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Compelling reads for the long days of summer

There are lots of books this month and one of the absolute best was a nonfiction book by Wendy Moore called “No Man’s Land.” I was unaware that in 1914, two pioneering women physicians started the first women-run military hospital in London. While thousands of men were off fighting WWI, these women set up and staffed — entirely with women — one of the finest hospitals of the day. Of course, when the war ended, the government sent the entire staff home without even a pat on the back. A fascinating read.

“Sigh, Gone” is a memoir by Phuc Tran about growing up outside Philadelphia and finding how to fit in after coming here with his parents from South Vietnam as a toddler.

For crime lovers, I have several offerings. Don Winslow is one of my favorite writers and he doesn’t disappoint with his short stories in “Broken.” He does show a humorous side in one — a chimp, with a gun.

“The Janes” by Louisa Luna reminded me very much of Winslow’s style. This novel is the second with PI Alice Vega. Here she is in Southern California unearthing a trafficking ring. Do not underestimate this woman.

“A Beautiful Crime” is by Christopher Bollen. I enjoyed his previous work “The Destroyers,” which was set in the Greek isles. This one takes place in Venice, Italy, and involves grifters and an American expat living in the city of canals.

Peter Swanson penned “Eight Perfect Murders.” A bookstore owner’s forgotten post of perfect murder books may be inspiring a killer in and around Boston.

Angie Kim is a Korean-born, Harvard law school grad who mines her own life story to give us a complicated, soap-ish trial book, “Miracle Creek.” Though I found the characters to be unlikeable, the story is pertinent, well written, and would be excellent for a book club discussion. What would you do for your child? Lie? Kill? Go to prison? If you listen to the Audible version of this, there is a bonus author interview at the end which was enlightening.

“Pet Sematary” by Stephen King is one of the most truly frightening books I have ever read. I have enjoyed several others from King — the “Mr. Mercedes” trilogy was great and his most recent, “If It Bleeds,” was excellent. I usually do King’s books as audiobooks as they are expertly performed. His writing is deceptively simple.

“How Much of These Hills Is Gold” by C. Pam Zhang is a brilliant book. The story of sisters searching for home in the gold rush hills of California. This epic story has Chinese fable woven through a gritty story of familial love and the immigrant struggle.

Sam Pink writes short stories that can be frankly profane. His collection, “The Ice Cream Man and Other Stories” presents insightful and terse prose depicting the life of overlooked people who populate the fringes of society. A slim volume of decidedly worthy reading.

“The Everlasting” by Katy Simpson Smith is a masterful set of four stories over as many centuries set in Rome. My absolute favorite was the girl martyr. Interestingly, I found the contemporary character the least appealing. Commentary by the Devil throughout provides pause and the occasional chuckle. Highly recommend this book.

“A Registry of My Passage on Earth” by Daniel Mason is no beach read, but distinctly rewarding. Nine stories, several of them award winners, tell of human struggle, angst, discovery and endurance. He writes with momentum that will sweep you along.

 You can learn more at hello@beckysbookclub.com, on Instagram and beckysbookclub.com.

Daniel Island Publishing

225 Seven Farms Drive
Unit 108
Daniel Island, SC 29492 

Office Number: 843-856-1999
Fax Number: 843-856-8555

 

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