Memories From Books

I am not the reader for Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon. I cannot get past the opening descriptions of this prison and the starving, dying prisoners. The idea of someone then using them for sport makes it worse. Two much real history of such prisons and such atrocity exists. Two much is happening today in the world that resembles this scenario. To turn that into a comic story is not funny, at least not to me. 

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle is partly a sweet love story, and, if you choose to believe, magic. The book, of course, is about relationships - both long and short ones - and their potential to change the direction of our lives. However, more so, the book leaves me thinking about how much of life is predestined versus how much is driven by our choices; and how much our choices are influenced by our beliefs about ourselves and about the world around us. 

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2025/11/expiration-dates.html

After Annie by Anna Quindlen grapples with the incredible challenge of dealing with the death of a loved one. As with other Anna Quindlen books, this book brings to life ordinary people albeit in a situation that all us hope to never have to face. Also like the author's other books, this story is slow and quiet. In this, the book rings true. This is a story that resonates and lingers in its voice longer after I finish the book. 

A Most Puzzling Murder by Bianca Marais reminds me of the children's books in which you "choose your own adventure." Even though you know the author has already compiled all the possibilities, it is fun to travel along on the adventure with a perceived choice and a lovely nostalgic nod to those reads. I have now read three books by the author, and each has been completely different. I look forward to seeing where Bianca Marais goes next. 

The phrases "slave labor camp also called a plantation" and "open-air prison also called a plantation" and other similar monikers repeat throughout The American Daughters by Maurice Carlos Ruffin. The vision is a brutal one and perhaps more true to the history than anything else in the book. However, the repetition of the entire phrase over and over again becomes somewhat stilted and makes reading the book challenging. 

What I love best about Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection by Charles Duhigg is actually captured in its subtitle. Communication is about connection. Particularly, as communication shifts to media that are remote and electronic, connection remains at the heart of it. That reminder is the lesson I will take.. As with other books such as this, I will take what works for me and leave the rest. Your value will vary based on what you bring to it. 

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown has a setup that has been done before but so many characteristics that appeal to a bibliophile reader. I go right along, enjoying the ride. That being said, be warned that the ride gets violent at times, and at times, I feel like I have been on this ride before. Magical book, time travel, good guys, bad guys, and so on. I nevertheless love the premise. 

Amy Tan, for The Backyard Bird Chronicles, has a hillside home in San Francisco and the ability to create a welcoming yard for birds. The book is structured into short, date and time stamped entries, each focused on a particular sighting. Each one of these ideas has relevance to the human world. Of course, fiction or nonfiction, Amy Tan's writing and her ability to draw me into this world of birds and keep turning pages makes this a memorable book. 

Acts of Forgiveness by Maura Cheeks is not a philosophical essay on whether atonement and reparations for the horrors of slavery is possible. To me, a packaged fictional resolution would undermine the questions. This book instead poses the questions in the story of one woman. It is about a search for the past and the complicated history it reveals. The questions and the search will stay with me for a long time. 

The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn & Janie Chang is part historical fiction and part thriller and mystery. The history give the book its vivid color. The female characters draw attention to the challenges faced by women at that time and in that place. The mystery and the chase give the book its pace. Overall, a fun read. This is my first book by these authors. I will likely look for more. 

Redwood Court by Délana R. A. Dameron is a story of time and place, of history and community, and of character more than plot. While that may be the goal, that makes the book slow and quiet. I want more story. That being said, I am glad I read it. It made me think and reflect on American history and on the bonds of family and community. It made me walk through my own memories of the "Redwood Courts" of our family history and all the stories they hold. 

The Book of Fire by Christy Lefteri has the feel of a personal journal – an individual's iterative process to process a situation and a decision. It makes sense given the premise of the book but presents a challenge as a reader because the pacing becomes very slow. The accompanying social commentary sometimes makes it seem more so. I feel the emotion of the story but walk away, wanting more.

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner acknowledges the natural beauty of the Amalfi coast but then goes beyond. This two time period story brings to light the secrets of Positano and the waters that surround it. Witches, pirates, scoundrels, historians, and treasure hunters are all to be found in the story. Often in dual timeline stories, one timeline is the more compelling story. In this case, it is Mari's story of mothers, daughter, witchcraft, pirates, and a love. A fun summer read.

Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker has one of the most intense beginnings I have read in a long time. I do appreciate the light this book sheds on life in the pandemic and the racial hate and prejudice that is sadly still a part of our society. That conversation and the sad reasons it still continues is an important one. However, unfortunately, for many other reasons, I find myself not the reader for this book. 

Midnight in Soap Lake by Matthew Sullivan is based on a fascinating actual lake! The story is part science fiction, part murder mystery, and part urban legend. I expected a more unusual ending based on the rest of the book. In addition, I finish unsure if I even understand the reasons why behind the mystery. Nevertheless, I am fascinated by the place. 

I loved The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict. That book brought to life one main character, a time and place, and the emotions that entails. The Queens of Crime does not quite accomplish that - perhaps too many characters, perhaps a story of a time and place complicated with a mystery, and perhaps the main point of a male-centric world overwhelming the characters and story. Nevertheless, I am fascinated by the historical finds that the author develops and look forward to see what she tackles next.

I love the opening sentence, the idea, the presumed setting, the author’s note, and some of the language of Dream Count by Chiamamanda Ngozi Adichie. Unfortunately, I struggle with the book itself. The stories of all the women focus on the men and their role in society and in these relationships more than the women themselves. I find myself putting the book down, reluctant to go back. I persevere, but I am sad, for I so wanted and expected to love this book.