No.700: What I Read in September 2022

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#55. THE FLICKER OF OLD DREAMS by Susan Henderson // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

A beautifully written and somber book. The story is about a 30-something woman who works with her father in the town mortuary.  Because of their unique occupation, she has always felt like an outcast.  When a dying neighbor’s son returns to town, a man who has also had trouble being accepted in town, their new friendship sparks life into the woman and helps her move forward.  This one was hard to rate – maybe more like 3.5 stars?  There were so many little quotes that really resonated with me.  (I read this for the Willa Award Winners Challenge.)

#56. STILL LIFE by Louise Penny // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

So many people I know enjoy this mystery series from Louise Penny so I decided to give it a try!  A solid three star start and I’ve heard they continue to improve as the books go on.  I liked Chief Inspector Armand Gamache…is he a modern day Hercule Poirot?  We’ll see.  (I read this one for the Alphabet Reading Challenge.)

#57. WORLD MADE BY HAND by James Howard Kunstler // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

This novel is a post-apocalyptic story about a world without electricity.  It had some really weird parts, but I did enjoy the thought experiment.  How long could my family and community survive without all of the luxuries we take for granted?

#58. VIOLET IS NOWHERE by Faith Gardner // ★★☆☆☆
(amazon // bookshop)

I was excited about this near-future dystopian thriller because it sounded so interesting: A rising rock star is kidnapped from her LA home. She wakes up locked inside a cabin with a note and a burner phone that only dials one number to a stranger.  The mysterious note says the two have just one week to figure out the connection between them. Otherwise someone or something will take her life.  Sounds intriguing, right?  Unfortunately, I found the pacing really off and it didn’t get interesting until more than halfway in.  The futuristic dystopian twist was interesting, but almost anti-climactic?  I may not be the target audience, but this one was just okay for me.  Also: there was so much language – I can appreciate the appropriately placed cussword, especially in a book, but this was a little over the top.  (Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.  Violet is Nowhere was published on September 22, 2022!)

#59. LAY SAINTS: MODELS OF FAMILY LIFE by Joan Carroll Cruz // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // better world books)

I appreciated this collection of saintly laity and their stories throughout the centuries.  Lots of new saints that I was unfamiliar with.