Misery Hates Company - Elizabeth Hobbs

This was a charming mystery story. The story is set in 1894, a time period I enjoy learning and reading about, and I think there were a few things that were anachronisms, but it didn't ruin my enjoyment or anything. I liked the main character, who I think embodies the term "plucky." I will say that I thought it took a little bit longer than it needed to to solve the mystery, but on the other hand maybe I was just impatient to see the solution. This book was published in 2025, and the cover states "A Marigold Manners Mystery" so I imagine this will become a series, and I would definitely read the other books in this series. 

Kantika -- Elizabeth Graver

How have I lived this long without ever hearing about the Ladino language? I really enjoyed this well written, semi-biographical family story. The author has a way of letting us in on the characters' motivations without falling back on "telling" as so many books do these days. Recommended. 

A Great Country - Shilpi Somaya Gowda

A good choice for February's Book Club book. I enjoyed this novel despite its frustrating elements - to be clear, they were frustrating because in the year 2025 we are still dealing with childish ignorance and bigotry and etc. It's funny because as an Official Old TM, I identified with the parents and understood their actions and reactions better, although I am not an immigrant, while at the same time I felt for the younger generation as their struggles and challenges (and how they dealt with them) was relatable. 

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. 

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.