A Full Course of Literary Meal

“They call that a Good Lord Bird,” he said. “It’s so pretty that when man sees it, he says, ‘Good Lord.’”

I can no longer remember why I took my eye off James McBride and The Good Lord Bird. Forget about that gold sticker on the cover. And the fact that Ethan Hawke and Daveed Diggs star in Showtime’s Limited Series of the same name. The title should have been enough to capture my attention and hold onto it—long enough to pick up a copy and put it emphatically down on the growing tbr pile next to my bed. For the life of me, I can’t imagine why I took my eye of McBride.

I suppose William of Ockham has the best explanation for my wandering eye. The old friar/philosopher would say the simplest answer is usually the best one. The simplest answer is I get so d**n distracted when surrounded by so many good books. Despite my attention deficit, I’ve just righted a wrong. I finished McBride’s latest: The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store—and I absolutely loved it. As in, this-will-be-one-of-the-best-books-I-read-all-year loved it.  

The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store is technically a murder mystery. That’s how the book begins, with a skeleton at the bottom of a well (40 years after the fact) in a place called Chicken Hill. Few would call Chicken Hill anything but ruinous. For me, it was a bit magical. Chicken Hill produced characters (some blacks, some jews) like Paper, Chona, Big Soap, Fatty, and Moshe. That was just the start of the literary magic. Chicken Hill provided me with a lovely community. Reviewer Jana Siciliano likely said it best: THEGS “is a full course of literary meal. The voices of the characters are so specific to each of them that readers feel as if they are meeting a brand-new, real-life person each time, and their quirks live well beyond these pages. Besides humor, there is actually an ending that celebrates unity, love and togetherness in a world where those things are no longer givens.”

Posted by Tracy

Dip Your Toe in the Water

“One always has riches when one has a book to read.”  —Jacqueline Winspear

Who am I to contend with the British puzzler who conjured up Maisie Dobbs? Personally, I feel filthy rich when I have a great book to read. Great as in “of an intensity considerably above the normal or average.” Thank goodness for writers like Jacqueline Winspear who think average is a failing formula. Why, oh why, have we not talked about Winspear before now? I’m baffled. Incredulous. In fact, I scrolled through the entire blog, from last week’s post down through the years—all the way back to August 19th, 2015—no Winspear. Shame is working overtime on my face. So, without further ado, it’s time for you to meet the British mystery writer whose “interested in how ordinary people have endured in extraordinary times, especially a time of war.”

If you love a series and a quirky character that rocketed out of an award-winning first novel, meet Winspear through the eyes of detective Maisie Dobbs. You’ll be glad you did. (Dobbs doesn’t have a cult following by accident.) If you prefer to dip your toe in the water, start with Winspear’s latest The White Lady. Not-Your-Average Jac creates a highly intelligent, unimpeachable character in Elinor White. This history-based mystery vacillates between the 20th century’s two world wars. Elinor’s life is forever changed by the 1st and she finds her country in need of her for the 2nd. But the real mystery takes place in 1947, when the wartime operative is trying to leave her turbulent life behind. She can’t seem to ditch her moral duty. And so she helps her vulnerable neighbors who happen to be tied, by blood, to one of the most powerful (and dangerous) criminals in London. Elinor’s help, in turn, unknots a haunting secret of her own.

Winspear goes well beyond the bounds of average in The White Lady. I love her timely underlying theme that men always underestimate women. Which gives us an advantage. I’ll defer now to Rae’s very own Louise Penny: “The White Lady is a triumph of storytelling. Rarely have I been swept up into a novel, into the lives of the main characters, so quickly and thoroughly. Winspear creates in Elinor White a complex, endearing, achingly flawed hero. This is both fast-paced and thoughtful, bold and nuanced, a thriller that is thrillingly human. I loved it.”

Posted by Tracy

Love Out Loud

“I think the most important thing a woman can have—next to talent, of course—is her hairdresser. “ —Joan Crawford

Look at Joan go. I’ve gotta say, I couldn’t love my stylist more. The woman is a genius with a pair of scissors, not to mention tint and a brush. Devron’s one part therapist, one part hilarious, one part philosopher, one part confidant, and I can’t keep track of how many parts love out loud. She’s lovely. Will it surprise anyone that we chat about books every time I’m in the chair. Sometimes we text about our latest favorite. When Devron said I had to read Mad Honey, I took her seriously. Then I saw Jodi Picoult’s name on the cover and thought to myself, I don’t think I can do it.

The book snob in me nearly won out. But I trust my girl with this head of hair and recommendations with a bang. Mad Honey openly tackles topics surrounding gender, identity, abuse, and love. The story weaves between Olivia, a beekeeper who ditched her abusive husband to save her son from a similar fate, and Lily, a troubled teen who struggles in high school and falls prey to suffocating judgment. How do these women’s stories braid together? Olivia’s son, Asher, falls in love with Lily. In their small New Hampshire town, a murder and a court case ensued. You’ll waffle over whodunnit. Picoult and Finney Boylan co-authored some suspenseful moments. More importantly, they provide a primer on hot and trending issues. I have to give the girls credit: their collaboration was filled with interesting facts. I learned some good stuff and some important stuff too. Shout out to my girl, Devron, who’s clearly cut out for this recommending biz.

Posted by Tracy

The Sunday Scaries

“If we don’t go mad once in a while, there’s no hope.” —Rachel Joyce

Anyone else got a case of the Sunday Scaries? How is Monday only a few short hours away? I’m here to say that three is not the magic number if it marks how many jobs you currently have. Summer term is kickin’ my fanny. But not nearly as much as National Chemical. (The essay consulting gig is just fine.) I’m bound to go mad. Let’s just hope it’s a once-in-a-while affair.

Of course, three is the magic number where Rachel Joyce and Harold Fry are concerned.  I have no good reasons for just now reading The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, a decade after it was published. How did the slow-but-steady walkin’ Brit land at the top of my tbr pile? The answer’s pretty simple: I miss Marge and Enid. No surprise there. I do have a surprise however—like Harold, I just kept going. I went on to read The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy and Maureen: A Harold Fry Novel.  

My Favorite of the Three

I’m so glad I met Harold. He is memorable in the same way Ove is, but he’s no curmudgeon. He’s 65, retired, and a bit listless where life is concerned. When he receives a letter from a former co-worker and old friend, Queenie Hennessy, who writes from her hospice bed to say goodbye, he writes a quick reply. He walks to drop it in the post box. He passes one box, then another. Harold decides to keep walking. Maybe Queenie will live if she knows he’s on his way. While Harold walks the length of England he learns to live again. I’m with the reviewer who said, “A gentle and genteel charmer, brimming with British quirkiness yet quietly haunting in its poignant and wise examination of love and devotion.

Different Angles

The companion novel to Joyce’s bestselling Man Booker Prize finalist revolves around Queenie’s point of view. Even though she’s bedridden, Queenie takes us on a journey of her own. It’s true, “The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy underscores the resilience of the human spirit, beautifully illuminating the small yet pivotal moments that change a person’s life.” Joyce is too good. Her prose is excellent, and her insights are even better. I love an author that makes me think and feel deeply. I love that her novels are laced with hope.

Lovely Closure

The finale of the Harold Fry trilogy is short and redemptive. It’s Maureen’s turn to speak. Who is Maureen you ask? If you know Harold, you know his wife, Maureen. She also takes a journey up North, to Queenie’s beach home in Embleton Bay, where she comes to terms with her past. Understanding isn’t always easy to come by. Maureen “is a quiet miracle of a book.” And Rachel Joyce, like our girl Rae, is an absolute keeper.

Posted by Tracy

Hey, Soul Sister

“To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life.” —W. Somerset Maugham

I know it’s our nation’s birthday, which is, of course, cause for celebration. But I’m still lamenting the fact that Rae and I were in the same zip code yesterday and we couldn’t get together. Work has taken over our days. Tired has taken over our bones. It ain’t right. Our charmed lives have fallen, and they can’t get up. Thankfully, we’ve constructed a refuge from the occasional miseries of work—a refuge in books. Fabulous books.

Hello Beautiful is a fabulous book. In fact, guilt washed over me this week when I read “The 20 Best Books of 2023 So Far, According to Amazon’s Book Editors” because Hello Beautiful was ranked number 1—and I read it over a month ago. I should have told you sooner. (But work has taken over my life.) I should have told you sooner about Ann Napolitano’s intimate story that focuses on four close-knit American-Italian sisters. Their warm family orbit is as quirky as it is lovely.  And their unique familial bond appears to be invincible. When relationships begin to rupture and estrangement ensues, Napolitano seizes the moment (and our hearts) to teach us about the power of interconnectedness and learning to love each other for who we are. Having read Dear Edward and now Hello Beautiful, I’m inclined to agree with the reviewer who said, “I feel Ann Napolitano is one of the best literary fiction writers out there today. Her novels are so moving, vivid and truly capture the essence of humanity.” Thanks Ann, for refuge when I’ve needed it most.

P.S. I almost fell off my seat when I listened to Napolitano’s acknowledgements. Because one of her main characters is a basketball player, it makes perfect sense that she recognizes sources like the history of basketball. When she said—and I quote—“Nothing makes me happier than sitting on my couch with my husband and two sons to watch a Golden State Warriors game,” my heart leapt. Then she followed with “I would like to thank Steph Curry for the joy with which he plays”; I nearly lost my mind. I’ve got three words for you Napolitano: Hey, Soul Sister.

Posted by Tracy

Do You Believe in Magic?

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.” —Roald Dahl

Who doesn’t love Roald Dahl and his glittering eyes? I wonder if he’d even watch our news. Sometimes it feels harder these days to find enchantment in the world around us. Thankfully, we have books—likely places where we can wrap ourselves up in portable magic. Props to Patti Henry for dispensing pure charm in her latest novel, The Secret Book of Flora Lea. 

Henry’s story revolves around two sisters. In an effort to escape the London bombings during World War II, fourteen-year-old Hazel and her younger sister Flora are evacuated to a small village along the River Thames. Hazel watches over and comforts Flora by telling her stories about a magical land, a secret place they can escape to that is all their own. Her tales alway begins the same way: “Not very long ago and not very far away, there once was and still is an invisible place right here with us. And if you were born knowing, you will find your way through the woodlands to the shimmering doors that lead to the land made just and exactly for you. Keep an eye out for the secret doorways. They’re hidden everywhere, and only visible to those who are worthy. Fortunately, we are worthy.”  

The magical stories of Whisperwood and the River of Stars (known only to Hazel and Flora) come to an immediate end when Flora suddenly disappears near the banks of the river. Hazel is devasted and blames herself for the loss of her little sister. Flash forward twenty years later to Hazel unwrapping an illustrated book titled, Whisperwood and the River of Stars. She knows that this book is somehow connected to her missing sister. Hazel begins a passionate quest to uncover the truth from her past.  

The Secret Book of Flora Lea is a heartwarming tale that I would recommend to anyone that believes in the enduring magic of storytelling. Maybe even 5-star worthy! It makes me realize how much I’m looking forward to Tracy and Rachel sharing their magical gift of writing a beautiful story. 

Posted by Sharee

Two Thumbs Way Up!

Once again, I’m coming out of unintentional hiding to share a few timely picks should you be celebrating a shiny new grad. It’s hard to resist a commemoration! Besides, I’m looking for any excuse to give kids life-directing advice in the form of a slim book. (I include cash, so they don’t think I’m an adult snore.) 

Let’s start with Rae’s most recent imaginary BFF, Ann Patchett. Years ago, the prize-winning author returned to her alma mater, Sarah Lawrence College, to deliver an inspiring message that’s been hailed by some as one of the greatest commencement speeches. Rae’s make-believe bestie offers hope for anyone who’s at a crossroads in life. What Now? is definitely worth your grad’s time and attention as they prepare to move their tassel to the left.

Now let’s talk about one of my guys. It’s no secret I heart Neil Gaiman. You don’t have to be an artist to appreciate Scary Trouser’s (yes, that’s his nickname) advice in his address-turned-book Make Good Art. I mean, honestly, who doesn’t need to hear things like “do things you are uncertain about” and “pretend to be someone who could.” Thatta boy, Neil. I’m so grateful you continue to make spectacularly good art.

Sharee weighed in on her latest gift to grads. I hadn’t heard of What the Road Said—a picture book replete with life lessons from best-selling poet Cleo Wade. I like the idea of the road we’re on being invested in the direction we take. Even when we make a wrong turn. Here’s Sharee’s favorite advice from Cleo via the road: “What if I need help on my journey? Ask your fellow travelers along the way. What if they are mean to me? Lead them to kindness,” said the Road. “How? By being kind.” Two thumbs way up, Cleo! 

Can we say too much about being kind? I don’t think so. George Saunders (think Lincoln in the Bardo) would agree. His commencement address to Syracuse grads had real resonant effect. If you don’t believe me know this, three months after he gave the address, The New York Times posted a transcript of his speech on their website. Within days, his advice had been shared over a million times. Here’s a snippet: “So, quick, end-of-speech advice: Since, according to me, your life is going to be a gradual process of becoming kinder and more loving: Hurry up. Speed it along. Start right now. There’s a confusion in each of us, a sickness, really: selfishness. But there’s also a cure. So be a good and proactive and even somewhat desperate patient on your own behalf — seek out the most efficacious anti-selfishness medicines, energetically, for the rest of your life.” By George, I think he’s got it. I hope the rest of us, grads included, do too!

Posted by Tracy

Krueger Never Disappoints

"Ice cream is the best. It's kinda like seeing Billy Joel perform live. Never disappoints."  Ted Lasso

I can’t stop quoting Ted. (Sam and I are reveling in Season 3 right now.) But I’ve got to add to coach’s list: Ice Cream’s the best, so is Billy Joel live, and William Kent Krueger novels (even the short ones). It’s no secret we girls have our favorites around here: Maggie O’Farrell, Anna Quindlen, Andy Weir, Jane, Anthony Doerr, Anne Patchett, Doig, and of course Ordinary Grace and This Tender Land’s brainchild, William Kent Krueger. Who am I forgetting Rae? Boy howdy, we have a much longer list of artists who use words as their medium.

Krueger’s The Levee was hatched by his twenty-something self when he read Faulkner’s novella Old Man. Of course, the genius writer in embryo knew his story wasn’t quite right. Nearly half a century later, during a pandemic-inspired word hyperdrive, he dusted off and overhauled his draft for the third time. And readers are the richer for it. The setting is a 1927 devastating flood, compliments of the Mississippi River. The goal is to rescue a family trapped by the immense swell. The rescuers? A former priest/uncle and 3 convicts on loan from a nearby prison. As with all of Krueger’s books, this novella has substance—themes of love, pride, greed, and loyalty eddy around this propulsive story of man v. nature.  

P.S. This is only available as an original audiobook—so have yourselves a listen, lovers!

Posted by Tracy