love this book?
I’ve always loved a good legal thriller. Think John Grisham.
Image from goodreads.com
Series
Armand Gamache series
by Louise Penny
All 17 books
The series is set in two places: Canada and Gamache’s home in Three Pines. The series follows Gamache as he climbs the police/political ladder until he heads the most prestigious branch, homicide for the province of Quebec. And then slides down the ladder. And begins the climb again.
Why do I love these books?
I discovered this series about two years ago and read them all, one right after another. The author has so successfully created the village of Three Pines that readers ask where it is and if can they visit. Extraordinary.
Image from Pima County Public Library
Non-fiction
The Splendid and the Vile
by Erik Larson
This is the story of Winston Churchill’s first year as prime minister. May, 1940. Hitler invaded Holland and Belgium. Poland and Czechoslovakia had already fallen. In the ensuing year, Hitler killed 45,000 Britons and destroyed two million homes. While trying to hold the country together, Churchill’s next greatest task is to convince the U.S. president to join the war.
Why do I love this book?
What Churchill endured during his first year in office was extraordinary. As I read, it seemed to me every day brought a new challenge, and not an easy challenge. How many people died the previous night? How much food is available? The book is an in-depth look at the most important events of that year.
Image from Amazon.com