Another of the Iowa police novels. The kosher meat packing plant
figures in the story of this one. Terrorists appear in Iowa! Unlike TV
police shows, in this one, the FBI is welcomed and everyone works well
together. A very appealing writer. This central character weighs more
than he’d like, but is nicely married.
Swedish police story set in Ystaad. Comes with a map of the area with
all the towns important to the story identified. A Sue/Bo
recommendation of course. Saw the hotel bar in Ystaad where Mankell
parks himself. Main character is a policeman abandoned by his wife —
with reason! — overweight, lonely. Devoted to his work, but rash and
out of control.
Lovely descriptions and impressions of London through the centuries. A
divorced architect’s story focusing on his time with his beloved 8-year
old daughter. He eventually meets a new love. The end of the marriage
rang false for me. Nothing happened between them, they just fell out of
love. Lots about his work. Very appealing book.
Levitt, a “rogue” economist, uses the tools of an economist to answer
all kinds of questions. Teachers cheating on standardized tests, why
crack dealers live with their moms, why the crime rate dropped in the
’90s (Roe v. Wade). Like Malcolm Gladwell, but more academically
rigorous. Co-author is very readable, a New Yorker writer.
Family with four daughters escapes Trujillo’s Dominican Republic.
Disjointed memories of their time as children in the Dominican
Republic, their growing up in the alien culture of the U.S., and return
visits. Not what I’d hoped for, but would like to try Julia Alvarez
again.
The beautifully told story of the little women’s father. As Little
Women is based on Louisa May Alcott’s family, this book used the
journals of her father. Wonderfully nuanced character.
Set in 1610 on an island off the coast of France. The story of a
red-haired gypsy who landed pregnant in a nunnery and found herself
among friends. A foolish and fun romp.
Audiobook. Engaging science book, just flowed by every morning! But
remember, why worry, there will be a volcano or meteor or something
that ends it all, probably before we do. Perhaps the “inter-ice-age”
we’re in will come to an end.
Audiobook. Wonderful Paul Auster. Older man alone ready to die at the
outset finds friendship, incredible adventure, and love And reconnects
with family. Such a treat.
A 65-year old woman retires to a cottage in the country after a
professional life as an anthropologist. Goes on and on about always
being an outsider, never a participant. And she continues that life
despite opportunities for jumping in.