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

JoJo Does It Again

“Strength is turning up every day to a situation that is intolerable, unbearable even, just to support people you love.” 

My book-lovin’ heart is aflutter with the number of quality new releases that have dropped in 2023. The Mitford Affair (Marie Benedict is slowly becoming one of my favorite authors), Exiles, Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting, and Hang the Moon top my list. Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes is right up there with the best reads that are making my new year bright.

Nisha Cantor is living the glamorous life with her incredibly wealthy husband and her circle of “not so genuine” friends.  She appears to have it all until one day, without any notice, her ruthless husband decides to divorce her and completely cut her off from everything that is her life. Blindsided by the loss of money, home, extravagant clothes, and social status, Nisha is forced to take a walk in someone else’s shoes (literally and figuratively). When Sam Kemp accidentally takes her gym bag after her morning workout, Nisha’s left with only Sam’s drab black pumps—in that moment, she determines to reclaim her life.

What begins as a simple mishap between two frustrated women evolves into a delightful story of friendship and love. I found myself turning pages for Nisha and Sam and cheering for Jasmine (possibly my favorite character) for her willingness to help a stranger despite her meager means. Moyes has taken a group of flawed but loveable women and made them stronger as they work together. A solid 4.3 stars in my book and quite possibly the best of Jojo.

Posted by Sharee

A Lovely (Laugh-Out-Loud) Train of Events

“If you care about someone and you got a little love in your heart, there ain’t nothing you can’t get through together.”  Ted Lasso

Thatta boy, Ted! I see eye to eye with Ted Lasso 99.9% of the time. (I will, however, tap one of the two buttons coach never hits—snooze—and like it just fine.) If Ted would just hop on the train anywhere between Hampton Court and Waterloo, chances are he’d encounter advice columnist (former notorious socialite), Iona, and her like-minded dog LuLu. Iona, my latest fictional girl crush, is loveable, eccentric, outspoken but endearing, hilarious, and thoughtful. Oh, and she’s British. Iona has more than a little love in her heart. She’s willing to help strangers she nicknames on the train and later befriends get through life’s tough stuff. They effectively get through together.  

When Sharee said she liked Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting more than Dear Mrs. Bird, my mouth was agape. I knew Claire Pooley’s latest book was my next read. A must. Pooley’s “buoyant, bright, occasionally brash novel that’s equally parts funny and poignant” was inspired by her work commute—she asked herself what if she ignored the unwritten rule to keep to yourself on the train? With that thought-provoking question came Iona. When Smart-But-Sexist-Manspreader sits across from her and begins choking on “a grape of wrath” (lol), it starts a train of events where seven quirky commuters are reminded of just how much people need one another. You really should climb aboard and take a “delicious dive” into a heartwarming story that will inevitably expand your definition of family.

Posted by Tracy

We See What We Expect To See

“As far as I'm concerned, you can't beat a good whodunnit: the twists and turns, the clues and the red herrings and then, finally, the satisfaction of having everything explained to you in a way that makes you kick yourself because you hadn't seen it from the start.”     ― Anthony Horowitz, Magpie Murders 

Right on, Magpie Murder man. Right on. Now do me a favor and give Harvard Crimson staff writer, Arielle Frommer, a call. In her recent review of Exiles, Frommer called out our girl Jane Harper. We’re protective of authors named Jane around here. And we’re honest fans of Aaron Falk. If you don’t know who Aaron Falk is, don’t worry—stop reading this post and go grab yourself a copy of The Dry. You’ll be glad you did, pinky promise.

Federal agent Falk stars in 3 of Harper’s 5 suspense novels. (The Dry, Force of Nature, and Exiles.) This go around, our favorite Aussie agent is off duty to attend his godson’s christening. Set in Australian wine country, locals grow secrets like they grow grapes. Not one but two town mysteries go unsolved in Marralee. Despite reported sightings of Kim Gillespie at the Marralee Valley Annual Food and Wine Fair, she remains missing after her year-long disappearance. First mystery. Hidden details behind the hit-and-run accident of Gemma Tozer’s husband lurk in the background of Kim’s cold case. That’s the second head scratcher. Mystery leaves the tight-knit community unsettled and distraught. Naturally, Falk uncovers well-buried clues. More importantly, he unearths new definitions of home and family for himself.

I’ll close with two short but stout thoughts for Arielle Frommer. (Not to pick on a critic.) The great Stephen King remarked, “I love Jane Harper’s Australia-based mysteries”; this fact alone should make you reconsider your choice of the word “underwhelms.” And then we have the aforementioned Mr. Horowitz. Harper’s fifth bestseller gives us twists and turns, clues and red herrings, and a need-to-know whodunnit. She has this crime novel thing down. I guess it’s true what Jane says, “we see what we expect to see.”

P.S. Here’s another reason to savor Exiles: sadly, it’s the last we will read of Aaron Falk.  

Posted by Tracy

The Perfect Blend of Fact and Fiction

"How personal is the political."

It’s been said that there are three things you shouldn’t discuss in polite company: politics, religion, and money—apparently, no one told the Mitford family. Marie Benedict’s newest book, The Mitford Affair, tells the story of sisters in the 1930s: Nancy, the level-headed, oldest sister; Diana, the beauty and wife of the Guinness heir; and Unity, the awkward teenage shadow in the elite fam. Did I mention they are cousins to Lady Clementine and Sir Winston Churchill?

When Diana announces she’s leaving her husband for British Fascist leader Oswald Mosley, Nancy knows something is up. Unity has an announcement of her own: she wants to attend finishing school in Germany, which makes Nancy’s suspicions sky even higher. When Churchill comes to Nancy with the plea to “keep a close eye on” (a.k.a. spy on) her sisters, Nancy is torn between family and country. Are her sisters true Nazis? Do they support Hitler and his movements? And have their efforts to please the men they love put their entire nation at risk? 

Benedict’s books are always the perfect blend of fact and fiction—The Mitford Affair is no exception. A solid 4+ out of 5 stars for this stunning World War II tale that so few know about. If nothing else, the dysfunctional Mitfords may outdo the yearly Thanksgiving antics of your Uncle Jerry!

Posted by Michelle