This Is How You Lose the Time War - Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

This sci-fi book was deceptively short but it has left me thinking. At first I wasn't sure what to make of the premise, but it didn't take me long to get into the story and I was turning pages at quite a clip to see how things turned out. Looking forward to the Book Club discussion on this one. 

This Strange Eventful History - Claire Messud

This book would be accurately described as a "sprawling family saga" and I enjoyed it. At times it got a bit wordy and it could have been shorter, but I loved the structure of the book and enjoyed seeing how things played out. 

The Dance Tree - Kiran Millwood Hargrave

I enjoyed this book, a work of historical fiction based on true events - which of course makes me want to research them, as they are fascinating! I really liked the main characters, even when they were frustrating - and disliked the villain(s), of course. Will we ever stop bigotry and hate? I don't know but I know I will keep reading and keep hoping. 

Stolen - Ann-Helén Laestadius

Reader, I am exhausted. I am so tired of all the bad things that seem to be actively destroying anything good and decent and helpful. Why does the world seem to teem with bigots and hateful people? I just don't get it. 

But let's talk specifically about this book, which I enjoyed. I know nothing whatsoever about the native population that lives in the northernmost parts of Scandinavia and herds reindeer, so this book was a cool primer on a traditional way of life that is increasingly encroached on by modernization and continuously opposed by the aforementioned bigots. I really liked the main character. I would like to read more by this author for sure. 

Absolution - Alice McDermott

October's book club choice is well written and I found it enjoyable for the most part, but I am still struggling with how the title relates to the story. Who is seeking absolution, and why? What exactly for? Many of the characters do things that make little sense, and not a lot happens overall. I guess it will make an interesting discussion for the group. 

A Council of Dolls - Mona Susan Power

Loved this book, which is filled with unforgettable characters who show us the lingering effects of the deplorable, racist policies directed against Native Americans in the U.S. There are a lot of heartbreaking scenes, but the overall message is one of hope and survival. I'm looking forward to the book club discussion. 

Winterland - Rae Meadows

I thoroughly enjoyed this book set in 1970s Soviet Russia. I l loved the use of Russian words here and there, it brought back my time studying Russian in college. The setting is bleak and in today's day and age, the uncompromising attitude of the gymnastics coaches and trainers seems harsh, but when the entire system is viewed at a distance it makes a certain kind of grim sense. The human will to survive is really something. A good choice for this time of year. 

Burma Sahib - Paul Theroux

Not sure what to think of this fictionalized account of Eric Blair's time as a policeman in Burma, which allegedly changed him greatly, leading him to become the famed writer George Orwell. The book is easily twice the length it should be, and extremely repetitive, banging us over the head with how much Blair hated the job, kept to himself, etc etc. He's not particularly sympathetic, he's a snob, he's abusive to the Burmese and the Indians who work alongside him, and there is no real change that takes place - so how much did he actually "learn" through this experience? I don't know, maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this one, but it was a slog. 

VenCo - Cherie Dimaline

An appropriately witchy book for the season. I found this to be a well written story and I really liked the main character. I loved the concept and would like to know more details. This would make a seriously amazing series (I think a movie might not be long enough to do the story justice, but it could be done). Overall a very enjoyable book. 

Anita de Monte Laughs Last - Xochitl Gonzalez

I absolutely LOVED "Olga Dies Dreaming" by this same author, and while I didn't like this book quite as much, for no good reason, I still enjoyed it. The writing is excellent and I had no idea the story was based on a true story - that was fascinating. Recommended.