Very good biography

This is the first book that I have read by this author. The title and description lured me in even though dark academia is not really my thing. What kept me intrigued was the blending of a well-developed fantasy world with horror. I enjoyed the book even though there was a lot to decipher. The characters are flawed and the struggle Lennon has with morality is fascinating. You grow to have a love hate relationship with her. The whole idea of a secret hidden school that has at its main focus learning the art of persuasion introduces the reader to a whole new cast of characters to keep up with. It can be overwhelming at times. The ending alludes to a possible sequel as it’s unclear what happened to Dante. I look forward to reading more by this author.

This has been on my to-be-read list since we got it. I didn’t know Maria Bamford, don’t remember her Target Christmas ads — altho I learned in this book that she was on Arrested Development so I did know her a little after all. Maria’s stand-up act is, according to the book, based a lot on her family and her struggles with mental illness. And that’s what this book is, too. She talks about when her intrusive thoughts began as a pre-teen and the OCD habits she started to combat them. Then her teenage eating disorder. Which lead to her first 12 step program (she joined several). She’s very candid about her mistakes — with people, money, work, medications. If you’re close to someone who’s been in a 12 step and/or therapy for years you’ll recognize the required total honesty. It really is a helpful read for anyone struggling with mental illness and anyone who loves someone with mental illness.

Happy Rock, OR, is the stereotypical small town found in books and sitcoms created by native NYCers. Everyone is quirky. There is exactly one of every type of business (even florist when there can’t be enough sales to keep it afloat), all locally-owned by the same families for at least 3 generations. Everything is in easy walking distance, except the big city which is an hour’s drive. And there are no possible secrets. Enter Hollywood has-been Miranda, former star of an 80s(?) mystery show. She’s broke and forgotten, but delusional that she’s still entitled to full star treatment. The first half of the book is dull exposition in flashbacks, reminiscences, and awkward character introductions. The authors start promising there is a murder coming at about the 40% point. They do not bother with subtle foreshadowing, going more for pleading readers to stick around. The actual murder happens at 64%. wow. Miranda believes she was the intended victim and pretty much accuses all of the other characters, mostly based on her “humorous” misunderstanding of these characters based on the how they were all initially (mis)introduced — to Miranda and to readers. Eventually she gets it right in the lamest drawing room reveal scene ever. And we know self-centered Miranda has grown as person because she doesn’t rush back to LA at the end. It’s the worst Hallmark movie tropes forcibly merged into the blandest cozy.

I have loved fairy tales and nursery rhymes all if my life. This collection had the standards that we all know: Cinderella, Rapunzel, Hansel & Gretel, and Snow White. It also has so many that haven’t been made into Disney movies (yet), but are really worth reading. The themes are what was important to people to share. Be polite and kind to strangers. Share what you have even tho it’s not (obviously) to your advantage. The poor beggar you help might grant wishes, give you good advice, or even be St. Peter in disguise. Follow directions. Children should obey their parents and work hard. Parents should treat their children well, not mock them or favor one above them other. And of course don’t plot against or murder your stepchildren or younger sibling.

Lucy Delaney's memoir is the only firsthand account of a freedom suit. Lucy's mother, Polly, and several other free black citizens of Illinois were kidnapped, taken to Missouri, and sold as slaves. Polly married the valet of the man who bought her and they had two daughters. After the death of the owner and his wife, Polly's husband was sold "down south." Polly remembered growing up free and encouraged her daughters to always look out for the chance to run away. Lucy's older sister did make it to freedom in Canada. Polly ran away, but was captured in Chicago by slave hunters. She sued for her freedom, proving she was born free. Polly sued for Lucy's freedom, too, on the basis that a slave could not be born to a free woman. The jury agreed. Polly (laundress) and Lucy (seamstress) worked and saved, finally having enough to visit Lucy's sister in Canada. Polly died without ever knowing what happened to her husband. After Emancipation, Lucy located her father in Virginia. Lucy was a leader in the black churches, social, and political organizations of St Louis.

I have mixed feelings about this book. The beginning dragged for me and it took me a while to get into the story. I love the premise of the boom and it’s definitely thought provoking. I just felt that so much was going on that it lacked depth.

Jonas is lost, emotionally and spiritually, and he knows it. He decides the only option is to die in this parable. He doesn’t want his daughter to find his body, so he travels to an unnamed recent war zone. He’s used to fixing odds and ends around the house. That habit, and just the habit of living, are very difficult to give up.

Very good story by a master storyteller. Mixed fiction with fact, and made me want to watch a baseball game.

If you like Lee Child.