There are at least four kinds of history books: novels, creative non-fiction, non-fiction, and academic. They progress in density. Historical novels are usually fun to read because you learn while you are entertained. Creative non-fiction, where the author fills in the blanks of some dialogue, motive, and emotion is usually fun…

The best way to understand the present and future is to study the past. That’s why we read history. Grit your teeth and dig in. You won’t be disappointed. This is a compelling book set in 1766 about a treasure hunt for a trove of gold ore. It begins in the Canadian sub-Arctic at a Hudson Bay North Atlantic trading post. Mayhem is foretold as the post administrator organizes the expedition…

Mysteries are never top of my mind for reading because they are so formulaic. But I often succumb to their ease of reading as a bit of popcorn for the mind. Fortunately, they are often fun and surprising. Here’s a list I’m sharing with you, along with my thoughts about each book.

Every reader has experience with debut novels. In my journey, I’ve learned to be aware when I’m reading a debut novel. The six following range from okay to excellent. Some foreshadow the greatness of the writer; others are debuts that surmounted the challenge of publication but left me feeling my time could be better spent…

It started with a quiet afternoon at home. Then an email came in from a friend and client, with whom we were working on scheduling a website update call. I did not expect the message I received…

Finding books to read is both planned and serendipitous. Every day I read the Wall Street Journal. They include a book review, usually non-fiction. On the weekend, they have a large book review section with new publications of a wide variety. I’ve learned to respect their choices given…

In these book comments, I open a new mystery series, set in the Inner and Middle Temples in London, by former KC Sally Smith. It’s fun to be “in the beginning.” I read a series combined into one big book, The Complete Patrick Melrose Novels. No one book is too long…

As you are reading, do you imagine a movie or TV series produced based on the book? I do and am thrilled when I see that a producer thought likewise. Slow Horses is now a series on Apple+. There are 15 books involving these characters, so copious of content for the screenwriters…

Reading a variety of genres is fun. In this group of seven books, we have four history books, three memoirs, two novels, five that take place in foreign settings, two about war, and one natural history. Impossible? Not really. Interesting books often span genres such as The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating that is […]

Diversity is the theme for these nine books – not in terms of race or gender, but topics. The one I enjoyed most was Kate Atkinson’s latest, followed by Dog of the North. Both light reading and a refreshing change of pace. None here I did not enjoy. I learned from your feedback…