June

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, 2015

Kristin Hannah writes such compelling characters. Characters that I become invested in and really care about. 

Leni Allbright is a child who has moved around numerous times as her father Ernt attempts to escape his demons after coming back as a POW from the Vietnam War. 

Her mother Coralina is doing her best to hold the family together.

The Allbrights end up moving up to Kuneq, Alaska after Ernt inherits a cabin and house from a fellow POW. Alasak is burtal and harsh and the Allbrights struggle, but with help, they learn how to survive the cold and dark Alaskan winters as well as the bears and wolves.

In Alaska, Large Marge befriends them. Tom and Matthew Walker live along their outpost road. They have running water in their home.

Mad Earl, father of Ernt's POW friend Bo, has a homestead with family members including his daugther Thelma.

The beauty and dangers of Alaska are so vividly written as Leni grows up in Kuneq. Similar to other Hannah novels, the 'happily ever after' comes after much loss and hardships. There are twists, falls and lost dreams, but always hope.

The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen, 2015

Beautifully written with such innovative ways to use words and descriptions (e.g. decisions being made about Vietman by white men wearning linen suits and lies), The Sympathizer is a gorgous read. 

It is also incredibly dark though, and something I could only take a chapter at a time at the most.

The narrator is a Viet Cong double agent, someone who has lived as an outcast due to being the bastard son of his young Vietnamese's mother and older French father priest. Even his mother's family shamed him.

At university, he makes literal blood brother friends in Man and Bon. He ends up fleeing Vietnam when it falls to remain spying on the General, who flees with the help with American CIA agent Claude.

In America, life is hard for people who have left everything and must begin working hourly jobs despite their previous success and identity in Vietnam. They have fallen and need to deal with the shame of this as well as losing their country.

With English perfected when he stuided in the US, the narrator knows he will never fit in despite how perfect he makes his English. He works at an Asian Studies department at a University in California, where he befriends Japanese American Ms. Mori.

He meets Sonny from his univerisy days again. He remains an idealist anti-communist and has started a newspaper in America focusing on news about his homeland.

There is the Major who has been nicknamed the crapulent Major. Someone who is pauchy and will always be middling, working at a gas station to support his family.

The General runs a restaurant, a shell of a place that he would never be caught dead eating in in Vietname, with his wife. Their daughter Lana decides to become a singer, dressed provacatively during performances, to the shame of her parents.

Biting commentary on colonialism, racism in America, being an immigrant in America, America's action during the Vietnam war - so much packed in these pages.

The Symphasizer was awarded the Pulitzer. The story of the narrator and Bon continue in The Committed, which I plan to read since it is set in France, but need a break from the darkness and heaviness.

Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman by Brooke Shields, 2024

An interesting read about how older women (i.e. over 40) become invisible. Brooke Shields was 59 when this book was published and talks about how there is is little respect for older women. We are not marketed to, despite our spending power, nor are our medical conditions (like menopause) understood.

Filled with interesting data points (e.g. under a quarter of gynecologists received any lectures or training about menopause), BSINATGO talks about Shield's journey of entering her later decades feeling stronger and more confident than ever despite what society says.

With wry humor, Shields also reflects on the gender inequalities against girls where they are made to feel less than as she considers her daughters. In many ways, I find this book very relatable. 

There are Hollywood tidbits here and there that include Tom Cruise and her neighbor Bradley Cooper, but mostly this book is a reflection of Shields coming into herself as a woman who has lived 59 years and is over the bullshit.

An exerpt: 

For me, the journey to becoming more confident was also about wanting to feel less stressed-out and worried all the time. There came a day when I was simply tired of judging myself and feeling like I wasn't enough. I was over the angst. I didn't want to be mean to myself anymore, and I started to wonder where I got the idea that I needed to be perfect at everything anyway. What would it feel like in my body if I told myself I'm smart, I'm talented, I'm strong, I'm beautiful, I'm a good person and friend? I asked myself. What if I just assumed I was good enough as is? Turns out, it's liberating!

May

Tilt by Emma Pattee, 2025

An imagining of the catastrophic Cascadia earthquake hitting Portland, Oregon, Annie is at IKEA nine months pregnant. She is trapped under boxes and saved by IKEA employee Taylor.

The description of the apocolyptic scene is searing. Phones aren't working, dust is in the air, people are hungry and death is everywhere. There is only chaos - no police, firemen. In other words, no one is coming to help.

Buildings are collapsed, roads and highways are ruined, people are hungry and frantic, searching for loved ones.

The story takes place over the hours that Annie treks across Portland, searchng for her husband Dom. 

Throughout the march across the ruined city, Annie reflects back on the past telling her yet to be born baby Bean about meeting Dom, memories of her mother and how her dreams of being a playwright has died over the years while Dom's dream of being an actor still burns strong.

The despair of Annie's surroundings, her and Dom's life of constantly being in debt while Dom chases his dreams, and Taylor's desperation to find her daughter Gabby is beautifully written.

The ending felt incomplete but appropriate in the way the focus is on Annie and her transformation as she is thrown into the unknown.

Costas: Warrior for Life by Costas Theocharidis, 2024

Written and self-pubished by a friend, this autobiography sheds light into what discipline and hard work can achieve. The focus, intentionality and drive that Costas has is rare and amazing. My Amazon review of his book says it all:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring story about sports and life

Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2025

Verified Purchase

Costas: Warrior for Life is a fascinating story about what it takes to make it as a Division I champion athlete. There are many 'naturally talented' athletes, but Costas's story sheds light into what it takes (beyond talent) to become a champion. The book is not just a one-dimensional story about sports though. Costas talks about applying the same hard work and intentionality that got him to the States playing for a top team like Hawaii to his life beyond sports.

Filled with Life Lessons gleaned from his collegiate and post-collegiate career in Finance and Real Estate, Costas also talks about his family, living in major international cities and passion for ultra marathons. It's an inspiring biography that goes beyonds stats and accomplishments. A great read! 

James by Percival Everett, 2024

This reimaging of James, the slave from the Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn adventures, is beautifullly written and imagined.

The power of language is a theme as James and fellow slaves must learn to speak 'slave' language and never correct a white person. 

The morality of slavery and 'kind' masters and white people who oppose slavery (but do nothing to stop it) is also at play.

A heartbreaking novel with its honest depiction of how slaves were treated lead me to tear up a few times. 

The brutality and racism that humans are capable of are staggering. 

A Pulitzer Prize Finalist, James is a powerful book that had me turning the pages as James ran from one cruelty to another in his escape towards freedom. 

The realizations and growth from James as he meets fellow slaves and white people leads him to returning to where he once fled to reunite with his wife and daughter. His initial naive plan to buy them back no longer a consideration.

Next on my list is to read Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. I don't recall if I read it i school or just know the stories through popular culture. 

I look forward to reading Tom Sawyer with fresh eyes, knowing what I know about James.

[I realized after the fact that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a separate book; the one that centers around Huck's adventure with James and the one that I want to read...]

A few weeks later... James has won the Pultizer Prize for fiction! I picked up Huckleberry Finn and it is such a different style and voice. I do not see myself geting into it...

April

All The Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman, 2025

Narrated by the voice that I want to write in, All The Other Mother's Hate Me is a wry story of former American girl-bander Florence whose son attends a prestigious private school in tony Shephard's Bush, a western suburb of London.

As a single parent living in a small flat, Florence does not fit in with the rest of the other mothers, who angle to befriend the all-powerful (i.e. all-wealthy) mother Cleo Risby, whose son Alfie mysteriously disappaears.

Given that Florence's son Dylan had an altercation and was last seen with Alfie, Dylan becomes a suspect in his disappearance. Florence is desparate to find Alfie's kdnapper in order to keep her son safe.

With the help of Jenny, a fellow American who is new to the school, Florence embarks on solving the mystery of Alfie's disappearance.

Filled with intertwining charactors and plots, All The Other Mothers Hate Me was pleasantly not predictable. It was a fun read with Florence a memerable and flawed herione.

Ever since having my daughter, I tend not to read books about children disappearing or worse, but I was so charmed and engaged by Florence that I forgot about my own world.

The Red Notebook by Antoine Laurain, 2014

A quirky French (I'm being redundant...) novel, The Red Notebook is a slim novel that tells the story of a purse that is stolen with a red notebook filled with thoughts. 

Banker turned bookseller Laurent finds the purse and attempts to turn it into the police station, but ends up bringing the purse home since he does not have time to wait at the police station to fill out the paperwork.

Laurent realizes the owner of the purse is his perfect match, something his daughter Chloe also notes.

Laure is the owner of the purse. In a coma due to her mugging, she is visited by her gilder co-worker William. That's right, gilder. As in people who work with gold leaf to gild things. Quirky, right?

Williams visits Laure dutifully and more importantly, takes care of her cat Belphegor.

Laurent ends up getting mistaken for Laure's recent date, whom Laure has realized that she is no longer interested in him. Through mis-identities and understandings, Laurent infiltrates Laure's life as she convaleces in the hospital.

Once Laure recovers, she hears about the mysterious man who has helped her watch her cat and returned her purse. Through her own detective work, she finds out that the man is a bookstore owner and visits every bookstore in the neighborhood to find him. 

There are missed connections but with the help of Chloe, the mystery pair finally meet.

Filled with slights of surrealism, fantasy, brutal human honesty, and whimsy, The Red Notebook is wonderfully French.

Who They Was by Gabriel Krauze, 2020

An autobiographical novel, Who They Was tells the story of Krauze's violent upbringing growing up near and on South Kilburn estates in London. 

Written in the slang and cadence (mainly, lacking punctation) of a language mashed up with slang from other cultures, Who They Was required me to look up a meaning of a slang every few pages to understand the story.

After learning the slang and getting used to the cadence, I became enthralled with the story. Krauze writes about doing 'eats' - targeting victims for robbery - and the constant violence surrounding South Killy and other estates.

Drugs are rampant. Many smoke marijuana and drink to numb themselves. Others fall into harder drugs.

Grudges are maintained and men murdered almost randomly for their associations. Most have shivs or even guns. Most have spent time in jail.

The stealing of designer watches is a common way to make money. With the city of London so condensed, thugs from the estates venture to wealthier neighborhoods to identify victims. 

Googling real life watch thefts in London amazed me. Not just the value of some of these designer watches, but how ubiquitious the crime is.

Krauze talks about his diamond grill and designer clothing. Thousands are spent on accessories and shoes, not on investing or saving to try to escape the life of the estate. It is an incredibly bleak existance and systemic challenges with few opportunities for people to make a better life from themselves.

Even going against the odds and graduating with a univeristy degree, Krauze becomes a drug dealer to support himself. 

Peppered throughout the story are Krauze's days spent at university (between jail stints at times) discussing Nietzshe and the morality around stealing and killing. 

The well-read and articulate thinker juxtaposed with the violent thug who literally speaks another language with his bredrins is fascinating given that its the same person.

Longlisted for the Booker Prize, Who They Was is a raw look into the bleak and violent lives that so many people are forced into with little hope of escaping.

Rental House by Weike Wang, 2024

I had tried reading Weike Wang's Joan is OK, but could not get into it. I was able to get into Rental House but did so with almost discomfort. The voice is dark.

The protagonist of both novels are Chinese American woman, fluent in Mandarin and their homeland culture. 

In Rental House, Keru is a successful consultant who hails from Minnesota, where her parents settled after moving from China.

The farmland and flatness of Minnesota remind Keru's parents of their own farm and village in China.

Keru meets her husband Nate, who is the first in his family from a small town in the South to go to college, at Yale.

The interactions and reactions of Nate's parents as they attempt to 'understand' Keru are well-intentioned, but belittling. It makes Keru feel even more like an oddity and outsider than she already does.

The story takes place over two sets of Rental Houses that Keru and Nate vacation in. The first is on Cape Cod, where Keru displays aggressive acts while in the tremendously white vacation mecca. They invite their sets of parents to stay with them for a week each, back to back.

The second vacation is five years later when the couple have learned their lesson and vacation by themselves in a cabin in the Catskills. Keru has taken a promotion in Chicago to be closer to her parents, flying home to New York City to be with Nate, who has become a tenured professor.

Nate's work is bleak as his career in academia becomes dealing with things like a leaky ceiling in his lab that no one will come fix. Distance has grown between the couple.

During the trip to the Catskills, Keru sees the run down Chinese restaurant across the street and questions whether she should be eating there, instead of paying four times as much at the current restaurant she is eating at. 

I wonder this every time I see a Chinese restaurant in a small, predominantly white town.

The characters are authentic and there were many moments and thoughts that I could relate to. There is vivid imagery as Keru explodes and acts out against the people around her, including her in-laws.

Reading the book was draining though. The negative undertones throughout is a challenge for my general optimism and positivity.

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley, 2020

A fun read that satisfies my Anglophile self, The Authenticity Project centers around Monica, a woman in her late 30s who quit her law firm to open her own cafe in Fulham. 

In her cafe, she finds a green notebook (apparently the type of notebook that every kid in England has used; similar to the Blue Book previously used in America) with "The Authenticity Project" written on the front.

The book is a project by Julian Jessop, a famous artist from decades ago. He writes his authentic and vulnerable story of losing his wife Mary and the loneliness he feels now that he is no longer a successful artist.

Monica adds to the notebook, admitting her desire to be married and to have a child, even though she is an independent woman.

The notebook inspires others like addict and asshole Harzard,  Australian Riley and mom-influencer Alice to take a biro and write down their honest truths.

With deeper and more complex characters and unexpected twists, The Authenticity Project was a very enjoyable and light read to counter the tome of Bella Da Costa Greene's biography, which was also enjoyable, just more dense.

Only after reading this book have I realized that I have read another book by Clarey Pooley! The People on Platform 5, which I purchased in Heathrow Airport. That book was also enjoyable with a few twists to keep the story engaging.

March Madness

An Illuminated Life: Bella da Costa Greene's Journey from Prejudice to Privilege by Heidi Ardizzone, 2007

The Librarian, a historical fiction novel about Bella da Costa Greene, piqued my interest in this woman who came to run J.P. Morgan's pet project of collectiong manuscripts. She stood among the titans of finance and New York City 400 society, as well as gaining international reknown for her expertise in manuscripts and shrewd negotiations.

The collection da Costa Greene amassed and catalogued resulted in the Morgan Library, a museum I look forward to visiting. An impressive collection of illuminated manuscripts and Caxton books are housed in the museum thanks to da Costa Greene.

Women did start working in the late 19th and early 20th Century, but held menial jobs and were expected to quit after having a baby. The fact that da Costa Greene rose to her position of power and influence with hundreds of thousands of dollars in spending power was extremely rare.

Adding to this accomplishment was the fact that da Costa Greene was born Belle Greener, daughter of Robert Greener, the first black man to graduate Harvard University. da Costa Greene's mother moved her family to New York City to live as a white family, something the proud and civil rights activist Greener could not condone.

This decision gave da Cost Greene the opportunity to fulfill her potential, which she did in spades.

Her life included outings at Alfred Stieglitz's 291 studio and sittings for modern artist Matisse. She had affairs, most infamously with married Bernard Berenson, an Italian Renaissance expert whose patrons included Isabella Stewart Gardiner.

A thorough biography, An Illuminated Life brings da Costa Greene's expertise, charm and wit to life. She was a badass woman who thrived despite having imposter syndrome thrust on her due to her heritage.

French Ingredient: Making a Life in Paris One Lesson At A Time by Jane Bertch, 2024

An American who moves to Paris via London, Jane Bertch tackles the challenge and excitement of living in Paris knowing limited French. 

A notoriously challenging city and culture to penetrate, Paris does not easily welcome outsiders. Bertch learns that it takes years to develop a relationship as Parisians don't understand how fast friends can be made with someone you barely know.

Bertch moves to Paris for a job and discovers that co-workers do not socialize, especially managers and their direct reports. Bertch finally befriends someone in her office...a year later. The approach to making this friend included an invite to work lunch, then an adequate period of time before a counter-invite is offered.

Partly due the transient nature of expats, Bertch learns the rule of thumb that if someone has been in Paris more than three years, then they are likely to stay and be worth the trouble to befriend and get to know.

Bertch does not get discouraged by the challenges of learning the unwritten rules of Paris, though. She even has a business idea to start a cooking school in Paris, which she grows to become the largest nonprofessional cullinary school in Paris, catering mostly to tourists.

Not to take credit away from Bertch, whose entrepreneural spirit and persistance pushed La Cuisine Paris to success, she had a French partner, her boyfriend at the time, to navigate the red tape and talk through the social norms of doing business in Paris.

Unlike the bold and brashness of America, Paris business is based on building relationships. When Bertch wanted to partner with a local cheese producer to offer classes, she knew she needed to invest a year to build a relationshp with the person before even mentioning the potential of a partnership.

Even after mentioning the possibility of collaborating, Bertch needed to take additional time to let the idea settle before making additional overtures.

Other social norms that Bertch mentions is when entering a shop, it is like entering someone's home, so a Bonjour greeting should be proferred. Also, to take advantage of a shop keeper's expertise and ask questions about the products.

If at a dinner party and orange juice is offered, that is the signal to leave. You can see how the unspoken rules are impossible to decipher for newcomers to Paris.

True to the French way, Bertch acknowledges her ghost writer. 

I have always been fascinated by Americans who live abroad and are able to adjust to another language, culture and way of living; and so impressed by those who actually manage to do so.

Before Versailles: A Novel of Louis XIV by Karleen Koen, 2011

As I have become more interested in Spanish and English history, I realized that I know very little about French history. 

In my mind, there's Marie Antoinette and that's about it...

Before Versailles is a historical fiction novel that takes place over four months in 1661, the formative yeras of the young Louis XIV's reign. 

Cardinal Jules Mazarin, the de factor ruler of France and lover of Louis' mother Queen Anne, has died. 

Monarchs were not involved in the administration or running of the country. They were more figureheads to be displayed, while either generals or finance ministers gained power and ran the country. 

With the passing of Cardinal Mazarin, Viscount Nicolas steps into the role of running the country. 

Already powerful with spies placed all over court and the coutry, Viscount Nicolas has accumulated great wealth and power. 

Viscount Nicolas' display of wealth culmuniates in the building of Vaux-Le-Vicomte, near the royal palace of Fountainebleau. 

The story is told from the point of view of Louise de la Baume le Blanc a made to Madame, or Henriette first princess of France, married to Louis XIV's brother Philippe.

The story includes brave and faithful Musketeers, Philippe's band of men (some who prefer to dress in women's clothing), and an imagining of the mythical Boy With The Iron Mask. A magical and decadent time, 17th Century French court was filled with ballet, music and elaborate gowns. 

Face markings, large feathres in headpieces and heeled shoes for both men and women were the fashion. 

Louis XIV's queen is Maria Teresa, a devout princess of Spain, a powerhouse at that time. Louis is faithful to her in the beginning, but his attention is soon drawn to more vivacious women in court, including Louise, who eventually becomes mistress to the king. 

I thought Before Versailles was a bit tedious at points and flowery with the romance, but enjoyed learning about France's rich history.

Behind You Is The Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj, 2024

An exciting new voice, Darraj's collection of stories of three Arab American families in Baltimore make for compelling reading. I only wished that there were deeper dives into each of these character's stories.

The collection starts with Reema Baladi, a teen whose mom is catatonic after the death of her husband, Reema's husband. She finds love with a Mexican boy named Torrey.

Marcus Salameh is a family friend, who is a cop, and trying to bridge the gap between his sister Amal, who has a child out of wedlock, and father, who has cut his daughter out of his life after having an abortion.

Marcus's aunt is Nadya Ammar, who has married the wealthy Palestinian Walid Ammar. Ammar owns various properties in Baltimore and despite his weath, struggles with how spoiled and Americanized his children have become.

Rania Mahfouz struggles with her distant husband and raising an ADA child. Her husband returns from a trip home to the Palestines where he is embroiled in a #Justice4Rasha contraversy that has started spreading globally.

Rania engages the service of Samira Awadah, a stellar education attorney who is looked down upon by some in the Arab community because she is divorced. Even though her ex-husband was abusive, she still suffers from judgement (with her treatment justified by the fact that she did not become pregnant...) and is tolerated by her family because of her checkbook.

As Rania's father's health and memory disintegrates and he needs to be put in a home, Rania learns the truth of why even her mother criticizes her decision to divorce her husband.

Maysoon Baladi is Reema's little sister, who is a cleaner and ends up working with Dalia Ammar, married to the philandering Demetri, son of Walid. Dalia's three children are even more spoiled and despite their wealth, Reema's son Gabriel is the one who scores the perfect score on the AP exam.

Layla Marwan is cousins to Hiba Anway, one of Dalia's three children. Dedicated to the theater community and building sets for school plays, she struggles when her high school decides to put on Aladdin. 

She attempts to discuss her unease with the stereotypes built into Aladdin with the theater director, who dismisses her concerns.

We then follow Hiba Ammar in college, where she takes a semester off to deal with her eating disorder. She lives with her loving and humble grandparents connecting to her heritage while her parents continue to live in their materialistic ways. 

Samira and Marcus's story continue with Samira finding her voice and love with Logan; and Marcus returning to his father's village to bury his remains. In Palestine, Marcus discovers another side of the bitter man he knew growing up in Baltimore with his father.

Short-listed for the Pen-Faulkner Award, Behind You Is the Sea brings characters to life with its honesty and authenticity.

You'll Never Believe Me: A Life of Lies, Second Tries, And Things I Should Only Tell My Therapist by Kari Ferrell, 2024

Seeringly honest, Kari Farrell writes about her struggles growing up adopted from South Korea to white parents who become Mormoms and move to Utah. 

Growing up in the 80s with limited understanding and dialogue about other cultures and sexual orientation, Ferrell used humor to deflect her pain.

She then started using lies and realized that her charisma was able to get people to trust her. She started scamming friends and then men she would meet out. 

Eventually her infamy spread and she made the Salt Lake City Most Wanted List and fled to New York City after serving a brief stint in jail.

Farrell's deceit eventually caught up with her and she was outed as the Hipster Grifter. This led to her arrest again where she was incarcerated for almost a year before being released.

Criminals are charming. Despite her scams and lies, people stood by her. Her honesty and self-hatred are so raw. She starts therapy, visits Korea on a work trip and starts to piece her real self together. 

Some of the truths are painful to read and I suppose that's the appeal of the book. The work it took for Farrell to get to a good place.

February Fun

Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire by Simon Baker, 2006

Planning a possible trip to Rome later this year, I realized how little I know about the Roman Empire. From the finding of Rome (whether the tale of twins Romulus and Remus raised by wolves or ancestors of Aeneas of Troy) to how Rome fractured into the Western and Eastern empire, Ancient Rome provides a thorough overview of the Empire.

The violence and little regard for human life (whether plebians or slaves) is ruled over by the ruling class of the Senates and emporeror. 

As the empire of Rome expands through military domination starting with Julius Caesar, military rule continues to drive the leadership of Rome.

I learned the history of terms like Pyrric victory, as well as learning about Hadrian's wall in the UK. 

The empire fell apart as rule was dispersed through four rulers instead of a single emporer. The emporer Diocletian created a tetrarchy to prevent too much power in one man. He set up a system where there would be two Augusti (main rulers) and two Caesares (ruler in waiting), one assigned to the East and West.  

Instead of balancing power though, the system resulted in ruthless power grabs where whole families would be assisntated to ensure uncontested power.

Eventually, the Western empire falls while the Eastern empire ruled out of Constantinople becomes the Bizantine empire.

An informative read, I was happy to finish the book. The names and characters became a bit too complex near the end, with too many people to keep track of.

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, 2021

A fictionalized account of J.P. Morgan's librarian who built up the Pierpont Morgan Library and its leading collection of literary items, The Personal Librarian was a gift from a friend whom I met up with in NYC.

Belle Marion Greener is a black woman, whose light skin allows her and her family to 'pass' as white people. 

During the 1900s, being white accorded Belle and her family opportunities that would not be allowed to them if they were Black.

The sacrifice the family makes to live as a white family in New York City include the loss of their father Richard Theodore Greener, the first black graduate of Harvard in 1870 and a black activist who refuses to live as a white family.

Belle also sacrifices her family name Greener, a well-respected and powerful family in Washington, D.C. 

She becomes Belle da Costa Greene, a name is referencing her fabricated Portuguese heritage to explain Belle's darker skin tone and curlier hair. 

Despite the oppressive secret that Belle must maintain at work, she thrives as Morgan's personal librarian. Her knowledge and cunningness in acquiring rare works impress both Morgan and historian collectors in both American and London.

She becomes a celebrated example of a career woman, rising to the top of her industry while befriending New York City's elite social circle, including the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. 

She is also feted by the city's creative elites, including Aurthur Stieglitz. Her paths cross with Bernard Berenson, an Italian Renaissance expert who authored a book that Belle would read with her father growing up. 

Berenson is also the buyer for Isabelle Stewart Gardiner. He is also in an open marriage with his wife Mary, and despite the secrets that Berenson keeps and his questionable character, Belle is drawn to him and begins an affair with him.

There is a hint of attraction between Belle and Morgan in the novel, a rumor during the time, but not anything substantiated.  

It is an incredible story of what Belle was able to achieve in business, not only as a women when women were faced so many discriminatory behaviors, but in constant fear of being outed for who she really was.

In the story, Belle's light skin is referenced as the a reminder of the violence her ancestors endured. I am embarrassed to admit that I had never realized the origin of light skinned blacks... 

I am also embarrassed to admit that when my husband visited the Morgan Library a few years ago with his father and noted how magnificent the library was, I was unimpressed.

Now, I can't wait to visit the libary and see what Belle was able to build. 

January Reads

The Champagne Letters by Kate MacIntosh, 2024

It was nice to read something lighter after Fleishman Is In Trouble. It was also nice to read a story where a 50-year-old woman is the protagonist. 

Natalie Taylor is from Chicago and in the midst of divorcing her philandering husband. She takaes a trip to Paris on a whim to escape her current situation.

While in Paris, she stumbles across a fictional book of letters by Barbe-Nicole Clicquot, who orchestrated the success of her champagne Veuvo (Widow) Clicquot after her husband's death.

Seeking parallels and lessons from Veuvo Clicquot's life from the 1800s, Natalie is inspired to brush aside the person she has become after decades in insurance risk actuary and a marriage where she realizes she was never the central figure.

With hotel worker Sophie to help her navigate the city, Natalie is swept of her feet by French wine dealer Gabriel. 

Veuvo Clicquot's transformation centers around her desire to run her Champagne company independently, and not remarry as her parents wish. She struggles to establish authority where women are accounted few opportunities. 

She must preserve her reputation and that of her household, including her daughter Clementine. With the help of her cellarman Pharaoh and trusted salesman Louis, they manage to survive the Russian invasion and grow the Clicquot brand outside of France, which has been salvaged due to war.

There are twists in the story (one that I foresaw, but not the other) and a perfect beach read type of book.

Some of the lessons, although trite, are good reminders that I flagged to share with my daugther:

"Those who are smart are the first to admit what they do not know. It is the foolish who insist they know it all."

"It is natural for you to feel overwhelmed... Do not be harsh on yourself by saying that others have much more to contend with - there is no winning by comparison. We all must fight our own batthles; knowing others' wars changes nothing."

"Strength isn't a fixed state. It is a series of choices in between moemnts of weakness. I would not choose to lie down and give up, which meant even though I had no idea howI would weather the storm ahead, I had to stand up and at least try."

"There are people in this life whom we do not wish to spend time. Words we do not want to hear. Things we do not wish to do. However, to hide from them will not make them disappear and only makes us look the weaker for the avoidance."

And flagged for myself...

"And what had the widow talked about - that someone who is our mother always wants us to be more like them than ourselves?"

Fleishman Is In Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, 2019

I had seen the mini-series based on this book, and could not not picture Jesse Eisenburg as Toby and Claire Daines as Rachel. The actors did a phenomenal job and the script was true to the book.

The book was a birthday gift from my husband as we were traveling to New York City for the Christmas season. I wasn't interested in reading it at first since I had seen the mini-series, but am glad that I read it.

New York is just so extra. With everything, not just financial. The relationship and falling apart of Toby and Rachel's marriage is so real and raw. Toby fights for a divorce when he realizes he and Rachel no longer have the same values.

Once she agrees to a divorce, he is set adrift. A hematologist, he is not respected by his wife, who owns her own agency, nor their Upper East Side friends, where the men are in Finance and the women 'work' as mothers who have nannies and house managers to manage the servants.

Toby navigates the summer as his children Hannah and Solly are dispatched to his dingy apartment as Rachel disappears. He reaches out to his former college friends Libby, a former magazine writer who lives in New Jersey with her family, and Seth, a finance bro who has remained single into his 40s.

The narrator is Libby, who is languishing in suburbia. When Toby reaches out, she gleefully hops on the train to the city, starts smoking cigarettes again and spends time with Toby and Seth. She feels like herself again, and not the boring generic mother in the Jersey suburbs.

We hear Rachel's view and the twists and parallels with Toby's version and Libby's experiences make for thoughtful commentary on family, gender roles, expectations on women, and marriages.

The commentary is true regardless of where people live, but magnified because of New York City.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah, 2008

I had tried reading this novel earlier, but could not get into it. After reading Kristin Hannah's The Women though, I picked this book up again. 

Hannan writes emotions so well, and the story of Tully and Kate's friendship from teenagers to middle age reflects the dynamics of friendships as lives diverge.

Tully and Kate are children of the 70s and 80s - it was enjoyable to relate to the details of these decades: From the big hair of the 80s to the talk show mania and makeovers of the 2000s. 

Tully is the charismatic force of nature, who works non-stop and wills her way to the top of her career as a news broadcaster. 

Kate can get frustrated and feel drab next to Tully, but she is content to be a stay-at-home mom and wife.

The relationship between Kate and her teenage daughter Marah is fraught, compounded by Marah's idolization of Tully, who supports Marah's desires to go to a concert with upper classmen on a school night, something her parents forbid.

I can relate to the struggle between mother-daughter as I sometimes experience the same thing. The importance of boundaries but devastation of seeing your daughter crushed.

A great beach read, Firefly Lane showcases Hannah's ability to write flawed relatable characters whom are so relatable.

Good Company by Cynthia D'Apprix Sweeney, 2021

I love the characters that Sweeney write. Their emotions, honesty and vulnerability are so complex. After reading The Nest last year, I have become a Sweeney fan.

Good Company describes the New York City theater world, centering around Flora Mancini and her husband Julian, who is co-owner of a theater company. They have a daughter Ruby, with the theater company as Julian's other baby.

After years of struggling to raise their daughter in a one bedroom apartment, cobbling together income from Flora's voiceover work (haven given up theater acting after having Ruby) and Julian's (minimal) theater revenue, the couple decide to take a leap of faith and move to Los Angeles where Julian is offered a television role.

In LA, they join best friends Margot, also a theater actor turned television actor, and her husband David, a physician. With Margot's successful run as a doctor in a hit show, Flora feels the financial disparity when the couples travel together.

When Flora discovers Julian's previous lost wedding ring in the garage, secrets come out and Flora realizes her marriage to Julian may not be as perfect as others believe it to be.

With chapters from Ruby's point of view as she graduates high school and travels to Spain with her boyfriend Ivan's family, Good Company is an enjoyable read.

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks, 2020

My daughter tore through From the Desk of Zoe Washington, tearing up at the end of the book. She insisted that I read the book since it was soooo good, so here we are...!

Targeted towards late elementary/middle school readers, From the Desk of Zoe Washington is an enjoyable 'mature' story that breaks down complex issues into lessons without being condescending.

Friendship and peer pressure issues that Zoe and her neighbor Trevor experience are nicely written; as are 12-year-old Zoe's frustrations when she is not treated like an adult by either her parents or family friend who hires her to work at her bakery.

The deeper issues of racism and unfairly incarcerated black men are also handled well. Zoe connects with her father Marcus, who is in prison, and starts to think more about racism and why organizations like the Innocence Project exist. 

The story also takes place around Boston with scenes in neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, Davis Square and Harvard. The references are accurate and fun to read. A baker like Zoe, my daughter also related to Zoe's passion for baking. 

It is also heart warming to see the diversity in lead characters in children's books. That despite being Black or Asian or Hispanic, kids deal with the same issues at the core (navigating friendships, wanting independence, etc.) while also having a unique identity.

Since this is a middle school book, I will count this as half a book read...

 

Love Medicine: New and Expanded Version by Louise Erdrich, 1984

A great way to start off the New Year, Love Medicine is beautifully written. Erdrich just writes beautiful sentences and enthralling characters. The prose is haunting yet uplifting.

Taking place through multiple generations of families on a Chippewa reservation, we meet characters including June Kashpaw, whose Morrisey father deserted the family and was raised by her uncle Eli. 

She has a son King with her husband Gordie Kashpaw.

Marie Lazarre, from a family of ill-repute, was left with and raised by the nuns of Sacred Heart Convent, including the heartless Sister Leopolda. 

She marries Nector Kashpaw, from a reputable family, and ends up taking in children who are left with her, including Lipsha Morrissey.

Lulu Nanapush is the daughter of Margaret Kashpaw, Rushes Bear, who is the matriarch of the Kashpaw family and mother to brothers Nector and Eli. 

Her first love is Nector, but he is captivated by and marries Marie. Lulu marries Henry Lamartine, brother to Beverly, who participates in an Indian relocation program and lives in Minneapolis.

Lulu's sons include Lyman Lamartine and Henry Junior, who is no longer the same after returning from Vietnam.

Gerry Nanapush has also left the reservation, ending in Chicago and then prison.

Fierce love, loss, alcoholism and spiritualism run through these generations of people searching for a way to carve out a life when everything has been taken away from them by the US Government.