September Reads ~

The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock - Imogene Hermes Gowar.  A very strange tale!  The story of Jonah Hancock, a shipping merchant, intertwined with the life of Angelica Neal, a famous courtesan, and the spell of a mermaid.  Though fickle and flawed, the characters get under your skin, causing you to believe and root for them. The historical vision of London whose modern streets I have walked was a bonus.

Castle Shade - Laurie R. King.  Had put this one of King's stories of Holmes and Russel aside due to a concern that it would be marred by vampires.  Didn't feel that Sherlock would fall for such.  No need to fear!  It was fun and a nice break from some of my heavier recent reads.

Lincoln in the Bardo - George Saunders.  The most original and strange format for a historical novel (or any novel really!!!) I have EVER read, capturing at least some of the horror and pain of America's Civil War, but mostly - through an incredible cast of characters whose lives (and deaths) - confirm the beauty that is life and love.  (Made B read it!)  Thinking about it still...

Sherlock Holmes - various stories - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  Re-reads.  Just needed a little Sherlock.  He never disappoints!

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows - Balli Kour Jaswal.  Brilliant.  Yet another incredibly different format for story telling (a theme this month???) but extremely effective and perfect.  Nikki, daughter of Indian immigrants, born in London - law school drop out, working as a bar tender - takes a job teaching creative writing at the local community center in the heart of London's Punjabi community.  It turns out that neither the job nor the students are what they at first appear.  However, through erotic tales, the Punjabi widows share the stories of their lives - or the lives they wish they'd had.  In doing so, revealing their true selves and their community, becoming a threat to the secrets and authority of the Brotherhood.  Incredibly well written with lots to say about community, women, and religion.  The fact that I have been to and enjoyed a wonderful day on Goldhawk Road and Shepherd's Bush made it even more special.

Book Lovers - Emily Henry.  A bit clichéd, but a fun and absorbing read of star crossed lovers who are a bit uptight and stand in their own way - for a minute.  Henry's characters are real and multifaceted.  I immediately wanted to read another of her books, but paused, fearing it might simply be a rerun.  Unfair assumption not having read them.  I am sure I will capitulate in time.  As always, books about books are forever fun. 

A good month of reads - slightly frivolous but engaging stories that still had wonderful well developed characters combined with more thoughtful and important works.  Perfection. 

Read and live chaotically! ~ les