On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

In a letter to his mother, Little Dog shares his story, his experience as the son of a Vietnamese woman who has lived through a terrible war, and has come to America with her own mother who has also suffered greatly. Little Dog communicates his own trauma, growing up in an abusive and impoverished household. When he falls in love with his coworker, as a teenager, it is the first time he feels seen, appreciated for who he really is. We learn how this both opens up his world and creates more heartache for Little Dog.

I am conflicted over this book. On one hand, the writing is extraordinarily poetic. The language is, at times, beautiful – creating images, experiences for the reader that are vivid and tactile. Little Dog relays tender moments with his grandmother, who seeks beauty where she can find it. He paints terrifying scenes of abuse at the hands of his mother.

On the other hand, the author also jumps from timeline to timeline, from narrative to narrative – occasionally within the very same paragraph – and it is incredibly confusing to follow. We never know if the next sentence will refer to a time in Vietnam or in Hartford, CT, if it will be describing a scene he has experienced or something his grandmother has survived. The subject/story line shifts as frequently as the pages turn. I appreciate a volley between perspectives, dates; but here it happens without any transition and much too often. It is just too confusing.

There is, underneath it all, a powerful story of generational trauma. But it is quite a bit of work to get there.

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Theo has just arrived in the small town of Golden, where, in the popular coffee shop near his hotel, he discovers the most beautiful portraits on all the walls. He is utterly intrigued, feels he can almost see each personality behind the faces drawn there. Seeing that each one is priced so reasonably, he is inspired to take on a project of bestowals – of ensuring that each incredible portrait returns either to the subject or to a loved one who’ll appreciate it. And with each bestowal, he becomes more familiar, more integrated into the lovely community around him.

Many, I imagine, will find this story incredibly sweet. And it is. Theo is a lovable character, whose kindness, humility and quiet wisdom sets him apart. He is generous in an unassuming way, not seeking praise for his gifts, just wanting to do for others because he derives joy from the giving. It is also his way of connecting with others in the town, hearing their stories, and providing solace and encouragement in return. And these characters are colorful and diverse.

What niggled at me throughout the story, however, was that Theo’s character was just too perfect. He always had the perfect response to a challenge, always had an insightful, kind thing to say. I suppose there is the chance that when I reach Theo’s age of 86, I’ll always know just what to say and when to say it. But I believe it is much more likely that I will continue to have those frequent moments when, 3-4 hours after a conversation, I will think of just the right way to have said something (as I do now).

I also was bothered that while Theo installed himself in a quaint little Southern town, if he were truly as famous as he turned out to be, someone would’ve recognized him and not been as shocked to learn his true identity. He interacted with folks who were cultured, educated, and sophisticated – how could they not have known who he was???

So while this is a sweet tale, it is just a bit too sweet, a bit too perfect. Poetic license can only go so far, at least in my opinion.

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

I rarely reread novels because generally I feel there is so little time and so many books – but this one is an exception. I have already reviewed this novel previously (please search my former review), and I stand by my initial recommendation as a MUST READ.

There are few novels written with such insight, such kindness, and such a generous outlook on the foibles of mankind as this one. The character embodied in the Count is utterly endearing, for his humility, his wisdom, and his humor. While he has been accustomed to wealth and opportunity, he also, shaped as we learn by his grandmother, has a deep appreciation for everyone, no matter their station in life, no matter their role. And so, even as he is sentenced to house arrest (albeit in the nicest hotel in Moscow), he befriends most of the staff, the guests, and even finds a helpful role for himself so that he may be productive. Still we see his most tender aspect as we observe his interactions with the children he befriends and cares for. He treats even then with the utmost respect – and earns theirs in return (along with most others’ as well).

We can all learn so much from his character – and from this incredible novel that I might just read again at some point!

It remains one of my all-time favorites!

As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld
As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner: 9780399585975 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

Pauline and Thomas Bright have uprooted their young family from their rural tobacco farm to the city of Philadelphia. The Great War is still raging and yet it feels like the right move. They have just suffered the loss of their youngest child from a heart defect and a fresh start might be just what they need. Moreover, there is opportunity, as Thomas’s uncle Fred has agreed to bring him into his funeral home business and, as Uncle Fred is himself a bachelor, he has plenty of room in his large home for the Bright family. When the Spanish flu descends upon the city, it wreaks havoc on the family, however. On the other hand, it also brings new joy, in the form of baby Alex.

This is an emotional piece of historical fiction, blending the impact of both the first World War and the Spanish flu pandemic – a mighty double blow to our country. While we have the Covid pandemic fresh in all our minds, we forget that we have been here before, coping with a terrifying disease for which we have no immediate cure or vaccine, and from which there were thousands of deaths. While science has moved forward quite a bit since the Spanish flu, and we do have flu vaccines, this story reminds us that we never know what may be around the corner, lurking and waiting to challenge our knowledge, challenge our resources.**

That said, the story on the whole is well-written, providing details through a rotating narration, predominantly via the three remaining sisters in the Bright family. They are poignant characters, both vivid and endearing. Evie, the eldest is the most academic, setting her sights on medicine as a career. Maggie is more the maternal one, interested in helping her mother prepare the bodies for visitation. And the youngest, Willa, gradually finds her (musical) voice and seeks pleasure where she can find it. We come to love them, root for them, and pray for their happiness.

Not quite a “MUST READ” but this novel will move you and engage you.

**Which is why it is terrifying that our current administration has cut back on research funding, particularly for vaccine research. One would imagine that having had such a recent pandemic, we’d be smarter than this…!

The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner

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Zoe has always been the outgoing sister, the one for whom social situations have been easy to navigate. On the other hand, Cassie, with her shy awkwardness, her larger body, and without the beauty that nature seems to have bestowed upon her sister, human interaction has always been a challenge. And for most of their formative years, Zoe has been protective of Cassie, admonishing those who insulted her, including her against others’ wishes. But there is one thing Cassie has that Zoe doesn’t – that innate musical gift, that magical voice. When Zoe enters a local battle of the bands, she knows that having Cassie by her side will virtually guarantee her a win – and this is where they begin their journey together. For better or worse…

This is an incredibly moving story, not only about the sisters’ meteoric rise to fame and sudden crash, but also about love and trust and what can become blinding drive for notoriety. It is told from the perspective of both sisters as well as from Zoe’s daughter. It is also told in 3 different time periods. While this might seem confusing, it is not – rather, it is an effective means of building suspense up to the point of discovery of exactly what has fractured the sisters’ relationship, the band disaster, and Cassie’s subsequent self-isolation.

This is also a poignant depiction of how size discrimination can impact one’s entire self-perception. While Cassie is likely autistic, her discomfort with social interactions is hugely magnified because of bitter memories of the many children who picked on and alienated her because of her size. Years later, it is perpetuated by those in the music business, as she is constantly compared to (and compares herself to) her thin, beautiful sister. For example, while her sister is provided with hundreds of wardrobe options, she is given one or two, always black, always ugly – merely efforts to make her appear smaller, disappear. What she can’t see is how inspirational she is to so many girls throughout the country who can identify with her and her challenges.

I worried that this would be a too-light book, a bit of fluff that would not be meaningful. I was quite wrong: it brought me to tears by the end.

I hope their story moves you too, the way it moved me.

We Are Water by Wally Lamb

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This novel opens with the tragic tale of Josephus Jones, who, living in a shack on the property of his employer, creates art that is only truly appreciated after his tragic death. Years later, on the same property, a new family with its own artist is coming to terms with their changed circumstance: that Annie, the wife, has left her husband, Orion, for her art dealer in Manhattan and they are planning to marry. As the upcoming nuptuals near, they set in motion a collision course that opens wounds and exposes secrets that have been suppressed for decades.

This novel is another brilliant saga, a gift to us from Wally Lamb. There are so many layers to unpack here, but the overarching message, I believe, is the corrosive damage done to us by keeping secrets from loved ones, and avoiding confronting our demons. Annie’s past, while dark and shameful (in her eyes), has been kept secret for so long, but it eats at her and erupts in dangerous ways. The secrets she then imposes upon her children are also damaging, both for her and for them. We see how each of her children cope, often dysfunctionally, in their own ways.

Lamb’s narration is outstanding. By rotating perspective from each of these colorful and dynamic characters and smoothly conforming the phrasing to their unique personalities, we are allowed inside the minds of each one. This enriches the story in a profound way and helps to build suspense as we see what each character sees and doesn’t see, knows and doesn’t know. The build into the later scenes left me breathless, to be honest.

An outstanding novel in so many respects. Do yourself the kindness of allotting time for this one. It’s also a MUST READ, so you kind of have to, right???

Good Company by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Flora is determined to find the photograph she’s looking for – she really wants to put it on display at her daughter, Ruby’s, high school graduation party. The photo means so much to her, having captured her family with their best friends at the summer theater production they orchestrate every year. Unfortunately, her search leads her not only to the photograph, but also to the wedding ring her husband, Julian, had told her he’d lost years ago swimming in a lake. What could this signify, exactly? How could Julian threaten the marriage she’d felt was so secure for the past 20 years?

While the idea of a marriage at risk because of an affair is fairly cliche, the author does embellish it with the twist of this affair occurring in the context of the theather/acting world. Although many careers are challenging to balance with raising a family, this is one where there is no certainty or security. Each role is cast and can be altered, ended on a whim. Added to that the hundreds vying for each role, the emphasis placed on one’s appearance, the changes in locations and schedules that may be unpredictable – there are certainly unique factors in this business that can stress a marriage more than others. Bottom line, though? There is no solid marriage where trust is broken. Full stop. No matter what business they are in. The question is, can trust be repaired? That is the question asked in this novel.

This is a solid read. I enjoyed it while reading it, but it is not the type of story that stays with you, as more unique novels do.

The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and her daughter Shelby Cunningham

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

It is September and Move-In Day at Tiffin Academy. It’s a day that would be routine, were it not for the explosive and yet smoothly managed, devastating death of a student the semester prior. As Audre Robinson, Head of School, helps the students get resettled, she cannot stifle her anxiety about how the year will unfold, how the student’s death will impact the returning students, and how the new girl admitted to fill the now open spot will blend in. She also knows school ratings are due to come out this same day. Talk about timing… As the year unfolds, she is also witness to the crazy ways in which the students – and their faculty/staff – get into and out of trouble.

This is a thoroughly entertaining novel, set in a fictional boarding school in the hinterlands of western Massachusetts. We are brought into the daily academic, social and emotional demands of these adolescents as they navigate the intense and privileged environment into which they are thrust. Who is the Queen Bee and how can we earn her good graces? How can we “get with” the cute guy/girl? Mind you, this is not restricted to the students, either. The new hires for English and History bring their own drama to the mix. It gets complicated!

I love that this is written by the author and her daughter. After her older brother chose to attend boarding school, her daughter chose to as well – and her experience and insight into the day-to-day routine, traditions, and culture of this environment provides authentic fodder for the story.

I love also how we see that despite the physical distance from their families, the students are still intertwined with and affected by their family circumstances. Their families continue to impact their mental health and ability to function (or not) in school. This is true both for those with means and those without.

This one is easy to get caught up in! Not so easy to put it down…!

Twice by Mitch Albom

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Alfie has just been brought into the casino security interrogation room by Detective LaPorta, after winning $2 Million from a suspicious round of bets. Not fearing the questions, as most do, Alfie surprises LaPorta by handing him a composition book filled with the story of his alibi. Though cynical that this will lead anywhere, LaPorta asks Alfie to read to him from this book, since he has to wait anyway until the Bahamian officers arrive to formally arrest Alfie. As Alfie begins his unusual story, revealing that he can do things in his life “twice,” (but ONLY twice, no matter what), we learn how even when you get a redo, it doesn’t magically make everything better.

I’m still trying to decide how I feel about this book. On one hand, it is typical Mitch Albom – out of the box, imaginative, philosophical. On the other hand, parts of the story feel too unrealistic, even a bit confusing. We see Alfie making mistake after mistake, relying on his ability to hit “Twice” (instant replay) and be able to sort of try again. But we also see him never learning to tolerate the bad things life inevitably brings. Some changes he makes are helpful to others, but ultimately, he hurts himself the most.

It does serve as a commentary on love and life and the benefit of acceptance of who we are, our limitations, and our relationships as they unfold. Nothing is ever perfect, no matter how many times we think a redo will change that. We have to adjust to what life brings us. We don’t actually get a redo – and if we did, it may not necessarily serve us as well as we imagine.

I will be very curious to hear what others think of this book. I’m utterly on the fence!

The Unseen World by Liz Moore

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

It’s early 1980’s and Ada suspects something is going on with her father, David. She knows they’ve always been different – it’s clear from the way in which their friends/neighbors, Liston and her family, are so “normal” and opposite from them in almost every way. Liston’s children go to school whereas she is homeschooled. Liston’s children are noisy, socialize with friends, and are shown physical affection regularly. But although David is not like others, she adores him for his brilliance, his inclusion of her in his work, and the example he has set. But after a lapse from David during a social gathering in his home to welcome his new graduate students into his lab, Ada senses that things will be different now – perhaps forever.

This novel, while not as wildly stirring as the author’s more famous one, The God of the Woods, is a more subtly powerful one: it confronts the devastation of Alzheimer’s Disease, the early origins of the AI bot, homophobia, and what it feels like to be “different” as a child. Ada’s story is told in two time frames – one beginning in the early 80’s and the other beginning in 2009, after she’s grown. We first meet her at the age of 12, and are privy to reflections on her unusual childhood of being homeschooled and taken in as part of the workforce in an academic computer lab. She socializes with grownups, she only knows the parenting of David, immersed in the culture of solving puzzles, challenging the mind, science and nature. Yet she is beginning to long for peer relationships. What would it be like to have a friend her age? What would it be like to go to school? The thought terrifies and intrigues her in equal parts. Sadly, as David’s heath declines, she is soon thrust into the “normal” world and has to figure out a way to survive while still holding onto the David she adores.

The intrigue comes when David is exposed as not being who he has claimed to be. His story has always been that he’s a disowned heir to a famous New York City family, yet as his health declines, and his estate is transferred over to Liston until Ada reaches legal age, there are discrepancies that come to light. This upends Ada’s world, leaving her angry, confused, and feeling abandoned. What we learn about David is unsurprising and still devastatingly sad.

This is absolutely a worthwhile read. It is both a peek into our past and a projection into our future, written with both heart and scientific insight.