May book picks!
My first book recommendation has been called “a masterpiece,” “a spectacular work of fiction,” and “a war story like no other.” Ultimately, it is a story of fathers and sons, love, betrayal, and how decisions effect lives for generations.
“The Volunteer” is by Salvatore Scibona, Guggenheim Foundation honoree and winner of multiple writing awards. He has been likened to Don DeLillo and this book is not a breezy lark, but worth the effort to soak up Scibona’s extraordinary talent with words.
“Joy” by Erin McGraw is far lighter. A collection of short stories - some less than a page - that will delight you. Another quick but satisfying read is “The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell” by Robert Dugoni. Sam is born with ocular albinism which is just a stand-in for anything that makes us different from the crowd. My one criticism is the faulty medical details, but if you don’t know the difference it will not affect the story for you. One more in the easy reading list is “Southern Lady Code” by Helen Ellis. Funny essays by a Southern lady living in NYC.
For a thriller, try “Save Me from Dangerous Men” by S.A. Lelchuk. A female vigilante with multiple abilities including firearms and an impressive intellect.
Two historical fiction novels – “The Parting Glass” by Gina Marie Guadagnino is a gritty upstairs/downstairs tale from 19th century New York. Mary Ballard is a house maid with secret predilections. A somewhat more delicate story is “Death of a New American” by Mariah Fredericks. Set in 1912, Jane Prescott is a lady’s maid who should be a detective. This is second in a series but you do not need to read the first book. I look forward to more with Ms. Prescott.
And because I love history, “American Eden: David Hosack, Botany and Medicine in the Garden of the Early Republic” by Victoria Johnson. Dr. David Hosack was an acclaimed physician (he was attendant at the Hamilton/Burr duel) and renown botanist. He dedicated much of his career and personal fortune to start a botanical garden in New York City at what is now the site of Rockefeller Center. There is a plaque there in his honor which I plan to find on my next trip. This meticulously researched and ultimately readable book illuminates the birth of our country, the science of botany and the history of medicine, which started with only plants for medicines. A guaranteed winning read. Enjoy!
Becky Bechhold is a Daniel Island resident who describes herself as “a voracious reader.” Prior to moving to the island, she was part of a book club that had met for over 20 years. She has a record of all the books they read! After Becky contributed a list of book suggestions for a summer reading issue in The Daniel Island News last year, a reader got in touch to compliment Becky’s insights and ask for more! She was more than happy to oblige.