Connections Books
Orphan Train
The Orphan Train is a novel rich in story, emotion, and resonance. Vivian and Molly had my heart as soon as they entered the page and kept it to the end. Based on historical truths that 250,000 children over 75 years traveled on Orphan Trains to altered lives, we get to see the story and outcome of a few children. The evil of people is horrific. The resilience of people is beautiful. Christina Baker Kline tugs at the thread in all of us that craves belonging and family - surviving and searching - until we arrive home.
The Stationery Shop
The connections in The Stationery Shop tapped a deep spring in me (think “ugly cry”). Marjan Kamali writes beautifully. The richness of experiences - historic and ordinary - leaps from the page. Getting a glimpse into Iranian culture and America from another point of view was powerful. I really enjoyed the characters, connections, and beauty of this story. It didn’t hurt that a stationery shop and books were involved. Kamali created a wonderful novel, one I consider a lifetime favorite.
Before We Visit the Goddess
Written by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Before We Visit the Goddess is about three generations of women - Sabritri, Bela, and Tara. We learn of their relationships with each other, the choices they make, how those choices play out, and what they learn about mothers (as children and as mothers). The women navigate many difficulties and encounter strangers and friends who make small and big differences in the trajectories of their lives. There are many strong themes including unity, loyalty, and freedom. I loved this book!
The Dutch House
The Dutch House is my kind of story. I laughed and cried, happily sitting with the Conroy family through all of the highs and lows. Different perspectives throughout created the perfect chance to consider how we look at right and wrong, life and death. Ann Patchett has done it again, creating a rich story that invites you to come along for the ride. The story themes ask you to consider a new lens by which to view your own choices and past, if you choose.
Nobody Will Tell You This But Me
Bess Kalb honors all women in Nobody Will Tell You This But Me, a personal story that speaks of universal experiences. Kalb share voice mails and texts from her grandmother that are hysterical and telling. I loved the writing for its humor and clarity. I listened to Bess Kalb narrate. This is a happy read. I marveled at the strength of each generation and the value of learning from history though individual story. Bobby passed wisdom down through her story and her advice. I lament this is not true in all families.
The Rosie Project: A Novel
The Rosie Project: A Novel is hilarious. Don Tillman, a socially challenged professor, sets out to find the perfect partner and meets Rosie, a whirlwind. Their journey to connection teaches so much through humor and real scenarios. I was very moved by Don and his journey to find a wife. This is such a fun read. With a powerful premise, clear writing, and great delivery, Graeme Simsion shows us the power of both connection and community.
The Downstairs Girl
The Downstairs Girl was a delightful surprise to me. I was eavesdropping as my daughter listened to it and decided I would listen too. Jo Kuan’s honest look at loneliness that comes from mistreatment by others is poignant and heartbreaking. Her actions and focus on commonalities and connections rather than differences is encouraging and hopeful. Stacey Lee crafted a brilliant book with excellent writing, fun characters, and a beautiful message.
Ask Again, Yes
This book touched me deeply. Set in New York, Ask Again, Yes tells with honesty the realities of complicated lives with loss, suffering, trauma, and mistakes. Perspectives of choices from childhood and adulthood, men and women, wounded and healing are all offered up in a story that is at once profound and real. Mary Beth Keane writes with a beautiful balance of character insights and forward movement. She found the tension between the two, making me love all the people and want to turn the pages. Well done!
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
Listening to others describe this book, I knew it would be good. But reading it surpassed my expectations. I adore this book. In Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, Lori Gottlieb writes beautifully about her experiences as a psychologist going through her own crisis. She is relatable and funny as she shares stories, anecdotes, wisdom, and encouragement, never losing compassion and humility. This is one for the re-read shelves.
