The Short Take:

Read this book! It is phenomenal. You will be amazed, inspired, shocked, intrigued, and well rewarded for your time. Skloot’s scientific writing is clear and totally accessible. Best of all, her book avoids casting people as heroes or villains. The humanity of every person — from the first Johns Hopkins researchers to the offspring and friends of the immortal Mrs. Lacks — is presented with nonjudgemental honesty and respect.

Why?

I was intrigued by this book in advance, but never expected to be so thoroughly delighted. I usually read a fiction book alongside my non-fiction reads; mainly because non-fictions just don’t satisfy the “What’s going to happen next?” factor that propels me forward at top speed.

Not this time. I could hardly put Skloot’s book down.

You would never think a book built around the cultivation of cancer cells for medical research could be so fascinating to a total layman. Skloot avoids jargon and never comes close to overwhelming you with scientific facts. On top of that, she portrays a complex family that is transformed and shattered first by Henrietta’s death as a young mother, then by learning of the vitally important life her cells still lead.

And, Skloot does it all with a true journalistic eye, without bias or melodrama. This is one amazing book; almost as amazing as Henrietta’s unstoppable, eternal cells.

A Little Plot:

During treatments, a doctor takes samples of Henrietta Lacks’ cervical cancer cells and attempts to grow them in a culture. For the first time in history the cells survive and multiply, and are dubbed HeLa. They become a scientific jaggernaut, contributing to countless medical miracles including the polio vaccine. Decades later, her children learn totally by accident that their mother’s cells still live. Confused and angry, they want answers, but they don’t know where to start.

Fate brings them Rebecca Skloot. And we should all be thankful.

For more about Skloot and her great book, visit her website by clicking here.

The Short Take:

A modern fairy tale, this whimsical yet poignant first novel embraces the universal themes of love and loss, courage and commitment, avoidance and acceptance. Though it includes miniature cattle with iridescent moth wings, the glass-footed girl of the title, and other fantasy elements, the emotional nuances and interactions of the characters ring entirely real and true.

Why?

I admit a weakness for books with fantasy elements. But this one is in a very special category; for while the fantasy elements could have been replaced by real ones — say, substituting a highly aggressive cancer for Ida’s transformation into glass — this book’s impact would have been drastically diminished. It is the unfamiliarity of these fantasy elements that gives you fresh eyes for familiar situations.

Shaw’s descriptive style is also strangely seductive. While spare, it is highly impactful. You feel the chill and dampness in the frigid bog air outside as well as the pressing claustrophobia of the interior spaces.

You could call this a love story — every character in it is motivated by feeling love, avoiding love, or both. You could also compare it to the fairly tales of Hans Christian Anderson, with characters that need to experience pain as part of their path to finding love. It’s a lovely read on many levels. I’m so glad I got to experience it.

A Little Plot:

Ida MacLaird goes to the boggy, frozen world of St. Hauda’s Land in hopes of finding a solution to a terrifying problem — her feet have turned to clear glass and the transformation seems to be spreading. On an earlier — and healthier — visit she had a chance encounter with a man who she thinks can help her. Ida enlists a reluctant Midas Crook to help her in her quest. Midas would rather hold the world at a distance by interacting with it only through the viewfinder of a camera. Together they encounter a man who protects a herd of miniscule flying cattle, the man who still obsessively loves Ida’s late mother, and a woman who claims she can provide a cure. But time is growing short.

For more about author Ali Shaw and this book, click here.

The Short Take:

This engaging novel traces the history of New York from its early Dutch settlers to the 21st century. In the style of the late James Michener, it follows several families through the years. But what really made it interesting to me is the different perspective you get on American history from a English writer.

Why?

Even though this tome weighs in at a hefty 860 pages, I wanted it to be even longer. Honest. I wanted more of the fascinating glimpses into the arguments for and against the break with England, for and against the Civil War, for and against so many historic issues. I also learned quite a bit about our past that had exceptional relevance to this day — including the only explanation I have ever seen about “selling short” that made a lick of sense to me.

My biggest complaint was that there were so many things I wanted to read more about: the very first Dutch settlers of new Amsterdam (this book picks them up comfortably established), The Harlem Renaissance, Broadway, and so on. But I guess a novelist has to stop somewhere or his book becomes an encyclopedia.

In the past, Rutherfurd’s writing has mainly focused on Ireland and England. In this first venture across the Atlantic he has created a rich and rewarding read that entertains as much as it educates. While there’s no doubt it is a work of historical fiction, I found it to be a real page turner as well.

A Little Plot:

Even if you just barely remember your high school history, you should still have a general idea of what happened in present day New York between 1664 and the present, so there’s no need to go into that here. Rutherfurd invents one family to carry the story from start to finish — the prosperous Master clan. Multiple generations of other families come and go with the tides of history. It’s a tribute to Rutherfurd’s storytelling that you care just as much about the anguish and triumph of his own creations as you do about the unfolding story of one of the world’s greatest cities.

I have read almost all of Rutherfurd’s books and I would definitely put this one in his top three. I just wish it was longer.

For more about Rutherfurd, New York, and his other words, click here.

The Short Take:

At first glance you think you’re going to get the book version of a disaster movie. Turns out this slim novel is closer to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. And that’s a very good thing.

Why?

A diverse group of people are waiting in a bureaucratic office when disaster strikes. Immediately you start expecting the usual stereotypes: the leader, the loser, the hysteric, the unexpected hero, and so on. There is some of that in this book but mainly this room of trapped people share stories. Not just any stories, but stories about something that shaped their lives — one amazing thing.

The stories are as diverse as their tellers and each is fascinating for entirely different reasons. What makes these stories even more interesting is how they change your preconceived notions about each person in the room.

The tales touch on social, political, romantic, and cultural themes. They’re about loss and longing, success and failure, betrayal and support. They’re wonderful, human stories. In fact, it’s hard to believe that so much life can be packed into so few pages (the hardback is only 219 pages long). This little book isn’t a gem, it’s a diamond mine.

A Little Plot:

A very diverse group of people are waiting help with their visas in the basement office of an Indian consulate when an earthquake strikes and they become trapped. Water is slowly seeping into the space, air is limited, there is no light, and things could get drastically worse at any second in the crumbling building.

To combat their growing panic, one young woman suggests they each share a story with the others: an important story from their lives. As they work together to improve their chances of survival, they also share these stories. And in the process reveal their souls. And enrich our lives.

For more about this noveland Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, click here

The Short Take:

Berry creates thrillers of the Dan Brown genre, only with tighter plots and better writing (from my point of view). I love the way Berry weaves facts, speculation, and his own imagination to create a rip roaring tale with one cliff hanger after another. This one is his best so far.

Why?

I was already a Steve Berry fan, but I believe he has taken things up at least a couple of notches with The Paris Vendetta. Once again, his Cotton Malone character (an ex-Justice Department Operative who just can’t seem to stay ex’d) races to save the civilization — or at least some portion of it — from the bad guys.

Those of you who are unhappy with the world’s financial organizations should take special delight in this outing: in Berry’s world there truly is a cabal scheming to make busloads of money by manipulating markets and causing them to crash.

Could this book be any more timely?

Plus, there’s a whole Napoleon Bonaparte angle that is pretty hard to resist.

A Little Plot:

Malone is summoned by his dear friend, the wealthy Henrick Thorvaldsen, to help him stop The Paris Club, a group of already filthy rich individuals who intend to get much richer by manipulating markets. Thorvaldsen also has revenge for his son’s violent death on his mind.

As if financial malfeasance weren’t enough, it turns out certain members of The Paris Club are in search of the legendary hidden treasure of Napoleon (could these guys be any greedier?). With the dubious help of a new sidekick and a conspiracy blog writer, Malone tries to deter The Paris Club. However, his mission is seriously complicated by the co-conspirators’ attempts to double cross each other.

I told you it was thrilling. After all, it’s always nice (not to mention more interesting) when the bad guys are after each other as well as “the rest of us.”

For more about Steve Berry and his thrilling novels click here.

The Short Take:

One mystery isn’t enough for Andrew Taylor. This book easily contains a half dozen mysteries, not to mention a fair share of red herrings and a bounty of family secrets. Plus there’s Taylor’s rather shocking (for me) portrait of English politics between the two World Wars. All in all, and in all the details, it’s one great read.

Why?

Taylor is an established, award winning mystery writer but he was new to me. Was I ever missing out! While this might not be a book for the ages (though, who am I to say?) it’s certainly one densely plotted, well populated, intriguing, and even educational mystery.

I say educational due to the window it opens on the political climate in England between the wars. Fascists were surprisingly popular with elements in the upper class while Communism had a strong appeal to the masses. And, of course, the two clash. While these clashes do not form the center of the novel, they do make part of an interesting backdrop.

It’s also somewhat jarring to realize that the cigarette smoking, modern dressed women of that era were still shackled by the social expectations and limitations of the previous century.

But it’s the smart  and multi-faceted mystery itself that absorbs you. And, good luck trying to outguess this writer! Even with the hundreds of mysteries I’ve read, I was still surprised at the end — and Taylor did not play any tricks to make that happen.

A Little Plot:

New bride Lydia Langstone,  abused by her ambitious husband, seeks shelter at the seedy Bleeding Heart Square with a father she has never before met. A mature woman of means, Philippa Penhow, disappears (or worse) after taking up with a charming rogue. A young man hopes if he solves this mysterious disappearance, his sweetheart may obtain the money they need to wed.

The two stories become enmeshed when that charming rogue turns out to now be landlord of the building Philippa once owned and where Lydia now resides. Secrets from the past, coincidences that cannot possibly be accidental, and dangers real and imagined abound. It’s a great mystery to become immersed in: Because you not only want to figure out who did it, but also just what exactly was done.

For more about this book and Andrew Taylor, click here.

The Short Take:

If you already know and like John Irving, grab on to this book. While the situations and personalities aren’t quite as out there as his National Book Award winning The World According to Garp, Irving’s excellent story telling and the attention he devotes to developing the character’s relationships make this effort one of his best.

Why?

John Irving is a “must read” for me. His characters and plot lines are always at least a little quirky — a trait I continually enjoy. Last Night in Twisted River is actually a bit closer to “normal” than most his novels, though there are surprising number of Amazon-sized women scattered throughout the plot. This is also arguably the most political of Irving’s novels in that it includes actual events like the Vietnam War and the attacks of 9/11.

Ultimately this book is about love, but not the romantic variety. It focuses instead on friendship and family and the way you helplessly worry about losing those you love. Irving also includes a fair amount of literary criticism through a central character, Danny, who is also a writer. Danny’s schooling, various homes, and achievements largely parallel Irving’s own, including such details as being mentored by the late Kurt Vonnegut. What’s amusing to me is that Irving uses this character to complain about critics spending so much time looking for influences and hints from “real life” in works of fiction. However, here he goes, pretty much waving a red flag at the bull (or herd of bulls).

Regardless, this is one of Irving’s better efforts: a touching story that will intrigue you in many ways.

A Little Plot:

Danny, the young son of lumber camp cook, Dominic, accidently kills someone who had a close relationship with the crazy, mean, vindictive constable. To protect his son, Dominic decides to go into hiding. Aided by their close friend, Ketchum, the two leave the area and change their identities.

While Ketchum remains at the lumber camp to keep an eye on the constable, Dominic and Danny build close friendships with others that must irrevocably be broken when the constable comes too close to finding them.

Ultimately it is the close and complicated bonds between the cook and his son, and with their friend, Ketchum, that weave through and embrace every page of this novel. Covering half a century, this book contains moments of tragedy and violence but deep and selfless love forms it’s true heart.

To visit John Irving’s own website, click here.

The Short Take:

Vowell tells the story of the Puritan’s colony in the New World (not to be confused with the Mayflower Pilgrims) with humor, giving it context in history as well as relevance to the present day. Her obvious love for her subject is tempered by a lively wit and clear-eyed observations that make this non-fiction book a delight to read.

Why?

The Mayflower, Thanksgiving, “Why don’t you speak for yourself, John”: that’s pretty much all I retained about the settling of America by Europeans after many, many American history classes. Sad but true.

This book not only helps to correct that flaw in an entertaining way, it also demonstrates how the beliefs of the original Puritans differed from what we consider to be Puritan thinking today.

Vowell has a political point of view (she definitely is not wild about Reagan), but it is obvious she loves the Puritans in addition to finding them intolerant and hypocritical. And, yes, it is possible to feel both: The Puritans were complex, well educated people who valued writing and reading (hence the book’s title). There is plenty to both respect and decry.

Among other things, you’ll gain a better understanding of the thinking behind separation of church and state (thank you, Roger Williams), and where that “shining city on a hill” reference comes from politicians so delight in using when talking about the U.S.A.

A frequent contributor to public radio, Vowell’s seductive sense of humor and wry observations make this book much more entertaining than your typical history. You not only gain historical information, you also garner a greater appreciation for the uniqueness of this country and it’s Constitution.

A Little Plot:

This book focuses on the Puritans from the time they left England in 1630, until the death of their leader, John Winthrop, in 1683. Within that time they establish Boston and other communities in the area, wage wars against the native inhabitants, and worry about their relationship with their King back home.

However, this books focuses more on how their religious beliefs shape their government and its relationships with other settlements, the original North American occupants, and its own citizens. You’ll see why Roger William’s ideas about religious tolerance  were a troubling and divisive force (he felt the Puritans weren’t saintly enough and wanted them to tolerate his more sanctified life). Again, the slightly different religious thinking of housewife Anne Hutchison is considered just as worrisome as the King’s threat to send a military force to oversee the colony.

It’s a fascinating look at people who not only went boldly into the wilderness but who cared mightily about knowledge, understanding, and community.

By the way, if you like reading about Pilgrims and their ilk, you might consider this as a companion piece to Nathaniel Philbrick’s book, Mayflower (which I wrote a bit about on 9/30/2008 if you care to check my archive). It’s interesting that while Plymouth Pilgrims are so geographically close, they barely seem to impact Boston’s Puritans. Again, a subtle difference in religious belief kept them apart.

The Short Take:

Reading this brilliantly complex book is a humbling experience. Alongside the wonder and delight one feels as the novel unfolds — weaving the stories of children from different families; there is the amazing amount of background information that gives you a solid sense of time and place — England from the waning of the Victorian age through World War 1.

Why?

Novels often encompass a very limited world, strictly defined by the characters, their immediate surroundings, and their intimate experiences. Not so The Children’s Book. Anarchists, suffragists, the trials of Dreyfus and Wilde, the original production of Peter Pan, the building of the Victoria and Albert Museum, neo-paganism, the Boer War, socialism, William Morris — these are just a few of the myriad influences that shape and reshape Byatt’s characters. It’s as real-world a novel as I think I have ever read.

The humbling part is how little I knew about the complex social and cultural tensions and concerns of these times. In fact, as a result of this book, I have a whole list of topics I want to explore further. For me, this is the ultimate gift from a writer — a book I can truly savor as a literary work that also piques my curiosity and expands my understanding of the human story.

Then there is the central theme of the book — the difference (or possibly the sameness) between fantasy and reality. The writing and performance of fairly tales contrasts with the desire for sweeping socialist reforms in the real world. Or maybe they are one and the same? Certainly the families in this novel all have incorporated fairy tales into their personal narratives.

Some people may find descriptions of different lectures on topics like social issues or the origins of myths tedious to read. Don’t feel like you have to absorb every line fully. These speeches and references are important to the story but you can grasp their gist even if, like me, you are sometimes confused by what they mean (I will learn more, though!).

This book is rich in everything — character development, writing, plot, background. Yum.

A Little Plot:

The children (and some of the parents) of six (more or less) families form the nucleus of this epic story. And they aren’t all the characters that inhabit this novel. Don’t let that daunt you. Byatt gently moves the focus of her book from one character to another in a graceful flow that keeps you from being overwhelmed by names and relationships.

The large and happy family of Humphrey and Olive Wellwood link all the other characters. She is a successful writer of fairy tales. He is a budding socialist and member of the Fabian Society. They surround themselves with artists, intellectuals, political activists, and other intriguing characters. The growing up years of their children — and the children of their family and friends — are all influenced by these visitors and lecturers, but no two in the same exact way.

As the children move from their teens to adulthood, they experience uncertainties, tragedies, successes, and the revelation that some of their closest held truisms were actually fantasies. But that’s all the information you’re getting here. Just read the book. It’s a great way to start off this year. Or any year.

For more about A. S. Byatt, this book and others click here.

In no particular order…

Cutting for Stone By Abraham Verghese

A wonderful epic novel that takes you from India to Ethiopia to America as you follow two generations of doctors and the family and political powers that shaped them. Reviewed May 10.






The Winter Vault by Anne Michaels

This book is so beautifully written and contains so many thoughtful passages you don’t mind the simple plot. Rich and fulfilling. Reviewed August 12.












The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Broockmeier

This is a cheat since this book was not released in 2009, but the paperback was issued. One of my all time favorite books, it explores human relationships as mankind disappears from the planet. And, no, it’s not depressing. Reviewed March 1.






The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

An unflinchingly fierce look at modern India as seen through the eyes of an ambitious young man. Written with humor and plenty of punch. Reviewed January 2.












Sea of Poppies by Amitav Gosh

This engrossing novel intertwines the stories of several families and individuals in 1830s India. The rich, memorable characters inspire the full gamut of emotions. Reviewed March 8.












The Lost City of Z by David Grann

The true story of Amazon explorer Percy Fawcett and others who searched for the legendary El Dorado, this book is one wild ride. It’s a clear case of fact being stranger than fiction. Reviewed May 23.






The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

A charming mystery suitable for young and old. It stars an eleven year old girl who thinks finding a dead body in the garden makes it the most interesting day in her life. Flavia de Luce is a worthy heroine. Reviewed June 22.






The Boy Next Door by Irene Sabatine.

A compelling portrait of the evolving relationship of an interracial couple against the background of the birth of Zimbabwe and the ensuing struggle for safety and survival. A wonderful first novel. Reviewed October 9.












American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham

Tightly focused on Jackson’s two terms, this biography gives a clear-eyed portrait of a man who made indelible marks on our country — for better or worse. Jackson’s war on the National Bank is particularly interesting given recent events. Reviewed February 20.






The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

An intense and thrilling mystery built around one of the most interesting characters to come along in years. It’s a page turner to the very end. Literally. Reviewed September 12.












Keep in mind I like every book I write about — but often for very different reasons. I try to write reviews that give you an idea if what I like is also something you will care for.

I hope I’ve made it easier for you to find some new good books this past year. And that you’ll continue to visit (sign up for my RSS feed!).

Enjoy the holidays. I’ll spend mine with a good book. Or two. Or more.