Book picks for May echo life’s ups and downs

The selections this month are not particularly light reading.

 

Sometimes you have to read something with harsh reality or unpleasant scenes.

 

Life is not always easy, but try one or more of these offerings.

 

In nonfiction:

“A Very Private School” by Charles Spencer. The U.S. had the Catholic priest scandals, Ireland the nuns at the convents, England has its boarding school sins. The abuse of young people is difficult to read about, but this is Spencer’s story, and it deserves to be heard.

 

“If You Can’t Take the Heat” by Geraldine DeRuiter. This is a collection of essays from a noted food blogger. Though a bit uneven, a few of the entries make the entire book worth a look. In particular, her description of a dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant is both horrifying and hilarious. She is a bold feminist, and if her ranting gets on your nerves, just turn the page and move on, just don’t skip the piece on Mario Batali, which won a James Beard Award for writing. Good as an audiobook.

 

In fiction:

“James” by Percival Everett. This is an outstanding read. The Huckleberry Finn tale as experienced by Jim. Everett’s mastery of language allows him to present significant moral questions (how do Christians align themselves with amoral practices like slavery, oppression) with acuity. An excellent choice for a book club.

 

“Matterhorn” by Christopher Reich. This is a nonstop spy thriller set in Switzerland. Very “Mission Impossible”-like and a riveting read.

 

“Help Wanted” by Adelle Waldman. The personal stories of the people who run a big-box store. The power dynamics of the workplace, the logistics of stocking and running such a store, and the management and staff with their foibles and dramas. Another good choice for discussion with its topics of capitalism, low-wage workers, diversity, and personal responsibility.

 

“Glorious Exploits” by Ferdia Lennon. Sicily during the Peloponnesian War (400 B.C.) The captured Athenians are being held in an old quarry, and two young men, currently unemployed, decide to use the prisoners to put on a play. It sounds ridiculous, but the story is funny, bold, dramatic, grim, and human. 

 

“A Great Country” by Shilpi Somaya Gowda. The Shah family immigrated to California 20 years ago and has achieved the American dream. Then their 12-year-old son is arrested in a confusing situation. This is an honest look at decisions made for right and wrong reasons. A third suggestion for a book club.

 

“The Body in Question” by Jill Ciment. Courtroom drama, family drama, sexual tension. Escapist fare, but darkly engaging.

 

“Wolf at the Table” by Adam Rapp. This is a somber tale of drama, crime, and family dynamics. Rapp is an award-winning playwright and Pulitzer finalist.

 

“Hero” by Thomas Perry. A security agent prevents the burglary of a wealthy couple and is targeted by the gang leader, who feels it made him look weak. Set in California, the media comes into play and is manipulated to take the agent from hero to villain.

 

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