A full year into the pandemic found my book stack dwindling, just in time for new birthday and Mother’s Day books, plus a few bargains from the overstock shelves. What have you been reading?

Strange Fits of Passion by Anita Shreve

A story told through the viewpoints of several involved parties. Where does the truth lie? And what is the obligation of the journalist to tell the facts, present every perspective, or determine the truth? Where is the distinction between obligation and ambition? Who gets hurt the most? The story revolves around a mother who takes her infant to escape an abusive marriage and the community in which she lands. Readers are led to certain conclusions through the stories told, before ending in a disconcerting twist.

Dusk Night Dawn by Anne Lamott

A gift to myself of beautiful writing and authentic feelings. This small but mighty book is a series of reflections on the “third third” of life. Lamott readers know the author does not spare herself as she explores new terrain, including a recent (and first) marriage, as she delivers insight and wisdom. Always a good read.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

If I had to classify this book, I’d say mostly memoir that reads like good fiction. Both psychotherapist and professional writer, the author has woven together an intriguing look at the world of psychotherapy from her perspective as therapist and patient. Readers are invited into her journey with several patients, as well as into her personal crisis and work with a therapist. She shares the *whys and hows* behind therapeutic techniques but also the things she learns from patients and the different techniques of her own therapist. It’s rewarding to walk the journey, and I found myself invested in the outcomes.

Shadow Tag by Louise Erdrich

She’s an historian whose life interrupted her studies; he’s an artist who paints her. She’s lost her sense of self; he’s gained recognition by baring her image on canvas. She is lost in the marriage; he is lost without her. Three children are casualties of the gaslighting, alcoholism, abuse, and cultural identity issues. The novel was highly recommended but is not an easy or uplifting read.

If Only I Could Tell You by Hannah Beckerman

A family is divided by long ago secrets. Mom has a terminal diagnosis and wants only for her adult daughters to be reconciled and her teen granddaughters to know each other. No one knows the whole back story, which gradually surfaces through the thoughts and memories of the main characters. It’s an attention-holding novel – part mystery, part family drama, part heartache, and part hope.

Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad

Just as this author finished college and spread her wings, she was diagnosed with leukemia and grounded for the next several years undergoing treatment. This memoir, based on the NY Times column she started during those years, “Life Interrupted,” is a raw account of her experience. Managing cancer treatment and mortality is vastly different for a 20-something, and Jaouad shares her journey from dependent patient to reclaiming her life in a unique road trip. The road trip yields interesting connections, most with followers of her column and story.

Whereabouts by Jumpa Lahiri

A 40ish-woman reflects on her connections and experiences as she goes about her days in this unique “little” novel. Almost in the style of journal entries, the unnamed central character describes people who populate her life and places she meets them or visits: the coffee bar, the train station, the piazza, the museum, and many more. It is exquisitely spare but rich. It’s a fast read with just over 150 pages, but this woman and I would have been friends. I’ve enjoyed several of Lahiri’s novels and short story collections, and this one is no exception.

The Shape of Family by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

A compelling novel of a biracial family with some well-hidden cracks but no outward signs of distress. A tragedy shakes their foundation and forever changes the shape of this family. Gowda does not gloss over the pain, but instead uses it as tool for redemption in unexpected ways. I’ll definitely look up this author’s previous novels.

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

This memoir by the victim in the 2015 Stanford rape case reclaims the young author’s name and identity as someone who is more than what happened to her. The book chronicles the assault, as well as the daily assault on her life and psyche as she awaits justice, only to be raped again by the soft sentence given her rapist. Publication of Miller’s impact statement following the sentencing brought her an outpouring of emotional support. Raw, and stream-of-consciousness at times, the memoir expands on the assault’s impact on her, as well as on her circle of family and friends. A hard read but one that could benefit every young woman.

Long Road to Mercy by David Baldacci

Took a break with a favorite mystery writer. This book introduces a new female protagonist, who is an FBI agent in the Grand Canyon area. It’s a convoluted plot leaving readers, and Special Agent Pine, wondering who the good guys are. Of course, all is resolved by the end of a wild ride and tortuous hike. Did I mention…Grand Canyon?

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

This novel covers a lot of territory: racism and racial identity, gender identity, sibling bonds, domestic abuse, secrets and lies, family ties, and loss. It’s a compelling, thought-provoking read, blanketed with the sadness of a broken family. Occasional shifts in the timeline and dialect were a bit disconcerting, but I enjoyed the story and the author’s willingness to address hard subjects.