Wednesday, January 01, 2020

Books I read in December 2019





The Dig by John Preston (library) fictional account about a real archaeological dig in England on the eve of WWII. I really liked it, but then I am obsessed with archaeology and paleontology lately.
The Spellman Files  by Lisa Lutz (audiobook) This was the latest book going in my car, very enjoyable. I am a fan of this series of books about the dysfunctional  Spellman family of detectives
The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson (library) This is obviously a genre now! This is the third book I have read lately about senior folks getting out and about and into trouble. ("A Man Called Ove" and "An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good" the other two)  Very enjoyable.
Before and After The Incredible Real-life Stories of Orphans Who Survived the Tennessee Children's Home Society by Judy Pace Christie (library) very poignant stories about the real orphans who inspired the fictional book "Before We were Yours" by Lisa Wingate.
The Lucky Hat Mine by J. v. L. Bell A really fun read about a mail order bride to a mining town in Colorado. Romance, Mystery and a bit of history too. A nice set of book club questions at the end also.
The Day the World Ended at Little Big Horn by Joseph M. Marshall III The history of Little Big Horn from the point of view of the Indians. Highly recommend especially if you like history.
Twisted Prey by John Sandford I like to take paperback books like this with me when I travel to Europe because I can just leave them behind when I am done with them.
Take the Cannoli by Sarah Vowell essays by Sarah Vowell. I love her stuff and really enjoy rereading them again.
I'm Off Then by Hape Kerkeling   A book about a German guy walking the Camino de Santiago. If you are a fan of the camino, then read it, but otherwise, I don't think it has general appeal.
Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules edited by David Sedaris a collection of short stories collected by David Sedaris. Lots of good ones by great authors like Flannery O'Connor and Dorothy Parker.
Blue Moon by Lee Child (library) the most recent Jack Reacher novel. During his travels, Reacher helps an elderly couple with their medical bills in a town that is split by rival Ukrainian and Albanian gangs.
Bold Spirit by Linda Lawrence Hunt the story of a woman who walked from Washington State to New York in 1896 very good, I highly recommend. Especially poignant about the stories from our families that get lost. Talk to your relatives NOW and find out as many stories you can about your family. This incredible story was almost lost forever.
The Man from the Train by Bill James (library) if you like those Cold Case Files TV shows where they take a crime from 20 years ago and try to solve it now with all our new DNA etc. Then this is the book for you. Crimes from 100 years ago!! They do research and find a link between them and discover that a serial killer was to blame. One man for many many murders. Highly Highly recommend. I really enjoyed it.
Talking to Strangers by Malcom Gladwell (library) As someone who has to deal with the public and talk to and explain things to people who are under a lot of stress, I found this book extremely interesting. Lots of great examples of how we do not understand other people's points of view.




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