Winter Reading
One of my favorite authors Dani Shapiro says it beautifully: “Stories pierce our solitude and make us feel less alone.” What better way to encourage a friend, celebrate a birthday or just say “thank you” to a coworker, than by sharing a book? They make the best gifts and in this issue I’ve included a mix of genres to give you inspiration for the book lover on your list, or to treat yourself! Shorter days and cooler temperatures are the perfect recipe for curling up in front of the fire and relaxing with a cup of tea and a good book.
Call Your Daughter Home by Deb Spera
Set in 1924 in Branchville, South Carolina as the rest of the country is headed toward the Great Depression, the deep south is suffering from the lingering devastation of the Civil War and the boll weevil infestation. Gertrude, Annie and Retta narrate this mesmerizing tale from incredibly different backgrounds - yet connected through circumstance. Their powerful story will stay with you long after you finish the last page. Rarely have I been as captivated by a book and characters as this debut novel by Deb Spera, successful television writer and producer (Criminal Minds and Army Wives). Spera spent childhood summers on her grandparents farm in Branchville, where she grew up listening to their stories. She learned the importance of home, family, resourcefulness and the ferocity of mothers. If there’s a reader on your Christmas list who loved “Where the Crawdad’s Sing” by Delia Owens, this would be a fantastic gift.
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummings
American Dirt is now on my ever-expanding list of BEST BOOKS OF 2020 because it’s an engaging story with a fast pace and excellent, credible characters.
Why do people risk their lives to get to America? American Dirt is one mother’s story of risking everything to escape a violent and corruption-filled life in Mexico. Like many of you, I’m tired of all the political arguments surrounding immigration. Even though I have beliefs and convictions about legal and illegal immigration, I enjoy reading something that challenges what I think and believe.
And just in case you need more encouragement to read this gripping tale, the book jacket has glowing endorsements from well known authors John Grisham, Kristin Hannah, Ann Patchett and Stephen King.American Dirt is a work of fiction, but so was Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Both Sides of the Bars - Model Officer to Model Inmate by Anthony Bryant
This deeply personal story is about a former police officer who shocks his local community after his arrest in a Savannah, Georgia drug sting in 1997. He went from being a model officer to a prisoner. His account is both sobering and inspiring. Both Sides of the Bars digs deep into his experience of becoming a police officer, as well as his time in prison. It’s important to note, Mr. Bryant is a man of faith and is passionate about sharing his story to teach others using the difficult lessons he learned.
Bryant shares his story by speaking nationally about life on both sides of the bars and will be speaking to my book club this month. If you enjoy memoir or biography, this is the book for you!
Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland
I typically do not enjoy a “quiet” book where not much happens so this one is an exception. Rachel Beanland, former University of South Carolina graduate, does an excellent job of drawing the reader into the life of the Adler family. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m excited to recommend it to you.
In the beginning pages, the reader learns Florence, an accomplished and competitive swimmer drowns while training to swim the English Channel. Her pregnant sister Frannie is in the hospital on bed rest due to a fragile pregnancy after losing a baby the year before. Fear leads the family to make the decision to keep the death a secret until the baby is born in a few months.
What follows is a touching - and at times troubling - portrait of a Jewish family in 1934 in Atlantic City, NJ trying to pretend things are just fine.
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
This classic-yet-modern fairy tale begs to be read aloud, preferably with someone you love. Yes, technically it’s a children’s book, but I will go to my grave recommending children’s literature to adults. Published in 2003 and winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal, this book has the distinction of being on the “Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children.” Most children couldn’t care less about book awards and special designations, they simply yearn for a good story, told well and shared with someone they love. Main character Despereux is a tiny mouse with outrageously large ears; he’s not like the other mice in the castle. His mission is to save Princess Pea, who has been cast into the dungeon. Kate DiCamillo expertly uses unconventional characters to weave themes of darkness vs light, being different, and the power of forgiveness.
Betsy Crawford spends her free time visiting bookstores and libraries; reading and reviewing all types of books. To read more of her reviews, visit BetsytheBookWhisperer.com.
