Happy Land - Dolen Perkins-Valdez

I have mixed feelings about this book. The story was interesting but everything was sort of drawn out. I don't feel like the characters in the present-day part of the story were sufficiently developed to have an impact on me as a reader. I preferred the portions of the story that were set in the past - that was very inspiring and also, of course, infuriating because of the same hateful bigots that we can't seem to ever be rid of. It's really cool that it's actually based on a true story so I will be doing some research. 

The Girl in the Green Dress - Mariah Fredericks

This was an enjoyable mystery that kept me guessing. I liked the setting of course, and the inclusion of some of the famous people of the era as characters. The writing was slightly clunky here and there but overall this is a great beach read. 

Where the Rivers Merge - Mary Alice Monroe

This book was like a Hallmark Channel movie in book form. LOL

Paradise Falls - Keith O'Brien

As an Official OldTM, I have vague memories of the Love Canal but as I was a child, I didn't know any details. Having read this book, I am now in awe of how a dedicated group of people were able to painstakingly bring about change. At great cost, mind you, but my hat is off to them for doing the difficult thing in the face of tremendous adversity. But of course the real question is: why is money allowed to get away with absolutely everything? Why are companies allowed to destroy the environment and cause people to die of preventable things? It's disgusting and I hate it but I don't know what to do about it. This book was well written and I highly recommend it. Now excuse me while I go listen to one of my favorite songs, Mercy Mercy Me by Marvin Gaye, on repeat for a while. 

Isola - Allegra Goodman

February's Book Club choice was an enigma. The story is fascinating but this book is so drawn out it was difficult to really get into it. It wasn't awful, but it was just too low-key and slow going. Now I need to go down the rabbit hole of the true story this book is based on. 

Cabin - Patrick Hutchison

This nonfiction account was very enjoyable. The author is more outdoorsy than I am by a factor of at least 10, but I liked his writing style and he made me laugh out loud several times, which is actually extremely rare when I'm reading. The book made me want to be invited to the titular cabin with his fun friend group, despite the outhouse. It was kind of amazing to me that he started with basically zero knowledge and ended up turning an almost-wreck into a cool getaway spot, proven by the included photos. Recommended. 

Remarkably Bright Creatures - Shelby Van Pelt

What a wonderful book. I loved every minute of this. If you haven't read this just go read it right now. Highly Recommended.