“Everything I Never Told You” ©2014 by Celeste Ng
While this was a compelling story, I just can’t read any more Celeste Ng. (I have also read “Little Fires Everywhere”) It was so melancholy. Not that every book I read has to have the perfect happy ending, but there are several authors who delight in dragging us through the pages, keeping us needing to know and then drop us, splat, without a real resolution.
The story centers on an Asian American family in the 1950’s living in mid America and in particular their middle child, Lydia, who is a teen and was found drowned in the nearby lake. As we learn about each member of the family, the father who just wants to “blend in”, the mother who just wants to “be somebody”, the older brother who is protector of little sisters, ignored by mom and unintentionally angers his father by being just like him, Lydia who is trying so hard to be what her mom wants so she will stay with the family, and youngest sister who is invisible to all and sleeps in the attic, but listens to what goes on around her, we see broken people who are so stuck that they can’t open their hearts to each other.
I suppose some would call this real life, and it can be, but it is so exposed and so awful and I refuse to believe all life is really like this.
“There is a Tide…” ©1948 by Agatha Christie
Small town. One rich Uncle who basically supported his extended family. He, the uncle, marries a young woman later in life and then dies. The Widow’s brother starts managing her and in keeping with the will, cuts the family off financially. This causes outrage and bad feelings. Then someone is murdered and eventually Hercule Poirot is consulted by a family member and he figures out who the murderer is and what the scam is. Fun read!
“Death Comes for the Archbishop” ©1926 by Willa Cather
This story is set in the early 1800’s in what we would call the southwest. Catholic missionaries from Spain and France are serving previously converted Mexicans and Native Americans. Some of these Missionary Priests are good and true, some are not. The story is most particularly about one Missionary Bishop who has a huge territory and his life among the Native Americans and Mexicans and eventually the Americans as the area they are living in is taken over by the new Americans.
Beautiful writing, very interesting, good read!
“Thunderhead” ©1943 by Mary O’Hara
Thunderhead is the son of Flicka. He is also a “throw-back” to his grandfather who is the crafty wild stallion “The Albino”. We see from Thunderhead’s point of view as he grows up, how he feels, how he explores, when he fights an eagle and discovers The Albino’s hide-a-way.
Ken is still a main character, but this story also focuses on Ken’s Mother, Nell. She and her husband, Rob are at cross-roads. The ranch is failing financially, and Rob won’t let Nell in. He doesn’t talk to her, just does stuff. Nell is miserable. Then a crisis at the ranch, and Nell and Rob re-connect.
I very much enjoyed this story and Mary O’Hara’s beautiful descriptions.
“Death in a White Tie” ©1938 by Ngaio Marsh
Someone is blackmailing high society women. Inspector Alleyn enlists an ex-military old friend, Lord Gospell, for help as he knows everybody involved. After a fancy gala, Lord Gospell was found dead under suspicious circumstances.
There is all of high society, including Alleyn’s mother to question as well as uppity caterers and the society doctor. Plus, Troy, the beautiful artist is around and Poor Inspector Alleyn is besotted.
Fun mystery!
“Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi” ©1998 (this edition) edited & adapted from a translation by W. Heywood
The “Little Flowers” are short stories of the Franciscan friars and a few of their miracles, mostly taking place during St. Francis’ life-time.
St. Frances professed to poverty, humility and obedience to God. Serving all people and all creation, loving all. Sometimes the stories were a little humorous, sometimes sad. I think these stories were a way to tell and keep alive the legend of St. Francis.
Enjoyable and thought provoking.
“Trixie Belden: The Mysterious Code” (#7 in series) ©1961 by Kathryn Kenny
This is the first book in the series where the author has changed from Julie Campbell to Kathryn Kenny. The characters are all the same and the story picks up right after they all get back from Christmas in Arizona. There is not quite as much exuberant dialog. Trixie’s mom is more vocal and changed the most with the new author.
The story: there has been several break-ins and thefts around the school and the school board wants to eliminate all clubs to reduce gangs. So, the Bob Whites decide to become fund raisers (to prove not all clubs are bad) for a worthy cause, UNICEF, by holding an antiques show and sale. Several small mysteries are solved as well as catching the bad guy.
Good fun read!