Four Treasures of the Sky - Jenny Tinghui Zhang

This was a seriously heavy novel. The subject matter is disturbing, even more so because it's based on reality. What is wrong with humanity? I really want an answer. As a species we just awful in general. The writing is good and the topic is timely, so I am happy to have read this book and to have learned more about something I only knew a little about. So I would recommend this book, because we can never forget the past - we have to try to improve. Please tell me if you know how, I am out of ideas. 

River of Smoke - Amitav Ghosh (Spoilers?)

This review has some information that could constitute a spoiler, so please take that into consideration.

I finally, FINALLY got to read this book, the sequel to my beloved Sea of Poppies, and the second book in the Ibis Trilogy. Before I started the book, I had no idea if it was a direct sequel but it did in fact pick up pretty much right where the previous book leaves off. We don't hear a lot about some of the characters, which is too bad, because I just love them all so much I actually missed them. A lot of the book is almost more about placing us in space and time than catching us up on the characters, but we do spend quite a bit of time with some of them, and catch glimpses of others. I will say that it had less of a cinematic feel than the first book, but of course it was still top notch and I highly recommend it. On to the next book!! 

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde - Tia Williams

This book would be a lovely beach read. I liked the main character and I liked how the love story came together. The story would make a fun movie, even with the more serious topics the book covers. The writing was just OK, very typical of today's bestsellers, so much telling, telling, telling!! But overall a good light read if you're in the mood for a romance.  

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.