American by Day - Derek B. Miller

American by Day - Derek B. Miller

Publication Date: April 3, 2018

She read

A Norwegian police officer, on leave following her involvement in a shooting, travels to the United States to find her brother who has disappeared in upstate New York. He is wanted by the local police for questioning when his African American girlfriend plunges to her death shortly after a jury exonerates the white police officer who shot and killed her nephew while he was playing with friends. 

I really enjoyed this book.  Miller’s biting observations of American life, its excesses and quirks, along with unorthodox characters were rollicking good fun.  Yet, he was also able to present a searing critique of the brutality of inequality and racism in our society.  I highly recommend this book.

The Italian Party - Christina Lynch

The Italian Party - Christina Lynch

Release date: March 20, 2018

She read.

A newly married American couple move to Siena in 1956, ostensibly so he can sell Ford tractors to the farmers in the area recovering from the war.  Both carry secrets with them as they negotiate the values, mores, and fashion of the 1950s as well as Sienese culture.  

Told from the points of view of both the husband and wife, this was a fast paced entertaining read.  The book features complex character development, a good story, and insight into the politics of the Italian government in that era as well as the historical significance of life in siena, emphasizing the  Palio and, of course, the food. 

I thought the author perfectly captured the time and place. For me, the experience of getting a car stuck in the ancient, narrow, Tuscan streets in the opening chapter was all too real and amusing, having had a similar experience in the nearby town of Montalcino!  Anyone who has visited or would like to visit Siena will be charmed by this book.

Not That I Could Tell - Jessica Strawser

Not That I Could Tell  - Jessica Strawser

Publication Date:  March 27, 2018

She read

The day after a group of neighborhood women get together, one of them vanishes with her twins.  Newly separated from her husband and seeking a divorce, did she leave of her own volition or was it something more sinister? 

As we learn more about the remaining friends, especially the two main characters, Clara and Izzy, and their own secrets, the truth is slowing revealed. 

This is a compelling read with strong character development. Trying not to be a spoiler, I have to say the ending did make me reassess my feelings about Clara and her allegiance to Izzy. I think this aspect would make a good discussion for a book club.  

Alternate Side - Anna Quindlen

Alternate Side - Anna Quindlen

Release Date: March 20, 2018

She read

I loved this book. Anna Quindlen’s witty observations of life, especially marriage and her biting humor made this a story I could not put down.  Some people are born to be smitten by New York City, others not so.  As one of the former, I felt Quindlen captured the essence of The City and all there is to love (except, of course, for the rats!).  

Force of Nature - Jane Harper

Force of Nature  - Jane Harper

Release date:  Feb. 6, 2018

She read

Five Australian women head into the wilderness of the fictional Giralong Ranges on a corporate retreat; only four return after being lost and disoriented. Federal Agents Aaron Falk and Carmen Cooper join in on the search for the missing woman because she was to supply them with insider information for an ongoing investigation of the women's firm.  Added to the danger is the fact that Giralong Ranges was the past locale of a serial killer whose son might still be on the loose. 

The action moves back and forth between the retelling of what occurred on the hike and the search. The backgrounds and complex interrelationships among the five women are revealed, as well as insight into the character of Falk.  

Harper is an excellent storyteller, revealing one layer at a time. She is evocative in her depiction of the harsh desolation and danger of the back country.  The suspense builds, the resolution not so obvious.   

This is the second in a series about Aaron Falk. I did not read the first one, but don’t feel that took away from my enjoyment of this page turner.  I recommend it.