Behind the Book Blog

By: Tracey Lange

RECOMMEND

TLDR: If you’re into family dramas with lots of secrets and dripping in dry wit then this novel is for you. Tara Connelly is newly released from prison following a drug trafficking incident, and is working on putting her life back together. It’s a fun look at a not-so-stereotypical-dysfunctional family.

The Longer Review: When I originally read the synopsis for this novel I thought for some reason it’d be based in The UK somewhere, so the fact that the main character had been imprisoned for drug trafficking felt like an interesting juxtaposition. This is actually based in the New England area and the “of County Down” relates to fairy tales that the Connelly’s Irish mother told them as children.

Tara Connelly has to put her life back together after being released from prison. That means trying to escape her charges, find work, and regain some normalcy. Her job search is not without challenges, and her past keeps coming back to haunt her, though for much of the time you aren’t quite clear on why. There are some interesting family dynamics among this family for certain. And learning how they each came to be the quirky adults they are was a nice little bow around this story.

By: Celeste Ng

RECOMMEND

TLDR: This wasn’t my favorite of Ng’s novels (I prefer Little Fires Everywhere), but it was worth a read, particularly if you enjoy dystopian novels. This follows a family of 3 as they’re separated following an uptick in anti-Asian rhetoric, politics, and ultimately violence.

The Longer Review: My first thought after beginning this book was that I couldn’t tell if this was based in the past or future. I found myself wondering if there was some part of American History that I missed, because the plot was so believable that it felt like I had. The Author’s note helped clear that up for me: it’s based in a totally fictional present day New England.

Bird (aka Noah) is a young boy whose mother has left without a trace following an increase of violence and conflict against Asian Americans due to recently passed legislation called PACT. He has no idea where she’s gone, or why, other than it likely has something to do with PACT. His curiosity is piqued when he learns that activists are using a line from one of his mother’s poems (“Our Missing Hearts”) to fight back against the removal and relocation of children of “violators” of the law.

There are definitely some interesting twists in this story, but overall it wasn’t my absolute favorite. Maybe simply because like The Handmaid’s Tale, it felt too real and too sad most of the time.

By: Alli Frank & Asha Youmans

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

TLDR: Nina Morgan Clarke is a first-gen Jamaican-American, PhD, new Head of private school, divorcee, mom to a strong-willed teen, and all around bad-ass. Her mid-life surprise isn’t necessarily surprising, but what I love about this novel is that it’s about so much more than Nina’s romantic life. She’s dynamic, she’s a force to be reckoned with, and you’ll want to be part of her inner circle too.

The Longer Review: Nina has kicked ass over the last couple of years to achieve her goals and create the life she wants to live. Want the dream leadership role? Get a PhD. CHECK. Want to appease the ex and the teenager? Send her to the prestigious boarding school across the country. CHECK. Make sure your dad is okay following the loss of your mom. CHECK.

When a brief celebratory girls trip leads her to meet Leo, life takes an interesting turn for Nina. Like the boss she is, she tackles everything with poise and grace – but you can only avoid processing the emotions of everything for so long. This new romantic relationship poses challenges for Nina that force her to re-frame her own perspectives and make room for things she hadn’t previously considered. But what was the most fun about this novel was that new love didn’t equal entirely new life. It was so inspiring and empowering to get to see Nina tackle her career and the challenges at work head-on while still juggling the challenges in her romantic and personal lives. A reminder to us all that while sometimes the world may expect us to be everything to everyone – we get to choose the things that matter to us at the end of it all.

This novel made me laugh out loud many times. Marisol and Roan, two of Nina’s friends, are also very dynamic characters and will make you want to join in on the regular salon dates. Fitzroy – Nina’s dad – is a parent to us all. Xandra – Nina’s daughter – is every bit the frustrating teenager and yet the daughter that we’d all be proud to have. Kudos to the authors for creating such relatable, and meaningful characters.

By: Genevieve Wheeler

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

TLDR: At a certain point I could not put this down. I was so enthralled by the story line and the characters. I laughed, I cried, I loved and I loathed. This novel is incredible. Don’t miss it.

The Longer Review: I love a novel that leaves me feeling so connected to the character(s). This one is so beautifully written and offers so many insights into human behavior and decision-making. I want to be Adelaide’s friend; I want to be friends with her friends. So many times I just wanted to offer her a hug, or tell her that of course she’s amazing. Anything that inspires that level of emotional response typically ends up on my must-read list.

Adelaide is a US expat in London, finishing up a Master’s Degree in Communications when she meets and falls in love with Rory. This is so much more than a love story though. It visits and emphasizes the power of female friendships, learning to stop comparing yourself to others, the struggle of overcoming trauma and grief, and the importance of taking care of yourself in order to properly care for others.

The “Aha!” moment in this novel is breath-taking. And it has absolutely nothing to do with a romantic relationship, but rather Adelaide’s relationship with herself. AND I ABSOLUTELY ADORE THAT. Read this. Like yesterday. And then come back here and tell me what you think about it!

Up Next: The Better Half, by Ali Frank & Asha Youmans. A random discovery via the Mindy Kaling Book Studio.

By: Krystle Zara Appiah

Recommend

TLDR: This book follows Efe on her journey through adolescence into adulthood, and Sam her best friend (and eventual husband). Their relationship – like most – brings twists and turns. The age-old question returns: Can a relationship work when people want entirely different things out of life? This gets a “recommend” because I was in literal tears at the ending – even if not entirely surprised by it.

The Longer Review:

The book starts with a jolt; Efe is gone and Sam has no idea where she went. He can’t get a hold of her; he only knows that she’s left him with their 4-year-old daughter, Liv. Each chapter of this novel is part of a countdown, though to what exactly you’re not sure.

Efe’s been through a lot – her childhood was far from picture-perfect. So it comes as no surprise to the reader that she’s not all that interested in becoming a mother. When Efe does eventually find her place in the world as an agent to artists and an employee of an art gallery, she’s not thrilled to learn that she’s pregnant. Sam, however, has dreamt of building the family he never had. Efe knows how much a baby means to Sam – her teenage best friend – so with his promises of support agrees to something she expressly stated she never wanted. The typical challenges of parenthood are combined with each of their personal and professional challenges to create the perfect storm.

It was interesting to read the opposing perspectives, to understand each of them completely, and to still hope that this couple could make it. I really enjoyed the character development, and how real each one of them seemed. Again – I fully sobbed at the end of this story. Give it a read and let me know what you think!

By: Rebecca Makkai

RECOMMEND

TLDR: This is not your average murder mystery. This author thoughtfully weaves in questions about sexual assault, youth, and the American Criminal Justice System. The main character (a film producer and pod caster) re-visits her boarding school as a guest teacher; one of her students decides to deep dive into the case of her former roommate’s murder as a topic for her class. It’s delicate, intricate, and you’ll want to read this. Sort of a slow burn, so it lost the “highly recommend” distinction for me.

The Longer Review:

In a society that can’t shake an obsession with true crime, this story about a previously closed murder case of an old high school roommate is one that is fraught with questions like: Is the wrong person in prison for this crime?; Is it too hard on the victim’s family to keep re-visiting a closed case?; Do I have too much emotional attachment to the case to see it clearly enough?; Did the professionals do their due diligence?; the list goes on.

What I liked about this novel was the imagery (set in a boarding school in New England), along with the re-visiting of youth and the places that shape us. I can imagine all of the memories of the places we’ve been flooding back to me, and I’ve experienced the realizations that come when you look back with a more mature perspective. I also enjoyed the thoughtful character development; so many of the family, friends and students felt like real people. By the end of the novel I found myself reading the acknowledgements looking for the “based on a true story” bit that never came. The author explicitly states that though she did in fact attend a boarding school, this story and it’s characters are completely fictional.

The transition of perspectives was a little confusing at first, but I did eventually catch on. And the twist wasn’t SO shocking, but once it came I couldn’t put this book down. If you’re into murder mysteries with a twinge of nostalgia, this one is a great pick.

By: Monica Heisey

RECOMMEND

TLDR: Maggie is going through a breakup, and trying to figure out a new plan for life without the person that she thought she’d share everything with. This is a comedy, and a (mostly) lighthearted read.

The Longer Review: Maggie lives in Toronto with her husband Jon, until that is – she decides that she and Jon no longer ‘work’. Following Maggie’s eratic and emotional journey post-separation feels very authentic to the human experience when going through a divorce. The author is witty, and brings levity to an otherwise tumultuous scenario.

No life lessons or emotional awakenings here; just the relationship grieving process brought to life. For a moment, likely because the separation was her idea, Maggie tries to cling to the idea that she’s doing really well actually. Her friends and family know her better than that though, with one friend eventually calling Maggie a “little garbage tornado”. I identified with Maggie’s tendency to overthink things and even her desire to over-communicate (though I admittedly lack her bravery to hit ‘send’). I also think that the author channeled every woman’s inner critiques beautifully in this novel (‘I hate my arms’, ‘If I could just get rid of that forehead wrinkle’, etc.), even if Maggie may occasionally take even those to another lever.

By: Kate Clayborn

RECOMMEND

TLDR: This is a RomCom that’s slightly heavier on the [fairly steamy] Rom – which was unexpected. All in all, it’s a quick, cute read so if RomCom’s are your thing I say go for it. Georgie is an endearing main character and I also found myself interested in the story lines of several of the secondary characters.

The [slightly] Longer Review: Georgie All Along follows a newly laid off Personal Assistant to a big-time movie Producer as she heads back to her hometown to visit her very pregnant best friend while she attempts to figure out what’s next. If the words “Hallmark Movie” are flashing in your head right now, let me say – I get it. And also you’re not entirely wrong. The author actually makes mention of the topic a couple of times; not sure if this was to throw the reader off the scent or because the author genuinely believes that this isn’t the same thing.

Regardless, this was a fun and easy read. The character development and writing were nice, and I do think it offers some unique story elements even if not entirely realistic. I like a story that makes me feel like I might know some of the people in it. Again – if RomCom’s are your thing then Happy Reading! 🙂

By: Bonnie Garmus

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

TLDR: You will not regret spending time with this novel. The characters and story lines are so relatable that you’ll find yourself wishing that you were friends. It’s a story about the struggles of females in the ’60s, about non-traditional families, and about finding community in unexpected places.

The Longer Review: This novel inspires hope and courage through it’s protagonist – Elizabeth Zott. A chemist, a mother, a survivor, a feminist, Elizabeth is uniquely and un-apologetically true to herself through all the trials and tribulations that so many women of her time suffered. As you follow her journey from student to working professional to mother to TV Personality (yes, there are some fun twists), you find yourself not only rooting for her, but inspired and utterly charmed by her.

Elizabeth’s story begins like so many others. She’s a student aspiring to be a Chemist, when life hands her an experience that changes her plans. When she begins her career, life hands her another surprise in the form of falling in love with Calvin Evans – a famous Chemist in his own right. Elizabeth handles the sneers and judgement about her relationship with the notorious Evans, but the surprises keep coming. Ultimately, Elizabeth becomes the picture of perseverance, and subsequently this story gifts us so many other wonderful and charming characters.

There are also some really fun, relatable tidbits as it pertains to work. One of my favorites was a bit that said “Idiots make it into every company. They tend to interview well”. I will personally be referring to that as a mantra when I’m frustrated at work. Another was about the excuses we as a society give ourselves for the status quo, when really we have the power to improve things.

I’m so grateful that I decided to pick this one up. I love a book that leaves me feeling hopeful that there’s more possibility in this world than the news or social media may have us believe. If not us, then who? If not now, then when?

By: Casey Wilson

Recommend

TLDR: This autobiographical book of essays will make you feel like you’re chatting with a friend, particularly if you’re fond of comedy and Bravo TV. It’s a light non-fiction break.

The Longer Review: You probably know Casey Wilson, even if you think you don’t. She’s seemingly like Kevin Bacon in that there are never more than six degrees of separation between her and very notable films/TV shows. She co-wrote and appeared in Bride Wars (movie), did a stint on SNL, and co-starred in Happy Endings (TV series).

The Wreckage of My Presence is an easy read, and relatable for many. There are no ‘big lessons’ to learn here; simply childhood memories, parenting and Hollywood anecdotes, and LOTS of Real Housewives references.