A Book A Week

Some moments in life serve as powerful reminders of humanity's inherent goodness. Ironically, these instances often emerge from darkness or adversity. In my lifetime, I recall the sense of unity that followed the tragic events of 9/11, the solidarity in communities after natural disasters, and the simple acts of kindness during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Melissa Blake exemplifies this transformative power, turning adversity into a beacon of light that illuminates our capacity for compassion and acceptance. Blake authored an op-ed for CNN in the summer of 2019, critiquing then-President Donald Trump. In response, internet trolls subjected her to vicious attacks, including demeaning comments about her appearance due to Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome, a genetic condition affecting her bones and muscles. 

Rather than succumbing to negativity, Blake responded with grace and resilience. She posted several selfies to social media, defiantly reclaiming her narrative. The post went viral, catapulting Blake, a longtime writer and disability advocate, into the spotlight. In Beautiful People, a book generously shared with me by her publisher, Blake crafts a compelling manifesto. Here, she recounts her personal journey, educates readers about living with disabilities, and emphasizes our shared humanity. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of empathy and collaboration, urging us all to embrace our differences and strive for a more inclusive society.

Beautiful People is an expansive exploration that blends personal narrative with Blake's inherent humor,  offering education and entertainment. She eloquently discusses the impact of language and how unintentional ignorance about disability often leads to ableism and microaggressions. Blake candidly exposes societal barriers, illustrating how, even with legislation like the ADA, infrastructure fails to accommodate disabled people, perpetuating their invisibility.

Blake shares her own journey of grappling with self-image and acceptance, exacerbated by the absence of representation in mainstream media and the persistent presence of bullies and online trolls. Her willingness to confront her doubts deeply struck a chord with me, fostering a stronger connection to her narrative. Life's challenges aren't always uplifting, yet we can draw strength from these darker moments. This collection of thoughts culminates in Blake's assertion that disabled individuals, despite diverse medical needs, share fundamental human desires: to love, be loved, find joy, and live fully. Through Beautiful People, Melissa Blake shares her story and advocates for broader acceptance and inclusion, nudging society closer to embracing all individuals, regardless of differences.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 49)

We've officially settled into summer, which only means one thing: Riley Sager has a new book out this week! Since his debut with Final Girls in 2017, Sager has consistently thrilled readers with his fast-paced standalone thrillers, blending compelling mysteries with hints of horror and the supernatural. He's become one of my must-read authors, so I was ecstatic when his publisher shared an audio copy of his latest release, Middle of the Night. Adding to my excitement, the main character in the story is also named Ethan, making it an even more irresistible read for me.

Home is supposed to be a sanctuary, especially for a child. For Ethan Marsh, his backyard on the quiet cul-de-sac of Hemlock Circle was exactly that. It all changed one July night when that sense of security was turned upside down. Ethan and his best friend, Billy, had fallen asleep in a tent set up in the yard. When Ethan woke up in the morning, Billy was gone. Someone had sliced the tent open with a knife and abducted Billy during the night. Billy was never seen again.

That was thirty years ago. Ethan left that world behind, trying to build a new life, free from the tragedy that scarred his suburban community. But no matter how far he traveled, he couldn't escape the trauma of that night. The sound of the tent being sliced open haunted his dreams, filling him with an inescapable guilt. Life has a way of forcing us to face our demons, and Ethan's journey has brought him back to his childhood home. Plagued by bad dreams and strange occurrences, he sees signs of Billy's presence in his backyard. Is his mind playing tricks on him, or has his childhood friend returned? As Ethan delves deeper into the mystery, he learns that no place is truly safe and that the past has a way of haunting the future.

Riley Sager is at his best when he writes about hauntings. Hauntings by ghosts, yes, but also by the past. This talent is on full display in Middle of the Night. Ethan is a man tormented by the "what ifs" of his life. What if he had never camped in the tent in his backyard? What if he had never told his wife he didn't want children? What if he had never returned home? Sager alternates between chapters set in the present day and the past, methodically filling in the puzzle pieces and revealing just enough information to keep readers hooked. The line between the supernatural and reality blurs, making readers question everything. The story culminates in an ending filled with twist after twist—almost too many for my taste. Nevertheless, Middle of the Night is everything I've come to expect from a Riley Sager novel: spooky, twisted, and immensely fun to read.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 48)

There’s something incredibly liberating about being surrounded by nature. Immersing myself in the unspoiled wilderness, far from the stresses of daily life, is my ultimate escape. I find complete peace in those moments, allowing myself to truly relax and be present. Despite being a place of solace, the wilderness can also be unforgiving. In her latest novel, The Nature of Disappearing, author Kimi Cunningham Grant uses the vast wilderness to craft a tale that highlights its serenity and harshness. I’ve been eager to read her work since her previous novel, These Silent Woods, caught my attention a couple of years ago. Thanks to her publisher’s generosity, I had the opportunity to read and listen to her newest creation.

Emlyn knows firsthand the healing power of nature. A few years ago, she hit rock bottom. Her best friend Janessa couldn’t accept Emlyn dating Tyler, especially after she warned her against the relationship. But Emlyn was in love and wouldn’t let her friend’s opinion stop her. Unfortunately, Janessa was right. Three years ago, Tyler left Emlyn stranded on the side of the road in the freezing cold, half dead. Now, Emlyn has found peace working as a fishing and hunting guide, spending her days in Idaho’s endless woods and scenic rivers. 

Her serene life is upended when Tyler reappears. Janessa, now a social media star with her survivalist boyfriend, has gone missing, and Tyler fears the worst. Despite their turbulent past, Emlyn realizes her tracking skills could be vital in finding her friend. Reluctantly, she teams up with Tyler to navigate the rugged terrain. Emlyn can’t ignore the lingering sparks between them as they trek through the wilderness. Though she hadn’t anticipated a reconciliation, the undeniable connection remains. As they travel deeper into the forest, Emlyn is gripped by a new sensation - unease. In her mission to rescue her friend, she may have inadvertently placed herself in danger.

In The Nature of Disappearing, Kimi Cunningham Grant crafts a multifaceted narrative that seamlessly weaves elements of a gripping missing persons saga, an exploration of complex relationships, and a contemplative meditation on the wilderness’s profound influence. Grant’s vivid descriptions instantly transport readers to the sprawling Idaho wilderness, imbuing the story with a palpable sense of grandeur and atmosphere. Against this vast backdrop, the intimate drama of the characters unfolds, adding layers of depth to the narrative. The search for the missing couple, led by Emlyn and Tyler, serves as the primary driving force of the plot, gradually unveiling the intricacies of their intertwined past and relationships. While the story maintains a compelling momentum, there is a slight lull in the third act, where the sense of revelation momentarily stagnates. However, this minor flaw doesn’t detract from the overall buildup, as Grant’s skillful storytelling and well-developed characters remain engaging throughout. Whether experienced through reading or listening to the beautiful audiobook version, The Nature of Disappearing captivates with its atmospheric prose and thought-provoking themes. It is a summer read that entertains and invites deeper reflection—a winning combination that leaves a lasting impression.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 47)

"Nothing mattered but the stories, my understanding of them, how the stories affected me, and the dreams the story ignited."

The year is 2015, and Tatum feels settled in life for perhaps the first time. She lives in Chile with her partner Vera and works at her dream job in an art museum. It's a stark contrast to the life she once thought she wanted. Tatum spent the previous decade in New York, believing all her dreams would come true, but now she has doubts. Much of that time was consumed by her admiration for acclaimed author M. Domínguez, whose novel Happiness captivated her with its portrayal of the Latinx experience. It was the first time she felt represented in literature, prompting her to write a heartfelt fan email to the author. To her surprise, he responded, sparking a decade-long relationship that Tatum still doesn't fully comprehend.

Their bond was complex—sometimes a friendship, sometimes a romantic entanglement, a mentor-student dynamic that defies any simple definition. When a reporter contacts Tatum about multiple assault allegations against M., her carefully constructed separation between her past and present begins to unravel. She is forced to confront the true nature of her all-consuming relationship with the author. The questions and uncertainties she had pushed aside resurface, challenging her understanding of the past decade and compelling her to reevaluate the impact M. had on her life.

In her debut novel Like Happiness, author Ursula Villarreal-Moura invites readers to delve into the intricacies of relationships, power dynamics, sexuality, identity, and memory. The story unfolds through a dual narrative, alternating between Tatum's present day and a letter she writes to M., recounting and reclaiming their complex relationship. This structure reflects the protagonist's struggle with her past, emphasizing the back-and-forth and uncertainty she faces. Villarreal-Moura doesn't provide easy answers or steer readers in a specific direction; instead, she infuses her characters with raw emotion, making them relatable even when their situations are far from straightforward.

I loved reading a novel where the main character grew up in the same city as I did. San Antonio will always be home to me, and Villarreal-Moura beautifully captures the people, places, and history that make it unique. There is a profound sense of humanity throughout Like Happiness, allowing readers to easily immerse themselves in the story and reflect on its themes. With this debut, Villarreal-Moura establishes herself as a distinct voice in literature, leaving me eager to read more of her work. Like Happiness is one of the best novels I've read this year, and I'm grateful to the publisher for providing me with a copy.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 46)

Author Percival Everett has built a career on writing sharp, satirical novels that delve into the complexities of race and identity without taking himself too seriously. His 2021 novel Trees, for instance, combines a gripping murder mystery with America’s tragic history of lynchings, all while finding humor in the absurdity of racism. More recently, he reimagined Mark Twain's classic Huck Finn story, giving agency to the enslaved side character James and retelling the narrative from his perspective. This approach isn't new for Everett; his 2001 novel Erasure showcases his longstanding commitment to these themes. Erasure has gained renewed attention with its adaptation into the Best Picture-nominated film American Fiction. The movie brings that story to life in a way that perfectly captures the tone of Evertt's brilliant writing. 

Thelonious "Monk" Ellison, played by Jeffery Wright, has carved out a respectable career as an author and writing professor in LA. Unfortunately, his novels, acclaimed by literary critics for their philosophical depth and references to Greek mythology, don't translate to commercial success. Monk's latest manuscript is repeatedly rejected, with the troubling feedback that his writing isn’t "Black enough."

Monk grapples with this criticism. How can an African American man write something that isn’t "Black enough?" It’s only when he attends a writing conference that he understands what the publishers mean. In stark contrast to his poorly attended panel, author Sintara Golden's interview about her bestseller We Lives in Da Ghetto is packed, with readers eagerly absorbing every word of her stereotypical narrative. Faced with his elderly mother's declining health and his own lack of sales, Monk pens My Pafology, a satirical novel mocking the clichés expected from Black writers—melodramatic plots, deadbeat dads, gang violence, and drugs. To his astonishment, the book sparks a bidding war. Now, Monk is torn between staying true to his professional principles or selling out to achieve the success he has always dreamed of.

Making his feature directorial debut, Cord Jefferson masterfully adapts Everett's novel, bringing the story to life with a blend of timeliness and emotional depth. The ensemble cast delivers authentic performances that draw viewers into the larger themes of the narrative, such as racism, classism, and the personal consequences of not staying true to oneself. The film balances humor and conflict with a few tear-jerking moments along the way. Its clever and unique conclusion is one of the most memorable endings I've seen in a long time. Overall, American Fiction entertains while subtly engaging your deeper thoughts, compelling you to confront the significant themes the characters navigate.

This wasn’t the plan. Sure, Ellery had known the trip was coming up, the date etched in her mind for the past twenty years, a constant reminder of the life she had envisioned. A reminder of promises made and broken. But the deposit was non-refundable. This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and Ellery wouldn’t miss out. She couldn’t have planned for Luke to decide he didn’t want to be married anymore. Despite her protests and promises to do whatever it took to move forward together, he was done. It was that simple.

Instead of celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary with this special trip to the secluded, luxurious Resort at Broken Point, Big Sur, she was utterly alone for the first time in her life. She had gone back and forth about coming, but here she was. Alone. 

In a cruel twist of fate, the resort is hosting a wedding this weekend. Isn’t that nice? The young couple is so full of promise, with a bright future ahead. Ellery longs to warn them of the perils of love, but that isn’t her place. She wouldn’t have listened to herself back then, not when the promise of the future was all she could see. The resort is beautiful, just like that young love. But just as love can turn sour, so too will this trip.

The Unwedding marks Ally Condie’s first foray into adult fiction, and she quickly proves she’s more than capable of settling into the genre. From the first pages, we meet Ellery, a character I instantly connected with. She’s navigating the uncertainty of fresh grief while grappling with the scars of hinted past experiences. The resort was supposed to offer her a catharsis, but it quickly turns into a nightmare when she stumbles upon the groom’s body floating in the pool as a storm barrels into the area. By the following day, another body is discovered, and a landslide has trapped the guests in place. This setup has the makings of a classic locked-room mystery, but Condie’s deft handling of the characters elevates it into something more profound. 

The Unwedding is, at times, a page-turning murder mystery and, at others, a deep exploration of life’s uncertainties and how we cope with grief. It culminates in a twisty ending that left me reeling with the revelations while appreciating the rich character development. If this is any indication of the care and skill Condie brings to thriller writing, I eagerly anticipate her next work.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 45)

For five decades, Stephen King has captivated audiences with his richly developed characters, imaginative narratives, and knack for crafting stories that truly scare us. My journey with King's works began in my senior year of high school with the hefty Duma Key, and I've been an avid reader ever since. I strive to incorporate his books into my regular reading rotation, balancing his latest releases with the classic titles that have cemented his status as a household name. His newest effort, You Like It Darker, sees the author returning to his roots with a collection of short stories that showcase the genre-bending breadth of his writing prowess.

Like most short story collections, You Like It Darker has its share of hits and misses. Fortunately, the stories I found to be misses were the shorter ones. I could see King experimenting with his usual array of literary devices, but ultimately, the brevity of these tales left me wanting more. That being said, many of the stories were well worth the price of admission. Here’s a breakdown of my top three favorites.

Perhaps the most buzzed-about story in this collection is Rattlesnakes, the sequel to King's classic novel Cujo. It follows Vic Trenton, who readers will remember lost his young son to a rabid St. Bernard decades ago. Now a recent widower, the 76-year-old Vic rides out the COVID-19 pandemic at a friend's house in the Florida Keys. There, he meets an elderly woman whose personal tragedy mirrors his own. Rumor has it that she lost her twin boys decades ago and now pushes around their empty stroller, unable to acknowledge that her children are gone forever. The two grieving parents continue to cross paths, perhaps connected by their shared sorrow or something more sinister. When the woman meets a tragic end in one of the most gruesome scenes in the entire book, she leaves Vic an unusual inheritance, one that will reopen old wounds and torment him all over again.

Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream stems from a simple idea: What if you dreamed about the location of a murdered body? Would you seek it out? Would the authorities believe you truly dreamed it, or would they suspect you as the killer? This is the longest story in the collection, and it seems most in line with King's recent foray into crime thrillers. At nearly 200 pages, the work feels the most complete, providing a tense "what if" scenario that hits all the right notes.

The final story in the collection is quintessential Stephen King. The Answer Man imagines a protagonist who stumbles upon a simple table with a red umbrella. Sitting beneath the shade is the Answer Man. For a nominal fee, the Answer Man promises to truthfully answer whatever question you ask. Is that knowledge a blessing or a curse? This story highlights what King excels at: finding deep unease and philosophical uncertainty within the lives of everyday people. I think that's why we connect so deeply with his writing. We see glimmers of ourselves in the flawed people who inhabit his world. Yes, there are absolutely crazy things happening a lot of the time, but that connection to his characters and his ability to ground absurd plot points in reality have sustained him for his entire career.

The afterward of the book reads as both a thank you and a retrospective. King admits to liking only two of his finished works, The Green Mile and Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. In the golden years of his life, however, he continues to follow his imagination and chase the thrill of writing something that truly captures magic. For the sake of us readers, I hope he continues that pursuit.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 44)