EmilyEm
Hennepin County Library
EmilyEm's Completed Shelf
Filter your results by...
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Oct 05, 2020
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Sep 21, 2020
Comment:
Retired English professor and recently widowed Antonia navigates twin conundrums in the year following Sam’s death—the intervention with two sisters into a fourth’s chaotic life and the plea from neighboring undocumented farmworker Mario for help as his girlfriend Elena comes to Vermont from Mexico.
Loved this book! Perfect for September’s Hispanic Heritage Month reading. Alvarez strikes all the right notes to answer some of life’s central questions about doing the right thing, being true to one’s self while cleverly integrating a lifetime of literary references both familiar and new to me. Highly recommend.Retired English professor and recently widowed Antonia navigates twin conundrums in the year following Sam’s death—the intervention with two sisters into a fourth’s chaotic life and the plea from neighboring undocumented farmworker Mario for help as…
The Pull of the StarsThe Pull of the Stars, BookA Novel
by Donoghue, Emma, 1969-Book - 2020Book, 2020
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Sep 16, 2020
Comment:
Nurse Julia Power duties as a midwife in a Dublin hospital take on extraordinary measures when she’s assigned women about to give birth during the Spanish Influenza, duties made manageable when lively Bridie Sweeney appears out of nowhere to help.
Good historical fiction integrating not only the 1918 flu pandemic, but the Irish fight for independence at that time. A bit more of women in labor than suited me, but others might find fascinating. Interesting that author was writing this book to recognize 100 years since the last flu pandemic when just as she was finishing the current one began.Nurse Julia Power duties as a midwife in a Dublin hospital take on extraordinary measures when she’s assigned women about to give birth during the Spanish Influenza, duties made manageable when lively Bridie Sweeney appears out of nowhere to…
Beaten Down, Worked upBeaten Down, Worked up, BookThe Past, Present, and Future of American Labor
by Greenhouse, StevenBook - 2019Book, 2019
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Sep 13, 2020
Comment:
NYT labor reporter writes a page-turning narrative about the labor movement’s highs and lows in its campaigns to support working men and belatedly women and people of color. The book is September’s NYT/PBS NewsHour ‘Now Read This’ book selection.
Fascinating to one with little union participation among those I have known. I was particularly drawn to some of the current actions that seek to advance not only workers and professionals but the ‘common good’ of communities at large. One chapter tells the story of recent actions by teachers in St. Paul, MN, and the woman now our Commissioner of Education! Highly recommend.NYT labor reporter writes a page-turning narrative about the labor movement’s highs and lows in its campaigns to support working men and belatedly women and people of color. The book is September’s NYT/PBS NewsHour ‘Now Read This’ book…
The Bright Side Sanctuary for AnimalsThe Bright Side Sanctuary for Animals, BookA Novel
by Mandelbaum, BeckyBook - 2020Book, 2020
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Sep 07, 2020
Comment:
Down and out Bright Side Sanctuary for Animals is facing closure when even more misfortune faces its oddball owner Mona Siskin due to an arson fire. Reading about the fire prompts estranged daughter Ariel to head home after six years away. Set somewhere in far Western Kansas and the hills of the university town of Lawrence in the eastern part of the state just after the 2016 election, native Kansan Mandelbaum captures her story’s sense of place so well.
What I particularly liked was how the author moved the story along, using different character’s musings to provide their backstories, but keeping the action in the present. In a story that could have had good guys and bad guys, Mandelbaum gives everyone encountered a chance at redemption. Touching. Caution: One character talks mostly in expletives.Down and out Bright Side Sanctuary for Animals is facing closure when even more misfortune faces its oddball owner Mona Siskin due to an arson fire. Reading about the fire prompts estranged daughter Ariel to head home after six years away. Set…
The Truths We HoldThe Truths We Hold, BookAn American Journey
by Harris, Kamala, 1964-Book - 2019Book, 2019
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Sep 01, 2020
Comment:
Kamala Harris writes of growing up with her determined mother and younger sister in Oakland and her increasingly high profile jobs leading to the US Senate. She also profiles and articulates the issues central to her run for the presidency.
Her passion for issues that at their core build stronger families seems a guiding principle she highlights again and again, showing connections that I’d sometimes not considered. Well done.Kamala Harris writes of growing up with her determined mother and younger sister in Oakland and her increasingly high profile jobs leading to the US Senate. She also profiles and articulates the issues central to her run for the presidency.
Her…
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Aug 29, 2020
Comment:
Cited as his best known book, 'A Drinking Life' is the memoir of a Brooklyn boy—he died this month—who becomes a beloved chronicler of New York City.
A friend who found her own path to sobriety loaned me her autographed copy of Hamill’s book—a treasure to her. I’ve read so much he’s written, but never this one. So interesting to read of his early years. Would I have regarded him so highly had I read this earlier? Hard to know. I’m thrilled for his being able to walk away from the drinking that was taking a toll on his and his family’s lives. So much great fiction followed!Cited as his best known book, 'A Drinking Life' is the memoir of a Brooklyn boy—he died this month—who becomes a beloved chronicler of New York City.
A friend who found her own path to sobriety loaned me her autographed copy of Hamill’s book—a…
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Aug 29, 2020
Comment:
A work of historical fiction that tells the life story of 1940s movie star Heddy Lamarr. Well, I knew she was a beauty, but was unaware of the brains. Page-turning story.
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Aug 10, 2020
Comment:
Compares the sorting of people into castes in America, India and Nazi Germany, looking at the causes and consequences for those cast to the lower end of the hierarchy.
Another fine work of social history and good reading for the times we are living in. While I didn’t learn much I didn’t already know, it was fascinating seeing the parallels described and compared in one setting. Reading this gives me another way of viewing the American scene. My hope is that my own awareness grows. I thought we were better than this.Compares the sorting of people into castes in America, India and Nazi Germany, looking at the causes and consequences for those cast to the lower end of the hierarchy.
Another fine work of social history and good reading for the times we are living…
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Aug 01, 2020
Comment:
Four twenty-something musicians—3 men and a woman—form an eclectic rock band Utopia Avenue in 1967 London, playing early gigs in rowdy venues, rehearsing and writing songs reflecting their life’s experience and coming of age. They reach the cusp of stardom when they travel to New York City and San Francisco while mingling with some of rock’s all-time greats.
Mitchell’s book is an ode to rock & roll in those heady days following the Summer of Love in 1967 and the political turmoil of 1968, my own awakening as a young person to a world beyond my family and where I lived. His characters are well-developed with each trading parts in the story, as chapters center on circumstances that result in songs in their repertoire. And, it wouldn’t be a Mitchell book without reference to an earlier one. Always fun.Four twenty-something musicians—3 men and a woman—form an eclectic rock band Utopia Avenue in 1967 London, playing early gigs in rowdy venues, rehearsing and writing songs reflecting their life’s experience and coming of age. They reach the cusp of…
These TruthsThese Truths, BookA History of the United States
by Lepore, Jill, 1966-Book - 2018Book, 2018
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Jul 21, 2020
Comment:
Historian Lepore tells America’s political history from its ‘discovery’ through current times, weaving themes of ‘equality, popular sovereignty, and consent of the governed’ along with profiles of people who were sometimes little known, but turned our country in new directions.
At 788 pages in paperback edition, reading this book is a commitment. I found it all interesting, but was drawn to the chapters on the Progressive era at the turn of the 20th century in which my grandfather was active and, of course, those in my own lifespan post- WWII. I agree with the Booklist reviewer who said: ‘These truths, as enunciated by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence, include political equality, natural (or creator-given) rights, and the ultimate sovereignty of the people. Though chronologically structured, this is more of a civics lesson than a narrative history. Throughout this journey from Columbus to the present, Lepore consistently stresses the often-anguishing contradictions between the ideals and realities of American life.’Historian Lepore tells America’s political history from its ‘discovery’ through current times, weaving themes of ‘equality, popular sovereignty, and consent of the governed’ along with profiles of people who were sometimes little known, but turned…
The Lives of Edie PritchardThe Lives of Edie Pritchard, BookA Novel
by Watson, Larry, 1947-Book - 2020Book, 2020
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Jul 05, 2020
Comment:
What price beauty? Watson explores this theme in the life of one beautiful woman in small town Montana from Edie’s early marriage to forty years later as a grandmother. The other side of the coin, of course, are the men who seek to obsess and define her, fulfilling needs of their own.
I just received and read Larry Watson's 'The Lives of Edie Pritchard,' which will be a Hennepin County [Minneapolis, MN] Public Library virtual Talk of the Stacks with the author July 23. I didn't find any of the characters particularly likable, but his Montana setting, his writing and the themes are always so spot on it was a worth every page. Certainly a switch from all the lighter reading I've been doing. Such a fine writer.What price beauty? Watson explores this theme in the life of one beautiful woman in small town Montana from Edie’s early marriage to forty years later as a grandmother. The other side of the coin, of course, are the men who seek to obsess and define…
The Orphan of Salt WindsThe Orphan of Salt Winds, Book
by Brooks, Elizabeth, 1979-Book - 2019Book, 2019
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Jun 30, 2020
Comment:
Adopted at ten, Virginia goes to live at Salt Winds on a marsh by the sea in England. The story alternates back-and-forth from wartime 1940s to 2015 when Virginia, now much older, seems about to take a momentous action because of life-long secrets.
The alternating storyline of every chapter felt forced and teasing. Story had good bones, but I was disappointed overall. Meh.Adopted at ten, Virginia goes to live at Salt Winds on a marsh by the sea in England. The story alternates back-and-forth from wartime 1940s to 2015 when Virginia, now much older, seems about to take a momentous action because of life-long secrets.…
I'll Be your Blue SkyI'll Be your Blue Sky, Book
by De los Santos, Marisa, 1966-Book - 2018Book, 2018
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Jun 27, 2020
Comment:
Having second thoughts the day prior to her wedding, Clare finds a sympathetic ear in an older woman, also visiting the wedding venue resort, named Edith. A few months later she inherits Edith’s Blue Sky House, a mystery Clare resolves to solve.
Perfect summer reading. Story gets a bit convoluted and implausible, but what the heck. Enjoyed it.Having second thoughts the day prior to her wedding, Clare finds a sympathetic ear in an older woman, also visiting the wedding venue resort, named Edith. A few months later she inherits Edith’s Blue Sky House, a mystery Clare resolves to…
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Jun 24, 2020
Comment:
Cady Madeline Bennet meets her aunt for the first time and embarks on a memorable summer. Loved this story of pie baking. It’s for middle school readers. I’m in my 70s with a rich history of pies. Plucky Cady and small town Julian, CA, were great to visit for a few days.Cady Madeline Bennet meets her aunt for the first time and embarks on a memorable summer. Loved this story of pie baking. It’s for middle school readers. I’m in my 70s with a rich history of pies. Plucky Cady and small town Julian, CA, were great to…
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Jun 21, 2020
Comment:
Four young people—Joana, Alfred, Emilia and Florian—narrate a story of survival as WW II enters its final months and evacuees travel west toward the Baltic ahead of advancing Soviet forces.
Wow. Quite a work of historic fiction, page-turning good. Loved the inclusion about the lost Amber Room I have read much about, also was reminded of Chris Bohjalian’s 'Skeletons at the Feast.'Four young people—Joana, Alfred, Emilia and Florian—narrate a story of survival as WW II enters its final months and evacuees travel west toward the Baltic ahead of advancing Soviet forces.
Wow. Quite a work of historic fiction, page-turning…
The PioneersThe Pioneers, BookThe Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West
by McCullough, David G.Book - 2019Book, 2019
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Jun 20, 2020
Comment:
Founding families in the establishment of Ohio at Marietta in the years following the Revolutionary War are chronicled, giving a picture of life on the Ohio River that resonates in the lives of two of my own families who made homes along it during the same times.
Engaging and well-written, just as I’ve found other of his histories. Found the parts about travel on the rivers most interesting as those allowed me to envision my own family. Not a lot about German immigrants, but mentions here and there. Aaron Burr segment, post Hamilton duel, interesting to those who read the Hamilton biographies or saw the show a year or so ago.Founding families in the establishment of Ohio at Marietta in the years following the Revolutionary War are chronicled, giving a picture of life on the Ohio River that resonates in the lives of two of my own families who made homes along it during…
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Jun 16, 2020
Comment:
FBI agent Marie Mitchell leaves the story of her working life for her young twin boys as she embarks on her most dangerous mission yet. The paperback’s cover blurb from 'Time' magazine captures the book’s themes: “Wilkinson’s page-turner asks perfect questions about politics, race and about what it means to be an American.’
Such an interesting way to tell her story—a journal for her sons—although the jumping back and forth in time isn’t my favorite plotting. Will be glad to follow along with PBS NewsHour/NYT ‘Now Read This’ book group this month to see how others find it. Ending puzzling.FBI agent Marie Mitchell leaves the story of her working life for her young twin boys as she embarks on her most dangerous mission yet. The paperback’s cover blurb from 'Time' magazine captures the book’s themes: “Wilkinson’s page-turner asks…
EmilyEm's rating:
Added Jun 04, 2020
Comment:
Five residents with differing backstories, living in Chawton, Hampshire, UK, and loving Jane Austen’s writing decide to form an organization honoring her.
Fun and easy reading. Author’s storytelling pays homage to Austen and captures themes from her books even though it’s a fictional telling unrelated to the actual society. Even Janeites won’t be disappointed!Five residents with differing backstories, living in Chawton, Hampshire, UK, and loving Jane Austen’s writing decide to form an organization honoring her.
Fun and easy reading. Author’s storytelling pays homage to Austen and captures themes from…
TightropeTightrope, BookAmericans Reaching for Hope
by Kristof, Nicholas D., 1959-Book - 2020Book, 2020
EmilyEm's rating:
Added May 31, 2020
Comment:
Journalist husband and wife use people from his Oregon childhood and others across the country to highlight difficulties in lives that once might have reached the middle class, explaining causes and giving examples of programs and people offering hope.
I’ve been inspired by his NYT’s pieces and found this look at people in his life thought-provoking. Given the pandemic coupled with this momentous week in Minneapolis, the book’s another wake-up call to the trauma of so many lives. Loved this quote that opened one chapter, attributed to Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist: ‘If you are lucky enough to do well, send the elevator back down.’Journalist husband and wife use people from his Oregon childhood and others across the country to highlight difficulties in lives that once might have reached the middle class, explaining causes and giving examples of programs and people offering…
How Much of These Hills Is GoldHow Much of These Hills Is Gold, Book
by Zhang, C PamBook - 2020Book, 2020
EmilyEm's rating:
Added May 28, 2020
Comment:
Lucy and Sam are the daughters of Chinese immigrants who arrive to make their mark on the gold fields of California only to face bitter disappointment. Debut writer Zhang plums the depths of America’s manifest destiny myths to tell this family story of two young plucky orphans. Definitely echoes Faulkner’s 'As I Lay Dying.' 'Washington Post' reviewer said, ‘Because the reader’s vision of Sam is predominantly Lucy’s, the novel shows how the stories we tell ourselves and others are often incomplete — and that goes double for the stories we tell about other people. “Isn’t that the greatest joke?” Sam asks Lucy late in the book as she denounces the “gold men” who claim this land as theirs alone.’
Quite a story, if more like fable, than realistic fiction. Bleak, at times. Last third has better pace. Kirkus reviewer sums up this way: ‘The journey of these two children—and the backstories of their parents—force us to confront just how white the history we’ve been taught is. Aside from fictions—some fanciful inventions, some hateful lies—about Native Americans, we don’t hear much about the experiences of people of color and immigrants in shaping the West. Zhang asks readers to acknowledge a legacy we have been taught to ignore by creating a new and spellbinding mythology of her own.’ I got Zhang’s big themes, but was left unfulfilled. I thought I’d like this more.Lucy and Sam are the daughters of Chinese immigrants who arrive to make their mark on the gold fields of California only to face bitter disappointment. Debut writer Zhang plums the depths of America’s manifest destiny myths to tell this family story…
EmilyEm's rating:
Added May 24, 2020
Comment:
Jane Austen’s beloved sister Cassandra embarks on a visit to the Fowle’s family vicarage in search of correspondence that could, in her opinion, reflect negatively on her sister’s legacy.
Best for readers familiar with Jane Austen’s writing and these connected families, but what a treat if you are. Hornby uses real people from the Fowles and Lloyd family with whom the Austens married to cast her inventive telling of the Austen sisters’ adult years and Cassandra’s efforts years later to assure our good opinion of her sister. Hornby helps us see why Cassandra may have burned so many of Jane’s letters and takes a poke at her family’s efforts to frame Jane’s story to suit themselves. And, that mysterious suitor long speculated on makes an appearance! Quite a feat of both scholarship and just plain fun.Jane Austen’s beloved sister Cassandra embarks on a visit to the Fowle’s family vicarage in search of correspondence that could, in her opinion, reflect negatively on her sister’s legacy.
Best for readers familiar with Jane Austen’s writing and…
The Mountains SingThe Mountains Sing, BookA Novel
by Nguyẽ̂n, Phan Qué̂ Mai, 1973-Book - 2020Book, 2020
EmilyEm's rating:
Added May 21, 2020
Comment:
A young woman and her grandmother tell the multigenerational story of a North Vietnamese farming family. Wonderful characters and storytelling from a different point of view than expected. Highly recommended. Ending will surprise.
EmilyEm's rating:
Added May 16, 2020
Comment:
Conroy son Danny narrates this family story of his rags-to-riches father, the mother who goes missing, his beloved older sister Maeve and the spectacular Dutch House that is their home. Covering nearly fifty years and many more characters with whom Maeve and Danny’s lives intersect, the consequences of life-altering decisions are at the heart of this well-told story.
Patchett slowly unravels the Conroy story. It’s a unique one. Beautiful storytelling, although the ending surprises and begs discussion. Not a Patchett devotee. Have started other of her books; first one I’ve finished.Conroy son Danny narrates this family story of his rags-to-riches father, the mother who goes missing, his beloved older sister Maeve and the spectacular Dutch House that is their home. Covering nearly fifty years and many more characters with whom…
EmilyEm's rating:
Added May 16, 2020
Comment:
Small town life in the African American side of West Mills, NC, from the 1940s through the 1980s is told through the voices of its residents, notably the irascible ‘Knot’ Centre and her friend and neighbor Otis Lee Loving.
A remarkable debut novel. A little low on plot, but rich in character and so well told. Memorable.Small town life in the African American side of West Mills, NC, from the 1940s through the 1980s is told through the voices of its residents, notably the irascible ‘Knot’ Centre and her friend and neighbor Otis Lee Loving.
A remarkable debut…
Comment: