A new series debut, Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies is a good book for vacation travelers. I picked the book up in the Louisville, Kentucky airport last weekend and found it a bit different from the usual cozy murder mysteries. Catherine Mack, who also writes as Catherine McKinzie, mixes a bit of Rom-Com into the novel. Further, the protagonist uses footnotes throughout the novel.
The heroine of Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies is Eleanor Dash. A “panster” writer, quirky, neurotic, and quite likeable despite her long-windedness. She is plotting to kill off the star of her book series, Connor Smith. There is just one complication; someone is trying to kill the real Connor Smith and maybe has sights set on Eleanor too.
As a mystery writer, Eleanor barely outlines her work. But as a real-life crime solver, she needs a bit of structure. Especially after several attempts on her own life. Author Mack develops her protagonist’s character through a series of footnotes. These notes are non-ending at first, yet by the end of the novel, this reader was glancing at the bottom of the page first.
There is a plethora of secondary characters in the novel ranging from Eleanor’s younger sister Harper to Connor’s ex-wife Allison. And there is Oliver. He provides the romantic hero figure for Eleanor. Of course, the multitude of characters means plenty of suspects to sort through. As the writer of the series within the series, Eleanor encourages the reader to solve the mystery. This is quite tough with all the twists and turns regardless of the many clues given in the footnotes.
I enjoyed reading this light-hearted murder mystery by Catherine Mack. The romance is sweet and the murders not graphic. Perfect for reading while traveling.
Anne Tyler’s Three Days in June reads like a novella. Short and to the point. But there is a definite back story. So, the book has elements of a novel. The entire story takes place in about 72 hours. And the opening pages are a bit of a misdirection. Even though the daughter, Debbie, is a bride-to-be on the cusp of saying vows, her parents Gail and Max are the main characters.
The saga which makes-up Three Days in June is told by Gail Baines. Gail is almost more than middle-aged, divorced and possibly fired or maybe just quit. And she carries secret guilt. She freaks out over the possibility of her future son-in-law cheating on her daughter just before the wedding.
The first of the three days in June follows Gail’s job loss and the potential disruption of the wedding.
Debbie gets married with angst from her mother and a totally different attitude from Max. He is the forgive and forget type of person. This personality lends a lot to the back story. It is not always the male that cheats on a marriage.
Secondary characters add to the wedding scenes. Indeed, the families are the center of the plot instead of the bride and groom. Gail’s mom, Joyce, provides a good contrast in personalities. And Max is a keeper.
In the final day of Three Days in June, Max and Gail re-connect. More flashbacks from Gail bring forth the pain of infidelity from both sides. Anne Tyler expertly writes of the trials and pains of adultery. Guilt and remorse from the cheater’s side and forgiveness from the betrayed spouse.
The writing is deep. Three Days in June looks at the possibility of conciliation long after a marriage breaks apart. Anne Tyler does a good job explaining the complexity of a relationship in the aftermath of a broken marriage. She offers hope and an olive branch for those who have made the biggest mistake of their life. Once again, the author strikes gold with her writing.
Natalie Jenner’s 2024 release Every Time We Say Goodbye is outstanding on many levels. First, the story takes a compelling look at Rome in the aftermath of World War II. The city became a refuge for individuals caught up in the Hollywood blacklists of the McCarthy era.
Then the author dives deep into the human condition of the era. She focuses on the emotions of the survivors, particularly on those who lost loved ones during the war. Naturally, each character showcases the many reactions to intense loss.
Finally, Jenner’s publication date makes Every Time We Say Goodbye prescient to current events. Fascism is once again rearing its’ ugly head. How did she know how quickly the status quo would unravel? Once again, parallelism brings deeper meaning to the written words.
Vivien Lowry is a British playwright escaping to Rome after disastrous reviews. A woman with secrets in her past, she is barely living the present. Her fiancée never returned from the war. And she made several decisions in the past that still haunt her. Vivien is a compelling character. Her growth as a person is the story. Even the flashbacks to the war connect to her. Rome heals her heartbreak; Destroys it, then mends the soul again. Endurance is key.
Jenner uses a combination of fictional characters and fictionalized actions and dialogue from real life actresses and writers to create Every Time We Say Goodbye. Her story offers hope to the disenchanted. Yet, she does not overlook the evil in the world. Instead, her characters demonstrate ways to cope with those intent on disruption if not actual destruction.
The Roman Catholic Church plays a large role in the novel, like its influence on the city of Rome itself. The Church is shown without any colored lenses yet plays a pivotal role in one of the actresses finding solace in a discriminatory world. The existence of good and evil is a key theme throughout the book.
This novel is highly relatable. The characters cover the spectrum of humanity. Opening quotes from Hemmingway, Stevens and Giambattista Vico set the tone. Everyone has secrets, everyone has setbacks. And you never know when goodbye is final.
This book is suitable for many audiences. The depth of emotional growth is tremendous. I highly recommend Every Time We Say Goodbye! Natalie Jenner scores again.
Variation by Rebecca Yarros was on the new arrivals table at my local library. I grabbed it for a quick fun romance read and loved it so much that I knew a review was forthcoming before I was even halfway through. Yarros is another one of those bestselling authors that I was unaware of but now is a favorite. Her writing is that good.
The novel centers around ballerina Alesandra Rousseau. One of four sisters raised by a determined and domineering mother. All had a shot at greatness, yet tragedy struck and only the youngest two still perform. And not without jealousy intervening.
For those not familiar with ballet, variation equates to a solo dance. Yarros uses the title as a metaphor for where Allie is in life. Connections with family and the ballet troupe are strong but it may be time for her to fly solo.
A forced reunion between Allie and first love Hudson Ellis is complicated by a past tragedy as well as family secrets. Hudson’s adopted niece wants to dance even though her mother has forbidden ballet lessons. Furthermore, young Jupiter thinks Allie is her birth mother. The truth is closer than either Allie or Hudson know.
The pair are thrown together to help Jupiter find her history and pursue her dance dreams. Neither know of the possible danger. Allie is still healing from the past and Hudson is unwilling to pass on a second chance with his one true love.
The author writes in multiple genres and may be best known for her Empyrean fantasy series. Variation is a stand-alone romance novel, but perhaps the author could create love stories for the key supporting characters. She weaves such a magical tale of heartbreak, redemption and happily-ever-after.
Yarros creates wonderful characters, believable conflict and leaves the reader wanting to experience more of the same. The romance is spicy, and I would recommend the novel for adults only. Variation explores many topics including parenting techniques and family loyalty. Finally, the novel spotlights the determination and hard work needed to reach one’s goals. Absolutely loved this book! I wish I owned a copy so I could read it again.
March 2025 contained a variety of weather from balmy to frigid. Moisture was on the light side, but the last few days look promising for April showers. Travel, gardening and quilting took up quite a bit of time. Books were read and reviewed. All in all, it was a productive month.
On the economic front, tariffs are eminent, and the outcome is uncertain. Naturally this translates into an unsettled market. Young stock market participants need not panic but I am sure retirees and fixed income individuals are as jittery as the stock exchanges. I have added a New Market Basket to track how the coming tariffs will impact prices. The Misery Index fell slightly to 6.9%. This is opposite of what I expect going forward.
Politics in the United States continues to be acrimonious. Our united front after 9/11 is all but gone. There is plenty of blame to go around and none of it is helpful. Personally, I only know of a few people planning to locate outside of the country. But others may be entertaining the thought of moving abroad. The parallels to the 1930s and 1940s have the elderly population shaking their heads.
While only two books were reviewed, several more were read. Some will be reviewed in the coming weeks. Deciding what to review is easy for the most part. I try not to have too many of the same author. I also refuse to review those I did not enjoy and, in some cases, don’t even finish. Furthermore, I often read for fun. Those books tend not to get reviewed. However, the next review will be an exception. Check back in a few days.
March is a good time to start seeds. So, the cool-weather crops were started in early March 2025 while the tomatoes were planted toward the end of the month. Lettuce, kale, spinach and Swiss chard make up most of the plants. Six different tomato varieties were planted. The Genuine Heirloom Marriage Hybrid tomatoes took longer to emerge, and the germination rate was about half. But the seeds were from 2023. Viability decreases over time.
Additionally, repairs were made to the raised rows in the Big Garden. Early March brought tropical storm and even Cat. One winds to the Great Plains. Dust storms still exist in this part of the country in the early spring. Fortunately, by the end of the month the wheat stands turned green and helped mitigate the dirt-filled air. Hopefully, April will bring rain.
Work continues on the king sized bargello quilt. Once pieced, the quilting can begin, and piecing of the baby quilts can start. Quilts are a labor of love as well as an expression of art. I also find quilting a stress reliever.
I hope March 2025 was productive for you.
It is time to look at a new market basket. The inflation check challenge focused primarily on food with a few other items thrown in. The United States government excludes food and energy costs from their price index because these items are so volatile. But food and other everyday items are key in the minds of consumers. If food costs go up, more of the household budget flows to this essential. Other items take a back seat.
However, tariff driven price increases will impact a variety of items. Food does come into play. And so, we will keep food goods in the market basket. But other goods come to mind.
One of the problems in tracking goods is that many items manufactured in the United States use parts from overseas. Thus, the goods will be impacted by a trade war. We will look at some goods made in the United States primarily with imported parts.
Finally, we will include non-edible direct imports. For example, I use a Samsung laptop for my work. Other items would be tougher to track due to multiple variables. Think of gemstones or furniture or even light fixtures. For a market basket to work you need comparisons that are exact.
When I first looked at inflation, supply chain shocks due to disruption from Covid was the culprit. The items were mostly food based with a few outliers. I revisited this market basket recently and the prices jumped quite a bit in the intervening years. I have included a table for those of you who participated in the Inflation Check Challenge.
| Item | Amount | January 2021 Price Regular/Sale |
April 2021 Price Regular/Sale |
July 2021 Price Regular/Sale |
October 2021 Price Regular/Sale |
January 2022 Price Regular/Sale |
March 2025 Price Regular Sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planet Oat Extra Creamy Original Oat Milk | 52 OZ. | $3.49 | $3.99 | $3.99/$2.99 | $3.99 | $3.99/$3.79 | $4.99/$3.49 |
| Small bag Signature Select Sugar | 4 LBS. | $2.99 | $2.99/$1.99 | $2.99 | $2.99/$2.49 | $3.29 | $5.49 |
| Signature Select Cream Style Corn | 14.75 OZ. | $0.69 | $0.79 | $0.79 | $0.79/$0.65 | $0.89 | $1.99/$1.50 |
| Fleischmanns Active Dry Yeast | 4 OZ. | $6.99 | $6.99 | $7.19 | $7.49 | $7.49 | $6.99 |
| Bananas | 1 LB. | $0.59 | $0.55 | $0.59 | $0.59 | $0.69 | $0.65 |
| Kraft Real Mayo | 30 OZ. | $4.99/$3.79 | $4.99/$3.99 | $4.99/$3.79 | $5.29/$3.99 | $5.29/$3.99 | $5.99 |
| Meow Mix | 6.3 LBS. | $7.78 | $7.78 | $7.78 | $8.22 | $8.22 | $13.99 |
| Morton Salt | 26 OZ. | $1.19/$0.94 | $1.19/$0.99 | $1.19/$0.99 | $1.29/$0.99 | $1.29/$0.99 | $2.99 |
| Crest Pro Health Toothpaste | 4.6 OZ. | $5.99/$4.99 | $5.49/$3.99 | $3.99/$3.49 | $3.99/$2.99 | $3.99/$1.99 | $3.99 |
| Align Probiotics | 28 Count | $26.58 | $26.58 | $26.58 | $26.58 | $26.58 | $32.99 |
| Tide Botanical Rain Detergent | 92 OZ. | $11.97 | $11.97 | $11.97 | $11.97/$11.39 | $11.97 | $15.99
Now 84 0z. |
| Kerr Regular Mouth Canning Lids | 12 Count | $3.18 | $2.88 | $2.88 | $3.38 | $2.28 | $4.99 @ Safeway $8.99 @ Walmart |
| 3M Ad. Allergy Furnace Filter | 1 Count | $15.88 | $15.88 | $15.88 | $16.38 | $17.47 | $20.50 |
| Dunkin Donut Boston Cream | 1 Count | $0.99 | $1.09 | $1.17 | $1.09 | $1.17 | $1.79 |
| Regular Unleaded Gasoline | 1 Gallon | $2.36 | $2.79 | $2.79 | $2.79 | $3.05 | $2.89 |
I am keeping quite a few items from the old market basket while adding a few new ones.
Among the additions are eggs, whole milk, Samsung laptop, Aluminum Foil, Hamilton Beach 4-slice Toaster and a G.E. Microwave. It will be interesting to see what if any impact occurs. Between the New Market Basket and the Misery Index we will get a feel for which direction the economy is headed.
| Product | Price Reg./Sale |
|---|---|
| 1Gal Whole Milk | $3.69 |
| 1 LB. Bananas | $0.65 |
| 1 Can Cream Style Corn | $1.99/$1.50 |
| Dozen Eggs | $6.49 |
| 1 Dunkin’ Donut | $1.79 |
| 1 Gal. Reg. Unl. Gas | $2.89 |
| Dozen Reg. Mouth Kerr Lids | $4.99 |
| Scott’s Step Fertilizer | $104.00 |
| Hamilton Beach 4 slice Toaster | $48.95 |
| Samsung Galaxy Chromebook | $624.99 |
| G.E. 2 Cu Ft 1200 Watt Countertop Microwave @ Lowes | $239.00 |
There are books that are hard to classify by genre and The Wolf Tree is such a novel. The riveting story by Aussie author Laura McCluskey is part supernatural, part folklore and a combination mystery and true crime. Throw in a heroine on the verge of addiction to painkillers and the resulting tale is a web of lies and half-truths. All of which makes the plot twist believable and unbelievable at the same time.
The dank, cold, windswept island of Eilean Eader, isolated in the North Atlantic Ocean, provides the perfect location for McCluskey’s multifaceted story. Remote and only accessible by sea, the sparsely populated locale lends itself to self-reliance and self-rule.
Inhabitants are leery of outsiders and those moving into the community face the same barriers to acceptance found in all rural, isolated hamlets across the globe. Transportation is limited to bicycle and foot. So, everything is at a slower pace.
Georgina “George” Lennox is the lead character in the story. Fresh off a medical leave for injuries suffered in a case, she and fellow inspector Richard “Richie” Stewart travel through stormy seas to confirm a suicide is the correct ruling in the death of a teenager. Autopsy findings are uncertain.
Opposites in age, experience and investigative approaches, the partners’ working relationship has been strained since George rushed into a scene without backup and barely survived. The tension increases on the barren island as George combats physical pain and self-doubt. Her police instincts have disappeared. And she questions the unbelievable sights and sounds of the island. Are they real or imagined?
An array of villagers complements the story. Everyone from the grieving mother to the outgoing postal clerk to the young mother- a contemporary of George. Then there is the priest. Father Ross is not only in charge of village society, but he also has a great concern for the souls of its’ inhabitants. The suicide has impacted everyone.
Laura McCluskey posits an alternative ideal of justice. Readers and book clubs will be pondering the outcome of The Wolf Tree for years to come. The novel is very entertaining, and I always enjoy stories with wicked twists at the end. The author delivers a winner in this first novel. Hopefully we will see more of George and Richie in the future.
The 2024 release in Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta series, Identity Unknown brings the series cast together to solve two murders linked together even though different individuals are responsible. Throw in a UAP/UFO at one of the murder scenes and fiction takes on a modern twist. Drones and secret military sites also play a role. The question of beings from other planets already on Earth is not new. But Cornwell does a good job exploring the plausibility.
The series is known for the intense autopsy scenes and Identity Unknown is no different in that aspect. But the scenes that stand out in my mind were of an abandoned amusement park and two harrowing flights where a helicopter took on Mother Nature.
Cornwell’s prose brings scenes to life. Whether protagonist Kay Scarpetta is performing an autopsy in the lab or on site, the reader is a part of the action. The same holds true when she encounters dangers during her investigation. The scenes with the caves and mines of West Virginia make you feel transported to that location.
The first murder is solved in a traditional way. But catching the second murderer involves the use of AI. And secret military autopsy rooms. A stretch of the imagination leads to the possibility that these secret rooms examine beings other than humans. But in the end it is simple greed and vengeance, not “Others”, responsible for the death of Kay’s old friend and lover.
As the plot unravels, the author suggests a plausible explanation for the increase in UAP/UFO sightings. High tech secret flying machines produced by various countries, both friend and foe. To bring a touch of reality, the infamous Chinese weather balloon gets a mention in the story.
Identity unknown has multiple meanings in the novel. Both victim and villain need identification with respect to the second murder. Plus, what kind of unidentified flying machine left a circle of flower blossoms around the body? Finally, a decades long mystery kept by Kay of the mystery lover from Italy.
This last brings out a myriad of emotions during an interview by top military authorities. The attempt at discernment on Kay’s relationship with the victim stirs a wide range of emotions with respect to Kay, Benton and Marino. Thus, the examination of their feelings becomes a main thread in the story. For this reader, the approach is preferable to the suspenseful gore of earlier novels. The lack of intense violence makes the book more palatable.
The last two books of Cornwell’s have softened in tone. The graphic descriptions are there but fortunately the terror is gone. I enjoy suspense, but not violent terror. I am glad I checked this out at the library. See if your local library has a copy or find it on Libby.
Stagflation last appeared in the United States of America during the 1970s. The economic condition combines high inflation rates with high unemployment. As most students of economics know, these two functions of the economy usually are inverse to each other. When they act in unison there is strain on the economy, and we call the result stagflation.
Rapidly rising prices combined with wage freezes and layoffs created hardship for most of the 1970s. As a result, Arthur Okun devised a way to measure stagflation. The Misery Index at its’ simplest equation is easy to calculate:
Misery Index= Seasonally Adjusted Rate of Employment + Annual Inflation Rate
Much like the Inflation Rate Challenge of a few years ago, I plan to track the Misery Index throughout 2025. Currently the number reads normal. Thus, the January numbers do not indicate stagflation. However, they are just at the top end of the range. The Seasonally Adjusted Rate of Employment for January 2025 was 4% and the Annual Inflation Rate in January was reported at 3%. So, the numbers bear watching. We start with the Misery Index at 7%. Again, that number reads more like a normally functioning economy, not one experiencing stagflation. But these particular rates are lagging indicators.
We may just go through another rapid period of inflation similar to that of a few years ago. This time the supply shocks most likely will stem from a combination of tariffs and agricultural woes. Drought and disease are just two factors. Most farmers will agree there is climate change. The argument stems on the cause of the changing weather. But everyone can agree the unknowns of weather patterns have a great impact on farm production.
So, I plan to revisit the Inflation Check Challenge. I will keep some of the items from before. But I am now paying $8.00 for a dozen eggs so those will be watched as well. The first check will be after the February employment and inflation numbers are out so The Misery Index can be tracked, too.
There are a lot of ifs and maybes involved in predicting which way the economy will flow. Current variables include the impact of tariffs, the severity of governmental layoffs as well as private industry slowdowns. Personally, I don’t know of anyone laid off, just of hours cut. Furthermore, how other countries react to the tariffs is unknown.
Countries enjoying unfair competitive advantage can make more concessions than those who believe historical exchanges fall into the Fair-Trade category. Politics comes into play as well as does ongoing military conflict.
Governmental cuts, whether labor or goods, will tend toward a recessionary effect. These cuts are necessary as anyone looking at the Debt Clock can see. (For those who have not checked on the clock in a while, the powers-that-be have added a DOGE component.) The Federal Deficit is near a tipping point which, if reached, will make stagflation look pleasant.
So, while I am certain we will have inflation, I think we will also experience a recession. Thus, the country will undergo stagflation once again.
We can no longer kick the can down the road. In the short-term things will be ugly. But if we do not get the deficit under control, the dollar is in danger of default. And the strength of the U.S.A. will plummet. The country came together after 9/11. Can a unified response to the fiscal mess we are in occur? I hope so, but I do have doubts.
A 2025 release by Allen Eskens, The Quiet Librarian is historical fiction at its’ best. However, the history is fairly recent. The book rotates between present day Minnesota and the 1995 civil war in Yugoslovia. Specifically, the ethnic genocide of that summer. Eskens is excellent at conveying the horrors of war. Men, women and children all suffer. Neighbors and friends turn against each other along ethnic and religious lines. When a country is at war from within, there is no escape; “war has a way of finding everyone.”
The protagonist, Hana Babić has lived in Farmington, Minnesota for thirty years. She leads a quiet dull existence. Yet her instincts immediately kick in when a police detective appears at the library seeking information about a friend. Hana has secrets as did her friend who died under suspicious circumstances.
In her late forties, Hana appears older aided by hairstyle and drab clothing. Her past identity is hidden. Or so she thought.
Assigned to the investigation of a deadly incident, David Claypool starts with Hana, who is the person named to become the guardian of Dylan Greene. He is trying to determine just how a woman tumbled from a balcony to the street below. Signs indicate either a struggle or torture. He seeks help from the quiet librarian.
Sparks fly between the two.
Flashbacks provide the backstory of Hana Babić. The atrocities of war transformed a teenager into a warrior. The author does not mince words. People change when fighting. Self-preservation and revenge lie in each individual. Peaceful lives are shattered. Killing and death become the norm.
As a young teenager, Hana escapes death but the only meaning left in life is revenge. Thus, she is a wanted woman by present day Serbians. And her friend may have lost her life protecting Hana’s true identity.
The Quiet Librarian explores multiple types of love: love of family, of friends and of a lover. Hana’s internal struggles to keep her secrets may destroy a future romantic relationship with David Claypool. However, her secrets not only protect her life, but also that of young Dylan.
In the opening pages, Hana is shelving books in the Civil War section of the history stacks. The nuance of the foreshadowing is just one instance of the author’s ability to weave depth into the story. Casting Hana as a quiet librarian is another. War and its threats are spread across Earth as I write this. Causes vary. Hatred and fear of religious differences are on par with greed for another country’s land and resources, so justifications also deviate. The “why” of war takes a backseat to the horror.
This is the first novel from Allen Eskens that I have read. In the author’s notes, Eskens indicates it differs from his other work. I do not know what the differentiation is. However, the writing is outstanding. The romantic spark between the two leads is juxtaposed with each individual’s internal code of ethics. The conflict threatens their chance at happiness. But lives are at stake. The twist at the end was unexpected and satisfying to this reader. I highly recommend.
Not many posts were uploaded in February 2025. The frigid weather drove me inside and downstairs into the quilt room. I am still working on the same bargello quilt with it’s over 3000 squares. It will be beautiful once finished.
Early in the month before the bitter cold arrived
a few seeds were planted in the warmest, sunniest spot in the garden. In the past I have had luck planting before a light snow. So, the predicted cold front was not a concern.
However, a week after the gentle blanket protected the seeds, a second front stormed in. Thirty-mile an hour winds brought in a heavier snow and below freezing temperatures for a solid week. Furthermore, on two nights the temperature dropped below zero (Fahrenheit.) The worst of the weather was a solid week without sunshine. February 2025 proved to be colder than past February’s.
I doubt much will sprout from those early seeds. And since the end of the month is here and no crocuses have sprung through the ground, I will wait before planting any more seeds outside.
The quilt I am working on is the most difficult one I have ever attempted. Lots of sewing followed by small bits of “un-sewing.” The process is complex. Twenty strips sewn together followed by crosscut strips. Those strips are taken apart and sewn in alternating combinations. The colors range from off white to teals and finish in blues so dark they almost look black. There is enough completed that it is easy to see the finished project will be stunning.
Thus, writing took a bit of a back seat.
Occasionally I finish the day with some light reading. I have enjoyed a couple of Lorena McCourtney novels that blend cozy mysteries with Christian Fiction. I will review the latest Mac and Ivy. It was just released. The other novel dated back to the turn of the century so a search of your local library for other works by Ms. McCartney is highly recommended.
My 40th wedding anniversary was this past week, and we celebrated by going to the only restaurant in town that features steaks. Options are limited in a town of 7500. Furthermore, as long-time readers know, we live in the biggest town in a one-hundred-mile radius. Choices are a plethora of fast-food restaurants serving the highway travelers and a smattering of Mom-and-Pop places. No Big Box chains here.
We look forward to a family celebration in the near future with all of our kids. And a little warmer weather would be nice too.
After Sundown is a collaboration between Linda Howard and Linda Jones. This is yet another 2020 release that I missed. Searching for books on Libby is not nearly as rewarding as scanning book shelves and displays.
The novel is a combination of a spicy romance (adults only) and a survivalist thriller. A natural disaster strikes in the form of a coronal mass ejection (CME) and hero and isolationist Ben Jernigan somehow feels the need to warn just one person-Sela Gordon.
Sela Gordon is the main character in After Sundown. Most of the writing is from her point of view. A divorcee, she is content to interact with customers and her family. She sees no need to chase companionship. Ben is one of her customers. Interactions have been quick and quiet, typical for two introverts.
However, both are born leaders. So, they are thrust out of their comfort zones during this emergency. Sela supports and then stands in for her aunt as a De-facto leader of Wears Valley. Gradually, Ben is drawn in to help the inhabitants of the valley as well.
Naturally, life is different without electricity. Especially after sundown. The relationship between Sela and Ben becomes deeply personal. And the scenes are explicit. If you are averse to spicy romances, you can easily skip over these parts as they do not take up a majority of the book.
Furthermore, the authors include a lot of common-sense ideas for dealing with no electricity. Yet, the novel is at heart a story of love and validation. The prepping hints do not interfere with the plot.
Of course, any disaster-based story tends to have a wide range of characters. In After Sundown opportunists do appear. But the real danger comes from the drug addicts and alcoholics that no longer have a steady supply.
Fortunately, most of the characters fall into the “good guy” category.
I enjoyed the novel. While I have not read any of the books penned by the two Lindas, I have reviewed Linda Howard previously. You can find the review by clicking here. Since After Sundown was released a few years ago, you may need to order online. Or check it out of the library like I did.
I found The Next Mrs. Parrish difficult to read. It was the theme, not the writing. Even though the sister duo writing as Liv Constantine excel with their creation of characters, I find manipulation off-putting. And two of the characters are the epitome of manipulators. Plus, there was one small plot flaw that needs addressing.
Additionally, this is the third book featuring Amber Patterson Parrish. A master of evading punishment, one wonders if there will be yet a fourth novel featuring this con artist. Characters people love to hate, tend to re-appear.
In addition to Amber, Daphne Parrish (the first Mrs. Parrish), Jackson Parrish and Daisy Ann Briscoe all have pivotal roles and their own chapters/point of views. This approach connects the readers with the individual characters. Since the characters all have human flaws, misdirection by Constantine keeps the reader guessing as to how the story will unravel.
This technique could have been extended to Mason Briscoe. The one piece of the plot that did not make sense to me was the 180° turn by Mason concerning Daisy Ann’s quest to bring her father’s killer to justice. Most of the novel he was dead set against her actions. Then in the final pages he was by her side. An explanation was needed for this reader.
The novel is characterized as a psychological thriller. With a few exceptions, action scenes and physical violence are absent. Thus, focus is on the tremendous damage that can be inflicted through manipulation and lies. Perhaps this is why reading The Next Mrs. Parrish was so difficult.
Manipulators are everywhere. Most are not as evil as Amber Patterson Parrish. Many just want to have their own way. The phrase had her cake and ate it too comes to mind. Yet, everyday manipulation creates a rippling effect across lives. So, this novel seems so much more plausible and that is scary.
The Good vs. Evil struggle is a key part of this novel. Furthermore, Liv Constantine provided unique forms of justice-indeed diabolical in the case of Jackson Parrish. Sometimes death is the easy way out. So, I do recommend the novel. The book is perfect for those cold winter nights reading by the fire.
My part of the world experienced cold and snow in January 2025. But that is normal for the High Plains. The surprising weather is the snow and cold in the south which many of my family members experienced. While snow is not unheard of in places like Houston and the beaches of northern Florida, this month’s amounts rival those seen here on the plains.
Fortunately, the end of the month and the forecast for February paint a different picture. This will alter my activities. Much of January was spent indoors either quilting, reading or researching.
I bundled up on the warmer afternoons for a walk around the neighborhood, but there was no action in the garden. So, the pruning of the grape vines is still on the list of winter garden chores. New varieties of seeds were ordered after browsing seed catalogues and this was the only garden-related accomplishment.
Currently I am piecing a king size quilt with almost 3300 pieces. The pattern is from More Twist-and-Turn Bargello Quilts reviewed here. The baby quilt made in this style was quite easy. However, the size and pattern of the current one is challenging. Once the quilt top is pieced, I will share a photo. My goal is to finish the piecing by the end of February.
Two more quilts are planned for this spring. Both are baby quilts for cousins to be. Pattern books have been part of the reading with nothing picked out yet, except for one of the fabrics. Since the two cousins are expected just weeks apart and their respective parents live about five miles apart, I have picked one key fabric to use in both quilts. But the coordinating fabrics for each will reflect the different genders. I am a bit of a traditionalist in that sense.
The very cold weather in January 2025 yielded much reading. In addition to Slow Dance and The Grey Wolf, the latest Janet Evanovich-Stephanie Plum book was greatly enjoyed. Additionally, After Sundown, The Next Mrs. Parrish and Identity Unknown have been read. Look for the reviews throughout February.
In addition to reading novels, I spent time in January 2025 reading family history including original documents written by family members. Of particular interest was two months of a diary from 1922 detailing passage from Kobe, Japan to the East Coast of the United States. Stops included two of the Hawaiian Islands, San Francisco, the Panama Canal and Cuba. The diary stopped at the canal but photos show pictures of Cuba. A search for more of the diary will be made.
Much of what I read is material saved at the last moment when emptying out my father’s house after his unexpected death. My youngest made room for a box labeled with a great-uncle’s name. Since he had no offspring, the historical artifacts made their way to the historian in the family-my dad.
Among things saved from my youngest’s insistence that I go through all photos was a booklet of drawings made by the mother-in-law of the diary keeper. Her artwork is exquisite, and I have treasured her oil paintings since I was a child. The scrapbook spurred a thought about writing a biography. Hence the research.
Much was accomplished in January even though I watched more television than usual. In addition to the funeral service for Former President Carter I watched the inauguration. President Trump became the second president to hold office a non-consecutive term. The first was Grover Cleveland.
I think it is important to have a smooth transition of power between the opposing parties. This distinguishes the United State of America from countries with other forms of government. The balance of power between Congress, the Supreme Court, and the administration led by the President is key. My hope is that every leader in Washington, D.C. remembers this importance.
Wishing you a productive month in February.
Rainbow Rowell released Slow Dance in 2024. The story takes place in 2006 and “before.” At first the flashbacks were hard to follow. Then they became the heart of the book. Additionally, correspondence between the two main characters enriched the writing. Of course, the flashbacks contained letters and postcards while the 21st century used emails.
Shiloh, Cary and Mikey were fast friends in high school. Even though everyone, including Mikey, thought Shiloh and Cary were more than friends, they weren’t. At least not in high school. Since the theme of Slow Dance is one of star-crossed lovers, there was one hook-up during the “before.”
After parting as teenagers, each went their separate ways. Shiloh fell into a failed marriage and Cary dedicated himself to the Navy. The latter a barrier to the free-spirited Shiloh from a philosophical stand.
The irony of Slow Dance is the inability for the pair to communicate despite their closeness contrasted by the talent of the author to communicate with the reader. Rowell’s flashbacks and dialogue via email keep the reader hoping for a lasting connection between Shiloh and Cary. She creates compelling characters as well as a fresh storyline for a traditional theme.
Neither Shiloh nor Cary come from a traditional family. Both lived in the same lower income neighborhood. Both wanted escape, but only Cary succeeded. Shiloh never knew her father. Cary’s situation was even more complicated as his “mom” was his grandmother and his “sister” his mom. Yet family remains an important constant. Love and loyalty shine through.
This is the first book by Rowell that I have read. I found it compelling and entertaining. I am so thankful for my local library as it was on the “NEW” table that I seek out every time I enter. If your library does not have a copy, it is certainly worth finding online or in a bookstore.
Slow Dance is perfect for book clubs and young adults. Romance fans like me may read it in one sitting as I did. There are many authors, and Rainbow Rowell is a very talented one. Another winner from the heartland.
Louise Penny’s The Grey Wolf released in 2024 looks at the possibility of bioterrorism. At the same time, the many layers of the Catholic Church also play a part in the murder mystery. Long-time fans will love this book a part of the series featuring Armand Gamache. Furthermore, newcomers should not worry about missing previous stories. The Grey Wolf not only does a good job of standing alone, but it also has the reader anxiously looking for the follow-up 2025 release-The Black Wolf.
Although quite a few of the minor characters are from previous books, Penny does an excellent job of weaving enough clues and background information into the story. This allows the occasional reader of her work and even a first timer to enjoy the developing plot. For this occasional reader, not remembering one key character was actually helpful. And in The Grey Wolf, the plodding Gamache did not lose my interest as did the last book read a year or two before the pandemic.
Misdirection is still part of the author’s writing skill. Dying words kept this reader guessing as to who would be disclosed as traitors. I was wrong.
Trust is the overarching theme of the book. Penny does an excellent job of demonstrating the importance of trust on both a personal level and a community/governmental level. Multiple characters in the story experience the question of who to trust. Furthermore, the inability to trust leads to self-doubt and second guessing. Naturally, this plays into the hands of the villains.
Key scenes emphasize the dangers of distrust including the one located in Washington, D.C. The author is clearly sending a message. One that is important to heed.
Penny uses the backdrop of various cloisters to add a philosophical component to the story. Differing religious orders are also included and distinguished from one another.
Of great foreshadowing was a parable of the Grey Wolf and the Black Wolf. Penny deftly uses this parallel to hook the reader on the next release. At least this reader is anxious for the next edition in the series.
The Grey Wolf has various international settings. So, even though the beautiful Province of Quebec starts and ends the story, Penny expands her descriptive prose to the Vatican, a French fortress of a monastery, a watering hole in Washington, D.C. as well as the governmental halls of Ottawa. She also weaves in a comparison of the governments both north and south of the border.
It has been a few years since I last read a novel by Louise Penny. The Grey Wolf entertains. Furthermore, it creates impatience for the next in the series. Find a copy today. Highly entertaining!
Dignity is the first word that comes to mind when I remember former President Jimmy Carter. The long lines gathered in the cold winter outside the United States Capitol to pay respect are no surprise. Carter was respected by most.
Carter was one of the candidates in the first election I was eligible to vote in. I lived on campus in the heartland of the country. The university centered between the two large cities in the state. A majority of the population lived in these metropolitan areas and the rest of the state was rural and sparsely populated. The campus reflected these demographics.
Then First Lady Rosalyn Carter made a final campaign stop on campus just prior to election night. My roommate and I attended. Most of our fellow resident hall companions did not. Political apathy existed even then. And Carter was unpopular in 1979.
As history correctly indicates, Carter became a one-term president. Yet, his dignity allowed a country to see failure to attain a second term did not equate to failure as a person. A lesson for all of us. The presidency did not define who Jimmy Carter was.
Just a few years after leaving the White House, Carter began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. The organization was founded in Americus, Georgia, just ten miles down the road from the Carter’s hometown of Plains. This work was in addition to founding The Carter Center. The two non-profits shared similar values.
For forty years, Carter spent untold hours helping build thousands of houses across the United States of America. He did not rest on Presidential Laurels, he grabbed a hammer and contributed to society with both physical labor and dignity.
In 2017, one of the twenty states visited was Georgia. My destination was Plains. I specifically went out of my way to see the place Jimmy Carter called home. The side trip did add a few hours to the last day of a long road trip. But it was worth it. People were friendly, helpful and willing to give insight into the former president without violating his privacy. (He had taught Sunday School the previous week.)
Peanut farms were as prolific as the wheat farms of the Great Plains. The downtown benefits from tourists. Even those just making a quick stop. I loved the peanut butter shake as well as the bag of peanuts bought along Main Street. Best of all, I appreciated the directions for a back way to the Georgia-Florida Highway so I could skip Americus and take a more direct route to the Sunshine State.
Listening to his eulogies, the one given by his grandson Jason resonated the most. It focused on the man from a personal level. Yet, conveyed the importance of a man who’s public and personal personas did not differ. The dignity of Jimmy Carter was always present. Rest in peace President Carter.
The first snow of 2025 is on the ground so it may seem too early for planning the 2025 Garden. But with temperatures in single digits and a thin layer of ice under the white blanket, spring thoughts are uplifting if not actually warm.
Seed catalogues beckon and entice. The grow lights are ready to start some plants. While there are a few seeds saved and a few more left over, it is time to order more.
First, a review of the failures and successes of the 2024 plantings. This past year was much better than 2023 although not as productive as 2020. The sweet potatoes produced a nice yield for the two of us. More than enough to get us through the winter months and a few to start new slips with. The 2024 crop came from just two slips which were grown from the 2023 harvest. However, not enough to share with neighbors and families.
The tomato crop also improved from the year before. Two reasons for this. Fewer plants were placed in the big garden. I was trying to increase the space between the plants so diseases would not pass as easily between the tomatoes. Tomato wilt has been a problem. Additionally, I changed the varieties planted. Crop rotation is ongoing.
Spinach grew in pots- and nowhere else. So, in planning the 2025 Garden, I plan to plant in one of the metal rings that usually grow potatoes.
The lettuces were great, so no changes there. But the brassicas need an earlier indoor start. Finally, the cucumbers also enjoyed less competition under and on the trellises.
Keeping the future in mind is an important second step in planning the 2025 Garden. So far on the calendar are the births of two babies, two weddings, and a combined 80th Birthday celebration for an aunt and uncle. And it is just the first week of January.
So, a garden which will survive my travelling now and again is important. Crops that take all season to mature may find spots in the garden when they were left out last year. Peanuts come to mind in addition to sweet potatoes. And winter squash. Furthermore, this is probably not a good year for experiments or adding new plantings.
I like to use diagrams when planning. The Big Garden and side garden each get a page at the minimum. The raised boxes are usually placed front and back on a single page. The herb gardens also get plotted out. Since many are perennials, the planning is not as complicated.
Using a scale is helpful for creating diagrams. Tomatoes like Cherokee Purple need more space than Romas. Vining crops such as melons can take up a third of the row. Fortunately, favorite veggies, such as onions, can pop in almost everywhere.
The last step in planning the 2025 Garden is calculating when to start the seeds. One will need to know the average last frost. Then figure the amount of time a seed will need to germinate and transform into a plant before setting outside. Using a calendar, count back the number of weeks for indoor growth from the average last freeze. Then mark that date in your calendar. Plants vary greatly from germination to reaching the size ready to grow. One final caution- certain plants need warm ground in addition to frost-free temperatures. I often add a month to the last frost date for veggies such as eggplant and melons.
Not many posts uploaded on Econogal.com this December 2024. Yet it was a very productive and enjoyable month. Gifts were completed or bought and then wrapped and given. Time was spent with young and old, even older than me.
Football rivaled classic Christmas movies on the television and entertaining filled the days and evenings. Gingerbread house construction, hiking in the Colorado mountains, and buying a new car kept the activities rolling. Plus, time to read. In addition to reviewing The Unwedding and The Promise of Unbroken Straw, I enjoyed the latest Janet Evanovich and Lorena McCartney books. Both offer the chance to lose myself in imaginary places with favorite characters for a few hours.
The usual dishes were made throughout December 2024. Candy cane cheesecake and fudge, chili and cornbread, and all the fixin’s for Christmas Dinner. We hosted a smaller crowd than usual this year. But older cousins could reminisce about bygone days and younger cousins played and played.
The star dessert was a box mix of lemon cake with a raspberry filling and drizzled dark chocolate for the topping. I need to make it more often. For those of you who can whip things up without detailed instructions:
One cake made from a box of lemon cake mix
One jar of Smucker’s Red Raspberry Jelly, heated then spread between layers
½ cup Hershey’s Dark Cocoa Powder, ½ cup sugar or powdered sugar, cream or half and half- mix to a pourable consistency
If you have left-over jelly, spread it on top either above or below the chocolate
Grandkids and great-nephews enjoyed decorating gingerbread houses. Since the five kids ranged in age from 9 months to 5 years in age, it helped to pre-build the houses. I last experienced the process decades ago. And the get-together was on the 23rd. So, I hope to have a timely post with tips and tricks early next December. Much has changed since my kids were the little ones.
After much research, I decided to swap my Subaru Outback for an updated version. My understanding is the model will have a new look next year. Because I am partial to the old look and the 2020 vehicle had been driven all over the country, I decided to buy a new one.
Over the years, I have bought vehicles during the Christmas car sale season. Maybe advertising works. December 2024 was the busiest of the three times. The showroom was packed and there was a wait-time for the test drive. It will be interesting to see if the economic data released next month matches my experience.
Resolutions written down have a better chance of lasting past the first week. In 2025, I plan to increase the number of posts written. Once again, I will try to read more non-fiction and more genres.
On a personal level, I will continue to organize and let go of items not used or needed. The local thrift shop has benefitted from actions in 2024. The one thing in, one thing out principle works for me.
Happy New Year!
My Top Ten Books of 2024 highlights my favoritism of fiction over non-fiction. I struggled on whether to include non-fiction on the list as I have for certain years. Or leave them off all together since I read too few to compile a list. In the end, my decision was to discuss the top three.
Most of the non-fiction I read is categorized as self-help or do-it-yourself. Perhaps I read too many biographies as a child and too many research and theory books during my career. Regardless of the reason, most of what I read is either home improvement or self-improvement. This year follows the trend. So, there are no top ten books of 2024 in this category. But here are three with merit.
Survive and Thrive: How to Prepare for any Disaster Without Ammo, Camo, or Eating Your Neighbor by Bill Fulton and Jeanne Chilton Devon is excellent. Anyone who has experienced a natural disaster knows the importance of preparedness. In addition to reading and owning this book, visit www.ready.gov.
Early in the year, I read Hidden Potential. Adam Grant presents anecdotes outlining theories and then follows with constructive steps to reach goals. For the most part, reading is straightforward. However, there are parts where one must diligently slog through. Nothing worth doing is easy.
Finally, Ageless Aging: A Woman’s Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan by Maddy Dychtwald with Kate Hanley is a book I am gifting. While geared toward women my current age, I wish I had read it decades ago. Especially the part concerning finances.
As always, determining the order of the top ten books of 2024 was difficult. Click on the title to reach each review. This helps determine if the book will be a good gift for your holiday shopping. The tones vary from light-hearted to deep suspense.
The Promise of Unbroken Straw, a debut novel by Ken Steele blew me away much like the fictional tornado in the story. This book rivals Crow Talk for the best of 2024. Since this is the first book penned by Steele, it may get the edge to the top. The author offers depth, commentary and historical reflection. Furthermore, The Promise of Unbroken Straw reminds the readers death is final and the time to make amends is short.
The story opens in 1986 and then travels back in time a few decades. Thus, a tale of historical fiction. The setting is rural Oklahoma in an area probably not much changed to this day. Wheat fields provide income as well as hope. And small towns gather under Friday night lights. A star football player and his younger brother are raised by a father and grandfather. The tornado and accompanying hail destroyed a crop needed to keep the land from foreclosure during World War II. Only a small area of unbroken straw remains. Yet there is hope in those stalks. Just as there is biblical hope in rainbows.
Then oil comes to the rescue.
Paul, the younger brother, is the protagonist. His brother Tim is a star athlete drawing notice while just a sophomore. Their mother died while they were still young. Paul only has vague memories. Jake Landrum presents as a father without emotion. Yet he provides a home with values, including strong ties to the church.
In contrast, is Paul’s best friend Teddy. Both parents are alive. The father, an alcoholic, beats both Teddy and Teddy’s mom on a regular basis. As the story unfolds, other women were victims too. The late 1930s and early 1940s offered little recourse for such behavior. This backstory is pivotal for the growth of the protagonist.
Paul is the opposite of his brother as he is without any athleticism. After the family’s fortune changes and they move to the big city of Tulsa, Paul has his own talents recognized but the move is not an easy one.
When tragedy strikes, Paul blames himself for an accidental death just as his father blamed himself for his wife’s deadly illness. The many parallels in the story provide complexity for the readers.
Familial relationships stand out. Steele offers comparisons throughout the story. First among farm families and then in the city. Parenting is critically examined as are bonds between brothers.
Of note is how wisdom is passed down through the generations. And how families sacrifice for one another. Most importantly the author creates division in the family in allowing young Paul to reach maturity. Estrangement shows his weaknesses. However, the willingness to return to his hometown indicates the strength of his upbringing.
Most of the story takes place in the forties. The current time-period is the late 80s. Paul has not seen his father for 17 years nor Teddy for even longer. And his grandpa has passed on. The older, wiser Paul bridges the past and the present. His father is dying. And Paul discovers a father and common ground once again. Some secrets are revealed, and others continue. There is no escaping death, but the unbroken straw stands as a reminder of hope.
I highly recommend The Promise of Unbroken Straw. Ethics and reliance on faith through the church are a large part of the story. But familial love is even stronger. The importance of making amends and forgiveness is ever present without explicit statements. And forgiveness of oneself is key.
New authors reaching publication is one accomplishment. Then they face the arduous task of finding a spot amongst the already known. Ken Steele may find this even harder as his name is somewhat common with “other” successful Ken Steele’s including an author and a series character in the United States.
Yet, The Promise of Unbroken Straw is a great gift from the author. Top on my list for 2024. I wish him great success and hopefully other novels to follow. Buy a copy or find a copy at your local library. This story is tremendous and deserves acknowledgement. Kudos to the Ken Steele formerly of Oklahoma and now a resident of Colorado.
Since my reading of YA and middle school books is slim, I had never heard of Ally Condie before picking up The Unwedding, her first adult fiction entry. I really like her style. The novel is a murder mystery on one level. And on an entirely different level, an examination of human nature. The best part of The Unwedding is the unexpected twist which surprised me.
Ellery Wainwright, newly divorced, spends what would have been her 20th Anniversary at The Resort at Broken Point. Unfortunately for her still raw emotions, a wedding is taking place. That is until she finds the groom dead. Thus, Ellery is thrust in the middle of a murder. To complicate matters a wicked storm hits Big Sur and the resort is cut off from law enforcement. Then another body is discovered.
The novel functions on multiple levels. Nuances abound in the various relationships, both old and new. Well intentioned acts end up haunting multiple characters. The author successfully shows how both actions and words can greatly alter events. Accidental death can lead to murder.
Furthermore, Condie shows how complex relationships between more than two people can impact each subsection of the group. And how secrets kept from one member of the group can impact others.
The Unwedding earns a place on Econogal’s Top Ten Books of 2024 list. The depth of the characters, the surprise twists, and the perseverance of the protagonist create a great novel. Readers looking for a magical happy ending will not find one. Instead, the novel offers hope.
Since I have not read any of Ally Condie’s other books, I do not know if this depth is a standard. If so, her YA novels should offer teenagers great contemporary books to read, enjoy and even analyze inside the classroom.
As an adult author, Condie’s first release is outstanding. I hope she will write more for this target audience. I love her writing and highly recommend The Unwedding.
Life is returning to normal for me and November 2024 is a significant part of that. A year of positive surprises makes up for the multi-year, “other shoe is about to drop” feeling that has influenced my life since 2019. Perhaps it is the calm after a bitter election campaign. I give credit to the Democrats for that.
Perhaps the reasoning is closer to home. We are expecting two new grandchildren (at least) to arrive in 2025. The circle of life continues, and the spirit is uplifting.
Extensive fall cleaning marked most of my time this past month. De-cluttering helps as does organization. The two go hand in hand. Having said that, it is very hard to throw things out. Thus, I try to recycle and gift as much as possible. Our little town has two secondhand stores and I donate on a regular basis. Giving to others can occur throughout the month and year. The thought that someone is putting a neglected item to use eases the pain of parting with memories.
My one trip this month was to a favorite location, Lexington, Kentucky. The weather was quite warm in early November (in contrast to the snow the television showed there on this last day of the month.) Short sleeves felt a bit strange with the beautiful foliage. Babies have been weaned from their mothers, and the paddocks no longer have little ones frolicking around the mares. Now, horses are grouped by age or perhaps by breeding status. Warm sun rays filtered through the colorful leaves.
November 2024 marked the completion of the second astronaut quilt. Same backing as the first with similar quilting. But the panels were arranged in a unique pattern. Take a look at the two side-by-side below. This one will be a Christmas present for my grandson. Hopefully he will enjoy the spaceships even though they do not have wheels.
It is hard to understand the tranquility I am experiencing in the midst of a world filled with conflict. Yet it exists, nonetheless. Gratefulness is so fulfilling that I hope each and every one of you may encounter such a feeling. I truly cherish these days.
Leaf Man written and illustrated by the late Lois Ehlert was first released in 2005. The iconic author includes an explanation of how she collected leaves from across the country to use in her illustrations in her Author’s Note. This children’s book has a simple story for showcasing the wonders o
f the Fall Season.
Two artistic effects make Leaf Man stand apart. First, leaves and other pieces of nature create the illustrations. Lois Ehlert combines various leaves, acorns, seed pods and even gumballs from the Sweetgum tree to create Leaf Man, turtles, chickens and turkeys among other creatures identified in the text.
The second special effect is the shape of the pages. The upper edges are unique and create patterns of mountains overall, while picturing prairies, lakes and streams on individual pages. The technique produces a stunning effect.
Leaf Man is geared toward the pre-school to early grade school crowd. Yet, the page shapes make the book stand out. Thus, it is best suited once children learn to turn the pages carefully. Or for an adult to read to a group of children at an arm-length.
The story explores the travel of a leaf that has blown away in the wind. As Leaf Man travels across the countryside, he passes farm animals as well as wildlife. Each page depicts the animals from a collage of leaves. Children love to spot the shapes illustrated by the leaves.
This classic is still available for purchase from both Barnes & Noble and Amazon. It is very likely available in your nearest bricks and mortar bookstore. I checked out a copy from my local library. It was a recent gift from the local Rotary Club. I missed the release due to my youngest being almost double digits when published. Kindergarteners should be able to identify sight words. First and second graders will enjoy sounding out the words with occasional help with a few words of advanced vocabulary. All kids will enjoy spotting the creatures shaped from leaves.
Many of my favorite children’s books were written by Lois Ehlert. Leaf Man is now a member of that group. If you have not read this book, find a copy. Better yet, buy a copy.
Laura Dave explores the complexities of families in The Night We Lost Him. Liam Samuel Noone is only alive during the prologue. But his life is the impetus of the story. Three wives and three children. Yet the love of his life for over fifty years refused to marry him. His sudden death brings two of his children together.
Nora and Sam are half-siblings. Sam’s twin Tommy plays only a minor role in the novel. Most of The Night We Lost Him focuses on the lack of closeness among the three growing up. And the bond created between Nora and Sam as they investigate the unusual death of their father.
Most of the story is told through the eyes of Nora. Yet there is also a thread of flashbacks focusing on Liam and Cory. The flashbacks give insight into the couple and why they never married.
Nora is used as a parallel to her father. She is torn between the love of her life and a former romantic interest-a man close to her father. Her determination to discover her father’s cause of death and his secrets separates her from her fiancé.
Her strengthening relationship with her brother Sam brings stability into her life at a time when both need someone to trust. Nora, having previously lost her mother, is a loner due to the unusual compartmentalization of Liam Noone’s multiple families.
A major thread in the novel is that of children following their own dreams. Nora achieved this by refusing to take part of the ownership in her father’s company. Sam took the opposite path and after an injury turned away from his dreams. Both have regrets.
In the flashbacks of The Night We Lost Him the reader sees how Liam Noone had his cake and ate it too. The moral ramifications lend both a twist and an explanation of his death.
The Night We Lost Him is an engaging story and a quick read. While it does not have the emotional tug of The Last Thing He Told Me, the novel entertains. Furthermore, the ending is much more satisfying. This would be a great book for holiday giving.
Laura Dave is quite the storyteller! Click here for a review of her novel The Last Thing He Told Me.