The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens

I knew within the first page of this book that I was going to like this one!  I love a wordsmith!!!

Eskens has a way with words.  This is beautifully written.  Joe Talbert is an English student assigned to write a biography for class.  He stumbles upon a Vietnam War veteran who has been in prison for murdering a child - awesome!  Slam Dunk!  A+ material!!!!

But when Joe gets to know Carl, he begins to understand that there is so much more to his story.  Carl is dying and is ready to tell his side of things - finally.  Joe begins the process of hearing the story, and in the meantime begins to realize that Carl is not what he seems.  Carl, for his part, seems to recognize in Joe a kindred spirit of sorts - he knows that Joe also has a story to tell, and the two men begin a fragile relationship built on honesty and trust.  As the stories unravel, Joe becomes more involved with Carl's tale while also juggling a dysfunctional mother, an autistic brother, and his crush on the literal girl next door.  Joe is in over his head, and sticking his nose where it shouldn't be, but he can't help himself - he's drawn in to what really happened in this life that Carl has buried, and he sees that burying things is not always the answer.

Great, quick read.  Predictable, yes, but worth it anyway, and you might have a surprise or two in store after all.  Loved the relationship between Joe and his brother!!  Brings up questions of responsibility and family and truth and loyalty.  Can't wait to discuss this one at book club!!!

The Edge of Nowhere by CH Armstrong

Very good debut novel, based on the true story of the author's grandmother's life in Oklahoma during the 1920's.  Interesting insight into the life of a farmer, of the lack of choice for women in those times, of desperation and strength.  The writing is simple, but then so were the times. 

Victoria is strong, determined, and dedicated to her family despite the early loss of her parents and the jaded idea she has of love.  The story of her life, told as an explanation for why her grandchildren only see her as a mean old angry woman, has all the qualities listed in the title.  Interesting info on dust storms, tornadoes, farm life and the hardships they all faced not all that long ago. 

If you are a fan of historical fiction, this is a good one!!!

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin

Not what I expected, but a pretty good read.  As I was reading I was thinking - oh, I am not really liking this a whole bunch, but then as with other good books, the ending really wrapped things up in some profound ways that left it somewhat redeemed.  There were actually passages right at the end that I thought, "Oooo, I should copy that down and remember that!"

Lots of flashbacks and forwards here so it can be confusing.  The novel begins with four children sneaking out to learn their date of death from a rumored Gypsy woman.  Each child is then given a date, which affects each of them differently for the rest of their lives.  If you know, what do you do with that knowledge?  Suppress it?  Change your life?  Live your life?  Or live in fear that she was right?

Four children, four perspectives.  I think I enjoyed Klara's story the most during the telling; Daniel was just annoying, yet probably the most introspective;  Simon's story was a tough read but the most probable reaction; and eldest child Varya's story with all the final reveals was best saved for last indeed.  A bit dark - because death hangs over each story of course - but an interesting dissection of the human heart, brain, and emotive life.  Is the knowledge of the date of your death crushing or freeing?  If you know, do you then somehow play into fate's hand and help it to happen with the decisions you make or don't make?  How would their lives have been different if they had NOT gone to see "the woman" that day - or would they have been any different at all?  They each have their own dysfuntions - is that because of the prophecy or despite it?  Interesting premise, interesting study on family and heritage, and a great little twist that made me gasp out loud!!!  I love it when I don't see it coming at all!!!  Not sure I would recommend this to my book club - it is a bit dark and depressed me - but the ending did revive me a bit - like I said, redemptive somehow.  So, four stars.  Not my favorite book of the summer, but I am not sorry I read it.  The writing is good and well presented, I had no problem with that.  Plus, I loved the cover, remember???  ;-)

Since We Fell by Dennis Lehane

Wow. 

I have seen Mystic River and Shutter Island (and read the latter - quite different!), and they both left me freaked out, so I was a little nervous about reading this one. However, it was one of those books giving me anxiety because it was still on my shelf from being on my list to read last summer, so in I bravely delved.

I could not put it down.  What started out as what I thought would be another poor victimized woman manipulated by men and doubt and fear of insanity became so much more.  Typical for Lehane, there are twists and turns and quite a convoluted story.  But so worth it.

This book also has one of the best opening lines EVER.  Wow.

But I repeat myself.  I don't want to say too much here, but this is a mystery, a self-discovery, a thriller, a keep you up at night once you get into it story.  Very well done - I did have a few questions about a few plot points, but can't even ask them without spoiling.  Rachel is a great and complicated character.  I would totally read a sequel - if there was one....... the ending is left wide open so you really can only imagine what will happen next!  At first I was shocked by its suddenness; in retrospect, I kinda like it.  Well done.

The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash

Amazing. Based on the true story of Ella May Wiggins, a textile factory worker in Bessemer City, NC. Cash is a powerful voice in Southern fiction, and in his hands this tale of union struggles and the brave people who demanded fair pay and fair treatment truly comes alive. Ella is white and her best friend is black, which in itself is rare, but Ella does not see color, she just sees the poor conditions in which she and her four children live, with not much hope for improvement. Cash captures the patterns of speech, the desperation of a single mother, the loyalty of friends and the fear Ella must have faced in her decisions to try to make a better life for her family. Beautifully told, heartbreaking in its truth, this would be a great addition to a Local History or Southern Fiction class - in school or out. The title is well chosen too- love it!

The Hush by John Hart

Way off the beaten bath for Hart - this one is part fantasy, part mystical and not at all what I expected, even once I got into it.  Johnny is still haunted by the events of The Last Child and now lives a very secluded life on his land.  He still relies on his childhood bff Jack (who may or may not be the real protagonist here), now a brand new lawyer determined to help Johnny keep his land, despite his misgivings about how Johnny lives there, and what might be out there.  Johnny has had run ins with the law, and there is only so much his stepfather Clyde can do for him.  When he does come into town, the townspeople think his is strange and possibly dangerous.  Johnny needs his land, is connected to it somehow, and puts up a mighty fight when a rich man tries to buy it off him for his own agenda.  Why does he want it so badly?  What is out there?  Monsters? Power? A force of nature? 

Hart's writing is some of the best around, and even though the storyline here was a reach for him, his storytelling is still so so good.  Not sure I'd recommend this one to all - you have to have an open mind to that mystical element I mentioned above.  So if you want a true taste of Hart's writing, go with Redemption Road, or Down River, or The King of Lies (see, I still can't decide which one I like best!!!).