Finished June 8
Two Babushkas: how my grandmothers survived Hitler's war and Stalin's peace by Masha Gessen
I've started to go back to one of my earlier book lists and read books that I put on the list years ago. This is one of them. Finally tracked down a used copy.
Masha was born in Russia, but emigrated to the United States with her parents and younger brother when she was a young teen in 1981. She had fond memories of her grandmothers and went back to Russia as a young journalist to spend time with them. She became intrigued with their stories and managed to get a grant to write this book. She has moved back to Russia now herself.
This book follows her grandmothers from the 1920s to the 21st century. Her grandmother Ester was born in Poland and moved to Russia to study after the beginning of World War II. Her grandmother Rozalia was born in Moscow. They are both ethnic Jews, not religious but labelled different by the Russian government.
The book follows them from girlhood, through World War II hardships, marriage, children, job hunting, widowhood, social ostracism, and much more.
Masha has been able to coax an amazing amount of detail out of her grandmothers and adds historical research and personal papers to her resources to fill out the stories. These are very interesting women who have had very interesting lives.
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Sunday, 5 June 2011
One Was a Soldier
Finished June 5
One Was a Soldier by Julia Spencer-Fleming
This is one of my favourite mystery series, featuring Clare Fergusson and Russ Van Alstyne. This one continues the story, with Clare returning from duty in Iraq (as a helicopter pilot). The story moves back and forth between events beginning with Eric McCrea's return from duty and group therapy sessions for those returned from overseas duty. Eric returned in June (and Clare not much later) and the therapy sessions start in September. Besides Eric and Clare, who are both in the National Guard, with Eric an MP, there are also Dr. Stillman who did medical work overseas as part of the Guard, Tally McNabb, and Will Ellis. Will is a former high school track star who lost both his legs in Fallujah as a Marine. Tally had an affair while overseas the effects of which followed her back and threaten her marriage. All the vets are dealing with issues due to their overseas experiences. Coming home is hard on all of them and they all have issues they are struggling with.
Clare hasn't been upfront with Russ about her issues, and she is struggling with even admitting the issues to herself. When one of the vets dies, the others take it hard. Clare particularly can't accept the police verdict of suicide and this drives a wedge between her and Russ. She draws the other vets into an unofficial investigation and that has effects on them all.
This is a good one, with a variety of issues brought forward, and a good plot.
One Was a Soldier by Julia Spencer-Fleming
This is one of my favourite mystery series, featuring Clare Fergusson and Russ Van Alstyne. This one continues the story, with Clare returning from duty in Iraq (as a helicopter pilot). The story moves back and forth between events beginning with Eric McCrea's return from duty and group therapy sessions for those returned from overseas duty. Eric returned in June (and Clare not much later) and the therapy sessions start in September. Besides Eric and Clare, who are both in the National Guard, with Eric an MP, there are also Dr. Stillman who did medical work overseas as part of the Guard, Tally McNabb, and Will Ellis. Will is a former high school track star who lost both his legs in Fallujah as a Marine. Tally had an affair while overseas the effects of which followed her back and threaten her marriage. All the vets are dealing with issues due to their overseas experiences. Coming home is hard on all of them and they all have issues they are struggling with.
Clare hasn't been upfront with Russ about her issues, and she is struggling with even admitting the issues to herself. When one of the vets dies, the others take it hard. Clare particularly can't accept the police verdict of suicide and this drives a wedge between her and Russ. She draws the other vets into an unofficial investigation and that has effects on them all.
This is a good one, with a variety of issues brought forward, and a good plot.
Saturday, 4 June 2011
Bryson City
Finished June 3
Bryson City Seasons by Walter Larimore
Finished May 29
Bryson City Tales by Walter Larimore
These two books tell of Larimore's move to the small town of Bryson City, North Carolina to serve as a family doctor and the events and characters that he encountered there. Bryson has changed identifying details to protect patient privacy, but he includes information about his own family and the issues they encounter.
Bryson City is in the Great Smoky Mountains, just outside the park, and offers a variety of experiences to a doctor that he wouldn't encounter in city practice. For Dr. Larimore, God is a center to his life and many of the experiences he relates here show that. Although references to this occur throughout the book, it doesn't come across as preachy or false (unlike some others I've read), and he is honest about his own questioning. Larimore and his wife have a young daughter with a severe case of cerebral palsy and their experience with this is told in the book as well. Larimore sees accidents, diseases, and personal tragedies in his practice and tells of them with humour and honesty. He talks about his own choices, questions, and concerns as well.
This is a book that centers on small town life and the feeling of community that comes to the fore there. These are what I categorize as "nice reads" where you learn something and feel good after reading.
Bryson City Seasons by Walter Larimore
Finished May 29
Bryson City Tales by Walter Larimore
These two books tell of Larimore's move to the small town of Bryson City, North Carolina to serve as a family doctor and the events and characters that he encountered there. Bryson has changed identifying details to protect patient privacy, but he includes information about his own family and the issues they encounter.
Bryson City is in the Great Smoky Mountains, just outside the park, and offers a variety of experiences to a doctor that he wouldn't encounter in city practice. For Dr. Larimore, God is a center to his life and many of the experiences he relates here show that. Although references to this occur throughout the book, it doesn't come across as preachy or false (unlike some others I've read), and he is honest about his own questioning. Larimore and his wife have a young daughter with a severe case of cerebral palsy and their experience with this is told in the book as well. Larimore sees accidents, diseases, and personal tragedies in his practice and tells of them with humour and honesty. He talks about his own choices, questions, and concerns as well.
This is a book that centers on small town life and the feeling of community that comes to the fore there. These are what I categorize as "nice reads" where you learn something and feel good after reading.
Saturday, 28 May 2011
Guilt by Association
Finished May 28
Guilt by Association by Marcia Clark, read by January LaVoy
This is a first novel for Clark, who co-wrote a nonfiction book about the OJ trial, after being the lead prosecutor on the case. Her character here is a DA in Los Angeles, and Clark's knowledge and expertise in this area show.
Rachel Knight is a dedicated lawyer who is focused on her work. She still has some issues from her past that she hasn't dealt with and that affect her relationships. She works in the Special trials Unit, a group that handles tough, complex cases.
Rachel lives at the Biltmore, close to her office. On her way home one evening after the end of a successful case, she gets sidetracked by a crime scene at a nearby seedy motel. There she finds that another young DA is a victim. She is determined to get to the bottom of what happened to Jake, despite being warned off the case. Jake's caseload is split among the other attorneys, and Rachel ends up with a rape case on a young girl from an influential family. She enlists the help of a detective she is friends with, Bailey, and the two go after the few clues they have on the case. Bailey also helps with Rachel's search for information around the case where Jake died. Rachel works hard and plays hard, has a couple of really good girlfriends and maybe a new boyfriend, but no one really knows what has made her what she is. Her determination and smarts lead her to interesting situations. This book is exciting, funny, and satisfying. Rachel is a great new character and I hope to see more of her.
Guilt by Association by Marcia Clark, read by January LaVoy
This is a first novel for Clark, who co-wrote a nonfiction book about the OJ trial, after being the lead prosecutor on the case. Her character here is a DA in Los Angeles, and Clark's knowledge and expertise in this area show.
Rachel Knight is a dedicated lawyer who is focused on her work. She still has some issues from her past that she hasn't dealt with and that affect her relationships. She works in the Special trials Unit, a group that handles tough, complex cases.
Rachel lives at the Biltmore, close to her office. On her way home one evening after the end of a successful case, she gets sidetracked by a crime scene at a nearby seedy motel. There she finds that another young DA is a victim. She is determined to get to the bottom of what happened to Jake, despite being warned off the case. Jake's caseload is split among the other attorneys, and Rachel ends up with a rape case on a young girl from an influential family. She enlists the help of a detective she is friends with, Bailey, and the two go after the few clues they have on the case. Bailey also helps with Rachel's search for information around the case where Jake died. Rachel works hard and plays hard, has a couple of really good girlfriends and maybe a new boyfriend, but no one really knows what has made her what she is. Her determination and smarts lead her to interesting situations. This book is exciting, funny, and satisfying. Rachel is a great new character and I hope to see more of her.
Migration Songs
Finished May 27
Migration Songs by Anna Quon
This is a first novel for Quon, a young half-Chinese-Canadian writer raised in the Maritimes and living in Dartmouth. Joan, the young woman who is the main character in her book is also half-Chinese-Canadian, and is still struggling to find her place in life.
She is an only child, and this book tells not only her story, but also the story of her parents. Her maternal grandparents came to Canada from China to escape the changing life under Mao. Her father is from England and was fascinated by China and admired Mao. Joan has worked several low skill jobs as she struggles to feel comfortable in her life. At 30, she still lives with her parents. When Joan's older friend Edna dies, Joan discovers many secrets about the people around her, particularly Edna, and also makes discoveries about herself.
This is a woman with intellience, humour, and who cares about others, but she struggles to express herself and deal with the world around her. She has always been a loner. As we see her make more connections with others, we also watch her begin to blossom. This was an intense book as I cared so much about Joan, and was rooting for her throughout.
Migration Songs by Anna Quon
This is a first novel for Quon, a young half-Chinese-Canadian writer raised in the Maritimes and living in Dartmouth. Joan, the young woman who is the main character in her book is also half-Chinese-Canadian, and is still struggling to find her place in life.
She is an only child, and this book tells not only her story, but also the story of her parents. Her maternal grandparents came to Canada from China to escape the changing life under Mao. Her father is from England and was fascinated by China and admired Mao. Joan has worked several low skill jobs as she struggles to feel comfortable in her life. At 30, she still lives with her parents. When Joan's older friend Edna dies, Joan discovers many secrets about the people around her, particularly Edna, and also makes discoveries about herself.
This is a woman with intellience, humour, and who cares about others, but she struggles to express herself and deal with the world around her. She has always been a loner. As we see her make more connections with others, we also watch her begin to blossom. This was an intense book as I cared so much about Joan, and was rooting for her throughout.
Halfway to Each Other
Finished May 27
Halfway to Each Other: how a year in Italy brought our family home by Susan Pohlman
Susan's marriage was on the rocks when she and her husband decided to move to Italy for a year, because it felt like the right thing to do for them. Tim quits his job, they sell their house, and get rid of or store belongings. They have 2 children: Katie, fourteen, and Matt, eleven.
The idea to make the move came to them on a business trip to Italy.
There are a lot of references to listening to God, to letting God guide them, and how they found appropriate verses from the Bible for situations they found themselves in.
I'm afraid that I just didn't connect with this book. At the start of their time in Italy their behaviour screamed "stereotypical ugly American" and while Susan made reference to this, the behaviour as she described it never really changed. It was subdued a bit as they learned some of the language and made some local and expatriate friends, but it still didn't feel like they were letting that go.
What this book really described is how the two adults took a year off work, removed themselves from the environment that was eating away at their marriage and tried to reconnect with each other (although at times even that seemed half-hearted). It worked for them and they've moved on together, so good for them.
I wish I hadn't bothered to read this one though, as there are so many other books I want to read. The cover and idea grabbed me, but it didn't live up to them.
Halfway to Each Other: how a year in Italy brought our family home by Susan Pohlman
Susan's marriage was on the rocks when she and her husband decided to move to Italy for a year, because it felt like the right thing to do for them. Tim quits his job, they sell their house, and get rid of or store belongings. They have 2 children: Katie, fourteen, and Matt, eleven.
The idea to make the move came to them on a business trip to Italy.
There are a lot of references to listening to God, to letting God guide them, and how they found appropriate verses from the Bible for situations they found themselves in.
I'm afraid that I just didn't connect with this book. At the start of their time in Italy their behaviour screamed "stereotypical ugly American" and while Susan made reference to this, the behaviour as she described it never really changed. It was subdued a bit as they learned some of the language and made some local and expatriate friends, but it still didn't feel like they were letting that go.
What this book really described is how the two adults took a year off work, removed themselves from the environment that was eating away at their marriage and tried to reconnect with each other (although at times even that seemed half-hearted). It worked for them and they've moved on together, so good for them.
I wish I hadn't bothered to read this one though, as there are so many other books I want to read. The cover and idea grabbed me, but it didn't live up to them.
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
In the Garden of Beasts
Finished May 23
In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson
I had an advance reading copy of this from Library Journal and spent part of the long weekend reading it. It tells the story of William E Dodd, the first U.S. ambassador to Hitler's Germany and the story of his daughter Martha. Dodd became the ambassador in 1933, and was not Roosevelt's first choice. He took along with him his wife Mattie, his 26-year-old daughter Martha, and his 28-year-old son Bill.
This book is based on extensive research, including Dodd's diaries (published by Martha and Bill after his death), other Dodd papers, and Martha's papers.
It really focuses on the first year the family spent in Germany, and how they gradually realized the true nature of Hitler's aims. You can see the move from skepticism to disbelief to disgust in their outlook. Dodd could hardly force himself to interact with the German government after the Night of the Long Knives.
Martha had a different path, but ended up at the same place. She played the party girl, going to nightclubs, socializing with Nazis and diplomats from other countries. At first she defended the Nazis as setting their country right, but gradually began to see the harm they were causing to their citizens.
This was a fascinating read, and opened another viewpoint to this period in history to me.
In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson
I had an advance reading copy of this from Library Journal and spent part of the long weekend reading it. It tells the story of William E Dodd, the first U.S. ambassador to Hitler's Germany and the story of his daughter Martha. Dodd became the ambassador in 1933, and was not Roosevelt's first choice. He took along with him his wife Mattie, his 26-year-old daughter Martha, and his 28-year-old son Bill.
This book is based on extensive research, including Dodd's diaries (published by Martha and Bill after his death), other Dodd papers, and Martha's papers.
It really focuses on the first year the family spent in Germany, and how they gradually realized the true nature of Hitler's aims. You can see the move from skepticism to disbelief to disgust in their outlook. Dodd could hardly force himself to interact with the German government after the Night of the Long Knives.
Martha had a different path, but ended up at the same place. She played the party girl, going to nightclubs, socializing with Nazis and diplomats from other countries. At first she defended the Nazis as setting their country right, but gradually began to see the harm they were causing to their citizens.
This was a fascinating read, and opened another viewpoint to this period in history to me.
Sunday, 22 May 2011
Bright Before Us
Finished May 21
Bright Before Us by Katie Arnold-Ratliff
I got this book in the mail from Powell's on Friday, and it sounded so interesting I started reading. What a great read. This is a debut novel from a promising new writer. The main character here is Francis. Francis is in his first year of teaching, and has a second grade class. On a field trip, some of the children discover a body on the beach and Francis begins a downward spiral. Immediately he doesn't react as he should by protecting and helping the children, and it only gets worse. He connects the body to a woman from a past relationship and his behaviour becomes erratic and unpredictable. He lets down his students and his wife. The book moves back and forth between Francis in the present, and his past relationship with the woman in the past he still hasn't moved past. Francis is still stuck in the past, reliving his mistakes in this past relationship, and obsessing on his relationship with his parents. His grief is strong, and he uses the coping mechanisms that he knows, which have never really worked for him.
The event of finding the body seems to release a lot of emotion that he has buried and forced him to finally deal with it. But it isn't easy for him to move forward, and even by the end of the book, he still has a lot of difficult times ahead.
Bright Before Us by Katie Arnold-Ratliff
I got this book in the mail from Powell's on Friday, and it sounded so interesting I started reading. What a great read. This is a debut novel from a promising new writer. The main character here is Francis. Francis is in his first year of teaching, and has a second grade class. On a field trip, some of the children discover a body on the beach and Francis begins a downward spiral. Immediately he doesn't react as he should by protecting and helping the children, and it only gets worse. He connects the body to a woman from a past relationship and his behaviour becomes erratic and unpredictable. He lets down his students and his wife. The book moves back and forth between Francis in the present, and his past relationship with the woman in the past he still hasn't moved past. Francis is still stuck in the past, reliving his mistakes in this past relationship, and obsessing on his relationship with his parents. His grief is strong, and he uses the coping mechanisms that he knows, which have never really worked for him.
The event of finding the body seems to release a lot of emotion that he has buried and forced him to finally deal with it. But it isn't easy for him to move forward, and even by the end of the book, he still has a lot of difficult times ahead.
Identity Economics
Finished May 20
Identity Economics by George A. Akerlof and Rachel E. Kranton, narrated by Sean Pratt
Grabbed this book from the new book shelf at work as I needed something to listen to on my commute.
It was interesting, but I am glad I have a degree in economics, as some of the terminology was definitely subject specific. It talked about a relatively new aspect of economics that uses individual or group identity perception to predict behaviour. Some types of identity are generally fixed (race, gender), while others are temporary and may change over time. Standard economics says that people would choose economic behaviours that would be of most benefit to them, but that doesn't always happen. Identity economics shows that how a person identifies themselves influences their behaviour (one example: they want to do what the rest of their peer group is doing so they fit in). The authors use examples from work, school, and home to show different ways this happens. They also show examples of both fixed identity and temporary identity and how behaviours can change over time.
It was quite interesting and can explain a lot of things that don't seem to make sense otherwise (like election results ;->) It made me think about things in a different way.
Identity Economics by George A. Akerlof and Rachel E. Kranton, narrated by Sean Pratt
Grabbed this book from the new book shelf at work as I needed something to listen to on my commute.
It was interesting, but I am glad I have a degree in economics, as some of the terminology was definitely subject specific. It talked about a relatively new aspect of economics that uses individual or group identity perception to predict behaviour. Some types of identity are generally fixed (race, gender), while others are temporary and may change over time. Standard economics says that people would choose economic behaviours that would be of most benefit to them, but that doesn't always happen. Identity economics shows that how a person identifies themselves influences their behaviour (one example: they want to do what the rest of their peer group is doing so they fit in). The authors use examples from work, school, and home to show different ways this happens. They also show examples of both fixed identity and temporary identity and how behaviours can change over time.
It was quite interesting and can explain a lot of things that don't seem to make sense otherwise (like election results ;->) It made me think about things in a different way.
Friday, 20 May 2011
Divergent
Finished May 19
Divergent by Veronica Roth
This novel is set in a Chicago of the future. Society has been divided into 5 factions based on natural tendency. The Abnegators think of others before themselves; the Amity are always trying to find compromise and make people feel better; The Candor see things in black and white and always tell the truth; the Erudite seek knowledge and wisdom; and the Dauntless are brave and protect the community.
At the age of sixteen, young people take an aptitude test telling them what faction they have an aptitude for. The following day they choose their faction. They don't have to choose the faction that they have an aptitude for, but most do.
The main character here, Tris (Beatrice) has an unusual experience during her aptitude test and is told by the tester that she shows aptitude for more than one faction. She is told that this is dangerous and that she must tell no one. Tris now has to decide which faction she will join. Will she stay with the Abnegators where her parents are or transfer to another faction. Tris's brother Caleb is less than a year older than her, and is also choosing this year. Once you choose a faction, you must go through an initiation. If you fail, you become factionless, without a community, and are essentially homeless.
Tris decides to change factions to Dauntless and finds the initiation grueling, and very educational. This is a very interesting book that begs for a sequel.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
This novel is set in a Chicago of the future. Society has been divided into 5 factions based on natural tendency. The Abnegators think of others before themselves; the Amity are always trying to find compromise and make people feel better; The Candor see things in black and white and always tell the truth; the Erudite seek knowledge and wisdom; and the Dauntless are brave and protect the community.
At the age of sixteen, young people take an aptitude test telling them what faction they have an aptitude for. The following day they choose their faction. They don't have to choose the faction that they have an aptitude for, but most do.
The main character here, Tris (Beatrice) has an unusual experience during her aptitude test and is told by the tester that she shows aptitude for more than one faction. She is told that this is dangerous and that she must tell no one. Tris now has to decide which faction she will join. Will she stay with the Abnegators where her parents are or transfer to another faction. Tris's brother Caleb is less than a year older than her, and is also choosing this year. Once you choose a faction, you must go through an initiation. If you fail, you become factionless, without a community, and are essentially homeless.
Tris decides to change factions to Dauntless and finds the initiation grueling, and very educational. This is a very interesting book that begs for a sequel.
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