Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict

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Seeking to pursue a career in basic science research in an environment where she would be accepted as an equal to her male peers – not an easy task in post-WWII 1940’s – Rosalind Franklin moved from London to Paris. On arrival, she felt immediately welcomed by all of her fellow researchers in the x-ray crystallography lab. She quickly began her painstaking work of pursuing the identification of carbon-based structures via this type of X-ray imaging, and became known for her meticulousness, hard work, and dedication. After an uncomfortable incident in the lab between herself and one of her superiors, however, she felt compelled to leave this otherwise congenial environment to return to London. There, she was thrust into a competitive race to use her perfected techniques to identify the structure of DNA. Only gender discrimination prevented her from achieving the fame that Watson and Crick did, as it was Franklin’s research that truly uncovered the secret to DNA’s structure.

This deeply researched fictionalized story is a profound tribute to Rosalind Franklin, a woman who contributed so much to what we know about the structure of carbons, DNA and RNA. Only now, decades later, are we understanding the ways in which she was robbed of the respect and acclaim that was her due. The men around her took credit for her work, her discoveries, her hard-won labor, and she had no recourse at the time because she was a woman and would be looked upon as a complainer, a shrew. She was denied the status of a full professorship, and with that, the ability to achieve rights to her own grants and her own laboratory. She was always beholden to the men around her, who were often her intellectual inferiors.

I also never knew her family situation, which came through in this story as well. First, she was Jewish, which influenced where she was able to go and when. During the second World War, she certainly could not go into Paris – not until the Germans were overthrown by the Allies – and so her training began initially in London. Moreover, while she was simultaneously fending off the pressures from her male colleagues in the lab, she was also quelling her family’s efforts to bring her to more “ladylike” pursuits, as they saw them – doing charity work, marrying and raising a family. Because she saw these as being incongruous with her deep ambition to pursue science, she resisted pressure from all sides.

This is a beautiful tribute to a true hero in our history – one who should be acknowledged and celebrated for her brilliance, dedication, and contributions to science, to medicine, and to the betterment of mankind.

The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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Here I have fallen again into another book of short stories – but luckily so. While, again, I am generally not a fan of them, these stories are virtually novels unto themselves. Not in physical length, but in the depth of characters the author creates and in the lives and experiences they convey. We have a writer attending a workshop surrounded by writers afraid to stand up to the man in charge who is inappropriate and sexist and racist, out of fear they will threaten their own opportunities. We read about a young bride of an arranged marriage, newly brought to New York from Nigeria, about her disappointments and resentments. And we read about a young woman trying to come to terms with the death of her brother, so many years prior.

The many characters and the many stories here bring us closer to understanding the African experience in America and the African experience in Africa. We are exposed to the conflict that often arises from clashing cultures, religions, origins, and beliefs – and how each character must struggle to identify where they fit into the world where these conflicts exist. Just as exists anywhere, there is conflict between old and young, between man and woman, between one culture and another. The human experience, on display so vividly in these pages, is finding what our role is in that morass and how we resolve our differences with those around us. It is both specific to these cultures and generalizable to almost anyone living in the world.

Of course there are some stories I enjoyed more than others, but that is to be expected. On the whole, however, I found these stories to be powerful, deeply moving, and well worth the experience of going out of my comfort zone to read short stories in spite of myself. I encourage you to do the same!

 

 

Night Road by Kristin Hannah

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Mia Farraday has not always hidden in the shadow of her twin, Zach, but since middle school, she’s felt that life has just given her lemons when he’s been handed the lemonade. While Zach is the popular one with friends surrounding him constantly, she’s the one with the braces, the acne, and clearly no sense of what is normal because she cannot seem to attract anyone to her side. That is, until Lexi approaches her during lunchtime on their first day of high school, in spite of Mia warning that it might be “social suicide” to do so. Lexi, for her part, is used to being on the outs, as she has been in foster care until only a couple of weeks ago, so she’s just glad to find someone who will deign to speak to her. The two instantly bond, and while Mia and Zach’s mom, Jude is leery – Mia’s been hurt before – she finds it in her heart to accept Lexi for the kind and genuine friend she is to Mia. That is, until tragedy ensues. And how could she possibly find it in her heart to accept her then?

This is a heart-wrenching story of love and friendship that is challenged in unfathomable ways. We are brought into their world as one would be a warm hug, charmed by their love for each other even as we see their imperfections, their enmeshment. Jude is a loving mother but is overinvolved, overprotective, and enabling. Mia and Zach are quite different from each other but are not necessarily given the space to be so. And they accept Lexi for who she is, they see her kindness, her ability to give and to love and take her in as another member of the Farraday family. Until…

This is also a story of how pain distorts us. We all grieve in different ways, we all need to cope in different time frames. Some of us pull others to ourselves for support, others push away. Most of us need support even when we don’t realize it, however, and that is the key. We all need to recognize this need in others and see that when others strike out, are mean, or act out, it may be coming from a place of pain.

The other point that is underscored appropriately here is a word of advice for parents of teens (which I highlight from a professional perspective as well). When you are advising your teens on going out, no matter how much you trust them, no matter what their story is, tell them this: if they sense they are unsafe for any reason (alcohol, drugs, sexual encounter – whatever), that you will come get them at any time of day or night, NO QUESTIONS ASKED AND WITH NO CONSEQUENCES. And mean it! Follow through. No consequences, no questions asked. Full stop. You may be saving your kid’s life.

Another powerful, heartbreaker by Kristin Hannah…!

 

 

The Beekeeper’s Daughter by Santa Montefiore

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Grace is a bit appalled by how quick her peers are to judge the young folk of their tiny island off of Cape Cod. She knows that she has not been a saint – nor can anyone else make that claim – so she is never one to judge. So she tries to be compassionate when her own daughter becomes the target of some of the island’s whisperings, when her daughter is seen cavorting with a singer in a band staying on the island to record an album. Though she knows how this will end, she remains supportive of her daughter. But Grace has no idea how deeply her own history is tied to her daughter’s broken heart.

This is a sweetly presented narrative about love, love lost, and love rediscovered in unpredicted ways. In both mom and daughter, we see how love lost can impact actions that have repercussions for years to come. We see how honesty could unleash suppressed love and we see how love can heal and help us through our darkest moments.

We also learn here about the magic of bees. They are truly a remarkable resource on so many levels. Not only do they create honey for all of us, but they do so as a team. They work together, devoting themselves to the benefit of the hive, saving the queen and her eggs so that the hive can survive. If they sense danger, they sting the encroaching threat, giving their lives for the benefit of the whole. We in our “me”-focused culture can learn much from this concept. When we give, when we think of others, when we do for others, we feel a sense of gratification that is uplifting and rewarding. When this is not the motivation behind these generous acts, it becomes a byproduct of them.

This is a tender story that I would definitely recommend bringing with you on your next vacation.

One Way Back by Christine Blasey Ford

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Within these pages, Christine Blasey Ford reclaims her narrative – without distortion by the media, by politicians, or by any outsiders – of the facts of her experience of sexual assault by the man who is now sitting on the highest court of our land, Brett Kavanaugh. It is here, with a clear mind, a clear conscience, and clear focus, that she is able to communicate her backstory, her patriotic motivation, and the attempts she made to tell her story earlier in order to prevent Kavanaugh from coming to the point of being nominated in the first place (and in so doing, having to be exposed as he was). She tells about her experience of presenting her testimony and the abhorrent dereliction of duty of the FBI in their non-investigation of the case against Kavanaugh. She also bears her soul about the way in which she endured death threats, shaming, and other hateful acts against her that so many other survivors of sexual assault share – the backlash and the victim-blaming that comes with coming forward. She also shares the moments of support, from those whose names we recognize and those we may not. It is an inspiring, albeit painful, recounting of her journey.

It was our hope, at least that of those in my circle, that we in our country had learned our lesson after Anita Hill. That after our horrific treatment of that courageous woman who stood in front of a panel of old White men who battered her with ignorant questions and brazenly shamed her and disregarded her – we hoped we’d do better when another woman so bravely came forward to challenge the character of a man we were choosing for the highest court in the land. But no, we did not. One might argue that we did worse. We instead chose to discredit, shame, and mock Blasey Ford, who so boldly came forward to do her civic duty, who gave up her own quiet, private, comfortable existence to reveal such personal, intimate details of her life in order to bring a man’s questionable background to light. And it was worse because of social media, the 24-hour news cycle, and the internet access to personal information that enabled thousands to send her hate mail and death threats via so many different routes.

In a country of how many millions, we couldn’t find anyone better than Kavanaugh? There was really no one we could find who HADN’T sexually molested anyone??? Seriously? Oh, but of course we had to choose him. Because we have to only choose those farmed and nurtured by the Federalist Society in order to ensure the most conservative justices to make the most civil rights-limiting decisions on the bench. Because heaven forbid that anyone except White men have any power.

And yes, I am using this platform to rant because Blasey Ford needs to have others support her, to hear her, and to acknowledge that she did the right thing by coming forward and speaking up for herself, for women, and for this country. Because she is right. If little by little, woman by woman, each brave soul comes forward (in spite of the vicious backlash and victim-blaming that so often occurs), perhaps our daughters might have a spitting chance of having a better world. Perhaps our daughters will live in a world in which there are men who are more aware of consent and what defines assault. Perhaps when a woman comes forward, the folks in the room – however large that room may be – will actually hear her.

 

All We Ever Wanted by Emily Griffin

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Nina is appalled and ashamed. How can Finch, her son, the one she’s only known to be a “good kid,” have possibly been involved in the treacherous deed he’s been accused of? Similarly, Lyla, from her perspective, cannot fathom that the guy she’s been crushing on for so long would do that to her either. it just couldn’t be. And even if he did, what’s the big deal? Why is her father freaking out? He’ll only make it worse… And from Lyla’s dad’s perspective, this legitimizes his general mistrust of the world. As they each confront the traumatic incident they have endured, their worlds explode in different directions, yet somehow converge as well.

This novel tackles a number of complicated issues: adolescent impulse sexting, class and wealth privilege, racism, and sexism. It does so in a non-preachy, non-threatening manner, albeit with a few cliches. But with charming characters (well, mostly)and a few unexpected surprises in the plot, the novel tells a good story, engages the reader and keeps us guessing until the last page.

There is also a good argument amidst these pages for keeping smart phone use to a minimum among young folks. I know there is a movement among some youth to move the the old flip phones and I am all for it. Having cameras at hand to document every moment of one’s life often interferes with actually LIVING one’s life, being IN one’s life. Moreover, in the hands of impulsive adolescents, who do not have fully developed frontal cortexes, it may not be the best idea to have access to both cameras and texting ability and/or social media.

This is a solid read, great for either book club discussions or just a lighter read under your umbrella with your toes in the sand. Either way, I believe you’ll enjoy it!

 

 

Skylight by Jose Saramago

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In a small apartment building in a modest section of Lisbon, you will find an assortment of characters going about their own complicated lives while very much minding each others’ along the way. There is the philosophical cobbler who decides to take in a lodger, with whom he develops a familial bond. There are the sisters who have fallen on harder times trying their best to raise 2 girls while keeping up appearances. There is the couple who are at each others’ throats, even while vying for their son’s love, and the family who are challenged by their beautiful yet unruly daughter. They all have their secrets and yet they all agree that there is much to say about the kept woman amongst them…

This novel captures the routine lives of folks living amongst each other, seeing each other coming and going, and, of course, making assumptions about each other. There is occasional joy, often misery, and for the fortunate few, love.

Because there are so many characters and so many different stories within the story, the novel can be challenging to keep track of, particularly at the outset. As it moves along, however, and we are more familiar with each of the plot lines, it serves more to move the book along and keep our interest. There are certainly some plots that are more intriguing than others: some that border on tedious, some about which I yearn to learn more.

All in all, it is an interesting, slice-of-life novel, with a diverse cast of characters that will amuse and give you something to think about after turning the final page.

Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Tess is likely more shocked than anyone that she’s just been hired by Howard to work in one of the most historic, upscale restaurants in New York City. She’s only just arrived, a fugitive from her lonely, motherless life, and barely figured out how to get herself to and from work, but she’s landed this new gig and she’s determined to make it. While she will always be considered “New Girl,” she will conquer this job, she will work her way into the complicated cliques of the staff, and she will learn the intricate business of tastes and flavors of both food and drink in which she is now immersed – that is, if it doesn’t do her in first.

This is a quintessential, early 2000’s New York novel. Some scenes are written with such gorgeous and gritty accuracy that you might think you’re watching a film rather than reading words on a page. As Tess is walking through some neighborhoods, we are privy to snapshots, details, that anyone who has ever walked these NY streets can absolutely relate to. And this feels necessary, as Tess herself is adjusting to the newness, the abrasiveness of the streets, and yet she gradually falls in love with it all. She loves the neighborhood bodega, where the owner gives her the medication she needs to get over the flu. She loves the Brooklyn Bridge, that literally helps her bridge her work and her home.

Unfortunately, the novel falls a bit short on plot, as Tess has a fairly linear spiraling course. There is repetition, yes, but there is likely intentionality in that, as that is the life of a server: the overworking, the exhaustion, the horrible hours. But there is also the predictability of the plot that is a bit disappointing. We can pretty much guess how things will go for her and her lust for her enigmatic bartender, and while there is something of a twist at the end, it does not come as a tremendous shock.

Overall, however, I think the writing wins out, making this a worthwhile read. I believe that it also gives us insight into the tremendous effort, study, and physical labor that is performed by those who bring us our meals when we dine out. And for that alone, it should be required reading for anyone considering how to tip.

 

The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Nantucket is a small island – perhaps too small, as those who live there year round seem to run out of things to talk about and perhaps create stories about others that may or may not even be true. For example, when Madeline gets a bit desperate to break her writer’s block and rents a space for herself in which to write, the neighbors begin to buzz about why she might need a place for herself. Just about everything becomes misconstrued, except for the actual, factual controversial actions taking place…

Grab your sunglasses, towel and sunblock, as you will definitely want to bring this one along with you to the beach this summer! This fun, lighthearted novel with its colorful characters, twisty plot, and sarcastic narrative will warm your heart, make you smile, and distract you from all the insanity that is going on in the “real world.” It is just substantive enough to keep you completely intrigued, but yet light enough to not get too anxious or worried about the characters. And really, don’t we have enough anxiety and worry right about now?

If you’re looking for something to read while on vacation – or just looking to feel like you’re on vacation! – here’s just the novel for you!

Table for Two by Amor Towles

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

As I’ve mentioned before in this blog, short stories are not my favorite – because I am never satisfied, always wanting more out of the story, more from the characters – but if anyone can pull it off, it is Amor Towles. And Table for Two shows us this is true.

We so quickly warm to each character that Towles creates within these pages – quickly enough to bond, to care, and to engage with the stories, brief as they are. And each vignette becomes a surprisingly fully formed story, leaving us almost as satisfied as we’d be if he’d written an entire novel for each of them. The final story, more a novella, is my favorite. In it, he creates suspense, unexpected twists, and characters with strength and wit whom we come to love almost immediately.

Most striking is the writing, which, as in all his books, is just stunning. Towles’ use of words is both descriptive and spare, witty and dry, almost poetic and yet prose at its best.

Of course this is a MUST READ – I am a die-hard fan.