The Story Peddler Bookstore Blog

The Secret Language of Birds by Lynne Kelly

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:55:12 GMT

A poignant and heartwarming coming-of-age novel that captures the moment of learning to spread your wings in a way you'll never forget—from the award-winning author of Song for a Whale .

Nina doesn’t quite fit in – at home, at school, or anywhere else, it seems. So she doesn’t expect much when she goes to spend some time at her aunt’s summer camp. But when she discovers a nest built by a mating pair of whooping cranes, she also learns that maybe all it takes to fit in is to discover who you really are.

Lauri’s Take: This is a beautiful middle grade book about friendship, learning to navigate emotions, and finding where you belong. It’s also an excellent homage to whooping cranes and is a great story for birders. Readers familiar with Texas will appreciate the Buc-ee’s nod, as well!

Find Her by Ginger Reno

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:52:58 GMT

Five years, three months, and twelve days.
That’s how long Wren’s mother has been missing.

Wren is a finder of lost things, but no matter how hard she tries, she can’t find her mother, who has been missing for five years. Although she is one of hundreds Native Americans considered missing or murdered in Oklahoma, Wren’s mother is more than a statistic, and Wren is determined to bring her home. To do so, however, she must hone her detective skills, which she does by helping others find lost pets. Wren thinks she may be in for more than she bargained for when she recovers one of the missing pets after he’s been badly hurt, followed soon by others. Determined to discover who could possibly do such a horrible thing, Wren seeks justice for the abused animals while finding healing for the hurt of not knowing her mother’s fate.

Lauri’s Take: This book very tastefully weaves together the topics of animal abuse, middle-school bullying, child abuse, and the crisis of missing indigenous women and girls. I recommend it for the older readers in this age bracket, but I TOTALLY recommend it. Although touching on a lot of hard life issues, the author never forgets that she’s telling a story, which she does in such a masterful way that the issues which are important to Wren become important to readers, as well.

The Winterton Deception 2: Fault Lines by Janet Sumner Johnson

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:50:42 GMT

A kidnapping, a clue hunt, lots of family tension, and a literary find for the ages weave together in the thrilling second book of the Winterton Deception. Perfect for fans of Knives Out , The Inheritance Games , and The Westing Game .

In this sequel to The Winterton Deception: Final Word , Hope Smith and her brother Gordon are just about to celebrate their first holiday with their new-found extended family when a kidnapping reveals a secret she’s been hiding. Problem is, when Hope reveals her secret to the family, she’s met with disbelieve and thinly-veiled hostility. Hope is ready to give up, until another secret reveals the identity of her long-estranged grandfather and convinces her that she must seek out the truth even if no one believes her.

Lauri’s Take: What a fun middle-grade mystery! Blending a kidnapping with a clue hunt, this story is just the right combination of adventure quest and real-life consequences. The author does a great job of balancing the fun of a quest, the tension of danger, and the responsibility of trying to solo a task that is way too big for you. Readers who enjoyed The Inheritance Games will adore this story.

Whalefall by Daniel Kraus

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:46:32 GMT

The Martian meets 127 Hours in this “astoundingly great” (Gillian Flynn, #1 New York Times bestselling author) and scientifically accurate thriller about a scuba diver who’s been swallowed by an eighty-foot, sixty-ton sperm whale and has only one hour to escape before his oxygen runs out.

This short, heady novel is about the contentious relationship between a diver father named Mitt

and his son, who never measured up to his dad's expectations. Mitt is not happy with life on

land and feels much more at home in the ocean. When he dies at sea, his body is never found,

so his son Jay determines to find his father's bones in order to achieve some kind of closure for

himself, his mother, and his sisters. But Jay is caught up in the tentacles of a huge octopus,

pulled into the mouth of an enormous sperm whale, and swallowed.

The novel is part emotional father-son drama, sci-fi thriller, wild adventure ride, spiritual

experience, and coming of age narrative. While inside the belly of the whale, Jay is able not

only to commune with his father but also to make very difficult decisions about what to do and

how to escape this living prison in which he finds himself.

Kris’ take - I have never read anything quite like this novel. It’s an easy read that made me

want to continue turning the pages, not only to find out if Jay survives, but also to discover if he

ever truly forgives his father and himself for their contentious relationship and finds some peace.

I recommend it for those who love sci-fi thrillers and can really get into a book that explores

what it means to come to grips with our flawed, imperfect lives and relationships.

The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:41:04 GMT

For humans and vampires, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always – always – guard your heart.

A vampire romantasy about a human princess in a vampire court whose continued existence

depends on winning the Kejari, a tournament-style fight to the death. Touted as “The Hunger

Games meets A Court of Thorns and Roses but with vampires,” this book is exactly that and will

appeal to fans of any and all of those elements.

Oraya's personality is closed and withdrawn, but that's by necessity. She leads a life that is guarded from everyone on a constant basis, which was reflected in her streamlined characterization, as it should be. It also left a lot of room Broadbent to explore the nuances of Oraya's personality in the next books, giving her the room to grow rather than to plateau and become stale. I also appreciated that the included tropes were necessarily and tastefully integrated. For example, the enemies-to-lovers element: rather than giving Oraya and her romantic interest a petty reason to disagree and avoid each other, their animosity is a relevant, visceral thing with dreadful implications and consequences. Moreover, Broadbent explored those implications and consequences in a way that was true when she could have taken the easy way out.

Lauri’s Take - I don't seek out vampire books, especially after what certain vampires did to the

genre, so I was hesitant when a friend said I absolutely *must* read this book, but I really

enjoyed it. The writing is an excellent demonstration of craft, the world building is complicated

but subtle, and the tropes are necessary to the plot and are tastefully integrated rather than just

thrown in so that the author can check a box. It is rare for me to read the next book in a series

as soon as I finish the current one, but I enjoyed this one so much that I've already jumped into

book 2.

The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:35:15 GMT

“Kate DiCamillo's dazzling first title in the Norendy Tales trilogy is brimming with wit, whimsy, and heart as it follows five puppets fulfilling their thrilling shared destiny.” – Shelf Awareness

The Blurb:

Shut up in a trunk by a taciturn old sea captain with a secret, five friends—a king, a wolf, a girl, a boy, and an owl—bicker, boast, and comfort one another in the dark. Individually, they dream of song and light, freedom and flight, purpose and glory, but they all agree they are part of a larger story, bound each to each by chance, bonded by the heart’s mysteries. When at last their shared fate arrives, landing them on a mantel in a blue room in the home of two little girls, the truth is more astonishing than any of them could have imagined. A beloved author of modern classics draws on her most moving themes with humor, heart, and wisdom in the first of the Norendy Tales, a projected trio of novellas linked by place and mood, each illustrated in black and white by a different virtuoso illustrator. A magical and beautifully packaged gift volume designed to be read aloud and shared, The Puppets of Spelhorst is a tale that soothes and strengthens us on our journey, leading us through whatever dark forest we find ourselves in.

Lauri's Take: I absolutely love, love, LOVE this story. It's a beautiful tale of five puppets and the people they meet as they aspire to achieve their dreams and become who they want to be. "A tale of truth and wonder and sorrow" (p. 106), it is also an enchanting tale of hope. You need this story in your life.

The Young of Other Animals by Chris Cander

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:31:57 GMT

Shocking family secrets have the power to destroy―or unite―an estranged mother and daughter in an emotional and gripping novel by the author of A Gracious Neighbor .

The blurb:

Mayree and Paula are a mother and daughter drifting apart, separated by grief and more, after the death of Mayree’s husband.

Mayree faces a future with no income, career, or social life. Even ties with her best friend have been severed. Paula, feeling abandoned by the father she loved, is left with only a bitter mother. When Paula reveals that she narrowly escaped a violent assault, Mayree’s initial reaction is dismissal and disbelief. But as details unfold, it’s clear that it was real and not just one random night gone horribly wrong―someone is out to destroy their lives.

With each new threat from Paula’s assailant, harrowing family secrets reemerge that force the mother and daughter to confront the shared traumas of their pasts. Drawing on courage and hope, they must save the relationship they never realized they’d lost.

Reflective, suspenseful, and moving, The Young of Other Animals explores the psychic intergenerational damages that can alter relationships with loved ones forever.

Kris' Take: This novel is a crime mystery that also confronts mother/daughter relationships, trauma, family drama, and the redemptive power of love. There's also a twist at the end! I enjoyed the book. [NOTE: Kris actually wrote a much better review, but it got lost when I accidentally deleted (!) her email, so I'm borrowing her shelf-talker description.]

New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:28:56 GMT

Mornings can be tough. Sometimes, a hearty breakfast and strong cup of coffee just aren’t enough.

The blurb:

Offering far more than a rush of caffeine, bestselling author Paul David Tripp aims to energize Christian readers with the most potent encouragement imaginable: the gospel.

In the popular devotional New Morning Mercies, 365 engaging readings lead off with a compelling, gospel-centered thought, followed by an extended meditation for the day. Focused less on behavior modification and more on helping people encounter the living God, this resource equips readers with the good news that they need to trust in God’s goodness, rely on his grace, and live for his glory―day in and day out.

Lauri's Take: Love My Utmost for His Highest but been through it a few times? Then you should check out this devotional. With 365 daily readings, each page includes questions for personal reflection and application, guidelines for prayer, and a list of relevant biblical passages for further study. If you're in the habit of spending a part of each day in meditation, this is a great companion to the classic by Oswald Chambers. If you don't spend part of the day in a quiet time yet, but you'd like to, this book is a great tool to get you started.

The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:22:22 GMT

When Shai is caught replacing the Moon Scepter with her nearly flawless forgery, she must bargain for her life.

Another blurb and take review:

The Blurb: A heretic thief is the empire’s only hope in this fascinating tale that inhabits the same world as the popular novel, Elantris.

Shai is a Forger, a foreigner who can flawlessly copy and re-create any item by rewriting its history with skillful magic. Condemned to death after trying to steal the emperor’s scepter, she is given one opportunity to save herself. Though her skill as a Forger is considered an abomination by her captors, Shai will attempt to create a new soul for the emperor, who is almost dead.

Probing deeply into his life, she discovers Emperor Ashravan’s truest nature—and the opportunity to exploit it. Her only possible ally is one who is truly loyal to the emperor, but councilor Gaotona must overcome his prejudices to understand that Shai’s forgery is as much artistry as it is deception.

Brimming with magic and political intrigue, this deftly woven fantasy delves into the essence of a living spirit.

Lauri’s take: Love, love, love! This enchanting short novel will engross you in the character development and the magic system. It’s easy to see why it won a Hugo award. If you’ve never read Brandon Sanderson before, it’s a great way to get to know the author.

The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:14:58 GMT

Solve the murder to save what's left of the world.

We've been told we give too much away in our reviews, so we're trying something new: The book's blurb with our take. With that in mind, here's the blurb:

Outside the island there is nothing: the world was destroyed by a fog that swept the planet, killing anyone it touched.

On the island: it is idyllic. One hundred and twenty-two villagers and three scientists, living in peaceful harmony. The villagers are content to fish, farm and feast, to obey their nightly curfew, to do what they're told by the scientists.

Until, to the horror of the islanders, one of their beloved scientists is found brutally stabbed to death. And then they learn that the murder has triggered a lowering of the security system around the island, the only thing that was keeping the fog at bay. If the murder isn't solved within 107 hours, the fog will smother the island—and everyone on it.

But the security system has also wiped everyone's memories of exactly what happened the night before, which means that someone on the island is a murderer—and they don't even know it.

And the clock is ticking.

Lauri’s Take: The third novel by this author, this book is nothing like either of those that precede it, although there are subtle nods to both of them in the story. A murder mystery with a science fiction bent, it will keep you reading until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I’m looking forward to how the author wraps all three of his novels together in the fourth book, if rumors are true.

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:06:58 GMT

A breathlessly addictive mystery that follows one man's race to find a killer, with an astonishing time-turning twist that means nothing and no one are quite what they seem.

Set in what feels like the equivalent of a 1920s America masquerade event, this Gothic mystery follows Aiden Bishop in his quest to prevent the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle by experiencing her death through the ghostly perspective of eight guests. Trapped in a temporal loop and surrounded by people he cannot trust, Aiden is forced to relive the events leading up to the murder from eight different perspectives. If he can’t figure out who killed Evely by the time he’s relived the murder through the memories of all eight people, his memories will be wiped and he will have to start all over again from the beginning.

Lauri’s Take: After reading and highly enjoying The Devil and the Dark Water, I rushed to pick up this book, which has a completely different feel. While I did not love this story as much as I did the other one by this author, I still enjoyed it thoroughly. Gathering the clues and trying to solve the mystery with Aiden was challenging and fun, and I experienced that rare occurrence of discovering the answer at the same time as the protagonist, which was satisfying. The perspective is a bit disorienting at first because the reader’s experience follows the protagonist’s, but I caught on quickly and was able to fully immerse in the story. This is a mystery well worth reading.

A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:02:48 GMT

Her beauty hides a deadly purpose.

A fantasy inspired by the Chinese legend of Xishi, one of the Four Beauties, this novel is an epic retelling of power, politics, forbidden love, and sacrifice. Warning: the ending is right, but it is not happy. You will need tissues.

In this story, Xishi lives in a land that has been taken over by the neighboring kingdom of Wu. Her people are drowning beneath the oppressive force of the new king and are on the verge of being consumed until Xishi meets Fanli, the famous military advisor to the once-king of Xishi’s people. Fanli enlists Xishi in an ambitious plan that involves weaponizing her astonishing beauty to overthrow the tyrant of Wu and return their king to his throne. While on the mission, Xishi falls deeply, passionately in love… but it is a love that can never be realized.

Lauri’s Take: This is an epic, tragic story that I absolutely adored. The world building is detailed without being overly complex, Xishi’s personality is well-developed and believable, and the underlying love story is beautiful and true, which is what makes it so tragic. There were a few circumstantial details that I felt were unrealistic, but everything else was so nicely done that they hardly impacted my impression of the story. With elements that appeal to YA and adult readers, this is a must-read for fans of fantasy.

Two-Step Devil by Jamie Quatro

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:59:35 GMT

From a New York Times Notable “writer of great originality” comes a bold new novel about love, faith and two societal outsiders whose lives converge in the contemporary American South.

Two-Step Devil is about a 70-year-old man called The Prophet who lives alone off-grid in a cabin in Lookout Mountain, Alabama, on the border with Georgia. The Prophet, formerly known as Winston, has apocalyptic visions that he draws and then paints. One day while looking for a saw blade to finish his latest creation, he sees a Mercedes pull up to an abandoned gas station. In that car is a young, pretty girl with zip ties on her wrists. The girl's name is Michael, and The Prophet believes she is the Big Fish, and he is meant to save her. He rescues this young girl and takes her to his remote, art-filled cabin where he nurses her back to health. They form a friendship of sorts, and The Prophet tells her of his visions and her godly mission to take a warning to Washington, D.C. Frequently lurking in the cabin is a beguiling devil figure who literally and figuratively dances in and out of The Prophet's life. whispering in his ear.

Kris’ Take: This book is a study of the divine and the carnal, good and evil, and whether or not there remains any salvation in our world. The author gave me food for thought. The last two sections and the surprising ending made the book for me. I recommend the book.

Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:56:22 GMT

Sometimes a second chance comes in the most unexpected way....

In her first two weeks at Westminster Crescent, Helen encounters a small mouse who at first appears to be a nuisance but later becomes a fast friend. This is a story of two lonely beings who need one another. Each gives the other a reason to live. Their blossoming friendship radiates outward to enfold others, as well.

Kris' Take: I loved this book! The novel is a sweet, thoughtful read about a lonely widow, Helen Cartwright, who formerly lived abroad with her husband and son for sixty years. When her husband passes away and her son is killed, she goes home to her small English town to die, hopefully soon and without too much fuss. "Sipsworth" is at once a story of sadness, loss, and loneliness; however; the book also imparts a hopeful message of connection, love and second chances at life. I highly recommend it!

The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:52:05 GMT

By the acclaimed author of Moxie, a funny, bighearted adult debut that is at once an ode to educators, a timely glimpse at today’s pressing school issues, and a tender character study, following a sprawling cast of teachers, administrators, and staff at a Texas high school.

The story begins when a retired elderly high school teacher who begins substituting dies in the faculty lounge and is found by a young, fresh-faced, 22-year-old social studies teacher who is basically scared of the staff and her own students. All manner of chaos and hilarity ensue when the decedent's will states that he wants to be cremated and have his cremains scattered on school grounds. The beloved principal, who has a rebellious streak, decides to gather a few of the colleagues of the recently deceased and grant the dead man's wishes in the middle of the school courtyard. Everything that follows is a direct result of this decision.

Kris’ Take: I loved this book! The Faculty Lounge was written by a 20-year veteran high school teacher who knows the ins and outs of not only the classroom but the faculty lounge. The reader gets to see exactly what public school teachers go through on a daily basis to try and teach children while being badgered by parents; hounded by the Central Office; and forced to give meaningless, fill-in-the-bubble state tests all while battling their own personal demons, insecurities, and longings. At times hilarious and at other times heartbreaking and maddening, the book is a well-written character study of the inner and outer lives of teachers, but ultimately, it is a love letter to educators and the teaching profession. I highly recommend this book, especially for anybody who is or has ever been a teacher!

Dreams of Arcadia by Brian Porter

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:47:55 GMT

Veterinarian Nate Holub takes a job in his father’s Texas hometown, wondering if a city boy has what it takes to be a country vet.

Houston veterinarian Nate Holub's marriage has come apart at the seams. After a painful divorce, he is trying to forge a stronger relationship with his twin daughters and comes to realize he wants something more out of his life. Pulled in two different directions, he decides to move to his father’s rural Texas hometown work as a current country vet. Nate manages to reopen old wounds; uncover secrets long buried related to his father's untimely death 30 years earlier; make new friends and reconnect with family, some of whom are hostile to this native son returning home; learn the ins and outs of veterinary medicine on large animals; and try to find peace not only within himself but with the place he chooses to call home.

Kris' Take: I enjoyed this debut novel by Brian Porter. The author is a veterinary pathologist and has much experience working with all types and sizes of animals, so at times the details of the various procedures and surgeries Nate performs get pretty graphic. However, one never loses sight of the basic thread of the story, which is of a man trying to find his true north, come to terms with his past, and put down roots in his own arcadia. Dreams of Arcadia is a thoughtful read that has moments of tenderness and happiness as well as moments of sadness and regret. It is largely a character study and a story of painful endings and fresh starts.

The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:44:07 GMT

A murder on the high seas. A remarkable detective duo. A demon who may or may not exist.

Set in 1634, this Pirates of the Caribbean meets Sherlock Holmes-type story takes readers on an ill-fated voyage from Batavia to Amsterdam as Jan Haan, a Governor General in the United East India Company who is returning to Amsterdam to become a member of the Company’s elite governing board. Even before the ship leaves the dock, the passengers are plagued by rumors of Old Tom, a devil in the form of a dead leper who seems to be determined to sink the ship and kill everybody on board. Samuel Pipps, the world’s greatest detective, is convinced there’s no such thing as devils, but he can’t investigate what’s really going on because he’s being detained in the smallest possible space on board for a crime he may or may not have committed.

Lauri’s Take – This story drew me in like nothing else has in a long time. The narrative voice is intelligent, easy to read, and so natural that I almost forgot the narrator was even a part of the story. The slow-burn romance is authentic and rewarding, and the detective duo trope is spun in a fresh new way as the story explores themes of mass fear, suspicion, and mystery on the high seas. I highly recommend this book to anyone and am totally NOT becoming known for tackling random strangers on the street to tell them how much they need this book in their lives.

Clever Creatures of the Night by Samantha Mabry

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:40:29 GMT

"Something bad happened here."

Andrea and Case are best friends, even if they have lived miles apart for ages. So when Case arrives at Drea's house on the exact day and at the exact time Drea specified only to learn Drea's not there, she knows instantly that something is wrong. The problem is, Drea's roommates are less than hospitable and refuse to answer Case's questions. Case is at a dead-end until she discovers pieces of Drea's journal hidden throughout the house. Using the clues in Drea's writing, Case is determined to discover what, exactly, happened to make her friend disappear.

Lauri's Take: The writing, tone, and pace of this story kept me intrigued to the very end. Set in a rural Texas town on the banks of the Brazos, the depictions of life in the country and the various aspects of the Brazos were enchanting. This is a mystery/suspense story perfect for teens and adult readers of YA.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:37:46 GMT

In this magical debut, a couple's lives are changed forever by the arrival of a little girl, wild and secretive, on their snowy doorstep.

A fairy tale of sorts, this story centers around an older childless couple named Jack and Mabel who move to Alaska in 1920. As they struggle with the challenge of life in Alaska and their personal battles, they meet Faina, a little girl as wild as the Alaskan wilderness from which she appeared. Running through the trees with a red fox at her side, the bitter cold does not seem to bother Fiana, who relishes ti and her freedom. The couple comes to love Faina as their daughter, but Faina is not as she appears.

Kris's Take: I enjoyed this book very much. Based on a Russian children's fairy tale, this novel truly is a fairy tale for adults. The juxtaposition of the Alaskan wilderness with the relationships between Jack, Mable, Faina, and their friends, the Bensons, will keep the reader enthralled until the very end.

Victoria Stitch: Bad and Glittering by Harriet Muncaster

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:35:44 GMT

"The crystal keeper gazed around him at the shards of impure crystal, glittering furiously on the floor, and shivered with a terrible sense of foreboding."

Twin sisters Victoria Stitch and Celestine are Wisklings, pixie-types creatures born from gemstones that give them magic abilities. Since their birth stone is a diamond, they are destined to be queens, but there's a problem: their diamond contained an impurity, a black "stitch" which everyone believes to be an indication of Victoria Stitch's dark and dramatic personality.

Lauri's Take: This story is a close examination of what it's like when life isn't fair and things don't turn out as they should. It's a representation of two siblings whose only family is each other, and it does an excellent job of realistically portraying the complexities of sibling relationships and what it's like to love someone through the good, the bad, and the difficult. Replete with luxurious Gothic illustrations, it's perfect for middle grade fans of Wednesday and The School of Good and Evil.

Lightkeepers: A Modern Rapunzel Retelling by Kennedy Plumb

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:32:28 GMT

Zella has been faithful to the Program her entire life, never doubting Mother’s choice to keep her in isolation since birth.

A modern Rapunzel retelling, this YA novel follows Zella, who is trapped in a dangerous cult, and Ryder, who is trapped in the foster care system, as they help each other achieve the freedom they so long for.

Maddie's Take: This is an incredible YA romance, and I cannot recommend it enough. Though it is a retelling of the beloved movie characters, it is still so original and fresh. Zella's situation keeps you on the edge of your seat while Ryder makes you smile with his charismatic personality. Each is well balanced, relatable, and lovable. The ending pages had my eyes glued open and my jaw dropped. This story is perfect for hopeless romantics who grew up watching Tangled.

Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:27:32 GMT

What if you had one year to save everything you loved?

This YA fantasy novel tells the next chapter of Merida, the Disney princess star of Brave. It takes place a year after the movie, when Merida has to save her family from ruin by helping each of them change for the better over the course of a year and discovering that, she, herself, also needs to grow.

Lauri's Take: I like stories, but I LOVED this story, which I haven't done with a book in a while. It incorporates elements of Scottish medieval culture and mythology and remains true to the character of Merida while not pushing an agenda. It is a great picture of family, love, and the courage it takes to grow up, whether you're a child or an adult. If you enjoy fairy tales with a touch of romance, you need this story in your life.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:22:27 GMT

A desperate family seeks a new beginning in the near-isolated wilderness of Alaska only to find that their unpredictable environment is less threatening than the erratic behavior found in human nature.

Leni’s parents are free spirits, moving from place to place until her father, a POW returned from the Vietnam War, decides to settle down and live off the grid in Alaska. There they find a community of likeminded, generous locals who help them get ready to face the long, dangerous Alaskan winter. As the snow grows deeper and the nights grow longer, Leni learns her parents’ darkest secrets. Contained for months in a tiny cabin by blankets of snow and eighteen hours of night, Leni can’t escape the danger – she can only confront it alongside those she loves.

Lauri’s Take – This is my first Kristin Hannah book, and I am impressed. The descriptions of the Alaskan landscape and wildness were beautiful, Hannah’s writing was lovely, and the story drew me in despite myself. It takes a hard look at abuse and may not be a good read for those who have lived with that trauma, but Hannah’s treatment of the issue is compassionate, considerate, and tasteful.

Babel by R. F. Kuang

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:19:44 GMT

"Traduttore, traditore: An act of translation is always an act of betrayal."

A historical fantasy story set in an alternate 1828 Oxford, Babel is the story of Robin Swift, who was orphaned by cholera in Canton and taken to London by Richard Lovell, a professor in Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation. After six years of studying Latin, Ancient Greek, and Chinese, Robin is finally ready to enroll in the Institute, commonly referred to a Babel, and discovers a utopia dedicated to knowledge and committed to the magic generated in translating languages, which is the basis of this story’s magic system. However, the deeper Robin goes, the more he finds that the prestige of Bable comes at a cost, and he has to decide if he’s willing to pay it.

Lauri’s take – This is a well written, beautiful story, but be warned – it is a tragedy that hits hard. As the author draws readers into the lives of the characters and their relationships with each other, she also takes a hard look at late 1800s colonialism and all of its ramifications. The ending was satisfying and right, but also left me feeling a little bit broken.