A Book A Week

Last year, I embarked on a mission to dive into the works of authors I hadn't previously explored. This endeavor introduced me to many fresh voices and titles that I might not have otherwise encountered, leading me to discover numerous authors who have now earned a spot on my must-read list. This year, though, I've primarily focused on chipping away at my existing backlog of books, meaning I've been revisiting more familiar authors. This pattern shifted with my recent read, None of This is True by Lisa Jewell. Despite having several of Jewell's titles languishing on my TBR list for years, it was the consistent high praise from my trusted circle of book-reviewing friends that finally nudged me to delve into her work. Now, having experienced her storytelling firsthand, I completely understand the acclaim.

Strangers Alix and Josie are birthday twins, born on the exact same day. Their paths serendipitously cross during separate celebrations of their shared birthday. Despite being the same age, their lives are starkly contrasting. Alix enjoys a seemingly idyllic existence, married to a successful and charming man, raising two young children, and hosting a financially and creatively rewarding podcast. In contrast, Josie's life is more subdued. She's married to an older retired man and has two grown children, one of whom is estranged from her. The chance meeting between the two women on their birthdays is brief, and they quickly part ways.

Fate soon intervenes, and Alix and Josie's lives intersect once more, mere days after their initial rendevous. Is this another random coincidence, or is there more to it than meets the eye? This second encounter sparks a conversation where Josie begins to unveil her personal challenges and yearning for change. Alix, having exhausted her podcast's focus on celebrating women's achievements, sees Josie's narrative as a fresh angle to rejuvenate her show. With Josie's reluctant consent, the two embark on a collaborative venture. As Josie delves deeper into her story, Alix begins to discern underlying shadows and potential dangers. Will this narrative evolve into a tale of triumph over adversity, or is Alix unwittingly steering her podcast into a true crime story?

In None of This is True, Lisa Jewell masterfully weaves a narrative rife with deceit, faltering relationships, and unchecked envy. While the story took its time to establish its rhythm, the unveiling of the character's true intentions and motivations was gripping, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. Jewell employs a dual narrative, alternating between Alix and Josie's perspectives, skillfully leading the reader along a tantalizing trail of breadcrumbs. Trust becomes a scarce commodity by the story's conclusion, leaving readers uncertain about the tale's ultimate destination. This level of suspense and uncertainty is precisely what I crave from a thriller, and Jewell delivers in spades. None of This is True is a riveting, compulsively readable novel, the type of book that keeps you glued to its pages late into the night. It left me eager to dive into more of Jewell's novels at the earliest opportunity.

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

(2024, 29)

If you know anything about British royal history, you probably know of King Henry VIII and his many wives. Needless to say, the king had some commitment issues. Interestingly, despite the king's revolving door of consorts, he was steadfast in his devotion to one person for the remainder of his life. Enter Will Sommers, his jester. Not much is known with any certainty about Will Sommers other than he was the Monarch's jester from the reign of King Henry VIII through the reigns of Henry's children: King Edward VI, Queen Mary I, and Queen Elizabeth I. To have such longevity in a medieval royal court is a triumph for anyone, let alone a jester. Being afforded this place of prominence across generations of the Tudor dynasty put Sommers in a uniquely front-row seat for some of the most dramatic events in British history. This is what makes the premise of Jeri Westerson's Courting Dragons so intriguing. Weaving a murder mystery into the lore of this particular jester opens up endless possibilities.

Jeri Westerson's Will Sommers is a fool, but he's no dummy. Sommers is quite the intellect, often outmaneuvering his supposed "betters" and overpowering them with his quick wit and expertly landed taunts. As a medieval jester, he is allowed a certain level of freedom within the court of King Henry VIII. Neither nobleman nor servant, the otherwise rigid court rules are often bent regarding what the jester does or says. A jester to the king easily moves about the palace to be in the presence of whomever he pleases, regardless of their class. Perhaps more importantly, a jester can say what others think without fear of losing one's head. After all, who would take seriously the insults of a fool? Even so, Sommers uses his position and keen intellect to both entertain and ridicule / bring to light the various schemes of the court. Chief of which at this moment is the "Great Matter" of King Henry's ongoing campaign to end his marriage to Queen Catherine of Spain. 

As that well-known drama unfolds, Sommers finds himself in a precarious situation of his own--stumbling upon the slit throat of his Spanish male lover. Queerness in the medieval era was similarly dangerous as in modern times, so Sommer's proclivity for bedding other men was something that must remain a secret. Quickly realizing his unique access as a jester puts him in an unusual position to investigate the murder, Sommers feels honor-bound to discover the culprit and enlists his one true love, Marion, to help. As the plot unfolds and secrets emerge, the investigation raises more questions than answers. Was the Spaniard killed due to the homosexual nature of his and Sommer's relations? Or does it have to do with the rising tensions between the Spanish and English and the "great matter" at court? With the consequences of succession, blasphemy, and power at hand, Sommers must walk a perilous line to uncover the truth.

As I mentioned earlier, not much is truly known about Will Sommers outside of his long tenure as court jester. But that is what makes Courting Dragons so fun. Jeri Westerson gets to play with an archetype rooted in arguably the most theatrical and sensationalized period in Western history. I found Will Sommers's perspective fascinating, and as a gay man, I appreciated the inclusion of queer elements without it being the main focus of the story, especially within the context of Renaissance England. I admit that the final revelation of the plot left me feeling somewhat anticlimactic, but it does not detract from the fun I had reading this book. I found this story to be a satisfying intertwining of a traditional murder mystery set in the ever-popular historical context of the court of King Henry VIII. If that sounds like your cup of tea, I highly recommend this story. 

Review by Johnathan H. 

Since my early reading days, I've been captivated by mysteries that entice me with an enigmatic puzzle and keep me engaged until the final reveal. However, as I've grown older, a compelling mystery alone doesn't hold the same allure for me; it's the depth and complexity of the characters that truly elevate a book. Samuel Burr's debut novel, The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers, masterfully blends both these elements. Towards the end of last year, I received a mysterious package from his publisher. Enclosed was a manuscript cleverly disguised as a crossword puzzle and a jigsaw puzzle, with the solution revealing the book's title and cover image. While the puzzles seemed to be at the story's core, it was the depth of the characters that truly drew me into the narrative.

Pippa Allsbrook has always stood apart from the crowd. Her remarkable intelligence, rather than impressing others, often alienated her. Men found her intimidating, while women couldn't fathom her passion for deep thinking and puzzles. Despite societal expectations, Pippa's love for puzzles prevailed,  leading her to craft the local newspaper's crossword under a male pseudonym. Her true passion lies in her weekly gatherings with The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers, a diverse group united by their love for solving and creating puzzles, be it math problems, jigsaw puzzles, trivia, or mazes. To preserve the group's legacy, Pippa invested her family's fortune to establish a commune where the Fellowship could live and collaborate. While this haven sounds idyllic, maintaining it presents its own set of challenges, requiring Pippa to utilize all her wit and ingenuity.

Clayton Stumper is a young man with an old soul. Abandoned as a baby at the doorstep of the Fellowship of Puzzlemakers, he was raised within this enigmatic community, with Pippa serving as his surrogate mother. Immersed in the world of enigmatology from a young age, Clayton grew up respecting and cherishing the fellowship's traditions. However, with the group's decline and Pippa's recent passing, Clayton finds himself among the last members, questioning his identity and heritage. After her death, Pippa entrusts Clayton with a final puzzle, promising that its solution will unveil the secrets of his lineage and equip him for the world beyond the commune's confines. As Clayton delves into the clues, he stumbles upon a mystery even the Fellowship couldn't decipher—a revelation that could reshape everything they've ever known. 

In The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers, Samuel Burr crafts a novel that puzzle aficionados will find irresistible. The premise of a young man unraveling the mysteries of his past through a complex scavenger hunt filled with puzzles is undeniably captivating. While I was engrossed in piecing together the intricate puzzle, it was the characters that truly resonated with me. Burr skillfully weaves the narrative through two distinct points of view: Clayton in the present and Pippa in the past. This dual perspective offers a comprehensive view of both the puzzle's creation and its solution. I was immediately captivated by these characters, empathizing with their individual quests for love. Burr explores love in its various forms—familial, romantic, and communal. Although I found myself more invested in one perspective over the other, it didn't diminish my overall enjoyment of the story. The journey itself is more than worth the price of admission in this heartfelt debut. After all, as the book aptly puts it, "The magic was always found in the solving, never in the solution." 

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

(2024, 28)

Think back to the early months of 2020. COVID-19 was on the rise as a global health crisis, incidents of police brutality were escalating, and America was led by a president who stood out as one of the most polarizing figures in history. The atmosphere was thick with uncertainty. At a time when many sought strong and compassionate leadership, we found ourselves with a leader more focused on personal gain than on serving the nation. During such periods of uncertainty, it's natural for our minds to wander and ponder alternative realities. I found myself wondering, "What if things had been different?" Author Curtis Sittenfeld seized upon this speculative thought, channeling it into her novel, Rodham.

Hillary Rodham Clinton is one of the most influential women in American political history. Regardless of one's opinion on her political beliefs, her impact on the nation's political landscape is undeniable. She's a figure who has consistently evoked strong reactions since her days as First Lady during Bill Clinton's landmark presidency. While many are familiar with the disappointment of her 2016 presidential loss to Donald Trump, Curtis Sittenfeld has imagined an intriguing alternative history. In the novel, Hillary Rodham, having declined Bill Clinton's marriage proposal, chooses a path that diverges from her eventual union with the former president. This alternate narrative prompts readers to reflect on the potential trajectory of one of America's most prominent political figures had she taken a different route.

The initial sections of Rodham closely mirror Hillary's known history. We witness her early law school years, and indeed, her relationship with Bill Clinton develops much as it did in reality. In many respects, they make an unusual pair. Bill is exuberant and effortlessly establishes genuine rapport with people, often forming connections with those he's just met. On the other hand, Hillary is more introspective, finding solace and comfort within her tight-knit circle of friends rather than in new acquaintances. Yet, the two are undeniably drawn to each other, each possessing a brilliant intellect and curiosity that perfectly complements the other's temperament. Hinting at the public marital challenges they faced in real life, Bill grapples with infidelity in this fictional account, even as his political ambitions start to take shape. At this point, Sittenfeld's narrative veers away from known history. Bill and Hillary do not wed; instead, they embark on separate paths that will eventually intersect, but in ways starkly different from the history we know.

Within this alternative historical timeline, Sittenfeld's Rodham primarily unfolds. Liberated from her relationship with Bill, Hillary ventures into a political career where she seizes control of her own narrative, something she could not fully achieve in real life. Presented in the first person, the novel resonates with the authenticity of a genuine memoir, offering readers intimate insights into Hillary's political and personal ambitions. Sittenfeld provides a form of wish fulfillment, granting Hillary the opportunities many of us wished she had experienced. Much of this imagined narrative aligns closely with the fringes of actual history, lending the fabricated events a sense of credibility that makes them feel believable, even though they never transpired. Hillary faces many of the same obstacles she encountered in real life, particularly as she contemplates a presidential run. The challenges of being a woman in a predominantly male role are eternally evident. Sittenfeld adeptly captures the aspirations and frustrations of a woman poised for greatness if only the course of history would accommodate her. Although the conclusion may seem somewhat predictable, Rodham remains a captivating read that ignites the imagination.

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

(2024, 27)

At twenty-one, Hardy “Hardly” Reed finds himself at what seems like the pinnacle of his contributions to the world, which, frankly, isn't substantial. He's affable but lacks drive, working a modest job as a scare actor in a local amusement park's haunted western show. Outside of work, he mainly indulges in recreational drugs, drifting through life with little purpose. His tendency to sidestep conflict and temper expectations traces back to his challenging upbringing in the foster care system. This cautious approach to life is one Hardly has no intention of changing.

When he spots two children—a boy and a girl—sitting alone on a city bench, something tugs at him. Upon closer inspection, he notices the familiar marks of cigarette burns on them, scars he knows all too well from his own past. Someone is harming these kids. Despite his inclination to remain unnoticed, Hardly feels compelled to intervene. Even as a woman drives them away, the children linger in his thoughts. He reports the incident to Child Protective Services but faced with an overwhelmed and understaffed system, he doubts his report will make much difference.

While Hardly isn't the most reliable person, this situation feels different. With no one else to advocate for them, he feels responsible for ensuring the children's safety. This unexpected turn of events makes Hardly wonder if this is his true calling or just another letdown in a series of disappointments. Could this be the purpose he's been searching for, or is it another fleeting chapter in his unremarkable life?

Lou Berney, acclaimed for his previous work, November Road, has once again demonstrated his storytelling prowess with Dark Ride. Despite its brevity, the novel packs a powerful punch. Berney introduces us to Hardly, a deeply flawed protagonist driven by an intrinsic sense of justice, even as he grapples with his own place in the world. As Hardly morphs into an amateur sleuth of sorts, his journey is marked by setbacks and small victories, making him a multi-dimensional and riveting character.

Beyond the compelling characters, Berney excels in creating an evocative setting. The world he crafts feels authentic and lived-in, adding depth to an emotionally charged and gritty narrative. Particularly captivating is the abandoned dark ride at Hardly's workplace, which serves as the nerve center for his mission. The juxtaposition of this forgotten, desolate space within a bustling environment adds an intriguing layer to the story.

While Dark Ride delves into dark themes such as child abuse, drug addiction, and violence, it also offers a glimmer of redemption. The narrative sheds light on the shortcomings of systems meant to protect society's most vulnerable, making the novel not just a thrilling read but also a thought-provoking commentary. Berney's latest work is a haunting and resonant story that lingers long after turning the final page.

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

(2024, 26)

In a recent review, I noted that my husband has recently reignited his passion for reading. Following our joint reading of Michael Crichton's Timeline earlier this month, we embarked on a journey through C.S. Lewis's iconic Narnia series. Although I've traditionally been the only reviewer for A Book A Week, I thought it'd be enjoyable to have Johnathan share his own thoughts and post a review. Enjoy!

In 2014, I earned a B.A. in History. This could go without saying, but I have read my fair share of books. So much so that for the better part of the last decade, the idea of reading anything seemed like a massive chore rather than something I would want to do for pleasure. While my husband has written for this blog for well over 10 years now, I have always thought, "How fun it would be to add my own contribution to this space?" I only needed the right inspiration. With a recent re-watch of Disney's The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, I found myself surprised at how much I loved the story and decided it was time to read the original novel by C.S. Lewis.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe follows four siblings through a fantastical journey that takes them from the WWII-era United Kingdom to a land of magic and danger hidden in the back of an old wardrobe. The grave stakes that consumed much of the human world at this time were all too familiar in this land called Narnia, where an evil witch had been cruelly inflicting her will for a century. The four siblings are empathetic to the plight of the Narnians, but they do not have the knowledge or experience to fight against such a powerful foe. That is, until the arrival of Aslan, an all-knowing, omnipotent "king" of kings of Narnia . . . who also happens to be a lion. Aslan's appearance is his first since the witch took control of Narnia, and he is a beacon of hope for all who oppose her. As events unfold and consequences created by sibling rivalries emerge, the conflict comes to a head and sets the stage for a clash of beastly proportions: lion vs. witch. Good vs. evil.

Like many fellow millennials, my introduction to this story began with the movie version. In reading the novel, I was surprised to see how faithful the movie was to the original plot. Some scenes are even word-for-word reenactments. Some pieces of the plot were more fleshed out in the movie, and in hindsight, this adds to the story rather than takes away--specifically, the final battle. The novel is as charming and fun as I hoped, as any good child's story should be. One of my favorite aspects of the novel is that C.S. Lewis leaves much to the reader's imagination to interpret the mechanism of plot elements, like how the wardrobe leads to Narnia. It's never revealed how it works. The reader just knows that it does. I often have trouble following the complex logic of world-building that occurs in other fantasy novels. This simplistic approach of C.S. Lewis is refreshing and, to be cliche, magical. All said and done, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a delightful read, and I encourage anyone who thinks they might be interested to give the novel a chance. 

For more information, visit the author's website.