Mini Book Reviews: September 2023

 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I received a copy of Penelope in Retrograde from Amazon First Reads in exchange for my honest review.

It's been a busy month for me, as I shared in my Weekly Rundown, but I always find time to read! I read an interesting variety of books, but my hands-down favorite was Shark Heart. I think this would be such a good book club book--the story is unusual and there's a lot to think about. I also loved Mile Marker Zero--having visited Key West in the 1980s before big money and tourism changed the island vibe-- and it kind of made me sad to see it lose its free-spirited feeling.

While I could never claim to be a Parrothead, Jimmy Buffett's recent and surprising passing hit me harder than I expected. His music was the soundtrack of my early 20s and symbolized good times and escapism at a time when I was just trying to adjust to being a responsible adult. While reading an article about his life, this book was mentioned. I am so glad I picked it up. Mile Marker Zero tells the story of a post-Papa Hemingway Key West during the 1970s and the authors that followed him, embracing the hedonistic, non-stop party atmosphere of the island at the end of the earth. Besides Buffett, Tennesee Williams, Thomas McGuane, and Hunter S Thompson, among others, found a place where they could be inspired and write, but also carouse and go completely nuts. The Key West of today is a far cry from that free-spirited island of the 1970s and the sanitized version just doesn't seem as much fun. The book is a fun read, especially for fans of Buffett.

Another recommendation from my sister, Trail of the Lost is a meticulously told tale of the search for 3 young men who disappeared while thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Being a fan of trails, having stepped foot on the PCT, and having a brother-in-law who has hiked the PCT, I was immediately drawn to the premise. It reads like a true crime story but at times, for me, gets bogged down in the most minute details. Aside from that, I really enjoyed learning more about this trail which spans from the Canadian to the Mexican border. I also was fascinated by the hiker the author met on the trail and the culture of that world. There were so many good people who helped with her search, but there were also others who scammed and lied, which really troubled me. Overall, a truly fascinating read!

Don't let the premise of this beautiful book stop you from reading it. Shark Heart is the story of a young couple, starting life together, when the husband notices changes to his body. He receives a rare diagnosis, learning that he will turn into a great white shark. As the couple tries to forge ahead while his disease progresses, they realize how impossible this will be. The book then transitions to the story of the wife's mother, which initially threw me off until the connection to the original story was made. The narrative flows and meanders, as the author weaves in poetry, and at times, the narrative is laid out as a play. It all works and for this reader, was just a joy to read. My heart broke for the main characters, but there were also moments of humor. I could not put this one down. 

All This Could Be Different is a coming-of-age story about a 20-something who is struggling to figure out who she is. What she knows: she is a first-generation South Asian immigrant whose parents had to return to India when her father was deported. This is something she is ashamed of; she doesn't want her friends to know. She also knows that she is attracted to women. This is something she doesn't want her parents to know. Suffering from low self-confidence, she allows herself to be taken advantage of by her boss and her landlord, who is a racist bully. This all might sound depressing, but it's also funny as the main character finds her way. I think the author perfectly captured what it's like to be 20-something in today's world. My only criticism of this really good story is that it drags at times. At one point, I wanted to give it up. I'm glad I didn't. The writing is just so good. I just wish the editor had recommended tightening up the story a bit.

Penelope is a free spirit, a romance writer who returns home to reunite with her family for Thanksgiving. Her plan is to approach her father about financial help with a business venture--she wants to open a romance bookstore. But as things go in a romance novel, she encounters her ex-husband in a ride share car. Let the shenanigans begin! Penelope in Retrograde was a fun page-turner with some laugh-out-loud moments, as well as the near tragic moment that brings everyone together. Sometimes it's nice to read a book that is predictable yet keeps you interested--the author does a great job with this one. 

I dug into the backlist for Red At the Bone and was not disappointed. This short novel starts with a young woman's 16th birthday celebration, wearing the dress that her mother never wore because she was pregnant. While the author weaves the stories of previous generations throughout the narrative, I found the story of the young woman's mother and father the most compelling and surprising. This is a coming-of-age story, about expectations, and a story about chasing dreams. There are also references to history, class, and racism. It is so beautiful and I can't believe what the author was able to do in such a small book. in fact, when I finished, I asked myself; 'what did I just read?!' I will have to go back and read it again. 

What books have you read lately? Have you read any of these? What's your favorite genre? Do you have any recommendations for me"

I'm linking up with Zenaida for Tuesday Topics and with the ladies of Fit Five Friday:  Darlene, Michelle, Jenn, and Zenaida.