Please Look After This Bear- how Paddington Became British by Melanie Ramdarshan Bold and Aishwarya Subramanian

 If you grew up on Paddington, the bear from Peru, you'll want to check out this volume. I picked it up thinking I'd learn more about the story of the small bear bought for Mr. Bond's wife. I thought it might talk about the various marketing campaigns and how he first had a yellow hat and then suddenly had a red hat.

I am so old that the Paddington Bear that I received when I was six years old had a yellow hat. I have deep childhood ties to the awkward and lovable bear. I admit, I never really examined those ties much beyond affection until I picked up this Audio book from Highbridge on NetGalley (Thank you so Much!)

Within these pages is the first examination of Paddington as a social and Cultural phenomena. The book is specifically focused on how Paddington, a Bear from Peru- embodies most of the values that British people hold as true and as ideal values for British citizens.

As a child, I was unaware of any particular political imagery attached to one of my very favorite characters. As an adult, I was gratified to learn that Paddington's tag came with the memory of the Kinder-transports of WWII, and that while becoming quintessentially British, he also stands as an example of immigrant and refugee children - especially as he arrived with the Windrush generation which often faced difficulty in the times when the original Paddingtons were published.

Will this book be for everyone, possibly not. Given it's brevity (6 hours on audio) I felt it was a delightful glimpse into literary analysis that is not often presented to the general public and a very thought provoking volume.

First Published :  5/18/2026

Pages: 224 

Available as an Audio Book :  Yes  ~ 6  hr  Coming from Highbridge July 17, 2026 

Trigger Warnings: history, racism, classism, issues of immigration, personhood,  (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: The Summer of '71 Five Months That Changed America by John A. Jenkins

    I am very grateful to Highbridge Audio for the advanced listener copy of this history novel.  I feel like we are starting to see more books focusing on this "Disco Era" and it's importance in history. 

   When I was a Civics study in Junior High this era was most certainly not discussed. Many of my male teachers were veterans and had some very strong opinions on Vietnam. It was a topic that rarely came up as opposed to WWII which seemed to be all over our school library, and one book which showed some very gruesome photos from WWII probably shaped my interest in history, and horror all in one. I do wonder if the school library was even aware of that particular book (WWII in pictures). 

Fast forward many decades and it seems that readers are now interested in learning more about Vietnam, and not only Vietnam, but also many of the other fractious skudugger-ous  laws and activities that our politicians were getting up to in 1971. And Whoooooo-eeeeeee This was not the age of snap chat, internet access and instagram.  No one was really secretly video-ing a person in the parking lot- for any reason. (It would have been pretty hard to miss with the equipment required. ) BUT if it had been, there would have been so  so much tea to be consumed. 

Margolies, John, photographer. Coffee Pot Restaurant, Lexington, Virginia. Lexington Virginia United States, 1982. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2017709465/.

I still like to think of this as very recent past, but looking around at all the folks in the workforce who were born in the 2000's this is objectively not the case and there will be many many readers who have no memory of the Disco age. 

This book packs in so much history for these 5 months-  if memes were a thing back in the Summer of ' 71 they would have been on par with the current ones about living in "unprecedented times" .  This is one to put on your shelf (and in your ears) if you have wondered how we got to where we are at in the US currently. 

Relying on many primary sources, it seems that Jenkins gives us a mostly neutral telling of the events and he does an excellent job connecting points that I might have missed- especially as a casual reader and learner. 

The Narration is excellent and it felt as if I was listening to a NPR radio program, rather than an audio book!  Jim Seybert is the narrator, and he's an Audie award winner for a reason! 

Definitely one to pick up for those summer moments when we feel like we should be doing more than pool lounging, we could be learning! 

First Published : 06/30/26

Pages: 448

Available as an Audio Book :  Yes - ~ 12 hours 

Trigger Warnings: war, discussion of sexual behavior, discussion of violent events, politics (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: Dinner with an Astronaut by Leroy Chiao (with Victoria Bruce)

 

If you are following along with me in 2026, you know, I chose Outer Space as a reading theme for this year! I have been straying into some Science Fiction that isn't really space related, and several other genres as I've been offered various reading options.  So, when I saw this book listed on Net Galley, I jumped with joy!  I was even more excited because it was an audio copy, which is always helpful for me with my eye issues.

With this very appealing cover, I was so ready to dive into this one. Leroy notes he is the first "full blooded Chinese" person to go to Space, (his words- not mine!) and his experiences are fascinating. 

   The format of the book is meant to feel as if one is enjoying a meal with Leroy and he's answering some questions that most space enthusiasts have. As the audio is also read by Leroy himself, it has a bit of a homey feel. For me it felt as if I was experiencing one of those  "story worth"  creations where families choose prompts for their loved ones and create their own memoirs.  The main difference of course, is that Leroy has massively interesting stories about going to Space, doing Space Walks, and working with Russian and Chinese Astronauts. 

   I feel like the audio production could have leaned into this some more with an additional narrator to ask the questions and possibly even add in commentary, but- it might have been hard to do that without it drifting into the hokey category. As it is, the audiobook is an effortless read/listen that moved along with perfect pacing. 

    This is a good one for adults and kids to listen to together. Leroy covers his early childhood passions for planes and rockets, his education choices that lead to his astronaut candidacy and qualifications, and his training and missions as an astronaut. He has a lot of "flying" time, and EVA (Extra-vehicular activity) time in Outer Space, and so brings a great perspective - having experienced NASA through several iterations.  Also a good choice for book clubs, and readers who want to include some non-fiction in their reading diet. 

This comes out June 16, and would be a fun one for family listening if you are taking a road trip this year!

First Published :  6/16/2026

Pages: 256

Available as an Audio Book :  yes ~ 8-9 hrs

Trigger Warnings:   discussion of various space missions that resulted in deaths, alcohol use, marital issues, mention of some controversial political figures (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

   

Book Review: Child of the Dream by Sharon Robinson

 I picked up this short memoir from my library.  I was attracted to the cover and I was curious about a memoir by Sharon Robinson, child of Jackie Robinson. 

A joke was definitely had at my expense because I read about half of the book, when I started to think... this is "sort of YA".  I felt like things were VERY concrete, and that the entire nuance involving the Civil Rights Movement wasn't being addressed.  I looked around a bit and discovered, LO AND BEHOLD.  It is a book intended for young adult audiences. 

  I think this is a book that a lot of school libraries would like to have on their shelves. Sharon tells the story of her year, going to her first dances, figuring out how she can raise awareness of the Civil Rights movement in her school and beyond, attending her first sleep away camp, and getting her first kiss. She tells the story in a matter of fact way, that was very approachable and relatable.  

As an adult, I did feel that it lacked a certain nuance.  For a young reader, however, it presented facts and events in a natural way, as they interspersed with Sharon's day to day life during that year.  As Sharon was the child of a celebrity, her life was not the norm, and I enjoyed learning about her father's efforts and interactions with Civil Rights Giants. 

Do I recommend this book?  I DO, for the 11-14 yr old crowd. Not for an adult. It would be a good one for a tween book club. 

STATS

First Published :  2020

Pages: 320

Available as an Audio Book :  YES (~5 hrs) 

Trigger Warnings: violence, references to historical past, racism (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: Sex on The Moon by Ben Mezrich

 If you've been looking for Non-fiction that reads like fiction, this 2011 Beat the Backlist book is one you will want to read! 

 While normally I might say the title of the most audacious heist in history is overblown, in this case, I think it meets the criteria! Not so much that it was pulled off in any sophisticated manner, but that someone would decide that was the "thing to do" at all. 

   Readers are given an inside story of Thad Roberts, a one time fellow in a prestigious NASA program in Texas. While at NASA Thad, made a name for himself by being audacious, bold and curious. It didn't hurt that he was - by all accounts- very bright and conventionally attractive. 

Thad started out with an idea involving "decommissioned" moon rocks- those used for education, rather than hard scientific uses.  He and a friend dreamt of selling some of these "trash" moon rocks, and came up with a brave but not very sophisticated plan.  He was sure he'd never go through with it, but the more he dreamed and schemed, the deeper he got, until he found himself meeting a supposed buyer and being arrested by the FBI. 

   I enjoyed this book, but I will say, no matter how hard the author tried to make Thad likeable, I found him to be a complete Jack-Hole. This man had so many advantages in life, and decided to just be pushing the envelope in ways that didn't even make sense.  I suspect there is some sort of mental health issues at play in these decisions, but honestly, I feel like his time in prison was actually too short. This was a man with multiple opportunities ahead of him, and decided this was the most appropriate way to move through the world.  So not a fan. Not impressed, and deeply disturbed that he's now out in the world giving... TED talks. 

The writing is OK. I had the audiobook and for being only 320 pages, it did seem to drag on. So... 

revising my first statement, this is a book you MAY want to read. I have become obsessed with Axel Emmermann, a rock enthusiast who tipped off the FBI and assisted in multiple ways. So there is that.  This is a most interesting book and while I can't say I liked the main character, I did find the entire thing interesting.  So 3 stars out of 5 from me. 

STATS

First Published :  7/12/2011

Pages: 320

Available as an Audio Book :  YES (~8 hrs) 

Trigger Warnings: Heist, discussion of heights, drug and alcohol use, thievery, mild sexual behavior (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: The Disordered Cosmos: By Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

 I picked up this book as part of my Outer Space reads for my 2026 theme of Outer Space. 

It is billed by the publisher as " . Chanda Prescod-Weinstein shares her love for physics, from the Standard Model of Particle Physics and what lies beyond it, to the physics of melanin in skin, to the latest theories of dark matter—all with a new spin informed by history, politics, and the wisdom of Star Trek."

 Having thought about this for a few days now, I don't know that I really felt the love of physics or the universe cut through.  I do feel that I've gained an understanding of how very difficult it is for people who aren't white to be heard and seen in the world of physics. It was not at all surprising to me to read that frankly, the world of science is also very content to enforce the status-quo, rather than to seek to really engage in what would surely be the messy and challenging work or re-imagining how science could indeed become more inclusive overall. 

Prescod-Weinstein skillfully blends her own experiences in with experiences of other persons working in the same or similar fields, and in that blending comes a new way of thinking about how others can best support those interested in and currently working in science fields.  I was particularly struck by her ideas of freedom- which resonated so heavily with me. She should not, indeed, have to be contemplating the secrets of the universe while also attempting to help housekeeping services at her institution get paid a living wage.  All children should indeed be able to study the cosmos with appropriate resources regardless of their talent. 

     This was a book I did have to engage with heavily, as it was dense and went in directions that the blurb and cover didn't exactly advertise. I think it was well put together, and had many interesting ideas. It is a perfect book for professors and teachers who work with students who are interested in STEM fields. In fact, it is so perfect for this, that Hachette does offer Desk/Exam copies for those wanting to use this in their classrooms.  ( Look HERE  for the form to request Desk copies).

So... I don't think I do recommend this as a book to bump up your physics knowledge. I do recommend it as one for readers who are curious about how science shapes their every day life, and how it could be done better. 

First Published :  March 2021 

Pages: 336

Available as an Audio Book :  YES

Trigger Warnings: racism, sexism, rape, mental health, medical trauma, misogyny, systemic oppression.  (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: Starry and Restless by Julia Cooke

 

Firstly Many Thanks to macmillan audio for the advanced listener copy of Starry and Restless. 

This is a non-fiction book for those who want to start reading more non-fiction!   Julia Cooke has brought to life the amazing lives of three woman reporters who were most certainly the talk of the town. It reads a bit like a memoir but has more commentary and information giving historic context to the women's lives.

In my very progressive school, I was taught that the women's rights movement really came along in the 1960's and 1970's. I was led to believe that women were pillars of domesticity up until that time. Obviously there's truth in this, but exploring the lives of these women who decided it to shed those expectations showed me that there were indeed many degrees of this domesticity. 

    Martha Gellhorn, Emily (Mickey) Hahn and Rebecca West were three women who defied custom and made their way in the world as writers. These women traveled the world, married who they pleased, reported on the events of the day, and all left their mark on American journalism.  Although their names are not well known in this day and time, their influence is unmistakable. 

    In very readable (listenable) language, Cooke introduces us to these women and illustrates how they themselves interacted, influencing each other. I was fascinated by the lives they carved out for themselves, defying many social norms and expectations. 

   Andi Arndt is the narrator for this gem and her clear reading voice made this a fantastic read for my morning commute. Arndt always has perfect pacing, and this narration is no exception!

   This book was fascinating and while reading, I was reminded of Isabel Allende's My Name is Emilia Del Valle, which is a fictionalized story of a female reporter in about the same time frame. While I enjoyed Allende's work quite a bit, I was most intrigued by Cooke's new book because these ladies were real living beings- one who owned a pet Gibbon! One who chose to be a single mother in a time when this was not at all the norm, several who traveled to exotic places and married "exotic" men. The truth always does seem stranger than fiction. 

One to add to the shelves if you like historical fiction, or non-fiction. Definitely one to share with young aspiring writers as they figure out how to make a mark in the industry. 

First Published :  February 2026

Pages: 448

Available as an Audio Book : Yes  

Trigger Warnings: drug use, war violence, (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: Crooked Plow by Itamar Vieira Junior

 Crooked plow was not on my radar.   I saw a new novel from this author on Net Galley and decided instead of requesting the new novel that perhaps I should explore Crooked Plow- on audio from my local library. This is an award winner, winning the Brazilian LeYa Award and in 2024 it was shortlisted for the International Booker Prize.  I did remember seeing some reviews for this in 2024 and then... it seemed to fizzle out.  I fully took advantage of that fizzle and found that the audiobook was immediately available from my library! 

This is a novel that I probably won't soon forget for many reasons. 

   This story is set in an Afro-Brazilian farming community living on Fazendas.  While technically these Fazendas were basically plantations, the post slavery situation resembled strongly the sharecropping situation in the US  after the Civil War and Emancipation. Folks were free to leave, but the technicalities really left them in poverty and with few options. 

Our story opens with two sister's exploring their Grandmother's secret luggage and enduring an event so traumatic that one sister loses her ability to speak.  Readers watch the two sister's grow and navigate life within their limited choices. Their lives, intertwined with their relatives and with the land, serve as a way for the author to also bring forward the changes that Brazil, and particularly the Sertao area of Bahia Brazil was facing, as tenant farmers grappled with their relationship to the land and their rights as tenants. With relevant themes of generational poverty and trauma, economic and racial injustice and the power of community, it's no wonder this book sparked interest.  I found the writing to be engaging, and the multilayered, multigenerational story to draw me in.  The non-linear style was slightly confusing to me, but I suspect that was because I chose an audio version and the division between chapters where the time switches did occur were not very clear via audio. 

  I found the descriptions of the Jare religious ceremonies to be particularly engaging, and I do want to learn more about this area and time- although passively- i admit, as in, I am more attuned and sensitized to this and will likely prick up my ears if the topic comes up.  Rather than say, going to the library to do a deep dive into the topic.  

  One thing that fascinated me is that the author, a man, chose to center his tale primarily around the lives of women. He writes a great deal about women's work, relationships and struggles, as well as the role of children in the lives of women. I'm always a little skeptical about men writing main character women, though it can be done well.  in this case, I feel that he did capture what life was like as a woman in these areas - essentially - it was a hard row to hoe- with a crooked or straight plow. I do not feel like he really captured the inner lives of women, however, so that area, was sort of flattened, but with so much going on in the novel, I didn't really feel that it was missing, as introspection wasn't the main point as far as I can tell.  I did get that there was a deep respect for women and childbearing, but it seems to be limited to this. Again, given the scope of the novel, there wasn't room for more exploration.  I should note that this book is also a translated work, so some of the spark and meaning may not have hit just right. 

     Overall, I enjoyed this book, and will likely read more from this author.  I don't know that it would reach my top 12 for the year, but I think it's an excellent piece of fiction- again another I'd recommend for book clubs - lots of themes and history to discuss, as well as all the relationships, revenge, and resilience that a reader may want. 

STATS

First Published  6/2023 (English edition) 

Pages: 288

Available as an Audio Book : Yes

Trigger Warnings:  Domestic violence, poverty, misogyny, child death, 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)  

 

Book Review Discordance: The troubled history of the Hubble Constant. By Jim Baggott

Many thanks to Oxford university Press and Recorded books for an advanced Listener copy of Discordance by Jim Baggott! 

This is my year to read about outer space and when I saw this audiobook on offer at net Galley, I jumped at it! 

  As I've already noted, I am not a math or physics genius, but I do have a bit of an obsession with outer space, and while I know I won't ever be an arm chair Cosmologist, I know I certainly LOVE to learn more as I toddle along. 

  Now, with no spoilers--- can one really spoil a non-fiction book? We are given the story of the Main main character, the Universe. Making cameo appearances are the Big Bang Theory, Afterglow radiation or Cosmic Microwave background radiation, Cosmic inflation and the Lambda-CDM model.  Side Characters of note include: The Hubble Telescope, multiple scientists, The Space Shuttle, The ALMA Observatory (Atacama Desert), Apache Point observatory, (and more), the Supernova Cosmology project,  the JPL Cosmology Group, and so many more.  Supporting roles go to Dark matter and Dark energy (yes, we can't see you, but it seems you might be there, maybe...) Redshift, the strange and charm quarks (and yes the other top and bottom ones too) and gravitational lensing.  There's more, but as any good Academy award winner will note, we are grateful to all players, too numerous to mention.  

  In this account of humans moving closer and closer to deducing the full nature of the universe and all that it encompasses, Dr Baggott introduces readers to the basic physics of Cosmology.  Readers learn about models and ideas, generally accepted concepts of the universe, and key phenomena and building blocks (equations/theories and computations) that hold our concepts of the universe together. 

   As a complete lay person, I will note that there is quite a bit of math, and a few times, I did experience a few flashbacks to my ill fated Astronomy 101 college class.  Baggott intersperses some amusing thoughts, comments or stories in between all the math so I did remain engaged. He is particularly adept at describing the "space drama" regarding a possible "new physics" without going completely off the rails. 

  I did enjoy this listen. I can't say I recommend it for my Library Book Club - as we are diving into Remarkably Bright Creatures this month, and this is definitely not in the same book universe if you will. 

I can recommend it for space enthusiasts, students and readers who want to be challenged as they read. For me, it was definitely worth my time. I feel it answered some of my questions as to why humans aren't just travelling the universe as Bester's Demolished Man predicted back in 1953!

 STATS

First Published : 1/22/2026

Pages: 336

Available as an Audio Book : YES  (~ 9 HRS) 

Trigger Warnings: Math  (not a complete list- be responsible!)

Book Review: Space Oddities By Harry Cliff

  This is my first Non-Fiction book of the year, and one that falls into my outer space theme for 2026. 

I did love it!  I learned a lot, and laughed a bit, and felt like I had my mind blown a few times as well! 

Dr. Cliff is an experimental physicist at CERN and also well known as a science presenter.  This second fact is probably the most important, as Cliff was able to hold my attention, even while discussing a great deal of very complicated math. 

     Cliff describes an evolving debate in Physics, Cosmology, Astronomy and I suppose "science" in general, revolving around the "Standard model" of  physics.  Now, I took Astronomy 101 back in the day at the University of Rochester.  Secretly, I hoped against hope that I would be discovered as a savant of the stars. 

     I WAS NOT A SAVANT OF THE STARS.  That remains the most difficult class I ever took.  I pity the instructor for having to teach all of us, who could not reliably learn how to calculate the distance of a star from another fixed point.  As a group we were dismal. As an individual, unfortunately, I was also dismal, and sadly, the class did nothing to spark my actual interest in the stars, planets and the universe.  I could not really grasp the calculation, (not totally surprising as I had never had a class in trigonometry or calculus etc) and the instructor, as I recall, wasn't able to really communicate in any compelling way how amazing this was that we could sit in a classroom and  with reasonable assurance we could know distances, mass, composition of objects so far away in the universe. 

I gave up on being a universe savant, but never really gave up on being curious. 

Harry Cliff was able to engage my sloth-brain, teach me something and have me thinking about current issues in physics with some excitement! 

In this very readable book, Cliff helps readers understand one of the current hot debates in cosmology.  The Standard Model faces challenges from new data coming from the James Webb Telescope- and other sources. There is disagreement within the world of physicists from various disciplines on the rate of expansion of the universe. I admit, I am always kind of confused about the whole idea of the universe constantly expanding, expanding to where? It's a mind bending concept. 

   As a lay person, I have been captivated by the JWST images.  I was a bit deflated to learn that they are often cleaned up by artists, but, even so, they are still so compelling and interesting.

Take a look here at a few Slide shows from JWST 

Cliff discusses in fairly easy to understand terms the work being done by various teams to decipher data, how the data is obtained, cleaned, used and discussed. He provides what seems to be a fairly even handed view of the current debate, the research teams, and their processes, while teaching a bit of physics for use dismal folks on the side. 

  Overall, I really enjoyed this book which provided just the right amount of detail to make my brain work, but not so much that it shut off. I know that I'm going to have my ear tuned for more news of the Standard Model and it's challengers in the future.  I did the audio book which was read by the author, which I found to be a bit charming. I felt like I was just sitting in his office, asking a lot of questions and very much enjoying his explanation of the beauty and charm quarks...and how they shape my world completely. I was amused that he did provide a "trigger warning" for some of the maths! 

I enjoyed this book, I felt like I'm much more in the know now about things and I am definitely looking to read more on the debate and will be looking for more news from this area. 

STATS

                                                First Published : 3/26/24

Pages: 288

Available as an Audio Book : Yes ~ 8 hrs 

Trigger Warnings: Math, complex view of the universe (not a complete list- be responsible!)

Book Review: Nasa's Pioneer and Voyager Missions: : The History and Legacy of the First Space Probes to Explore the Outer Solar System and Beyond

  So, I feel... funny about reading a book written by  "Charles Rivers Editors" 

But I did read it,  and to be completely fair, it was... fine. 

My 2026 theme for reading is outer space, and as I was looking at my local library's selections for Space and beyond, this popped up. 

As an audio book it looked to be about 3 hours long, so I thought, why not.   I had some concerns that this would be some sort of AI generated mess, but realized it was put out in 2019 so it is LESS likely to be that. 

It felt like listening to someone read me the encyclopedia. There were literal lists of tools put into orbit on these missions.  It contained none of the excitement or joy or any feeling that the teams working on these missions must have involved. It did however, contain a large amount of information about these missions, which was very educational to me. 

And additionally, I learned about the Slingshot effect - or gravity assist, used to make these missions a success. 

 I admit, I didn't entirely understand it from this book, but a few youtube videos later, I got the gist of it, and I can say now that I think a lot of folks out there writing Space based romances, should maybe possibly pick up some of these, very short and not extremely exciting summaries. This one detail alone, would make so many of these novels- so many that involve space travel- so much more realistic and also kind of cool- - I mean - THE SLINGSHOT EFFECT?  that title is  made for a romance novel.  

Will I be purposely perusing the Charles River Editor's multiple short volumes on a variety of topics?

NOT A CHANCE.  

This was frankly, an accident on my part.  It worked for me, as I feel I gained a lot of info in a short amount of time, but... as a reading experience, it was not particularly interesting. 

STATS

First Published :2019

Pages: 144

Available as an Audio Book :  Yes (~ 3 hr) 

Trigger Warnings: Some discussion of political events occurring around the same time as these missions, discussion of Presidential assassination (Kennedy) 

Not a full list, please read responsibly. 

Book Review: The Sea Captain's wife, by Tilar Mazzeo

     I did not finish this in time for Non-Fiction November, but I have to say this is a good one, and it's release in early December, makes it a great choice for a reader on your list, as it's unlikely they will have already read it! 

Firstly,  the cover is really beautiful and encompasses the narrative so well. 

    This book falls into the category of non-fiction that reads like fiction.

   Mazzeo explores the life of Mary Ann Patten, and her husband Joshua. Mary Ann married young, and adventurously traveled with her sea captain husband on his clipper ship in the 1850's.  They were bold, and brave and had their entire live ahead of them as they undertook a voyage on the Neptune's Car. 

Currier& Ives. Clipper  ship Three Brothers,tons: The largest sailing ship in the world. , 1875. [New York: Currier & Ives] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/90716156/.

On this voyage, Joshua fell gravely ill, and Mary Ann took over as Captain and navigator all while putting down an attempted mutiny. 

She nursed her very ill husband, and brought the ship safely to the San Francisco harbor looking well and ship-shape. Women captaining ships was not the norm at that time, and this afforded Mary Ann some instant celebrity. 

   After a somewhat lacklustre opening which was maybe too heavy on details we jump right into this story of peril and persistence and it held my attention right to the very end. 

In constructing this book, Mazzeo relied on both maritime journals, and her own expedition of the route Mary Ann followed. Mazzeo freely shares when records were slim, and where some of the narrative relies on customs of the time, rather than exact documented events, making this account feel authentic and real- as we all know that even someone who kept a faithful journal would not enter every detail of their lives. The author brings in the historical context of the Gold Rush, traditional sea-faring, and the politics of the day in a way that supports Mary Ann's history and adds a depth to the narrative that is very satisfying, but still easy to read. 

  It's one of the few non-fiction books that had me shedding a few tears here and there. Well worth a read and an EXCELLENT book club choice. 

   I was extremely fortunate to have both the e-arc and then an audiobook version of the book, and I will say I really enjoyed the audiobook. The book was narrated by Laurence Bouvard who did a smooth clear narration that did not distract from the story. In fact I could see the waves crashing over the ship, and sense Mary Ann's exhaustion at various points in the narration! It does seem to me that I always read some really fine books right at the end of the year, and this one, is definitely one for the year! Loved it and recommend it! 

STATS

First Published :December 2025

Pages: 288

Available as an Audio Book : Yes!

Trigger Warnings: violence, death, disease, 

Not a full list - please read responsibly.

    

November Reading Wrap Up!

  November has been a month of complete and utter chaos. 

Mid Month, I started a new job. I went part time at my old job , but it seems they may have a different idea of part time. So I've been...working a lot. Work is good. 

My grand total for November- 14 books.  A fairly light month. 

TO be fair, I DNF'd a lot of books, and started a few and just haven't finished them. 

 So lets see how things stacked up!

 Books in Translation:  2/14 ~ 14%  Neither one was a favorite.  Alas.  Both did expose me to different perspectives. 

Books by Diverse Authors: 4/14 ~ 29%  Probably could have been more. I slipped into some monster romance, why choose- and to be honest, I don't know much about those authors- many using a pen name/alternate identity.  

Favorite Read of the month?

 Hands Down Artifact Space by Miles Cameron. 

A book that deserves an honorable mention: Sanora Babb's An Owl on Every Post.  It should be more widely read. 

What was your favorite from November? 

 

How are those reading goals coming along?

 So, It's already Mid-November, and I am sitting here, bewildered at how it seems like it was just August. How are your reading goals going?  Did you want to read more books in translation? Dip in poetry?  Read a little more non-fiction? Are you short the number of books on your goal?  No worries! I've got help for you! Many of my recommendations are parts of series of short novels, so if you find something you like- there's likely more where that came from! 

But first, let me digress- and explain - if you've fallen behind on a reading goal- I ENTIRELY UNDERSTAND!

For me, this year has been a whirlwind. 

Earlier this year, my company was bought out by another, and while they assured me my job was "safe" I noted that there were some definite changes, and some very smart people, moving strategically elsewhere. Other changes in benefits, and a new very top down management style just weren't my thing.  So, I started looking. I didn't intend to be looking for another job, but the world is a changing place, and we do sometimes need to reinvent ourselves. 

I will say the job market currently is not a kind place, and especially for those like myself- with a very niche skill set and above the age of 30. While employers want decades of experience, they seem to still want someone who is too young to have those decades of experience!  So, most of this year was spent doing loads of interviews. With the help of strong references from former employers,  I finally was offered - strangely- a pretty ideal position, with improved pay and benefits, what appears to be a great leadership team  and  a 15 minute commute-- doing exactly what I'm trained to do. 

After that process, I will freely say, I  AM TIRED.  Until that offer became super solid, I had NO IDEA the amount of stress my body was holding.  So I wish anyone searching for employment, the best of luck and connections. I start that job next week and I will have to be "On" all the time so who knows what will happen! 

   That said, some weeks, I barely read at all because I was pre-occupied. If you have had a few weeks like that- maybe you're behind on your reading goals? 

Here are some great short options that check a lot of boxes! 

Georges Simenon is a master at creating immersive novels with short prose. 

I recommend any of his Maigret novels. For me, I was introduced to these by my Dad and devoured the entire series while in-between work assignments one summer. 

Read these if you want:

-a shorter novel

-Mystery genre

-books in translation

-Novels from the 1930's-1940's (and more) decade

Going WAAAY Back- I recommend Basho. 

Basho- born Matsuo Kinsaku is well know as a Haiku Master from the 17th century. 

One of my favorite editions of his work is The Narrow road to the Deep North and Other Travel Sketches 

  

Read this if you want:

-a short book (176 pages) 

-Book from a different century

-Book in translation

-Poetry 

Looking for Non-Fiction?  Look no further than the Object Lessons series! 

I read metronome earlier this year and it was a fascinating read about how the metronome, a seemingly bland tool in a musicians box shaped the way music was performed! 

Read this for: 

- A brief Non-fiction read (184 pages) 

-Non-fiction! 

-If the metronome isn't for you- the Object lessons series is a delightful series which includes other unassuming objects like lipstick, Taco, Snack, and Concrete, you'll be sure to find something to pique your interest. They are all a similar length and so interesting. 

If you just want something to make you forget the world we are currently living in- I really recommend Ruby Dixon. She has multiple Novellas most featuring space aliens or  various other out of this world characters.  There's nothing too serious, it all takes place in an unknown jungle planet, with no dire parallels to real life. 

 

Read this if you are:

 -Looking for escapism

-short novel (77 pages) 

-Looking for vampires

-Looking for romance

-Looking for some "spice" 

-Looking for a Happy ending! 

If you'd like something more serious- perhaps a classic? maybe a classic that isn't one that you were supposed to read in high school? 

Passing by Nella Larsen is a semi-autobiographical novella,  coming in at about 141 pages.  A mixed race woman decides to live her adult life as a white person. This novella looks at race and culture from several perspectives. 

Read this for:

 A book from decades past (1920's)

A short classic (141 pages) 

Diverse author and topic. 

  I've got a few more recommendations-  but I think these 5 are great to start.  All of these authors have other works of a Short nature, so if you find one you like, you know there's more where that one came from. 

 Happy Reading! 

Book Review: An Owl on Every Post by Sanora Babb

 If you ever wanted to read a book about survival in adverse circumstances, this would be one I'd recommend. 

   I am a HUGE fan of Babb.  Her work Whose Names are Unknown should get more readership and praise, and it was overshadowed by The (also excellent) Grapes of Wrath. Given that Steinbeck is such a fantastic writer, that's no problem, but it is kind of ironic that it's well known that Steinbeck used Babb's field notes while writing his classic- and didn't give her any credit.... 

  For me, I personally think both are fantastic novels, and should be taught in conjunction.  They have different styles and approaches to the topic and compare marvellously. 

But I'm here today to talk about an Owl on Every Post, Babb's autobiographical work about growing up in a one room dugout -- farming broomcorn.  This was a definite poverty situation, with 5 people living in a one room home that was basically dirt.  Here's a link to what this might have looked like. 

An Owl on Every Post is considered "YA"  which I find, very strange.  It is ABOUT a young girl, growing up on the plains, but the topics, are really also appropriate for adults.  After all, we were all aged 7 at one time. This is a coming of age memoir, but not one  where Babb grapples with maturity or the challenges as such, in fact, I think she just happens to grow up in the pages of the book.  In that way, it seems less YA than many YA novels that are written to address that time of life.  Rather, Babb is describing her time of life. There's no romanticizing the harsh winters, or lack of food at times, nor the sometimes challenging isolation of the way of life chosen by her father, but there is a deep thread of resilience throughout. The writing itself is perfection- it's not flowery, or overly descriptive, but each word paints the perfect picture, and for me, I felt as if I was right there, in almost every moment. 

This book also would make a good gift for a reader you are unsure about. It's interesting, well paced and written, and doesn't moralize. Let me know if you pick this one up! 

First Published :1970

Pages: 266

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: medical situations,  poverty, hunger, child death, snakes, animal ghosts.

    Not a full TW list, please read responsibly.   

Book Review Fisherman Blues by Anna Badkhen

  Ok reading friends.  This is a non-fiction account of a West African Community at sea. In the end, I am not a fan of this book or this type of immersive journalism. 

Badkhen is a journalist, war correspondent and author of some acclaim. Her writing is beautiful, and she really knows how to set a scene.  Readers follow the ins and outs of a fishing community in Senegal, getting a very "slice of life" experience in the reading of this account. All of this is beautiful, and lovely. I could feel the sea, the rock and roll of the boats and waves, the joy and the anguish of the happenings in the village. 

              What I could not figure out was WHY exactly Badkhen chose this as a project.  Badkhen is noted as personalizing the effects of globalization and climate change in this work, and I suppose that is true, there's a lot of observation of declining catch, and discussion of reasons why. In the end, I did feel like I got an interesting read about this W. African village, but very firmly from the perspective of a very perceptive middle aged white lady. Her observations are spot on, but at the same time, I didn't feel immersed in the village, I felt immersed in her perceptions of the village. In some ways this made it a very palatable book, as my perspective is very similar to hers, so her views and descriptions were easily understood by me, but I did feel like I never fully understood the minds of the fishermen, the first, second and third wives, or the children who careen about the village. I also got the odd sensation that her presence was mostly providing her with material, and what was she providing in return?  I don't think of Badkhen as some sort of "taker"  on purpose, but I also feel slightly uncomfortable with this perspective. I think though, in 2018 things felt different. 

 It is a unique book, with very good writing, and interesting vignettes, but I'm still not sure how I feel about this book overall. 

STATS

First Published 2018

Pages: 304

Available as an Audio Book : YES

Trigger Warnings: infant death, death, medical situations, poverty

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)