Good Night, Irene Book Review
Red Cross Clubmobiles
Luis Alberto Urrea’s recent release Good Night, Irene is outstanding. In a year which has already had multiple great books reviewed, this historical novel based on the operators of Red Cross Clubmobile’s of WW II vies for top position on any 2023 “Best Of” book lists. Adding to the interest for this reader was the author’s note. His mother was one of the Donut Dollies manning the clubmobile’s.
Urrea paints a realistic picture of the impact war has on individuals. The loss of innocence and the very real PTSD the horrors of battle induce. Adding in the atrocities of the Hitler death camps completes the grim visualization that is the background story for Good Night, Irene.
Essence of Good Night, Irene
The novel is a coming-of-age story. And so much more. Irene Woodward volunteers for the Red Cross duty. She has multiple reasons, including the fact she is engaged to a man who has beaten her. Dorothy Dunford is running from loss- loss of family and loss of the family farm. The two women operate the Rapid City Clubmobile with various “Third Girls” thrown into the story line.
The brutality and boredom of war creates a deep bond between Irene and Dorothy. Urrea provides the point of view of both characters as well as that of Hans, Irene’s love interest. This approach draws the reader into the emotions of the characters. And tugs on the heartstrings of the reader.
Good Night, Irene details the connected lives of the two women up to the point of the liberation of Buchenwald. Then Urrea reaches the turning point. The war is almost over yet tragedy still strikes. Irene must live on with her injuries, both physical and of the soul.
Recommendation
Luis Alberto Urrea presents a fictional account illustrating the importance of women during war. The Donut Dollies were not nurses or warriors yet their service was indispensable. War damages the psyche as well as the body.
Good Night, Irene rises to the top of the many women and World War II books I have read with its’ unexpected outcome. Strength in the face of adversity and the ability to embrace life in the face of personal tragedy is a lesson all need to learn.
This week at the library I spied To Fudge Or Not To Fudge on the “New” table. This second in a series by Nancy Coco (byline of Nancy J. Parra) caught my eye with the colorful lilacs on the cover. They brought back memories of last June’s trip to 
The Great Eggscape! is a delightfully silly children’s book written by Jory John. A dozen eggs run around the grocery store in an elaborate game of hide and seek. Young children can easily connect with the theme. Since the eggs dye themselves during the story there is an easy tie into Easter week activities. Thus, the book fit into my categorization of an Easter book. But The Great Eggscape is non-religious. However, the message of leaving no egg behind is meaningful.
Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures is remarkably good. Set in the Pacific Northwest, the heartwarming story has generational appeal. Quirky characters represent the populations of small towns across the United States of America, and most likely the world. Relatable and engaging, the reader might be reading about friends and neighbors.
Going Rogue is Janet Evanovich’s latest Stephanie Plum novel. Loyal fans will be delighted. Because the book fleshes out old characters with more in-depth personalities. And Stephanie Plum is showing growth as well. As usual there are several laugh out loud moments from the delightful supporting cast.
Laura Dave’s The Last Thing He Told Me is a thrilling, moving novel of love in the face of lies. The need for family and the sacrifices one makes for that family is the heart and soul of the book. The outcome will move you to tears.
Both a romance and a love story, Thank You for Listening is an enchanting story with depth. Julia Whelan’s experience as a screenwriter and audiobook narrator provides the necessary background to pen this delightful book. My only question as someone who has never heard an audiobook, do the books end with the phrase thank you for listening?
The youngest tyke is just now realizing there is a world around him. Fortunately, he has parents that both read and read to him. Snowman At Halloween is a board book that he can put his chubby little hands around…next year. But I am sure he will listen to more than one reading of the cute tale this year.
The last of the trio of Halloween books is part of a picture book series. Ann Whitford Paul writes, and David Walker illustrates the If Animals… series. And If Animals Trick-or-Treated is sure to be a winner with the eldest grandchild who understands just what occurs on Halloween night.