Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Laura & Emma by Kate Greathead


  • This is a novel about a single mother from a well-to-do New York family.
  • As a single mother a previously privileged woman encounters a different side of New York.  This causes her to question her values and priorities.
  • Overall, this is a quick read with engaging characters.  However, the ending struck a sour note for me.

Come from Away by Genevieve Graham


  • This novel is about connection during times of crisis, and how these connection may challenge our relationships.
  • This novel is set in Canada during World War II.
  • Overall, this is a soft romance novel with the odd twist of including a likable Nazi character.

Asymmetry by Lisa Halliday



  • Two seemingly unrelated stories reveal their connection only at the end.
  • This novel explores asymmetric relationships between an established author and a much younger aspiring writer.
  • The juxtaposition of the two stories reveals yet another asymmetry.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb


  • Taleb builds on Black Swan to explore what can survive and grow during black swan events.
  • While readers would benefit from being familiar with Black Swan, it is not necessary to have read to follow this book.
  • Taleb addresses antifragility in a number of venues ranging from banking to medicine.

What You Don't Know about Charlie Outlaw by Leah Stewart


  • This book is set in the entertainment industry with all the intrigue and fascination it entails.
  • There is a bit of adventure and plot action in this book.
  • This is a quick and fun read.

Monday, April 30, 2018

The Big Lie by Julie Mayhew


  • This is a fun and fast-paced YA read full of drama and self-discovery.
  • The setting for this novel is in a German-occupied UK that is grappling with the influence of American (enemy) popular culture.
  • This is an enjoyable read.  There is some German sprinkled in throughout the novel with translations immediately following.

A Higher Loyalty by James Comey


  • After following the headlines I wanted to better understand Comey's position and actions.  This book is a great way to hear from his point of view.
  • This book covers Comey's career working with both Republican and Democrat presidents.
  • Comes does a great job narrating the audiobook version of this title.