My last post was in November 2021. Yikes! After the chaos of the holiday season, I got busy on a huge writing project. A novel. First draft is finished. Hurray!
Will be doing some revisions and then on to the challenge of publishing. I’ll keep you posted.
In the meantime I have read many books. Here is a list of my seven favorites (not in any particular order):
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
A time travel story with a twist. Gaspery-Jacques Roberts is a detective living on the Moon’s Night City. He is hired to investigate an anomaly in the North American wilderness. On Earth. Beginning with a stop in 1912.
Turns out there are several people involved in this anomaly. As well as several centuries. Notably, an old man playing a violin in an airship terminal. Once he learns the source of the anomaly, Gaspery must choose between his gut and the rules of time travel.
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
This novel is a mosaic of time and space. At the center of the story is an ancient Greek book. Entitled Cloud Cuckoo Land. It is the fictional novel about a shepherd, Aethon. Aethon dreams of being turned into a bird so he can fly to a utopian paradise. Cloud Cuckoo Land has made it into the hands and minds of five characters.
Fifteenth century Anna is an orphaned seamstress residing within the walls of Constantinople. She crosses paths with Omeir, a village boy. He lives outside the walls. Omeir and his beloved oxen are conscripted into an army. One that will siege the city.
In present day, elderly Zeno, enjoys translating ancient Greek texts. He spends his days in an Idaho library. Seymour, an autistic teen, also spends time in the same library. Seymour becomes involved with ecoterrorists. He plans to bomb the library.
In the distant future, on an interstellar ship is 12-year-old Konstance. The ship, Argos, travels to a planet that her future offspring will inhabit. Konstance questions the purpose of the journey. She is familiar with the story of Aethon. Passed down to her from her father. It is a story that she will also pass along.
Each of these characters have a common need for survival and a longing for a happy ending.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
This tale requires a small stretch of imagination. But it’s worth it. The widowed Tova Sullivan takes a custodial job at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Staying busy helps her cope. Like when her 18-year-old son, Erik, went missing 30 years prior. Tova forms a relationship with Marcellus, a grumpy giant Pacific octopus.
Marcellus resides in the aquarium where Tova cleans. He was rescued at an early age. Although Marcellus thinks of himself as a prisoner. Here’s where your imagination must extend itself. Marcellus narrates his story and his observations of the human species as a whole. He is also aware of what happened to Erik all those years ago. How will he get that information to his friend, Tova?
A beautiful tale of love, loss and unexpected connections.
The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family by Ron Howard
Take a walk down memory lane with Ron and Clint Howard. Learn about behind the scenes activities of the Mayberry crew. The book includes details about Ron’s directorial debut and how he got it. Clint discusses his substance abuse. Both brothers speak warmly of their parents.
If you were a fan of nightly television in the 60’s and 70’s, you’ll enjoy this memoir.
The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
You have your serial killer. Your stolen child. Revenge. Death. This novel is filled with surprises. At the beginning, you’ll be certain you know what’s going on. You don’t. Each chapter offers a new unexpected tidbit. Coming together for a satisfactory ending.
Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead
Ray Carnie is almost completely legitimate with his Harlem Furniture Store. His cousin, Freddie, doesn’t pretend to be legitimate in his dealings. Then Freddie offers Ray a deal too good to be true. How will Ray maintain his stellar reputation, keep Freddie alive and get his fair share of the deal?
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
How does a High School Science teacher save the world? That’s what Ryland Grace is tasked with. However, when he wakes up from a very long sleep in an unfamiliar place, he doesn’t remember anything. Not even his name.
On top of that, there are two dead bodies in the room with him. Also with him is a set of robot arms that care for his needs. He remembers scientific data but doesn’t know why. It all comes back to him in short flashbacks. Until he realizes he is on a suicide mission. Earth’s last resort for survival.
With lots of science and plenty of mystery, the story unfolds. With some unexpected assistance, it may not be a suicide mission after all.
Note: This blog is sponsored by me, Karen J Adams. Any recommendations or suggestions are purely my own opinion without the exchange of money.
Unpublished work © 2022 Karen J Adams
