Paris for One - Jojo Moyes. Short stories. Okay. Some better than others. Not close to "Me Before You" - but a nice diversion from recent heavier reading.
Trains and Lovers - Alexander McCall Smith. Interesting dissertation on love - of various sorts. McCall Smith - always able to preach without a sermon.
The Beekeeper's Apprentice - Laurie R. King. Lovely introduction to Holmes in retirement and his young friend Russell. King is able to keep the tenor of Arthur Conan Doyle's Holmes resonant without being redundant or reductive. Enjoyed!
A Monstrous Regiment of Women - Laurie R. King. This sadly felt incredibly pertinent to today's perils for women's rights as each chapter was introduced by incredibly infuriating quotes from all manner of men and the Bible deriding the rights and abilities of women, though they eventually morph into quotes that recognize female ability and what women accomplish daily. As does Holmes.
The Marriage of Mary Russell - Laurie R. King. Short story covering the only wedding possible for Holmes and Russell. Nicely done.
Garment of Shadows - Laurie R. King. Holmes and Russell - abduction and espionage in Morocco.
Dreaming Spies - Laurie R. King. Another Russell and Holmes tale, much of it taking place in Japan.
The Murder of Mary Russell - Laurie R. King. Mostly the tale of Mrs. Hudson and Billy. A nice addition to how Mrs. Hudson came to be Holmes' housekeeper!
Riviera Gold - Laurie R. King. A continuation of Mrs. Hudson's story. Not quite as good. But loved getting to travel to Nice and Antibes again!!!
Everything I Never Told You - Celeste Ng. The story of a Chinese American Family. Their efforts to fit in, yet retain their culture in America as Americans. The death of a daughter (no spoiler - it is revealed in the first sentence) unravels at least a portion of the secrets, expectations, and fears they (and we) fail to share with those we are closest to.
Crying in H Mart - Michelle Zauner. Zauner shares her life growing up with her Korean mom and American dad. Her difficulty fitting in - simultaneously desiring to be more Korean for her mom and aunts, yet more accepted as a regular American kid among her school mates. Her teenage pull against her mom's exhortations, knowing all the while they are rooted in her mother's tremendous love for her. Culminating in her mother's diagnosis, treatment and death from cancer. Through it all, it was their powerful connection through their mutual love for Korean food that kept them close and in the end, allowed Zauner to cope with the loss of her mom. Sharing H Mart with my girl made her story real and even more touching for me.
Read chaotically! ~ les
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