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. 

The Whalebone Theatre - Joanna Quinn

This book surprised me. Based on the description I thought it would be one kind of book, and then it took a turn I never expected and became a second type of book. Both parts of the overall story were very enjoyable to me, and I liked the main characters a lot. Recommended. 

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. 

Dinosaurs - Lydia Millet

I managed to get even more behind in my reading - this was actually part of the July Book Box - oops! I finally managed to read this book, which is more of a character study. I liked the main character although yet again I am being asked to feel sorry for someone with money, to empathize with the struggles someone with money goes through because it's just so hard to fill one's day ... U G H Sorry, but if I no longer had to work, my day would be full from sun up to sun down at the very least, right off the top of my head sitting here. Volunteer work that I would love to do, classes I would love to take, hobbies I would love more time to pursue, not to mention my enormous TBR pile, and that's just off the top of my head, as I said. I don't mean to sound harsh, I liked the book, but .... I don't know why this is a trend. 

Pineapple Street - Jenny Jackson

An interesting Book Club choice that I am not sure what to think of. All of the characters were sort of unlikeable but in a way that is realistic, I guess, as we all have our foibles. I'm pretty sure I have complained about this before, but asking me to feel sorry for wealthy people really rubs me the wrong way. To be honest, I have always deeply resented having to work for a living and I would love to be able to pursue my own interests all day. I don't even want a lot of money, I would never want to be a billionaire or something ridiculous like that, but just to make the salary I currently earn at work but not have to work to get it (if that makes sense). So.... An interesting discussion will be had, I am sure. 

Stone Cold Fox - Rachel Koller Croft

This was an ... interesting choice for the July Book Club book! When I first started reading, I thought it wasn't really a book for me - and it's not really something I would have picked up on my own. However, I got strangely into it! I ended up being somewhat invested in the story and wanting to know what would happen and etc. It's definitely got a "trashy beach read" vibe, if that's what you're looking for. 

Help Wanted - Adelle Waldman

A fine choice for Book Club - it was funny and also very relatable. I worked retail briefly when I was between "office jobs" and while I was not on the "overnight stock" team featured in this book, the store where I worked did have such a team. Despite the hours, I would have to say that this shift would be the best one in retail, as one doesn't have to tangle with customers LOL Recommended. 

Shrines of Gaiety - Kate Atkinson

Readers, I looooooved this book. Love love loved it. And strangely, I didn't love it until I got a few pages in and something clicked and I fell head over heels. Highly recommended.