West With Giraffes

This is a fictionalized account of an actual event. Two young giraffes were rescued when the rest of their “tower” was killed by poachers. They survived the trip across the Atlantic despite the hurricane of 1938. The giraffes then had to go by truck across the country to their destination, the San Diego Zoo. The story was told by Woody, a homeless young man orphaned by the Dust Bowl, who drove the truck. The book recounts the many adventures they experienced during the two-week journey. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

We Begin At The End

This is a compelling story set in small-town costal California and wide-open Montana that keeps the reader's attention throughout. It is a bittersweet story of redemption and what we do—and what we sacrifice—for the people we love. Through several plot twists and revealed secrets the story resolves itself in a surprising and satisfying conclusion as we learn of the 30-years long consequences of an accidental death of a six-year-old girl upon various family members and life-long friends in a close-knit community.

The Backyard Bird Chronicles

The novelist, Amy Tan, began birdwatching at her California home in 2016 to relieve stress and to ease her concerns over the state of the world. This book contains excerpts from her birding journals both prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic along with beautiful illustrations by the author of her backyard birds. She reports her observations of bird behavior at the feeders and provides interesting information about each species of visiting bird in an entertaining narrative. One does not need to be a birdwatcher to enjoy this book, which celebrates the the beauty and the effects of the natural world on those willing to take the opportunity to observe it.

The Huntress

An absolutely beautifully written story that ties together three unique stories. I really enjoyed learning more about the night witches of Russia (all-women pilots directly engaged in combat). I know it was fictional but Quinn really made the characters come alive.

Beach Read

A clever romance that explores grief, creativity, and second chances. The story follows January, a romance writer grappling with personal loss, and Gus, a literary fiction author with a cynical edge. When they challenge each other to swap genres for the summer, their unexpected connection leads to healing and love.

Harlem Rhapsody

This book is a work of historical fiction set during the Harlem Renaissance. It is a story about Jessie Redmon Fauset's contributions to the literary movement, and her relationship with W.E.B. DuBois. Her work as the literary editor of The Crisis amplified the work of countless poets and writers, and launched the careers of countless others, yet she has mostly been lost to history. This book brings her story to life.

This Is Your Mind On Plants

This non-fiction book explores the history of the usage and regulation of opium derived from poppy seeds, mescaline (peyote) derived from the cactus, and, in the most fascinating chapter, our relationship with our beloved and addictive caffeine. The author writes about his personal experiences with psychotropic plant use in a witty and insightful manner.

The Exiles

This novel covers a topic I've not read about in the past - the British practice of sending female convicted criminals on ships to Australia. This story follows a young woman convicted of theft (for a gift she received) and sent on a ship to Australia. While her harrowing journey is underway, we also follow the story of an aboriginal girl who is taken from her home by a wealthy British family. Their fates intertwine in this engaging historical fiction novel.