Must Reads To Dive Into This Summer
By Tari Hendrickson, Reviewer
Percival Everett's James is a joyful ride! It's a clever, hilarious, and deeply-moving reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, told from Jim's perspective. Everett's writing is sharp and witty, and the burbles along with delightful energy. Everett gives us a Jim who is resourceful, intelligent, and fiercely protective of his family. His developing relationship with Huck, here a more complex and nuanced character, is touching. We see the world through Jim's eyes, witnessing his quiet acts of rebellion and his determination to forge his own path. You'll laugh, you'll think, and you'll be utterly captivated by Jim's voice. And, yes, the Mighty Mississippi River remains a character in this tale. A true literary gem.
Lincoln City Libraries has 39 copies of this book. Also available electronically.
The Personal Librarian by Heather Terrell and Victoria Christopher Murray is a captivating historical novel. It tells the story of Belle da Costa Greene, J.P. Morgan's librarian, who, in the early 1900s, navigates the elite world of New York City while concealing her identity as a Black woman passing as white. The authors weave together themes of ambition, identity, and the power of knowledge. Belle is a compelling protagonist, driven and brilliant, and her struggle to reconcile her personal life with her professional success is poignant and powerful. The novel is richly detailed, bringing to life the Gilded Age and the world of rare books and art. Though at times the pacing is a little slow (there is a love story to tell) as it develops historical context, the narrative delivers a thought-provoking exploration of a remarkable woman's life. It's a must-read for fans of historical fiction and stories of resilience.
Lincoln City Libraries has 16 copies of this book. Also available electronically.
Richard Powers' Playground is a dazzling and deeply moving exploration of childhood, memory, and the power of imagination. The novel follows a psychologist who, while researching childhood amnesia, becomes deeply entangled in the memories of his own youth. Powers masterfully weaves together scientific concepts with lyrical prose, creating a story that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The complex relationship between the adult protagonist and his childhood self is told with great sensitivity, and the novel is filled with moments of profound beauty and insight.
The exploration of the way memories shape our present is handled with a delicate yet powerful touch. Playground is a testament to Powers' extraordinary talent, and a compelling read for anyone who has ever wondered about the mysteries of the human mind. This tale and its stunning ending will stay with me forever.
Lincoln City Libraries has 15 copies of this book. Also available electronically.
Tari Hendrickson is a member of two book clubs, one of which she founded 21 years ago. She remembers the thrill when letters and words came together and made sense in First Grade.