Lynn
Eliza is a rebel. Born to an English upper class family, she is unmarried (gasp!); wants to be a writer (absolutely not!); and wants to work in the kitchen (sounds of her mother fainting!) To top it off, she befriends her kitchen maid (unheard of!). This is one of those books that I didn't want to end.
A woman walks into an aquarium and befriends the resident octopus.....sound like the beginning of a joke? Instead, it's an absolutely delightful book about just that. If you read this and watch the documentary "My Octopus Teacher" you will likely never eat octopus again!
Can family drama be a fun read? In this instance, the answer is a resounding YES! With the backdrop of a long-standing family owned restaurant, the siblings try to work out their own personal issues and their relationships, complicated by working together. And it was fun finding out the meaning of the title!
If I were to tell you this book is a story of thousands of women across the world suddently sprouting wings and turning into dragons, would you run away screaming?! If so, you will be missing out on an amazing read. For me, it is about the self-actualization and empowerment of women. Barnhill's talent for writing a beautiful story with layers of messages shines through. And, yes, I cried.
Solace is defined as "comfort in sorrow or misfortune." In this instance, the town is aptly named. Liam comes to Solace at a time of upheaval in his life, divorce and unemployment. Elizabeth is suffering the ultimate upheavals of illness and old age. Eight year old Clara's life is upended by her older sister's actions. Together their stories are a beautifully woven tale of life, love and loss.
Originally published in 2019, this is one of those books that continuously appears on recommended reading lists. Both my son and I cannot stop talking about it.
Red and Blue are the most talented time travelling agents in their rival companies. They begin to leave letters for each other, sabotaging and taunting and, eventually, realizing they have come to care for each other.
This is one of the most sophisticated, complex, sci-fi/love stories I have ever read with an amazing twist at the end.