Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
The Beginner’s Goodbye.
Anne Tyler explores love, life, family with remarkable accuracy and gentle humor. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a Beginner’s Guide to… EVERYTHING? Insightful and beautifully written. Vintage Anne Tyler. Review by Sandra Novick.
Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
The Drowned.
The Drowned, by Booker Prize Winning author John Banville, is a mystery/thriller that will hold you until the last page. Set in the 1950s in a rural Irish town, and in Dublin, the investigation into a drowning and potential murder turns out to be much more than that. Suffice it to say, “It’s complicated.” Review by Barry Novick. Recommended!
Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
Notes to John.
Notes to John by Joan Didion. The insightfulness, transparency, honesty, and meticulous detail of Didion's writing is beyond compelling. Review by Sandra Novick.
Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
Theft
The new novel, by Nobel Prize winning author Abdulrazak Gurnah, is a carefully crafted story about each of the three main characters finding themselves, despite and because of their complicated pasts. A joy to read and highly recommended! Review by Barry Novick.
Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
Intermezzo
A beautifully written book by Sally Rooney, Intermezzo tells the story of two brothers grieving the loss of their father. They navigate a complicated relationship that is bolstered by their commitment to one another and love. Review by Barry Novick.
Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
Tell Me Everything.
By Pulitzer Prize winning author Elizabeth Strout. How much did I love this book? A lot! An honest depiction of real life, relationships, love, hate, good, and evil. The writing is both impeccable and down to earth. No problem if you haven't read Strout’s previous work, you can jump right in. Review Sandra Novick.
Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
Three Days in June
In Anne Tyler’s most recent novel, truths unfold during main character Gail Baines’ daughter’s wedding weekend. In Tyler’s signature style, the story reveals how tenuous relationships can be, but also how resilient the human spirit is. And, there is a cat. Rescued too, like all of them. Review by Barry Novick.
Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
After Annie.
Pulitzer Prize winning author Anna Quindlen’s latest novel, After Annie, does not disappoint. Beautifully written, it is the story of a family struggling with their grief upon losing Annie—mother, wife, care giver, friend. It is a great read, and despite all, it leaves one feeling hopeful. Review Sandra Novick.
Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
Fever Beach
You can expect the unexpected in typical Carl Hiassen style! With a cast of misguided, eccentric characters that only Hiassen could conjure up, Fever Beach is hilarious. A great summer read! Review by Barry Novick.
Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
The City and Its Uncertain Walls
In Haruki Murakami’s newest novel, Murakami explores the “real” vs “imagined” worlds. Through the narrator, we enter the two parallel worlds with their own “operating systems.” Classic Murakami! Review by Barry Novick.
Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
All the Colors of the Dark
A suspense thriller by Chris Whitaker. Imagine being kidnapped at the age of 13 by a serial killer. Set in a small rural Missouri town in the Ozarks, this suspenseful thriller has all of the ingredients for a great read. Review by Barry Novick
Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
In the Bleak Midwinter
By Julia Spencer-Fleming. Awarded Best First Traditional Mystery. “Midwinter” brings it with an Episcopal Priest, a Town Police Chief, some very handy military training, a body, an MG, and some serious “sparks.” Review by Carol Lichtenbaum.