There There by Tommy Orange

Oh this is really good! This book has a number of characters, all native. It is each of thier stories and it all unfolds at a powwow. So much to like about this book. I just finished it so wanted to capture it. This and Hamilton in one weekend! Wow.

Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier

So first off… this book is not about Jamaica. Other than the connotations it had in during the 1800’s, which was pirate heaven. It is set in Cornwall and the story involves the underbelly of the countryside. A young woman (23 years old) goes to live with her aunt whose husband owns the Inn far away – though the Inn has not had a guest like…ever. I think she said her journey from her farm home to the Inn was 12 whole miles. Back then that was far apparently! A lot of talk about moors and fog here. This is somewhat of a mystery I guess. Fairly predictable but held my interest because the girl was plucky! Smart n sassy. I like all the old dialogue. There was only 1 narrator – a man – whose female voice got to be nasally. Only a 10 hour book so bearable. This is a good story for a cold rainy fall day. So so glad I live here and now. Man all those horses and candles and letter writing! I’ll take my Netflux, smartphone, electric scooters all day! In spite of this warm fall night I get shivers thinking about how damp and cold southern England must have been back then. Only fires to keep you warm. No thanks! Anyway this book has some mystery, drama, romance, coming of age. I didn’t hate it and I didn’t love it. My mom has raved about Rebecca, a book by the same author I have resisted reading forever. I should know better because it took me 3 decades to read A Tree Grows In Brooklyn that she bought me when I was a young lass and I regretted waiting that long. Now THAT is a fantastic book!

Waking Gods by Sylvain Neuvel – Themis File Series Book 2

Oh yeah this was awesome! What would the world do if aliens landed? You must read to find out! Love how this series bounces from file to file really just different perspectives. The end if this book is fantastic – tells the same epic scene from at least 3 different points of view. These books make me hopeful that people can rise to the occasion and be innovative to save ourselves – really on a grand scale but obviously so many parallels to our own non-fiction lives. This series is a must for any sci-fi lovers, especially robot enthusiasts. My only gripe is the voice of the 10 year old girl – so whiney! But love her character and the role she plays. Highly, highly recommended. Come on Hennepin County listeners hurry up with Book 3 so I can see how the universe fares!