First of a new year means a Christmas stash of books (pictured). Of course, I read more than those, but it’s a great way to start the year. Here’s what I’ve been reading.

The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh

After reading Walsh’s first book, Ghosted, this more recent one moved to the top of my wish list. And I was not disappointed. Walsh is a master of the plot twist, the one you never saw coming. How well do we know our loved ones? What secrets and traumas have shaped us but are buried deep inside? These are characters I cared about from beginning to end.

We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza

Excellent. Written by 2 women in the publishing field, 1 white and 1 black, this is a story told in 2 voices. The 2 women in the novel have been best friends since childhood: 1 a black tv journalist and the other a white office manager married to a cop. You can guess where this story goes, as these women navigate the uncomfortable world of racial violence, the blue line of police, and experiences that have not been shared or discussed.

Heartwood, The Art of Living with the End in Mind by Barbara Becker

If you know me, you know I am drawn to this type of bittersweet (Susan Cain’s book?) reflection. Becker was drawn to hospice volunteerism, just as I was, and she shares some of her experiences in a series of short vignettes. Some are about losing parents and other family members, and others are about experiences that were especially significant to her. I appreciated the reminders about what’s important.

Count the Ways by Joyce Maynard

40 years in the lives, loves, joys, and heartaches of a woman and her family. There’s no great secret or mystery, just an emotional journey that begins with the loss of Eleanor’s parents when she’s in boarding school and carries through marriage, children, trauma, forgiveness, and more. A solid read.

The Queen of Hearts by Kimmery Martin

This novel about friendship, betrayal, loss, and forgiveness piqued my interest particularly because it’s set in a medical environment. The friendship dates back to college and medical school; the secret betrayal has not been revealed in the 10 years since. Martin’s background as an ER physician sometimes adds an unnecessary amount of medical-speak, and the big secret turns out to be a little soap opera-like for my tastes. But the overall themes of self-image, insecurity, and friendship are well done. This was her first book, and I’ll try another.

Hell of a Book by Jason Mott

Raw. Painful. Haunting. It’s a hell of a book, from deep inside the Black experience. I was reading it at the time of the release of the video of the beating of Tyre Nichol by Memphis police officers. It was surreal to contemplate the fear and reality of being born Black. I recommend it, especially for white readers.

West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

I doubt I ever would have picked this up had it not been passed on by my friend Frances. But I needed something different and gave it a try. I’m so glad I did, because I thoroughly enjoyed this unusual tale of a trip across the country, pulling two giraffes in a trailer, in the late 1930’s. The young orphan and the older giraffe-whisperer are likable, and the story has risk, a mystery or 2, a little romance, and a lot of heart. It’s also a fictional account of an event that really happened, per the author’s notes.

The Last Chairlift by John Irving

What to say, other than Irving has said this is his last novel. It’s 900 pages of family, gender identity and sexual politics, the political environment from Reagan to 45, ghosts, and random musings. I came to care about the main core of characters, but the seesawing through time and odd asides detracted from the story. I’m a big fan of several of his earlier novels, but this one is about 450 pages too long.

Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin

I’ve seen a lot of buzz about this author’s newer book, so I grabbed this one when I saw it. The basics – the story of a smart young woman interested in politics who makes a huge mistake. The resulting scandal upends her life and plans. But there’s far more to it, told from several perspectives between then and now. Gender differences, status, money, family all play a role. Very relevant and a good read.

Tenth of December by George Saunders

This collection of short stories was a National Book Award finalist in 2013, so it seemed promising. I guess my tastes run a little different, because I struggled with making sense of some of these. A lot of it has to do with class issues and the things humans come to accept, to the point of quite disturbing. (Honestly, my favorite part was the author interview with David Sedaris at the end.) Just not for me.

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley

Who are we, and who knows our truth? This premise sends a journal, called The Authenticity Project, from a lonely old man to a coffee shop and beyond, as those finding it also see a new side of themselves. A character-driven novel, the book is funny, sad, heartwarming, and a good read that doesn’t tie up all the ends neatly.

Someone Knows by Lisa Scottoline

Sometimes you just need to read a thriller. The basics: a group of high school kids were involved in something tragic that has scarred their lives and kept them apart. Reuniting at a funeral reignites the trauma. It’s a decent read, though the life-changing tragedy isn’t revealed til the halfway point. The characters weren’t especially likeable, so it dragged a bit to me. A couple of late twists kept it interesting.

Vox by Christina Dalcher

My only problem with this book was putting it down! Dystopian and terrifying in its potential realism, it certainly held my attention with its depiction of an America in which women and girls are allowed only 100 words a day. 100 words in any form. Throw in cameras everywhere to detect any type of signaling. The protagonist is a neurolinguist and mother. Highly recommend to fans of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Circle.

The Seasons of My Mother: A Memoir of Love, Family, and Flowers by Marcia Gay Harden

Harden (yes, the actor) deftly weaves the legacy of her mother through her own life, her mother’s love of Japanese flower arranging, and their shared love of travel. Her mother passed away a year after the book’s publication and after a long journey through Alzheimer’s. It’s a loving memoir, beautifully written, that also makes me appreciate the life experiences of the actor/author.

Strong Motion by Jonathan Franzen

I’ve enjoyed several Franzen novels, so I grabbed this one when I found a great deal. I hadn’t realized it was his debut novel. Unfortunately, it read like a book with no clear direction or likable characters. Life’s too short, so I gave it up on April 1.

On to another quarter….