I love to share books with readers that I have found that resonate with me. Obviously I have had a lot of books given to me free for review and those are sometimes surprisingly wonderful but when I find something on my own that rings a chord with me I just have to share. So today please find two of my latest favorites that I think might become favorites of yours as well.
First up is Idaho written by Emily Ruscovich. I saw a segment about this book on television some time ago and immediately ordered it. I don’t know how I had not picked up on it before or heard anything about since it is an amazing debut novel by this author that has already received numerous awards but I am certainly happy I finally found it.
The story line about husband Wade and wife Ann is a moving and touching one but don’t get me wrong – this is not one of those sappy and predictable books to read. Quite the opposite. The story line, which I won’t reveal too much of in order to avoid spoilers, involves Wade having a bit of dementia. Most of my readers know that my mom has dementia so sometimes reading about it in a book is not the top thing on my list but the way it is presented in Idaho is really good. It is part of the story but not the entire story if that makes sense.
One review I read said it was “mesmerizing” and I would have to agree. This is one to add to your To Be Read list, trust me.
The next book on my recommendation list is The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek written by Michele Richardson. I found this one whilst browsing the online Barnes and Noble website and immediately ordered a copy. It was an amazing book and I do not say that lightly. I learned a lot from reading the book that I never knew but it was written in such a great way that it was informative but at the same time very compelling. I could not put it down.
First of all it details the history of the Kentucky Pack Horse Project that was spearheaded during the Roosevelt administration. As a book and library lover you know I loved all the details about the first truly mobile library and the people that executed that. The terrain was rough, the books few and far between and tattered, but they made the rounds by horse or mule to get materials to their patrons.
The main character in the book, Cussy Mary Carter, was one of the rare Kentucky blue-skinned people. Yes ,you read that correctly. I had no idea that this even existed but thanks to this book I now know a lot more about them. Known as the Blue Fugates this family carried the genetic trait that led to the disease Methomoglobinemia which gave those afflicted a blue-tinged skin. Imagine the ridicule and discrimination…that is a huge part of this story and I loved reading about these special people.
So those are two of my latest picks that I hope to present as options to my book club. Both are worth your time in my humble opinion. Tell me – what are reading? I would love to hear all about it in the comments. Remember to Comment for a Cause for Donors Choose.
18 Comments
Leave a commentBoth books sound great. i especially want to read The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and have put it on my want to read list. I’m reading When or Where by Anita Shreve and it’s quite good but not her best. But, I’m not finished it yet so I may change my mind about it.
I haven’t read anything by Anita Shrive for awhile. I need to add her back into my book rotation! The Book Woman book was exceptional. Let me know if you read it.
Well, I’ve mentioned before in comments on your “book” posts that I’m only an occasionally reader (of books). These do look good, though, and like you, I’d never heard of the Kentucky “blue” people. Interesting.
The Kentucky blue people was what really made me love this book. I learned a lot of stuff I had no idea about before and that was fun.
Thanks Beth!! I guess I can start another stack…
My stacks keep growing…..I bet yours do as well.
They both sound so good! I’ll have to put them on my ‘to-do’ list. 🙂
Let me know if you read them. They are both winners in my book. 🙂
We saw a movie once about a “blue” person. Will have to check out this book soon. Our local library does have it
Joyce—I loved this book and I bet you would as well. It is well written and the story line is great. Plus I learned some things I didn’t know before so that was a bonus.
Just finished The Guest Book by Sarah Blake. It’s a multigenerational story, kept me interested to the very end.
Really into The Only Plane On the Sky by Garrett Graff. Usually don’t read alot of nonfiction, but this is great. Sept. 11 through so many differing viewpoints.
I have to find my copy of Guest Book—I had a hard time starting it for some reason I can’t remember why. The Only Plane in the Sky sounds really good. I have read a couple Sept 11 related books and enjoyed them all so this one might be another one to add to the list.
Thanks for the recommendations!
I think we have similar tastes in reading so I think you might like these two. Dawn. Let me know if you read them!
I am going to check with my library and see if they have either of these books. They really sounds like the type of things I like to read. Thanks for recommendations.
Both of these are really good books, Shirley. Let me know if you read them–I would love to hear your thoughts.
Just finished HEARTS OF FIRE about 8 persecuted Christian women and also really liked THE ESCAPE ROOM.
Both of these sound really good, Karen. Adding to my ever growing list.