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.
Fireflies
Fireflies.
Remember when hundreds of fireflies lit up the summer lawns? A symbol of summer, Fireflies by Mary Oliver, reminds us of the beauty, lushness, and essence of summer. An exquisite poem about nature and fruition.
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.
The Recipe.
The Recipe.
Poet Laureate Ada Limón packs this poem with imagery so relatable, that we easily identify with the relationship she so aptly describes. A wonderful, thought-provoking read.
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.
What Am I Afraid Of?
What Am I Afraid Of?
Too bad you can’t press the hold button. When it comes to life. Wouldn’t that be just the thing? While you go ahead and try something else? Something new? Observations about people and life by Sasha Debevec-McKenney.
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
Featured Poetry Selection. Happy Mother’s Day.
Hurry. By Marie Howe.
A poem selected for Mother’s Day. By Marie Howe, 2025 Pulitzer Prize Winner in Poetry. Where are we all hurrying to? A beautiful poem about Motherhood.
Woodpecker
Like Making the Same Obvious Point, Over & Over
In Woodpecker, Jeffrey Harrison tells a very human story. Was he asking something “of us?” No matter, really. Click thru for an insightful perspective.
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.