Book #56:
The Push by Tommy Caldwell (Length: 344 pages). This is a memoir written by the world’s best free climber. There isn’t a ghost writer listed but he does mention receiving help from friends in writing this very well-written (for a sports memoir) book. The last quarter of this book details the first (and last) free ascent of the Dawn Wall in Yosemite’s El Capitan, and his account is equal parts riveting and inspirational. The first portion of the memoir is relatively interesting, especially when he recounts being held hostage by militants in Kyrgyzstan. I could’ve done without the back and forth on his relationships and marriages, but it IS a memoir. All in all, this would make an excellent gift for any athlete or adventure lover in your life.
Book #57:
Restless Dolly Maunder by Kate Grenville (Length: 257 pages). This short novel has been nominated for a few book awards, so I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, even though it’s a historical fiction novel (my least favorite genre). This book is about a real woman born in the late 1800s in North South Wales, Australia, and the author is Dolly Maunder’s granddaughter. Obviously very well-researched and well-written, this is essentially an account of Dolly’s life, from birth to death. The author deftly illustrates how frustrating it must have been to be a strong-willed and intelligent woman living during this time period. I really wanted to like her, but I just couldn’t (based on several decisions she made). I do respect her though, and her resilience and hard work are admirable, and the writing here is top-notch. 4 stars for sure.
Book #58:
The Stowaway by James Murray and Darren Wearmouth (Length: 318 pages). If you are in the market for a fun, frothy palate-cleanser, look no further. This was a FUN read! One of the authors is an actor and producer on a few TV shows so that’s why this thriller has been receiving some buzz. The premise here is a juror on a trial of a child serial killer (which ends in a hung jury) goes on a cruise with her new boyfriend and her 2 children to essentially escape the media hubbub over which juror voted not guilty, letting a “predator” off the hook. While on the cruise ship, similar crimes to the serial killers occur and the juror decides to hunt down the killer (or his copycat). This is fast-paced, well-written and gruesome in a sense (but not too many gratuitous details to dampen your enjoyment). 4 stars here!
Book #59:
Let’s Pretend This Will Work by Maddie Dawson (Length: 347 pages). I loved this author’s Matchmaking for Beginners (and I still remember the premise of that novel, which is remarkable given how much I read) so I was excited to find this romance has the same vibe. Which is, a quirky protagonist who is full of heart, with fun side characters and a unique setting bringing disparate characters together. Here, it’s a co-op daycare which occupies the first floor of a building she’s found herself renting an apartment in, after following her lover to his ex-wife’s town. Her lover is caring for his ex-wife after an accident, so the protagonist is in a holding pattern through much of the novel. This was slow to start, but halfway through I couldn’t put it down and I will absolutely continue to read more from this author. 4 stars for another memorable romance.
Lora Terrill 