Spanning generations and cultures, this tale of unrequited love seems, on the surface, to be a tsk-tsking of what was, but in fact, seems to still be. From the story of the young bride, peering at the world from under a veil in 1929, to her addiction- recovering descendant 70 years later, each of us has the potential to make inaccurate assumptions based on our own desires. Based on family saga, Sahota weaves the two narratives together to create a book that is lyrical and desolate, but ultimately victorious.

My sis (who is an elementary school librarian) gave me this book when it first came out around five years ago. Since that time it's blown up with awards, recognition, a movie, etc., and rightfully so. Suffice it to say that for those who think they have it all figured out, this will promptly set you back on your heels. Important and valid for young and old alike, this is a story that can help open eyes, minds, and possibly, hopefully, hearts.

Set in South Africa/Mozambique in 1952, this book revisits the apartheid era in all its glory. Yikes. What a brutal world. This book is a combo gritty detective novel, social commentary, political treatise and love story. While there were some cringeworthy references, particularly to women, one has to remember the time and the tone of the 1950s in general, and South Africa in particular. When you release your 2021 expectations you realize this is how it was. Nunn did a great job putting her own gender and race aside and writing as if she were there, and a man. And a white man, at that. I was captivated all the way to the masterful twist at the end.

Ever wonder what's under London's streets? No? Even if you haven't, this book will make you wish you were an urban archeologist. Going back to Roman times, you'll see layers of history, some civilized, some not so much. Really fun.

Susan is set in her ways and her world is predictable. When her mom dies, that event sets into motion a series of events which threaten to turn her world upside down. Cleverly written, funny but poignant, you'll fall in love with Susan and her quirks. Like many of us, once you get through the spiny surface, there's so much to love underneath.

Jason Bourne, scoot over. That this book is based on true events is more than a little chilling. Not the life for me! This story has you questioning your own values, and what you would do--or wouldn't--for your country, and which rules you would break to stay true to yourself or those you love. Quite intriguing.

Heartland reads like a novel but delivers like a textbook. You may start out thinking you know a thing or two about the folks in "flyover country" as our breadbasket has been uncharitably christened, but Sarah Smarsh will disavow you of your notions in no uncertain terms. You'll find yourself wondering if you could cut it the way those people do, and if you're honest, realize probably not. Strong, ignored, maligned but proud, these are the people who keep us fed and can cobble anything out of nothing. Interwoven with this caste revelation is Sarah's own personal story of struggle and triumph. A great education and a must-read.

Take a ride through the dusty and unforgiving Old West. Your guide will be Captain Kidd (apparently cast as the main character in the film). Get ready for some global education, a mystery, and a peek into the dog-eat-dog world of the time. Mr. Kidd is commissioned to transport a young girl to her relatives after having lived with her family's assassins, a Kiowa tribe, for several years. Interesting, moving, exciting. It'll be a great movie, too. But what movie with Tom isn't?

While Augusten recounts his . . . unconventional ? . . . life in this hilarious, entertaining book, the reality is that it was a dangerous life, indeed. His brother (of Look Me in the Eye fame) claims that Augusten exaggerates everything, and maybe so. There is more than a hint of the dramatic in his narrative. But even if you ratchet it down 90%, this kid was hanging on by a thread. Whether he was with his mom or his adoptive family, there was, unfortunately, no safe place for him and no one committed to keeping him safe. How astounding and wonderful that he landed on his feet and found his calling, and furthermore, happiness. A raunchy, readable book.

Zadie is a great writer who takes us on a ride through this thoroughly unique story. Part generational saga, part mystery, part comedy, it's hard to nail down exactly what genre to which it belongs. I continually flashed back to Confederacy of Dunces as a similar reading experience, but am not sure why. It's a little floaty in parts, but there is resolution at the end. Plus, there's the fun game of finding the references to teeth tucked in here and there. And there are many. She makes it work. This book reminded me that I'll never be a writer, but I can sure appreciate one.

What a timely book. Written in 2020, our country (and maybe the world?) was/is in need of a serious courtesy reset. Eugene Cho, a pastor who apparently sees jerkishness as a growing problem of late, tackles the issue head-on. Some of his advice is pretty lofty, and something to aspire to (at least for me), and some of it just delivers that punch straight to the gut. He's honest with his audience about his own shortcomings and expects us all to be imperfect, but to want to try harder to be nice. Like the real commandments, harder to achieve than to read, but it's all about the journey, right?

David never disappoints. This book is a collection of some previously published vignettes and some newer material too. And although his signature zany style is still very much intact, there's an undercurrent of something more. While we've all enjoyed being voyeurs into the world of the Sedaris family for many years, this book is like being in the house when the cameras stop rolling, or when he puts the pen down. You may feel a tad guilty for peeking all those other times, but then at the end, you hope that maybe, because you love them all, it was okay that you were there. There's more philosophy woven into the humor which makes you think about your own place in relationships of your own, but he still delivers this message with a twinkle and a wink. It's the mark of genius, and maybe he's right. This may be his best yet.