So Misguided

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn | Book Review

October 30, 2024 / Monique

Gosh, could I be any bigger fan of this author. Kate Quinn’s The Briar Club is a spellbinding exploration of loyalty, deception, and resilience amongst the women living at Briarwood House (boarding house) in Washington DC, 1950. It’s post-war America and McCarthy era politics are pitting neighbour against neighbour.

Mrs. Nilsson runs a tight ship, and she is tight fisted with money. When Grace March moves into the tiny attic room, Mrs. Nilsson—despite riffling through her suitcase uninvited—does not know she has just let the cat in amongst the pigeons. Grace draws the oddball collection of sullen, petty, and privacy-oriented women up to her small room every Thursday for a supper club. She susses out everyone’s problems and with ample grace smooths over tensions, teaches lessons, and is an all-around bright light. It’s like Mary Poppins for adults has waltzed in; and she likewise turns around the fate of the two Nilsson children.

But there are secrets Grace keeps tight to her chest, all the while bring others’ secrets to the forefront. The paranoia of the McCarthy era, the changing roles for women, the poverty and widening gap between rich and poor all play out in the small upper room of Briarwood House.

If you like Kate Quinn, you will like The Briar Club. I’d say this novel is more like The Phoenix Crown than The Rose Code, but it has all the wonderful traits of a Kate Quinn novel: history, strong women, and a deftly told story.

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig | Book Review

October 15, 2024 / Monique

Matt Haig’s The Life Impossible is an invitation to reimagine what it means to live with joy, hope, and curiosity, even amid life’s inevitable struggles. Known for his slight skews of reality (see The Midnight Library), Haig dives into the ways that we can find meaning and resilience even in the face of disappointment.

The story starts with retired math teacher Grace Winters inheriting a house on a Ibiza that was owned by her long-forgotten colleague Christina. At least Grace had long forgotten, but it turns out that Grace’s impromptu invitation to Christina to join her for a holiday dinner was just the boost that Christina needed. Grace unknowingly set her friend’s life on a path of adventure and, in her death, Christina wanted to do the same for Grace.

Grace is widowed, and her young son was killed by a lorry on a dark, rainy day. Grace is retired and basically mops around, unhappy with the cards she has been dealt. A spur of the moment decision takes her to Ibiza, where her life turns upside down (and eventually around).

Christina’s death is a bit mysterious, but she has left Grace at lot of clues about who to befriend, where to visit on the island, and how to take part in living life to the fullest. There’s a bunch of quiet magic here and island lore. But the sentiment of the novel is based in reality. Visit gorgeous places, make friends, do fun things, and get over yourself. Guilt and fear is what kills you, not lorry accidents, love affairs, jobs you hate, or even cancer.

The Life Impossible is a quiet, philosophical look at why seeking perfection is never a perfect solution. To live with wonder, to question, to try–knowing sometimes we’ll fail–is where the real magic of being alive lies.

The Atlas Complex by Olivie Blake

October 1, 2024 / Monique

The Atlas Complex by Olivie Blake is the highly anticipated final installment of The Atlas Six series, featuring six powerful young magicians who have given up everything to come study with Atlas Blake and have access to the archive. In the last book, part of the initiation ceremony was killing one of their cohort, which they did not do. They are each out in the world, and basically on the run from a rival organization called the Forum. At the same time, they are looking to reconvene and see if their theories on the nature of time and the metaverse are accurate.

This book is a tangled web of alliances, betrayals, friendships and sacrifices. The dark forces at play are sometimes from within their group and sometimes from outside it. They all have ambition but their loyalties are always shifting. They have paired up in unexpected ways in this novel.

The Atlas Six series is a great work of speculative fiction. It’s layered with complex characters, interesting moral questions, and promises a final showdown that demonstrates the power these six wield. It wasn’t my favourite of the three book but it was worth the read.

If you loved the morally complex world of The Magicians or the intricate power plays of the first two books in the Atlas Six series, then you’ll enjoy this one too. The finale rewards fans with closure but leaves enough of the door open for you to imagine alternative endings or a continuation.

Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz | Book Review

September 22, 2024 / Monique

In Projekt 1065, Alan Gratz crafts a thrilling World War II story that combines espionage, bravery, and the internal struggles of a boy caught in one of history’s darkest times. Gratz, known for his skillful depiction of young protagonists in war, once again delivers a tale of heroism set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany.

Michael O’Shaunessey, the son of an Irish diplomat, is living in Berlin with his parents during the height of the war. Though Ireland is officially neutral, Michael and his family are anything but uninvolved. His father is outwardly playing the diplomatic role, while his mother is secretly spying for the British, gathering vital intelligence for the Allies. Michael, as a member of the Hitler Youth, is tasked with playing along—pretending to support Nazi propaganda while quietly collecting information that could help win the war.

As Michael navigates the dangerous and morally complex world of the Hitler Youth, he forms an unexpected friendship with Fritz Brendler, whose father is involved in Projekt 1065, a top-secret plan to develop a revolutionary new airplane. This friendship becomes the key to Michael’s mission as he works to uncover the plans for the aircraft and pass them on to the Allies. Gratz expertly builds tension as Michael, already in a precarious position, becomes entangled in even riskier situations when he is recruited for a mission to Switzerland. His task: to help eliminate a group of scientists whose work for the Allied forces poses a threat to Nazis.

What sets Projekt 1065 apart from other World War II stories is the way it shows a young boy grappling with his own moral compass in a world where right and wrong seem increasingly blurred. Michael must make difficult decisions—balancing his role as a friend to Fritz and his duty to the greater good. The stakes are incredibly high, and Gratz doesn’t shy away from showing the intense pressure Michael faces as he puts his life on the line.

Gratz’s writing is crisp and fast-paced, keeping readers on edge as Michael faces one perilous situation after another. Michael’s inner turmoil is palpable, especially as he realizes the cost of his actions—both on a personal level and in the broader scope of the war. The friendships he forms, the sacrifices he makes, and his transformation from a boy pretending to be a spy to a true hero are at the heart of the story.

For readers who are fans of historical fiction, particularly those fascinated by World War II, Projekt 1065 offers a compelling, high-stakes narrative with a unique perspective. If you enjoyed Gratz’s other WWII novels like Heroes or Prisoner B-3087, this book will be right up your alley. It also holds appeal for those who liked Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief or Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See, with its intense portrayal of a young people caught in the moral complexities of war.

Mindful of Murder by Susan Juby | Book Review

September 22, 2024 / Monique

In Mindful of Murder, Susan Juby introduces readers to Helen Thorpe, a former Buddhist nun who is both surprisingly calm and unexpectedly thrust into the role of detective. The book marks the start of what promises to be an engaging and quirky series, filled with Juby’s signature wit and charm.

Helen, having just completed her butler training and ready to embark on her dream career, finds her plans interrupted when she is named the executor of the will of her late employer, Edna. This leads her back to Sutil Island, a tranquil, remote spot with a few less-than-tranquil residents. Tasked with evaluating four candidates to determine who is worthy of running Edna’s estate / spiritual retreat centre, Helen quickly discovers that the job is anything but serene. Her assignment involves sorting through a colourful cast of characters—each with their own motives, quirks, and less-than-mindful behaviour. It’s a world full of floral arrangements, meditation class, passive-aggressive feuds, and, of course, murder.

Helen’s Buddhist training is a central theme throughout the novel, offering a unique twist to the traditional cozy mystery genre. Her mindfulness practices and meditative approach to life are juxtaposed against the chaotic, petty, and sometimes ridiculous antics of the other characters, making for a delightful contrast. While Helen herself remains the picture of calm amidst the storm, her classmates—fellow butlers—follow suit, but their single local trainee and the four candidates demonstrate less composure. The way Juby weaves together these personality clashes—amid the pressure of solving a crime—makes for an entertaining, if unusual, detective tale.

Juby’s writing is clever, and she balances humour with the mystery’s unfolding drama well. The novel’s comedic moments are reminiscent of the dry, observational humour found in British mysteries, and the murder itself—believed to be a planned suicide due to Edna’s involvement in the death-positive club —is treated less like a shocking event and more like another quirky island incident to be handled.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a fun twist, Mindful of Murder will fit right into your bookshelf. Fans of Alexander McCall Smith’s The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency or Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club will find Helen’s blend of serenity and sly sleuthing refreshing. Or if mystery isn’t your thing, try Susan Juby’s other novels. I loved The Woefield Poultry Collective, and really enjoyed Susan Juby’s talk at the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts.

Check out Susan Juby’s website for more:

https://susanjuby.com/books/mindful-of-murder/

Good Energy by Casey Means, with Calley Means | Book Review

September 10, 2024 / Monique

Good Energy by Casey Means, MD, with her brother Calley Means, is a deep look at how people can reclaim their vitality. Energy slumps and general exhaustion have become the norm, but it shouldn’t be. Drawing from her experience as a doctor in the US healthcare system, Means emphasizes that feeling like shite is not inevitable. The book is a framework for optimizing your energy levels, with lessons on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mindfulness. There is a ton of info here that I already knew, but it’s packed with valuable insights and action plans.

Means’ American healthcare perspective differs from the Canadian one (the US seems far more capitalistic in terms of doctors/hospitals having a bias to higher billings vs. patient-centric care). But she’s spot on that doctors tend to discuss blood work that is out of range vs. commenting on numbers that are hitting the outer limits and thinking holistically about the story those numbers tell. She also digs into the underlying causes of low energy and how mitochondrial health—the powerhouse of our cells—needs to be addressed.

One of the core messages in Good Energy is the importance of feeding your body the right nutrients, and how that is key to energy production. Her advice on food is practical and there’s clear guidance on what to prioritize and what to avoid.

The book also provides guidelines on optimal ranges for key blood work metrics, including blood sugar levels, inflammation markers, and other health indicators that affect energy levels. Casey Means’ website offers a number of free resources on her blog, including a PDF about blood work. The measurements and ranges in the US are slightly different than Canada, but there are online sites that do the conversion so it’s still a useful guide. Here’s https://www.caseymeans.com/learn

Sleep is another major factor and Means highlights how critical quality sleep is for both mental and physical energy. Again, I wouldn’t say the tips are groundbreaking, but each section is a solid reminder of best practices.

If you’ve read books like Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker or Atomic Habits by James Clear, then you’ll enjoy Good Energy. It’s a great resource for anyone looking for a roadmap to a more energized, healthier life and who values a comprehensive, science-backed approach. This is not a quick solutions, self-medicate this way, guide. It’s about committing to long-term good habits in the way you eat, sleep, move, and meditate.

I highly recommend Casey Mean’s website. There are a ton of resources and a regular newsletter, as well as links to buy the book.

https://www.caseymeans.com

The Framed Women of Ardemore House by Brandy Schillace | Book Review

September 1, 2024 / Monique

The Framed Women of Ardemore House by Brandy Schillace is a delightful romp infused with wit, charm, and a cast of characters who are as quirky as they are endearing.

The story is set in village of Abington, UK, and mostly on the estate of Ardemore House, a grand yet dilapidated estate. The roof has certainly seen better days. The house, much like its former inhabitants, is filled with secrets and stories that unravel as the plot thickens.

The protagonist, Jo Jones, is an American woman with a past she’d rather not discuss and a talent for getting into trouble. When Jo inherits Ardemore House it is as much as surprise to her as it is to the residents of Abington. Jo takes up residence at Ardemore House, rather at the cottage initially, where the lewd caretaker Sid unexpectedly turns up dead on the rug. Jo is thrust into the middle of a mystery involving a missing painting, a murder, and an ensemble of eccentric residents, each with their own peculiarities. Will she ever get a chance to learn about her own family and this house?

Schillace’s writing is sharp and humorous. The pace of the novel is brisk. And there’s a sense of whimsy that permeates the narrative, making it a joy to read. The characters are wonderfully idiosyncratic, each bringing something unique to the table. Whether it’s the enigmatic barkeep with a penchant for knowing everyone’s business, or the bumbling yet lovable local detectives, Schillace has crafted a world that feels familiar yet delightfully strange.

The mystery at the heart of the novel is well-constructed, with enough twists and turns to keep even the most seasoned mystery reader guessing.

Overall, The Framed Women of Ardemore House is a fun, fast-paced read that will appeal to fans of lighthearted mysteries with a touch of the unusual. If you enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman or The Maid by Nita Prose, you’ll find a lot to love in this book.

Find out more:

The Double Life of Benson Yu by Kevin Chong | Book Review

August 19, 2024 / Monique

The Double Life of Benson Yu by Kevin Chong is a layered and thought-provoking novel that blends reality and imagination, fiction and autobiography. The story follows Benson Yu, a comic book artist who is grappling with the trauma of his past. As he begins to write a more serious autobiographical work, the lines between his life and his comic book creations start to blur. The narrative toggles between Benson’s present-day struggles and the fictionalized account of his younger self, which reveals painful truths he’s tried to bury.

The novel explores themes of identity, memory, and the ways in which we try to rewrite our own stories. I recently saw Kevin Chong present at the Sechelt Festival of Writers and he described it as a story about storytelling. And that’s 100% true. The novel is about how the past can haunt the present and the cathartic power of storytelling.

Chong’s writing is vivid yet introspective. The chapters focus on different perspectives and that forces the reader to question the boundaries between author and character, reality and fiction.

If you enjoy novels that challenge narrative conventions and explore complex emotional landscapes, The Double Life of Benson Yu is a compelling read. It’s reminiscent of works like Paul Auster’s The New York Trilogy or Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Unconsoled in its blending of the real and the surreal.

I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook but given the complexity of the story narration, it may have been a better read vs. listen. But Eric Yang is a great reader so the audiobook offered a lot too. It was also fun to hear author Kevin Chong talk about his writing process and how the ideas for this book came together. He’s not a planner, but instead starts writing and lets the ideas and problems/solutions present themselves. I found that intriguing and can see why it works for him.

A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins | Book Review

August 19, 2024 / Monique

You’ve probably hear of the bestseller The Girl on the Train? This is Paula Hawkin’s latest, A Slow Fire Burning, and it is equally entertaining with its various twists and turns.

Laura is a hot-tempered, troubled loner who ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Her typical refrain is, “it wasn’t my fault.” But maybe people hear that too often? They want Laura to accept responsibility. At the same time, they disregard that she has a brain injury due to a childhood incident where she was hit by a car. Unfortunately for Laura, she was last seen with Daniel Sutherland. Now he’s turned up dead.

Miriam recognizes Laura is troubled. It takes trouble to know trouble. Miriam is the first to report Daniel’s death but she hides evidence and isn’t truthful with the police. Miriam knows Daniel’s uncle Theo, whose runaway thriller is actually based on her teenage years. Miriam has tried to bring legal action against Theo but he’s got money, and she doesn’t.

Carla is Theo’s wife, Daniel’s aunt. And she has been grief stricken for 18 years. Her 3 year old son Ben was being minded by Angela (Carla’s sister), and he fell to his death. Angela’s son Daniel was young at the time but whether it was his alcoholic mother or witnessing his cousin’s death, Daniel has always been a handful. Carla has secretly stayed in touch with Daniel.

Irene is Angela’s former neighbour. Turns out Angela died in a freak accident shortly before Daniel. But the police have ruled that death an accident. Also turns out, Laura befriended Irene on the day Angela died. Mm. So many layers.

A Slow Fire Burning is a great muddle of a mystery with revenge, heartbreak, and secrets galore. Great for fans of Little Fires Everywhere and other family dramas, psychological thrillers.

The Lost Book of Bonn by Brianna Labuskes | Book Review

August 14, 2024 / Monique

The Lost Book of Bonn is perfect for fans of Kate Quinn’s The Rose Code. It’s a story of bravery and resistance in the face of injustice.

The novel is set in Germany, 1946, with flashbacks to the 1930s and early years of the 1940s. Our protagnoist, Librarian Emily Clarke has just arrived in Bonn. She is there at the request of the U.S. Library of Congress, which is cataloguing and acquiring books plundered by the Nazis. There are divisions in the massive depot where Emily works that are dedicated to determining if personal connections can be identified and returned to surviving family members, others that bring Jewish literature to refugees, and Emmy’s branch which takes key works stolen by high-ranking Nazis and assesses if they can be returned to their rightful owners or are available to be acquired by the Library of Congress and shipped to the U.S.

The background story is about how the Nazis tried to re-write history by stealing and destroying books and art, or by hiding and examining those works as a way to position themselves as superior. The story at the forefront is Emmy’s search to find the owner of a poetry collection by Rainer Maria Rilke that has a beautiful handwritten dedication of love on the title page: “My dearest Annelise, my brave Edelwiess Pirate.” Emmy is keen to find Annelise and her lover Eitan. Interwoven into that story is the love story of Annalise and Eitan. The chapters move between Emmy’s present day (1946) and that of Annalise and her sister Christina (1936 to 1943).

This is a quick read, an intriguing story, and a timely reminder that the consequences of war are felt well beyond the dates of the conflict.

The Lost Book of Bonn by Brianna Labuskes is published by HarperCollins Canada.