By Laura Hillenbrand

The Short Take:

This is the true story of  Olympic runner and WWII POW Louis Zamperini. It includes triumphs along with unbelievable brutality. This man’s story is incredible. Even better, I found that though this book is built around one exceptional man, it gave me a better feel for the war in the Pacific than sum total of all I’ve encountered before.

Why?

It is hard to imagine a more incredible life than that of Louis Zamperini — and he’s not done living even yet (yes, that is a spoiler, but did you honestly expect a different ending with this book’s title?). The man has accomplished things that most people only dream of. Beyond that, he has suffered in ways that are beyond comprehension for all but a few.

However, Unbroken also presents a clear and nuanced picture of the war in the Pacific. You realize how little warfare then resembles modern times: Information is vague, limited and slow; directions are haphazard — sometimes based on maps 100 years old. This book also gave me a much better understanding of why we dropped the atomic bomb. I’d always been told the reason, but Hillenbrand brought it home in a visceral way.

Unbroken is not for the faint of heart. However, for me, the courage and resourcefulness of Zamperini and those whose lot he shared far outweighed the suffering and brutal treatment. Hillenbrand laid out the facts unblinkingly, but not in a way to shock — only to inform.

The only possible quibble I had with this truly outstanding book was that sometimes her in=depth information about running statistics or a plane design could bog things down every once in a while. But we know how to handle that, right? Scan.

A Little Plot:

Louis Zamperini was a scoundrel as a kid and teen, constantly in trouble. Pushed by his brother, he got into running, setting records and achieving international attention.

He is training for the Olympics when Pearl Harbor is attacked. Like thousands of others, he enlists in the Army Air Forces. Trained as a bombardier, he is sent to the Pacific. He sees action, but it’s when he is sent out on a rescue mission that his own plane crashes into the ocean. Only Zamperini and two others survive, floating in the vast Pacific Ocean for weeks on end.

When they finally are spotted, it is by the Japanese. That is when things go from terribly bad to immeasurably worse.

For more about this book and it’s author, click here. Do read this one. Even if, like me, you would jsut as soon avoid books about war, this amazing book should be the exception.

By Lisa Brackman

The Short Take:

I read this one in a single day — it is that riveting. Brackman has written a mystery thriller with an unusually normal heroine. Neither beautiful,  athletic, nor skilled, Michelle is a 30-something widow trying to figure out her life on a getaway in Puerto Vallarta. An impulsive date sweeps her into a whirlwind of danger, intrigue, and drugs. She can’t trust anyone and she doesn’t know how to escape. At last — a real woman thinking and acting in a believable way in an extraordinary situation. Yippee!

Why?

Alfred Hitchcock would have bought the film rights to this in a flash. It’s got the key elements of many of his classic movies. Michelle is an average person who does one seemingly innocuous thing (the date is her MacGuffin) that puts her in a situation where she can not turn to the authorities for help nor any of the people she has met — including the attractive man she went out with.

With nowhere to run and nowhere to hide, she is manipulated by forces on two opposing sides. Or are they really on the same side? Are they good guys or bad guys? Nothing is sure in this tightly written, fast paced adventure. Brackman reinvents the usual suspicious characters with refreshingly new personalities and appearances. The plot works solidly from start to finish. Yep, Hitchcock would have loved this one.

This should be a popular beach read this summer — one that’s guaranteed to dissuade you from making bad choices due to frosty drinks. But unlike the book Michelle had in hand when she opted for that second margarita, you won’t want to put this one down.

A Little Plot:

Michelle’s life in L.A. has fallen apart. A pre-paid vacation in Puerto Vallarta seems an ideal opportunity to think and regroup. When handsome Daniel approaches her on the beach, she impulsively agrees to drinks and dinner; and then decides to bring him to her room.  During the night two burglars break in, ransacking their bags and delivering a nasty head wound to Danny.

After he is rushed to the hospital, Michelle discovers their cell phones have gotten mixed up. As she attempts to correct the switch, she encounters Gary. He acts like he’s helping her but soon has her ensnared in a plot to spy on Danny. Or else. And, that “or else” could mean her very life.

There’s drugs, thugs, black ops, conspiracies, murders, and much more to come. But you’ll have to read the book if you want to know more. And, you should read the book.

To learn more about Lisa Brackman her her books, click here.

By Jeffrey Eugenides

The Short Take:

This book threw so many high-minded concepts about literature and philosophy at me, I began to think I simply wasn’t smart enough to read it. Instead, I decided to let all the talk about semiotics, Barthes, Derrida, tropes, and the like to just flow over me and focus on the love triangle that formed the heart of the story. Turned out that worked just fine. Plus,my natural curiosity led me to Google a lot of those unknowns, so now I am ever-so-slightly more educated. That’s good, too.

Why?

Wow! There was an awful lot of  discussion about literary theories early on in this book. It really bogged down what was actually an interesting love triangle, with two young men and one woman trying to reconcile the image their hearts held of their respective loved ones with the less-desirable reality. Maybe serious literary critics found this enlightening, but to me it was simply a distraction (yes, I am shallow).

All this talking also tended to make the characters feel far too cerebral and not very — well — human. All this does not mean i didn’t like the book, it just wasn’t the absolute wonder Eugenides’ Middlesex was.

I did like how the author finally broke from the heroine’s point of view and started advancing the plot through the eyes on the man she loved and then the man who loved her. And, though others might be disappointed in the ending, I found it very satisfying.

By the way, that wedding ring on the cover is a mobius strip. Interesting.

A Little Plot:

Three Brown University students are close to graduation. English major Madeleine has no idea what to do with her future and is smarting from her recent break-up with the charismatic and brilliant Leonard. Leonard plans to pursue an advanced science degree but is worried about his financial situation and has a secret problem, too. Meanwhile, Madeleine’s long-time friend, Mitchell (who would like to be much more), is contemplating furthering his study of religion and philosophy.

Since the book jumps back and forth in time, it’s hard to say more without giving away too much.

I couldn’t easily find an author/book website, but if you want to more about Eugenides or this book, you can go to an interesting article by clicking here.

By Jason Heller

The Short Take:

This slim novel is a welcome and enjoyable counterbalance to this actual election year. It was a delight. It seems William Howard Taft has reappeared (just accept it and move on) and Americans are clamoring for him to run for President. Since he only served one term, he’s certainly eligible; but are people really embracing his standard or are they assuming he represents their own — much narrower — interests?

Why?

A little background: Taft (a Republican) was hand-picked by Teddy Roosevelt to follow in his giant-sized footsteps. However, before Taft’s first term was over, Roosevelt was fighting him and went on to form a third party, the Bull Moose Party. Taft was defeated and Woodrow Wilson became President

This is all fact. The fantasy is that Taft disappeared on the day of Woodrow’s inauguration, never to be seen again until he shows up, no older, on the White House lawn in 2011. What follows is a light-hearted take on all the hype, the conjectures, the media, the special interests, the campaign contributions, and even some of the issues of a modern presidential campaign.

Taft’s reactions to the modern world, his wonderful personality and surprising humility, along with his gigantic appetite are all on prominent display. He’s a great character and thoroughly dominates the book.

You can take this book as a serious comment on our times (along with the author’s obvious issue with over-manufactured food), but it is delivered in such an appealing matter that you can also just enjoy the fun. Think The Daily Show in book form and you get the general idea.

A Little Plot:

Taft reappears after a 100-year disappearance and Americans not only accept that, they lionize him. Within days a Taft Party forms even though Taft has not said he would run. Meanwhile, Taft is coping with a brave new world of computers, cell phones, and dramatic social changes. He is also having problems with some indigestible modern food items.

Of course, Taft shows all the wisdom of a Frank Capra film hero as he comes to grips with today’s politics, cities, and people; all  while determing just where he fits in — and if he should run for President.

If you want to more know, Heller (or his publisher) has a very clever website about Taft as if he were actually here and running. It’s certainly worth at least a few minutes of your time. Just click here to visit.

By Erik Larson

The Short Take:

Larson recounts the early days of Nazi Party dominance in Germany, as seen through the eyes of the thoughtful historian turned ambassador, William Dodd, and his reckless daughter, Martha. Thoroughly documented and written in a suspenseful manner, this book predates the invasions and wholesale genocide of the later Nazi regime, but is still shocking. Almost as shocking are the amorous exploits of the glamorous Martha, who collects lovers of every political stripe.

Why?

It’s easy to love Larson and the way he divides a story between two different points of view. In this case, not only are we given a detailed vision of Germany in 1933 and 1934, from two very different people right in the midst of everything, we also see how their impressions collide with those of State Department and diplomacy officials back in the U.S.A.

Considering you know what eventually happens, this book still keeps you on edge. Since so much literature focuses on the later years, learning about the myriad rivalries, plots, and suspicions within the Nazi leadership is eye opening.

It’s an amazing book, though admittedly it’s sometimes hard to read about the suffering and outright terror so many people felt. What’s even harder is reflecting on how many of these same distressing elements are still in the world today. It’s good to read Larson’s masterful book just so we recognize what is going on in the world right now for what it actually is.

A Little Plot:

William Dodd and his daughter  start out their tenure in Germany predisposed to support the Nazis, who seem to bring new energy and pride to a country humiliated and economically destroyed since World War I. Despite contrary reports and rumors, they want to see only the positive side.

Dodd, for his part, is actually far more critical of the extravagance and lackadaisical ways of other embassy employees. He intends to stand as a solid symbol of America: hard working, sensible, down-to-earth.

Martha,on the other hand, is enchanted by all the strong young men, and embarks on a series of love affairs that include high-ranking Nazis as well as Communist diplomats. She is even presented to Hitler as a potential girlfriend.

But gradually, they both begin to change their minds. This not only makes their lives more complicated, it also puts them in greater danger, because no one is truly safe in Nazi Germany.

For more about Eric Larson and his outstanding books, click here.

By Andrew Taylor

The Short Take:

Once again Taylor explores another place and time in this mesmerizing mystery.  This time it’s a college in 1786 Cambridge, England; where some young men go to learn, others go to endlessly amuse themselves, and one has been labeled insane because he saw a ghost. To get to the bottom of this unfortunate situation, his mother sends an investigator who adamantly denies the existence of ghosts. It’s a really good read — as much for the mystery as for the window on this other world..

Why?

Taylor writes a smart mystery. In addition to multi-layered plots, interesting characters, and misleading clues, he also utilizes unique and interesting settings for his novels. And, his in depth research makes them come alive. His fictional Jerusalem College is no exception, with it’s faculty rivalries, student pecking order, and less-than-stellar academics.

The way he reveals his mystery through the investigation of ghost sceptic, John Holdsworth, leads you to suspect virtually everyone of everything. Questions of who is responsible for the ghost appearance, the deaths of two different women, the disappearance of a rare book, and other questionable activities all intertwine. In lesser hands, it would be enough to make your head spin, but Taylor keeps things clear and understandable.

Of course, I was totally wrong about almost everything I suspected. But that just adds to the pleasure for me.

A Little Plot:

Holdsworth’s wife was so addicted to hearing a medium’s messages from their dead child that she ultimately ruined their finances and killed herself. That drove him to write a book denouncing the existence of ghosts. In turn, the book brought him to the attention of the wealthy mother of a college student who claimed to see a ghost.

So Holdsworth heads to Jerusalem College, where he encounters — among other things — a group of debauched young men with a secret club, multiple academic rivalries, and a caste system that very clearly squashes the common man. Knowing there are no ghosts, Holdsworth is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery as well as help the young man currently imprisoned at an insane asylum.

He’s got a lot on his plate, and is still dealing with his own internal ghosts.

For more about Taylor and his work, click here.

By Gregory Maguire

The Short Take:

Subtitled The Final Volume in the Wicked Years, Maguire concludes his unique take on the original Oz novels created by Frank Baum. As with the three previous novels in this series, his writing is as much about ideas, political maneuvering, and self awareness as it is about the story line; though there is plenty of plot. As usual, Maguire’s writing is outstanding and every other page includes a line worthy of serious contemplation.

Why?

First of all, you really need to start with Wicked, the first book in this series. Seeing the musical won’t cut it. As entertaining as the play is, it just barely breaks the surface of the novel’s complexity. If you don’t read these books in order, you’re missing quite a bit.

Maguire’s Oz is a dangerous place with political struggles, religious differences, and restless territories ready to revolt. In this last book, he brings most of his key characters together for a grand finale. Even Dorothy gets to play a genuine role (she only made a brief “cameo” appearance in book one). However, ultimately, the ending doesn’t feel all that final; but I’m honestly not sure if that is good or bad.

Regardless, the journey is magical. Maguire’s flawed and struggling characters have difficulties in their relationships as well as trouble dealing with their individual pain. As they journey together (and separately) in search of safety and understanding, they painfully bump up against each other seeking love and companionship but finding it hard to give in return.

It’s a rich and rewarding book that bears actually little resemblance to the Baum masterpiece other than character names. While the tone of the book is rather somber — war and deadly danger usually are — Maguire inserts playful references to the legendary film and includes wise-cracking characters like Iskinaary the Goose and Dorothy herself. These help balance the mood as well as surprise others in the room when you emit a yelp of laughter.

The Wicked Years is no fairy tale series. If it weren’t for the Oz names and the talking Animals (not to be confused with regular, lower-case animals), you could be reading a Russian novel. That’s what makes these books so special.

A Little Plot:

If you haven’t read the other books this will mean nothing to you.

Liir’s daughter, Rain, has been lodged with Glinda for protection. However, with Oz invading the recently independent Munchkinland, Glinda is under house arrest. Rain is in danger, as is the sought-after book of spells that belonged to Rain’s grandmother, the Wicked Witch of the West. Fortunately, the Cowardly Lion shows up just in time. Maybe.

There’s a lot of traveling to different places, the reunification and breaking apart of families, trials and tribulations, friendships, and dramatic transformations. But start with Wicked. Seriously.

For more about Gregory Maguire and his books, click here.

By  Alan Bradley

The Short Take:

Bradley’s ingenious and endearing Flavia de Luce continues to be a delight in this fourth outing. Once again, she is hot on the trail of a murderer, much to the chagrin of the local police. Inventive, courageous, and outrageous — Flavia is an outstanding heroine for all ages.

Why?

Bradley’s Flavia creations are just enchanting. This one is no exception. Eleven-year-old Flavia loves chemistry and a good murder. She, two older sisters (who delight in tormenting her), a disconnected father, and two unusual family retainers live on a vast yet crumbling estate in rural England in the 1950s.

While each book stands on its own, there is a connecting thread involving the disappearance of Flavia’s mother and the odd relationships between different members of the household. Bradley amusingly incorporates the eccentric behavior you love to find in households of this sort, where the money is gone and everyone adapts to their genteel poverty in quirky ways.

Written for all ages of readers, the Flavia de Luce mysteries can be genuinely enjoyed by all ages. Though the subject is murder, these tales are told with a light and breezy touch that keeps the story-telling charming rather than fearsome. While this may not be the strongest book in the series, it’s still a wonderful read.

A Little Plot:

Set at Christmas time (yes, I should have published this three months ago), two big things are happening at Buckshaw, the de Luce estate: Flavia is planning to catch Father Christmas by smearing sticky bird lime of her own creation on the chimney pots, and her father is allowing their home to be used as a movie set to bolster their dismal financial situation.

The legendary actress starring in the movie is enticed to put on a benefit performance at Buckshaw for the local church. The whole town turns up. A snowstorm traps everyone. And, a murder takes place.

Now Flavia has a dual mission — solve the murder while capturing Father Christmas, no matter how often she is told to cease and desist by the Inspector in charge. That’s our girl.

For more about Bradley and his work, click here.

By Felix J. Palma

The Short Take:

This sly book is not quite the fantasy about time travel you think it is at first glance. Or is it? Written like three novellas with a common thread, it is witty, sweet, a bit frightening, and has H. G. Wells as a central character. What more can you want?

Why?

I admit to a fondness for fantasy. I also like it when real people are incorporated into fiction books: In addition to Wells, you encounter Jack the Ripper, Bram Stoker, and more. So right away this book has two things in its favor for me. But what really wins me over is the way Palma sends his story line down one path and then suddenly veers off in a surprising new direction. I just really enjoy it when a writer puts one over on me, so to speak.

There’s so much that is fresh and interesting in this novel. For example, there’s a sequence between H. G. Wells and the Elephant Man (aka Joseph Merrick) that is excellent reading though it doesn’t really have a lot to do with the story. With gems like this scattered throughout the book, plus the engaging three main stories, there’s a lot to enjoy. I certainly did.

A Little Plot:

As usual with me, very little. I hate giving things away.

Set in Victorian England, right after Well’s success with The Time Machine, all three story lines (which do intertwine) have to do with time travel. A recently opened business, Murray’s Time Travel, which takes people to a specific point in the future, also weaves throughout.

The first story centers on a suicidal young man who yearns for his now dead (and highly inappropriate) lover. He wants to go back in time.

The second story involves a bright young woman who feels suffocated by the restrictions placed on her in the present and wants to travel to the more adventurous future.

While both these stories involved H. G. Wells in some way, he plays a central role in the third. Someone is using the fourth dimension of time to steal unpublished masterpieces from their authors. This is the one that can really make your head spin.

Originally written in Spanish, the author’s website has an English option. If you would like to know more about him and this book, click here.

By Aravind Adiga

The Short Take:

This book is brilliant. It should be one for the ages, not only for the characters and plot but because it delivers insights on the India of right now — the good, the bad, and the “could go either way.” Loved it.

Why?

I had thoroughly enjoyed Adiga’s White Tiger but thought this novel was even better. It wasn’t as hard edged as his last novel, instead bringing the reader a much more nuanced and richer tale, populated by characters who are neither good nor bad but simply trying their best.

At first the multitude of characters felt overwhelming (possible exacerbated by the fact I was reading the book in ten minute intervals), but they were each so distinctly drawn that keeping them straight became no problem. And, they were such interesting characters: filled with conflicting emotions, able to reasonably decide on one course of action only to change direction dramatically based on a single flare of emotion.

The people in Adiga’s novel might live in a foreign world — with different customs, religions, and lifestyles — but you could understand their actions and motivations as if they lived right in your neighborhood.

A Little Plot:

Vishram Society Tower A is like a condo: all the tenants are joint owners. The building is deteriorating but their sense of community is strong. That is until a highly-motivated property developer offers the residents far more money for their flats than they are worth. Why? He wants to build the most prestigious apartment development around and he must have their land to do it.

For some, the money is a wished-for miracle. For others, the whole situation is highly questionable. By hook or crook, the developer convinces more people to sell; but there are still holdouts and the decision to sell Vishram Society Tower A must be unanimous.

That is when things get really interesting.

To visit the author’s website, click here. And put this book on your list to read. You don’t want to miss it.